Report
The euphoria of the notable 4-0 win at Thame was put behind us as we shaped up to face unbeaten League leaders Leighton Town. It was a short drive for me to Bell Close and I recall some feisty games here. It was our first visit since 2010/2011.
This was a vital game for both clubs, and the hosts have been enjoying hugely improved attendances, and I noticed that behind one goal stood a large number of small boys who would soon be cheering with partisan enthusiasm.
In an opening foray Charlie Briggs looked to have made a clean tackle and was cautioned, which was just a little bit harsh. Leighton had a free kick where Williams came much closer than he expected. Another free kick for the hosts came to nothing.
Franklin put in a cross and followed up to keep the move going, but it resulted in a long clearance that almost put the home centre forward in. Lots of short passing was in evidence until a long ball was unleashed and the hosts won the first corner of the game. This was a good one and was headed away for another, which was defended astutely by Hitchin. A long throw found its way through to Bonfield and his clearance gave Tearle a half chance.
Hitchin played patiently and made as much as they could from a promising assault on goal. A dismissed appeal for a Hitchin corner was greeted with jubilant jeers from the very noisy terraces behind the goal.
Ibie was delicately through on goal and only the post denied an opening strike. Again, Franklin prowled on the right for crossing opportunities. Tearle unleashed a shot that was charged down. But Hitchin were far from being overawed, they had a good share of the ball. Then Ibie tried a low shot which was just turned out for a corner. Bonfield punched but this did not prevent another attack which was confidently executed.
Callum Nicolson set up a chance, and the header was a whisker wide. This was Hitchin’s best chance so far. Ibie again had a run on goal, shrugging of challenges with ease before an inaccurate shot. His height and sudden pace caused concern. Briggs was monitoring him as best he could.
Hitchin won a corner, taken short, but Franklin tried a shot, which was not as good as his next effort that was a fine effort. Kane made his presence felt on the left, but he was crowded out from further progress. Bell-Toxtle and Tearle caused concern. And Rhiney hit one over that took a touch for a corner. When this was dealt with there was another. Hitchin were finishing the half in an aggressive mood.
This had been a superb half with both teams playing excellent football. The second period was marked by two Leighton corners, and the second one almost brought a goal. The next home foray had pace but was ruled offside. Hitchin needed to settle, with a bit of possession play.
But Leighton won a free kick, Blue Joy was cautioned and again, I think it was on the harsh side. The free kick culminated in an offside. There was another dangerous attack by the hosts, but Bonfield stood strong. He was getting no end of jeering from the noisy lot behind his goal, which he coped with admirably.
Determined play from Tearle won a corner and it was quite probable that a goal would come from a set piece from either side. There was a snapshot from a bustling Coldicott-Stevens. It led to a great chance for Hitchin. But there was a free kick for Leighton, curiously wasted.
Hitchin were still very much in this and attacked whenever they could; but so did Leighton and both defences were often stretched but were unyielding. It would have been good if Taylor Rhiney did not fall over in one promising foray, but it meant that he needed treatment.
A cross from Pattison was excellent but defended for another corner. It was a good one and needed careful defending. Hitchin replaced Rhiney with Plamedi Bomolo, a player of unpredictable quality, and capable of vigorous work and determined play.
The excitement level was high, engendered by the quality of the football, since both sides were going for the one goal that would settle this match. Kane thundered forward but ran out of pitch. The odd mistakes were creeping in, usually covered, without chagrin. The commitment of both teams was noteworthy. The shot from Nicolson was painfully wide, and Jamara’s charge was outwitted.
Bomolo was manhandled to the floor by Pyman who was cautioned. Tearle’s free kick ricocheted off the wall. Leighton did get the ball in the net, and the offside decision caused predictable jeers. We were in that time where a late goal would make the position unassailable. Cole Butler came on for an exhausted Tearle.
Leighton pushed in the closing minutes, and a long throw was not as tantalising as hoped. Hitchin needed to keep their discipline and try for some possession. This happened and they looked dangerous in a late attack. They gave away a free kick that invited a pinpoint cross. It was a mediocre effort and back came Hitchin, still seeking the goal that would win the game.
But despite frantic efforts all game, the Canaries had to settle for a point. So did Leighton who did all they could to win. One of their officials told me that Hitchin were the best team they had played so far. That is indeed a compliment, but it serves to remind us how improved the team is, and they have yet to be beaten in an away league fixture. Individual players are displaying significant improvement, and it has been consistent.
A draw was an honourable draw for both teams and Leighton continue their unbeaten run and remain league leaders. Hitchin are knocking on the door of the playoffs and have a home fixture on Saturday against Northwood. For me, it was the best game of the season so far. I know it lacked goals but the way both teams went at it made it a thrilling contest throughout.
Leighton Town
Daniel Hosier
Kyal Williams
Tolu Ikuyinminu
Charlie Pattison
Sam Mcclelland
Luke Pyman (C)
Rio Dasilva
Pap Jawara
Sydney Ibie
BJ Christie
Godlove Oppong
Substitutes
Jack Sayell (for Oppong)
Yusuf Sankoh, Ben Farrell, Fabio Silvestri and Daniel Tagoe were unused
Hitchin Town
Alfie Bonfield
Lewis Franklin
Callum Kane
Blue Joy – Reporter’s MOTM
Charlie Briggs
Ciaren Jones (C)
Fernando Bell-Toxtle
Josh Coldicott-Stevens
Taylor Rhiney
Kye Tearle
Callum Nicolson
Substitutes
Cole Butler (for Tearle)
Plamedi Bomolo (for Rhiney)
Stephen Gleeson, Charlie McDonald and Diogo Freitas-Gouveia were unused
Referee: Mr C Greatorex, assisted by Mr F Miah and Mr J Emmanuel.
Attendance: 459
Report by Pipeman