Report
We were delighted that Adam Murray asked for Hitchin Town as opponents for his testimonial match as it recognises the friendly rivalry and a number of memorable matches that consistently drew above average attendances. It was a nice touch that Adam personally greeted Hitchin officials on their arrival.
It was cloudy and there were spots of rain as the teams entered the fray, and there were no team sheets available. The Crows were playing with squad numbers. There was an early moment when Murray was on a breakthrough run and he was fouled by Syme who deservedly received a caution. This later proved to be most inauspicious. The Royston free kick was on target, yet cleared the bar by a couple of inches.
Hitchin gave away another free kick that was sent forward inquiringly but there was an offside. Their number eighteen had a half chance overruled by Bowler. Rhiney had a fine chance to open the scoring, and he shot firmly but inaccurately – but it was a good effort nonetheless.
In a quarter of an hour’s play, Hitchin had played a steady game against their opponents who will be playing in the league above that of the Canaries. Our number 10, shrouded in anonymity as Triallist A, was doing well and Rhiney had another chance that resulted in a corner, taken by Heaps. This was a good bit of pressure from the visitors.
The next Royston attack resulted in a free kick for them, wide on the left and it fell nicely for the Crows’ number nine who fired inexplicably wide from a good position. Bowler was there to gather the next Royston cross, but neither team had been able to seize the moment as yet. Indeed, there was some ponderous passing that gave no advantage.
Confusion arose when the Royston number 18 was apparently fouled, with the referee overlooking it but the linesman insisting on consultation. Syme received a second yellow card and therefore dismissed, and we wondered if a penalty would be awarded. The decision, however, was a free kick just outside the area. There were voices of dissent among some spectators that Syme’s dismissal was unduly harsh, but rules are there for a reason and the tackle would be filed under the cynical label.
So, Hitchin were down to ten men after half an hour, and it signified a distinct advantage for the hosts. The free kick was a fair one, but off target. There was a cracking effort from Franklin that needed a decent save from the Royston keeper. The corner was too close to the near post and the danger was passed. Triallist A seemed through on goal but up went the flag. We were five minutes away from the interval.
A shot from range came from Royston and Bowler held, but the home side were finishing the half strongly, and the game remained scoreless so far. So, dismissals in two consecutive friendlies is unusual but adds fuel to the idea that there is no such thing as a friendly.
On resumption it was clear that Murray was going to play a more forward role, and it was noticed that the hosts had made a number of changes. Hitchin had held back from substituting yet. As expected, Hitchin faced increasing pressure, and initially coped well, but wasted the few opportunities they had of going forward with true purpose.
Briggs limped off early in this half, to be replaced by Tearle. McDonald was aggrieved to be caught offside, and the hosts had not appreciably exploited their extra man. There was a good defensive header from Tearle and a near reaction save from Bowler. At this time the sun made a belated appearance but was on short time. Another Hitchin substitution was in the offing as Rhiney was receiving treatment. Indeed, Bomolo stepped into the arena. Bowler made a tremendous save at the foot of the post and the follow up was sent wide. Then Bomolo fired in a beauty that struck the junction of bar and post. It would have been a remarkable goal.
Then Heaps played a decent pass to Kane on the left, and he shot successfully, finding the bottom corner. Now that was a remarkable goal, even if against the general flow. I made it about sixty-five minutes and Morrall had replaced Gleeson. So, a bit of a surprise in El Hertico, which is a bit of a fancy way of describing the A505 derby. The Crows’ number ten tried a lob from range, and it seemed strangely half-hearted.
Royston seemed strangely subdued at this point, bringing up the old idea that it can be tricky playing against ten men. Triallist A received an elbow in the mush and was replaced by Triallist B. There were now about ten minutes of normal time and by any standards this had been a wholesome performance from Hitchin. Royston made four late substitutions and it made an immediate impact as number seven missed a sitter, but it was then noticed that the flag was up.
Morrall was caught in possession and I think it was Heaps who received the caution. Then number 17 from Royston fired over the bar. The home side were anxious to save their blushes in these remaining minutes. Some good play robbed Royston of completing a planned manoeuvre and the Canaries were holding on.
Murray, man of the day, went off with minutes remaining and to a healthy round of applause for his ten years of service to the club. Bowler held another shot and shortly after I heard our commentary team name him as Hitchin’s star man today. In my estimation we were now in stoppage time, and I wondered if the team would hold out for a prestigious victory. Bomolo almost set up a realistic chance right at the end and Royston’s riposte was again caught offside. The ten men battled valiantly as time ticked. There were a number of injuries and a plethora of substitutions that accounted for the lengthy addition.
The Canaries prevailed and this was indeed a praiseworthy win against nominally senior opposition, and they deserved the applause they received from the faithful behind the goal.
Of course, we wish our Hertfordshire neighbours a successful season and thank them for inviting us to play today.
Hitchin Town
Bowler – Man of the Match
Franklin
Kane – Goal, 65 mins
Syme – Red Card, 40 mins
Briggs
Jones (C)
Heaps
Gleeson
Rhiney
Triallist A
McDonald
Subs Used:
Tearle (for Briggs)
Morrall (for Gleeson)
Bomolo (for Rhiney)
Triallist B (for Triallist A)
Subs not used: Brooks, Forbes
Royston Town
No details were supplied regarding the Royston Town team
Attendance: not supplied
Officials: not supplied
Report by Pipeman