Report
Tonight’s friendly, against Bedfordshire’s second promoted team, was one full of interest since ex- Canary Brett Donnelly has overseen the success and looks to consolidate the club as they enter the challenging Southern League Division One Central, which has thrown up a fair number of derby type games. It represents the highest level the club has reached and we wish them every success.
They would have noticed that the Hitchin squad took a bit of a mauling at Bell Close. I apologise that I received no details of our hosts, but can reveal that Mark Burke fielded a virtual Hitchin first team for this fixture at the impressive New Roker Park.
We began with an early Hitchin chance with Finley Wilkinson on the qui vive but it favoured the Ambers’ defence. There was an early corner for the visitors, which was the “patent” from Gleeson and a sweet conversion from Finley Wilkinson, along the floor into the corner of the net. It works sometimes. This opening goal came just after six minutes.
A promising move for Stotfold fizzled out and in the counter move Bradley Bell’s measured cross after eleven minutes saw Isaac Galliford head home the second goal. It was good football but did call out for more determined defending.
A bad foul from a home defender meant a caution and some restive comments and gestures from those in purple and Gleeson lined up for the free kick which was innocuous and the goalie had an easy interception. Another cross brought a corner for Hitchin, headed away from goal but Hitchin were looking for further successful strikes.
Then there was something special. Cue the wily Gleeson from the half way line. The experienced ex Irish international espied a gap and the home keeper forward from his line. Then, wallop and, well, Gleeson from the half way line, with a great lob and now it was 3-0 with just over twenty- five minutes gone.
Stotfold had a free kick in an area of possibilities, and the cross was a good one, with a decent header followed by a decent save. It was the Ambers first real attempt on goal. A Ciaren Jones free kick brought a corner and the flight of the ball eluded everyone.
An impressive move from the hosts saw a good shot on target that cleared the bar, but it was a smart piece of football that could have gained the compensation of a goal.
Lewis Barker evidence a caution for a spoiling tackle that was really a goal scoring opportunity but Horlock held the free kick in routine manner. A fair shot by the home number nine saw Horlock down low to save and we headed to the remaining five minutes of the half. A Stotfold corner was beaten away before Cotter’s shot on the run drew a fair save.
Some polished play from Wilkinson created another goal attempt which was well defended. A late header from, I think, Toby Syme, was saved and the home centre forward was unfortunate to see his free header just shave the top of the bar. He really ought to have put that one away. It was the last action of this first period, in which Hitchin dominated.
With such a healthy lead I suspected a number of Hitchin substitutes but none were forthcoming as yet. Wait a bit, I did see Kye Tearle and it was for Bradley Bell. Others came later in the half. We continued with a good Hitchin move that saw Snelus foiled in his attempt and a Galliford cross- cum-shot was dealt with by the home keeper.
Then Tearle, , attacking on the right flank, sent in a delightful delivery, headed home by Wilkinson for his second goal and the team’s fourth. It was at fifty- six minutes. It was another text book type goal with the defence guilty of a little generosity. Jones’ header was in target but provided a routine save.
A home attack brought a corner that led to a breakaway attack and a Wilkinson run that was amazing which resulted in a shot on the run and a strike that brought a hat trick. It came at about seventy minutes and represents a really impressive solo effort. That 5-0 score almost became six but Wilkinson’s glancing header was off target.
Snelus ought really to have scored with his effort and Stotfold with their central free kick should have do me better than blast the ball high over the bar. Hitchin made gradual substitutions which made sense and I noticed that Stotfold ensured a good outing for a number of their squad.
Then, at the closing minutes, Stotfold scored a consolation goal that was well- worked and deserved, making it 5-1. There was a fair piece added on, and in this time we saw a second goal for Stotfold It came thirty seconds before the conclusion of this entertaining match. Mark Burke used the opportunity to test his probable (more or less) starting squad and set them out to reveal their perceived team spirit. Substitutes were used generously and at the right time. There was no lording it over the opposition and respect was shown to the young referee (he’s only ten’ yelled one wag from the stand), showed good control and judgement.
Finley Wilkinson was entirely modest when I congratulated him on his first hat-trick, and particularly for the third goal. He emphasised more how the team was playing as a unit more and more and the confidence shown by other players suggests strongly that Hitchin town may well start the season the way they finished the last, imaginative and effective in play.
Stotfold know they have a job to do and they will have points to prove but I think that the squad will enjoy the challenge of a higher division and visiting clubs will enjoy an outing to the well appointed New Roker Park. We thank them for their hospitality and look forward to seeing them do well, clashing as they will with fellow Bedfordshire club Dunstable Town and other clubs in the region.
Thursday sees a changed fixture, an away game with Kempston Rovers being the hosts instead of Barton Rovers.
HITCHIN TOWN
Charlie Horlock, captain, Bradley Bell, Layne Eadie, Toby Syme, Ciaren Jones, Lewis Barker, cautioned, Kav Cotter, Steve Gleeson, GOAL – 25 minutes, Jack Snelus, Isaac Galliford, GOAL, 11 minutes, Finley Wilkinson, man of the match, HAT TRICK, 6 ,54 and 70 minutes.
Substitutes used – all in the second half — Kye Tearle, George Devine, Dempsey Thomas, Charlie Miller, Malaki Black, Jeremiah Levero, Marley Stein. Not used – Trialist A, Henry Silver and Chris Choo.
I apologise but I was unable to secure the names of the officials or of the Stotfold team.
Attendance 251.
REPORT BY PIPEMAN