LONDON LIONS A-A HITCHIN TOWN

CLUB STATEMENT

This game was abandoned after 85 minutes with Hitchin leading 2-0.

An allegation that a Hitchin player made discriminatory remarks led to the London Lions’ players choosing to leave the pitch, giving the referee no choice but to abandon the game.

We are now working with the relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation into the allegations. Until this is complete we are unable to make any statement on the incident.

As a club we will not tolerate any forms of discrimination or abuse and we will await the findings of the investigation upon which we will then provide a further update.

REPORT

What will happen with the outcome of this game will no doubt be decided by the FA and the league. Hitchin did not hit the heights of their performance against Leighton Town but were still worthy of their 2-0 lead. The only change to the team from last Saturday was Brett Longden coming in for Toby Syme and Hitchin started on the front foot. In the second minute Lewis Franklin produced an excellent cross that no one got on the end of, while what looked like a clear handball in the area did not produce the expected penalty.

Kye Tearle shot over the bar from a corner as Hitchin remained on top although good defending was required to thwart a rare London Lions attack after 17 minutes. Taylor Rhiney shot wide while Franklin had a shot deflected for a corner and Tearle came close.

But in the 35th minute Hitchin took a deserved lead with an excellent finish from  Rhiney that followed Josh Jackman’s cross. Jackman then shot just wide before keeper Nathan Bloohn made a great save from a well hit Callum Kane shot.  The 1.0 lead was deserved at half time and Hitchin pressed  for a second goal on the resumption. Cieran Jones headed over from a corner but London Lions kept trying to play football and Tyler McGregor made a good save  from Max Davis who then produced a terrific strike that struck the bar. However Hitchin produced a very well worked passing move that resulted in another great finish from Rhiney after 69 minutes. Hitchin then looked comfortable until the unfortunate incident after 85 minutes.

The large contingent of Hitchin supporters were left disappointed at this second abandonment in three weeks. On Tuesday Enfield visit Top Field and Hitchin need to keep winning to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

McGregor
Jackman
Kane
Longden
Briggs
Jones (C)
Tearle
Coldicott-Stevens
Rhiney
Franklin
Nicolson

Subs:
Butler
Brooks
Syme
Freitas-Gouveia
Gbolahan

By Roy Izzard