WEEKLY BULLETIN: 12TH DECEMBER
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 13 December vs Flackwell Heath (H) – Southern League
We welcome Flackwell Heath to Top Field in the Southern League Division One Central on Saturday, with a 3pm kick-off.
This will be the first time the teams have ever played each other.
Tickets
Where possible we advising purchasing online. As well as being cheaper, it will ensure your quick and easy entry into the ground through the turnstiles.
Please purchase your tickets online here:
https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets
The online box office remains open until 30 minutes after kick off.
If you do need to buy your tickets in person, our Matchday ticket office will be open from 13.30-15.15 , and can be accessed from the rear car park (behind the Canary Club). Once you have purchased a ticket at the Matchday Ticket Office you will then present your ticket at the turnstiles for entry. More details here:
https://hitchintownfc.club/admission-prices/
Turnstiles open at 14.00
Parking
Unfortunately supporter parking is not available in the club car park (unless you are a registered blue badge holder and have made prior arrangements).
Food and Drink
The Canary Club bar is open from 11.00 with some of the lowest prices in Hitchin! Drinks can be taken into the ground in a reusable plastic cup. (£1 deposit required). You can exit to the bar during the match and will be re-admitted via the side gate by showing your hand-stamp.
Please enter the ground as early as possible before kick off to avoid congestion at the turnstiles. We have the following options inside the ground and you can still exit to the Canary Club Bar too:
Mad Squirrel Brewery are serving a great range of craft beers, ciders and lager. They are located adjacent to the main stand.
Canary Kitchen will be open from when the turnstiles open serving a great range of food and soft drinks including our signature HTFC Pies.
Club Shop
Get your matchday programme, teamsheet, chocolate bars, sweets and HTFC merchandise from the club shop.
For full details on the facilities at Top Field see our Matchday Info page here:
https://hitchintownfc.club/matchday-info/
We look forward to welcoming everyone to Top Field and hope that everyone has a great afternoon.
Manager’s Notes
London Lions Game Last Saturday
Last Saturday we travelled to London Lions. London Lions have adapted well to life at Step 4 and had already had some impressive wins, beating Hertford 2-0 and Barton Rovers 3-0 and these results showed just how difficult this game was going to be.
We started the game in the London Lions half, looking to gain control of the match and make London Lions defend deep. We were missing the same energy and attacking passing, movement and speed from the Leighton game. We were still on top and had created some good chances to take the lead but were unable to convert these. London Lions always looked dangerous on the break but did not manage to force Tyler McGregor into a save.
We did take the lead after a Josh Jackman cross found Taylor Rhiney in the box for a good touch and finish to give us a deserved lead. We were able to keep up the pressure and a Callum Kane shot was well saved by the keeper. We came in at half time 1-0 up but knew we had not been anywhere near our best.
Half Time we tried to remind the team of what was lacking from the Leighton game and we were trying to motivate them to raise standards but also had to remind them that we were winning the game and if we kept the clean sheet then we would be leaving with 3 points.
Second half and London Lions were even more aggressive and hard working across the pitch and they seemed to be winning the battles for the 50/50’s without really creating anything. We were still lacking the speed and energy of our usual play but knew we needed the second to make this game comfortable. London Lions did have a great chance when a pop shot from 30 yards out cannoned off of the bar. This seemed to wake us up and made us move the ball with a bit more tempo and it was not long before some good play and a cross from Lewis Franklin allowed Taylor Rhiney to get his second and put us in total control of the match. The game was edging towards the final moments with not much really happening. A late Cole Butler tackle sparked a coming together which the referee quickly got control of.
The referee then came over to the technical area to explain that an alleged comment had been made and he would need to report this to the relevant authorities on completion of the game. During this period the game being stopped both teams made a substitute but after a few more minutes of the ball not being in play the game was abandoned by the hosts.
This matter is now in the hands of the league and FA and we are in the process of an investigation while gathering all the relevant information and will await to hear from the relevant authorities on the next steps.
6-0 Win over Enfield on Tuesday
Enfield FC arrived at Top Field having had a very difficult start to the season but had won a key game against Rayners Lane at the weekend. We knew how difficult all teams have been to play in our league and knew if we gave Enfield any confidence early on that they would be able to cause us problems.
We started the game with similar energy and attacking intent to the Leighton game and early on we had some good chances where Taylor Rhiney should have given us the lead. We then did take the lead when a Josh Jackman cross found Taylor Rhiney and he was able to complete a smart finish to give us the lead. This was then the start of a crazy 20 minutes where a great 1-2 between Taylor Rhiney and Diogo Frietas – Gouveia allowed Taylor to curl the ball in for his second and it was not long before Taylor completed his hatrick when another Josh Jackman cross found the head of Taylor this time. This was roughly a 7 minute hatrick. Kye Tearle then added another when his long range effort flew into the goal and Lewis Franklin added a fifth from a well worked corner. Ciaren Jones completed the scoring in the 31st minute with a header from a corner. We then had some more opportunities to score with Taylor Rhiney missing at the back post and Diogo Freitas – Gouveia missing the best chance of all.
Half time and we could not praise the players enough for their first half effort. We wanted them to stay on the front foot and hopefully add some more goals. We also wanted to make sure the clean sheet remained.
Second half and Enfield FC started a lot better but we looked very complacent and seemed to ease off our first half levels. We still created some very good chances but some good goal line clearances and some excellent saves from the Enfield keeper kept the score at 6-0. We were able to use the whole of the bench which allowed us to give some much needed minutes to players, while we were also able to rest others.
A slightly disappointing second half in comparison to the first but the fact we did our evenings work in the first 31 minutes allowed us to enjoy the rest of the game.
Thank you to everyone who braved the cold to come and support the group and I hope you all enjoyed seeing the win, clean sheet and the 6 goals!!!
This Weekend’s Game vs Flackwell Heath
Saturday we host last season’s play off finalists Flackwell Heath. Flackwell Heath lost some very good players last season and a combination of having to replace them and allowing time for the replacements to gel together as well as an exceptional FA Cup run where they got to the Fourth Qualifying round meant their league position has taken a bit of a hit but we know they are currently in a false position within the table.
Flackwell arrive at this game off of a 3-0 win on Tuesday and only losing one of their last six games, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Ware FC.
As always we need to make sure we can reach the levels we know this group is capable of on a consistent basis.
I look forward to seeing you all get behind this group on Saturday.
Player News
- Josh Bowler is now back in full training as he continues his recovery.
- George Morrall remains out injured.
- Blue Joy continues his trial period with a professional club.
- Josh Coldicott – Stevens returns Saturday after missing Tuesday due to work commitments.
Academy Update
Wednesday we completed our final game of the year with a 5-0 away win. The squad was pushed to the limit due to injuries, suspensions and illness. We were 1-0 up at half time after first year Samuel Spencer scored his first goal of the season and in the second half we were able to kick on with goals from Will McNeill, Archie Briars and two from Billy Wogan.
A great way to finish off 2025.
If you would like to be part of the academy or would like to find out more information on what we offer please register your details using this link – https://extranet.wearescl.co.uk/SCLSPEnquiry/
Michael Jones
Funeral of Paul Harris
The funeral of Paul Harris will be on Wednesday 17 December at 12.00pm at Holwell Crematorium with the wake at Canary Club from about 1.15pm.
Purple was Pipeman’s favourite colour and the family have asked for mourners to wear some purple and our away shirt would be ideal.
My tribute to Paul can be found here.
Merchandise Update
Our 2026 wall calendar is available to order online and to purchase from the Club Shop.
Priced at £12. Buy online here: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/merchandise/hit2526cal26/hitchin-town-calendar-2026
Paul Sprague
Ticketing Update
Half-Season Tickets
These are continuing to sell well on our tickets website and will give our loyal fans a substantial discount off of normal entry prices for the last nine League games of the season, starting with the game against Stotfold on Saturday 3 January.
They can be ordered as a download to a phone, using the Apple Passbook option (for Apple phones) or Google Wallet (for Android phones). If you choose this option, download can be instantaneous. The other option you have is to order a Plastic Season Ticket Card – in which case delivery can take up to 14 days, so if you would like to buy one as a Christmas present for someone, or in time for the game on Saturday 3rd January, you will need to order this option quickly.
Please also remember that if you are buying a ticket for someone else, you must as part of the buying process assign their details (name, date of birth) to the card. Failure to do this means that the card will not be valid – all Season tickets must be in the name of the attendee, not the purchaser.
Here’s hoping that we can continue to grow our fanbase and cheer our lads on for the second part of the season.
Flexi-Ticket Bundle
Also remember that if you cannot attend games on a regular basis but will attend a few games, or if you have friends wanting to accompany you to a game, the Flexi Ticket also gives a significant reduction off normal entry prices.
Available for Adults (£58), or Concessions (£40) – these give a five-ticket package for entry to League games this season. You can either use them all yourself or bring four friends to a game – the choice is yours. Please be aware though, there are no refunds on unused portions of the package at the end of the season, nor will they be transferable over to next season.
Chris Newbold
Historical Results Update
The Historical Results section of the website has now been updated. The aspiration is to try to somewhere include every Hitchin result we can find evidence of, from the very first game in 1865 right up to date.
The section now additionally includes results from the WW2 years in the Herts and Middlesex League, results from Friendly matches and Reserve Team games from the beginning. Of course, it is only as accurate and complete as information found will allow, and I would happily welcome any additions of results not yet found or indeed, feel free to question anything. Please email me at chris.newbold@hitchintownfc.club with any additional information or questions you may have.
Thanks and hope that some of it might be of some use. At least the results are now preserved for posterity.
Chris Newbold
Hitchin Town Goes National
Was great to see the club feature in the November edition of the popular national football magazine “When Saturday Comes”. We were afforded a two-page spread of photographs which captured the day perfectly, and gave us some great profile nationally which will hopefully help attract more groundhoppers to us for a great match day experience.
Thanks to Simon Gill for the photos and for ensuring we received this coverage, and to long-standing Hitchin fan Nick Fagan for bringing to our attention the fact that it had been published.
Chris Newbold
Community Update
Coaching Course at The Arena
Junior Ability Counts
The Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock finished last Monday 8 December 2025 with the boys having their first match away against Stotfold where they acquitted themselves very well.
Lead coach Jimmy Armstrong is looking to arrange more matches, and he is also looking to recruit more players.
The sessions start from 5-6pm and are open to 5 – 16 year olds with physical and or SEN but be able to walk and are based at the Arena in Baldock on a Monday. The first session in the New Year is on the 5 January 2026.
Safe Hands Goalkeeping Course
The very popular Safe Hands Goalkeeping sessions at the Arena, Baldock with former Hitchin Town 1st Team goalkeeper Josh Mollison concluded on Wednesday with 13 aspiring goalkeepers attending.
The next sessions will start on Wednesday 7 January 2026.
Coaching in Schools
We have been busy this term delivering coaching sessions in our local schools and next week will see the last sessions taking place before the Christmas break:
Preston Junior Wraparound Care, Lunch Time Clubs and PPA
Oughton Primary Lunch Time & After School Clubs and PE Lessons
Icknield Infants After School Clubs
St Mary’s Breakfast and After School Clubs, PE Lessons & PPA Cover
Woolgrove Lunch Time Clubs
Brandles PE Lessons
We are always looking to expand our provision and if there are any schools requiring support for their PE, PPA, After School and Breakfast Clubs please contact Josh Mollison on info@htcfc.co.uk
Mark Burke
Average Attendance Update
Once again many thanks to our loyal supporters who have put us top of the attendance leaguer table with an average of 621 which is 175 higher than second place Leighton. We will never take your support for granted and the players are determined to reward you for your great backing of the team home and away.
1 – Hitchin Town: 621
2 – Leighton Town: 446
3 – Ware: 294
4 – Hertford Town: 227
5 – Hadley: 177
6 – Milton Keynes Irish: 174
7 – Stotfold: 171
8 – Flackwell Heath: 171
9 – Marlow: 163
10 – Biggleswade Town: 162
11 – Biggleswade: 158
12 – Barton Rovers: 142
13 – Northwood: 141
14 – Aylesbury United: 135
15 – Welwyn Garden City: 122
16 – Enfield: 120
17 – Thame United: 117
18 – AFC Dunstable: 109
19 – Beaconsfield Town: 108
20 – Leverstock Green: 100
21 – Rayners Lane: 90
22 – London Lions – 60
Hitchin Town Old Boys
Ex Canary Tony Fontenelle was featured on the touchline in the TV coverage of Slough vs Macclesfield in the Emirates FA Cup last Sunday. Yella as he is affectionately known is assistant manager at Slough having joined them in 2022. He played 178 games for Hitchin scoring 12 goals between 2002 and 2013.
Callum Stead scored for Barnet on Tuesday and Kane Smith also played in the 4-0 win over Bristol Rovers.
Hitchin Town Women’s FC
Result
HTWFC Canaries 0 – 10 Leighton Woodside Ladies
Fixtures
Sunday 14th December 2025 – 13:30
Hitchin Town Women FC v EB Lions
St Christophers School, Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JZ
Wheathampstead Wanderers v HTWFC Canaries
Marford Playing Fields, AL8 8AY
Callum Ellis