WEEKLY BULLETIN: 17TH OCTOBER
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 18 October vs Thame United (A) – Southern League
On Saturday 18 October we travel to Thame in a league game. There is no coach to this game.
Tuesday 21 October vs Leighton Town (A) – Southern League
On Tuesday 21 October we travel to Leighton and again there is no coach for this game.
Leighton are currently top of the table and are unbeaten, winning seven of their eight games and only conceding six goals. They have won all four home games with attendances of 359, 638, 423 and 356.
Manager’s Notes
Win over Welwyn Garden City
Saturday we hosted Welwyn Garden City in what was a very tough game. WGC started the game fast and in the opening exchanges seemed to out run and out battle us. It was not long before WGC took the lead. We made some poor decisions which resulted in a WGC throw in and this led to the corner from which they scored. We then had to weather the storm for an initial period but we soon started to match their work rate and physicality. We now started to create chances and momentum and we were just missing the final touch with their keeper making a few very good saves. We got our reward for our hard work when Liam Brooks was able to dispatch a penalty after some good build up play. This kicked us on even further and we should have taken the lead. At half time WGC were reduced to 10 men after a nasty challenge.
We started the second half in dominant fashion but were struggling to break down a stubborn 10 men who were working extremely hard to keep the score level. We had one very good chance early on but the keeper made a very good save but apart from this we were finding the chances harder to come by this half. WGC were not really posing any threat up the other end as their front man was very isolated against our backline. We then took the lead after a free kick was volleyed in by Kye Tearle. The remainder of the game we managed well and we did not need to score another, although it would have been nice but we were able to see out a deserved victory.
It was absolutely incredible to be involved in such a great atmosphere in front of 922 supporters and it was brilliant that the group could reward everyone with a win. Thank you again for your support and the positive atmosphere you are all creating.
Monday Night’s Draw at Biggleswade
Monday and it was a quick turnaround to play league leaders Biggleswade FC. We knew how tough this game was going to be after Biggleswade easily beat us in the FA Trophy. Biggleswade came at us fast in the opening 10 minutes and we had to defend well while trying to get hold of the ball. We then started to get our foot on the ball and force Biggleswade back and this meant they had to defend deep for large parts of the first half. We got into some good areas and created some good crosses but were just missing someone to put the ball in the back of the net.
Second half and Biggleswade came at us again from the start but were only able to force Alfie into one save which was from 30 yards out. We had a very good chance to take the lead but Fernando was unable to convert. We continued to try and take the lead and with 15 minutes to go we took the lead after a 13 pass move under pressure resulted in a George Morrall finish from inside the box. This was a deserved lead but we knew Biggleswade were going to be trying everything to equalise. The last minutes of the game were more even with Biggleswade throwing everything at us but not troubling Alfie in goal and then disaster struck in the 93rd minute when Callum Kane dangled a leg and Biggleswade had a penalty which they scored to make it 1-1.
It was a gutting way to finish the game as the group had given everything and would have fully deserved the 3 points but unfortunately one mistake has cost us 2 points late on.
The travelling support was excellent again, we outnumbered the home support and created such a good atmosphere for the near 100 minutes of football.
Although it was the most gutting ending to a match and almost felt like a loss it was great to see the supporters stay behind to clap the group off the pitch and the players go over to the supporters to thank them for their support/atmosphere they had created.
This Weekend’s Trip to Thame
Saturday we travel to Thame United who just missed out in the playoffs last season. Despite a slower start to this season they are slowly creeping back up the table and after a 4-0 away win at Barton Rovers on Tuesday they have continued their 5 game unbeaten run.
We need to make sure we hit the levels on the week just gone, punish teams when we are on top by making sure we score more than just one while making sure we cut out the silly mistakes which let teams back into games.
Tuesday’s Clash with Leighton Town
Leighton Town have had an excellent start to this season winning 7 and drawing 1 of their 8 games played. This has put them top of the table and has given them some real momentum. They beat previously undefeated Biggleswade Town FC on Tuesday night and this will pose our toughest test of the season so far.
We know they have a great mix of players, have individuals that can hurt us from open play, pose a threat at set plays and can defend as a unit when needed.
We need to make sure we can draw on the performances from previous fixtures but we will need everyone to be at their absolute best on Tuesday if we are to get anything out of this game.
I hope to see as many of our travelling Canaries as possible for this very difficult fixture.
Player News
- Lewis Barker is currently taking a break from football due to increased work commitments/personal issues.
- Tyrese Kamara remains out injured.
- Josh Bowler has started running in training as he continues to work towards his recovery schedule.
- Mbunya Alemanji remains out as he is suffering from an Illness.
- Will McNeill is on a dual registration with Biggleswade United.
- Plamedi Bomolo has been on dual registration with Kempston Rovers as he looks to continue his development.
- George Morrall is suffering with an injury picked up on Monday and will be assessed for Saturday.
- Liam Brooks is suffering with an injury picked up on Monday and will be assessed for Saturday.
- Taylor Rhiney will be available Tuesday after serving his suspension.
Academy Update
Open Event
Year 11 & 12
Monday 27th October – 10am to 2pm
The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5AU
To register please use the link below or email Michael.jones@wearescl.co.uk
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/
Pipeman Returns
I am pleased to announce that Pipeman will be back tomorrow to report on the Thame game after missing the Biggleswade game due to ill health.
Kate Deller’s Charity Challenge
Kate has asked me to thank supporters for their generous support of her charity walk. She has currently raised £1,010 but please continue to donate. Below is the original article—
Since hearing the Garden House Hospice Care is in crisis I have decided to do a 13 mile walk to raise money for them. As you know I have an imminent hip replacement so thought I would get a walk in before that happens. We have all lost people who have been cared for by the Hospice so it touches us all. We have the Hospice as one of the Clubs chosen Charities so hope the Supporters could help support my endeavour.
You can donate to my JustGiving page by clicking here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-deller-6?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=EM
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Garden House Hospice, so it’s the most efficient way to give – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Player & Team Achievement Sponsorship (Sept Update)
The sponsorship raised for September was £198.50. This is made up as follows:-
£101.50 – goals scored
£45 – defence or other in-game achievements (clean sheets, penalty saves etc.)
£51 – results (wins, league points)
£1 – players used in league matches
Added to the August total, this makes the running total for this season £387.50. We are currently awaiting for a final pledge to be paid by a Sponsor so that a final profit total can be ascertained from the Cider and Cheese Festival, which will also then be added to this pot of money for ground improvements.
If anyone would like to sponsor any players or team achievements they can either speak to Roger who sells the 50/50 tickets at home matches or email him at roger.berry@hitchintownfc.club
Game vs Welwyn Garden City
Last Saturday proved a successful day on and off the pitch. A magnificent attendance of 922 witnessed our 2-1 victory.
The Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse promoted the Better Beginning for Babies campaign at the match and raised £98 in a bucket donation. Hitchin Town FC will boost this total with a donation from the gate receipts. Further details will follow..
The 9th Hitchin – 1st Ickleford Cubs group were our guest mascots at the match being looked after by Denis and James Mason. The boys had a very enjoyable day with David Hunt the group’s leader who organised the event saying that he had received lots of positive comments back from the boys and their parents with some saying that they would be returning.
Great Away Support
At Biggleswade on Monday we again had well over 100 travelling supporters. The attendance was 289 and followed 316 at the FA Trophy game. The other Biggleswade attendances this season have been 155, 194, 104 and 219 which just shows the effect our supporters have and how our opponents are benefitting financially.
Hitchin Old Boys – The International Link
Last week at the England vs Wales friendly international at Wembley former Canary and Luton legend Ricky Hill received a Legacy England Cap in recognition of representing England in the 1980’s. Ricky played three times for Hitchin in 1992 in the League title winning season.
He was accompanied by his very proud son Shane another ex-Hitchin player who represented the Canaries on 45 occasions, scoring 7 times in two spells at Top Field.
Also at the game was former Canary Rio Dasilva now at Leighton Town who was watching his brother Jay who is at Coventry City playing for Wales.
Their dad Trevor played for Hitchin reserves back in the 1980’s.
The Boy Done Good (Part 2)
Talking of former Hitchin fathers and sons, our second part of ‘The Boy Done Good’ series sees Richard ‘Stretch’ Wilmot featured with his son former Hitchin Town youth player Ben Wilmot.
Ben is currently having a very successful season as captain of Stoke City who are sitting in a play-off position in the Championship. Ben is a big dominating centre back who has previously played for Stevenage and Watford as well as representing England at U21’s.
Stretch, as he is fondly known, made 218 appearances for Hitchin over five different spells with the club and unsurprisingly no goals scored as he was a goalkeeper.
He made his League debut on 7 February 1987 away to Yeovil Town narrowly losing 2-1 to the champions elect in front of over 2,000 fans at the age of 18 years.
Stretch went on to have a very successful career playing league football for the likes of Stevenage, Scunthorpe United and Halifax Town before returning to the non-league scene with Hitchin and others including Hendon, St Albans City, Cambridge City, AFC Sudbury, Barton Rovers and of course Hitchin on a further four occasions.
When he finally retired from playing he returned once again as the goalkeeper coach as part of Mark Burke’s backroom staff before retiring once and for all to concentrate on watching Ben play.
Community Update
Coaching Courses at the Arena
Junior Ability Counts
It is the last week of our Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock on Monday from 5-6pm. The session is open to 5-16 year olds with physical and or SEN but be able to walk.
Safe Hands Goalkeeping Course
It is also the last week of our very popular Safe Hands Goalkeeping sessions at the Arena, Baldock on Wednesday from 5.30-6.30pm with former Hitchin Town 1st Team goalkeeper Josh Mollison. The sessions are open to 6 – 14 year olds
October Half Term Holiday Courses
The Arena, Baldock – Football Holiday Camps
We are holding our football holiday camp at the Arena, Baldock starting on Tuesday 28th October and will run for 3 days until Thursday 30th October.
Preston Primary School – Multi-Activity Holiday Camps
There will also be a multi-activity holiday camp at Preston Primary School starting Tuesday 28th October and will run for 3 days until Thursday 30th October..
Coaching in Schools
If there are any schools requiring support for their PE, PPA, Wraparound provision, After School and Breakfast Clubs please contact Josh Mollison on info@htcfc.co.uk
Mark Burke
Letter to The Comet
Last week Katie Wilson sent the following letter to the Comet which I feel deserves to be highlighted for the positive message it sent out after the sad events at the AFC Dunstable game.
Why Top Field Remains a Welcoming Place
Hitchin Town is a fantastic, community‑based football club and the recent incident against AFC Dunstable in no way represents 99.9% of the fans, staff, volunteers, and everyone connected to the club.
As someone from a minority group who has visited Top Field several times, I have always found the welcome there to be genuine and consistent. The club must be applauded for the vital role it plays in our town through outreach, youth work, and the ordinary kindness of supporters on match days.
I know that this episode involved a small number of people, and although disappointing does not change the character of Hitchin Town. I know the club will respond with greater resolve to be even more inclusive than it already is, and that the wider community will back those efforts.
Please do not judge the whole club by the actions of a handful. If you have concerns about attending, weigh this isolated incident against the many positive experiences Top Field offers and the strong community that sustains it. I urge anyone who might be worried to go along and see for themselves.
Hitchin Town belongs to its community, and together will ensure Top Field remains a place where everyone is welcome.
Katie Wilson
Many thanks to Katie for such positive thoughts about our club.
HTWFC Update
Results
United in Memory 2 – 1 Hitchin Town Women FC
HTWFC Canaries X-X Goffs Oak – Cancelled, away team could not field a squad
Fixtures- Sunday 19th October
Herts Womens County Trophy
HTWFC Canaries v Hertford Town Women Development U23
St Christophers School, SG6 3JZ
Callum Ellis