WEEKLY BULLETIN 21ST MARCH
NEXT FIXTURE
Saturday 22nd March – League game away to Spalding. Kick-off 3.00pm. Coach leaves Top Field at 11.45am.
This is our first ever visit to Spalding. We have only played them once at Top Field. This was in the FA Trophy in 1979 and we won 4-0 with the scorers Bill Baldry, Paul Giggle and Colin Barnes 2.
Spalding are 10th in the current form table with three wins and three defeats in their last six games.
MANAGER’S NOTES BY MICHAEL JONES
Last weekend’s game vs Halesowen
We knew going into this fixture how tough this game was going to be, but we knew the strength of our group and knew we have been a difficult proposition for anyone visiting Top Field this season.
Halesowen started the game brightly and attacked us a lot in the opening exchanges, meaning we had to defend for most of the opening of the game. We weathered this storm well and Halesowen were yet to create anything meaningful. We then started to grow into the game and started to control the ball and the pace of the game and now Halesowen started to worry more about us. We got into some promising positions but lacked any quality whatsoever meaning we could not turn these into good chances. We continued to show we can compete with the best teams and went into half time 0-0 with neither team really creating anything clear cut.
At half time we spoke about how well we had competed with a top side and mentioned about how the longer the game went on at 0-0 the pressure would start to build on Halesowen. We looked at the areas we needed to be better in and emphasised the positives from the half, where we seem to get some success in the last 20 minutes of the half.
Second half, we seemed to come out with a lack of energy as our nervous energy seemed to be taking over and draining us of the usual football we are used to seeing, especially at home. This could not have been backed up anymore by us kicking the ball out of play in comfortable possession and this allowed Halesowen to have a throw-in. We had plenty of opportunities to defend this but unfortunately the long-range strike beat Seb in goal, although he will be the first to admit that he was disappointed he did not save it. This rocked us and it was vital that we could see out the next 10-15 minutes without conceding to allow us time to regroup and give ourselves a chance to get something out of the game.
An uncharacteristic mistake by Ciaren where he should have cleared the ball but was caught on it allowed Halesowen to extend their lead and totally knocked the confidence of the group. 10 minutes in and the competitive game we were in was gone.
The second half was a difficult watch and we did not produce anything meaningful on goal. We utilised the bench to try and give us some more energy and a much better competitive edge and this did happen although just too late for us to put the visitors under any sort of pressure. William McNeill’s shot was diverted into the goal by Bradley Bell to give us a 94th minute consolation goal.
It was a very frustrating afternoon. We had new signing Jake Hutchinson upfront and we were unable to provide him any service to try and provide us with the goals we need. This was very different to previous weeks where we have created chances but have not had a recognised forward to put them in the back of the net. This is something we have addressed this week and will look to implement into Saturday’s game.
As manager I accept full responsibility for our performances and results in my tenure, I pick the team, tactics and lead the group. A group I feel is more than capable to compete with the best in this division (as it has shown) but has just lacked the consistency each week of the other teams in the division.
I can only thank the huge support we had on Saturday and apologise for the below par performance. I know now it is extremely difficult to be a supporter of our club but nevertheless the support has been incredible and despite our poor season to date the supporters have really got behind the group and the club and have certainly shown what true, loyal supporters they are to our club and this has shown us that despite what goes on they are the true heartbeat of Hitchin Town FC.
Saturday seemed like a pivotal day in our season with us losing and Barwell increasing the gap between us and safety. We still believe we can claw ourselves back into safety but understand we need to start winning games as we are running out of time each week. We will continue to fight and give everything we can to our club, supporters and volunteers.
This weekend’s game at Spalding Town
Another tough fixture but as this league has shown this season anyone can beat anyone and there are no easy fixtures in this division. Spalding will be thinking if they can put a run together between now and the end of the season they can sneak in the playoffs and will be giving everything to make sure they can get three points on Saturday.
We know it’s becoming a now or never stage in our season and we need a win. We have regrouped this week and we are 100% ready to give everything to Saturday’s game. We strongly believe that if we do, with a little bit of luck we can bring the 3 points back to Top Field.
Please continue to turn up in your numbers, get behind the group and give them the strength and belief to get the points on Saturday. We need everyone now more than ever.
I look forward to seeing our loyal travelling supporters on Saturday.
Player News
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Lewis Barker is still in non-contact training as he recovers from his long-term shoulder injury.
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Kobi Sinclair – Linton is still recovering from his knock he picked up in training two weeks ago and will be unavailable for this weekend’s fixture.
COMMUNITY UPDATE BY MARK BURKE
Ex-Canary Update
Last week we paid our respects to Will Wright and his family on the passing of his mother Helene. Will showed tremendous character to make himself available for selection for Swindon Town’s match against Cheltenham Town last Saturday after an emotional week and he was pivotal in an exciting match which saw him directly up against another former Canary Ashley Hay.
The match ended in a 3-3 draw with Will scoring Swindon’s first goal with one of his excellent free kicks before conceding an own goal to put Cheltenham ahead. He was then offered the opportunity to take a penalty that if he had scored would have seen him complete his Hat-trick!!!!
Easter Holiday Camps
The dates for our February half-term holiday camps are now out as we continue to host them at The Arena and at Preston JMI. They are available to be booked on via the website www.northhertsarena.co.uk
Dates:
Tuesday to Thursday 8th – 10th April 2025 (3 Days) Cost: £60 p/w or £25 per day
Tuesday to Thursday 15th – 17th April 2025 (3 Days) Cost: £60 p/w or £25 per day
The Arena Football Courses
The remaining two dates for our coaching clinics at the Arena are out and can be booked on via the website www.northhertsarena.co.uk
On Monday evenings from 5-6pm we host a Junior Ability Counts session for children aged between 7 and 16 years old with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Monday 24th March – 31st March 2025 (2 weeks) Cost: £8
On Wednesday evenings from 5.30-6.30pm we host a specific goalkeeping course called Safe Hands for children of all ages and abilities delivered by former first-team goalkeeper Josh Mollison.
Wednesday 26th March 2025 – 2nd April 2025 (2 weeks) Cost: £12
HTWFC UPDATE BY CALLUM ELLIS
Fixtures
Sunday 23rd March 2025 – 14:00
HTWFC v Bury Rangers,
St Christophers School, Letchworth
Ruislip Rangers v HTWFC Canaries,
Kings College, HA4 7JZ
ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
On Monday 17th March we hosted Zhejiang FC Academy from China in a friendly at Hitchin Town FC.
We had a mixture of our current Academy players and Under 16s players who are looking to join the academy next season.
The game started off in strong fashion with the young Canaries hitting the crossbar in the first few minutes while also getting into some promising positions. James Hobbis had to be substituted early on and Under 16 Elliott Phillips came on in his place.
10 minutes in and the visitors took the lead from a deflection. This gave them the motivation to go for a second and they put us under a lot of pressure as they were still adjusting to being 1-0 down. Tyrese Kamara in goal made some good saves to keep the score at 1-0 but not long later the visitors added a second to make it 2-0. At this time, it looked like it could be an easy day for Zhejiang but we started to grow into the game and it was not long before Josh Beedell scored to make it 2-1.
2-1 at half time.
Second half and we became the dominant team but were unable to take any of their chances, until a corner was headed in by BDS to make the scores 2-2. It looked like the young Canaries would go on for an impressive comeback victory but a free kick for Zhejiang was headed in at the back post to give them the lead.
By this stage we were now using the bench and under 16 Archie Briars equalised from close range following a goal line scramble.
The rest of the under 16s were then introduced to the game with Ryan Choat, Goerge Evans and Archie Roberts – Hall all coming onto the pitch.
The game finished 3-3 and it was agreed that their needed to be a winner, so we headed to a penalty shootout and we scored all four penalties through, BDS, Lewis Krasniqi, Tyler Careswell and Archie Roberts – Hall while Tyrese Kamara in goal saved two penalties to make the score finish 4-1 after penalties and a win for the home team.
We would like to thank everyone from Zhejiang academy for visiting us to play this fixture, we would also like to thank the five under 16s who came into the squad and all gave a good account of themselves.
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/ToolkitNew/webenrolment.aspx?page=~/webcontrols/courseapply.ascx&OfferingId=85258
CONGRATULATIONS TO ADAM PARKER
Many congratulations to Canaries legend Adam Parker who has been selected for the England Over 50’s squad for an upcoming charity game.
ATTENDANCE LEAGUE TABLE
We are currently ninth in the attendance league table with an average of 573. As ever many thanks for your great support.
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1 |
1,205 |
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2 |
1,191 |
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3 |
1,065 |
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4 |
815 |
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5 |
760 |
||
|
6 |
755 |
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|
7 |
732 |
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|
8 |
609 |
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9 |
573 |
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|
10 |
559 |
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11 |
461 |
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12 |
435 |
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13 |
433 |
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|
14 |
400 |
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|
15 |
392 |
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|
16 |
367 |
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|
17 |
363 |
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|
18 |
338 |
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|
19 |
332 |
||
|
20 |
308 |
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|
21 |
207 |
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|
22 |
169 |
DARTS TOURNAMENT AT CANARY CLUB
“GAME ON!”
It’s not too late to enter the HITCHIN OPEN DARTS KNOCK OUT coming up this Sunday.
Littler, Humphries and Van Gerwen are not appearing this year so who knows – it could be you picking up a Cash Prize on Sunday night?”
Basic terms and conditions as per the attached poster.
JUNIOR CANARIES UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
If you wish to sign up as a Junior Canary, please email juniorcanaries@hitchintownfc.club with the following details:
- Name, Date of birth, Address, School, Club Team (if applicable), Team you support, Parent/Guardian Name, Email, Contact Number.
We look forward to welcoming you all to the Junior Canaries.
BY ROY IZZARD