WEEKLY BULLETIN: 24TH OCTOBER
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 24 October vs Northwood Town (H) – Southern League
After a run of three away fixtures we are back to Top Field and welcome Northwood for this Southern League match, which kicks off at 3pm.
Northwood currently sit 21st in the league table with six points from their 10 games. Compared to Hitchin Town in fifth having secured 21 points from our 11 games played.
We last met Northwood in December 2010, Hitchin Town came out 7-0 winners in that encounter with four of the Canaries goals scored by John Frendo.
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.
Tuesday 28 October vs Ware (A) – Southern League
On Tuesday 28 October we travel to Ware for a league game kick-off 7.45pm. This game will be played at Wodson Park on Wadesmill Road, Ware, SG12 0UQ. It would be fantastic to see yet another strong Hitchin Town following to cheer on the team!
Ware are third in the league table and only Leighton have scored more goals. In the last six games league table Ware are second having won five and drawn one of their last six games, so we are in for another difficult evening.
Manager’s Notes
4-0 Win at Thame United Last Weekend
Saturday we arrived at Thame United knowing we were facing a team who were on a five game unbeaten run and coming off the back of an impressive 4-0 victory away to Barton Rovers.
Before the game we were forced into a change as Liam Brooks was not fit enough to play.
The game started with Thame putting us under pressure in the opening minutes from a direct style of play which resulted in long throws, free kicks and corners we had to defend. We then started to grow into the match and now started to control the ball and work our way up the pitch. It was not long before a ball in behind the Thame defence allowed Kye Tearle to sprint forward and smash the ball Into the back of the net to give us the lead. Josh Jackman then had to come off injured which caused further disruption to our team. We then continued to control the remainder of the half without really threatening the opposition goalkeeper.
Second half and Thame came at us early on and were really pushing for an equaliser. We had to stand firm and make sure we were defensively organised. We then won a free kick high up the pitch and the delivery caused panic and resulted in our second goal via an own goal. This then deflated the hosts and we started to gain control in the game again. 20 minutes to go and Kye Tearle raced forward again to add his second goal and our third and it was not long before Kye Tearle was causing problems for the defence and his cross found substitute Diogo Freitas- Gouveia who scored with his first touch of the ball in his first league appearance.
A very good 4-0 win against a team who had momentum and were high on confidence. To score 4 away from home while keeping a clean sheet is an excellent day’s work.
It was great to see a good away following, especially considering this is one of our further journeys.
0-0 at Leighton Town on Tuesday Night
Another quick turnaround and we travelled to table toppers Leighton Town who had won 8 and drawn 1 of their 9 league games so far.
We had to make a few changes to Saturday’s squad with Liam Brooks, Josh Jackman and George Morrall all missing out through injury and Toby Syme unavailable due to work commitments. This meant we recalled Cole Butler, Charlie Mcdonald and Plamedi Bomolo to the squad and we had the return of Taylor Rhiney who had completed his 3 game ban.
Leighton came at us with the confidence and momentum of a team who were unbeaten and we had to weather an early storm in the first 10/15 minutes of the game but the defence stood firm. Leighton did hit the post and Alfie Bonfield made an excellent save to keep the score level.
We then grew into the game and started to control the ball and the tempo of the match. Leighton were always a threat on the break but the remaining 30 minutes of the first half was played in the Leighton defensive third. We created some good chances but were missing the finishing touch with our best chance falling to Kye Tearle who missed a back post header which everyone thought he had scored.
Second half and Leighton started in similar fashion coming at us fast and causing us problems in the opening 10/15 minutes. Leighton had two really good chances to take the lead but a clearance off the line and a great save from Alfie Bonfield kept the score level. The pressure and momentum then dropped and this allowed us to get further up the pitch and create some chances of our own. The last 30 minutes was scrappy with both teams pushing for the win but also defending with everything to keep the clean sheet. We had a shot from Josh Coldicott – Stevens that the keeper did well to turn round the post, a header from Ciaren Jones which was well saved and then we had an excellent chance when Callum Nicolson’s shot was dragged wide and somehow Plamedi Bomolo was unable to connect with it at the back post.
The final score was 0-0 and this was a very good point away to the table toppers who are unbeaten and until Tuesday had scored in every league game so far. Leighton have been the best team we have played in the league so far this season. They are very good at their strengths and defensively very organised. This also shows the importance of culture and momentum. Leighton had a very good second half of last season and were one of the most difficult teams to play and they have built on this, added some very good players and continued to grow in confidence which has helped their momentum this season.
I would like to thank the excellent travelling support again, hopefully you all enjoyed a good game of football and can see the hard work, effort and fight this group of players has.
This Weekend’s Game vs Northwood
Saturday we host Northwood who have had a difficult start to the season. Northwood currently find themselves in the relegation zone but they will be looking to kick start their season away to us on Saturday. They will be a very difficult team to play against and they have already managed an impressive away win this season against fourth in the table Hertford Town who they beat 2-1.
We will need everyone to get behind the group this Saturday and make sure we keep the positive energy flowing throughout the ground to help get everything out of the players.
I look forward to seeing you all back at Top Field.
Tuesday’s Trip to Ware
Up until Tuesday Ware in my opinion had been the best team we had played when we faced them in the Herts Charity Cup. Ware have had a very good start to the season and currently sit third in the table and only four points off unbeaten table toppers Leighton Town.
Ware are a very attacking team and their attacking players are always a threat which means they have scored a lot of goals this season.
We will have to be defensively solid again and make sure we can pose an attacking threat to Ware to force them back.
Please make sure you come and support the group and continue to provide the atmosphere which really does make a difference.
Player News
- Lewis Barker played for Biggleswade United at the weekend as he looks to gain fitness while trying to manage the demands of his job.
- Josh Bowler has started running in training as he continues to work towards his recovery schedule.
- Plamedi Bomolo remains on a dual registration with Kempston Rovers as he continues his development.
- Mbunya Alemanji remains out as he is recovering from his illness.
- Josh Jackman remains out injured.
- George Morrall remains out injured.
- Liam Brooks will be assessed for the weekend.
- Tyrese Kamara has moved location and this has meant he has decided to join Thame United. Tyrese progressed from our academy and it has been great to see him develop and now being given the opportunity to play at Step 4. We wish Tyrese all the best.
- Charlie McDonald has left the club to join Welwyn Garden City in search of some regular game time. I would like to thank Charlie for all his hard work, commitment and effort he has given the club during his time with us and I wish him every success moving forwards.
Academy Update
Blue Joy won September player of the month for Hitchin Town FC. Blue has been consistent since progressing from the academy into the first team and his solid defensive displays have earned him a well deserved player of the month.
Open Event
Year 11 & 12
Monday 27th October.
10am – 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/
Michael Jones
Attendances
In the central division attendance league table Hitchin are top with an average of 647, followed by Leighton 447, Ware 317 and Beaconsfield 225.
At the bottom London Lions average 65, Leverstock Green 98, Rayners Lane 104 and AFC Dunstable 114.
Hitchin Old Boys Update
Ashley Hay is enjoying life in the Scottish Premiership since his move from Brentford to Dundee in the summer. After his recent excellent performance against Rangers at Ibrox securing a 1-1 draw, he followed it up with an appearance at home to Celtic in a historic 2-0 victory against the reigning champions.
Will Wright returned to the Swindon Town line up as Captain in the week earning a draw against Notts County to maintain their second position in the League 2 table.
Callum Stead and Kane Smith have helped Barnet move up to 10th position in League 2 despite a 0-1 loss last Saturday ironically against Notts County.
Finley Wilkinson scored an 87th-minute winner for Hemel Hempstead as they beat Yeovil in the Emirates FA Cup.
The Boy Done Good (Part 3)
Former Canary Jonathan Barnett was a very proud father as he saw his son Luca Williams-Barnett make his full first team debut for Tottenham Hotspurs at the age of 16 years old in the recent home League Cup victory against Doncaster Rovers
Luca has just turned 17 and was named Player of the Month in the Premier League 2 in September and this was followed with selection into England U17s World Cup squad.
A very promising player and one to watch out for in the future.
Jonny was himself a skilful player who was one of the early youth players to come through the ranks of the very successful College programme that began in the late 1990’s.
He made 19 appearances for Hitchin from his debut on 15 March 2001 in the Full Members Cup 3rd Round tie against Gravesend & Northfleet until his last appearance on 14 January 2003 in the 4th Round of the Ryman League Cup against Canvey Island.
He scored 2 goals in his spell with Hitchin one in the League against Enfield in a 5-0 demolition on 11 September 2001 and the other was a last-minute winner away to Walton & Hersham in the 2nd Round of the Ryman League Cup on 10 December 2002.
Jonny returned to Top Field most recently to celebrate Roy Izzards 50th Year Testimonial match.
Community Update
October Half Term Holiday Courses
The Arena, Baldock – Football Holiday Camps
We are holding our football holiday camp at the Arena, Baldock starting next week on Tuesday 28 October and will run for 3 days until Thursday 30 October.
Preston Primary School – Multi-Activity Holiday Camps
There will also be a multi-activity holiday camp at Preston Primary School starting next week on Tuesday 28 October and will run for 3 days until Thursday 30 October.
Coaching Courses at the Arena
Junior Ability Counts
We will be running our Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock on a Monday from 5-6pm again after the October Half Term starting 3rd November until 8th December.
The sessions are open to 5-16 year olds with physical and or SEN but be able to walk.
Safe Hands Goalkeeping Course
We will also be running 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 first session will be on 5th November until 10th December.
The sessions are open to 6-14 year olds
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
HTWFC Update
Results
Herts Womens County Trophy
HTWFC Canaries 1 – 5 Hertford Town Women Development U23
Sunday 26th October 2025 – 14:00
Sherrardswood Ladies FC v Hitchin Town Women FC
Sherrardswood School, Welwyn Garden City
HTWFC Canaries v Baldock Town FC Development
Hitchin Town FC, Fishponds Road, Hitchin, SG5 1NU
Callum Ellis
Companionship Through Football
Quiet Companionship Through Football: A Gentle Invitation for Men in Hitchin
In the heart of Hitchin, something quietly hopeful is taking shape. A new men’s football group is meeting at Osinsky’s in the town centre on Sundays — not to compete, but to connect.
This isn’t your typical football gathering. There are no drills, no pressure to perform, and no expectation to talk. Just a gentle space where men can show up watch football, and be present — together.
The group is led by Katie Wilson, a writer and community organiser who believes that companionship doesn’t need noise to be powerful. “We’re creating a space where silence is welcome, boundaries are respected, and presence alone is enough,” she says.
Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges, seeking quiet connection, or simply curious, you’re welcome. There’s no need to book — just come as you are. And if you’d prefer to reach out first, Katie is happy to chat via email at katiespride3@gmail.com.
This group is for anyone who’s ever felt that traditional support spaces didn’t quite fit. It’s football, reimagined — as a gentle rhythm of companionship, healing, and hope.