WEEKLY BULLETIN: 24TH APRIL
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 25 April vs Thame (H) – Southern League – 3pm KO
We welcome Thame to Top Field in the Southern League Division One Central and our final league match of the season.
We last met in October with Hitchin Town winning 4-0 courtesy of goals from Kye Tearle (2), Diogo Freitas-Gouveia and a OG.
Thame currently sit 5th in the league table with 77 points from the 41 games they have played. They need to win or draw to guarantee a place in the play-offs. Should they not win or draw and Hertford beat Aylesbury United then Hertford will secure the 5th spot on goal difference. In a further permutation, if Thame win, Hertford lose and Biggleswade Town lose then Thame would secure 4th spot and Biggleswade Town would drop to 5 and be our opponents for Wednesday nights semi final at Top Field.
Hitchin have secured second spot in the table ensuring we have home advantage for the semi final and the final (if we reach it).
Tickets
Where possible we advise 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). Payment at the ticket office is by card only. 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. The Mad Squirrel 1865 Bar is 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.
On Wednesday 29th April we will host the play-off semi-final at Top Field kick-off 7.45pm.. We will not know our opponents until the completion of Saturday’s fixtures and depending on the results we could play Biggleswade Town, Thame United or Hertford. There is a separate thread in the bulletin that covers the play-off semi-final. If we were to win on Wednesday the final will be at Top Field on Monday 4th May kick-off 3.00pm.
Manager’s Notes
Stephen Gleeson
Glees has decided to call time on his Hitchin Town FC playing career and Saturday will be his last game for the club. Glees joined the club back in 2021 when Mark Burke reached out to him to persuade him to carry on playing football and join the Canaries. Glees came into the team and made an instant impact with his quality/experience while possessing a winning mentality and high standards. Glees also started to work within the academy helping pass on his experience from playing in the pro game and at international level to help guide our young Canaries progressing into senior football. Glees also stepped up to the role of player assistant manager when I was appointed manager and Glees has not only been a great help to me on the pitch with some excellent performances but he has been a massive help to me off the pitch especially during my early management days with the club.
I am hoping as many of our supporters can turn up on Saturday to thank Glees for all his effort and commitment that he has given to our club.
Josh Bowler
As you are all aware Josh Bowler suffered a dislocated shoulder in August 2025 and despite completing his rehab he suffered the same injury again in early 2026. Josh is a very young goalkeeper and wants to get back to full health and football as early as possible. Unfortunately due to the current demands of the NHS Josh would have to wait a very long period of time for an operation and because of this has decided to have his operation earlier at a cost.
I am hoping as a Hitchin Community we can help support Josh in some way by trying to ease the cost of this operation.
If you would like to donate please use this link – https://gofund.me/c7e83b7eb
Thank you
Last Weekend’s Win over Northwood
Saturday we travelled to Northwood looking to secure the points to finish second in the table. The game started frantically with both teams having good chances in the opening 10 minutes. We then found our rhythm and started to get on top and despite creating plenty of opportunities to score we did not seem to have our goalscoring boots on and we wasted plenty of chances. On 30 minutes we were able to take the lead thanks to a great pass by Charlie Briggs and Taylor Rhiney was able to race through to round the keeper and give us the lead. We then should have extended the lead but the finishing was not at the required level.
We came in at half time, happy with our work but knew we should have put the game to bed and that we needed the second goal to take the game away from Northwood.
Second half started well and we created a few chances but this gave Northwood more confidence and they started to get more of a foothold in the game. We started to lose concentration and started taking some unnecessary risks which gave Northwood opportunities to score. We then got the all-important second goal via a Taylor Rhiney penalty but Northwood had good chances with the best one forcing Tyler McGregor into a very good save.
Saturday was a job done, a 2-0 win. The 3 points needed to get second and another clean sheet.
Midweek Victory over London Lions
Wednesday we travelled to London Lions. We started the game very fast and we were able to take the lead within the first few minutes of the game thanks to Taylor Rhiney. We then controlled the game really well and our passing and energy levels were excellent and we were able to cause London Lions plenty of problems. We should have at least been 3-0 up at half time but again we were unable to find the finishing touch in the key moments.
Half Time and I was delighted with how we had approached this game but again was very critical of the fact we only had one goal and that London Lions were very much still in the game.
Second half we continued to create some very good chances, including a penalty but we were unable to take these and similar to Saturday this gave London Lions the confidence to get something out of the game and for a 10-15 minute period they were now able to get their foot on the ball and looked threatening going forward, forcing Tyler McGregor into a very good save. We were then able to make some changes to freshen the game up and we were able to gain control again but we were unable to find the back of the net. We must have hit every part of the goal in the second half without scoring. We were then awarded a second penalty late on and Diogo Freitas – Gouveia was able to step up to score from the spot.
The last two games we have created some very good chances and should have won both games by more goals. I am very happy that we have shown much more attacking intent and I am sure we will find the goals needed come Wednesday.
Another 2-0 win, three points and a clean sheet to make it a good night’s work to finish our away games for the season.
Hosting Thame on Saturday
Saturday we host play off chasing Thame United. Thame currently occupy the final play off place and know they need a point to definitely confirm their place in the playoffs. Thame can still qualify for the playoffs if Hertford Town fail to win away to Aylesbury United. Thame will be coming to Top Field looking for the win and will be confident they can get the win. Thame had a very slow start to the season but their form in the second half of the season has been excellent and this has put them into playoff contention with it in their own hands going into the final game.
Thame arrive at Top Field off the back of a great win against playoff team Biggleswade Town where they scored 2 goals in the first 5 minutes and were 3-0 up at half time and were able to see the game out in the second half.
We now have one final opportunity for players to impress and make sure they have given everything to get into the playoff semi-final squad.
Play-offs
Saturday we will find out our opponents for Wednesday’s play off fixture. We could still play one of three teams on Wednesday. As a point for Thame United or no win for Hertford Town on Saturday means we will play Thame again on Wednesday. A defeat for Thame and a win for Hertford Town means we would host Hertford but a win for Thame and a no win for Biggleswade Town means we will play Biggleswade Town on Wednesday.
All we know is we will be playing a very difficult game on Wednesday night and we will need to be at our very best if we want to progress to Monday’s play off final.
Please continue to get behind this group.
Player News
Josh Bowler is out for the rest of the season.
Will McNeill has damaged his MCL and ACL, this means he will be out for the rest of this season and next.
Taylor Rhiney will be rested this weekend due to picking up a knock on Wednesday.
Academy Update
If you would like to be part of the academy or for further information please use this link
Or email Michael.jones@wearescl.co.uk
Michael Jones
Play-off Semi-Final
We now start to look forward to the play-offs at Top Field. Organising these matches is a huge undertaking and we want to ensure they meet our usual matchday standards and provide everyone with a hugely enjoyable experience whatever the result. To cope with the expected crowds there will be some changes to the usual matchday organisation and we will keep you updated with everything you need to know here. Please check back for updates as information is confirmed.
Tickets
We are expecting a large crowd for the semi final. If you want to be guaranteed to obtain a ticket for the game, please buy on line in advance.
Please be aware that season tickets and any other concession passes will not be valid for this game. As with any cup games, it is all pay for this game. This is because the gate receipts have to be split with the league and the opposition. There are therefore strict limits on the number of complimentary tickets issued to each club.
Please remember also that Child Under 13 tickets (maximum of 3 per adult) can only be bought in conjunction with an adult or concession ticket. They cannot be bought in isolation)
Tickets will go on sale at the following times:
- All Season Ticket holders at 10:00am on Sunday 26th April.
- General sale at midday on Monday 27th April.
Assuming tickets still remain available on the day, we will open the match day ticket office window from 18:00 on the night of the game to sell any remaining tickets – card payment only. It is stressed again – waiting for this option does not guarantee that you will obtain a ticket. The Club reserves the right to close the match day ticket office at any time if capacity is reached or there are any safety concerns due to overcrowding.
So as soon as they are released – don’t delay, buy your tickets on line when they go on sale. Do not rely on tickets being available on the evening.
Please ensure you access the ground as early as possible once the turnstiles open. We will be doing everything we can to get everyone through the turnstiles quickly but will not be able to get everyone in by kick off if everyone turns up at 7.30pm!
Food and Drink
All of our usual facilities will be open. We have also created an additional area at the rear of the car park stand. This can be accessed through the double gates between the car park stand and the concrete terrace. This area will be securely fenced so there is no access to the Canary Club via this gate. This additional hospitality area will contain a Mad Squirrel Brewery Bar, the Canary Kitchen Pie stand (serving pies, sausage rolls and soft drinks), as well as additional toilets.
We hope this will reduce queuing at other locations in the ground although we expect all outlets to be busy. So please respect other supporters in the queue and respect our staff who will be doing everything they can to get you served as early as possible.
Behaviour
Supporters are reminded of our Code of Conduct and asked to respect the club and other supporters at all time. Please also be reminded that the use of pyrotechnics/smoke bombs and entering the field of play at any time (including after the final whistle) is strictly prohibited. These offences can result in serious consequences to the club and can lead to a ban for any individuals involved. Please be loud, show your support, get behind the team but ensure you do this positively and respectfully.
Parking
With grateful thanks to North Herts District Council we are delighted to say that we have been granted permission to use Butts Close for additional parking at the semi-final and if necessary the final. This will really help ease congestion around the localility of the ground. We are not looking to benefit financially from this but instead we are asking for a donation to be made to Garden House Hospice if you use Butts Close. We thank Alan North and Thomas Ayres from NHDC for their help and co-operation and to Councillor Ian Albert who has worked diligently to help us make a successful application to use Butts Close.
Community Update
Junior Ability Counts
The Junior Ability Counts team recently played Stotfold again in friendly match that they lost but thoroughly enjoyed.
Our Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock on Monday’s begin again on Monday and will run for three more weeks weeks (excluding 4th May Bank Holiday) from 5-6pm.
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 run our Safe Hands Goalkeeping sessions at the Arena, Baldock for four more weeks on Wednesday’s from 5.30-6.30pm with former Hitchin Town first team goalkeeper Josh Mollison. The sessions are open to 6-14 year olds
Hitchin Town FC Walking Football Team
Former Club Programme Editor, and current Talk Sport Commentator Barry Swain, has set about creating a new section within the Football Club aimed players aged 45+ to play Walking Football.
He is holding the first free session tonight at the Arena in Baldock, with 10 players including Club photographer Peter Else signed up to the newly formed WhatsApp group and hopefully everyone will be able to attend.
Barry is still looking for players to join him, whatever your shape, size, ability or experience.
Walking Football is proving increasingly popular and the aim is start with a monthly session (to allow bodies to recover).
Coaching in Schools
We are back in our local schools delivering coaching sessions in our local schools with sessions taking place at:
Preston Junior: Wraparound Care, Lunch Time Clubs and PPA
Oughton Primary: Lunch Time & After School Clubs and PE Lessons
Icknield Infants: After School Clubs and Morning Clubs
St Mary’s: Morning and After School Clubs, PE Lessons & PPA Cover
Woolgrove: Lunch Time Clubs
Brandles: PE Lessons
Samuel Lucas: After School Clubs everyday Monday – Friday (Excluding Thursday)
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
The Boys Done Good
Callum Stead continued his great form last weekend helping Barnet secure another victory and earn himself a space in the EFL team of the week for a third week running.
We would like to congratulate two former Canaries for winning League titles in the last couple of weeks.
Firstly, striker Jake Hutchinson who has won the Isthmian Premier League title and promotion into the National League South with Folkestone Invicta and secondly Lewis Thorpe (Lewis Ferrell) on captaining his team Leighton Town to the Southern League Central Division Championship and promotion to step 3.
Jake played 44 matches and scored 24 goals in 3 spells with Hitchin making his debut and scoring against Barwell in a 4-1 victory on the 30th November 2019. He went on to make a further 14 appearances, scoring 7 goals in total that season having joined on loan from Colchester United.
Jake made a sensational return to Hitchin on 11th December 2021 again on loan from Colchester United. Playing Stourbridge away he netted a hattrick in a 4-0 win. His second spell saw him make 21 appearances and score a very impressive 15 goals that ensured he signed an extension on his contract at Colchester.
His final spell was last season when he arrived again on loan from Enfield Town making his 3rd debut on 15th March 2025 against Halesowen Town at Top Field. Jake made 8 appearances and scored 2 goals in this period with his last game against Redditch United on the 26th April 2025.
Lewis ‘Grizzly’ Ferrell played for the Canaries between 7th August and 19th October 2019 making 63 appearances and scoring 4 goals. He made his debut against Bishops Stortford in the Herts Charity Cup quarter final win, and his last appearance was away to Leiston.
Lewis was instrumental with his partnership in central defence with Dan Webb in helping Hitchin reach the 1st Round Proper of the FA Cup for the 1st time in 23 years.
Congratulations also to Jay Da Silva the brother of former Hitchin player Rio who clinched promotion to the Premier League with Coventry City last week.
We would like to wish former Canary Stuart Maynard the best of luck tomorrow as he takes his York City team to Rochdale in the final League match of the season and one that will decide the winners of the National League Championship and automatic promotion to the Football League.
Hitchin Town Women FC Update
Results
Wootton Blue 0 – 7 Hitchin Town Women FC
Hitchin Town Women FC 1 – 1 Cranfield United
Evergeen Ladies H – W Hitchin Town Women FC
Fixtures This Week
Hitchin Town Women FC v Hitchin Belles Whites CUP FINAL
Sunday 3rd May – 10:30
Callum Ellis
Best of Luck Callum!
Huge good luck to Club Welfare Officer Callum Ellis who will be completing the London Marathon this Sunday in aid of Garden House Hospice. Best of luck Callum.
Garden House Hospice Cup
Last Sunday we hosted the GHH Cup charity football match and it was a truly inspiring day as the community came together and raised a staggering sum for Garden House Hospice. It was much more than just a football match as so many other attractions were in place including a rock choir, a live group, an opera singer performing Nessan Dorma, face painting, a magician, walking football, a penalty shoot-out and much more. The sun shone and it was a great atmosphere.
No praise can be too high for the herculean efforts of Roger Levett who was the inspiration behind the event which started last year as a tribute to his father who received great care from the hospice and Roger wanted to raise money to help fund their great work.
Having been closely involved with Roger for both years I am amazed at the incredible amount of work he has put in and he really is an inspiration. Hitchin Town FC are proud to be involved with the GHH Cup and it is now established as an annual evet. I am sharing the email Roger sent out to sponsors and donors
Dear Sponsors/Donors,
A huge heartfelt thank you from me and the Garden Hospice team for your generous support of the GHH Cup26.
At the point of sending this mail, we know we have raised over £27,215 across all fundraising activities — completely eclipsing last year’s total and far exceeding my aspirations!
Almost £10,000 of this came directly from you as sponsors, alongside the many hours, products and services donated, all of which I’m deeply grateful for and genuinely humbled by.
What began last year as a memorial to my father and a simple thank you to the Hospice evolved into a wonderful community event, bringing generations together in the sunshine to support a critically important charity facing ongoing funding challenges.
I’m delighted to share that the impact continues beyond the weekend. Many first-time Walking Football participants have since signed up and even begun forming teams, while local schools have invited me into assemblies to raise awareness of hospice care and celebrate their involvement. Personal highlights other than the pride seeing my daughter dressed as the ‘Harry the Hospice Bear’ attempting to save penalties from toddlers included seeing some of our Sponsors on the pitch at half time enjoying the occasion whilst having their photos taken with Jack Wilshere and Richard Dearden – GHH Chairman.
I’ve shared some photos below, and you’ll see plenty of activity across social media, and I’d love you to join in by tagging and sharing to help align your businesses with this successful event.
Our Instagram page will be updated, search for GHH Cup26 and a feature in The Comet is expected next week.
Additionally, for those Gold Sponsors, your pitch-side banners will remain at the ground for the last matches of this season, which includes promotion play-off matches on 29th April (semi-final) and 4th May (final-if HTFC make it) with an expected crowd of 3,000+. Incidentally, the HTFC commercial team are happy to explore any conversations about supporting the club directly with a banner or otherwise.
I’ve attached a short feedback form and would really appreciate two minutes of your time, as your insights will help shape next year’s event if this is something the community would like us to continue.
For those interested in sponsoring GHH Cup27 (please do!), enhanced packages will be available for returning sponsors, as well as those referring new sponsors from their networks.
Garden House Hospice Sponsors & Donors Feedback Form & GHH Cup 27 – Fill in form
Thank you once again for your incredible support. I’ve been inspired by the strength and kindness of our community — my father would have been proud. Your generosity helps ensure other local families can receive the same peace, dignity and care that we were fortunate to experience.
Roger Levett
Men’s Mental Health Pool Competition
I received the following message from Katie Wilson—
Hi Roy, Hope you’re well. I’m getting in touch about the Men’s Mental Health Pool Competition you kindly advertised in the bulletin before.
Thank you again for including it — it really helped get the word out. We’ve now confirmed the full list of raffle prizes, and it’s shaping up to be a great night. Here’s what we have so far: – £20 Orange Tree Hitchin voucher – Free recording session at Tune Skool – Mr Mulligans family pass for four (crazy golf) – Cat Meow voucher – £10 Treat Yourself voucher – LEAF massage or reflexology session – LEAF one free online therapy session –
Love2Shop goodies – Stevenage Football Club community voucher – £50 Hamilton Billiards voucher – One‑month pass at Stevenage Boxing Club – £50 Tilehouse Rotary Club donation – Hitchin Football Club item to collect – Shepreth Wildlife Park tickets – Discover London experience including river cruise – Edge Outside zip‑wire voucher (Ware) – £15 Pots of Art voucher – Tring Brewery tour for two – Four Go Kart Laser vouchers – Two scuba diving lessons.
If you’re able to include the event in the bulletin again this week with these updated details, it would be hugely appreciated. It’s all in support of Hertfordshire Mind, and the response so far has been really positive. Thanks very much for your help.
