WEEKLY BULLETIN – 25TH NOVEMBER

FIXTURES

• Saturday 26th November Home to Mickleover FC League kick-off 3.00pm. Tickets must be purchased online.
• Monday 28th November Home to Redditch League kick-off 7.45pm. Tickets must be purchased online.

The game at Basford on Saturday 3rd December will have a 12.30pm kick-off regardless of where England finish in their qualifying group as Basford will not change it to 3.00pm whatever the circumstances. The coach will leave at 8.45am.

The home game with Kings Langley on Boxing Day will kick- off at 1.00pm.

MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE

ROYSTON TOWN AND AFC RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS

We had mixed fortunes last weekend as we lost away to Royston on the Saturday and then regrouped on Monday to win at home against Rushden & Diamonds.

We were playing with the ‘bare bones’ of a squad, especially in the central defensive area that has seen us lose Jack Morrell to long term injury, Toby Syme to short term injury, Lewis Barker to suspension and Ciaren Jones returning to Bracknell after his loan spell. These losses, added to Finley Wilkinson’s fractured foot have seen us much depleted.

However, the boys selected for the Royston match started very brightly and we took an early lead. We then should have doubled our lead but missed a golden opportunity to extend our advantage. Royston grew in confidence and started to push us back in the final 15 minutes of the half and we conceded an equaliser just before half time. Supporters sometimes think we deliberately sit back but this was not the case on Saturday as Royston hit a purple patch. Their manager said it was the best football they had played all season and we must appreciate that when we are sometimes put under pressure it can be due to the quality of the opposition rather than our own shortcomings.

The killer blow came in the space of a minute just after half time as we were punished for some sloppy defending and let a further 2 goals in. Just as we were composing ourselves after the major set-back we conceded a fourth goal just after the hour mark. The players showed character by not crumbling and, got back on top with Diogo scoring one of his magical goals. Unfortunately, the damage had been done and we ended losing 4-2.

On Monday, I kept faith in the team that started against Royston, with the exception of Mal Black who came in to play as a central defender which meant the average age of our defence was 19 years.

Again, we started brightly but we did not ‘pull the trigger’ when we were in good goalscoring positions and Rushden grew into the game and took the lead. We responded well and equalised shortly after to go into the break level.

The second half was not the prettiest but an open affair with both teams attacking at will. Fortunately for us we were able to make the decisive strike and won with a well delivered cross causing problems and a goal that gave us a vital three points.

MICKLEOVER AND REDDITCH

On Saturday we welcome Mickleover FC to Top Field for our first ever league meeting between the clubs. However we have played against each other once before in December 2020 when we won 3-0 courtesy of a Luke Brown hat-trick in the FA Trophy. That score line somewhat flattered us as Mickelover played some excellent football and were a very good side, which they have continued to prove to be this season as they sit in a play-off position at the time of writing.

Therefore, I know it is going to be a very difficult match, but I hope it is an entertaining contest for with as much excitement as our recent home matches.

Turning to Monday evening we host Redditch for the second time this season. We lost 3-0 at home to Redditch earlier in the season in the FA Trophy and therefore we will be looking for revenge for that defeat. Like Mickelover our visitors from Saturday, Redditch also sit in a play-off position in the League at the time of writing. Having played them once already we know it is going to be a difficult test for us but we will be going all out to continue our good run of form.

MARK BURKE

PLAYER NEWS

• Diogo Freitas-Gouveia has signed a contract which is great news for the club.
• Lewis Barker returns to the squad on Saturday after his suspension.
• Kye Tearle will miss the Mickleover game. He had to go to hospital after Monday’s game with breathing difficulties.
• Finley Wilkinson and Jack Morrell will not be available for some time.
• Toby Syme has started light training.

WHOSE GOAL?
The winning goal on Monday has now been officially credited to Stan Georgiou. It is Stan’s first goal for Hitchin and hopefully the first of many!

HERTS SENIOR CUP
The second round of the Herts Senior Cup has now been completed and the quarter final draw is as follows—

• Berkhamsted v Enfield
• Cheshunt v Hemel Hempstead
• Hitchin v Stevenage
• London Lions v Watford

INJURIES GALORE
As Mark mentioned in his manager’s notes we were down to the bare bones for the last couple of games. But we have been blighted by injuries throughout the season and I do not think Mark has had a full squad to choose from all season. We lost the services of George Devine before the league season started and Josh Coldicott-Stevens also missed the start. Then Jack Morrell suffered a knee injury that has seen him miss all except the first four games. Since then Jack Green, Kye Tearle, Steve Cawley, Lewis Barker, Rio Dasilva, Aaron Pike, Steve Gleeson, Finley Wilkinson and Toby Syme have missed varying numbers of games.

With a young squad we have been fielding more teenagers than we would have liked but at least they have gained more experience. As to why there have been so many injuries Mark did not have a single answer thinking it is a combination of factors including very dry weather meaning firm pitches and the early start to the season. He told me other managers have also bemoaned their injury problems.

We are lucky to have Sam Backhouse and her physio team to help the players recover from the injury blows we have suffered.

CHARLIE HORLOCK HELPS FAMILY OF MICKLEOVER GOALKEEPER
Mickleover goalkeeper Fin Bowen sadly passed away on 8th November. He was just eighteen years old and had joined Mickleover when he was fifteen. He made his way through the junior teams and became the reserve team goalkeeper. He made his first team debut at Leiston earlier this year.

The club were devastated by the loss of Fin who will be sadly missed by everybody. They are contacting all 20 Premier League clubs to ask for goalkeeper shirts together with other clubs who may wish to donate. The shirts will be auctioned and the proceeds given to Fin’s family for them to choose what to do with it.

Hitchin’s goalkeeper Charlie Horlock became aware of this and immediately agreed to donate a Hitchin goalkeeper’s shirt but decided to go one step further with his tribute. He is also donating a signed and framed Joe Hart shirt that had been presented to him. Charlie said he would rather it help Fin’s family than just hang on a wall at home. He said he cannot imagine what Fin’s family are going through and no words can really help. Charlie suffered his own tragedy earlier this year when his mother died.

Charlie told me that Fin’s death shows there are more important things than football and it really puts things into perspective. He wants to show his support and the shirt donations will hopefully help raise more money for the family. The ’’goalkeepers union’’ is a very tight nit community as goalkeepers share a special bond.

Charlie will present his donated shirts to the Mickleover goalkeeper before kick-off on Saturday.

MERCHANDISE UPDATE BY PAUL SPRAGUE
Christmas is now fast approaching. We have a good stock of most items available from the Top Field Club Shop and our online store. However some items are now becoming limited and we can’t guarantee any further stock before Christmas.

Please call in and look at what’s available during this weekend’s games. Items include scarves, mugs and replica shirts – we have plenty of options available that would make perfect Christmas presents.

HALF SEASON TICTETS NOW ON SALE BY CHRIS NEWBOLD
We now have our half season tickets on sale on the ticket website. The tickets will cover our last eight home League games, starting with our game against Bromsgrove Sporting on Saturday 7th January.

Prices for these are: Adults £75.00, Concessions (60-79) £45.00, Teenagers £11.50, Child Under 13 accompanying an adult £6.00, Seniors Over 80 Free.

Link to the sales site is: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/package/hit2223hlfst/half-season-ticket-202223

This is a significant discount on normal entry prices and would make a great Christmas present.

Why not buy yours now and avoid the Christmas rush?

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
On Friday 16th December we have our next team bonding event where we will be taking part in Go Karting and Laser Tag. This will be another good day out following on from our recent trip to Paintballing where the staff won the day against the players. The staff will be hoping for the same result on the 16th.

On Friday 23rd December we have another open training session at The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5AU between 1pm – 3pm. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to find out more on what we offer and get to experience a small taste of what to expect from the Academy.

If you are interested in being part of the academy then please register your details here for further information. https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk/next-trial-dates

HTWFC UPDATE BY KARLA CHAFFEY
There was one game this weekend and this is what manager Jamie had to say,

HTWFC Canaries vs Bedwell Women FC, 20/11/2022

The Canaries returned to Ickleford after a string of away games.

The game started slowly with both teams struggling to find their feet. The Canaries came close with Chaffey shooting from distance but the keeper got finger tips to it. Another great chance again as H. Edwards delivered in a peach off a corner to find Mercer at the back post who unfortunately just headed it over the bar. C. Edwards, Amies and Colyer combined well down the right creating chance after chance but unfortunately we could not hit the back of the net. Bedwell really started to put the pressure on with all their play going down the right but Taylor stood her ground and kept the winger out. From 25 yards out H. Edwards smashed a shot goalwards but it hit the crossbar and bounced over . Poolman pulled off a fantastic save after a rocket of a shot from the Bedwell player.

GOAL and it’s Hitchin that found the back of the net first with Allen going around the keeper to comfortably slot it home to make it 1.0. At half time we made some defensive changes with Fursland coming on for Taylor who put a shift in. The second half started with pace and both teams hungry for success.

GOAL after another great delivery from H. Edwards, it finds Allen’s head to make it 2.0. Bedwell unfortunately lost a player due to a nasty injury and we wish her a very speedy recovery. Bedwell soon fought back with some errors at the back giving Bedwell the chance to score. The heavens opened and conditions got tough but the Canaries battled on.

GOAL some great build up play from the Canaries who get the ball to C. Edwards who smashes it into the back of the net. On comes Cracknell and Revelles who made an instant impact making some great passes and creating chances. GOAL and after some lovely football between the teamthe ball falls to Cracknell’s right boot who smashed it home to make it 4-1. A very great and competitive game of football. Another three points for the Canaries which sends them top of the table.

Managers player C. Edwards

Players player Coyler

We go again Sunday 27th November 2022, 14:00.

Firsts v St Margaretsbury Ladies
Ickleford Sports & Recreation Ground

Keep up to date with all the live scores & fixtures, Twitter @HitchinTownWFC or on Facebook, Hitchin Town Womens FC

We are currently recruiting new sponsors to help us cement our future. We are looking for sponsors to help us develop a women’s club to be the best in Hertfordshire. Please get in touch for further information.

QUIZ NIGHT AT CANARY CLUB –ALL PROFITS TO OUR THREE CHOSEN CHARITIES

WORLD CUP AT CANARY CLUB

A huge weekend of football at Top Field. Starting Friday evening with England v USA on the big screen in the Canary Club. Reserve your tables now!

BY ROY IZZARD