WEEKLY BULLETIN: 28TH NOVEMBER
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 29 November vs Leighton Town (H) – Southern League
We welcome league leaders Leighton Town to Top Field for a huge game hopefully in front of a big crowd.
Leighton have yet to be beaten this season and sit top of the table with 47 points from their 19 games played. Hitchin Town sit in 4th on 33 points from our 17 matches. Hitchin have enjoyed a run of 11 league games unbeaten and are looking to continue this on Saturday.
In the reverse fixture at Leighton in October it was a very closely contested 0-0 result.
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 02 December vs Berkhamsted (H) – Herts Charity Cup
On Tuesday 2nd December we host Berkhamsted in the Herts Charity Cup Quarter Final with a 7.45pm kick-off.
There are reduced admission prices for this game as follows—Adults £10, concessions £6, teenagers £3, under 13’s £1 and over 80’s free,
At the match day office the prices are adults £12, concessions £8, teenagers £4 and under 13’s £2.
Fixture News
We have been informed by Aylesbury United that following the abandoned game on Saturday the replayed game will have free admission for all supporters. This fixture has been provisionally agreed to be replayed on Wednesday 14th January (subject to approval from the league)
Manager’s Notes
Abandoned match at Aylesbury Last Saturday
Saturday was a waste of everyone’s time but I think it goes to show what a great club we have and what amazing volunteers we have.
We travelled to Chesham FC to play Aylesbury United and despite the weather the game went ahead. We started off at an extremely fast pace and within the opening 3 minutes we had two shots which were headed off the line and a goal from Lewis Franklin after some good build up play. We continued to create chances and the game was played in the Aylesbury half and it was not long before Josh Jackman added a second. We were in total control at this stage and it was starting to look like a dominant performance. Aylesbury United did create one chance on a breakaway but Tyler McGregor was able to make the save.
The referee then deemed the pitch unplayable and despite running an inconclusive pitch test for 5 minutes he decided the game needed to be abandoned. I am disappointed with the official as there was no attempt to continue the game or get to half time to re-assess or try to get the one or two areas of concern worked on.
This game goes to show the importance of having our own pitch and our great volunteers/grounds team. I know if this was a home game in the same conditions as Chesham’s pitch that Steve and his team would have been on the pitch as soon as the referee had any doubts to make sure the game could be completed.
Thank you to everyone who made the journey and it’s just a shame it was a complete and utter waste of time for everyone.
Midweek trip to Biggleswade Town
Tuesday we travelled to Biggleswade Town who are one of two teams to beat us in the league this season. We knew the difficult evening we had in store but were looking forward to the challenge. It took us a few minutes to get into the game and adjust to the way Biggleswade were playing and set up but it was not long before we were able to force them back and control the game. We were very patient with our build up play and kept probing looking for areas to exploit and as the half went on the patient build up play paid off as we started to create some good chances. Midway through the half we took the lead through Taylor Rhiney after a good header from Ciaren Jones, it was not long before some good play resulted in a penalty and Taylor Rhiney was able to get his second. At this point we were in control and we were able to contain Biggleswade. We then had another goal but this was chalked off for a dubious foul on the keeper, which even he didn’t appeal for. This would have made it 3-0 and been nothing short of what we deserved.
Half Time we praised the players for their hard work so far, reminded them that Biggleswade would have to change something, come at us with everything as they had nothing to lose and we also explained to them that we had only completed 45 minutes and we needed to make sure this did not become a game of two halves. I did not want the team to sit back and try and protect what we had as I knew this would not be sustainable against this type of opponent.
Unfortunately the second half became the Alamo and despite us expecting to weather an initial storm, this storm lasted 30 minutes and in the time we were penned in our own half we barely ventured into the Biggleswade half. Credit to Biggleswade they made a sub, tweaked their shape and threw everything they had at us and for 15 minutes we stood up to the onslaught of set plays and crosses but because we could not sustain any attacks of our own this pressure became relentless and Biggleswade scored a great back post header. This rocked the players and inspired Biggleswade to push even harder. It was a difficult watch in the second half and we looked a completely different team. Biggleswade then scored again after a silly foul allowed them a free kick and a lost marker allowed a free header to make the game 2-2. Now Biggleswade looked on course to win the game.
This goal then changed our mindset and we started to create and sustain some attacks of our own and a few minutes later Lewis Franklin gave us the lead but this was in my opinion wrongly ruled out for offside in line with the current laws of the game. We then had a few opportunities but were unable to get on the end of the crosses and Tyler McGregor in goal had to tip one over the bar to keep the point.
A draw was a fair result on the evening’s display and this game epitomised the saying game of two halves.
We now need to reflect on the game and make sure we improve going forward. In hindsight I was too slow to react to the situation unfolding and should have made a change or two before Biggleswade scored their first and definitely before they scored their second to try and give us some impetus going forward while also helping us out defensively. We need to make sure in future that we are able to get up the pitch and sustain attacks so we give opponents something to worry about, while also getting a rest from defending as well as limiting the amount of time we have to defend.
Thank you again for your incredible support, you kept going for the group until the end and I can only apologise that we were not able to hold on to the lead and give you the win.
Weekend’s Game Against Leighton Town
Saturday we host unbeaten table toppers Leighton Town FC. We know what to expect from Leighton, they are very hard working, physical and a threat from all aspects of the game as they can be very attacking, counter attacking and a threat from set plays. They have a few individuals in their squad that can be match winners. They arrive on Saturday with plenty of confidence, belief and momentum and as result have shown they boast an impressive goal scoring record while having a very good defence.
We know that on our day we are capable of causing Leighton plenty of problems and have the quality within our group to be the first team to beat them in the league. When we met previously we were able to withstand everything they threw at us and create some very good chances ourselves. We are the only team in the league so far this season to stop Leighton scoring and if we can do this again on Saturday it would give us an excellent chance of winning the game.
Leighton are well supported so I expect them to bring a good away following. I know we are even better supported and I hope everyone turns up and creates a great atmosphere to help inspire us for the battle!
Next Tuesday’s Herts Charity Cup Quarter Final against Berkhamsted
Tuesday we host Berkhamsted in the Herts Charity Cup. Berkhamsted have had a good start to life at Step 3 and have put together some impressive performances and results. It will also be great to welcome back Charlie Horlock who is the number 1 keeper and also a very good friend of mine (Well not that good of a friend that he wanted to sign back for us!) It will be great to see him and hopefully he experiences picking the ball out the back of the Top Field net again.
This game gives us a chance to rotate the squad from the weekend’s expected tough battle against Leighton and it will be good to see some players who have been lacking minutes in previous games.
We will be giving everything to make sure we can progress into the semi final.
Player News
- Josh Bowler has increased his level of training as he continues to work towards his recovery schedule.
- George Morrall has had a scan on his injury and will be out for a couple of months.
- Blue Joy continues trial period with a professional club.
- Fernando Bell – Toxtle is away on holiday and will miss the next two games.
Academy Update
In our last 4 games this month we have won 2 and lost 2 but have played very well in all games. Daniel Mwale is our top scorer for the month with 3 goals in the 4 games.
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/
Ticketing Update
Half-Season Tickets
In our quest to continue to recognise the loyalty of our own marvellous fans, we are again introducing Half Season tickets again this season.
Half Season tickets are now on sale online, and will give entry to our last nine League games of the season, starting with the game against Stotfold on Saturday 3rd January 2026. They give a massive discount off of normal online and match day admission prices – in fact, buying one of these then matches the cheapest entry prices of any team of the division we are currently in!
* Child Under-13 Season Tickets can only be bought in conjunction with an Adult or Concession Season Ticket. They cannot be bought in isolation. If you are a current Adult or Concession Season Ticket Holder and wish to buy a Half Season Ticket for an accompanying Child, please email tickets@hitchintownfc.club for assistance.
These will make a great Christmas present. They can be ordered either as a Plastic Card (allow 7-14 days for delivery), or as an Apple Pass Book or Google Wallet (for Android phones) – delivery of this is instant to a phone and then can be forwarded on.
PLEASE REMEMBER (ESSENTIAL): If you are buying the ticket for someone else,
You MUST use the “Edit Details” box to enter the name, date of birth and phone number (if different) of the person who will be the Cardholder (attendee). This ensures that the correct name will be on the season ticket before production. Season tickets not in the name of the attendee will not be valid.
Flexi Tickets
Also remember that if you cannot attend games on a regular basis but will attend a few games, or if you have friends wanting to accompany you to a game, the Flexi Ticket also gives a significant reduction off normal entry prices.
Available for Adults (£58), or Concessions (£40) – these give a five-ticket package for entry to League games this season. You can either use them all yourself or bring four friends to a game – the choice is yours. Please be aware though, there are no refunds on unused portions of the package at the end of the season, nor will they be transferable over to next season.
Leighton Town Tickets – Saturday 29 November
Saturday week we host the current runaway and undefeated League leaders Leighton Town. We are expecting a larger than usual crowd on this day, and so we would ask all attending to do their very best to buy their entry tickets in advance, to ensure a quick and smooth entry into the ground. This will be much appreciated.
Merchandise Update
Online Orders
This weekend is the deadline for Christmas orders for any online only fanwear items. Anything that is online only needs to be ordered so it can be manufactured and supplied to us. After this weekend you can continue to purchase items online that are also stocked in the Club Shop as these will then be dispatched from our stock there (subject to availability).
Just a reminder that the Christmas deadline for replica goalkeeper shirt orders has now passed.
View the full range here: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/merchandise
Top Field Club Shop
We have more new ranges available from tomorrow with organic cotton black and white polo shirts and our new premium green hoodies now in stock.
We have also had a restock of replica shirts and fanwear and should now have availability of most sizes but I expect some could quickly sell out again.
Message from Our Chaplain
The Church calendar begins again on Advent Sunday (this year, Sunday 30th November) and runs until the eve of Advent next year. Christians see Advent as a time of waiting, as we wait in anticiaption of the Christ child being born. That anticipation grows throughout the season of Advent and culminates at Christmas as we celebrate the arrival of all that we have been waiting and hoping for. This set me thinking about some of the similarities we share between football and faith. We experience great anticipation as we attend a match – anticipation that is not always well placed, but that endures even through the greatest periods of adversity. We anticipate that our team will score, thus leading us to much longed for victory, and untiil the final whistle is blown, that anticipation lives on in each of us. Sometimes the anticipation of the final whistle is most welcome if things are not going our way.
As we travel through Advent this year, can I encourage you to do one thing for someone else. Maybe a text or a call to someone you’ve not heard from in a while – it doesn’t have to be a huge gesture, it’s often the smallest of things that make the biggest difference in people’s lives. There is much going on at St Mark’s this year, including a Pantomime, a Blue Christmas service – aimed at those who are not finding the joy of Christmas very easy for whatever reason, Pints & Carols in the Angel and much more. We’d love to see you at any or all of these events – St Mark’s is renowned for the welcome it offers, so do come along. May I be the first to wish you (very early!) a peaceful Christmas for you and those you love, and may you find all you hope for in the child born at Christmas.
Maxine Howarth
County Cup Updates
Herts Senior Cup
Watford beat Potters Bar 4-2 on Monday so the quarter final draw is now complete. Ties are due to be played by 6th January 2026 but this is not set in stone.
- Bishops Stortford v Hadley
- Hemel Hempstead v London Lions
- St Albans v Berkhamsted
- Hitchin v Watford
- Semi final draw
- Bishops Stortford/Hadley v St Albans/Berkhamsted
- Hemel Hempstead/London Lions v Hitchin/Berkhamsted
Herts Charity Cup
Two quarter finals have already been played with two still to take place.
- Leverstock Green 2-5 Royston
- Hadley 1-0 Cheshunt
- Hemel Hempstead v London Lions
- Hitchin v Berkhamsted
Semi-final draw
- Royston v Hadley
- Hemel Hempstead/London Lions v Hitchin/Berkhamsted
Hitchin Old Boys
We look forward to welcoming 2 ex-Canaries to Top Field tomorrow who are playing for our opponents, high flying, Leighton Town.
The Reds Captain is centre back Lewis ‘Grizzly’ Thorpe who featured alongside Dan Webb in our famous FA Cup run to the televised 1st Round Proper match against Solihull in 2018.
He made 63 appearances in total and scored 4 goals from his debut at home against Bishops Stortford in the Herts Charity Cup on the 7th August 2018 winning 1-0 to his final match away at Leiston in a 3-1 League defeat on 19th October 2019.
Grizzly is joined by fellow ex-canary Rio Dasilva a skilful attacking player that made his debut in the home league match against Needham Market which ended in a 0-0 draw on the 11thJanuary 2020.
Rio made 80 appearances and scored 4 goals in his Hitchin career, with his last match being on the 14th February 2023 in the 2-1 away league win against Mickleover Sports.
Rio is the brother of Coventry City and Wales player Jay Dasilva who has helped the Welsh team qualify for the World Cup Play Off’s. His dad Trevor also has a Hitchin connection having played for the Reserves in the early 1980’s.
Mark Burke
Community Update
Coaching Course at The Arena
Junior Ability Counts
The Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock will run for 2 more weeks from Monday 1st December until 8th December 2025. The sessions start from 5pm until 6pm and are open to 5 – 16 year olds with physical and or SEN but be able to walk.
Safe Hands Goalkeeping Course
The very popular Safe Hands Goalkeeping sessions at the Arena, Baldock will run for 2 weeks from Wednesday 3rd December until 10th December 2025 from 5.30-6.30pm with former Hitchin Town 1st Team goalkeeper Josh Mollison.
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
Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse
Alan Doggett from The Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse will be attending the match tomorrow to be presented with a cheque from the club. We have donated an additional £408 to top up the donations collected at our recent home match against Welwyn Garden City and bring the total to £500. This is towards the Better Beginning for Babies campaign.
Garden House Hospice
We will also be having the pleasure of presenting £150 to Kuljit Kaur from Letchworth Garden House Hospice next week from contributions received at our Cheese & Cider Festival earlier this year.
Mark Burke
HTWFC Update
Latest Results & Fixtures
Results
Hitchin Town Women FC 4 – 0 Baldock Town Development
Bedwell Rangers Ladies 5 – 2 HTWFC Canaries
Fixtures
Sunday 30th November 2025 – 13:30
Hitchin Town Women FC v Letchworth Garden City Eagles
St Christophers School, Letchworth SG6 3JZ
Callum Ellis