WEEKLY BULLETIN: 3RD OCTOBER
Club Statement
After the very unsavoury incidents at last weekend’s match against AFC Dunstable, Hitchin Town FC wishes to state that it takes such matters with the utmost seriousness and has undertaken an immediate internal review.
We would like to reinforce our Code of Conduct to all supporters when attending matches and encourage you to visit our policies on our website https://hitchintownfc.club/our-policies/#codeofconduct
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 4 October vs Marlow (A) – Southern League
We visit Marlow on Saturday 4 October, with kick-off at 3pm.
The game will be played at the Alfred Davies Memorial Ground in Marlow, SL7 3ED.
There is no coach to this game, unfortunately.
Tuesday 7 October vs Baldock Town (H) – Herts Senior Cup
We host neighbours Baldock Town at Top Field on Tuesday 7 October, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
As this is a cup game, this match is NOT COVERED by season tickets, so any season ticket holders will have to purchase an individual match ticket for the game.
There are reduced admission prices for this game as follows: Adults £10, concessions £6, teenagers £3, accompanied under 13’s £1, over 80’s free.
Tickets can be purchased on the night at the ticket window as follows—Adults £12, Concessions £8, teenagers £4, unaccompanied under 13’s £2.
Manager’s Notes
Win over AFC Dunstable
Last Saturday we hosted AFC Dunstable, looking to shake off the disappointment of our FA Trophy exit.
The game started at a fast pace with both teams trying to gain the upper hand by having control of the ball and the game. I felt we pressed well in the early encounters and this allowed us to turnover the ball high up the pitch and create some good chances to take the lead. Kye Tearle put one just over the bar, Callum Nicolson dragged wide from inside the box and Liam Brooks had his effort saved.
We then took the lead after some good play allowed Kye Tearle to go through on goal to calmly finish into the bottom corner. We then should have extended our lead when Mbunya Alemanji went through one on one but he lacked the composure and put his effort straight at the keeper.
We started the second half playing the game in the AFC half but were lacking any end product. We were aggressive with our press and at times AFC were able to break through but they also lacked the quality in the final third to punish us. We managed to see out the game with a 1-0 win.
It was great to come away with the three points as well as a clean sheet.
Midweek Home Loss to Hertford Town
Tuesday we were looking to make it two wins in a row and four unbeaten in the league when we hosted Hertford Town.
We wanted to be aggressive with our press again and wanted the game to be played at a fast tempo. We went behind early on after losing possession of the ball high up the pitch and pressure from certain players not being at the required level allowed Hertford to spring a counter and take the lead.
We continued to press and try and force the issue but Hertford were always a danger on the counter, forcing Alfie into some routine saves. We were lacking the quality of our final pass or decision making when we did get high up the pitch and this meant that areas where we should have been working the keeper we were unable to.
We came out in the second half looking to push on for a comeback win. We went with an aggressive press again as we needed to come out and take risks looking to get back into the game. This would leave us vulnerable to the counter attack but we were hoping we would cause more problems in attack. This meant the game was like a basketball match at times with Hertford looking most threatening when we made sloppy passes in the final third to lose possession.
The subs came on and provided some extra energy and with our first shot on target we scored to equalise. The crowd were trying to push us on for a winner, which we should have had when Mbunya Alemanji had his effort saved.
The draw was looking the most likely and fair result but Hertford produced a moment of quality in the final moments of normal time to snatch the win. In added time we were all over the place and it summed up our evening when Hertford countered on our final corner to win a penalty to extend the lead.
A very disappointing evening and one we need to make sure we bounce back from. We knew this season was going to be tougher than expected as we tried to rebuild the team and shake off the losing mindset from the past few seasons.
We need to remember that although Tuesday was disappointing and deflating, we do have a group of players who want to play for the club and have shown already this season that they can produce what’s needed.
We need to reflect and refocus on our short term objectives to make sure we hit our long term objectives.
Thanks again for the support, I know it may feel like it’s underappreciated at the moment (It always does when we don’t win) but having over 400 on a Tuesday evening and nearly 600 on Saturday is incredible support. We will continue to work hard to make sure we can get things right on the pitch and show everyone just how good this group of players can be.
Trip to Marlow
On Saturday we travel to Marlow in what will be another tough fixture. Marlow have had a slower start to the season but what this league has shown so far this season is that everyone is capable of beating everyone with no one running away with the league and no one being cut adrift at the bottom.
I know this is one of our further games of the season but I am hoping we can get a good travelling support to get behind everyone again as we look to get back to winning ways.
Cup Game vs Baldock
Tuesday we host Baldock in the Herts Senior Cup. Baldock have had a good start at Step 5 in their rebuild and they will be looking to give everything possible to cause a cup upset on Tuesday. This game gives us an opportunity to rotate the team but also allow us a chance to progress in a cup.
Player News
- Lewis Barker is currently taking a break from football due to increased work commitments/personal issues.
- Fernando Bell-Toxtle will be reintroduced into our squad after completing numerous games as Newport Pagnell.
- Tyrese Kamara remains out injured.
- Will McNeill is on a dual registration with Biggleswade United.
- Stephen Gleeson is still recovering from an injury but will be back for the Baldock game.
- Toby Syme picked up a knock in the warm up of Saturday’s game and will continue to be assessed for future games with the aim of being fit enough for the Baldock game.
- Plamedi Bomolo has been on dual registration with Kempston Rovers as he looks to continue his development.
- Lewis Franklin will miss at least the next two games due to an injury picked up at the end of Tuesday night’s game.
- Billy Heaps has left the club this week to join Hertford Town. Hertford made an approach for Billy before Tuesday’s game and we allowed him to speak to them as he expressed an interest to leave. We thank Billy for all his commitment and effort during his time at the club and wish him all the best for the future.
Academy Update
Blue Joy has played two full games for the first team in their last two fixtures. Blue has had two solid performances in these games.
Will McNeill has continued to impress at Biggleswade United, helping them to a positive start to the season.
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
Ticketing Update
Buying Online:
As a Club we will continue to emphasise how much it helps the Club for spectators to buy online if they can. All money goes straight in the bank, there is no vulnerability for any of our volunteers who operate the ticket window and the turnstiles, there’s no wads of cash to pay in at non-existent banks, and it’s safer because it helps get everyone into the ground a lot quicker and there are very few if any queues at the turnstiles. Not least, it’s cheaper and will continue to be so.
A high percentage of supporters are now buying their tickets online which is helpful to all of the match day volunteers who are entrusted with seeing supporters are ensured a quick and safe entry into the ground.
Link to match tickets for future games is: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets
Arriving after 3:15/8:00
Just a polite reminder that if you arrive at games without a ticket after the Match Day Ticket Office is closed at 3:15 (8:00 for night games), you will need to buy a ticket online from your phone. The ticket office will not re-open to sell tickets for latecomers.
So if you intend to come to a game but think you are going to arrive later than 15 minutes after kick off, it is worth buying your ticket online in advance so that you can enter straight away via the turnstiles.
Flexi Tickets
Flexi tickets are now back on sale on our ticket website. You can buy a bundle of five tickets at a reduced price (Adults and Concessions only – £58 Adults, £40 Concessions). These can either be used for five individual matches, or you can up to all five at the same time if you are bringing family and/or friends to a game.
These tickets are valid for all League games but not cup games.
If you require any further information about these tickets, please email tickets@hitchintownfc.club
Chris Newbold
Message from Our Club Chaplain
It was a privilege to be able to join you for a moments prayer and reflection recently as we remembered lives lost at the club. A number of people have said how much they welcomed the opportunity to stop and remember, and I am really sorry that I couldn’t stay for the match and chat to some of you at half time. I’m afraid I’d popped out of my 25th wedding anniversary party to come and be with you and had a hall full of guests awaiting my return. I am aware too that I’ve not made it along to many games yet but I hope to rectify this soon.
I’ve been busy at St Mark’s as we have lost seven members of our church community this year – a terrible amount of loss for any community to bear, and it serves as a reminder to live life while you can. We’ve also got a financial deficit and so some of my energy has been put into trying to reduce the deficit amount. We’re having a church open day and craft fayre on Saturday 18th October to try and raise some funds but also to invite people to come and have a look inside the church. It’s a beautiful space, whatever your belief and it would be wonderful to see some of you there.
As the seasons change and the world becomes ever more beautiful, we are reminded that in our loss, in our inability to make sense of what can sometimes feel like a frightening world, we still have memories of those we love, strong bonds of friendship with those who surround us and hope in the one who created us. Hope to see you at our open day or at Top Field soon.
For more information please visit our website: https://www.stmarks-hitchin.org.uk
Maxine Howarth
Community Update
Coaching Courses at the Arena
Junior Ability Counts
Our Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock on Monday’s have three more weeks to run from Monday 6 October 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 also started Our Safe Hands Goalkeeping sessions at the Arena, Baldock also have three weeks to run from Wednesday 8 October from 5.30-6.30pm with former Hitchin Town First Team goalkeeper Josh Mollison. The sessions are open to 6-14 year olds
Girls Football at The Priory School
We have returned to delivering football coaching sessions for girls at The Priory School with Josh Mollison leading the coaching.
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
London Marathon
Many of you will have seen in the local news this week that one of our charity partners, Garden House Hospice Care, are suffering from a major shortfall in funding this year.
Our Club Safeguarding Lead Callum Ellis is running the London Marathon next April in aid of Garden House Hospice and he is on the lookout for sponsors. If you could support him in any way please head over to:
www.justgiving.com/page/callum-ellis2025
HTWFC Update
Results 28/09/2025
HTWFC Canaries 0 – 1 Wheathampstead Wanderers
Fixtures 05/10/2025, 14:00
Hitchin Town Women FC v Evergreen Eagles Women
St Chris, SG6 3JZ
Welwyn United Women v HTWFC Canaries
King George’s Park, Welwyn Garden City
Callum Ellis