WEEKLY BULLETIN: 31ST OCTOBER

Upcoming Fixtures

Saturday 1 November vs Leverstock Green (H) – Southern League

We have a second consecutive Saturday at Top Field and we welcome Leverstock Green in the Southern League. This match is a 3pm kick-off.

Leverstock Green currently sit 13th in the league table with 14 points from their 14 games. Compared to Hitchin Town in 2nd having secured 25 points from our 13 games played. We have only ever faced Leverstock Green twice before, both matches in the Herts Senior Cup. In our first meeting in 2009 Leverstock Green took the win with a score of 2-1. Whilst in 2023 it was a 1-1 draw at full time thanks to a goal from Temi Akinbusoye late in the match. This took things to a penalty shootout which Hitchin Town won 4-3.

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.

Manager’s Notes

Last Weekend’s Draw Versus Northwood

Saturday we hosted Northwood and despite their league position this was going to be a difficult game. We knew that confidence was going to be key in this fixture and we did not want to give Northwood any confidence and we also knew that an early goal would be vital to making it an enjoyable afternoon for us while draining their confidence and belief.

Northwood came with a game plan and played with all 11 players in their defensive third. This allowed us to have comfortable possession of the ball and Alfie was just a spectator as he rarely had to touch the ball. Northwood were working hard and proving to be very difficult to break down. We did create some good chances in the first half with the best two falling to Will McNeill and Josh Coldicott – Stevens where both chances looked easier to score. These chances would have changed the game as Northwood would have had to venture into our half looking for a goal but unfortunately we were not able to convert.

Half time and despite playing the whole game in the Northwood half it was a very frustrating afternoon so far. We knew we had to move the ball quicker and improve our movement, quality and decision making in the final 3^rd. The fact Northwood had come in at 0-0 would have given them plenty of confidence, belief and extra energy to get something from this game.

We started the second half in similar fashion and created a few chances from crossing positions, we just needed some alertness in the box for a tap in. The rest were headers which either just went over or were straight into the keeper’s hands. We made the afternoon even harder when some poor hold up play and weak defending allowed Northwood to break through to take the lead. This then gave Northwood everything they needed and absolutely stunned the whole of Top Field. We kept pushing for a goal but Northwood were starting to get more breakaway chances as we pushed more bodies forward. Deep into injury time we were awarded a penalty which Diogo missed but was able to score the rebound to rescue us a point.

We were extremely disappointed with the result as we created enough big chances to win the game and although we would have wanted 3 points, from the position we left ourselves in we have to look at it as a point gained.

I would like to thank as always our huge support, despite not being at our best the crowd stayed in good voice and kept trying to push the team on for a goal and a win.

Midweek Away Win at Ware

Tuesday we were looking to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointment as we travelled to second in the table Ware FC who were also the league’s top scorers. Ware were arriving at this game with plenty of confidence as they were on a 7 game unbeaten run where they had won 6 of these games.

We were able to freshen the team up with the welcome returns of Josh Jackman, Liam Brooks and Stephen Gleeson back into the starting 11.

The game started off as expected with Ware’s frontline looking very threatening and it was not long before they took the lead. Everyone probably thought the worst at this stage but it was not long before we equalised through Blue Joy. We then started to get a foothold in the game and were able to play the game in the Ware half. This also helped nullify their attacking strength as they had to defend deep. We then took the lead after some good work from Stephen Gleeson allowed Lewis Franklin to unleash a powerful strike into the top corner. We continued to create good chances and the next one fell to Callum Nicolson after some good play but the keeper made a good save. We did score another goal directly from a Stephen Gleeson corner but the referee seemed to find a foul on the keeper, despite no one being within touching distance of him.

Half Time and it was a great half of football and the group showed great character and belief to come back from 1-0 down so early on.

Second half we got off to a great start after a great touch and through ball from Callum Nicolson he managed to put Lewis Franklin through on goal to make it two for him and three for us. We then had some more great play out wide and this allowed Josh Coldicott – Stevens to strike the ball into the corner from the edge of the box. We then should have had a fifth after the ball appeared to cross the line for everyone, except the officials who played on. We then had to take both Liam Brooks and Stephen Gleeson off due to knocks picked up during the game. We then seemed to lose a bit of control of the game and ended up sitting deeper and allowing Ware to try and break us down. Ware did get a glimmer of hope when a well struck ball from 20 yards out found the bottom corner but they were unable to find the goals in the remaining 10 minutes.

I am really pleased with the effort and commitment of everyone. We managed to restrict a very attacking side to minimal chances, while we created quite a few ourselves and were very clinical in front of goal. This was an excellent away win against a top team.

We had an excellent away following again and as always it was great to reward their support with a win and some goals.

Meeting with Leverstock Green

Saturday we host Leverstock Green who have had a solid start to the season. They have gained experience from last year where they pulled off a well-earned great escape and they have continued with that momentum this year where they have been very organized and hardworking which has meant they have been competitive in every game with their biggest defeat being by 2 goals. Leverstock have only lost 2 of their last 9 games and in this time they have played some very good teams with the most notable result being a 2-2 draw with unbeaten table toppers Leighton Town.

We need to make sure we improve our home form if we want to have a positive season and we need to work on our last home performance against Northwood and make sure we take the same mentality and quality we showed on Tuesday night against Ware.

Please continue to get behind the group and let’s make sure we improve our home form together.

Look forward to seeing you all Saturday

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.
• Mbunya Alemanji was back in training on Thursday.
• Plamedi Bomolo remains on a dual registration with Kempston Rovers FC.
• Cole Butler has been getting some much needed minutes at Potton United.
• Diogo Freitas – Gouveia is unavailable this weekend.
• Fernando Bell – Toxtle remains out injured after picking up a knock against Northwood.
• George Morrall will be back in the squad Saturday after missing the last few with an injury.
• Liam Brooks will be assessed for the weekend after picking up a knock against Ware FC.

Academy Update

Will McNeill and Blue Joy were both selected for Pro:Direct Regional squad for their fixture against Mk Dons Academy today. Blue Joy had to miss out on this occasion due to his first team commitments tomorrow. We wish Will all the best and will update everyone next week with how he got on.

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/

Player & Team Sponsorship – October Update

A further £187.00 was paid to the club last week from this sponsorship.

Added to the September total, this makes the running total for this season £474.50. This money goes towards ground improvements and maintenance and is really helpful towards us ensuring that we continue to make Top Field as welcoming a place as we can.

We have now finalised the accounts for the Cheese and Cider Festival and the profit of £3,243.11 adds to the ground improvement fund making a total of £3,717.61.

If anyone would like to sponsor any players or team achievements they can either speak to Roger who sells the 50/50 tickets at home matches or email him at roger.berry@hitchintownfc.club

Chris Newbold

Message From Our Club Chaplain

At this time of year, as we enter Remembrance season, it is good to reflect on the year gone by, remembering those who have left us.  We remember too, the conflict still happening across the globe, particularly the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.  It is also a time of year to remember everyone we know and love, who we have lost this year or in years gone by.

At Hitchin FC we remember the two men who were tragically lost at the football ground in mid September, and the struggle their families face without them.  The football world continues to mourn and remember Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward, and his brother Andre Silva, tragically lost in a car accident on the 3rd July.  Our lives are often surrounded by the cycles of life and loss.

As Christians, we believe in the hope of the resurrection – the belief that when we die, whilst it is the end of our earthly life, we will go on to a life that lasts forever in heaven.  It is a difficult idea for humankind to try to understand and some of the most brilliant minds in the world have devoted their lives to writing about it!  At St Mark’s, we will remember those who have lost their lives in all conflicts on Sunday 9th November at 10am, with a 2 minute silence at 11am.  We will also remember those who we have known and lost in our own lives on Sunday 16th November at 4pm where we will read out all the names of those we are remembering.

As we remember, let us look back with gratitude and look forward with hope.

Maxine Howarth

Attendance Update

There was another excellent attendance against Northwood with 632 supporters through the gate giving us an average of 644 well ahead of Leighton with 452.

There were over 100 supporters at Ware on Tuesday. This boosted the attendance to 323 as against 157, 208 and 197 at their 3 previous home games.

Many thanks for your continued support. It really is appreciated by everyone at the club.

Kate Deller’s Charity Walk

Hitchin Town Old Boys Update

This weekend the FA Cup 1^st Round Proper takes place and there is a lot of ex canary interest in numerous ties including:

Tie & Former Canaries Involved

Fleetwood Town v Barnet: Callum Stead, Kane Smith & Dean Brennan

Rotherham United v Swindon Town: Will Wright

Wigan Athletic v Hemel Hempstead Town: Michael Johnson, Finley Wilkinson & Jack Bateson

Burton Albion v St Albans City: Jack James

Grimsby Town v Ebbsfleet United: Josh Coley

Tamworth v Leyton Orient: Olly Lynch

Wealdstone v Southend United: Leon Chambers–Parillon

Wycombe Wanderers v Plymouth Argyle: Damon Lathrope

Barnsley v York City: Stuart Maynard

Community Update

October Half Term Holiday Courses

The Arena, Baldock – Football Holiday Camps

We held our football holiday camp at the Arena, Baldock starting last week from Tuesday 28^th October to Thursday 30^th October with 38 children attending.

Preston Primary School – Multi-Activity Holiday Camps

We also held our multi-activity holiday camp at Preston Primary School last week from Tuesday 28^th October to Thursday 30^th October with 21 children attending.

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 3^rd November until 8^th 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 1^st Team goalkeeper Josh Mollison. The first session will be on 5^th November until 10^th 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

Sherrardswood Ladies FC P-P Hitchin Town Women FC
HTWFC Canaries 3-2 Buntingford Town FC

Sunday 2nd November 2025 – 14:00

Hitchin Town Women FC v Wormley Rovers Ladies Development
St Christophers School, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JZ

Hitchin Belles Whites v HTWFC Canaries
The Priory School, Hitchin, SG5 2UR

Callum Ellis