WEEKLY BULLETIN 31ST JANUARY

NEXT FIXTURE

Saturday 1st February League Away to Stourbridge kick-off 3.00pm. Coach leaves at 10.30am.

There is no midweek fixture.

MANAGER’S NOTES BY MICHAEL JONES

Last weekend’s trip to Leiston

Saturday ended in disappointment with a 2-0 defeat to Leiston. Leiston edged the first half as they were winning the midfield battle. The pitch made it difficult for both teams to get the ball down with great success and this meant chances were limited for both teams. Leiston did have two good chances but Seb made a good save and the other was cleared off of the line.

Half Time we spoke about being more competitive in the midfield and we made a change bringing on Henry Snee for Brad Dixon Smith.

We made a sloppy start to the second half as we failed to clear the ball and despite our best efforts to correct this Leiston were able to take the lead from close range. We did then start to force the issue and we had two good chances through Liam Brooks but the keeper made two very good saves. We also had another chance where Rio tried a lob but it just went over the bar. We were starting to look the most likely to score but Leiston hit us on the counter attack to finish from close range. We still created good chances but were unable to take any of these.

On reflection Leiston were just better in the key moments of the game, Leiston were able to take their chances and we weren’t and both the goals came at crucial times with one being just after half time and the other while we were on top.

Leiston now find themselves 8 points off top with a game in hand.

This weekend’s trip to Stourbridge

Stourbridge find themselves in 10th place despite having a strong start to the season. Stourbridge would have had aspirations of promotion this season and they will feel they are still in with a strong chance of making the playoffs as the league is very tight. Stourbridge have been struggling for form recently but two wins in their last three games will have given them confidence to push up the table.

Stourbridge beat us 5-1 in the reverse fixture, where they showed the quality their squad has. Especially in the second half where they were able to find another gear to score 3 goals and dominate the play.

We have had a good week in training and we are looking forward to another difficult game.

I want to thank everyone for their continued support of the group, we are looking forward to a good following at this game and we are hoping we can bring some points back with us.

New Player Signing

We have signed Bradley Smith on loan from Hemel Hempstead. Bradley is an attacking midfielder and is highly thought of at Hemel. He has been on loan this season at Kings Langley where he has scored 11 goals in 23 appearances while having some strong performances. We look forward to seeing Brad develop with us.

Player News

• Bradley Bell has trained this week and will be back in the matchday squad for this weekend.
• Lewis Barker has a long-term injury but will be travelling with the squad to join Freddie Cardy on HTFC Radio.
• Luke & Dan Stokoe are both still away on their trials in Poland and Finland.
• Stephen Gleeson will be unavailable this weekend as he needs to travel back to Ireland due to a family bereavement.

Player Departures

• Sebastian Stacey

Today Mk Dons exercised a clause to terminate Seb’s loan, due to injuries to their senior keepers. This allows Seb to be part of their matchday squad for their league two fixture away to Doncaster. I would like to thank Seb for all his hard work and effort during his 13 league games. Seb came to the club during a time we were struggling to find a number one keeper and despite being such a young age, Seb made this position his own. We wish Seb all the best for his future development.

• Joseph Chidyausiku

We had to make the difficult decision to let Chidz go this week. Chidz is a great character and has always been committed to the club. Chidz initially had a lot of game time when I first started leading the group but recently has found his game time limited. I felt it was best for Chidz to go somewhere where he can find more minutes on the pitch. I know everyone will wish Chidz the best with his future development.

• Solomon Sambou

Sol has decided to leave the club as he was struggling to find the time needed to commit fully to the club. I know everyone will wish Sol all the best with finding a club closer to home where he can fully commit.

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES

Friday 7th February 2025 we have our next open training session at The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5AU on the all weather pitch.

This training session will be between 5pm – 6:30pm and is for current Year 11/12 students.

If you would like to book onto this training session could you please email – Michael.jones@wearescl.co.uk

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

JUNIOR CANARIES UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES

The next issue will be released on Friday 7th February 2025.

If you wish to sign up as a Junior Canary, please email juniorcanaries@hitchintownfc.club with the following details:

• Name, Date of birth, Address, School, Club Team (if applicable), Team you support, Parent/Guardian Name, Email, Contact Number.

We look forward to welcoming you all to the Junior Canaries.

HTWFC UPDATE BY CALLUM ELLIS
RESULTS

HTWFC 0 – 0 Watton Ladies FC – HTWFC go through after winning 4-2 on penalties

HTWFC Canaries v Bedford Albion Walkover for HTWFC

Fixtures – 14:00 kick off

Chris Renshaw Second Round
HTWFC v Woburn & Wavendon
St Christophers School, SG6 3JZ

Division Three

Flitwick Eagles Ladies v HTWFC Canaries
Flitwick Community Football Centre, MK45 1BA

We are still recruiting for our teams. We train Wednesday evenings at The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock, between 19:30-20:30. Get in touch today ! hello@hitchintownwomenfc.co.uk

COMMUNITY UPDATE BY MARK BURKE

The Arena Football Courses

There are two weeks left of our coaching clinics at the Arena and can be booked on via the website https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk

On Monday evenings from 5-6pm we host a Junior Ability Counts session for children aged between 7-16 years old with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

On Wednesday evenings from 5.30-6.30pm we host a specific goalkeeping course called Safe Hands for children of all ages and abilities delivered by former first team goalkeeper Josh Mollison.

There are still two weeks left to go on this course, so time to join in.

February Half Term Holiday Camps

The dates for our February half-term holiday camps are now out as we continue to host them at the Arena and at Preston JMI.

Tuesday to Wednesday 18th – 20th February 2025 (3 Days) Cost: £60 p/w or £25 per day

BY ROY IZZARD