WEEKLY BULLETIN – 4 SEPTEMBER
Fixtures
vs Biggleswade Town (A): Saturday 5th September – KO 3.00PM
On Saturday 5th September we make the short journey to Biggleswade Town to play in the first qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup kick-off 3.00pm. Biggleswade Town are managed by our ex-player and manager Brett Donnelly and they have a number of ex-Canaries in their squad.
It is a very important game with the financial rewards of the FA Cup so it would be great to see a large contingent of Hitchin supporters at the game. The prize money is £2,250 to the winners and £750 to the losers.
The last time we played Biggleswade Town in the FA Cup was on 4th September 2021 when we won 3-0 away from home. Goal scorers were Alex Brown penalty, Luke Brown and Callum Stead. The attendance was 408.
Admission fees are £12 Adults, £8 Concessions and all Children Under 16 FREE.
Cash preferred but card accepted. No online ticketing available.
Quite a bit of car parking available – Biggleswade are looking to secure additional parking with one of the nearby industrial businesses – hopefully this will secure additional parking.
Please be aware that Hitchin Street in Biggleswade is closed long-term. This means there is no access to the ground from Biggleswade town centre – the ground must be approached via either Langford or Broom.
AND IF THERE IS A REPLAY………
It will take place at Top Field on Tuesday 8th September, kick off 7:45.
ALL PAY……Season Tickets not valid for this game. Our normal prices will apply:
The aim would be to have tickets on sale by 10am on Sunday morning 6th September.
Manager’s Notes
Draw vs Kettering Town
On Saturday we hosted unbeaten Kettering Town. I felt we started the game well with our best chances coming from Ciaren from a corner and a Rio shot. Kettering were very physical and organised and the game became a battle but we were able to compete. We had to defend plenty of set plays but Kettering were able to take the lead from one. It was disappointing to concede from a corner after defending all set plays well but just the sheer amount we had to defend meant the law of averages meant they would score one. We did not let this kill our belief and we carried on competing in a game that had very few chances. Tyler made one notable save in the first half but other than this did not have any other ones to make.
The problem with the first half was we were competing well but we did not look like scoring a goal. We were now losing the game and this meant Kettering could be more protective of their unbeaten record and strong defence and play on the counter with some energetic attacking players. We did believe with a few tweaks we could cause them problems and we were confident we could get something out of the game.
I felt in the second half we dominated more of the ball but without really looking threatening as key attacks were broken down with poor quality in the vital moments. Kettering looked a threat on the turnover without really causing us any issues. We kept pushing for an equaliser but weren’t able to put the opposition keeper or defence under enough pressure. Kettering then had a break out and Blue received a second yellow and was sent off. This meant we had to change shape but not our approach and this moment actually galvanised us. With the impact of the substitutions we were able to get more of a foothold with less men and put Kettering under considerable pressure. The game looked like it was heading for a 1-0 loss but a great run and touch by Diogo allowed him to get into the box and win a penalty. Diogo smashed the ball home, we were then happy with a point having less men but we made things harder for ourselves when Luke got a straight red. We had to defend deep for the last minutes, with no out ball due to only having 9 on the pitch.
We showed great character, grit and determination to hold on for a well-deserved point.
Thank you for your excellent support on a miserable day.
A Bank Holiday loss against Bishop’s Stortford
Monday we were looking to build on our recent performances as we travelled to Bishop’s Stortford. We made 4 changes to the starting 11 to freshen the team up and utilise our whole squad. We started the game slow which was expected due to the amount of changes but then we did grow into it and created some very good chances but we were unable to convert these. We then started to get very sloppy with the ball and we looked disjointed with no cohesion and this meant the hosts could grow into the game. We were also so disorganised without the ball it allowed the opposition to go straight through the middle of the pitch at will. We then lost Toby due to injury and while we were still adapting to the change we conceded a goal. This knocked us and the hosts grew in confidence and momentum and we seemed to lose energy and belief.
Half Time and I was really disappointed with the performance and how poor we had been with the ball, our organisation without it and the impact of the changes. We made some slight adjustments to the way we wanted to approach the second half.
Bishop’s Stortford were able to defend deeper and play on the counter this half. We had more of the ball but a lot of huff and puff and not much quality in the final 3rd. The next goal was always going to be vital and the hosts hit us on the break to go 2-0 up and put themselves in a commanding position. We kept trying to get a goal but didn’t do enough in the key moments to warrant one.
It was a backwards step from where we had been with our performance levels and I will take full responsibility for getting the team selection/squad rotation wrong.
Monday needs to be a learning day for everyone about the level and the standards required to compete.
Thank you again for the incredible away following.
A Emirates FA Cup tie against Biggleswade Town
Saturday we enter the FA Cup as we travel to local rivals Biggleswade Town.
Biggleswade Town have had a solid start to the season and in all their games they have been very organised, hard working and difficult to break down. It will be good to see former manager Brett and the staff as well as the many ex Hitchin players they have within their squad, who I am sure will have extra motivation/determination for this game.
We need a big reaction from our last game. I did not look at the FA Cup this season as a priority as I believe our league games are extremely important this season as we do not want a repeat of our last time at this level. However after Monday we need a reaction on Saturday and the importance of this game has increased.
We are in a difficult situation as it’s a can’t lose for Biggleswade as although they are a very good team, in terms of the football pyramid they are the underdogs and can lower their expectations. We have all the pressure on us and we need to make sure we handle it in a can’t win situation.
Despite all of this we all know deep down in the FA Cup that league form and divisions go out the window, just ask Crystal Palace!!!
I look forward to a competitive game and I am hopeful of a positive reaction.
Player News
- Charlie Briggs will return to the squad for Saturday’s game
- Blue Joy is suspended for Saturday’s game
- Luke Stokoe starts his 3 game suspension on Saturday
- Rio Deall is out with an injury picked up against Kettering Town
We have signed Dylan Stitt from Luton Town on an initial one month loan. Dylan is a Northern Irish Under 19 international and will come straight into our squad for Saturday’s game.
I am sure you will all welcome Dylan to the club and will be just as excited as me to see him on the pitch.
Academy News
FA Youth Cup
Wednesday we lost 6-0 to Newport Pagnell in the FA Youth Cup. This scoreline looks quite damaging but this squad was a mixture of both our teams with it being predominantly made up of new recruits. This was our first game as a group as our pre-season friendlies do not start until next week. Plenty to work on but loads of positives to take for a first outing together. We wish Newport Pagnell all the best in the next round.
If you would like to be part of the academy or for further information please use this link
Or email Michael.jones@wearescl.co.uk
Michael Jones
HTFC Radio
HTFC Radio wwill be there for the trip to Biggleswade Town tomorrow. Listen online at htfc.radio12345.com
Season Ticket Sales
Another seven season tickets sold since last week! Getting nearer to the unbelievable 300 mark!
Even if you buy one now, here’s the saving you would still make over the 18 remaining home League games:
So at present, still great value!
Coach to Bury Town
Just to advise, in keeping with timescales for previous coaches, tickets for the coach to Bury Town on Tuesday 22nd September will go on sale as follows:
- Season Ticket Holders: Tuesday 8th September at 10am.
- General Sale: Wednesday 9th September at 10am.
Departure time to be announced.
Of course subject to any FA Cup involvement.
Chris Newbold
The Boys Done Good
Jamal Lowe has continued his rich scoring vein for Sheffield Wednesday as he scored two goals against Bromley last Saturday and then followed this up with the winner away to Wycombe Wanderers in the week.
Josh Popoola also scored another goal for Southend United a couple of weeks ago and fellow former Canary Leon Chambers-Parillon also scored for Southend in their defeat to Kidderminster.
Jake Hutchinson scored his first National League goal for Tamworth against Yeovil Town last Saturday.
Mark Burke
Community Update
October Holiday Courses
The Arena, Baldock – Football Holiday Camps
We will be running a Football Camp at the Arena in the October half term from Tuesday 27th October for 3 days to Thursday 29th October 2026.
The camp will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm with an option of a late pick up at 4.30pm
Preston Primary School – Multi-Activity Holiday Camps
We will also be running a Multi-Activity Camp at Preston Primary School in the October half term from Tuesday 27th October for 3 days to Thursday 29th October 2026.
The camp will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Coaching Courses at the Arena
Junior Ability Counts
The Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock start from 5pm until 6pm on a Monday and from 5.30pm – 6.30pm on a Wednesday. The sessions are open to children from 5 – 16 years old with physical and or SEN but be able to walk.
We will be starting the new courses on Monday 7th September and Wednesday 9th September.
Safe Hands Goalkeeping Course
The very popular Safe Hands Goalkeeping sessions at the Arena, Baldock start at 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
We will be starting the new course on Wednesday 9th September.
Coaching in Schools
We start the new school term delivering coaching sessions in our local schools with sessions taking place at:
- Preston Junior Wraparound Care
- Oughton Primary Lunch Time & After School Clubs and PE Lessons
- Icknield Infants After School Clubs
- Woolgrove Lunch Time Clubs
- Brandles PE Lessons
- Samuel Lucas After School Clubs everyday Monday – Friday
If there are any schools requiring support for their PE, PPA, After School and Breakfast Clubs please contact us at info@htcfc.co.uk
Mark Burke
Katie Wilson – Fanzine
I received the following from regular supporter Katie Wilson:
Hi Roy,
I hope you’re well.
I wanted to let you know about a small project I’ve just launched called Two Minutes Past Eight — a free, one‑sheet football fanzine for Hitchin pubs. It’s a friendly mix of football nostalgia, light features, and a gentle focus on supporting men’s mental health.
I’m starting it on my own, keeping it simple and community‑based, and I’ll be distributing the first batch of 100 free copies shortly.
I’ve attached a digital copy of the first issue so you can see the style and what I’m hoping to place in pubs. If the club would like a few copies, a mention, or to support the idea in any way, I’d be very happy to drop some off.
No pressure at all — just thought I’d share it with you.
Thanks Roy, Katie
Roy Izzard