WEEKLY BULLETIN: 5TH DECEMBER
Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday 6 December vs London Lions (A) – Southern League
On Saturday we travel to play London Lions in a league game – kick-off is 3.00pm.
There is a reasonable amount of parking at the site. Admission prices are adults £10, concessions £5. It is cash payments only with no card payments accepted at the turnstiles. Also no dogs are allowed in the ground. Card payments or cash are accepted at the bar.
Tuesday 9 December vs Enfield (H) – Southern League
On Tuesday night Enfield come to Top Field in a league game with a 7.45pm kick-off.
As ever we encourage you to buy your tickets online but you can buy tickets (card payment only) at the club office on the night.
Fixture News
The Herts Senior Cup quarter final game at home to Watford has been confirmed for Tuesday 20 January kick-off 7.45pm.
Funeral of Paul Harris
The funeral of Paul Harris will be on Wednesday 17 December at 12.00pm at Holwell Crematorium with the wake at Canary Club from about 1.15pm.
Purple was Pipeman’s favourite colour and the family have asked for mourners to wear some purple and our away shirt would be ideal.
My tribute to Paul can be found here.
Manager’s Notes
5-0 Win over Leighton Town
Last Saturday we hosted unbeaten table toppers Leighton Town FC. We had already played Leighton this season where we drew 0-0 in a game where both teams had big chances to win the game. We knew how tough this fixture was going to be and we knew we would have to be very good in all aspects of our game to get the win.
We started off at such a fast pace and looked to control the game in the early exchanges and our passing, movement and pressing were the best I have seen this season. Leighton had a corner which was narrowly headed over but from the resulting goal kick we were able to build an attack which resulted in Lewis Franklin firing a thunderbolt into the net to give us the lead. We continued to force Leighton to defend and we were playing the game in their half and we were playing very good attacking football on the front foot. It was not long before the lead was doubled and this time another long range shot was superbly put into the bottom corner by Callum Nicolson. We continued to create chances and we should have been 3-0 up but Lewis Franklin was unable to connect with a cross and Callum Kane missed the shot at the back post. This allowed Leighton time for their keeper to go down and kill our momentum. We continued to dominate the half but we also knew we were coming off the back of a 2-2 draw where we had led 2-0 at half time. We were able to add a third right on half time through Captain Ciaren Jones who headed in at the back post from a corner.
At half time we could not praise the group enough, I enjoyed watching the game. Our passing was excellent and attacking and when we did not have the ball our pressing and defensive work was superb. We reminded the players to stay on the front foot and not allow Leighton back into the game and we spoke about the importance of the next goal while reminding everyone of Tuesday’s disappointing second half.
We could not have got off to a better start in the second half when Lewis Franklin was able to play Taylor Rhiney through to make it 4-0 as he grabbed histhird goal of the week. We then had some unbelievable chances to extend the lead but a combination of some good saves, blocks and the framework of the goal meant we were denied but then we added a fifth when Ade Gbolahan headed in his first goal for the club.
Saturday was a great day for the club in what was a very sad week as our reporter Pipeman had passed away in the week. It was great to see his family attend the game and our community club come together as one which goes to show exactly how special our club is to so many people.
As good as Saturday was we need to make sure we remain grounded as we are not even half way through the season. We now know exactly how good this group can be and we need to make sure we are now consistent with our performances each week and if we are we should have many more games like Saturday.
Thank you again for your brilliant support and it was great to celebrate such an excellent day at Top Field together.
Cup Defeat to Berkhamsted
Tuesday we hosted Step 3 Berkhamsted in the Herts Charity Cup. This was a great opportunity to rotate the squad from Saturday’s game and we were able to make 6 changes to the starting 11.
The first half you could tell it was a Herts Charity cup match, limited action, limited tempo and just limited life about the game in general. I felt we kept the ball well and we created some good opportunities to score with Charlie Horlock making a good save with one and Ciaren Jones just putting the shot over the bar with the other. Both teams looked a threat from set plays which were defended well. We continued to control the game but were up against a hard working, disciplined, defensive team.
Second half and Berkhamsted made three changes to add more energy to the game and they also changed the way they approached the game. We started off strong again but as the half grew on Berkhamsted started to grow into the game and then just past the hour mark they took the lead after a very quick counter attack. Berkhamsted then continued to put us under pressure and created some good chances where Tyler made some good saves and we were able to defend the others. We weathered their 10 minute spell of dominance and then we grew back into the game but another good save from Charlie Horlock in goal and some excellent defensive blocks kept the score at 1-0 to Berkhamsted.
It’s always disappointing to lose but if we are going to lose a game of football I think we would all agree that the Herts Charity Cup is the best one to lose.
Thank you to everyone who turned up and supported the team.
We now concentrate on league action with a trip to London Lions.
First Trip to London Lions
We travel to newly promoted London Lions on Saturday. London Lions have adapted well to life at Step 4. In their last five games they have won three, drawn one and narrowly lost 1-0 to in-form Stotfold. They arrive at this game after an impressive 3-0 win against third-place Barton Rovers. They play some excellent football and have scored some very good goals so far this season.
We know after Saturday the levels we can reach as a group and we need to make sure we reach these levels every week on a consistent basis.
London Lions have one of the lowest average attendances in the league so it would be great to continue the excellent away support and make sure we take as many supporters as possible to turn this into a home game.
I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
Enfield on Tuesday
We host Enfield FC on Tuesday. Enfield have had a difficult start to the season which has found them in the relegation zone. Enfield arrive at Top Field on Tuesday with the pressure and expectation off of them but I am sure they will arrive with the belief that they can cause an upset, similar to when we hosted Northwood FC. This league has already shown that anyone can beat anyone and this game will prove to be another difficult test for our group.
Player News
- Josh Bowler should be returning to full training next week.
- George Morrall remains out injured.
- Blue Joy continues his trial period with a professional club.
Academy Update
First Years Elliott Phillips and Archie Tonks were selected for a Pro:Direct Southern Training Camp this week. This was to help decide a squad in preparation for an academy match against Burnley FC.
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/
Michael Jones
Chairman’s Programme Notes
The Chairman’s programme notes from all of November’s programmes are now available to read here:
https://hitchintownfc.club/chairmans-programme-notes-november-2025/
Merchandise Update
Our Hitchin Town wall calendar is back for 2026! It is available to order online now and we expect it to be available in the club shop by the 13th December. They are priced at £12.
If you wish to order one online you can do so here: https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/merchandise/hit2526cal26/hitchin-town-calendar-2026
Message from Charlie Horlock
Charlie sent me a text message after Tuesday’s game and he showed that he remains a Hitchin supporter! This is what he said—
Hi Roy
Just dropping a text to say it was nice seeing you the other night. Sorry we couldn’t catch up properly but really good to see you and so many familiar faces.
I can imagine you’re enjoying this year a lot with the amount of wins already!
Hitchin is still the first result I look for and I’m praying your boys continue to enjoy and have a great season as if anyone deserves it, its yourself and everyone at the club.
Many thanks Charlie and the fact you took the time to wish us all the best typifies your character.
Jermain Defoe and Mitchell Thomas at Top Field
We had two famous footballers at the game with Leighton on Saturday. Jermain Defoe and Mitchell Thomas were at Top Field. They are good friends and Mitchell is friendly with Rio Da Silva our ex player who was in Leighton’s squad. Jermain played 624 senior games with more than 250 appearances for Spurs. He won 57 caps for England.
Mitchell played 587 senior games including 186 for Luton and 157 for Spurs. They are pictured with our managing director Andy Melvin.
HTWFC Update
Results
Hitchin Town Women FC 4 – 0 Letchworth Garden City Eagles
HTWFC move into the quarter-finals of the Herts Women’s Trophy!
Fixtures
Sunday 7th December 2025 – 13:30
HTWFC Canaries v Leighton Woodside Women
St Christophers School, Letchworth SG6 3JZ
Callum Ellis