WEEKLY BULLETIN: 6TH MARCH
Upcoming Fixtures
Friday 6 March vs Enfield FC (A) – Southern League
Hitchin travel to Hertingfordbury Park on Friday evening to play Enfield in the Southern League Central Division kick-off 7.45pm. In the home game Hitchin won 6-0 with a hat-trick from Taylor Rhiney and further goals from Ciaren Jones, Kye Tearle and Lewis Franklin.
Enfield will be desperate for points as they are in the final relegation place at the moment with just 8 wins from 32 games. In the current form table they are 13th with 3 wins and 3 defeats in their last 6 games, Their average attendance is 114.
Admission prices are adults £10, concessions £5 and under 16’s £1. Your support will really make a difference.
There is no midweek fixture.
Manager’s Notes
Last Weekend’s Win Over Beaconsfield
Saturday we hosted Beaconsfield Town in a crucial clash. Our last clash against them was a 2-2 draw where we trailed 2-0 at half time and despite giving everything in the second half we were unable to get the win. We knew what a good side Beaconsfield are and that they will have aspirations of a late playoff push meaning they would need the win just as much as us.
We started the game well and after a number of throw ins for the visitors we were able to break out and some good play between Liam Brooks, Taylor Rhiney and Lewis Franklin resulted in Lewis smashing home to give us the lead. This then spurred us on and it was only moments later that some good play between Callum Nicolson and Josh Coldicott – Stevens allowed him to drive the ball past the keeper. We now looked to control the ball and because of the early goals we had control of the match. We kept the ball well against a team that were happy to sit in and be defensively solid. What was really pleasing is the fact we played in their half and when they did look to counter they were so deep it allowed us to win the ball back higher up the pitch and limit their threat. We did concede a goal against the run of play when a misjudged ball by Tyler McGregor went over his head and the Beaconsfield player was able to head home. This rocked us slightly as it was against the pattern of the game but it gave Beaconsfield the confidence and belief that they were still in the game. We then nearly conceded a second when a header went over the bar. We managed to find our composure again and despite moving the ball slowly we were able to get our control back of the game.
At Half Time we were happy with how the half had gone as we had controlled the game, created some good chances and had the lead. We had also competed with them physically which is such a strength of their game. We were disappointed with the goal we conceded but also the ball speed as we needed to move the ball quicker to move a solid deep Beaconsfield 11. We also worked on a few areas where we could create passes to cause them problems to create more goal scoring opportunities.
Second half and we got off to another great start after a turnover in possession allowed Callum Kane to break through and his cross was put in the back of the net by a visiting player to extend our lead. We kept up the pressure and kept control of the ball. We kept trying to create chances to score but some good saves from the keeper kept the score at 3-1 until Lewis Franklin broke through and after some quick feet in the box he was able to smash the ball home for our 4th and his second. We were then able to welcome back George Morrall onto the pitch after a long period out and it was not long before his pass put Diogo Freitas – Gouveia through who then slid the ball into Lewis Franklin who was able to pass into the back of the net to get his 3rd goal and our 5th goal.
This was a very good win to end a very good week after our cup win against London Lions.
It was great to be able to put on a performance and score 5 goals in front of such a big crowd, thank you all for your continued support.
Friday Night Trip to Play Enfield
Friday we travel to Enfield FC. When we previously played Enfield FC we were able to blow them away in the first 30 minutes and this gave us an impressive 6-0 win.
This game will be totally different, Enfield are a much better team than they were when we last played and they are coming into this game off the back of a great 4-0 win against in-form Thame United. Enfield will know what to expect from us and will want to put the wrongs from our last meeting. They will have plenty of confidence and belief after their last game and I am sure they will be giving everything to get the win to make sure they climb back up the table.
We need to now find our consistency again as last time we had a good home win, we followed it up with a poor display against Leverstock Green. We need to make sure we give everything possible Friday to get the win.
I look forward to seeing you all at the game.
Player News
- Josh Bowler is out for the rest of the season.
- Kye Tearle has broken his toe and will be out for a few weeks.
Academy Update
Second year Will McNeill made his first start of the season for the first team on Saturday in a 5-1 win against Beaconsfield Town. Will had an excellent game where he was a constant threat out wide and if it had not been for academy graduate Lewis Franklin scoring 3 goals then Will would have been Man of the Match.
It’s great to see another player progress from our academy and have an impact in the first team squad, we are now looking forward to watching Will kick on from this fine display.
On Wednesday we hosted Bishop’s Stortford.
In a game where we dominated the ball but failed to create loads of chances we were able to take the lead just before half time when Samuel Spencer scored. Second half and a really fast start allowed us to extend our lead through Lewis Krasniqi and Samuel Spencer for his second. This gave us a comfortable lead and it was not long before Lewis Krasnqi added his second in what was a great passing move. Elliott Phillips scored the goal of the game after his curled effort after a quick free kick went into the top corner and we were able to add a sixth goal when Finley Brooks shot cannoned back off the bar but hit the keeper to go into the back of the net. Final score resulted in a 6-0 win.
A very strong, enjoyable performance with plenty of positives to take from it.
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
Player & Team Achievement Sponsorship
Our performances during February mean that another £332.00 has been earned by the team during February towards the Ground Improvements Fund.
This means that the current total for the season is £2,417.50 and has now passed our best ever season total of £2,080.80 (Season 2017-18 when we reached the play-off final) by £336.70 so far.
February’s total was made up as follows:
£273.50 – goals scored
£10.50 – defence or other in-game achievements (clean sheets, penalty saves etc.),
£48 – results (wins, league points)
So please, any sponsorship you can help with, even if it’s 50p. a goal, or for a certain player to score goals, everything counts. We are grateful for your support. You can contact Roger at roger.berry@hitchintownfc.club
Chris Newbold
Matchday 50/50 Draw
Just to advise, the 50/50 total now stands at £6,550.50 each in prize money & to the club (£13,101 total sales) for this season so far, of which £4,142 has been paid on card since our introduction of this as a means of payment. It has massively increased the prize pot at each game and is a very much appreciated contribution towards ensuring all match day expenses are covered and towards other operational and maintenance costs.
As they say, you have to be in it to win it and it’s only £1 a ticket – and don’t forget the second prize kindly donated by Paul Seal from the Plume of Feathers Public House, Ickleford – a voucher for £30 off of a food bill at the venue.
So there’s two chances to walk out of a game better off than you walked in! As always, all participation appreciated. Also recognition is due to the 50/50 sales team – Alan Clark, Roger Berry, Irvin Morgan, David Tudball and not forgetting Terry Nunn who does a fantastic job selling tickets in the Canary Club House. Thanks to you all.
Chris Newbold
How Lewis Franklin Helped Get a New Sponsor
I thought you would be interested to hear that HTCFC presence at Preston Primary may have helped deliver a new sponsor – Hitchin Blinds.
As usual I was enquiring as to why the new contact had decided to support us and it looks like there is indeed an occasional extra perk in running these courses.
Company Principal Jeremy said
” I have lived in and around Hitchin for the last 30 years and have been to Top Field a handful of times over the years. But my son and I came and watched on Saturday. We loved it, and it’s the first time I have been since owning my own business. My son also attends Preston Primary where Mr Franklin (no 10) works and he has helped my son a lot.”
We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Hitchin Blinds.
Mick Docking
Quiz Night as The Canary Club
On Thursday 12 March we will be holding another of our ever popular Quiz Nights hosted in his own unique way by Mick Docking. Book early to ensure your place.
Community Update
Coaching Courses at the Arena
Junior Ability Counts
The Junior Ability Counts sessions at the Arena, Baldock start from 5pm until 6pm and are open to children from 5-16 years old with physical and or SEN but be able to walk.
This current course has three weeks left to run, with the next season on Monday 2 March.
Safe Hands Goalkeeping Course
The very popular Safe Hands Goalkeeping sessions at the Arena, Baldock with former Hitchin Town first team goalkeeper Josh Mollison start at 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
This current course has three weeks left to run, with sessions on Wednesdays.
Easter Holiday Courses
The Arena, Baldock – Football Holiday Camps
We are holding our football holiday camps at the Arena, Baldock over both weeks of the Easter holidays starting on Tuesday 31st March to Thursday 2nd April for three days and Tuesday 7th April to Thursday 9th April.
Preston Primary School – Multi-Activity Holiday Camps
There will also be a multi-activity holiday camps at Preston Primary School over both weeks of the Easter holidays starting on Tuesday 31st March to Thursday 2nd April for three days and Tuesday 7th April to Thursday 9th April.
Coaching in Schools
We have started the new half-term delivering coaching sessions in our local schools with sessions taking place at:
- Preston Junior: Wraparound Care, Lunch Time Clubs and PPA
- Oughton Primary: Lunch Time & After School Clubs and PE Lessons
- Icknield Infants: After School Clubs and Morning Clubs
- St Mary’s: Morning and After School Clubs, PE Lessons & PPA Cover
- 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 Josh Mollison on info@htcfc.co.uk
Mark Burke
Hitchin Town Women FC
Result
Hitchin Town Women FC 3 – 1 Everett Ladies
Match report: https://www.hitchintownwomenfc.co.uk/match-report/858430
Fixtures
Semi Final – Chris Renshaw Cup
Sunday 8th March 2026 – 14:00
Leighton Woodside v Hitchin Town Women FC
Cedars Upper School, Leighton, LU7 2AE
Callum Ellis