WEEKLY BULLETIN 7TH MARCH

NEXT FIXTURE

Saturday 8th March – Away to Bishops Stortford (kick-off 3.00pm) in the league. There is no coach for this match.

MANAGER’S NOTES BY MICHAEL JONES

Last weekend’s 1-1 away draw at Stratford Town

Before this game I spoke about this being a very tough away game as our away record is rubbish and Stratford’s home form was very impressive. We started the game on the front foot and anyone who watched the game would have thought we were the team challenging for the title. We put Stratford under a lot of pressure and kept them penned in their half for the first 30 minutes while we created some very good chances from Rio Deall, Liam Brooks, Dan Stokoe, Toby Syme and an unbelievable chance from Enock Ekongo who somehow managed to miss an open goal from two yards out. During these chances Dan Stokoe did convert a penalty to give us a lead but the second goal did not come. Stratford ventured out towards the end of the half and created two good chances but we took a 1-0 lead into the break.

At half-time we spoke about how well we had played on a very difficult heavy pitch and how well we had adapted our game to suit the pitch and still managed to create plenty of chances while still looking defensively solid. We also spoke about the lack of a second goal as the feeling in the changing room was if we had managed to get a second goal then we would go on to win the game but only having the 1 left Stratford in the game.

We got off to the worst possible start an excellent corner was whipped straight into the goal and this lifted Stratford and now they became the dominant team. Stratford put us under a lot of pressure for the remainder of the half but defensively we were solid and we managed to defend everything they threw at us, with everyone prepared to put their bodies on the line to stop Stratford taking the lead. We held on to a point, a very disappointing point based on our first half performance and the amount of goalscoring chances we created but based on our second half defensive display it was a very good point.

This game showed the meaning of the phrase ‘Game of two halves’ with us dominating the first and Stratford dominating the second.

What did we learn from Saturday… We learnt that we can more than match the best teams in the league, we can create plenty of chances, we can be a defensively solid team, we can adapt our game, play on difficult pitches but more importantly we have stopped the rot away from home.

I am hoping we can use this performance as a springboard for our remaining away games this season.

This weekend’s trip to Bishops Stortford

Bishop’s Stortford come into this game in 16th place in the league and find themselves eight points in front of us. They are currently on a four-game unbeaten home streak with excellent draws against Telford and Stratford and good wins against Lowestoft and Spalding.

We know just how important this game is for both teams, a win for us brings us within five points and drags them into the relegation battle, a win for them increases the gap to 11 points and makes them even more difficult for us to catch.

We are hoping to use our performance last week to take the belief and confidence into this fixture as Saturday we learnt even more positives about this group that we need to take into this weekend and just be more clinical in front of goal!

Player News

• Lewis Barker is still in non-contact training as he recovers from his long-term shoulder injury.

• Luke Stokoe has signed a professional deal for FC Jazz in Finland. I would like to thank Luke for everything he has given the club during his time with us and I know we all will wish him the best with this new venture. We will be keeping an eye on his progress.

• Kobi Sinclair-Linton picked up a knock in training this week and will be unavailable for this weekend’s fixture.

• Sebastian Stacey faces a late fitness test for this weekend’s fixture after aggravating his groin on Saturday in our draw against Stratford.

VOLUNTEER UPDATE

It is good to see that the Southern League website has highlighted the efforts of our volunteers that was mentioned in last week’s bulletin. This is how they reported the story: https://southern-football-league.co.uk/News/136545/HITCHIN-TOWN-KATE-ON-A-MISSION

As part of our quest to shine a light on the women that make such a big impact within the Southern League, we head to Hitchin Town where Kate Deller is on a mission to keep improving the matchday experience at Top Field.

As Head of Volunteers, she has worked hard this season to ensure that everyone visiting the Pitching In Southern League Premier Central club has an enjoyable and safe experience off the pitch, regardless of what happens on it.

“I am so proud of the great team of volunteers we have at the club,” she said. “They work so hard to enhance the reputation of Hitchin Town FC, often going above and beyond.

“We are always looking to strengthen our team and bring in new volunteers with various skillsets to complement the fantastic group we already have in place here.”

The club was praised following their recent home game against St. Ives Town when a young visiting supporter was taken ill during the game.

“I have to say a huge thank you to the club officials and first-aiders who were exceptionally quick and calm to deal with the situation when my son collapsed at the game,” said Andrew Whiting. “Everyone involved, from the fans who first alerted the medics to the team who were immediately with us, were a credit to the club. Their response was magnificent; speedy and very professional.

“My son is fine now and that is thanks to the volunteers on duty at the game.”

There was more praise from a disabled supporter also at the game.

“I am disabled and use a wheelchair,” said Karen Fisher. “I had several issues with access but a lovely lady called Kate, came to my rescue.

“She was so helpful, polite and very kind and deserves this praise. I know, having been involved with football clubs for many years, how hard it is to find good volunteers and they very often receive very little thanks from the public for their hard work, so I know how much it matters to praise those that truly deserve it.

“The team of car park attendants were also so very helpful, accommodating and welcoming, which counts for so much as they are always the first point of contact when arriving at a club.”

Local MP and Hitchin Town supporter, Alistair Strathern, was recently at Top Field to present certificates to the volunteers on behalf of League sponsor, Pitching In, in recognition of their superb efforts.

“It was a joy to present awards to some of the club’s hard-working volunteers to recognise the fantastic dedication they show to the club and the community,” he said. “Volunteers are the backbone of grassroots football clubs; beyond supporting the matchday experience, Hitchin Town’s volunteers also put in time to provide local children who need more support the chance to play our national game.

“Their work, and the work of Pitching In, reminds us that football is a game for everyone.”

This weekend, as part of International Women’s Day, the Southern League, along with the Isthmian League and Northern Premier League, is shining a light on the fantastic work of Her Game Too. Many of our member clubs are also showcasing and celebrating Women in the Game with various initiatives at their matches.

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES

We have scheduled a fixture for Monday 17th March 2025 at Top Field to play against a touring team from China called Zhejiang academy. This will be a 2pm kick off.

Our next open training session will be Friday 21st March 2025 at The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5AU on the all weather pitch between 5pm – 6:30pm.

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

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 2 – 0 Buntingford Town FC
Cranfield United 5 – 0 HTWFC Canaries

Fixtures

We now have a week off before the next round of fixtures on the 16th March 2025. We recharge, train and structure for the final games of the season.

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

The remaining dates for our coaching clinics at the Arena are out and can be booked on via the website www.northhertsarena.co.uk

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

Monday 10th March 2025 – 31st March 2025 (4 weeks remaining, cost: £16)

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 1st team goalkeeper Josh Mollison.

Wednesday 12th March 2025 – 2nd April 2025 (4 weeks remaining, cost: £24)

HERTS SENIOR CUP UPDATE

We were unfortunate to be knocked out of the Herts Senior Cup by Hemel Hempstead. They have made it to the semi-final where they will be away to Wormley Rovers. Cheshunt host Potters Bar in the other semi-final.

BY ROY IZZARD