WEEKLY BULLETIN – 9TH DECEMBER

FIXTURES

• Saturday 10th December Home to Barwell League Kick-off 3.00pm. Tickets must be purchased online.
• There is no midweek game.
• The game at Needham Market on Monday 2nd January will now have a 2.00pm kick-off.

MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE

BASFORD

In many ways I thought this was our most complete performance of the season—and possibly of the last couple of seasons. We showed great resilience in defence with the players putting their bodies on the line, while we were creative and hard working in midfield. As for the front four they proved to be tricky for the Basford defenders and they displayed an attacking menace throughout. We thoroughly deserved our fourth consecutive victory but I stress again we are not getting carried away and will continue to work hard and we will need to continue to put in professional performances akin to the one at Basford.

WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

On Sunday morning after the Basford game the squad met up at Kings Cross station to participate in the club’s Christmas party at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. It was mandatory to wear fancy dress and there were some good costumes!

We were not alone in the fancy dress department as our table was surrounded by other football clubs enjoying their own Christmas parties. Little old Hitchin were in amongst Bristol City, Stevenage, Crawley and Notts County. It was good to see Kane Smith in his Buzz Light Year costume, Rio Dasilva’s brother Jay with his Bristol City team mates and unbelievably Luther Munakandafa who had played against us for Basford the day before as he was with his parent club Notts County.

After the day in Winter Wonderland we headed for the bars to watch the England game and with the result everyone’s weekend was complete—except for Stephen Gleeson!

BARWELL

Barwell are on a very good run having lost just one of their last nine league games. Indeed Hitchin and Barwell are second and third in the last six games league table (Leiston are first). In Brady Hickey they have a player who in my opinion is among the best in the league.. He scores a lot of goals from his midfield position and we will need to be aware of him.

I have locked horns with their manager Ian King on numerous occasions and he always produces young, hungry and attractive teams. He has done it again with Barwell and we can expect another tight and entertaining game. I hope we can attract a big attendance as we aim to continue our good run.

At the Barwell game we will see the return of numerous ex-Canaries who played for us in the 1970’s and 1980’s as part of the Woody Group that are sponsoring today’s match day programme. The Woody group was instigated because of the ill health of our former full back and Luton Town apprentice John Woodward who unfortunately has since passed away. Most of the group will be returning to Top Field and will be joined by Trevor ‘Nosey’ Parker who is visiting England from his home in the USA.

PLAYER NEWS

• Toby Syme has returned to full training.
• Steve Gleeson will miss the Barwell game but should be fit for Rushall next week.

MERHANDISE UPDATE BY PAUL SPRAGUE
The Top Field Club Shop will be open this Saturday. Even if weather conditions get the better of our planned fixture we will ensure the shop is open for your Christmas shopping. In the event that our fixture is postponed the shop will open from 12.00-16.00, otherwise the shop will be open before and after the game as well as during half time. Remember to call in to pick up one of our 2023 calendars.

Our online shop remains open and thanks for all the orders that have been coming in over the past week.

Sizes are now starting to become more limited in some items such as hoodies and we are still not clear when we are likely to be able to place any further orders with Hummel.

We may still be able to open the shop once more before Christmas for a final last night opportunity to get your Canaries merchandise. Keep an eye on our Social Media for details when this has been confirmed.

Finally don’t forget our half season tickets which are available to purchase now. A great gift idea they provide entry to our 8 remaining league games at Top Field starting on 7th January.

QUIZ NIGHT A SUCCESS
The Christmas quiz at Canary Club on Thursday was a great success with 12 teams taking part. Quizmaster Mick Docking was in top form and the quiz was well written and well presented. There was a successful raffle and many thanks to all who donated raffle prizes which were quite diverse including a signed shirt and two hours gardening! Also thanks to Steve Georgiou who donated the trophies. The profits of the quiz night were added to the 50/50 profits from our November home games and I am delighted to announce we will be donating £300 to each of our three chosen charities –Garden House Hospice, Haven First and Herts Disability Sports Foundation. Thank you to all who contributed and it is good to be seen to be helping those less fortunate at Christmas.

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
On Wednesday 7th December we played at home against Norwich RDP in our development league. This was a mixture of players as our other home game was postponed due to pitch maintenance work at Top Field. We won the game 4-1 with goals coming from Joel Jolly x2, Ace Barker and James Emmerson. We now have one more week before we end for the Christmas break.

We are fast approaching our next open training session on Friday 23rd December. This will be held at The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5AU on the all weather pitch. If you are interested in attending or for further information, please use this link – https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk/next-trial-dates

HTWFC UPDATE BY KARLA CHAFFEY
Both teams were in action this weekend and there were losses across the HTWFC board. The Firsts were away to Evergreen Ladies with ten players. A significant amount of injuries and sickness depleted the team and the Firsts kept it 0-0 till half time. Tired legs and the constant changes in subs in the Evergreen camp saw them 3-0 winners.

The Canaries were away to Premier Division Hertford, in the Chris Renshaw cup. Hertford opened the scoring and when the referee blew the final whistle finished 8-1. Hertford progress to the next round of the Chris Renshaw and we wish them well.

There is one fixture this weekend and the First team host Bedford Ladies Blue at Ickleford Sports & Recreation Ground, Chambers Lane, Ickleford. Kick off is at 14:00 on Sunday 11th December 2022.

We are looking for new players to join our progressing teams. We train weekly at The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock. We train 20:00 – 21:30 each Wednesday and you have to be 16 years old or over.

We are also looking for new sponsors for the women’s set up. We are looking for sponsorship for training kits and tracksuits. If this is something you are interested in please get in touch with Callum on HTLFC.ClubSecretary@gmail.com.

BY ROY IZZARD