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WEEKLY BULLETIN – 9TH FEBRUARY

37

FIXTURE

  • Saturday 10th February Home to Stratford League kick-off 3.00pm. We would ask you to buy your tickets online but If you cannot buy your ticket online or wish to purchase a ticket in person on the day then the ticket office will be open from 13.30-15.15.
  • No pitch inspection is required despite the recent awful weather as the ground has excellent drainage.
  • There is no midweek game.
  • There has been one extra fixture arranged. On Tuesday 5th March we will host Brentford B with a 7.30pm kick-off.

MANAGER’S NOTES WITH MARK BURKE

Stratford Town

Stratford come to Top Field tomorrow in a rich vein of form having won their last 3 matches and sit in a Play-Off position.

Matches against Stratford both home and away tend to be very tight affairs and I envisage this tomorrow, where we are going to have to be at our best to gain something from the game.

We will have given the players licence to be brave on the ball tomorrow and they will play with intensity, urgency and purpose that was lacking in our previous match at home against Kettering.

Thank you once again for your support and for sticking by the team during this difficult run of results, we will be looking to repay your loyalty as soon as possible.

Barwell

We returned to Hitchin last Saturday night from Barwell empty handed and another defeat that was very disappointing.

However, I was encouraged with our performance that was a vast improvement on the one the week before when we lost at home to Kettering.

I am hoping that the Kettering match was our low point and after the Barwell performance we can build on this and return to winning ways.

We dominated the first period against Barwell and created a host of chances but failed to capitalise on them and were punished after some slack defending that saw Barwell take a lead into the interval.

The second half was more of an even affair although we did have a great chance to equalise early on but was unable to take the opportunity. Isaac then rattled the bar with an excellent shot before Barwell scored a second goal in injury time as we pushed looking for the elusive equaliser.

Watford U23’s

I would like to thank Watford FC for sending their U21’s to us on Tuesday to play an entertaining match despite the atrocious weather conditions, resulting in a 1-1 draw, with Josh Popoola scoring for us.

It was a good exercise for us and allowed me to give playing time to our injury free players, especially Ciaren Jones who was able to get 25 minutes under his belt and first match since last year.

We also saw the introduction of Ollie Lynch and Jack Bateson from Luton Town who have signed for us until the end of the season. I would like to thank Paul Benson and Wayne Turner from Luton Town for arranging these loans and continuing the strong relationship the 2 clubs have.

Ollie is a tall striker who plays as a target man but also has an eye for goal, whilst Jack is a ball playing Central Defender and I would like to welcome them both.

Ollie is no stranger to our very own Tommy Blennerhassett as they have played together since the age of 8 years old.

Player News

  • Unfortunately, we suffered yet another injury at Barwell on Saturday as Dan Emovon had to come off very early on, after damaging his Achillies tendon. Fortunately, it had not snapped, but he will be unavailable for a while, whilst he recovers.
  • We have signed Alex Kpakpe, a left sided central defender from Hampton & Richmond, having previously played for Chelsea and Glasgow Rangers. Alex will go straight into the squad for tomorrow, but both Ollie and Jack will have to wait to join up with the squad as they are committed to playing for Luton 23’s against Leeds United U21’s in the Premier League Cup

HITCHIN V WATFORD U23
It was a really foul night on Tuesday as we hosted Watford U23’s. The rain was incessant and yet despite this and our current difficult run 124 supporters turned out which I think is remarkable. Royston hosted AFC Telford on the same night in a really attractive league fixture but the attendance was only 206 just 82 more than us.

The support this season has been incredible. We are averaging 568 for league games the eighth highest in the division despite not having won a home game since October. The club are really grateful for such great support and the management and players are determined to reward the supporters.

MERCHANDISE
Please visit the club shop on Saturday. There is a great selection of merchandise and you can also buy the match programme and team sheet as well as sweets and chocolate. There is also a large selection of old programmes and football books. If you cannot get to a game please visit the online club shop.

SOULMAN AT THE CANARY CLUB
The Canary Club will warmly welcome back The Soul Man February 17th 2024. 3 days after Valentines day we look forward to getting romantic with you. Tickets £8.50 available online or with Alison and Steve in the Canary Club, Fishponds Road, Hitchin, SG5 1NU 01462 421888. Supporting acts locally. https://hitchintownfc.ktckts.com/…/hit2324tsm/the-soul-man

ACADEMY UPDATE BY MICHAEL JONES
On Monday 5th February Frankie Webster was invited to a Pro:Direct 11 training camp in preparation for a behind closed door fixture against Wycombe on Tuesday 6th February.

On Tuesday 6th Frankie played at Centre back against a very strong Wycombe team which included several first team players. All coaches were really impressed with Frankie. Frankie loved the experience of playing up against league one footballers.

Head Coach Stephen Gleeson “We have been trying Frankie out as a centre back recently and although he still has a lot to learn he is taking to the new position extremely well. We are delighted with how he is progressing and look forward to help him continue his development”

Boys & Girls Open Training Session
We have our next open training session on Monday 19th February 2024 at The Arena, Norton Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 5AU on the all weather pitch between 11:30am – 2pm. If you want to register your details or for further information please use this link – https://www.northhertsarena.co.uk/next-trial-dates

HTWFC UPDATE BY KARLA CHAFFEY
Last Sunday our first team lost 3-0 against LGCE Ladies.

So next up on Sunday 11th February 2024, 14:00:
HTWFC Firsts v HTWFC Canaries
St Christophers School, Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City

We are recruiting for our First Team. Please get in touch with Callum via our website. Keep up to date with all our news, fixtures, results and so much more on https://www.hitchintownwomenfc.co.uk

BY ROY IZZARD