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Hitchin booked their place in the County Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought but ultimately convincing win over a strong Baldock side.
With Somerset replacing the unwell William, the Hurricanes made a fast start - Joel hit the post within the first minute and then Sam K went close. Baldock also looked sharp and a good turn and shot from their centre forward was expertly palmed away by keeper Sam. Joel also became unwell and was replaced by Morgan. Soon after, the Crusaders took the lead – after some good interplay on the edge of the box and a firm shot, Sam Hen managed to get a hand to the ball but couldn’t prevent it crossing the line. The Hurricanes re-grouped and, after Somerset and Kane had gone close, deservedly equalised. Kane made a great run down the left and crossed. Baldock didn’t clear and Sam K controlled the ball and then finished emphatically. The first half remained very even and was the score was 1-1 at the break.
Fired up from a rousing team talk, Hitchin dominated the opening stages of the second half. Somerset had a shot cleared off the line, Morgan hit the post and then Somerset’s shot from a Sam K pass grazed the outside of the Crusader’s post. With Patrick and Sam Hart winning everything at the back, Hitchin continued to press and deservedly took the lead with a lovely goal. Patrick won a great tackle and slipped the ball down the line to Morgan. He passed to Sam K, who drew the defender and then slipped a great pass into the overlapping Somerset. A great first touch sent him clear and his finish gave the keeper no chance. It was quickly 3-1 when Somerset sent Sam K clear. His first shot hit the post but he followed in to net the rebound. Sam K then set up Kane for a tap-in and it was 4-1. Alex replaced Somerset and the sub linked well with Morgan and Sam K to continue to pressurise Baldock as the boys looked for more goals. Baldock pulled a late goal back after an excellent cross and finish but the Hurricanes saw the game out to complete the win.
There were heroes all over the pitch today. Sam Hen was, as always, calm and competent between the posts and made some crucial saves. Sam Hart and Patrick were simply outstanding at the back. Morgan and Kane dominated midfield and drove the team forward and Sam K, Somerset and Alex combined wonderfully at times to bamboozle the Baldock defence.
Man of the match: - There were heroes all over the pitch today. Patrick was a colossus in defence and Sam K scored 2 and made 2 but the MoM is Kane who epitomised the Hurricanes’ battling spirit by running himself to a standstill, deservedly scoring his first goal of the season.
Team – Sam Hen, Patrick, Sam Hart, Morgan, Kane, Joel, Sam K, Alex, Somerset.
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