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A freezing morning at a windswept Ickleford saw contrasting results against a strong Biggleswade team. The arrival of three new recruits bolstered the squad and gave coach Paul a large pool of players to choose from.
Game 1
New boy Ben made a confident first start in goal in Game 1 and the boys adopted an experimental 1-3-2 formation to bolster the attack, with Patrick in the sweeper role. A bracing cross-wind made playing conditions difficult and both teams struggled to settle in the early stages. Hitchin looked solid and Patrick and Kane stood out, making some strong tackles. Patrick took a knock to his ankle just before half-time and was replaced by Jonathan for the remainder of the half. Biggleswade scored two quick goals before half-time to lead 2-0 at the break.
Hitchin were caught cold early in the second half and conceded two more goals. To their credit, the boys kept their heads up, dug in and were much more competitive for the remainder of the game. Joel and Vinay made some strong runs but couldn’t find a way through the Biggleswade defence. Overall, the match was much closer than the scoreline suggested but defensive carelessness either side of half-time proved decisive as both teams struggled to keep possession in very tricky conditions.
HITCHIN 0 BIGGLESWADE 4
Game 2
The second game saw a complete reversal of fortune. Hitchin started well and totally dominated the first half. They were 3 - 0 up at half time with Sam Hartnack scoring a hat trick, his second of the season. Newcomer Max played very well in defence and the passing was good as a team, especially Stephen and Max who both looked up every time they had the ball and found a yellow shirt.
Biggleswade pulled a goal back in the second half and despite numerous opportunities Hitchin couldn’t extend their lead. The game finished 3 - 1 but could have been 10 - 1 as Hitchin missed a number of chances.
HITCHIN 3 BIGGLESWADE 1
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