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The comeback kids did it again! After bouncing back against Baldock, Hormead and Letchworth before Christmas, the Hurricanes started 2009 as they finished 2008 with a stirring fight-back against a much-improved Stortford team.
The home side had slightly the better of the first period and Hitchin were happy to finish the half only 1-0 down. Conditions were treacherous underfoot and the fact that Hitchin were playing uphill and straight into a low winter sun gave a real advantage to Stortford. The team were understandably a little rusty after the winter break and struggled to get their usual fluent passing game going. William and Somerset were, as ever, a hive of industry in midfield but their probing was well defended by a resolute Stortford backline. The home side went ahead midway through the half, when a long ball bypassed the Hitchin defence and their forward finished smartly. Stortford also hit the post and Sam Hen made some great stops and handled the ball very securely – it was a difficult day to be a keeper.
The second half was a different matter entirely. Playing downhill, Hitchin totally dominated the game. Ryan replaced Somerset and had a great half down the left-wing and made a series of strong, skilful runs. Patrick replaced Max and launched a number of attacks by bringing the ball out of defence and even over the halfway line – he suffered from nosebleeds for the rest of the weekend! Will and Kane combined to dominate the midfield and Sam and Joel’s pace and trickery put real pressure on the Stortford defence. Sam Hart deservedly equalised after cutting in from the right and hitting a fantastic shot which rocketed into the top left-hand corner of the net. The team sensed victory was in their grasp and the previously reliable Stortford defence started making mistakes. A wild throw from the keeper went straight to Ryan and some quick thinking saw him lift it back over the keeper to make it 2-1. From then on, Hitchin looked to add a third but needed Sam Hen to be alert and agile to make a crucial save from a rare, late Stortford breakaway.
Team: Sam Hen, Max, Kane, William, Somerset, Joel, Sam Hart
Subs: Patrick, Ryan.
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