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The Hurricanes stand just 40 minutes from the Herts County Cup final after a confident and clinical win over Panshanger at Welwyn Garden City. They will now visit Comet Sports Club (based in Hemel Hempstead) on 17/18 April with the reward a place in the final at Letchworth’s County Ground on 16 May.
On a gloriously sunny Sunday morning in front of a large home support, the Hurricanes fully deserved their win. The first ten minutes were fairly even. Both teams had early half-chances. Panshanger used their giant goal-kicks to put pressure on the Hitchin defence and the Hurricanes’ looked very sharp and mobile on the break. Joel went close to breaking the deadlock with a right-foot free-kick that swerved just past the Panshanger post and was then involved at the other end with a goal-line clearance as the hosts threatened to take the lead. Hitchin went 1-0 up after 14 minutes when Sam K collected Will’s short pass, raced into the area and finished with a right-foot shot.
With the score at 1-0, the match was still in the balance but Hitchin made the perfect start to the second half as Joel made a superb run down the right wing and put in a fantastic cross. Sam K arrived at the far-post just before the keeper to clip the ball into net. This seemed to relax the team (and certainly their supporters!) and they grew in confidence and took complete control of the game. After some trademark trickery down the left, Sam K saw his shot saved by the keeper but the rebound hit a Panshanger defender and went into net for 3-0. Soon after, Sam K completed a well-deserved hat-trick, racing past the home defence and beating the keeper with a cool finish to make it 4-0.
It was another all-round superb team display. Sam Hen dealt calmly and confident with everything that came his way. Patrick and Kane were solid and flawless in defence and they were protected well by Morgan’s industry and tackling. Sam Hart and Will dominated midfield and provided the platform for Joel and Sam K to run Panshanger ragged with their speed and trickery. Somerset was, once again, an excellent target-man, holding the ball up well and giving the team an attacking outlet.
Man of the match – An outstanding team performance made this a very tricky decision. Patrick’s defending grows in confidence and consistency with every game and Sam K’s movement and finishing were, as ever, terrific. My choice is Joel – after being under the weather for a couple weeks, he bounced back with some great runs and assists, a wonderful free-kick and…. a goal-line clearance.
Team – Sam Hen, Patrick, Sam Hart, William, Kane, Morgan, Sam K, Joel, Somerset
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