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Hitchin’s bid for glory in the Royston Crow finals ended at the group stage as they were pipped on goal difference by Hormead Hares, who finished second to an outstanding Stevenage Thunder side.
Hitchin were grouped with Stevenage Thunder, Hormead Hares and Ashwell Academicals and the boys watched on as Stevenage ran riot in the first game, overwhelming Ashwell with an awesome display of passing, movement and finishing. They were 6-0 up after 5 minutes and cruised home 8-0.
Hitchin V Hormead Hares
Hitchin began their challenge against a strong and impressive Hormead side and were caught cold in the first few minutes, going behind to a scrambled goal. They rallied well and dominated the rest of the first half. Joel nearly equalised with a magnificent free kick that was curling into the top corner before the Hormead keeper leapt to tip it onto the bar. Just before half time, William did equalise, forcing the ball home from close-range. The second half was a tight, nervy affair as both teams looked for a winner. It didn’t arrive and honours were even.
Hitchin 1 Hormead 1
IIt quickly became apparent that second spot in the group would probably be decided on goal difference and on how many Hitchin and Hormead could score against Ashwell and concede against Stevenage.
Hitchin V Stevenage
Hitchin were back on for their second game straightaway and faced a Stevenage side brimming with confidence. To their credit, the boys refused to be overawed and took the game to Stevenage. They tackled hard, competed well and put real pressure on their opponents’ defence. Unfortunately, a couple of defensive mistakes were punished as Stevenage ran out 3-0 winners. It was still a creditable result and an even better performance.
Hitchin 0 Stevenage 3
Hormead beat a tiring Ashwell 5-0 and the second place was up for grabs in the last round of matches. Hitchin needed goals against Ashwell and then Stevenage to do them a favour with a convincing win over Hormead.
Hitchin V Ashwell
Despite dominating possession and creating a number of chances, Hitchin could only score one goal in the first half. James ran through and slipped the ball past the keeper but it hit the post – fortunately, Joel was on hand to score from the rebound. Ashwell equalised against the run of play midway through the second half and the game looked to be heading for a draw before Kane crashed home the winner from edge of the box to make it 2-1.
Hitchin 2 Ashwell 1
This meant that we needed Stevenage to win 8-0 against Hormead for Hitchin to progress. They lead 2-0 at half-time but Hormead defended very well in the second half to maintain the score line and book their place in the knockout stages.
As always, the boys tried their very best and should be proud of their efforts not just on Saturday but throughout their debut season. They have played with skill, energy, commitment and sportsmanship and can look forward to next season with confidence.
Squad – Kane, Sam, Patrick, Vinay, William, Jonathan, Daniel, James, Joel
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