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The Hurricanes moved into the last 16 of the League Cup with one of their most fluent performances of the season to deservedly beat an excellent Storm team.
Having played the same team a week ago, there was a sense of déjà vu in the air at Ickleford, as well as an overnight frost which briefly threatened to delay the start of the match. The first half followed a similar pattern as last week with both teams cancelling each other out and few clear-cut chances. It was an absorbing contest as both teams attacked but defences were on top and Storm came closest to breaking the deadlock during a goalless first period when a long-range shot was superbly tipped over by Sam.
The second half began in a similar vein but the Hurricanes gradually got on top, with Joel and Kane finding space on the flanks and Will and Somerset making good forward runs. They deservedly went ahead with a superb team goal. Patrick won the ball by the home corner flag and played the ball down the touchline for Joel. He sprinted clear of his marker and crossed into the box. The ball reached an unmarked Somerset, who controlled it with one touch and found the left corner of the net with a clinical finish. Storm pushed for an equaliser but Hitchin defended very well to protect their slender lead. With seven minutes to go, Hitchin made it 2-0 and in-form Somerset was again involved. He chased a seemingly lost cause of a ball and stopped it just by the corner flag. He passed it back to Kane and his cross evaded the Storm defender and found William who shot first-time past the keeper.
Hitchin held out for the win and will now visit Shephall United in the next round. Overall, it was an outstanding team display. Sam was commanding in goal and Max as consistent as ever in defence. William must have run about 5 miles in a tireless, combative display. Somerset was again in excellent target-man form and Kane and Joel were sharp and fast on either wing.
Thanks to the impressive Storm and their friendly, vocal support for another great game and best of luck for the rest of the season.
Man of the match: - A superb team performance made this a tricky choice but my MoM is Patrick for a very determined and alert display in defence.
Team: - Sam Hart, Patrick, Max, Kane, Will, Joel, Somerset
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