Waders win against Hitchin

2-1 to Waders

BIGGLESWADE TOWN 2 v HITCHIN TOWN 1

report by Mike Draxler

Hitchin came into this game on a poor run of form, whilst the Waders were buoyant after two successive away wins. Local rivalry can motivate so Hitchin were still to be feared and the jinx, that has marred our lasts fixtures, to be banished.

A great atmosphere at the Langford Road with the warmth of the summer ever present. Hitchin kicked off and were at our goal within seconds. Pressure gone the game settled for a few minutes then abruptly stopped for an injury to Brett Donnelly who unfortunately had to stretchered from the pitch. A warm round of applause for an ex-wader still dear to our hearts. The 8 minute stoppage settled the game and gave the home side the better of the play. On 31 Robbie Parker surging forward found Morgan Penfold on the left whose cross ball was bundled over the line by Jack Bowen. Hope filled the stadium, Hitchin were not dominating as they have in the past. Elliot Baily on for Donnelly proved an able substitute as he jinked around the area before beating Liam Gooch to level the score at half time.

Out for the second period and Hitchin were up again proving the better side for the first 15. Slowly the Waders worked hard and all put in a shift to get Biggleswade's nose in front again on 61. Penfold the hero after good work on the right unleashing a shot passed Michael Johnson in the Hitchin goal. We knew it would happen, Hitchin were not going to lay down and let this happen. To a man the waders worked their socks off to retain the lead. Big Gavin Hoyte at the back marshalled the forces well to eliminate any serious threat although on occasions it was anxious. The end saw the first victory over Hitchin for some time, various reports of how long but its been a while, but always going to happen, one day.

Hitchin set the bench mark, they are the team to beat and over previous seasons the gap has been getting smaller. Not so much the win but the way it was achieved. 90 minutes of sheer hard work paid dividends but lets not get complacent more challenges ahead.