Damage in the Box!: HITCHIN TOWN (Top Field)

The hopping gods certainly smiled on me today.

After Wembley I was planning to go and watch Hemel Hempstead v Oxford City but a waterlogged pitch put paid to that. I need a back up plan. I remembered being 'tipped off' about Hitchin Town's ground by another hopper, so I thought i'd go and see what the fuss was about.

I wasn't disappointed!

Hitchin were playing local rivals Arlesey, which is always a spicy game, and last year, with both teams going for promotion, there was a crowd of over 1,500 present. Today it was a little more modest, around the 500 mark, which was still Hitchin's second best of the season.

Both teams were not mathematically safe from relegation, but a win for either would certainly ease any lingering worries.

Arlesey were quickest out of the traps and had the best of the early chances.

They had a gilt edged chance to take the lead after 24 minutes when Goalkeeper Martin Bennett brought down Chris Dillon in the box. Dillon got up to take the penalty kick, but the ball came crashing back off the foot of the post.

After being let off the hook so to speak, Hitchin played themselves back into game and once Callum Donnelly headed them into the lead after 39 minutes, they never looked in danger of surrendering the points.

The second half was more or less dominated by Hitchin, as Arlesey faded, but it wasn't until the 71st minute the points were actually sealed, when The Canaries were awarded a (dubious) penalty. John Frendo made no mistake from the spot.

Top Field is another absolute gem of a ground (I seem to be on a run of them at the moment) and is characterised by it's vast wooden terracing. I'll comment no further and let the pictures (below) do the talking.

Another enjoyable days hopping!