CHARITY FRIENDLY HAILED A SUCCESS

HITCHIN Town chairman Terry Barrett hailed Monday night’s friendly they never thought they would play as a great success.

The Canaries hosted Codicote – the side that former player Alfie Barker was dual registered with.

The 18-year-old hit the news last year when he was sacked by both clubs after sending sick tweets to AFC Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter mocking the death of his stillborn daughter.

His messages included one which read: “big hype just for a disappointment like the 9 months leading up to your child’s birth” followed by laughter emojis.

So disgusted were both clubs that they told the teenager he was no longer welcome and he has been banned by the Football Association until the end of the season.

Turning a negative into a positive, Southern Premier Hitchin welcomed Codicote for a fundraising game and over 200 supporters turned up to see the home side rally to a 6-0 victory.

Hitchin chairman Barrett said: “The game was well attended and well received. We’re both pleased we put the match on.

“It was a pay-what-youwant on the gate game and people were very generous on the door and we’re delighted to have raised £950 for Sands – a charity dedicated to helping couples who have suffered after losing a child.”

Barker – who was not in attendance – was handed a six-month ban from the game and a £250 fine.