CANARIES HIT BACK TO EARN A DRAW
THIS was a fighting draw between teams with different agendas. The hosts were desperate to improve home form and the visitors to halt the reverses in away games, where their only defeats have occurred.
The visitors took the lead in the third minute after Hitchin needlessly lost possession and Mickleover capitalised with the swiftest of counter attacks with a high looping ball from Leon Clarke finding the net.
The Canaries responded positively with attacking moves inspired by wing back Layne Eadie, whose excellent cross led to the home team’s equaliser in the 12th minute. The cross came both off a post and then off Rhys Dolan, who must be credited with an own-goal.
The second half was a real feast of attacking football from both sides, with the visitors exerting early pressure with fine shots from William Atkinson and Marcus Barnes calling for decent saves from Charlie Horlock.
Once more Hitchin paid the price for casual play and they again lost possession. Ben Sault seized upon the loose ball, turned and ran in possession, seemingly unchallenged. He unleashed a perfect shot that found the top right corner in the 53rd minute.
Oliver Greaves may well have added a third shortly after but it struck Horlock’s fortuitously extended leg.
Hitchin, aggrieved at being behind again gamely went for a second equaliser, which did come but not until the 68th minute and some sterling work from Dan Emovon, who advanced on goal, following a run, then he slipped a pass to Eadie who netted an absolute belter.
After this both teams had important minutes of pressure through possession and had passing from both teams been better we might have seen more goals.
Clarke really could have won it right at the start of stoppage time with a sublime header that grazed the crossbar. At the other end there were definite chances that were spoiled by wild finishing.
A late winner could not be ruled out and both teams went at it but the draw was a fair outcome.