Victory for Hitchin Town FC at local rivals Bedford

More than 500 people turned out to see Hitchin Town FC celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend in style with a 3-1 win at local rivals Bedford Town. This crucial win saw the Canaries moved up to sixth place in the league table.

From the very beginning Hitchin were set to out-play their hosts. I'm sure the irony was not lost on the players and fans as the Canaries beat a team with players who had walked out, and defected for financial reasons or supposed career advancement.

Hitchin Town FC took the lead in the first two minutes of play when Mitchell Cole running on to a ball by John Frendo took his shot, and although goalkeeper Ian Brown partially, it still ended up rolling into the back of the net.

After the first goal Bedford seemed to wake up a little with Roberts causing problems for the Hitchin defence.

After 20 minutes, Roberts eventually equalised for Bedford.  Richardson almost made it 2-1 to Bedford just before half-time but that really was the end of Bedford's hopes of victory.

Zak Burke was just denied by Bedford's goalkeeping in the first minute of the second half, but in the 48th minute, Burke succeeded in restoring Hitchin's lead when a great ball from Frendo set up the second goal.

Bedford kept trying albeit with no success after two brilliant saves from Hitchin's goalkeeper, Bennett.

Down at the other end of the host's pitch Frendo was a constant problem for the Bedford defence, almost making it 3-1 with a spot on long range shot which was tipped over the top by Brown.

Also testing Bedford's defence to its limits was Zak Burke who playing his 100th game for Hitchin, saw his shot fumbled by Brown.

With two minutes remaining, Burke cleverly set-up Jerome Anderson and his low ball across goal was turned in by Frendo.

Hitchin Town FC should be proud of such a strong performance with a result they deserved.