Hitchin suffered a frustrating defeat at high flying Bury on Tuesday evening. Again they played well against a team who have won 7of their 8 league games and deserved some reward for their performance. But as it was a well taken goal in the 36^th minute settled the game in Bury's favour.

It was good to see Charlie Briggs back in the starting line up after a long period out with injury. Taylor Rhiney returned to the side having been cup tied on Saturday while Sean Duodu was on the bench. Hitchin started the game well and pressed Bury really well, Dylan Stitt shot just wide after 6 minutes after a good move. At the other end Tyler McGregor saved well from Ryan Jolland before Jamie McGrath shot wide. Briggs made an excellent clearance and before a good move involving Toby Syme and Rhiney ended with a cross that Stitt just failed to connect with.

The game was even but on 36 minutes a good cross by Ally Conway was expertly finished by Mc Grath. It was 1-0 at half time and the early stages of the second half produced no clear cut chances. Duodu replaced Rhiney after an hour and shot just wide after 77 minutes. As the game reached its conclusion Hitchin were on top. Ciaren Jones came close while Diogo Freitas Gouveia made good impact after coming off the bench. He had one shot deflected wide and another that was blocked. Hitchin were knocking on the door but could not find the equalizer despite their best efforts. Callum Kane also came close The large Hitchin contingent in the 705 strong crowd really got behind the team but just like Saturday there was no reward for a good display against an in form team.

If Hitchin continue to play this well surely the results will come. Manager Michael Jones was pleased with the performance but frustrated with no tangible reward. As injured players return the competition for places is increasing and this can only help Hitchin's cause. The players cannot be faulted for lack of effort and application and it is small margins that need to change.