It was a pleasant sunny afternoon as Hitchin returned to action just 61 days after the play-off final against Biggleswade FC. As there had only been four training sessions manager Michael Jones opted to play different teams for each half so no outfield player played more than 45 minutes. The pitch was in excellent condition and there were plenty of Hitchin supporters who had made the journey.

The game could not have started any better for Hitchin as they took the lead after just 3 minutes. A typically mazy run by Callum Kane led to an excellent pass that Kav Cotter finished with a flourish. Hitchin were dominant throughout the first half but failed to add to their goal tally. Kye Tearle had a free kick blocked by the defensive wall before a good cross by Elliott Phillips was headed out for a corner that Ciaren Jones headed wide.

Tearle shot just wide after 20 minutes before Simeon Olarerin put a good chance over the bar. Tearle had two further shots blocked before heading wide. At the other end Tyler McGregor did not have a shot to save. On 41 minutes Sean Duodu came off injured and was replaced by a triallist.

The second half team contained no less than 6 triallists while another triallist replaced McGregor in goal towards the end. Dan and Luke Stokoe and Rio Deall made their returns in an unfamiliar eleven. But credit to the second half team as they were also dominant with more good football played. Luke Stokoe shot over the bar while Dan Stokoe had his game cut short by injury and was not replaced as Hitchin opted to play with 10 men.

After 50 minutes a good cross from Deall saw two players fail to get a meaningful touch. Soon after a triallist had a good chance but hit it straight at the keeper. McGregor then made his first save before on 67 minutes before the triallist made up for his earlier miss with a well taken goal. Hitchin remained in control but the sub keeper did well to tip a free kick over the bar.

This was a good first work out for Hitchin and Michael Jones told me he was really pleased with the performance of both teams and was only disappointed we did not work the keeper more. He will probably play two teams against Barnet on Tuesday but on Saturday against Luton players will be given 60 minutes.