At last! At the ninth time of asking Hitchin achieved that elusive first league win of the season beating Leighton Town 1- a very competitive game at Top Field. The team news had been very worrying with a number of injured players unavailable. Blue Joy, Toby Syme, Rio Deall, Teme Akinbusoye and Dylan Stitt were on the injured list while George Morrall was unavailable. There has yet to have been a game this season where Hitchin have had a full squad to choose from and this has hampered their early season performances.

This was a key game with Leighton also struggling after winning promotion with Hitchin. What Hitchin could not afford was a repeat of the lackluster performance at Takeley and it was evident from the start that the players were more focused with greater fight and determination. Diogo Freitas-Gouveia made a very bright start and after 5 minutes he made a good run that resulted in a corner. Sean Duodu had a header saved from a Luke Stokoe cross before Tyler McGregor was called into action saving from Jack Sayell while Kavan Cotter blocked the follow up.

Hitchin took the lead after another mazy run from Diogo and his subsequent cross was handled in the penalty area. The responsibility for the penalty was again given to Taylor Rhiney and he produced an emphatic finish after 27 minutes. Leighton had a header hit the bar and Sayell shot wide after a flurry of corners but Hutchin hit back as good work from Duodu set up Rhiney for a shot that was just wide.

Hitchin remained on the front foot in the second half. After 47 minutes Stokoe came close before Diogo shot over the bar. Then a good cross from Rhiney just eluded Duodu before Rhiney shot wide. Leighton made a number of changes but Hitchin remained aggressive and hard working. Charlie Briggs who had an excellent game came close from a Callum Nicolson corner but his shot was blocked. Owen Brooks came on for his debut and was lively throughout. Duodu was replaced just before the end and received a warm ovation as he made his way round the pitch as the supporters recognized the good shift he had put in.

An additional 5 minutes were added and this added to the tension but Hitchin deservedly held on to that precious first league victory. Indeed it could have got even better as in the last additional minute Simeon Olarerin went on a great run, rounded the keeper but saw his shot cleared off the line. It is to be hoped this will have a positive impact on confidence levels and when the injuries start to abate Hitchin will hopefully move up the table. Despite England's game being on ITV a very healthy attendance of 518 turned up and this included a good following from Leighton.

Manager Michael Jones was delighted with the reaction from the players after Saturday. He thought they gave everything and worked tremendously hard to earn the victory.