There were 111 minutes on the clock and the tension was palpable. The game seemed to be heading inexorably to the dreaded penalty shoot-out as neither side could make the breakthrough. There were tired legs and players suffering from cramp. Could anyone produce a moment of magic to settle a closely fought game? Step forward Callum Kane who scored a wonder goal worthy of winning any match. He produced a mazy run leaving Thame defenders in his wake—was it three four or five who were mesmerised by Kane's brilliance? He then smashed an unstoppable shot past Matthew Crowther to send Top Field wild as bedlam broke out around the ground. The noise was deafening as the play-off final began to be a reality. Hitchin saw out the remainder of the game in a professional manner to get over the line and at last everyone's jangling nerves could settle down after an emotional roller coaster of a game. It was ironic Kane was the hero of the hour as against Thame on Saturday he gave away a penalty and scored an own goal!

Team news was mixed for Hitchin. Taylor Rhiney had not recovered from the injury he received at Northwood while Liam Brooks and Kav Cotter also failed fitness tests. On the positive side Callum Nicolson, Lewis Franklin and Kane were all able to start as Michael Jones made 7 changes to Saturday's line up. In contrast Thame were unchanged.

Top Field could not have looked better and the playing surface was a tribute to Hitchin's excellent ground staff. The atmosphere was electric with the drum brigade creating a noisy back drop. Tyler McGregor held an early header from Greg Hackett line but Hitchin started the game well and were playing good football. Ciaren Jones headed over from a corner before Kye Tearle headed over from Josh Jackman's cross. Then Blue Joy had a header cleared off the line. Franklin shot just wide before producing a dangerous cross that nobody got on the end of. Hitchin were dominant and Thame picked up 4 yellow cards before half-time with a number of clumsy tackles.

After 34 minutes Lewis made a strong run that ended with Crowther making a good save while George Morrall came close after 38 minutes. With the chances created it was disappointing that half-time arrived without a goal from Hitchin. Morrall had a good effort after 55 minutes. Thame came close soon after but on 57 minutes there was a flurry of chances for Hitchin and somehow Thame survived. Then around the hour mark Thame seemed to grow in confidence while Hitchin were not as dominant. Matt Lench came on for Morrall but now McGregor was the busier keeper. He had an excellent game and made the save of the night after 90 minutes when he dived full length to push Jack Tutton's shot round the post. Before that Harry Alexander missed a good chance while for Hitchin Jones came close from Nicolson's free kick before Tearle had an effort beaten away by Crowther. But the breakthrough did not come so it was extra-time.

Brayden Daniel had an early chance before Lench had a shot saved. Diogo Freitas-Gouveia came on for Franklin and immediately had a shot saved by Crowther. Alexander missed another chance for Thame before Diogo was just wide. So it was into the second half and Kane had his moment of magic as Hitchin saw of the challenge of a Thame side who proved difficult opponents. Somehow the referee managed to produce 12 yellow cards of which 8 went to Thame but bit was hardly a bloodbath and was just high intensity with so much at stake.

Michael Jones admitted to me that he had begun to think about the penalty shoot-out before Kane struck. He was disappointed with our finishing and felt we made too many wrong choices and could and should have gone ahead in the first half. But he was pleased with the way we defended and showed why we had the best defensive record in the league. We dug in when we needed to and got the victory we deserved. Michael said the players loved the atmosphere and it showed the togetherness between the supporters and players.

So one game remains as Hitchin look to reclaim their place in the premier division. Biggleswade FC are going to be difficult opponents but with the backing of a big crowd the players will give everything to ensure there is a reward for all the hard work that has been put in over the season. Please come to Top Field on Monday to give the team the support they deserve.