Hitchin went top of the Southern League Central Division table on goal difference after this comfortable 2-0 victory over Marlow on Saturday (17.1.26). While not at their peak Hitchin were always in control of this game and indeed could and probably should have added to their goal tally. But Hitchin are consistently grinding out results and their work ethic cannot be underestimated as the whole squad are willing to chase and harry when out of possession. As ever there were many pleasing passing moves against Marlow and it was just a lack of clinical finishing that kept the score down.

Team news saw Diogo Freitas-Gouveia replace Liam Brooks from the Aylesbury game while Cieran Jones was still recovering from sickness and Josh Jackman was still injured. Stephen Gleeson and Josh Coldicott-Stevens returned to the bench. From the start Hitchin were the dominant team and in the first ten minutes Freitas-Gouveia showed trickery before being caught in possession, Lewis Franklin shot just wide and Taylor Rhiney twisted and turned before putting a shot past the post. Rhiney then waited too long before getting his shot away after Franklin put him through.

Freitas-Gouveia came close twice more, the second a free-kick well saved by James Sharlott before Hitchin took a deserved lead after 34 minutes. Callum Nicolson was creative throughout the game and his pinpoint cross was met by a clinical diving header from Franklin that gave Sharlott no chance. There were a number of bookings from a referee who seemed over zealous with his cards but Hitchin continued to look dangerous and Franklin and Charlie Briggs both came close before the half-time whistle. 

Hitchin doubled their lead just four minutes into the second half and it was a sensational strike from the in form Rhiney. He was on the touchline and seemed to be at an improbable angle but produced a stunning shot in to the corner of the net. This was worth the admission money alone for another excellent attendance of 824. 

Marlow came close when Mitch Parker headed against a post but this was a rare threat. Freitas-Gouveia, Kye Tearle and Franklin all got in shots to trouble the keeper but the third goal proved elusive. Gleeson, Brooks, Coldicott-Stevens and Cotter all came off the bench as Hitchin showed good game management to see out the game and in the end Marlow could have few complaints about the scoreline. I spoke to manager Michael Jones and while he was disappointed we did not replicate the heights of the Milton Keynes Irish performance he was pleased we got the job done and found the way to win and remained comfortably in control throughout in front of another big crowd. He was pleased at how hard the team is working and said this is something the management are stressing to the squad as an essential feature of our performances.

Next up is the Herts Senior Cup quarter-final at home to Watford on Tuesday kick-off 7.45pm.