Hitchin need just three points to confirm a second placed finish and home advantage for the play-offs after beating MK Irish 3-0 at a sunny Top Field. It was not an easy game for Hitchin as MK Irish not only defended well, getting players behind the ball but were dangerous going forward as well. While Hitchin dominated possession MK Irish could easily have taken the lead before half-time but Hitchin showed more energy in the second half and once they took the lead the result was not in doubt.

The Hitchin squad was again stretched. Key players Callum Nicolson, Diogo Freitas-Gouveia, Liam Brooks and Lewis Franklin were all missing but with the strength of the squad a competitive team took the field. Manager Michael Jones told me he thought the first half was a non event as Hitchin struggled to get going and he accepted MK Irish had their chances. But he felt we had more energy in the second half with more attacking intent. After the first goal he thought we were comfortable and although he knows we can play better he felt the fact that we were not totally happy despite a 3-0 win showed the depth of the squad. 

After 15 minutes Ryan Smith shot over the bar from a good position. Josh Jackman who proved a good source of danger throughout produced a dangerous cross that nobody could get on the end of after 23 minutes and then had a header saved from a Kye Tearle cross soon after. James Meadows headed wide for MK Irish after 32 minutes and then on the stroke of half-time Owen Brooks headed over the bar and from the next attack Taylor Rhiney missed a golden chance by heading over the bar when it seemed easier to score. 

Jackman had a shot cleared off the line after 47 minutes while Callum Kane had a chance soon after. Brooks hit the post in reply before Tearle forced a save from Tom Ladyman and then Jackman did really well to create a position that saw him rattle the bar from a tight angle.

The breakthrough came when Jackman was clumsily fouled in the area for a clear penalty after 62 minutes. Inevitably Rhiney again made it look easy as he kept his 100% scoring record from the penalty spot. Just 5 minutes later it was 2-0. George Morrall had just come on the pitch and was involved in a move down the left that saw the ball rebound to him and he neatly finished to give Ladyman no chance. After Rhiney shot wide Charlie Briggs made it 3-0 with a good header from a Josh Coldicott-Stevens corner. Hitchin could relax and made use of all their substitutes. Tyler McGregor made a good save from ex-Canary Mason Spence but the 704 supporters went home satisfied with another win and another clean sheet.

The sad news at the end of the game was a bad knee injury sustained by Will McNeill and it will put him out for the rest of the season. We wish him a speedy recovery. 

Finally congratulations to Leighton Town on winning the league. It was a great battle with them and their incredible consistency won the day. However we have the chance to join them in the premier division through the play-offs so there is everything to play for with the bonus of the Herts Senior Cup final to look forward to on Tuesday.