Hitchin Town 3-1 Ilkeston Town: Canaries end campaign on a high at Top Field: Report by Pipeman, photographs by Peter Else

It may be the end of the season, but arriving at Top Field in the sunshine, I could not help but be impressed with the condition of the pitch and just how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated and competent ground staff. So, well done you chaps and be assured that you are much appreciated.

So, the last game of the season and the title was to be decided at the weekend, with both Tamworth and Coalville on equal points. Hitchin had a narrow away win at Kings Langley on Tuesday, and as I have remarked, I am just glad that it was not Hitchin who were responsible for their relegation. For the record, Tamworth clinched the title and may be congratulated on winning such a close race with Coalville who, of course, will go into the playoffs.

Ilkeston Town were making their maiden trip to Top field and brought two supporters' coaches to mark the occasion. We enjoyed our visit to their place despite losing 3-1 after taking the lead the lead through Steve Cawley.

I was amused at our announcer who, in a routine manner informed us that any aggressive behaviour or language would result in offenders being kicked out the ground. Sometimes metaphorical language can work against us.

Right from the start there was a Hitchin attack where Eadie forced the first corner and a wayward header. Visiting supporters were sizeable in number and in good voice as well as fancy dress.

Wilkinson beat the off side but his cross found no-one in yellow and was beaten away for a counterattack. Wilkinson, with good running off the ball was alert to possibilities, but so was the Ilkeston defence. So was the assistant who ruled the next Hitchin move as off side, it it was a good start.

Gouveia then won a corner which eluded all. There was a splendid incursion from Idiakhoa whose final pass was thwarted by goalie Woodward. He did it again and Eadie's low shot was held from relatively close range. At the other end Bihari Lita scuffed a shot as did Gouveia in the counter.

Idiakhoa's next effort was also held, but this was all good stuff and the away fans did not relent in their impressive support. The eager Tearle tried one but sent it too high. Gouveia was brought down on the run and skipper Fenton went into the book for the peccadillo. So a free kick on the right for Hitchin which was adequately defended. Woakes had a half chance but was unable to make much of it.

Snelus, was battling, and either he has had a new hairdo or he has had his ears lowered, but he seemed as eager as his team mates to ensure we had a fine finish to the season. So fine was the atmosphere it gave me the psychological effect of being an opening game of the season rather than a curtain call. It was the third time we had exceeded 800 for a home attendance this campaign.

Another Hitchin corner sailed in and and well done to Josh Coldicott-Stevens whose low shot was palmed into the net for JCS to celebrate his first goal since a screamer at Stourbridge. He deserved it. The goal was timed at thirty-three minutes. There was a free kick from Ilkeston, defended comfortably and Idiakhoa headed over the bar in the next foray. Eadie's glancing header was saved by the busy Woodward as Hitchin dominated the closing stages of the half. Woodward held a shot from Gouveia then Jones snuffed out a good move from Ilkeston, who won a corner, which was entirely wasted.

Thus ended a half of exciting and flowing football, and the away fans presumably were going to add to their repertoire which seemed restricted the the chorus of 'Hey Jude', but well done to them for their unceasing support. I imagine that their coaches will need to stop for a 'comfort break' on the return to Derbyshire as they were not shy at quaffing mighty flagons.

Ilkeston began the second half quite purposefully, but passing was imprecise, allowing Hitchin time to compose a response. Tearle's free kick was met by Wilkinson whose shot was parried by Woodward and then JCS had a rush of blood firing into the trees. Bohari Lita had an intended shot blocked, with Toby Syme surefooted in defence as always. But Lita then put in a shot that only just drifted wide. Wilkinson went for the top corner with his next effort but it was too high. Hitchin then had a free kick, in a fair position but it was not of supreme quality. Wilkinson was at it again, firing at will and not too far off the target.

Then, in a flash Hitchin scored again, with Gouveia scoring in the sixty-first minute and it now seemed that Ilkeston would not be only the second team to do the double over Hitchin. Wilkinson ought to have made it three but Woodward saved well. Hitchin brought on Cotter for Tearle, and he was soon involved. Then Hay replaced the energetic Wilkinson as Hitchin kept up the momentum. They could afford a bit of swagger, but not too much as the visitors were keen to probe, and Wilder was only just off side with his effort on goal.

Barker conceded a free kick in a dangerous area and we were expecting a shot from Fenton who obliged but hit it way too high. We had a bit of end of term amusement when an Ilkeston fan invaded the pitch to 'score' a fine goal. It was all a bit of fun, but inadvisable. The stewards acted appropriately and I think one fan went for the metaphorical early bath. He was probably under the affluence of incahol. The referee did not restart until it was clear that the offender had been invited to leave , along with an accomplice. I was told that the rogue scorer had claimed that he had been ruled offside.

Not long after we returned to legitimate play came the third goal, which seemed to be scored without any challenge and the scorer was Hay after about seventy minutes. Then Gleeson completed the substitutions replacing JCS. Gleeson's composed piece of defending saw off an attacking threat. Wilder's apparently wild shot from range was not a bad effort, but a little optimistic. Another attack from Ilkeston brought a corner but 'Boomer' Mollison saw the ball to safety and he was yet to be challenged by greater accuracy from the opposition.

There was a moment, following a free kick that saw Mollison get low to hold a headed effort that clearly lacked power. Then there was a penalty awarded to the visitors which was converted by Bohari Lita after ninety minutes and thus Mollison was denied his clean sheet. Ironically it was the last kick of the game and saw such the score did flatter the visitors a little, who, rather unusually brought no substitutes with them.

It was good to be avenged for a defeat by the same score in Derbyshire and despite blotting their copy book I will say that the Ilkeston supporters were magnificent for their humour and vocal support. Their presence helped Hitchin to achieve its third highest home attendance of 812 and it is pleasing to note that we are one of the best supported clubs in the division.

So, Hitchin finish in a respectable mid-table position of twelfth with fifty-nine points, ending the season with a good run of form and playing some attractive football. As always it was a distinct pleasure for me to report throughout and I am proud to be associated with the club.

Have a relaxing close season and I look forward to seeing you all next season.

HITCHIN TOWN

Josh Mollison, Kye Tearle, (Kavan Cotter), Layne Eadie, captain, mentioned in dispatches, Toby Syme, Ciaren Jones, Lewis Barker, Diogo Freitas Gouveia, GOAL, 61 MINUTES, Joshua Coldicott-Stevens, GOAL, 33 MINUTES, Man of the Match, (Stephen Gleeson ), Jack Snelus, Dan Idiakhoa, Finley Wilkinson, (Ashley Hay, GOAL 75 MINUTES). Substitutes not used – Bradley Bell , Josh Allen.

ILKESTON TOWN

Harvey Woodward, opposition star man, Harley Kozluk, Henri Wilder, Jack Thomas , cautioned, Lloyd Patterson, Kieran Fenton, cautioned , Thomas Hilton, Oliver Brown-Hill, Leroy Bohari Lita, PENALTY GOAL, 9O +1.

No substitutes were available.

Referee – Mr T Breen, assisted by Mr E Unuafe and Mr M Bright.

Attendance 812

REPORT BY PIPEMAN