This was a sensational performance from Hitchin that turned the form book upside down. Hitchin faced second placed Bury who had won ten and drawn one of their thirteen league games and had drawn at table topping Real Bedford on Tuesday while the hosts were in the relegation zone. Yet anyone watching this game would have thought it was Hitchin who were the higher placed team as they were rampant in the first half and raced into a three goal lead after just seventeen minutes. On a day when Storm Boelo caused havoc around the country Bury were blown away as they could not cope with the intensity of Hitchin who chased every ball, closed down all dangers, created chances and played excellent football. After so many good performances that had not produced the deserved points return this was a great reward as Hitchin continued to show the consistency manager Michael Jones had been calling for.

There were changes from Tuesday's game with Toby Syme, Dan Stokoe and Jack Snelus starting at the expense of Charlie Briggs, Sean Duodu and George Morrall. From the first whistle Hitchin were very much on the front foot. , They took the lead after 4 minutes as a short corner was played to Jamie Breen. His shot hit the post but Owen Brooks scored from the rebound. Two minutes later Brooks made a good run and his shot was saved at the expense of a corner. Callum Nicolson delivered the perfect corner for Ciaren Jones to head powerfully home, a set play that has been so successful since last season.

Bury were shell shocked by Hitchin's rapid start. Jamie Mc Grath had a weak shot easily saved in their first real attack but Hitchin were playing some excellent football and a good run from Diogo Freitas-Gouveia ended with Brooks shooting just wide. Brooks came close again before Jack Snelus sored a third Hitchin goal. He chased a Toby Syme pass and beat the defender to the ball and finished well. Bury did get a goal back after 37 minutes after a defensive error. Ally Conway passed to Jamie McGrath who had an easy finish and they the hit the bar just before half time. But Hitchin were well worth their two goal lead after a dominant opening period.

Bury pressed in the early stages of the second half but Hitchin defended well. Dan Stokoe missed a good chance after a poor clearance from keeper Charlie Beckwith but made the game safe after 80 minutes. Freitas- Gouveia made a great run and won a corner from which the ball reached Dan Stokoe who made no mistake. Sub Sean Duodu produced icing on the cake with a well struck fifth goal in injury time and this was his first goal for Hitchin.

Great credit must go to the Hitchin ground staff as despite non stop heavy ran the pitch was in excellent condition and it was a credit to their hard work. Credit also to the 458 supporters who braved the terrible weather conditions. Michael Jones was absolutely delighted with the performance and liked the intent and how composed we were in possession. He felt we created good chances and unlike many earlier games we were also clinical with our finishing.

So it was a real team effort when every player made a solid contribution and we were solid at the back, creative and hard working in midfield and really sharp up front. If this level of performance can be repeated Hitchin will surely move up the table.