As expected Hitchin proved too strong for their lower league neighbours with a convincing 6-1 victory. Diogo Freitas-Gouveia played his first game of the season while Kav Cotter made only his second appearance and Simeone Olarerin returned from injury in the second half. There were 5 triallists in the squad. After 10 minutes one of the triallists had a shot deflected wide after Cotter's pass and from Callum Nicolson's corner Blue Joy thumped home his header. Gouveia went on a mazy run that led to a corner that Joy headed wide.

Gouveia had one weak shot and then fired a free kick well over the bar. George Morrall attempted to lob the keeper after a good pass from Joy before Cotter had a volley well saved by the keeper. It was all Hitchin and before half time a triallist and Gouveia had chances but it remained 1-0 despite the overwhelming possession.

Rio Deall shot wide after 49 minutes before 4 minutes later he produced a brilliant cross that the triallist headed home. Ciaren Jones replaced Joy and Hitchin added a third goal after 60 minutes when the triallist was clearly brought down and smashed home the penalty. At this point all the other subs were brought on and against the run of play Letchworth scored with a headed goal on 64 minutes. Hitchin continued to dominate and the next goal saw Dan Stokoe take advantage of a goalkeeping error after 72 minutes.

Olarerin was the next scorer as following a Gouveia cross he produced a good finish. The final goal came on 86 minutes as a Letchworth player deflected a cross in to his own net. It was the expected comfortable victory but gave valuable game time to a number of players who had not played much so far. Hitchin worked hard and if they lost possession made immediate challenges to regain possession. Next up we travel to Stotfold on Saturday.

HITCHIN TOWN

Tyler McGregor

Rio Deall

Cole Butler

Blue Joy (C)

Trialist A

Toby Syme

Diogo Freitas-Gouveia

Kavan Cotter

Trialist B

George Morrall

Callum Nicolson

Subs:

D. Stokoe

Trialist C

L. Stokoe

Ciaren Jones

Trialist D

Kye Tearle

Simeon Olarerin