Hitchin made their fourth visit this season to Rowley Lane, the home of London Lions. The original league game was abandoned after 85 minutes, while the Herts Senior Cup game was called off just before kick-off and had to be rearranged. The Southern League ruled that the league game be replayed, a decision that led to an appeal from Hitchin to the FA which proved unsuccessful. In the end the result was the same as the abandoned game with Hitchin winning 2-0.

There was a rather flat atmosphere with nothing at stake. Hitchin had already guaranteed second place while London Lions were safe from relegation. However Hitchin wanted to maintain their momentum leading up to the play-offs and Michael Jones wanted to manage the squad. It was good to see Lewis Franklin, Liam Brooks and Callum Nicolson on the bench after injuries. Callum Kane was still out while Kav Cotter was rested.

It turned out to be a professional performance by Hitchin and the only surprise was how they only scored two goals from their numerous chances. Hitchin dominated possession from the outset and took the lead after just three minutes. George Morrall crossed and Ciaren Jones headed on to Taylor Rhiney who finished from close range. Morrall shot over the bar and Jones had a shot blocked as Hitchin probed for a second goal. It nearly came after Josh Jackman's shot was blocked and from the rebound Rhiney hit the bar.

Half time came without further goals and Tyler McGregor made a good save with his legs from Jack Mattey early in the second half. Hitchin then had a penalty awarded after a good run by Jackman ended with him being brought down after 51 minutes. Rhiney had not missed from the spot this season so it was quite a surprise when the keeper Nathan Bloohn saved his penalty. Hitchin continued to press for goals and Kye Tearle hit the post with a well hit shot then had another shot saved. Hitchin had a tricky spell before regaining control. Rhiney was having one of those nights. He missed a good chance after 66 minutes and then hit the inside of the post after a good pass by Charlie Briggs. Then Rhiney went down injured and limped off and let us hope he makes a speedy recovery with the play-offs looming. Franklin, Nicolson and Brooks all came on and Nicolson set up Diogo Freitas-Gouveia who shot wide. Diogo then hit the bar before Jackman was brought down in the penalty area after 90+ 3 minutes and Diogo made no mistake with the penalty to give the scoreline a more realistic look.

So Hitchin have finished their away programme and there remains hopefully 3 more games at Top Field with Thame's visit on Saturday to be followed by the play-off semi-final the following Wednesday and fingers crossed the final on Monday 4^th May