Hitchin were so close to their first league win of the season but an 84^th minute equaliser meant they had to settle for a point. It was probably a fair result on the balance of play and again Hitchin looked well suited to the higher league level.

Callum Nicolson was fit to return to the starting line up at the expense of Daniel Stokoe but the other injured players were still missing. It was a bright sunny day and the artificial service played really well. The early stages were even as Kyle Barnett hit a free kick straight at Tyler McGregor before Kye Tearle shot over the bar from distance after a good move. Jude Collins then shot wide before he had a shot tipped on to the bar and over by McGregor.

Hitchin took the lead after 16 minutes and it was an excellent goal. Callum Kane sent Rio Deall down the wing and after a good run and cross George Morrall provided a crisp finish. Hitchin enjoyed a good spell as Temi Akinbusoye had a tame shot , Morrall shot wide and Tearle had a shot comfortably saved.

Cameron Ebbutt hit the post after 36 minutes and in reply Tearle produced a good save from Tom Allsop after excellent work by Deall. McGregor made a good save from Kieran Cooney just before half time. In the second half James Hancocks shot wide from a good position and Luke Stokoe replaced Morrall on the hour. Toby Syme had a good chance after 66 minutes but headed over from a Tearle free kick. Tearle was then replaced by Dan Stokoe.

Kane had a shot blocked after another good move but Racing Club were pushing for an equaliser and it duly arrived after 84 minutes. Archie Kemp had a shot come back off the bar and it fell perfectly for Collins to react first and put the ball in the net. Hitchin did not panic at this setback and Kane produced a great run in the 90th minute that saw his shot blocked.

So another pleasing performance with again a much better start to the game and a good defensive performance with Blue Joy again in fine form. Chances were created and the priority is for better conversion of these chances but there is no doubt that Hitchin are adapting to life in the premier division. Next up it is a visit from Kettering next Saturday.