Hitchin completed their pre-season programme with a hard earned 2-1 victory at Royston. Team news was that Luke Knell again replaced the injured Tyler McGregor in goal while Sean Duodu, Charlie Briggs and Simeon Olaarerin were still injured and missing from the starting line up. It was another hot and humid day with hydration breaks in both halves.

Hitchin made a good start with Callum Kane making a searching run that resulted in a dangerous cross. Then a Callum Nicolson corner was headed wide by Ciaren Jones before after 18 minutes Rio Deall shot wide after the best move of the game. However just a minute later Royston took the lead. A shot from Archie Locke went beyond the far post where Jemal Ramadan was well placed to divert the ball into the net with Knell powerless to prevent the goal.

Hitchin equalised after 39 minutes. Nicolson took a short corner to Kav Cotter. The cross came in and Dan Stokoe's shot hit the bar with the ball deflecting off Adam Murray into the net for an own goal. Ramadan had a shot easily saved before Luke Stokoe mishit a shot from close range. But Hitchin took the lead on 44 minutes with a great piece of skill from Kye Tearle. He went on a positive run before unleashing a great left foot strike that gave Reuben Rabstein no chance. Tearle is always looking to take a shot if possible and his goals will be critical this season.

Rev Domi shot just wide after 54 minutes before Tearle moved on to a Nicolson pass and had a good shot saved. Luke Stokoe came close before Tearle was replaced by Triallist A. Stokoe again came close before Cotter shot wide after another good move. The Stokoes were replaced by Cole Butler and George Morrall after 74 minutes and Diogo Freitas-Gouveia and Triallist B replaced Kane and Nicolson after 86 minutes.

Royston had their chances and two goals were ruled out by the offside flag. They provided a good test and our defence had to be alert throughout. I spoke to Michael Jones to get his perspective of the game. He felt we played well in the first half and created a number of chances that we failed to take. He was disappointed with the goal we conceded but thought we showed good character to come back so positively and was pleased with two good goals. He felt Royston came into the game more in the second half but felt the defence stood firm. Michael is happy with where we are and feels we are in a positive place going into the new season.

So now the season proper starts with the trip to Rushall Olympic next Saturday followed by a visit from Needham Market the following Tuesday.