Hitchin suffered disruption before this game kicked-off as goalkeeper Tyler McGregor was forced to pull out after picking up an injury in the warm up. This meant Luke Knell had to play even though he was not in the original squad and was only helping out in the warm up. He went on to have a good solid game.

Hitchin ran out comfortable 3-1 winners but manager Michael Jones felt the team were sloppy in the first half with too many misplaced passes. He addressed this in his half time team talk and was much happier with the second half performance as Hitchin produced a more cohesive showing.

Rio Deall had the first shot after 9 minutes but it was easily saved. Then Luke Stokoe came close nearly scoring from a rebound before Stotfold produced their first chance but Knell saved well. Callum Kane could only shoot weakly after a good build up as Hitchin looked the more likely team to score. A further good move saw Kane produce another scuffed shot before Kye Tearle did not react quick enough to get his shot away from a good position. Knell made another good save before Tearle shot wide.

So it was goalless at half time but Hitchin started the second half well and Luke Stokoe's shot was well saved at the expense of a corner. From this corner Stokoe had a shot blocked but Blue Joy put home the rebound to give Hitchin the lead. On 56 minutes Tearle almost replicated the goal he scored in the league game at Stotfold but the keeper pushed his excellent shot over the bar. After more good work by Tearle Dan Stokoe shot wide before Tearle and Kav Cotter were replaced by Cole Butler and George Morrall. Morrall came close to scoring after a good move.

The remaining subs all came on after Hitchin scored their second goal with Dan Stokoe finishing off a good move after 78 minutes. Just a minute later Butler scored the third Hitchin goal taking advantage of a keeper error. Unfortunately Stotfold pulled a goal back after 82 minutes but Hitchin proved worthy winners on the day.

It was good to see there was a sizeable Hitchin following in the 203 attendance. There is now one final friendly before the league season begins as we travel to Royston next Saturday for a 1.00pm kiock-off