Biggleswade Town 2-0 Hitchin Town

Second half goals from talented Waders attackers JJ Lacey and former Canary Liam Brooks were enough to seal victory against a spirited young Hitchin side.

With Hitchin's eagerly-awaited pre-season Herts Charity Cup clash against Royston Town on Saturday at Top Field, Canaries boss Mark Burke opted to send a development squad to Langford Road for their eighth pre-season friendly of the summer as they gear up for the forthcoming 2023-24 season.

On a gloriously sunny Thursday evening in Bedfordshire the youngsters took on a strong Waders side which, understandably, had most of the possession in the opening stages.

Visiting keeper David Archer did well to foil a lively Waders frontline with a series of blocks and saves, prior to the home side hitting the woodwork, as Hitchin, resplendent in their purple away kit, kept Town at bay in the opening 45 minutes.

Biggleswade's Brooks nearly put the home side ahead with an athletic overhead kick which flew narrowly over Archer's bar.

However, as the sun set over the Waders functional 2008 purpose built stadium in the shadows of the A1, Canaries No7 Jeremiah Luwero missed a great chance when he fired over the ball when well placed.

The Canaries would rue eschewing the gilt-edged opportunity when the Waders went 1-0 ahead through a neat footwork and a smart finish from summer signing JJ Lacey on 57 minutes. The talented forward signed from Southern League One Central Division title winners Berkhampsted after a stellar season which included more than 50 goal involvements that featured more than 30 goals.

The home side doubled the lead on 73 minutes, when former Canary Brooks slotted home from an acute angle to make the game safe for the Waders, becoming in the process only the second side to shut out Burke's Hitchin during this pre-season.

There was still time for John Freeman to blaze over the bar following up Franklin Ojumbo's effort that failed to find the net - but despite the defeat the young Canaries should be very proud of their performance.