Hitchin Town 0-0 Barwell Town: Report by Pipeman, photographs by Peter Else

After the creditable win in the FA Cup against AFC Sudbury, Hitchin returned to League action, facing Leicestershire club Barwell, for yet another home match at Top field and it was Canaries versus Canaries, with the visitors in a changed strip of all red.

I expected a close game, remembering last season where a late Hitchin equaliser had secured a point. A point was secured today in a match that had its moments but we could have done with a good deal more of them.

The first real chance fell to the visitors who won a corner and then a free kick in a good strategic area but it was met by good defending and a counter attack with Bell looking for the optimum cross. There was good work from Snelus, restored to the team and looking eager for meaningful action.

Hitchin Town 0-0 Barwell Town: Report by Pipeman, photographs by Peter Else

Enoru's cross provided a close-range chance for Davidson- Miller who just failed to control for his shot.Eadie conceded a free kick and was cautioned, with Rowe's cross cleared. It seemed cautious, probing stuff, but prone to errors. Wilkinson picked out Georgiou for a shot on target that was routine for Griffiths.

Play continued to be tight, affording few real chances, with one promising move for Hitchin ruled offside. The tight midfield gave rise to some hit and hope stuff. Gleeson's free kick looked the business, but the move ended abruptly with an offside decision. Both teams seemed evenly matched in both temperament and style in what turned out to be a relatively dull first half and a hope for a more eventful second period.

Good work from Georgiou resulted in a sliced, harmless shot that seemed to sum up this half that, in truth, lacked excitement. It must have been different for Barwell who, in a recent game recovered from being 4-0 down to draw 4-4.

Rowe's firm who saw Horlock make an important save and then Syme was replaced by Emovon. Great work from the tricky Enoru was lessened by his poor cross, but it showed the determination of the visitors. Cursons, after his positive play in the penalty area again failed to make a meaningful pass.

Hitchin Town 0-0 Barwell Town: Report by Pipeman, photographs by Peter Else

Tearle's cross saw Bell have a go, and it was palmed away for a corner and that move led to another effort from Tearle that the keeper saved. Another corner for Hitchin saw Bell tried once more, and it was close. At last, we were seeing some more aggressive play. A cross from Emovon begged a header that failed to materialise but as long as these chances kept coming the elusive first goal would surely make the match come to real life.

Brown- Hill replaced Edwards and Snelus was replaced by Isaac Galliford whose flair could make a difference, we hoped. Indeed, he had a shot erelong that was wide but indicative of perhaps greater accuracy to come. Idiakhoa, who had been hitherto subdued, forced a corner after a typical run. This brought a chance, but again defenders governed.

Barwell's next corner was decent but ruined by an infringement. Galliford and Idiakhoa provided genuine excitement in a fine move, and it resulted in a set piece for Hitchin, but Wilkinson struck way over the bar. It was too close to waste chances but at least Hitchin were pushing harder.

Hitchin Town 0-0 Barwell Town: Report by Pipeman, photographs by Peter Else

Galliford's snap shot saw Griffiths palm for a late corner, resolutely defended and aHitchin brought on Temilola Akinbusoye for a late debut, replacing Wilkinson who had worked hard with little reward. Five additional minutes were added. Some intricate play was undone by the Barwell defence and Hitchin's next free kick merely brought an offside.

This was the time to sneak a late winner even if it would be a steal, but the points were shared and in truth we cannot say that Barwell did not deserve their reward.

Indeed , manager Mark Burke told me after the game that the sharing of the spoils was ' about right'. I tend to agree and I shun the idea of brushing off a goal-less draw as being inevitably dull.

A score draw can be a dull game – and for today it seemed the opportunity for defenders both teams to exhibit anticipatory skills – with both goalkeepers alert.

It was only the second draw of the season and both have been at home, where today it was a Pay What You Want match, since we have had so many consecutive games at home – and indeed the attendance was an impressive 524.

Tuesday takes us away to Kettering Town, who make the visit to Top Field on Saturday in the FA Cup, and both games represent a distinct challenge, and it was noted they were held 2-2 by Long Eaton United.

HITCHIN TOWN

Charlie Horlock, captain, Bradley Bell, Hitchin star man, Layne Eadie, cautioned, Toby Syme, (Daniel Emovon), Ciaren Jones, Stan Georgiou, Kye Tearle, Stephen Gleeson, Jack Snelus, (Isaac Galliford), Daniel Idiakhoa, Finley Wilkinson, (Temilola Akinbusoye). Substitutes not used – Chris Khoi `and Henry Silver.

BARWELL

Harry Griffiths, Blaine Rowe, Joshua Flanagan, Sidney Kerr, cautioned, MJ Kamson Kamara, cautioned, George Ward, Beck- Ray Enoru, This Reporter's Man of the Match, Thomas Cursons, Jahvan Davidson-Miller, (Miguel Nwga) Brady Hickey, Micah Edwards, (Dominic Brown-Hill). Substitutes not used- Kyle Rowley, Rupert Freeman and Dean Master.

Referee- Mr M Fletcher assisted by Mr C Howes and Mr C Tan.

Attendance 524

REPORT BY PIPEMAN

Hitchin Town 0-0 Barwell Town: Report by Pipeman, photographs by Peter Else