Hitchin Town FC 0-2 Boreham Wood FC

Hitchin suffered defeat once again in pre-season at the hands of last season's FA Cup giant-killers Boreham Wood, writes Freddie Cardy from Top Field.

The National League outfit made the trip to Top Field after home friendlies against the likes of Brentford and West Ham United, and were a whisker away from going a goal down with just minutes on the clock, Nathan Ashmore making a crucial save after a superb run and shot from young winger Jonny Allotey.

In a very scrappy first quarter of the game, the only half chance for Boreham Wood was cleared off the line, with the Canaries doing well to nullify any attacking threat from the side two leagues above them. Kye Tearle in Hitchin's midfield certainly impressed in his ability to compete and win back possession in the middle of the park, alongside captain on the night Lewis Barker.

Former Northern Ireland youth international Tiernan Parker had a rather difficult first half, with the goalkeeper enduring some heart in mouth moments on more than one occasion and struggling with his long-range kicking. Boreham Wood should have taken the lead just moments later when the dangerous Tyrone Marsh heading over the crossbar; before Danny Newton did make it 1-0 with a tap in after some unselfish play by Ndlovu- Parker's goal kick gave the ball straight back to the Wood's attacker.

An injury-hit Hitchin side managed to make it through to half-time without any further damage to the scoreline, but the Canaries ended the first half with a little more momentum, the likes of Dasilva and Allotey doing their best to spark their side into life.

Mark Burke's half time words seemed to have a notable effect on his side, with Hitchin making a positive start to the second 45. Allotey's shot from distance was saved by Ashmore, who had an excellent game when called upon after missing most of last season due to injury. Hitchin right-back Delsin Akom impressed alongside Alex Anderson and Toby Syme (two players both in their second spell at the club) as well as Joe Babbage and Jack Morrell in a new-look defence.

Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard used five of his seven available substitutes early on in the second half, and it was the energetic Dennon Lewis who caused the Canaries the most problems, flashing two shots wide of Charlie Horlock's goal in a matter of minutes- Horlock replacing Parker on the hour mark.

The National League side's pressure finally paid off in the 67th minute with Josh Rees making it 2-0, but just moments later Sam Meakes was brought down by Ashmore and had the chance to pull a goal back from the penalty spot. However, Meakes' spot-kick was tame and easily saved by Ashmore who made amends for the foul.

Salt was very nearly rubbed into the wounds of the missed penalty when Danny Elliott rounded Charlie Horlock, but his shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by Jack Morrell. Meakes continued to cause problems and won a free kick just on the edge of the penalty area, but Ashmore was again up to task and able to save Kye Tearle's effort.

Ultimately, the gap of two divisions between the two clubs was made clear over the course of this friendly, with Boreham Wood defending well and taking their chances against a much-changed Hitchin side that were hampered by injury and not at their best. Hitchin's trip to Step 5 Stotfold on Saturday will serve to be a very useful test for the Canaries.