Hitchin Town 0-3 Redditch United: Report by Pipeman. Pictures: Peter Else

Another day, another dolour, another 0-3 reverse and another exit from a major cup competition – so not exactly a good day at the office. Visitors Redditch United sit amidst the top five in the League table and were always going to provide a tough challenge. The clubs are due to meet again at Top Field in the League, but the irony is that it is the date of the next round of the Trophy and that fixture will need to be rearranged.

Hitchin had only just overcome a plucky Welwyn Garden City in a domestic cup game and for this tie there were a couple of changes with the return of Stephen Gleeson and Steve Cawley. Ashley Hay was, I believe, cup-tied.

Sunshine made Top Field look cheerful but the atmosphere was a little somnolent and there was never anything fiery about this cup-tie, since the visitors played unhurried, deliberate football with precise results. It did seem that after their third goal they just could not be bothered to score another, feeling the job was well done already. In fact more damage was done to the Reds when it transpired that their coach driver had inadvertently locked his keys inside the vehicle, with Hitchin staff coming to the rescue with ladders and dexterity.

The best bit of this game came (and went) within the first quarter of an hour – that is to say from a Hitchin point of view. They began well, looked eager and indeed had four shots on goal within this short-lived period. Josh Coldicott-Stevens, perhaps wishing to atone for his penalty miss against Welwyn, stormed forward in possession and had two goes on goal in as many minutes – they both went wide but it was the right frame of mind.

The Reds, playing in all sky-blue today were unfazed and soon addressing their own concerns about scoring, winning a corner that as it came in seemed to emphasise the height of the attacking players – and in aerial terms today, they really bossed the show.

Hitchin were still at this stage attacking with some verve and Lewis Barker's fine shot drew a notable save from Kieran Boucher and from the corner we hoped for a glorious gallimaufry where a Hitchin boot would make meaningful contact and the net bulge. Rio Dasilva was exhibiting some artistry but it was a little frail and easily contained. Even with this the atmosphere remained uncharged and the travelling support made themselves heard when the bulky Ryan Boothe came close with his effort that saw Horlock claim the ball well.

The opening goal came from some uncertain goalmouth action, with the ball failing to be cleared properly, and Max Sheaf converted well, heedless of claims of off-side, which were not given. Seventeen minutes had expired and the effect on Hitchin was almost tangible. They were not short of effort and enthusiasm but failed to replicate the flowing stuff of the first fifteen minutes – and despite that they were now a goal down to a team who were yet to shift up the gears.

So far the visitors' play was marked by a kind of patient plodding, which was entirely deceptive. They had contained what were Hitchin's best efforts and they began to stroke the ball around with deliberation, attacking, winning corners, the execution of which called for some athleticism from Horlock.

I will say that the closest the hosts came actually to scoring was a fine effort from Finley Wilkinson, with the ball streaking just wide of the far post, and this was followed by an off-target strike by Kye Tearle.

There was another meek effort from Wilkinson following a Gleeson corner, but at the other end, Redditch themselves forced two corners and from the second of these Ryan Wollacott headed the Reds into a two goal lead, still leaving the idea that they had yet to break sweat. They were comfortable and generally precise and Hitchin were uncomfortably numb, despite genuine attempts to get more from the game.

Redditch took their lead to the interval and Hitchin supporters were expressing the unlikely prospect of scoring even one goal. Again the Canaries were made to look lightweight up front, since the Reds' defence had little trouble in containing most threats with efficient and not showy football. This Redditch team is workmanlike and efficient and they proceeded to amble through the second half in a deceptively casual manner. Callum Flanagan may not look an athlete with his formidable bulk but he rarely put a foot wrong.

For the start of the second period there were no Hitchin substitutes, but three were eventually used, with the idea of altering things. That was not fulfilled and the Reds put on subs themselves but more in an unspoken suggestion of giving a bit of game time to others now the job was almost complete. Then more earnest Hitchin became so the more stoic Redditch appeared, again containing, countering at a good pace and only adding one more goal where the simple finish seemed to have a detrimental effect on the hosts.

There was evidence of a forsaking of discipline with three bookings apiece, the most startling one being doled out to Stan Georgiou, which is remarkable in itself since our Stan rivals Gary Lineker for sportsmanship. I expect Stan's pocket money will be suspended for a week by his Dad, who might be pleased to know that the referee made a point of telling me that after he had written Stan's name in the little black book, Stan apologised. The referee said that he was gratified and somewhat surprised as the usual reaction of players is not so disarming. I am not entirely sure but I think that after Steve Gleeson's caution, our man might be on a one match suspension. Malaki Black was the other booking.

It all suggests frustration, as the Canaries never lack effort or enthusiasm but have yet to adapt to teams that have a commanding physical presence. They are sometimes 'bullied' and at other times outwitted. The aerial superiority of Redditch was always going to be a problem but the third goal, coming after fifty-six minutes came from some persistence on the left and a fine cross enabled Bernard Mensah to finish with audacious simplicity from fairly close in, with assistance from Sheaf.

Three goals down indeed made it mission impossible, since Hitchin have yet score three in a match this season and ideas were certainly lacking. What efforts that did come their way were unhappily blasted well over the cross bar. Wilkinson did get a header on target but Cawley was wayward with the follow-up. The hoists did occasionally cause a bit of a flurry in or around the penalty area but it was always patiently contained.

Redditch had a free kick in a very inviting position but Horlock held Wollacott's header. Hitchin's corners seemed to express the wish that a compensatory goal might be conceded, but Boucher had little in the way of direct shots to deal with. Substitute Danny King had a late chance for Redditch but Horlock was there again to prevent it.

So, we again witnessed a 0-3 reverse, and for the fourth time this season, and in six of our twelve games, the team has failed to find the net. These are not pleasing statistics. There are two more home games – against Leiston and a rejuvenated Hednesford before the away trip to league leaders Tamworth.

Each game has its own challenges and it is vital that the team receives our fullest support. I say this as last season when we were in the doldrums concerning results our attendances seemed to flourish and it had a positive effect.

It is a shame that we could not progress in this competition, since the prize money is relatively generous. Leaving that aside, we can say that a couple of good cup wins could also have a positive effect on our League form.

Today was far from good since we seemed to be so easily contained by a workmanlike team that seems to put positive results from straightforward play ahead of all other considerations. There were good things from Hitchin but alas they were largely restricted to the opening spell that just could not be sustained.

HITCHIN TOWN

Charlie Horlock, captain, Kye Tearle, Malaki Black, Toby Syme, Stan Georgiou, cautioned, Josh Coldicott-Stevens, Lewis Barker, sponsors' choice for star man, Steve Gleeson, cautioned, (Delsin Ackom), Rio Dasilva, (Leon Chambers-Parillon), Steve Cawley, Finley Wilkinson, (Jack Snelus). Substitutes not used- Diogo Freitas- Gouveia, Alfie Warman, Bradley Bell, Johnny Allotey.

REDDITCH UNITED

Keira Boucher, Yan Osadychi, cautioned, Lewis Hudson, Jack Byrne, captain, cautioned, (Charlie Williams, cautioned), Callum Flanagan, Ryan Wollacott, GOAL, 40 MINUTES, Reece Flanagan, Bernard Mensah, GOAL, 56 MINUTES, (Danny King), Max Sheaf, man of the match, GOAL, 17 MINUTES, Robbie Burn, Ryan Boothe, (Adam Hanson). Substitutes not used. – Kieran Donnelly, Murphy Culkin, Henry Smith.

Referee- Mr E Mayer, assisted by Mr A Birnea and Mr J Karram.

Attendance 357

REPORT BY PIPEMAN