HITCHIN TOWN LADIES RESERVES 2-2 EVERGREEN LADIES

Hitchin Town Ladies reserves became early league leaders after drawing 2-2 against Evergreen Ladies at the weekend.

Despite the visitors pulling back a two-goal deficit, Hitchin, playing their first home match for eight months, went top through a brace from Janiece Allen,

Zoe Nemeth started in goal and Penny Armstrong continued at centre back while Tulin Rufaioglu started in a three player midfield, with Senel Chapman captaining the side.

Hitchin came up against a strong Evergreen side who matched them throughout the first half. The early chances fell to Evergreen but the Hitchin defence stood firm.

Jess Elliott worked hard upfront and carved out an early opportunity for Allen, with the ball drifting just wide. Evergreen had a chance of their own but keeper Nemeth was at hand to save.

Elliott was unfortunately withdrawn through injury with Jo Harrower coming on at left back and Megan Franklin switching to midfield.

The deadlock was broken just before half-time when a lofted ball by Mandy Mercer was converted by Allen to make the score 1-0.

Hitchin started the second half brightly, carving out two early opportunities, falling to Allen and Franklin.

The lead was doubled when a lovely pass by Ruth Foo found Allen, who battled hard to find the bottom right hand corner, making it 2-0 to the hosts in the 62nd minute.

Keri Green then had an opportunity to seal the game but was unlucky when her effort came crashing off the crossbar.

Buoyed by the stroke of luck, Evergreen clawed their way back into the match when their central midfielder fired a half-volley into the top corner to make it 2-1.

Evergreen drew level at 2-2 after a ball in from the left was headed in by met by an Evergreen striker.

As the clocked ticked down, Hitchin battled for a late winner but it wasn't to be.

...............

Player of the match was Keri Green for a typically battling performance at the back while being unlucky not to score.

Players' player was awarded to Megan Franklin who was outstanding in various roles.

Hitchin are at home again next week v Bedford Ladies

HITCHIN STARTING XI: Nemeth, Winter, Armstrong, Green, Franklin, Rufaioglu, Mercer, Foo, Chapman (c), Allen, Elliott

SUBS: Harrower, Dennis-Harburg, Spinks, Linton

Goals: Allen (44, 62)