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Read how Hitchin Town Ladies reserves got on this weekend.

KEMPSTON ROVERS LADIES 1-2 HITCHIN TOWN LADIES RESERVES

Hitchin Town Ladies Reserves started their league campaign with a tough trip to Kempston Rovers Ladies, returning with a 2-1 victory.

After an impressive preseason, Hitchin showed great character to come from behind to beat a motivated side who were well drilled and backed by a passionate fan base.

This seemed like a very different Hitchin side, owing to a huge player turnover in the summer.

There were starts for Georgie Winter making her full league debut for the club and Tulin Rufaioglu in at right midfield. Captain Cat Regan returned in defence.

Hitchin started much the better side and carved out a number of early opportunities, with Janiece Allen going close with a great save by the Kempston goalkeeper - a theme which would be a common one throughout the 90 minutes - while Megan Franklin was also unlucky not to score as her shot dragged just wide.

Kempston were busy and well organised throughout the half, but still managed to test goalkeeper Zoe Nemeth on 15 minutes, which was dealt with by Hitchin's stopstopper.

Jess Elliott was introduced for her league debut, as Hitchin changed formation slightly while the impressive Ellie Colyer was withdrawn for a short break.

Ruth Foo was replaced shortly before the interval with Jo Harrower making her bow as the well-matched sides went into half-time goalless.

Hitchin started much the better side after the break, but, again, found a resolute Kempston backline.

However, it would be Hitchin who would break the deadlock. Harrower's corner was backheeled by Allen towards goal, resulting in a rather unfortunate handball by a Kempston defender - which meant Hitchin reserves were awarded their first penalty since their formation last season.

Keri Green stepped up to take the kick which, not for the first time in the game, was saved by the Kempston goalkeeper.

To her credit, Elliott was first on the scene, to convert the rebound into the bottom right hand corner, netting her first goal for the club to make it 1-0.

It was nothing more than she deserved after her impressive display.

Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg was introduced into the action in place of captain Regan whose hard-working performance was over for the afternoon.

Yet, Kempston were not finished, making Hitchin work hard for their lead. They were to level ten minutes later, as a side footed shot went into the bottom left hand corner to make the score 1-1.

To their credit, Hitchin stuck to their guns and didn't give up.

Mandy Mercer worked hard in the middle of the park to win the ball, played the ball over the top to Elliott.

Her chance was saved by the Kempston goalkeeper, but Allen was on hand to score her first league goal of the campaign, after a stunning goal return in preseason, to deservedly make the score 2-1 to the visitors.

Hitchin worked hard to protect their lead, with expert defending from Penny Armstrong and Rufaioglu with a fantastic clearance.

As the clocked ticked down, the away side were resolute, preventing their young opponents from scoring in the hectic finale, despite a late onslaught.

Player of the match went to Mandy Mercer for her industrious performance in the centre of midfield, while players' player of the match went to debutant Harrower who will be delighted with how she played against tough opponents.

HITCHIN RESERVES STARTING XI: Nemeth, Winter, Armstrong, Green, Regan (c), Rufaioglu, Mercer, Colyer, Foo, Franklin, Allen

SUBS: Elliott, Harrower, Dennis-Harburg

GOALS: Elliott (61) Allen (70)

Read Hitchin Nub News next week Next when the reserves play against Evergreen.