Hitchin Town 0 Corby Town 1 NEIL JENSEN reports Hitchin s hold on the Errea Cup – the trophy they won last season – is over. The Canaries crashed out of the competition on Tuesday night at the first time of asking with a performance that fell way short of

Hitchin Town 0 Corby Town 1

NEIL JENSEN reports

Hitchin's hold on the Errea Cup - the trophy they won last season - is over.

The Canaries crashed out of the competition on Tuesday night at the first time of asking with a performance that fell way short of the standard set in the last few months.

Hitchin could have few complaints, however, for they came up against a Corby side still smarting from the defeat handed out to them a week ago in the league.

Few chances came the home side's way in the entire 90 minutes, but in the first half a low snap shot by Chris Dillon troubled Corby goalkeeper Darren Watts and a Carl Williams cross was palmed away from danger.

Corby scored what looked like a controversial goal in the 57th minute.

The Hitchin defence was static as Kevin Byrne ran through and nonchalantly toed the ball into the net.

Hitchin's players looked bemused, as if waiting for a flag or whistle to save them from what was slack defending.

Corby had a chance to add to the goal but Kevin Ward's shot was saved by Rob Beckwith.

In the final seconds, Daniel French's volley was stopped by Watts and a swerving effort by Mark Ducket went close to levelling.

Hitchin's performance was subdued to say the least, perhaps it was fortunate that only 104 people watched it.

Canaries: Beckwith, Pendleton (Pugh 60), Ducket, Frater, Folds, Lamacraft (Orphanou 74), Williams, Miller, Dillon, Bridge (Jaggard 64), French.

* The Canaries will hope to bounce back this weekend.

Hitchin host Rugby Town this Saturday as sixth plays fifth in the BGB Premier Division.

The Canaries, who are enjoying their best start to the season since 1998, will be hoping to put aside the disappointment of going out of the Errea Cup by jumping into a play-off position.

"This a big game for us," said manager Darren Salton.

"Rugby have had a similarly good start to the season and they will harbour play-off ambitions. We are expecting a tough game. Despite losing on Tuesday night, our confidence remains high.