Adam’s back again

Cheshunt 1 Hitchin Town 2

NEIL JENSEN reports

Hitchin manager Darren Salton gambled in bringing an old favourite back to the club, and the move paid off as the Canaries won a league game for the first time since September 5.

Adam Parker was added to the Hitchin starting line-up after spending most of the season on the sidelines, and he played his part by scoring the equaliser in a game that was set to end in disappointment.

This was not a classic performance in any shape or form but the result may prove to be one of the most important of the season for Hitchin.

After two defeats in FA competitions, Hitchin were in dire need of a lift, and when they clinched victory in the final minute, it was just what the doctor ordered!

Salton also fielded a new left-back at Cheshunt, Chris Pendleton, an 18-year-old who has joined the club on a three-month loan from Luton Town. He had a solid debut for the Canaries.

The first half was a dull affair but Hitchin had two chances just before the interval, both from Josh Sozzo.

Cheshunt's pace up front caused Hitchin problems, but their finishing did not match their approach work.

Within a minute of the restart, Cheshunt took the lead, Dean Fenton shooting home after a through ball from deep.

Hitchin continued to struggle but in the 71st minute, they equalised.

Sozzo went on a run and saw his shot parried by goalkeeper Martin Peat. The ball rebounded to Parker, who finished from close range.

Rob Beckwith pulled off a vital save from Cheshunt substitute Aaron Cato and it was Hitchin that finished the stronger side.

With a minute to go, Scott Orphanou laid the ball off for Mark Bridge who stabbed his effort past Peat.

Canaries: Beckwith, Deeney, Pendleton, Frater, Folds, Ross (Bridge 52), Williams (Pugh 9), Miller, Parker, Sozzo (Orphanou 76), French.