Aylesbury United 1 Hitchin Town 3 NEIL JENSEN reports An ugly half-time brawl involving players and officials marred Hitchin s second away win of the season in the league. The Canaries were well in command against a struggling Aylesbury side and were thre

Aylesbury United 1 Hitchin Town 3

NEIL JENSEN reports

An ugly half-time brawl involving players and officials marred Hitchin's second away win of the season in the league.

The Canaries were well in command against a struggling Aylesbury side and were three goals ahead by the interval.

Throughout a fiery first half, Hitchin's players were abused from the sidelines by disgruntled home fans who have seen their club haemorrhage players just before Christmas.

The third goal, scored by former Ducks' player Josh Sozzo - the target of much of the abuse - sparked off a fracas that almost got out of control.

Hitchin went ahead in the 16th minute when Daniel French fired home after being set clear by Mark Ducket.

Ten minutes later, David Hicks sent a long range effort sailing over Aylesbury goalkeeper Sam Styles to extend Hitchin's lead.

Sozzo and Gavin Jaggard - another target of the Aylesbury boo boys - could have made that lead even more convincing in the first half.

Captain Sozzo did eventually get on the scoresheet, prodding the ball home in first-half added time after Liam Folds had headed against the crossbar. Sozzo was booked for his reaction to scoring.

After the half-time melee, the game calmed down, although Hitchin opened the second period as if they meant to add to their tally.

Sozzo took advantage of a bad clearance but shot into the side netting. Hicks blasted another effort too high and Aaran Cavill saw a low drive turned round the post by Styles.

From that point, the Canaries took their foot of the pedal and Aylesbury began to gain control.

Pringle had a shot saved by Richard Wilmot and in the 55th minute, ex-Hitchin striker Mark Bridge netted from close range to reduce the arrears.

Aylesbury finished the game on the offensive and in added time, substitute Aston Goss hit the post.

Canaries: Wilmot, Pugh, Okai, Hammonds, Folds, Hicks (Lamacraft 65), French (W Mills 79), Cavill, Jaggard, Sozzo, Ducket.

* The Canaries face an away trip in the last eight of the Errea Cup.

Hitchin have been drawn away to Cirencester or leaders Salisbury City in the fifth round of the Southern League's cup competition.

The full draw is: Cirencester or Salisbury v Hitchin; Banbury or Rushall v Bromsgrove; Chatham v Bedford or Cheshunt; Chippenham v Mangotsfield.