Hitchin fans are starting to look towards the bottom end of the BGB Premier Division after their side s ninth defeat in 13 games. Their 2-0 defeat at Northwood on Monday night was among Hitchin s worst performances of the season against a team that had no

Hitchin fans are starting to look towards the bottom end of the BGB Premier Division after their side's ninth defeat in 13 games.

Their 2-0 defeat at Northwood on Monday night was among Hitchin's worst performances of the season against a team that had not won at home since early December.

Northwood were bottom of the table before the game and are widely tipped for relegation.

On the evidence of recent form, the Canaries may be scrambling for their own Premier Division status at the end of April.

There was little to commend in this display and but for goalkeeper Rob Beckwith, Hitchin would have been on the end of a real trouncing.

Northwood took the lead on 17 minutes when Harry Hunt raced through and took advantage of some hesitation before firing past Beckwith.

Hitchin did retaliate and a cross-shot from Daniel French was tipped over by Northwood goalkeeper Mikhael Kaimez-Ruiz. A shot by Gavin Jaggard bobbled wide and French had another effort that went into the side netting.

Recent signing Michael Standen went close with a header.

Three minutes into the second half, Northwood scored again, Dwane Williams turning and shooting home from close range.

The home side then went on the rampage with Damon Ming twice denied by Beckwith and the Hitchin goalkeeper pulling off an excellent save from Elliott Buchanan.

Beckwith then saved a point blank volley from Hunt. Matt Childs also came to the rescue when he cleared off the line from Ming.

In the closing minutes, Peter Dean shot across the face of goal with Hitchin all at sea.

Hitchin: Beckwith, Childs, Ducket, Frater, Cretton, Deeney (Lamacraft 71m), C Williams, Standen, Charles, Jaggard, French.

Hitchin may have kept their second successive clean sheet on Saturday but there was little to cheer the crowd at Cirencester on a windy afternoon in the Cotswolds.

They fielded two new signings at the Corinium Stadium, Luton YTS forward Ryan Charles and former Enfield front man Standen.

Both linked up well in the Canaries line-up showing some promising touches.

The Canaries had the upper hand for most of the game but without leading scorer Chris Dillon, they lacked the necessary punch.

In the early stages, a 25-yard shot by David Deeney went close and a Scott Cretton shot was blocked following a corner.

Charles showed some pace when he set up French but the Hitchin winger's volley flashed wide of the target.

New boy Standen also went close but his shot was saved by Cirencester goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer.

Deeney tested Sawyer in the second half with a chipped effort that he tipped over the crossbar.

A Mark Ducket free-kick and a chance by Charles also went agonisingly close to opening the scoring.

By the final whistle, Cirencester had been under pressure from the start but Hitchin were unable to make the breakthrough.

It was also Hitchin's second consecutive goalless draw, coming seven days after a 0-0 at Rugby.

Canaries: Beckwith, Childs, Ducket, Frater, Cretton, Deeney, Williams, Standen, Charles (Orphanou 84m), Jaggard, French.

* Hitchin are at home to Banbury on Saturday (3pm ko) and travel to Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday night.