Hitchin hold Saints

Hitchin Town 2 St Albans City 2

Neil Jensen reports

HITCHIN more than matched Conference new boys St Albans, putting on their best pre-season performance so far at Top Field on Saturday.

Darren Salton's side led twice against the Saints, but each time were pegged back.

Against a team that is now two levels higher, Salton was pleased with the outcome saying afterwards: "This was our most competitive game so far and we played some good football against a useful side."

Hitchin had an early chance when Gavin Jaggard headed wide, but his former striking partner, Josh Sozzo, now playing for St Albans, saw his shot saved by Canaries' goalkeeper Paul Taylor.

Hitchin dominated the closing stages of the first half and took the lead in the 39th minute.

A header from Liam Folds was only partially cleared by the St Albans defence and Chris Dillon sent a tame but well placed volley past goalkeeper Ricky Perks.

St Albans started the second half in a determined mood and Matt Hann and Chris Seeby both missed good chances.

St Albans equalised in the 61st minute through a superb 25-yard strike from Adam Wilde.

Seven minutes later Hitchin regained the lead.

Neil Pugh combined with Chris Dillon to create a chance and Pugh scored with a delicate chip over Perks from inside the penalty area.

Hitchin substitute goalkeeper Michael Parkin pulled off two good saves before the Saints equalised seven minutes from time.

A low cross by Simon Martin was turned home by Hann from six yards to restore parity.

Seeby saw a late effort blocked on the line by Wayne Mills, but a draw was a fair result.

Hitchin Town: P Taylor (Parkin 75), J Taylor (Cretton 59), Ducket, Folds (Gentle-King 75), Hammonds (Frater 75), Deeney, Williams (Mills 75), Pugh (Lamacraft 69), Dillon (Bridge 69), Jaggard (Hayes 69), French.