Hitchin Town were playing for their continued existence in this season s FA Cup last night (Wednesday). The Canaries were meeting Saffron Walden again after Saturday s first game at Top Field ended 1-1. Few people in the crowd could have begrudged the Rid

Hitchin Town were playing for their continued existence in this season's FA Cup last night (Wednesday).

The Canaries were meeting Saffron Walden again after Saturday's first game at Top Field ended 1-1.

Few people in the crowd could have begrudged the Ridgeons Eastern Counties League Division One side a replay after a typical blood and thunder tie (writes Neil Jensen).

Hitchin may have taken the lead with six minutes to go but the Essex side deserved their equaliser.

Their supporters, swelling the gate to 351, played their part by making for a real cup tie atmosphere.

Saffron Walden started well with Ben Smith heading down for Bradley Green but the ball refused to run kindly. Ben Riches had two chances for the visitors, a volley on to the roof of the net and a shot across goal.

Hitchin settled down, however, and Wayne Mills had a goal disallowed for offside. Chris Dillon mishit in front of goal and a low shot from David Deeney was saved by diminutive goalkeeper Jason Harvey.

The Canaries upped the tempo in the second half, with a low shot from Daniel French parried by Harvey and Glen Lamacraft weaving his way through before being stopped in his tracks. A neat exchange between Deeney and Dillon set up Liam Folds but his volley was tipped round the post by Harvey.

In the 84th minute, a tame cross by Carl Williams was bundled home by a combination of a Saffron Walden defender and Dillon, the latter claiming the goal.

Three minutes later, though, Saffron Walden levelled when Den Godden forced the ball home after a scramble.

There was still time for Hitchin to go close, Ryan Frater shooting across goal after a Mark Ducket free-kick.

Canaries: Parkin, Pugh (Frater 86m), Ducket, Hammonds, Folds, Deeney, Williams, Ross (Lamacraft 55m), Dillon, Mills (Jaggard 55m), French.

# Arlesey Town were booted out of the cup on Saturday, losing by four goals without reply at Hendon.

The home side, featuring former Hitchin favourite Richard Wilmot in goal and ex-Boro man Jermaine Hunter in attack, put aside their poor league form to win comfortably.

Hendon started positively and were rewarded in the fourth minute when Dean Green opened his account for the club from close range following a headed effort towards goal from Lee O'Leary.

Shortly afterwards O'Leary headed narrowly wide while Ross Pickett headed over in the 18th minute.

Hendon were in control of the game and O'Sullivan came close to scoring in the 28th minute but his shot was not powerful enough to beat Jack Rashid.

But seven minutes later, a cross from O'Sullivan eluded Hunter and also bizarrely Rashid and bounced into the net at the far post.

Hendon opened the second half in similar fashion and both James Burgess and Hunter had good chances to extend the lead.

The third goal came on 56 minutes when O'Leary finished clinically after being put clear by a great ball over the defence by O'Sullivan.

A minute later, Michael McKenzie had a great chance for Arlesey but veteran keeper Wilmot pulled off a fantastic point blank save.

The final goal came seven minutes from time when O'Leary broke clear and unselfishly laid the ball back for Jamie Busby to fire home.

Blues: Rashid, Stanley (McElroy 16m), Bloss (Rydeheard 51m), Finch (Tekell 65m), Dogbe, George, Dillnutt, Gray, Forde, McKenzie, Young.