STRUGGLING Gloucester City made Hitchin battle all the way in Saturday s Southern League Premier Division clash at Top Field. The Canaries twice had to come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to two goals from Thomas Hayes. The previous weekend proved

STRUGGLING Gloucester City made Hitchin battle all the way in Saturday's Southern League Premier Division clash at Top Field. The Canaries twice had to come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to two goals from Thomas Hayes.

The previous weekend proved eventful for Hitchin's Stuart Lockhead. Having played for The Canaries at Merthyr on Saturday he turned out for his Hitchin Sunday League side Kcinsatop the following morning before rushing off to play for Luton-based St Josephs in the quarter-finals of the FA Sunday Cup, only to be charged £2 entrance fee at the gate by an official of the home club. But Lockhead had the final word by scoring the winning goal in extra-time!

In Division One East, Arlesey Town had goalkeeper Nick Bussey sent off in their match at Enfield Town. Arlesey were already two down at the time and the resultant penalty put the match out of their reach. Michael Cox did pull one back for The Blues but a late goal sealed a 4-1 win for Enfield.

With two of their close rivals dropping points Potton United strengthened their position at the top of the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Premier Division with a 4-2 home win against Buckingham Town. An own goal and strikes from top scorer Wes Byrne and Paul Garrett gave Potton a three goal half-time lead and Byrne wrapped things up just after the restart before Buckingham staged a second half rally. Stotfold won 2-1 at relegation-threatened Long Buckby.

In the Premier Division of the Minerva Spartan South Midlands League, Biggleswade United eased past London Colney 3-0. Nick Stilwell gave United a half-time lead and Keith Thomas added two after the break. United's rivals Biggleswade Town earned a valuable three points with a 2-1 home win against Oxhey Jets. Bobby Dance scored twice in the second half to help move Town further away from the foot of the table. Without a win in seven games, Langford were in desperate need of points from their home match with Royston Town. Two goals from Joe Delasalle and one from Mark Holmes secured a 3-1 win and put some space between Langford and second from bottom Harpenden Town.

2/27/06