Hitchin Town match report (from Official Hitchin site)

Saturday, November 2nd 2013

This time, the Canaries could have few complaints. It was tight in the end, but Truro City, who travelled more than 300 miles to play in front of 320 people, showed no sign of travel fatigue as they won by the odd goal in five.

Both teams played their part in a thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes, played in front of a colourful travelling crowd, who livened up the afternoon with their non-stop support of their team.

Hitchin took the lead against the run of play in the 15th minute. A high cross into the area was knocked down by Simon Martin and Dan Webb prodded home the ball from close range.

Seven minutes later, however, Truro drew level with a debatable penalty, Webb appearing to bring down Neil Slateford. Steve Tully gave Hitchin keeper Tahj Bell no chance from the penalty spot.

Truro continued to have the upper hand and Slateford and Jamie Lowry both had chances to add to Tully's goal. On the stroke of half-time, they did score, Liam Eddy finishing after Cody Cooke played the ball across goal.

Truro extended their lead in the 48th minute, Slateford showing intricate skill when receiving the ball from Tully, controlling it and steering it past Bell in one slick movement.

Hitchin hit back immediately and in the 50th minute, Martin netted from just outside the penalty area with a low shot.

There was a scare for Hitchin when Slateford's low shot from outside the area was spilled by Bell and then Les Afful's goalbound was blocked by the rear of his team-mate Eddy. Hitchin's Robbie Burns should have done better when he burst through the Truro defence but shot wildly over the bar and substitute Gary Wharton was unlucky to see his shot cleared off the line.

Hitchin thought they had equalised in the 81st minute when a superb long-range effort by Wharton looked to be heading for the top corner of the net but it hit the inside of the post and rebounded away from danger. On this occasion, luck was not with Mark Burke’s side.

Hitchin were gracious in defeat, however, sending Truro back to Cornwall with a crate of beer for the long journey.