HITCHIN TOWN 2 PAULTON ROVERS 0
Monday, 7th December
Paulton went into the game on Monday evening without Captain, Darren Mullings and lively winger, Leon Jeanne, both due to work commitments – not surprising for a four hour journey.
Rovers pressed from the start, but Hitchin responded as Ben Walster’s cross found Lucas Kirkpatrick who, unmarked, headed over. On twelve minutes, Sam Barker fastened on to a loose clearance, mishit his first shot, then fired a firm volley over the bar. Hitchin took the lead six minutes after the restart as Paulton cleared a corner, it fell to full back, Kane Smith and the youngster being sought after by Crystal Palace tried a shot from thirty yards, which John tipped onto the cross bar and Brett Donnelly was first to react for a 1–0 lead. Rovers struggled to create positive moves but Ricketts did well in midfield.
On the hour, tricky right winger, Jonny McNamara, swung a cross which was headed into the net by Town Captain, Alasan Ann. Rovers’ only remaining chance was Brown’s firm free kick, which sailed narrowly wide.