Redditch United 2 Hitchin Town 2
Southern League Premier Division
REDDITCH United’s search for victory was extended to six games in all competitions but it was not down to any lack of effort against Hitchin on Saturday, writes Colin Stoner.
The Reds twice led through newcomer Adam Davie and Stuart Fleetwood but playing most of the second half with ten men after young full back Jordan Miles’ red card finally proved too big a burden as Hitchin grabbed an 85th-minute equaliser to secure their first point of 2018.
Reds boss Tim Harris felt two big decisions went against his side – a handball decision which presented the Canaries with their first equaliser and then the sending-off of Miles for a late challenge on Lucas Fitzpatrick.
He had a point. They were both game-changing decisions from referee Scott Postin within a seven-minute spell when Redditch were in the ascendancy.
Adam Page, with his twinkling feet and direct running, was a constant threat and Fleetwood’s movement stretched the visitors, while Ash Sammons took on the quarter-back role in controlling the forward momentum.
However, it was a game of swinging fortunes, with chances at both ends.
Hitchin threatened with two half-chances early on – Robbie Burns hitting a rasping shot over and Josh Bickerstaff’s shot was blocked by his own team-mate Connor Vincent – but Redditch took the lead with their first on-target effort on 15 minutes.
It was a cracking goal too. Page glided past a couple of defenders cutting inside from the left, then set Fleetwood into the inside left channel and the striker unselfishly picked out Davie for a tap-in from eight yards past keeper Michael Johnson.
The hosts could have had a second, only for Johnson to tip over a misdirected header from team-mate Kevin Byrne from keeper Ethan Ross’ long free kick, but Ross was busy as well in parrying overlapping full back Jack James’ fierce angled shot.
Hitchin were level a minute into the second when the referee awarded a penalty for a handball in the Reds box and Fitzpatrick drilled home the spot-kick.
Seven minutes later, Hitchin had a further advantage when Miles, who had enjoyed a promising debut, lunged into Fitzpatrick with a late rather than vicious challenge and after a lengthy delay Postin pulled out the red card.
Harris brought on Marcel Simpson to go to a three-man centre back combination as Hitchin poured forward and Vincent blazed over.
However, Redditch regained the lead on 75 minutes when Fleetwood smashed home a perfect volley after Danny Jackman’s free kick was only cleared to the edge of the area for his ninth goal since joining from Merthyr at the start of the year.
It did not stem the Hitchin pressure, however, as Fitzpatrick volleyed over and Johnny McNamara headed wide, but five minutes from time they were level again.
Substitute Patrick Tshikala’s effort was deflected amid a goalmouth scramble and defender Lewis Rolfe smashed home the bouncing ball.
There was still time for both sides to snatch a winner, but Hitchin skipper Dan Webb’s header bounced inches wide and Fleetwood was crowded out in a swift counter-attack.
The Reds visit title-chasing Slough Town this evening (Tuesday).
REDS fans can have their say at a meet the chairman and manager event on Thursday, February 15 at 7.30pm in the Reds Bar.
Boss Tim Harris will be giving his views of the club to date since his recent appointment and supporters will be able to ask the new gaffer questions.
Furthermore, chairman Chris Swan will be in attendance to outlay his plans for the club going forward, along with general manager David Tittershill.
