Hitchin Town made a big statement of their intentions at the weekend as they dismantled Pitching In Southern League Division One Central leaders, Leighton Town, to inflict their first defeat of the season after 20 games.
What made the victory even more impressive was that it came by five goals to nil to make it just two defeats from 18 and strengthen their position amongst the front-runners.
“The performance was definitely the best this season, there’s no doubt about that,” said Ciaren Jones, who weighed in with the fourth goal. “I think every player, subs included, had a very good game and when a team of 11+ players are all having a good game, it’s hard to compete against.
“We didn’t change any of our tactics or style of play for them, we just moved the ball really well, took our chances when they came and got goals at the right time.
“In my view, the result does and doesn’t send out a statement. Leighton Town are a good team and have done extremely well so far this season, but so have we. Yes, we are a few points behind them with a few games in hand, but it’s a long old season. Two years ago we were sitting amongst the front-runners in the league above before we got relegated then reprieved, so it can change very quickly.
“The season so far has gone to plan, as we expected it to. There are a few results where we should’ve won instead of getting a draw or where we should have taken a point, but lost. Having said that, overall we’re progressing in each game and building up a bit of an unbeaten run now.
“This League has definitely surprised me this year. I definitely under-estimated the level of football. The Premier Central is a very difficult League with big physical lads, who certainly let you know that they are there! Thankfully, there’s not as much of that in Division One Central, it still happens, but just not as often!
“There’s a good balance to this League where everyone is capable of beating each other. We’ve seen some crazy results where teams near the bottom have beaten those flying high and it just shows the importance of never under-estimating your opponent.
“Our aim and target for the rest of the season is promotion. Whether that be by winning the League or play-offs, that’s our end goal and it has been since day one.
“I think as a group, anything less is a failure. But our season is defined now because we beat Leighton Town 5-0; we must have the same mentality for when we face teams towards the bottom of the table, because that’s what makes winners.
“As long as we keep hitting our monthly point targets we set out, we should be a good position come May.”
Next up for Hitchin Town is a trip to London Lions on Saturday.
IMAGE: @peter_else
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