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On The Road Again…
Your tour guide to; Hitchin Town
Quick facts
Founded in 1928
Nickname The Canaries/Yellows
Home Colours Yellow and green
Last season, they were 4/24 beaten play off finalists in Southern Premier
Last time we were here A 3-3 draw in December 1934
Historic/competitive rivalries Arlesey Town in the 2011 Southern Division One title race
Stadium Top Field
Entry price £10 with £6 concessions
Post code for your Satnav SG5 1NU
Miles for this game 36.2 mile round trip
Total miles so far this season 1504.8

Hitchin‘s run to the quarter finals began with a 4-2 home win over Hertfordshire rivals Bishop’s Stortford back in October. Round two saw them travel to Kings Langley where they recorded another four two win. In the third round, Hitchin found themselves “stretched to the limit” with injuries and suspensions for their trip to AFC Rushden & Diamonds. The game between the Diamonds and the Cararies finished goalless after ninety minutes, with Hitchin coming out four three victors from the penalty spot. Last season, Hitchin were knocked out in the first round by Royston Town.

Kempston’s route to this stage has been slightly less straightforward. In the first round, Rovers hosted King’s Lynn Town, who made several changes to their side for the fixture. Jake Newman netted a hattrick in the game, along with debutant keeper Thomas Wyant saving fifth minute penalty, to see Kempston through three one. Round two was where the journey should’ve ended, soundly beaten by Royston Town by six goals to one on a wretched, cold, wet night. Michael Lyon with Rovers’ goal after coming off the bench. After the game it came to light that Royston had fielded an ineligible player, they were expelled and Rovers reinstated. The third round saw Kempston travel to Biggleswade Town, where a wonder strike from Luke Heneghan and a late penalty from Ben Shepherd lit up a quiet affair in which Rovers were arguably the better side despite facing higher level opposition for the third time in the competition.

The other quarter finals shape up like this;
Didcot Town 3-0 Redditch (played 30.1.18)
Hayes & Yeading United vs Marlow
Frome Town vs Larkhall Athletic

Basic directions;
Head south on the A6 towards Luton. When you reach the Clophill roundabout, take the first exit (A507) signposted Shefford. After one roundabout, take the third exit at the next roundabout to stay on the A507. Go over the next roundabout, then at the next, take the third exit (next to the Airman public house) to Hitchin Road A600. Continue straight over both roundabouts in the village of Henlow. Stay on the A600 into Hitchin, go over the double roundabout and the following single roundabout, before taking the first exit at the next roundabout into Fishponds Lane A505. The entrance to the ground is immediately on the left hand side after you exit the roundabout. Follow the direction of Hitchin club stewards to park. The entrance to the bar is situated in the first car park, to find the turnstiles, head back to the street and turn right to find them slightly further down from the car park entrance.