Thursday at Hitchin

[Ian]

There's much talk on the Hitchin forum about the actions of some Arlesey players after Monday's game. It appears that neither players or fans covered themselves in glory. Personally, I'm not surprised.

 

There's also the following comment about our upcoming game on Thursday.......

 

"Whether we win or lose on thursday i know that Slough will be hard , professional but fair. The same will be said for their supporters, they will back their team but be gracious in victory or in defeat.Just like the Canaries were in the same situation last year."

 

The Hitchin fans were exceptional after our win last year, wishing us good luck in the final. Let's make sure we get behind the team, support them properly and whether we win or lose let's leave Hitchin with the impression that we are a decent club with decent supporters.

[Mark44]

I totally agree Ian

 

I have a lot of time and respect for the Hitchin fans who were very gracious last year and have always welcomed us to Top Field. I believe that whoevere wins out of our two teams will go on and win the playoffs.

 

COYR

[staines_rebel_Jr]

Hitchin is probably the best Football Club in terms of fans, respect and fair play. (apart from us =])

 

Even when it was Slough vs Arlesey some hitchin fans came and supported slough and were very freindly and up for a laugh. Also wishing us well and it is clear they care about non league football and the values which concern non league football.

 

Thursday should be a great game if it is anything like the previous meetings between us and hitchin and I am sure that which ever team loses they will be gracious in defeat.

 

 

[chris sliski]

Yep agree with all of the above statements...

 

Lets hope for a cracking game with the best team to win... and we must just accept what will be will be...

 

chris s

 

What ever happens we have had a good season and with the new ground , great fans and a Great Chairman ...

 

Slough are on the up...

 

come on you rebels...

[A Rebel and a Saint]

Indeed, well said, if there is any team in this league you wouldn't mind losing to in the playoffs, it is Hitchin. They have such a good support, and I for one wanted to see them go up automatically. One of the nicest clubs you would want to go to, they play good football too.

I may even make the trip to the final should they beat us on Thursday to hopefully see them go up.

 

Of course once the game is going, we will give it our all, get behind the team and go for it, but it should be a great match whatever the result. Fingers crossed for a similar result to last year! It is going to be tough but we can beat anyone on our day.

COYR!

[tomcrin]

In my experience of the Central League, Hitchin and Slough are the only clubs who have a loyal, committed following, that travel in numbers and behave impeccably. Shame there has to be a loser Thursday.

[Ian]

Thanks, Tom. Us against Hitchin would have been a tremendous final.

[somerset rebel]

i wish i could be there but im down in somerset nursing my wife whos just had a new knee.come on you rebels

[tomcrin]

Thanks, Tom. Us against Hitchin would have been a tremendous final.

 

No worries Ian. I speak as I find.

[Matt]

I did read a lot of the comments on the Hitchin forum on the Arlesey game, but have to admit I took some of them with a pinch of salt. I have no doubt that there were some unsavoury scenes at the end, but I imagine the Arlesey team were unbelievably fired up after losing the title once already, and all the media interest that went with it. And in a crowd of 1,500+ I imagine a fair few were having a dig over the situation, so to go to your bigger rivals and win the title there showed guts and determination and I think Arlesey, despite their style of football, won the league fair and square and deserve it. They were certainly the best team I think we've played this season. Hitchin got an unexpected second bite of the cherry and unfortunately couldn't take advantage.

 

What I'm more concerned about is the timing of the announcement over the points deduction by the League. It turns out that Arlesey were only informed of the decision late last week, but agreed not to disclose it to the public until after the match against Uxbridge on Saturday. I'm not sure they should have been given the choice - Daventry's deduction was announced immediately. The full explanation can be found here:

 

How a £25 fine almost cost Arlesey the championship

 

As for Hitchin, I like them as a club and agree that the team that loses out tomorrow evening will be magnanimous in defeat. I really hope they can get the promotion they deserve - by winning this league next season!

 

COYR!

[Anglepen]

Its great to read complimentary comments like that, whatever the result tonight you can be sure of a warm welcome and our best hospitality.

I think we are similar teams, great support, friendly fans and an attractive style of football.

 

I sincerely wish you all the best and Slough are one team I can just about handle losing to, but please just not tonight!

 

See you at Top Fields tonight for a cracking game played in the best of spirit.

[Anglepen]

Bad luck tonight guys, you played a tough game and we cancelled each other out for long periods, our penalty certainly wasn't a penalty in my eyes, but at this stage I think you'll agree you'll take anything that comes along.

 

Lots of commiseration from our side of the pitch at the end as we know exactly how you feel, and its not over for us yet either, Daventry are a tough team to beat.

 

Great vocal crowd you brought tonight too singing to the very end, something we still can't seem to muster for very long. And some very nice and encouraging support from you guys as we all left, much appreciated.

 

You'll get our full support next season whatever happens to us on Monday I can assure you and wish you all the very best