Brad Russell scores fifth goal of season as Bishop’s Stortford beat Hitchin Town 2-1 in Southern League Premier Central
Brad Russell’s fifth goal of the season helped Bishop’s Stortford win 2-1 at Hitchin Town in the Pitching In Southern League, Premier Central on Tuesday (September 10).
He was joined on the score sheet by Ryan Charles - both strikes came in the opening 16 minutes - as the Blues made it three victories on the bounce.
It was also their first away success of the campaign and the three points moved them up to 10th in the table, two points outside the play-off places.
In contrast, the Canaries have lost all seven of their matches and are bottom of the division.
Russell opened the scoring in the eighth minute when he sent a half-volley into the top corner from the edge of the box after Cole Dasilva’s cross had been headed clear.
Russell, who has been involved in eight goals in as many games for Stortford after signing in the summer, could have doubled the lead when he pulled a shot wide.
But Steve Castle’s men did extend their advantage with 16 minutes gone as Charles stabbed home after Hitchin goalkeeper Kyle Forster did not deal with Dasilva’s inswinging corner.
George Morrall reduced the hosts’ arrears in the 25th minute by heading in from a corner.
Kian Harness and Russell had chances for the Blues before the break, with the former missing the target and the latter being denied by a good save from Forster.
Charlie Castle and Harness went close for the visitors after the restart while shot-stopper Charlie Binns produced a double save from close range to prevent the basement boys equalising.
Stortford keeper Binns was alert to keep out Liam Brooks in a one-on-one situation before recovering to catch the second shot on the rebound and he also did well to save Daniel Stokoe’s long-range effort in added time.
The Canaries thought they should have had a penalty at the death when Coree Wilson went down, but the forward was booked for simulation instead.
The Blues are in Emirates FA Cup action on Saturday (September 14) when they visit unbeaten Vanarama National League South leaders Hemel Hempstead Town.
Hitchin Town: Forster, Franklin (booked 54), Jones, Gleeson (booked 47, Titchmarsh 53), Sears, Barker (booked 61), Morrall, Dreyer, Wilson (booked 90+1), Stokoe (booked 41), Deall (Brooks 66). Not used: Syme, Rolfe, Keane-Quinlivan.
Blues: Binns, Dasilva, Warner-Eley (booked 63), Oluwatimilehin (Moutawafiq 67, booked 90+3), Thompson, Haines, Castle (Virciglio 73), Harness, Russell (Scott 49), Charles (booked 54; Roberts 70, booked 75), Amu. Not used: Ogwuazor.
Attendance: 378.