OPENING DAY DRAW

Rugby Town secured an draw against a much-fancied Hitchin Town in treacherous opening day conditions at Butlin Road.

By Craig Webb.

Photo: Martin Pulley

Rugby striker Seb Hamilton was on target with a stooping header

The game was tight overall with little between the sides as Seb Hamilton marked his debut with an equalising goal after last season's leading scorer Jamie Arlick had given the away the lead with a first half penalty.

Hamilton was one of nine debutants for Martin Sockett's new-look Rugby Town line-up and with the complete overhaul of the management and squad, Town can be pretty pleased with a home point against one of the league favourites in their first game of the season.

Not one player who started on Saturday was at the club last term, so a new era and much enthusiasm was at Butlin Road amongst the healthy crowd in a game which was frequented by heavy downpours and brilliant summer sunshine.

With captain Chad Sheppard injured, new signing Callum Burgess started, and Nik Preston was the captain for the day.

Rugby settled first, when a good ball from Danny Hall found Ben Steane, but the ball was intercepted by a Hitchin defender before he could fire away a shot while a few minutes later, Craig Civzelis had his shot blocked after some good passing through midfield.

Town started the game better, with both Nick Heath and Steane testing the visiting goalkeeper Martin Bennett with rasping shots.

The visitors though took the lead through a penalty in the 34th minute.

Civzelis, who was booked for the incident, was penalised for needlessly tugging Dean Gilbert’s shirt in the area when little threat was present.

The Canaries top goalscorer from last season Jamie Arlick sent Rugby stopper Dave Clarke the wrong way to put the Hertfordshire ahead.

Rugby nearly had an immediate response but Danny Edmond's weak shot from eighteen yards did not trouble Bennett.

Rugby got back into the game just two minutes into the second half.

A free kick from Steane seemed to be too deep for the Rugby players but Seb Hamilton managed to stoop low and guide his header past Bennett to the delight of the home fans.

The visitors nearly re-established their advantage straightaway after a goalmouth scramble enabled Arlick to have a shot but Hall did brilliantly to slide and block the goal-bound effort.

Despite the slippy conditions, the game ebbed and flowed with both teams having chances to take the lead.

Edmond again had a shot saved comfortably and Zak Burke hit a cracking shot which was wide of the post for Hitchin.

The last fifteen minutes of the game, Hitchin seemed to be stronger side going for the winner with substitute Glen Lamacroft and that man Arlick having attempts on goal with the Rugby defence working hard to clear their lines.

At the end of the game, Clarke made a match winning save when he fingertipped over the bar from a cracking shot from Burke.

With their first point of the campaign, at the first attempt signs are that Town can now firmly put last season’s tumultuous campaign behind them and move on.

Valley Line-up: Clarke; Heath, Hall, Burgess, Preston; Steane, Civzelis, Connolly; Wesley, Hamilton (Alexander), Edmond (Fitzharris). Subs not used: Thomas, Sockett, Charles. Booked: Preston, Civzelis. Sent Off: None.

Hitchin Town: Bennett, Fontenelle, Pepper, Gilbert, Smith, Lee, Burke, Donnelly, Arlick, Harrison, Lewis.