A Robbie Burns second-half double proved decisive as Hitchin edged a thrilling Buildbase FA Trophy second round qualifying replay with Biggleswade Town 3-2.
After Saturday’s 1-1 draw, Hitchin made the most of their home advantage to get the better of this five-goal thriller despite the best efforts of the Waders.
Lucas Kirkpatrick had opened the scoring for the home side two minutes before half-time, stooping to knock in Callum Donnelly’s dangerous cross.
When Burns grabbed his first three minutes into the second half – knocking in a free header – Hitchin looked comfortable but the Waders came battling back.
With 25 minutes to go Evan Key’s shot was well-saved by Michael Johnson, but the keeper couldn’t hold on and blotted his copybook by bringing down Rhys Hoeness.
Connor Hall fired home the resulting penalty, but five minutes later Hitchin had re-established their two-goal lead.
It was Burns again, controlling a ball from the right and firing home, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
They didn’t give up though, with Tony Burnett scrambling home from a goalmouth melee with six minutes to go.
That set up a grandstand finish but Hitchin did just enough and will now look forward to a clash with either Chalfont St Peter or Burgess Hill Town in the next round.
After Saturday’s 1-1 draw, Hitchin made the most of their home advantage to get the better of this five-goal thriller despite the best efforts of the Waders.
Lucas Kirkpatrick had opened the scoring for the home side two minutes before half-time, stooping to knock in Callum Donnelly’s dangerous cross.
When Burns grabbed his first three minutes into the second half – knocking in a free header – Hitchin looked comfortable but the Waders came battling back.
With 25 minutes to go Evan Key’s shot was well-saved by Michael Johnson, but the keeper couldn’t hold on and blotted his copybook by bringing down Rhys Hoeness.
Connor Hall fired home the resulting penalty, but five minutes later Hitchin had re-established their two-goal lead.
It was Burns again, controlling a ball from the right and firing home, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.
They didn’t give up though, with Tony Burnett scrambling home from a goalmouth melee with six minutes to go.
That set up a grandstand finish but Hitchin did just enough and will now look forward to a clash with either Chalfont St Peter or Burgess Hill Town in the next round.
