Away point for Chesham after late Moran leveller

Jan 30 2012

Hitchin Town 1-1 Chesham United

RYAN Moran netted a late equaliser as Chesham United continued their unbeaten run at Hitchin.

The Generals have not lost at Top Field since 1995 but that record looked under threat after former striker John Frendo scored his 18th of the season to put the home side ahead with 20 minutes to go.

That was until defender Moran headed in a corner with two minutes to go to earn his side a share of the spoils.

The 29-year-old, signed from St Albans City last week, kept his place in the side with Rob Bartley, who had served a suspension, forced to sit on the bench.

Chesham started the game strongly with Steve Wales foiled by the woodwork and a goal-line clearance by Canaries defender Tony Fontenelle.

But the home side played their way into an entertaining clash with Inih Effiong and Zak Burke firing wide and they started the second-half on the front foot with Iuean Lewis seeing his low drive cleared off the line.

Chesham goalkeeper Shane Gore was at his best just after the hour mark when he pulled off a superb stop to deny Burke a certain goal as Hitchin put his goal under a period of sustained pressure.

And it was inevitable that Frendo would make the breakthrough against his old side when he fired in from a tight angle and surrounded by defenders.

But Andy Leese's side showed tremendous character to battle back with captain Danny Talbot seeing a free-kick come back off the post and substitute Leon Archer heading wide.

They earned a deserved point at the death when Moran stooped to head in a corner and keep Chesham in the play-off spots.

GENERALS: Gore, Kyriacou, Watson (Wadkins 75), Lambert, Moran, Talbot, Fotheringham, Wales, Potton (Archer 56), Simon Thomas (Watters 75), Whelan.

Subs (not used): Scott Thomas, Bartley.

Att: 466.