Stalemate sees Puritans end losing run to pick up a point

Mike Ford's side came away from Hitchin Town with a solitary BetVictor Southern League point in Saturday's stalemate.

The Puritans looked threatening in front of goal and keeper Charlie Horlock denied Craig Fasanmade three times in the first half alone. United had the better chances throughout but could not find that elusive goal.

An early free-kick from Lewis Wilson saw Fasanmade's shot blocked by Horlock who quickly denied the striker again moments later. Hitchin were unable to get into the contest and a quick counter attack from United saw Fasanmade get another chance but Horlock was quickly off his line to deny him.

A speculative shot from Ben Walster was saved by Jack Harding who then thwarted Ryan Smith from marking his debut with a goal. Another shot from Lewis Barker was saved by Harding and Jacob Hutchinson fired over the bar.

The Puritans picked up from where they left off after the restart with a free-kick from Giorgio Rasulo being gathered by Horlock. Hitchin responded with Jack Green, Stephen Cawley and Hutchinson combining to set up Alex Marsh who was denied by Harding.

Ricky Johnson cleared the bar with his effort and Claudio Dias saw his tame effort saved by Horlock while the hard working Cawley set up Hutchinson but Harding prevailed again. Substitute Ravi Shamsi set up Jake Walker late on but he fired wide and Charlie Hawtin picked out Rasulo who failed to take the opportunity.