SPECTATORS at Hitchin Town's Top Field got more than they bargained for on Thursday night, witnessing a thrilling 2-2 friendly – with a 22-man brawl!
Nobody could accuse Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Hitchin, pictured above against Peterborough Sports last season, or their Ryman Premier visitors Hendon of not showing enough passion in pre-season.
The game took an unexpected twist in just the fifth minute when, after Hendon were awarded a free-kick, a melee ensued with both teams getting fully involved.
The Greens' Dave Diedhiou saw red while Hitchin's Brett Donnelly and Callum Donnelly were also given their marching orders, all for violent conduct.
With both teams playing with less than their full compliment, the game opened up and Hendon took the lead in the 24th minute, Spencer McCall finishing after a good run from Dale Binns.
Daniel Webb equalised for Hitchin before the Canaries took the lead two minutes after half time through Robbie Burns.
There was still more to come, however, Hendon's Andre Da Costa converting a spot kick in stoppage time after he had been brought down in the box.
Friendly? What friendly!
