Hitchin 2–4 Marlborough

One could tell this simply. One would be doing the evidence a disservice. The Crowns went into it 12 points to the good, 3rd against the Aviators' 16th. Their earlier meeting finished 2–1. History rarely repeats on command, but it's there all the same. The last handful of games had Hitchin out of sorts, Marlborough drawing more than they would like.

Hitchin will look back on Quayle's effort, saved when it mattered most. Achával tested the goalkeeper for Hitchin, straight at him in the end. Çelebi tested the gloves for the side in crimson with their sharpest effort, kept out. Marlborough came closest through Azaña, an attempt that demanded intervention.

Bachelard scored for the Luton club on 9', Quayle the creator (1–0). Bevan steered Mosibudi's corner past the keeper for the Crowns on 9' (1–1). Mosibudi's delivery, Acevedo-Mansilla's finish, Marlborough to 1–2 on 30'. Brandt set the table, Branco-Lima ate, Marlborough 1–3 on 46'. Quayle the architect, Castaño the finish, Hitchin 2–3 on 51'. Azaña picked out Quesnel, who struck for Marlborough on 78' (2–4).

Possession favoured Marlborough at 57%; the shot count read 13–12, on target 5–7, corners 7–4.

Marlborough get on with the season; Hitchin get on with the inquest.