Canaries beat Waders in Red Insure Cup

Their fate was finally sealed in the closing moments at Topfield in a game that the Canaries edged with a strong second half display.

Both sides made several changes to their league line-ups from the weekend and it was the Waders who made the better start. Kim Forsythe ran at the Hitchin defence while Kane Smith earned himself a yellow card for a challenge on Chris Marsh.

Mark Coulson sent in a cracking shot that was well saved by home keeper Michael Johnson.

Former Wader Brett Donnelly was Hitchin’s captain for the tie and he forced a good save from Dan Smith in the Biggleswade goal.

However the visitors fell behind midway through the first half. Lewis Rolfe’s corner was played into the six yard box and the unfortunate Smith was only able to punch the ball into his own net.

Forsythe went close twice, first a free kick just eluded him then an excellent chip beat the keeper but also the bar.

Hitchin proved to be tougher opponents after the break, Smith managing to gather Donnelly’s header at the second attempt.

The ball did end up in the Hitchin net courtesy of Forsythe but the whistle had already gone for a foul. He was replaced soon afterwards by Sam Merson who had one of Waders’ few second half chances.

The Canaries were finishing the match the stronger and finally made the game safe in the final minute. Dominic Palmiero rounded the keeper and converted from a tight angle to earn Hitchin a quarter-final tie with Cambridge City.

Waders host Merthyr Town in the league on Saturday.

Biggleswade: Smith, King, Coulson, Allinson, Iwediuno, Fortune, Northfield, Rees (cap), Forsythe, Marsh, Vincent. Subs Merson (for Forsythe), Daniel (for Marsh), Tyrell (for Fortune)