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Hitchy' remembered at Barton Town after tragic loss

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 8:26 AM

Last updated Oct 2, 2026

Hitchy' remembered at Barton Town after tragic loss
Summary

James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for Barton Town, tragically died after a one-punch attack in December 2024. His widow April and their two-year-old son Freddie will attend the club's FA Cup third qualifying round match against Chorley on Saturday. Hitchcock's death caused profound grief within the club and local community. A friend recalled the last time they saw him before the incident during a day out in York. The attacker was sentenced to over six years in prison for manslaughter, with family members expressing their lasting pain from his loss.

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By the Numbers
  • •James Hitchcock died following a punch at York Railway Station.
  • •His widow and son will attend an FA Cup match on Saturday.
  • •Club and community mourn his loss over 18 months later.
  • •The attacker received a six-year prison sentence for manslaughter.
  • •Hitchcock's last match ended in a draw against Bottesford Town.
Latest Updates
  • 8:26 AMYahoo Sports — 'Hitchy is always with us' - the keeper who died after one-punch attack
  • 7:59 AMBBC Sport — 'Hitchy is always with us' - the keeper who died after one-punch attack
What they're saying
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The memory of James Hitchcock lives on at non-league Barton Town, almost two years after he died following being punched on a visit to York.

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The memory of James Hitchcock lives on at non-league Barton Town, almost two years after he died following being punched on a visit to York.

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