# FA Cup: 'Hitchy is always with us'

> James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for Barton Town, died after a single punch in December 2024, leaving his family and club to honor his memory.
- Title: FA Cup: 'Hitchy is always with us' · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for Barton Town, died after a single punch in December 2024, leaving his family and club to honor his memory. James Hitchcock…
- Keywords: breaking, james hitchcock, barton town, fa cup, leeds united, non-league football, hitchy, manson, chorley, barnes, bottle, bottlesford town
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cmn8en9wxv1no
- Published: 2026-10-02T07:59:22.019+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: breaking, james hitchcock, barton town, fa cup, leeds united, non-league football, hitchy, manson, chorley, barnes, bottle, bottlesford town
## James Hitchcock's death
James Hitchcock, a goalkeeper for non-league Barton Town, died after a single punch to the head in an unprovoked attack in December 2024.

> Even now, more than 18 months on, it has still not fully sunk in. I see little Freddie growing up and it hits me so hard.
## James' family and club
James' widow April and son Freddie, now aged two, will attend Barton Town's FA Cup third qualifying round home tie with Chorley.

> He was just lovable. He always had a smile on his face and had an infectious laugh.
## James' last game
James pulled off a fine save in a 1-1 draw with Bottesford Town in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division before his death.

> As he was coming off, i said to him great save nigel martyn because hitchy was a leeds fan and he had a little chuckle to himself
## The attack
James was struck from behind at York Railway Station on his way home from a day out with friends, dying in hospital.

> I remember hitchy saying he was going to get some food.
## The verdict
Mckenzie Dicicco was jailed for six years and eight months in July 2025 after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

> It was a cowardly, deliberate and vicious attack on a man who had no chance to defend or brace himself.
## Family's grief
James' father Chris says his life has changed forever because of 'one senseless act', and he now works as an assistant referee.

> I don't live any more - i exist. I try and be happy, i try and do things and i put a brave face on. But it'll never be the same again for me.
## Club's tribute
Barton Town has a plaque at the entrance to the players' tunnel in memory of James and sewns 'Hitchy #1' on the back of their shirts.

> He is always with us
## Memorial trophy
Barton Town and Bridlington Town meet annually for the James Hitchcock Memorial Trophy to raise funds for the Victim Support National Homicide Service.

> Before each game i look at the back of the shirt and have my 10 seconds with hitchy before i put it on.
## James' personality
James had a distinctive laugh, was a practical joker, and always had a smile on his face.

> His laugh was outrageously infectious. We all used to call it a cackle.
## James' legacy
James' memory lives on through his family, club, and the football community, who continue to honor him.

> They asked if it was ok if they put james name on the back of their shirts.
## James' impact
James' death has left a lasting impact on his family and club, with his widow and son continuing to be involved in the football community.

> I want to raise my little boy in a world where he knows about his dad.
## What happens next
James' widow and son will attend Barton Town's FA Cup third qualifying round home tie with Chorley, one of the biggest matches in the club's history.

> It's really sad looking at where james used to stand in goal and saying where is he
## Key takeaway

James Hitchcock, a 32-year-old goalkeeper for non-league Barton Town, died in December 2024 after being punched in an unprovoked attack, leaving his family and club to honor his memory.