Match Preview

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Tuesday evening sees the final home game of Hoddesdon Town's league campaign for the season, and the lads will be looking to bring the curtain down on a high.

Results on home turf were hard to come by at the start of the season but after a huge improvement in 2024, the Lilywhites can be proud of their efforts in front of their own fans this year. Add into that a minor flirt with relegation, some hugley entertaining games, and another cup win for the club, it truly has been a season to remember. There are still three games to play after Tuesday evening's final whistle blows, but these are all away from home and in just over a week, the club will be handed over to our friends at Hoddesdon Cricket Club for a few months of blazing hot sunshine, lager shandy's and the sound of leather on willow.

Before all of that however, Simon Riddle's men must see off 13th placed Barkingside in an effort to reach 9th place in the final league table, the highest position that Hoddesdon can now achieve.

Saturdays home win against Newbury Forest was a brilliant day all round, coupled with our beer festival and some more great weather, it really was a special occasion for all involved, ending with another three points to add to the pot. A double salvo from Callum Bennison secured a 2-0 victory for Hoddesdon, alongside an outstanding performance from George Rankin in the unfamiliar role of right back. An injury to goalkeeper Liam Nugent took the shine off of the day however, but a scan confirming a severe sprain rather than a fracture on his ankle is better news than we anticipated. We wish Liam all the best for a speedy recovery. Also, a shout out to Aiden Critchley who donned the gloves to replace Liam and deputised admirably to keep a clean sheet against Newbury Forest. Hoddesdon do now have a few players on the treatment table however, including the afore mentioned Nugent, Narcis Filip, and Harrison Cage amongst others, and on Saturday we also had to cope without the suspended Dion Laughton.

Despite those set backs, the squad does have good depth now and the management team will be aiming to sign off the campaign at Lowfield in style.

With four league games left to go, Bennison does have a real chance of catching Connor Bolton for the golden boot award at the end of the season, with Bolton on 11 and Bennison boosting his tally to 7. Laughton and Cage trail just behind with 6 each. It remains to be seen who will deputise for the injured Nugent between the sticks on Tuesday evening but there is every chance it will be the ever reliable Ethan Gannon, a man who has been called into action previously and has always performed to the highest standard for the club.

Midfielder Tobie Prentice made the starting line up for only the third time on Saturday and showed his ability throughout, none more so than when he sent in a fabulous cross for Bennison to open the scoring in the 33rd minute. The youngster has made 10 appearances from the bench this season but Saturday, as well as his cameo midweek against Brimsdown, was a timely reminder of his capabilities and future potential. Certainly one to watch going forward.

And so to our visitors.

Barkingside Football Club, based in Barkingside in the London Borough of Redbridge, was formed by a small group of enthusiasts in 1898, playing in the Ilford League, on a ground opposite the State Cinema in Barkingside High Road. They gained their first honour after the First World War sharing the Championship of the Ilford League. The club gained the use of a pitch at Barkingside Recreation Ground, where they played for 25 years before moving to their present ground in Station Road. The Club then became very successful in local football, winning the Ilford and District League on several occasions prior to World War II.

Prior to the start of season 1998/99 the club came under the control of new owners and work then commenced on the ground, which was christened Oakside Stadium, to bring it up to Isthmian League standard. In 1998/99 they won the Premier Division again but were denied promotion to the Isthmian League. Considerable investment by Jimmy Chapman, the Ford/Redbridge Chairman, has seen Oakside developed to a grade 1 ground and Barkingside have a permanent ground-share agreement; indeed to demonstrate the intention that Barkingside would continue, Chapman became their president in a gesture of support. The club is now entering a new era after the Taylor family left the club after 8 years at the helm of the club.

The last time these two sides met was on the opening day of the league season. Hoddesdon started with a bang, winning the game 2-0 courtesy of a Jamiane Galya double, leaving The Cricklefields Stadium with all three points. The side that day was as follows:

Liam Nugent, Sid Barker, Jamie Pitt, Callum Bennison, Blue Gallagher, Samuel Cross, George Smith, Yasseir Nazor, Jayke Welch and Jamaine Galya.

SUBSTITUTES
Jack Riddle, Harrison Cage, Kardan Campbell and George Rankin

Last time out, Barkingside fell to a 1-0 defeat on Saturday, away at relegation threatened St Margaretsbury in their penultimate away match this season. It wasn't to be 'Side's day with manager James Wakeling forced to make two first-half substitutions due to injuries to Joseph Koroma and Jermaine Alexander. After a goalless first-half, St Margaretsbury would grab the game's only goal on 54 minutes and would hold on to win, moving them from bottom of the league, up to 20th place. The result leaves 'Side still in 13th place, with two games remaining.

The visitors are mathematically safe from being dragged into a relegation scrap but will no doubt want to spoil the party at Lowfield on Tuesday evening by taking the win.

Barkingside's record this season reads P40 W13 D6 L21 GD-31 and 45 points. In that time they have scored 55 goals and conceded 86. Indeed, 55 goals (1.3 per game average) is the lowest goal total for any side in the division and 'Side have found it hard in the final third all season. In the current form table, Barkingside sit 14th from their last 6 games, W2 D1 L3 F6 A10. Their away form in the league this season reads P21 W7 D2 L11 F24 A40, with the 24 goals being scored on their travels the lowest of any side in the division. But Hoddesdon still have reason to be wary...

Frederick Nana Agyemang is (or rather, was) their top goalscorer this season with 24 goals in 31 appearances. However, it seems that at some point recently their talisman left the club to join Concord Rangers, and that will have been a big blow to manager Wakeling. Yemi Adelani and Michael James-Akerele both have 6 goals each but the loss of Agyemang will obviously leave a large hole to fill. Harry Baker and Jack Allen are trusted members of the squad with over 30 appearances each for the Ilford based outfit, and the team as a whole are still more than capable of getting the results needed.

You can follow Barkingside on Twitter/X HERE or check out their website HERE.

Kick Off on Tuesday is 7:45pm and the clubhouse bar and tea bar will be open, serving hot and cold refreshments.

As part of our Beer Festival celebration, we do still have some stock of our real ales which will be on sale inside the clubhouse. Sample our guest range at the bar including Spring Break, Hopping Special, London Tap Pale Ale and our own brew, 'Lilywhites', along with Spanish favourite Cruzcampo Lager, Greene Kings delicious Ice Breaker IPA and Inch's Apple Cider at the taps.

Entry
Adults £8 / Concessions £5 / Under 12's £2

Youth team players can gain FREE access with up to two parents when wearing their Youth Team shirt.

We accept Cash and Card at Lowfield (excludes American Express)

Enjoy the game.

#COYL