Blesson Asekolenga was the deserving recipient of Saturday’s Greene King Level Head Man of the Match award after producing an outstanding display in Hoddesdon Town’s 1-1 draw with May & Baker at Lowfield. In a game between the division’s leading two sides, Blesson was calm, powerful and assured throughout as he helped the Lilywhites maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Blesson Asekolenga

The afternoon always promised to provide a serious examination for Hoddesdon’s defensive unit, with May & Baker arriving at Lowfield boasting a perfect league record and plenty of attacking threat. Blesson rose superbly to that challenge, repeatedly reading danger early, winning important challenges and helping to keep the visitors’ forwards quiet for long periods. While the match itself ebbed and flowed, Asekolenga was a constant source of stability at the heart of the Hoddesdon performance. He dealt confidently with balls into his area, competed strongly in the air and showed impressive composure whenever Town attempted to build from the back rather than simply clear their lines.

His performance became increasingly important as May & Baker enjoyed a stronger spell during the second half. With the visitors beginning to put Hoddesdon under more sustained pressure, Blesson continued to step forward at the right moments, making several vital interventions and ensuring his side remained firmly in the contest.

Club Treasurer Peter Checkley, who was watching from the sidelines at Lowfield, felt the midfielder’s performance stood out in what was an extremely competitive game between two sides who have started the season so strongly.

Treasurer Peter Checkley Was Impressed From The Sidelines

“I thought Blesson was absolutely superb,” said Checkley. “It was the sort of performance where he seemed to be in the right place every time May & Baker threatened. He was strong in the challenge, dominant when the ball came into our box and, importantly, he remained really composed throughout the game.”

Checkley was particularly impressed with the concentration during periods when Hoddesdon were forced to defend for longer spells. Against a May & Baker side containing plenty of attacking quality, maintaining that level of focus across the full 90 minutes was crucial.

“Games like that are a real test for players because you know one mistake can make the difference,” he added. “He hardly put a foot wrong. He kept communicating, kept organising around him and gave us a really solid platform, so I thought the Man of the Match award was thoroughly deserved.”

Asekolenga has quickly become an important figure in Simon Riddle’s side this season, forming part of a group that has played a major role in Hoddesdon’s excellent start. His combination of strength, athleticism and composure has made him a difficult opponent for forwards, while his willingness to remain patient in possession has also suited the way Town have looked to play. Saturday was another example of those qualities coming together against high-level opposition. Rather than being drawn into unnecessary challenges or rushed clearances, Blesson consistently made sensible decisions and helped Hoddesdon retain their structure during some of the game’s most demanding passages.

Hoddesdon Drew 1-1 With May & Baker

After the final whistle, Asekolenga was presented with his Greene King Level Head Man of the Match prize by Hoddesdon Town Chairman Stuart Varney. Blesson received a case of Greene King Level Head IPA in recognition of his performance before reflecting on an afternoon in which Town once again showed their ability to compete against the strongest sides in the division.

“I’m really pleased to get the award, but for me the biggest thing was making sure we stayed in the game and got something from it,” said Asekolenga. “May & Baker are a very good side and they made us work hard, particularly in the second half, so everyone had to concentrate and keep doing their jobs.”

Blesson Receives His Award From Chairman Stuart Varney

He was also quick to share the credit with those around him, pointing towards the collective work that has underpinned Hoddesdon’s unbeaten start.

“Defending is never just about one player,” Blesson added. “The lads around me worked incredibly hard, the midfield unit was tight and everybody kept going right until the end. Connor’s late goal showed the character in this group, and it was a great feeling to see us get the reward for that effort.”

Hoddesdon Town would once again like to place on record its thanks to Greene King for their continued sponsorship of the club’s Man of the Match award. Their support, and in particular the Greene King Level Head partnership, continues to add something special to matchdays at Lowfield and gives the club the opportunity to recognise standout individual performances throughout the season.

For Blesson Asekolenga, Saturday’s award was recognition of a performance built on concentration, determination and defensive quality. In one of Hoddesdon’s sternest league tests of the season so far, he stood tall when his team needed him and thoroughly earned his post-match prize.

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