Connor Bolton was the clear choice for the Greene King Level Head IPA Man of the Match Award on Wednesday night after firing a superb hat-trick in Hoddesdon Town’s 4-1 home victory over Enfield Borough at Lowfield.

Bolton struck in the 20th, 36th and 54th minutes to put himself at the heart of another important league win for Simon Riddle’s side, with Freddie Wilkinson later adding Hoddesdon’s fourth. The result kept Town at the top of the First Division South table and continued an excellent start to the new campaign.

The award was presented after the game by Hoddesdon Town Chairman Stuart Varney, with Bolton understandably in demand after his three-goal performance. There was, however, a slight twist to the usual Greene King presentation, with the club still waiting for its latest delivery of Level Head IPA at the start of the season. As a result, Bolton was handed a case of Desperados instead, making for a slightly different but equally well-earned post-match prize. The Man of the Match award remains proudly sponsored by Greene King Level Head IPA, whose continued support is hugely appreciated by everyone at Hoddesdon Town Football Club.

Stuart Varney Presented The Award

Bolton’s evening began to take shape in the 20th minute when he opened the scoring and gave Town the breakthrough they had been searching for. Blesson Asekolenga was credited with the assist, with Bolton making the most of the opportunity to put Hoddesdon 1-0 ahead and settle the home side into the contest.

He did not have to wait too long for his second either. Sixteen minutes later, in the 36th minute, Harrison Cage provided the assist and Bolton found the net again to double Town’s advantage and put himself within touching distance of a memorable hat-trick before half-time.

The third eventually arrived shortly after the interval. With Hoddesdon leading 2-1 following an Enfield Borough goal early in the second half, Bolton stepped up from the penalty spot in the 54th minute and made no mistake, restoring the two-goal cushion and completing his hat-trick in the process. It was an emphatic individual contribution from a player who is one of the most important attacking figures in the Hoddesdon side. Bolton’s ability to arrive in dangerous areas, combine with those around him and then produce the final touch was on full display throughout the evening, and three goals represented fitting reward for a hugely influential performance.

Connor Bolton Leads The Club's Scoring Charts

Bolton said: “Obviously I’m delighted to get the hat-trick, but the main thing is that we got another win and stayed top of the league. We knew Enfield would make it difficult for us, so it was important to get ourselves in front and keep pushing from there.”

He added: “The first two goals gave me a lot of confidence and when the penalty came along I just wanted to stay calm and put it away. It’s always a great feeling to score three, especially at Lowfield, and hopefully I can keep contributing because the team has started the season really well.”

The hat-trick also continued Bolton’s excellent individual start to the campaign. He has already been heavily involved in a number of Hoddesdon’s important moments this season and once again showed why he is such a dangerous presence in and around the final third.

Chairman Stuart Varney was full of praise for Bolton after presenting him with the award.

Varney said: “Connor was outstanding tonight and when somebody scores a hat-trick in a 4-1 win, it makes the Man of the Match decision fairly straightforward. He took his goals really well, kept working throughout and was a constant threat.”

He continued: “Connor has started the season brilliantly and he is playing with real confidence at the moment. We are delighted for him, and even though we are waiting for the Level Head delivery and had to improvise slightly with the Desperados tonight, I’m sure he won’t be too disappointed with his prize!”

The victory maintained Hoddesdon’s place at the summit of the division and provided another encouraging sign of the momentum being built at Lowfield. Town have made a strong opening to the season and performances such as Bolton’s are helping to ensure they continue setting the pace. Freddie Wilkinson’s 62nd-minute goal completed the scoring, but Bolton’s treble ensured there was never any doubt over who would be collecting the individual honours afterwards. Three goals, three different moments of quality and another important contribution to a side currently leading the way in the First Division South.

Hoddesdon Town Football Club would like to once again place on record its thanks to Greene King and Level Head IPA for their valued sponsorship of the Man of the Match Award. Their continued backing of the club is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing plenty more outstanding performances recognised over the course of the season.

For tonight, though, the honours belong to one man.

Connor Bolton — hat-trick hero, Man of the Match, and the driving force behind another excellent night at Lowfield.

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