Harry Andic was named the Greene King Level Head IPA Man of the Match following an outstanding display in Hoddesdon Town’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Brimsdown at Lowfield on Tuesday evening. Andic capped an energetic and dangerous performance with an excellent first-half goal, helping the Lilywhites to another three points and a return to the top of the Thurlow Nunn First Division South.

On a wet, windy and increasingly miserable evening in Hertfordshire, Andic certainly provided plenty of brightness for the home support. From the opening exchanges he caused problems for the Brimsdown defence with his movement, willingness to run beyond defenders and determination to remain involved whenever Hoddesdon attacked.

Harry Andic

The Lilywhites had already raced into a remarkable 3-0 lead inside the opening four minutes, but Andic continued to push for further punishment as Simon Riddle’s side dominated possession. His reward arrived in the 32nd minute when another dangerous Blue Gallagher corner created problems inside the penalty area, Blesson Asekolenga helped the ball back across goal and Andic was perfectly placed to finish for Hoddesdon’s fourth.

It was a very good goal and an appropriate reward for a player who had been a constant threat throughout the evening. Even when he was not directly involved in the final touch, Andic’s work rate and movement kept Brimsdown occupied, while his willingness to press from the front helped ensure the visitors were rarely able to settle in possession.

Chairman Stuart Varney presented Andic with the Greene King award in the clubhouse after the final whistle and felt the forward’s overall contribution made him a deserving recipient.

Stuart Varney Made The Post Match Presentation

“Harry was excellent tonight and I thought his energy stood out from very early in the game. He was always looking to make something happen, his movement caused them problems and he deserved his goal because of the work he put into the performance.”

Varney was also quick to acknowledge the difficulty in selecting one player from such an impressive team display.

“There were a number of very strong performances tonight, which is exactly what you want. Blue Gallagher was excellent again, Connor Bolton scored twice, Jack Gibbs finished the evening with two goals, Jack Orchard was outstanding and Liam Nugent produced a fantastic save to protect his clean sheet, but Harry just edged it for us tonight.”

Andic was delighted to receive the award but was equally keen to recognise the collective performance that carried Hoddesdon back to the First Division South summit.

“It’s always nice to get Man of the Match, but the main thing was getting the win and doing it properly. We started incredibly quickly and from there it was important that we kept our standards up, because it would have been easy to take our foot off it.”

The goalscorer was also pleased to get his own name on the scoresheet after finding space in another dangerous Hoddesdon set-piece situation.

“I was happy with the goal and I just tried to make sure I was in the right area when the ball came back across. Blue’s delivery was causing problems all night and Blesson did really well to keep it alive, so thankfully I was there to finish it off.”

Andic’s performance came on an evening packed with contenders for the award. Gallagher’s set-piece delivery was a constant menace, Bolton struck twice in a devastating opening four minutes, Gibbs added a superb late double, Orchard opened the scoring and contributed heavily at both ends of the pitch, while Nugent’s excellent second-half fingertip save ensured Hoddesdon completed the evening with a clean sheet.

Bolton And Gibbs Both Grabbed A Brace

Ultimately, however, the award belonged to Andic after a display full of energy, intelligence and attacking intent. His goal, movement and relentless work across the front line provided another example of the depth available to Riddle as Hoddesdon continue their unbeaten league campaign from the top of the table.

Everyone at Hoddesdon Town FC would once again like to thank Greene King and Level Head IPA for their continued support of our Man of the Match award and the football club. Their backing is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to recognising plenty more standout performances as the season continues.

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