WILKINSON AT THE DOUBLE AS FREDDIE TAKES LEVEL HEAD HONOURS

Freddie Wilkinson was the toast of Lowfield on Tuesday evening after a superb two-goal performance earned the Hoddesdon Town forward the Greene King Level Head Man of the Match award in the Lilywhites’ 3-0 League Challenge Cup victory over local rivals Hertford Heath.

Hoddesdon Will Play May and Baker In The Next Round

Wilkinson struck once in each half to put Hoddesdon firmly on course for the next round, before receiving his prize in the clubhouse from chairman Stuart Varney following the final whistle.

It was another impressive evening for the young striker, who has continued to grow in influence within Simon Riddle’s side during the opening months of the campaign. Against a Hertford Heath team who had already shown their qualities this season, Wilkinson combined relentless running and intelligent movement with the most important commodity for any forward — goals.

The Gaffer And The Goalscorer

His first arrived after just nine minutes and gave Hoddesdon the perfect start under the Lowfield lights. Wilkinson’s ability to find the right position at the right moment has become an increasingly important part of his game, and once the opportunity presented itself he made no mistake to give the home side an early advantage. That strike allowed Hoddesdon to settle into the contest, but Wilkinson’s contribution went far beyond his name appearing on the scoresheet. He worked tirelessly across the front line, occupied defenders, competed for possession and continually gave his teammates an option as the hosts looked to establish control of the tie.

With Hertford Heath refusing to go away quietly, Hoddesdon needed somebody to provide the crucial second goal after the interval. Once again, Wilkinson was the man to deliver, finding the net in the 64th minute to double the advantage and give the Lilywhites the breathing space their performance deserved.

The brace took Wilkinson’s tally for the season another significant step forward and demonstrated the confidence of a player beginning to reap the rewards of his work both on and off the ball. There was still plenty of football to be played, but his second goal placed Hoddesdon firmly in command and ensured Hertford Heath faced an increasingly difficult route back into the contest.

Freddie Wilkinson

The visitors were subsequently reduced to ten men in the 73rd minute, while Hoddesdon used their bench during the closing stages before Brandon Oxley-Fricker rounded off the scoring deep into stoppage time. Wilkinson’s job had already been done, however, and his two goals proved the defining attacking contribution of the evening.

Chairman Stuart Varney was on hand afterwards to present Freddie with his Greene King Level Head prize in the clubhouse, with the striker receiving a case of Level Head in recognition of his display. Varney was full of praise for Wilkinson’s development and the energy he has brought to the first-team squad.

“Freddie thoroughly deserved the award tonight because two goals only tell part of the story of the performance he put in,” said Varney. “He worked incredibly hard, led the line really well and caused Hertford Heath problems throughout the game, and when his opportunities came he showed exactly the kind of composure you want from a striker.”

Freddie And Stuart Post Game

Varney added that Wilkinson’s progress has been particularly pleasing to see during a hugely encouraging opening period of the season for the club. “He is still developing and improving, but you can see the confidence growing with every game and he has become a really important member of this squad. The supporters appreciate players who work hard for the shirt and Freddie certainly did that tonight, so it was a pleasure to present him with the award afterwards.”

For Wilkinson himself, the individual recognition was a welcome conclusion to a successful evening, although he was quick to share the credit with his teammates. Having opened the scoring early and then provided the vital second goal shortly after the hour, the striker admitted it had been a satisfying night at Lowfield.

“It’s obviously a great feeling to score twice and then get the Man of the Match award, but the main thing was getting through the tie,” said Wilkinson. “We knew Hertford Heath would make it difficult because they are a good side, so getting that early goal helped us, and then I was delighted to get another one in the second half. The lads around me make my job easier because there is so much quality in the team and we create chances from different areas of the pitch. I’m enjoying my football, I just want to keep working hard, keep improving and hopefully keep contributing with goals whenever I get the opportunity.”

Wilkinson’s award follows another strong individual display within a Hoddesdon side which continues to produce contributions from throughout the squad. The opening weeks of the campaign have seen goals shared around, defensive performances recognised and younger players seize opportunities when they have arrived, providing Riddle and his management team with healthy competition across the pitch.

Tuesday belonged to Freddie, though, and his brace ensured his name took centre stage as Hoddesdon booked their place in the next round of the League Challenge Cup. Two goals, a tireless centre-forward display and a deserved Greene King Level Head Man of the Match award made it an evening to remember for Wilkinson.

Hoddesdon Town would once again like to place on record its thanks to Greene King for their fantastic continued support of the club and for sponsoring the Level Head Man of the Match award. Their backing allows the club to recognise performances such as Wilkinson’s and remains hugely appreciated by everybody at Lowfield.

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