More good news reached the club on Tuesday evening as midfield maestro Blue Gallagher achieved the impressive feat of registering 150 appearances in a Hoddesdon Town shirt.

Battling back from an injury earlier on in the season, it was a welcome sight to see Blue's name on the team sheet this week, all be it as a substitute. He has been very much missed in the squad of late and his return to fitness provides a very welcome boost to the side over the crucial Christmas period, with Hoddesdon having a run of home games throughout December.

With Hoddesdon leading title chasing Benfleet 1-0 in the League Challenge Cup on Tuesday, Blue's introduction from the bench, replacing the excellent George Rankin, meant that Gallagher now sits in esteemed company within the Hoddesdon Town '150 Club'. He joins Connor Bolton from the current squad, who reached the same milestone back in early October, during the 4-2 home win against St Margaretsbury.

Benfleet managed to nick a goal back five minutes after Blue's introduction, but with the game then heading to penalties, Blue was one of the five that put their hand up and offered to take responsibility for one of the kicks. As fate would have it, Blue missed his penalty, blasting over the bar. But he was not to be denied glory on his special night, as goalkeeper Liam Nugent came to the rescue, saving Benfleet's final penalty and sending the Lilywhites through to the next round. It was no surprise that during the post match celebrations, Blue was the first man to jump into the arms of Nugent, even pushing aside captain for the evening Connor Bolton, to embrace the bearded hero and perhaps thank him for recovering the situation.

Blue made his debut for the club on the 15th of December 2018 and this season he has contributed 3 goals from his 9 appearances so far.

Everybody at Hoddesdon Town FC would like to congratulate Blue on this impressive milestone and we hope to see him continue appearing for the club, having become an important part of the squad in recent years.

#COYL

(Article written with thanks to Colin Sinden)