New signing Jack Orchard picked up the Greene King Level Head Man of the Match award following Hoddesdon Town’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over AS London at Lowfield on Tuesday night, capping an impressive defensive display in front of the home crowd.

The defender, who recently joined the club from Wormley FC, has settled quickly into life at Hoddesdon and produced his best performance yet in white and black, helping the hosts secure three important points and avenge the heavy defeat suffered in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Orchard was solid throughout at the back, reading the game well and making a number of crucial interceptions as AS London pushed forward, particularly during a tense spell early in the second half when the visitors enjoyed their best period of possession. Calm under pressure and strong in the tackle, the new arrival showed exactly why the management team were keen to bring him to Lowfield.

With Hoddesdon leading 2-0 thanks to a brace from Connor Bolton, the defence was called into action late on after AS London pulled a goal back to set up a nervy finish. Orchard stood firm during the closing stages, organising the back line well and helping the side see the game out to secure a deserved win under the lights.

Following the final whistle, Orchard was presented with the Greene King Level Head Man of the Match award in the clubhouse, with the honour handed to him by Barry Bolton, father of match-winning striker Connor Bolton, rounding off a memorable evening for the Bolton family as well as the Hoddesdon faithful.

The award, sponsored by Greene King, has become a regular feature at Lowfield this season, recognising the standout performer in each home game, and the club would like to place on record its thanks to Greene King for their continued support.

Club treasurer Peter Checkley was full of praise for the defender after the game and felt the new signing fully deserved the recognition.

“Jack was outstanding tonight,” said Checkley. “He’s come into the club from Wormley and fitted in straight away, and performances like that show exactly why we were so keen to bring him in. He was calm, strong in the tackle, and led the defence really well when we were under pressure late on. It was a proper Man of the Match performance and we’re delighted to see him pick up the Greene King award.”

Speaking after receiving the award, Orchard was quick to praise his teammates, insisting the result was a real squad effort.

“It was a tough game, especially in the second half when they came at us, but the lads dug in and got the job done. It’s always nice to get the award, but the most important thing is the three points,” he said.

With performances like this, the new signing is already proving to be a valuable addition to the Hoddesdon squad — and if Tuesday night is anything to go by, there may be plenty more Man of the Match awards to come for the Town’s latest defensive recruit.

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