Jonah Evans was the toast of Lowfield on Tuesday evening after a superb individual display earned the Hoddesdon Town full-back the Greene King Level Head Man of the Match Award in the Lilywhites’ 4-1 league victory over London Harts United. Evans registered an assist, scored an absolute screamer of his own and produced an energetic performance from full-back as Hoddesdon responded emphatically to Saturday’s FA Vase disappointment.

The award capped a memorable evening for a player who made his influence felt almost immediately. Just six minutes had been played when Evans helped create the opening goal, providing the assist for Harry Andic to get Hoddesdon off to exactly the start they wanted against a London Harts side containing plenty of attacking quality.

Hoddesdon Were Dominant

JONAH MAKES HIS MARK

If the assist was useful, what followed eight minutes later was unforgettable. With Hoddesdon already one goal to the good, Evans found himself in possession around 25 yards from goal and produced a moment which will take some beating when the club comes to choose its goal of the season.

The left-footed strike was absolutely sensational. Evans opened himself up and curled the ball beautifully towards the far corner, with the shot flying beyond the goalkeeper and into the top corner to double Hoddesdon’s advantage and bring Lowfield to its feet.

Jonah Evans

It was the sort of goal that seemed to surprise almost everybody in the ground — with the possible exception of the man who struck it. Hoddesdon went on to establish a commanding advantage before the interval, but Evans’ effort was undoubtedly the moment that had people talking long after the final whistle.

And Jonah himself certainly knew he had produced something special.

“I think that’s the best goal I’ve ever scored, and I’ve been playing this game for a long time,” joked Evans afterwards. “I don’t think there’s really anywhere else for me to go after that. I’ve got nothing left to give the game now, so I think I’ll bow out at the top and retire immediately!”

Thankfully, we suspect the Hoddesdon management team might have something to say about that particular retirement announcement.

MUCH MORE THAN THE GOAL

Evans’ award was not simply recognition for one spectacular strike, however. Operating at full-back, he gave Hoddesdon energy and purpose down the flank, contributed at both ends of the pitch and played a significant role in helping the Lilywhites establish control during an excellent first-half display.

Jonah Was The Standout Player On Tuesday Evening

His combination with those ahead of him repeatedly gave London Harts problems, while his willingness to get forward was rewarded with that early assist. By the time he departed after 72 minutes, Evans had left a sizeable imprint on an evening which saw Hoddesdon return to the familiar surroundings of league football in style.

Connor Bolton added Hoddesdon’s third before half-time, while substitute Ollie Babbage completed the home scoring late on. London Harts did grab a consolation through Tamás Rétyi, but this particular article belongs to the man wearing the broadest smile in the clubhouse afterwards.

DEAN DELIVERS THE PRIZE

Evans received his case of Greene King Level Head IPA from Hoddesdon Town committee member Jon Dean, who has personally sponsored Jonah for the past couple of seasons and has become one of his biggest supporters at the club.

Dean was understandably delighted to be the man handing over the award.

“Jonah was absolutely outstanding tonight and I couldn’t have been happier to present this one to him,” said Dean. “I’ve sponsored him for a couple of seasons now, so there’s obviously a bit of bias there, but after a goal like that I don’t think anybody could argue with the decision. It was an outrageous finish.”

Dean added that Evans’ contribution throughout the evening was just as important as the moment of individual brilliance.

“The goal will get all the attention because it was ridiculous, but he had already created the first one and his overall performance was excellent. Jonah gives everything when he plays, he’s a brilliant lad to have around the club and I’m one of his biggest supporters, so this was a particularly enjoyable award to present.”

LEVEL HEAD MAN OF THE MATCH

The club would once again like to place on record its sincere thanks to Greene King for their continued support of Hoddesdon Town Football Club and for sponsoring our Level Head Man of the Match Award. Their backing allows us to recognise standout performances such as this throughout the season and remains hugely appreciated by everyone at Lowfield.

For Jonah Evans, this particular can — or case — may taste especially sweet. An assist, a Man of the Match award and quite possibly the finest goal of his “long and distinguished career” made for a Tuesday night he will not be forgetting any time soon.

As for that immediate retirement? We’ll believe that one when we see it.

#COYL