Cup football has proved to be a welcome distraction for Hoddesdon this season, and once again, thoughts return to filling the trophy cabinet this coming Tuesday as we host Cuffley FC at Lowfield.

After being postponed on December 12th, this game has been a long time coming for both sides, and weather permitting, hopefully we can get a conclusion and complete the line up for the Semi Finals. The winner will be away to Letchworth Garden City Eagles on the 3rd of February (date subject to change).

The Herts FA Senior Centenary Trophy Quarter Final represents a real chance of success this season for Simon Riddle's men and a home tie is a mouth watering prospect for the Lilywhite fans, although Cuffley will surely represent a stern test. Hoddesdon have already played county league opponents in the shape of Hertford Heath in the previous round, and had to rely on penalties to secure a safe passage to this game, after a 2-2 draw in normal time, in the second round on the 14th of November. In the first round, Hoddesdon beat St Margaretsbury 2-1 at The Recreation Ground.

Cuffley's path to the quarter final stage includes a 1st round victory against newly formed AFC Welwyn on penalties after a 2-2 draw. They won that shootout 3-2, so like Hoddesdon, they are no strangers to the lottery of spot kicks in this competition. In the second round they ground out a tough 3-2 away win against Leverstock Green Development and will be hoping they can gun down higher ranked opposition under the lights of Lowfield.

The other three quarter final games in this competition have already been played with Royston U23s, Oracle Components and Letchworth Garden City Eagles already through to the semi finals. The results of those games were as follows:

Royston Town FC U23 2 - 0 Bishop's Stortford Swifts First
Oracle Components First 2 - 0 Oxhey Jets First
London Colney First 1 - 1 Letchworth Garden City Eagles First (3-4 on Penalties)

Who takes the last semi final spot?

Cuffley have some very useful players in their ranks, none more so than Daniel Jones, who boasts 13 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this season so far, including the goal he notched against Leverstock Green in the previous round. Mark Ajayi also has a keen eye for goal with 7 goals in 12 appearances, closely followed by Mason Robinson with 6 in 16 games. Tyler Drew is also a creative spark for the visitors, having provided 7 assists from his 16 appearances this season.

Also of note, captain Albert Bostock had a spell with Hoddesdon Town beginning back in 2012 and the defender racked up nearly 50 appearances in the Lilywhite shirt after signing from Broxbourne Borough.

Hoddesdon will be hoping to get the job done inside 90 minutes, but if penalties are required, they can be sure that goalkeeper Liam Nugent is capable of pulling a rabbit from a hat, with multiple saves from spot kicks already under his belt this season. However, Cuffleys last cup outing was a league cup game, away against Owens First Team, and after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, Cuffley prevailed in that game 5-4 on penalties so both sides have pedigree from 12 yards.

(On a side note, Hoddesdon's League Challenge Cup tie v Hutton has now been postponed twice, first on the 19th of December and secondly this past Tuesday (Jan 2nd) due to bad weather. Competition rules dictate that if there are two postponements, then the tie can be switched to the opponents home ground. Unfortunately, this means that the tie will now be played at Huttons home ground (based at Billericay FC) on Tuesday the 31st of January, 7:45pm kick off. Surrendering home advantage is obviously not ideal but Hoddesdon have already proved this season that they are capable of beating anyone, especially in the cup, and our last visit to New Lodge saw the lads put in a brilliant performance to snatch a 1-1 draw, so much to be positive about.)

You can check out Cuffley's website HERE and follow them on Twitter HERE

Kick Off is 7:45pm and the clubhouse bar and tea bar will be open, serving hot and cold refreshments.

Entry:
Adults £8 / Concessions £5 / Under 12's £2

Youth team players can gain FREE access with up to two parents when wearing their Youth Team shirt

We accept cash and card at Lowfield (excludes American Express)
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