After the ecstasy of a home league win this past Saturday, Hoddesdon return to Cup action as they travel to Billericay on Wednesday evening to face Hutton FC.

Having been postponed twice at Lowfield on the 19th of December and the 2nd of January, competition rules dictate that the venue can be switched to the away teams ground and so the Lilywhites face a trip to Essex for this League Challenge Cup Quarter Final tie. It is the second cup quarter final Hoddesdon have faced in the last 7 days having overcome Cuffley 3-0 in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy at Lowfield on Tuesday. On that occasion, Hoddesdon were comfortable winners with goals from Eden, Filip and Laughton but a trip to 4th placed Hutton may prove to be a tougher prospect.

Back on the 29th of November, Hoddesdon ground out an impressive 1-1 draw at New Lodge courtesy of an 82nd minute Callum Bennison goal. It was a pleasing performance that night against one of the leagues title prospects (all be it bitterly cold!) and the lads will hope they can play just as well this time to secure a path to the semi final.

Our route to the quarter final stage includes a 4-2 home win against St Margaretsbury, followed by a 4-3 penalty win at home to Benfleet back on the 5th of December.

Hutton arrive at this point thanks to dumping out Clapton Community 2-1 at home in August, followed by a 3-1 home win over Southend Manor and a 1-0 home win over Stanway Pegasus on the 8th of November.

The Quarter Final Draw is as follows:

LCC 31/01/24 19:45 Hutton VS Hoddesdon Town
LCC 06/02/24 19:45 Harlow Town VS Brantham Athletic
LCC 06/02/24 19:45 Lakenheath VS Thetford Town
LCC 07/02/24 19:45 Downham Town VS Mulbarton Wanderers

On Saturday just gone, Hutton suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at home to Wormley, a result which will certainly dent their title aspirations. Indeed, Hutton currently sit 14th in the recent form table, with their January form reading as played 5, won 2, drawn 1, lost 2, scoring 11 and conceding 8. In that period however, they put three past Basildon and five past Park View, both away from home, so Hutton certainly have their shooting boots on this year.

Andrew Webster leads their goalscoring table, 16 returns in 31 games, followed by Stephen Judge who has 10 in 18. Young goalkeeper Jamie Grossart has been an ever present this season with the former Southend United and AFC Bournemouth scholar donning the gloves 33 times this season already.

For Hoddesdon, Dion Laughton (5) is now just one goal behind Connor Bolton (6). His goal on Saturday to win the game against Hackney Wick is reward for his recent excellent performances. Filip Narcis isn't far behind with 4 but with the recent addition of Kyle Roberts to the squad, we can expect the club 'Golden Boot' award at the end of the season to be an interesting affair.

Captain Jack Gibbs once again proved his worth at the weekend, scooping as he did the Greene King Man of the Match Award v Hackney Wick for a solid defensive display and two clean sheets on the bounce certainly breathes new confidence into Simon Riddle's team.

Entry at New Lodge is £5 Adults, £3 Concessions and U16s Free.

Kick Off is 7:45pm and all travelling support is welcome.

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