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 THREE TIMES on Tuesday December 12th, Tuesday January 9th and then again on Tuesday January 16th, 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?

Our visitors are currently on a very useful run of results, and haven't lost a game in the last 12 games, winning 11 and drawing just 1. In that time, they have scored 36 goals, representing an average of 3 goals scored per game. Their last defeat came way back on the 16th of September, a 4-2 away defeat to Apsley Argyle First. It's no wonder they currently sit 5th in the league with 34 points and 49 goals from just 15 league games. They also have plenty of games in hand over the teams above them and a title tilt is surely on the cards this season.

Cuffley have some very useful players in their ranks, none more so than Mark Ajayi who has 8 goals in 13 games, including the goal he notched against Leverstock Green in the previous round. Daniel Jones also has a keen eye for goal with 14 goals in 15 appearances, closely followed by Mason Robinson with 6 in 17 games. Drew Tyler is also a creative spark for the visitors, having provided 9 assists and 5 goals from his 17 appearances this season, alongside his role as team manager!

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, Hoddesdon have experience with them, winning twice from spot kicks 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.

Last time out, Hoddesdon fell to another frustrating defeat away at Wormley Rovers in the league, an Arnis Lala strike one of the few bright spots in a 2-1 loss at The Playing Fields. Riddle was without a number of his usual players including the likes of Bolton (honeymoon), Nugent (holiday) and Filip (not available). A rare appearance between the sticks for Ethan Gannon on Saturday afternoon was also a plus point, not looking out of place in the starting XI and pulling off a couple of very good saves across 90 minutes. It remains to be seen what availability will be like this Tuesday but Hoddesdon will be giving their all to progress.

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)
#COYL

(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 on the 2nd of January 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.)