A first half of three well worked goals was enough to do the job for the Lilywhites at Icknield Way. It was a game that had all the makings of a potential “banana skin” with Tring Corinthians being the level below in Spartan South Midlands Division Two, a tricky pitch on a slope, and blustery autumnal conditions. For Hoddesdon however, this was also a chance to get a morale boosting result to ignite some league form, and the lads were determined to make sure this was the case. The commitment to the cause was evident as every ball in the air was fiercely contested by both sides with four stoppages for head injuries in the first 15 minutes.

Hoddesdon were on the scoresheet after 23 minutes though. Bailey Eden was causing Tring problems with his control and intent, and he delivered a fine ball from the right after some lovely interchanges with Jack Gibbs. Patryk Bozych arrived at the back post to convert confidently. This was his first goal for the club, and it was to be the start of a positive spell for the side.

28 minutes gone and Blue Gallagher played in another fine ball. Captain Jack Gibbs had made the journey up from the back and made no mistake with his header. 0-2 after half an hour.

Connor Casey and Arnis Lala were letting the Tring players know they were in a battle and the pressure continued to build. 38 minutes gone, and another ball in from Gallagher hit Jack Riddle and into the back of the net for goal number three.

Tring Corinthians were not about to roll over however, and they hit back straight away through Toki Odugbosan on the break to mean that the half ended 1-3.

The second half saw Hoddesdon playing up the slope and Tring keen to take advantage. There was very little respite from a motivated team, but Hoddesdon’s experienced players were managing the game well and frustrating the home side. The back four kept concentration well and Liam Nugent was on hand to make several excellent saves when called into action (one of them from his own player). The second half substitutions were effective in dampening the Tring efforts to find a goal that would have got them back in this tie and it was a case of job done from Hoddesdon. A solid performance to take into Tuesday’s home league game and a quarter final to look forward to in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy.

Some very good and professional performances from Jack Riddle, Bailey Eden and Jack Gibbs, but Man of the Match was awarded to Connor Casey for his drive and commitment all over the pitch.

On to Tuesday night under the lights at Lowfield as we take on May & Baker. Join us for that one.

Up the Hoddy!

Team: Nugent, Gibbs ©, Riddle, Ried, Evans, Bozych (Agnew ’77), Gallagher, Finch (Coltman ’55), Eden, Casey (Smith ’85), Lala (Clarke ’69).