It has been a stop-start month for Hoddesdon with only two games played so far in December, and no less than 4 games postponed due to bad weather. Tuesdays scheduled cup game v Hutton was waved off at lunchtime after a deluge of rain made the surface unplayable, meaning Hoddesdon head into this game off the back of a narrow away defeat to Basildon last time out.

In that game, the first half was an encouraging performance but once again, Riddle's men failed to take advantage of the opportunities that came their way and ended up coming away from Essex without any points, when truth be told, the game should have been won early on. In positive news, Narcis Filip notched his 4th of the season and Callum Bennison once again nipped in with a goal. But Hoddesdon must sort out their stamina frailties and learn how to hang on to a lead and see a game out.

And games don't come much tougher than a visit from top of the league this weekend.

Clapton Community currently sit proudly at the top of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Division 1 South with 49 points from 26 games played. They have won 13, drawn 10 and lost just 3 games. Their away record reads won 6, drawn 5, lost 1, scored 23 and conceded 13. Nobody else in the league has drawn as many games as Clapton Community and that could ultimately be their undoing in their hunt for the league title, with many sides having games in hand over them and capable of overtaking them. Hoddesdon will attempt to play on this and cause further damage to their trophy ambitions.

Last time out on the 16th of December, Clapton Community snared a narrow 1-0 win against Brimsdown, courtesy of a Julian Austin goal. Austin has 5 goals in 20 appearances and 6 assists so Hoddesdon will have to play close attention to the danger man. However, Noah Adejokun remains the stand out threat, leading his clubs goal table with 12 goals in 26 appearances. Adejokun has been an ever present in the side, starting 25 games this season, and he is only outdone by Jack Francis who has started 27 games.

Manager Mustafa Bashkal and Coach Gildo Lennox Andre will be hoping to improve on the outcome of the reverse fixture at The Old Spotted Dog ground back on the 9th of September. On that occasion, Clapton Community were unable to pick the lock of a tight Hoddesdon defence and the game finished in a 0-0 draw. Hoddesdon will look to once again force a shut out but this time, be a little more productive in front of goal.

Sitting second from bottom in the table, league results must begin to improve, especially at home, or a second relegation in as many seasons is on the cards for Hoddesdon. Just one league win at home in 8 attempts (all be it a thumping 5-0 win against Burnham Ramblers in late September) is a real problem for the Lilywhites and unless they can start to improve that stat, another disappointing campaign is in the offing.

Kick Off is 3pm and the clubhouse bar and tea bar will be open, serving hot and cold refreshments. Sample our new draught range at the bar, with Spanish favourite Cruzcampo Lager, Greene Kings delicious Ice Breaker IPA and Inch's Apple Cider at the taps this weekend.

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

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