There have been countless battles between these sides over the years, but both clubs now find themselves competing at Step 6 and looking to regain some of their former glories. Names like John Barker, Richard Howard, Kaine Lovett, Darren White, Lee Judges and Alan Moore may give a sideways glance when looking at the fortunes of these two teams in recent years, but none the less, it will no doubt be a blood and thunder affair in this local derby. Bragging rights are always in demand for both sides and this will be no different.

And the sides could not be closer.

'St Mags' currently sit in 19th position with 21 points, outside of the drop zone on goal difference. Just one point behind is Hoddesdon in 21st place with 20 points. So it's not just local pride on offer here, it's three very, very important points in the hunt for league survival.

Our visitors record is a unique one, in as much as they have not drawn a single game all season. Sevens wins and fourteen defeats sees them struggling to keep their heads above water, with seven defeats at home and seven away. Indeed, St Margaretsbury seem to suffer the same curse as Hoddesdon this season, proving to be better away from home, with only 2 league wins coming at The Recreation Ground all season.

In the month of December, St Margaretsbury's form couldn't be worse. Three games played, three defeats, two goals scored and 11 conceded, but form of course goes out the window in a derby, and Hoddesdon have their own form issues to contend with currently. A surprise 1-0 win away to Harlow at the end of November was a very welcome result for the Stansted Abbotts outfit and they will hope to repeat that at Lowfield on Saturday. Last time out, a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Clapton on December 16th consigned them to their 14th defeat of the season.

Connor Bancans remains a bright spot in our visitors season, having notched 8 goals in 12 appearances. The ever present Alfie Campbell offers consistency, leading the appearance charts with 20 starts in 22 appearances and sharing a large part of captaincy duties in rotation with Alfie Campbell. Almost 50 yellow cards and 3 reds have perhaps blighted the disciplinary copybook of the away team, and with the prospect of another fiery derby match in the offing, perhaps the toughest task for both sides will be keeping 11 players on the pitch!

These two teams have met twice already this season but both of those games were cup ties and so this is the first league meeting between the two. Hoddesdon have a bit of a hoodoo over St Margaretsbury this season, winning both cup games inside 90 minutes, 4-2 at home in the League Challenge Cup and 2-1 away in the Herts Senior Charity Trophy. However, a league match is an entirely different affair and our visitors are more than capable of grabbing victory against a Hoddesdon side struggling for form themselves.

Hoddesdon still have just the one home league win in the bank this season and that form in front of their own fans has baffled many at the club. A 1-0 home defeat to top of the table Clapton Community last time out, despite once again dominating large parts of the game, consigned the Lilywhites to their fifth home defeat in 9 attempts, coupled with 3 draws and the afore mentioned solitary home win. For Hoddesdon, the time is now and this can only be described as a 'must win' game for Riddle's men.

This is a real bottom of the table 6 pointer and is sure to provide excellent entertainment to see out the end of the year.

You can check out the St Margaretsbury website HERE or follow them on Twitter/X HERE

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

We accept Cash and Card at Lowfield (excludes American Express)

Enjoy the game.

#COYL