Cuffley were swept aside with relative ease in the end on Tuesday evening, the Lilywhites running out comfortable 3-0 winners with goals from Eden, Filip and Laughton. What was hopefully a morale boosting home victory must now be the building block to kick on in the Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South and finally start pulling the team away from the danger zone.

Hoddesdon sit precariously in 21st place, just 4 points clear of rock bottom side Park View. The record of 23 played, 5 won, 6 drawn and 12 lost weighs heavily on the minds of all at the club, not least the fact that of 10 home league games this season, Hoddesdon have drawn 4, lost 5 and have just the one precious win in front of their own fans. In that time, Hoddesdon have mustered just 11 goals at home and that record needs to change, starting this Saturday. The lads have no excuses as on Tuesday night they showed they are just as capable of scoring goals at Lowfield as they are on the road, all be it in a cup game. There was an altogether more attacking feel to the side against Cuffley and it is hoped that this will be the new way forward. Plenty of runs from midfield into the opponents box seemed to trouble the opposition and in truth, the score could have been a lot higher had Hoddesdon converted more of their chances.

Visitors Hackney Wick had no problem converting their chances in late October, when they inflicted Hoddesdon's heaviest defeat of the season at Whitham FC's ground, a 6-1 pummelling.

On that day Connor Boltons 75th minute consolation goal could not hide the disappointment of an enormous drubbing and Simon Riddle's side will be hoping to avoid a repeat performance.

Hackney Wick arrive at Lowfield in not bad shape, occupying 13th place with a record of 24 league games played, 9 wins, 5 draws and 10 losses. They are however on a run of 4 games without victory, their last outing being a 2-1 away loss to Dunmow Town, despite taking an early lead in the 13th minute, courtesy of a Victory Akam free kick. Away from home, it has been a mixed bag for our visitors this season, winning 3, drawing 4 and losing 5 of their 12 games on the road, scoring 25 goals and conceding 27.

Fourty three players have been used by 'The Wickers' so far this season and the afore mentioned Victory Akam is clearly one of their most useful. He has notched 9 goals in 23 appearances so far this season, starting 17 games and being named on the bench 4 times. Mohammed Sebaihi has 8 goals in 23 games but could argue that he is of equal value, if not more, pointing to his 10 assists in that time, compared to Akam's 4. Leonardo Pola Lopete, Frankie Hanmore and and Darren Esuka all have 7 goals each this season too, so Hackney Wick are certainly not short of fire power up top.

All five of those names mentioned played in the reverse fixture in 2023, with only Esuka failing to score (Akam 2, Sebaihi, Pola Lopete and Hanmore combined with a goal from Kimani McDonald) and there must be no doubt that the core of this team will once again be looking to put Hoddesdon to the sword.

You can check out Hackney Wick's website HERE or follow them on Twitter/X HERE

For Hoddesdon, the goalscoring charts are hotting up with Filip and Laughton well and truly on the tail of Bolton now and it will be interesting to see who can kick on and take responsibility for getting the goals. There are rumoured to be a couple of recent new signings that haven't yet taken to the field for Hoddesdon due to a number postponements and being cup tied so the competition for places, and indeed goals, will surely take another fascinating twist. Those names will be announced shortly, so keep your eyes on our website and social media channels.

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