Not only do we host Newbury Forest in an important league game but it is also our Beer Festival, where you can try some cracking ales at the bar while taking in a game at your local football club. The event is taking place in memory of Bill Wright, a long time supporter of the club who sadly passed away recently.

On the day, we will be offering FOUR different Cask Ales, all of which have been generously sponsored by Hoddesdon Town supporters:-

Lilywhites ABV 3.9%
(Sponsored by Roger Merton)
Brewed exclusively for Hoddesdon Town FC for this event by our friends at Greene King, 'Lilywhites' is a tawny amber ale with notes of toffee and fruit, with a malty and herbal dry hop. A superb finish with plenty up top, this ale is sure to be a winner when the whistle blows!

Hopping Special ABV 4.2%
(Sponsored by Simon Riddle)
Hopping Special takes its name from the train service put on for hop picking families in the 19th & 20th century. Enjoy mango and passion fruit characters in this hoppy, amber ale brewed with Galaxy hops.

Spring Break ABV 4.4%
(Sponsored by Barry Abbot)
Spring Break was created in 2022 in collaboration with two apprentice’s studying on the University of Nottingham brewing programme, a course strongly supported by Greene King's Master Brewer. The full bodied, golden ale includes delicious malty characters, which are perfectly balanced with citrus flavours, great for the time of the year as the temperature starts to rise.

New River Brewery 'London Tap' ABV 3.8%
(Sponsored by Elaine & Graham Phillips)
The New River, which has been London’s ’tap’ for over 400 years, inspired this thirst-quenching modern Pale Ale by those clever people over at the New River Brewery. Bursting with delicious hoppiness it delivers a clean, dry, refreshing taste.

We will also have all of your usual favourites at the bar, including Spanish favourite Cruzcampo Lager, Greene Kings delicious Ice Breaker IPA, draught Guinness, Italian lager Birra Moretti and Inch's Apple Cider.

And so to the game.

Hoddesdon have suffered back to back defeats in their last two games against Dunmow Town and Brimsodwn FC repectively. It is a far cry from the form that saw them rocket up the league table, whilst claiming the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy along the way. However, you can't win them all and perhaps this blip in form is the tonic the team need to launch another final assault on improving their final league position for the 23/24 season.

Connor Bolton further cemented his claim for the golden boot award at the end of season presentation (read more about that HERE) with a fine finish to claim the Lilywhites a consolation goal, away at Brimsdown on Wednesday. George Rankin also caught the eye, claiming the Man of the Match Award for a creative and dynamic display. Bailey Eden continues to impress with his attacking endeavour and Tobie Prentice also gained plaudits from the watching Hoddesdon faithful during his cameo appearance from the bench on Wednesday evening.

After that result, Hoddesdon currently occupy 12th place in the league, 2 places above this weekend's visitors Newbury Forest.

The last time these two sides met was on the 21st of October, with Hoddesdon running out comprehensive victors in a 5-1 win at the Oakside Stadium in Barkingside. The hosts came into the game in good form having scored 20 goals in their previous six games, which included wins over then league leaders Dunmow Town and title-chasing Harlow Town. A pass from Callum Bennison to set Connor Bolton free to clinically finish a one-on-one with the keeper to give the Lilywhites a 35th minute lead. The Lilywhites were good value for their half-time lead but and period of pressure from the hosts generated a number of free-kicks within shooting range and it was from one of these on the hour mark that brought an equaliser; the ball being rifled into the top corner from 25 yards, giving Liam Nugent no chance of a save.

That was it for the Forest because the Lilywhites sprung back into life and for the remainder of the game, they tore the hosts’ defence apart with some incisive attacks.

In the 70th minute Connor Bolton broke up the left wing and crossed to beyond the far post where Toby Prentice slammed the ball home to give the Lilywhites the vital second goal. Nine minutes later, Connor Bolton was through on goal again and, as he had done in the first half, he struck the post. This time, however, he gathered the rebound, turned inside a defender and, from the right-hand side of the box, drove the ball into the far top corner of the goal to double his own personal tally and give the Lilywhites a 3-1 advantage. The Lilywhites were by now well on top and in the final five minutes of normal time that added a fourth and fifth goal. Firstly, George Smith headed home Connor Bolton’s corner from the left and then Jamie Pitt slammed the ball home from the inside-right position following a clever break from Bailey Eden and another cross from Connor Bolton.

The game this time however, may not be such a one way affair.

Our opponents currently sit 14th in the table with a record of P38 W14 D2 L22 amassing 44 points with a goal difference of -24 after scoring 70 and conceding 94. In the form table, from their last 6 they have Won 2, Drawn 0, Lost 4, scoring 7 and conceding 8. Last time out this past Wednesday, they lost away from home 3-0 to Basildon Town. Indeed, Newbury's away form this season has cost them to some extent, playing 22, winning 7, drawing 1, losing 14, scoring 43 and conceding 60. Thats almost 2.72 goals a game conceded on average when on their travels. March was a particularly tough month for the Ilford based outfit, losing 5 of their scheduled 6 games, enforcing a slide down the table, as well as seeing them have the 6th worst defensive record in the league.

Incredibly, in all competitions, the visitors have drawn just TWO games all season, at home to May & Baker and away to NW London.

The club were founded in 2003 as a Sunday league side. After adding three adult teams and youth teams down to under-10s, the club moved into the English football league system when they joined the Romford and District League in 2008. After winning the senior division in 2010, they progressed to the Essex and Suffolk Border Football League, where they finished third in the Premier Division in 2012. They then moved to the Essex Olympian Football League Division One and were promoted to the Premier Division after finishing third in 2013. The club applied to join the new Division One South of the Eastern Counties League for the 2018–19 season, and their application was successful. The club entered the FA Vase for the first time in 2015. The club play at Oakside Stadium, groundsharing with Redbridge.

Newbury Forest have used 79 players so far this season and ones to watch include Chaka Barnett who has 16 goals in 33 appearances for his side, as well as Joshua Duyile who has 9 in 27. George Montgomery is the clubs leading appearance holder thus far this season with 34, 33 in the starting line up. Manager Leo Connolly will be hoping his generals will turn up and put in a performance, as they are still technically in danger of being sucked into a bottom three shoot out with a number of sides.

You can follow Newbury Forest on twitter/X HERE.

Kick Off on Saturday is 3pm and the clubhouse bar and tea bar will be open, serving hot and cold refreshments.

As part of our Beer Festival celebration, entry is reduced on Saturday to £5 for all!

Sample our guest range at the bar including Spring Break, Hopping Special, London Tap Pale Ale and our own brew, 'Lilywhites', along with Spanish favourite Cruzcampo Lager, Greene Kings delicious Ice Breaker IPA and Inch's Apple Cider at the taps this weekend, as part of our Beer Festival.

Entry
Adults £5 / 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