With the elation of a Cup Semi Final win now over, the meat and drink of league football returns for Hoddesdon Town, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

At 4:45pm on Saturday, the sun set on a 2-0 victory for Simon Riddle's men in their fourth appearance of the season in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy. That result sent the team to a County Ground Cup Final this coming March, and jubilation throughout the club. However, after the dust settled, the kit packed away and the post game sandwiches devoured, the realisation that there is no let up for the Lilywhites will have dawned. And with a derby against local rivals in a crucial 6 pointer between two teams at the wrong end of the table, Hoddesdon will be hoping that the hangover has subsided sufficiently enough for a clear head on Tuesday evening at The Recreation Ground.

Over the years there have been so many big games against neighbours St Margaretsbury but not many will have been as important as the one this week.

Just one point separates the sides, with both languishing in the bottom three of the Thurlow Nunn Division One South and fighting for their step six lives. Ironically, it was an away game at the Stanstead Abbotts based outfit that set Hoddesdon on their path to the Cup Final back on the 26th of September, a 2-1 win in the first round of the competition, and a morale boosting victory on the road at the start of a season full of promise. Since then, the lads have struggled for for form and confidence in the league and find themselves second from bottom with a record of six wins, six draws and twelve losses from 24 games played, scoring 37 and conceding 45. From thirteen away games, Hoddesdon have won four, drawn two and lost seven, scoring 25 and conceding 31.

This will be the fourth time the A1170 derby will have been played this season, with St Margaretsbury so far unable to get the better of their local rivals. After the afore mentioned home defeat in the Centenary Trophy, Hoddesdon once again claimed the spoils, this time at Lowfield with a comprehensive 4-2 victory in the League Challenge Trophy in early October. Goals from Tyler Blackwood, Sam Cross, George Rankin and Tobie Prentice sent the Lilywhites through to the next round and condemned 'St Mags' to another derby day defeat.

The third meeting was the last game of 2023, the first league encounter of the season between the two sides. This was a tighter affair however and a 1-1 draw was played out at Lowfield. Hoddesdon's goal came half-way through the second half, a stunning 25-yard strike from Harrison Cage, who had earlier come on as a substitute and immediately livened up proceedings. Picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, Harrison advanced a few yards and unleashed a fierce shot that hit the underside of and came down behind the beaten keeper. Up to this point the visitors were offering very little by way of a threat but, with the Lilywhites sinking deeper, the visitors took advantage by grabbing an unexpected 80th minute equaliser. Connor Casey latched onto a through-ball and lobbed Liam Nugent as he advanced from his goal, grabbing a share of the points for his side and denying Hoddesdon a third win of the season over his team.

And so to meeting number four.

Both sides have just the one win in their last 6 league games but our hosts 4-3 home win against second placed Clapton Community was an impressive feat back on the 13th of January, proving that on their day they are a match for anybody. An Alfie Campbell double accompanied by goals from Sharn John Quinn and Isaac Stevens sent shock waves through the league. On the same day, Hoddesdon were narrowly beaten 2-1 away at Wormley and the news coming from The Recreation Ground gave cause for concern amongst the travelling Lilywhite fans.

Since that day however, Hoddesdon have had three confidence boosting victories against Cuffley, Hackney Wick and Letchworth Garden City Eagles respectively, scoring six goals without reply, and there is hope that this is now the base for a strong showing in the remaining 16 league games of the season, and ultimately, league survival.

Kick Off is 7:45pm.

Entry at The Recreation Ground is £7 / Concessions £5 / U14s Free and they have hot food and drink available and a well stocked bar inside the clubhouse.

All travelling support welcome.

Enjoy the game.

COYL