Click here for tonight's match day programme

After 17 days away from Lowfield, Hoddesdon Town return home to host Barkingside FC in another crucial league game.

The last game the lads played at Lowfield was a 1-0 win against Hackney Wick and Simon Riddle would surely take a repeat performance and result to further climb up the Thurlow Nunn Division One South table. The Lilywhites are in a rich vein of form currently and confidence will be high going into the game, although Barkingside will certainly prove a tough test.

You cannot go into a game better prepared than a thumping 5-0 win away from home at your local rivals in a derby match last time out, and that's exactly the position Hoddesdon find themselves in. Goals from five different players (Bolton, Lala, Rankin, Gallagher and Bennison) coupled with a fourth clean sheet in the last five games, is stark evidence that the team has finally turned a corner and are getting the results their performances have often deserved. Only a postponed away trip to Southend Manor this past Saturday brings a minor negative, with the lads not getting any minutes under their belt at the weekend. However, results at the bottom end of the table went Hoddesdon's way and they now have a plethora of games in hand over their rivals.

A win on Tuesday evening 'could' send Hoddesdon up to 18th place but that would rely on grabbing all three points as both Enfield Borough and Basildon do not have a fixture. We have no less than SIX games in hand over our opponents and a win would bring us just five points off of the Essex based side.

Barkingside currently occupy 13th place and their league record reads played 31, won 10, drawn 5, lost 16, scored 44 and conceded 62. From 15 away games, they have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 8, scoring 18 and conceding 30. An average of two goals a game conceded on their travels will have the likes of Laughton, Bolton, Eden and Felip smelling blood and hopefully in the mood for midweek goals. James Wakeling's side are without a win in their last 6 games, sitting second bottom of the form table, losing 4 and drawing 2. They are yet to register a win in 2024, with their last success coming on the 30th of December, a 1-0 win away to Southend Manor courtesy of a Perry Dunn strike.

Last time out, Barkingside shared a 1-1 draw with NW London on February the 5th, as a goal deep in second-half injury time earned the visitors a point. In a hard-fought match that appeared to be heading for a goalless-draw, it looked like Barkingside would be grabbing the win after they took the lead on 84 minutes. Good play from substitute Kian Skilbeck out wide bamboozled NW London's defence, his cross into the box was worked on by Frederick Agyemang for Yemi Adelani to fire home. However deep into injury-time a long ball found Valentin Burcea, who inside the area struck a low shot into the far corner to deny them victory in the cruelest of fashion.

Despite this, 'Side' are clearly a threat and boast a number of players in their ranks that can be match winners.

Frederick Nana Agyemang has bagged no less than 23 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season and is certainly one to watch. He also wears the armband for the side and is clearly a key part of the team. Frederick didn't feature in the reverse fixture back in August, when Hoddesdon claimed all three points at The Cricklefield Stadium, home of Ilford FC, courtesy of a 2-0 win. A Jamaine Galya double was enough on that day to grab the win, but clearly, had Agyemang played, it may well have been a different result. Only defender Jordan Cornelius has more appearances than Agyemang this season, with 31.

You can follow Barkingside FC on Twitter/X HERE or check out their website HERE.

Kick Off is 7:45pm and the clubhouse bar and tea bar will be open, serving hot and cold refreshments. Sample our 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)

Follow us on Twitter/X HERE.

Enjoy the game.

#COYL