After two meetings away from home ending in a draw and a defeat so far this season, Hoddesdon Town will be hoping for a change in fortunes in their final attempt at a win against Hutton, this coming Tuesday evening at Lowfield.

Saturdays game away at Cannons Wood was arguably one of the performances of the season, opening up a first half two goal lead and seeing the game out 2-1, to claim all three points at Aveley's Parkside Stadium. An own goal and one of the best free kicks ever seen from the left foot of Connor Bolton ensured what many viewed as a shock result for the Lilywhites, which further added to the recent good run of form since the turn of the year, resulting in a much overdue climb up the table.

This week we face another brutally tough test, however...

Hutton Football Club was founded in 1928. The Club was further enlarged in 2005 by the merging of Hutton FC and Hutton Medway YFC. The Club holds the FA Charter Standard Community Club status and now has over 60 teams with female and male teams from the youngest age groups all the way through to adults.

The first game between the two sides was a 1-1 draw at Billericay's ground courtesy of a Callum Bennison leveler in the 82nd minute. Unsurprisingly, the hosts started confidently and pushed the Lilywhites back on the defensive from the word go. Despite being under pressure, though, the Lilywhites kept a good shape and restricted their opponents to only half-chances which were dealt with reasonably effectively. It was therefore disappointing when one piece of poor defending led to an opening goal for Hutton in the 31st minute. A break down the right flank resulted in a cross to the far post where Joshua Boxall volleyed home from close range. The equaliser was no more than the Lilywhites deserved however and a point away at one of the leagues high flyers was a very good return.

The next game was the re-arranged League Challenge Cup Quarter Final on Wednesday the 31st of January, again away at Billericay's ground. Faced with an increasing fixture backlog, Lilywhites manager, Simon Riddle chose to ring the changes for this difficult tie in order to give game time to the members of his playing squad who had been without much time on the pitch in the weeks before. He therefore fielded a very inexperienced and experimental side but despite this, and the final scoreline, he learnt a lot from the match and the players generally found it beneficial. Notwithstanding the 5-1 defeat, there were many positives to take from the tie, with some good performances and valuable game time earned.

Our visitors currently occupy 4th place in the league and are well placed for at least a playoff place. Their record this season reads played 34, won 20, drawn 4 and lost 10 with a goal difference of +22, securing 64 points in the process. They have scored 68 goals and conceded 46.

On the road, their record is played 17, won 9, drawn 1 and lost 7, scoring 32 and conceding 27. Last time out, Hutton hosted Southend Manor on Saturday and carved out a 1-0 win courtesy of a Freddie Gard goal. Hutton sit 9th in the recent form table with 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses from 6 games, scoring 8 and conceding 8.

First team Manager Matt Singh has a number of loyal and reliable players amongst his ranks that can be called upon to produce on a regular basis. Andrew Webster remains the leading goalscorer for the Essex based outfit with 19 goals in 37 games in all competitions, including a hat trick against the Lilywhites in the afore mentioned 5-1 win in the League Challenge Cup Quarter Final. Stephen Judge is in second place with 10 in 18. James Gardner and Andrew Webster both have 37 appearances for the club this season with Jamie Grossart just one game behind on 36. Ergis Shala is a new signing in the shape of a commanding centre back. The young defender has experience at Step 3 and Step 4 and previously worked with Singh at Southend United.

You can follow Hutton FC on Twitter/X by clicking HERE or, check out their website by clicking HERE.

For Hoddesdon, Connor Bolton managed to extend his goal tally for the season over the chasing pack with that incredible free kick v Cannons Wood. That takes him to 8 for the season and lifted Hoddesdon to 18th place in the table with many games in hand over many of the clubs above them. Perhaps more impressive than his goal scoring record this season is his ability to assist, especially from set pieces. It was Bolton's inswinging free kick last Wednesday evening that set up Jack Riddle to drive home Hoddesdon's equaliser against Tower Hamlets and we saw that kind of quality delivery again and again on Saturday.

In Bolton, Hoddesdon certainly have a specialist when it comes to dead ball situations.

Elsewhere, Hoddesdon's midfield has looked impressive in recent weeks, with one Cannons Wood official stating on Saturday that it's 'the best midfield they have come up against all season'. High praise indeed. Players like Blue Gallagher, Connor Casey, George Rankin and Bailey Eden have really stood out for Simon Riddle's side, adding creativity as well as bite to the middle of the park.

In defence, Jack Gibbs once again walked away with the Man of the Match award at the weekend, and the performances from our captain this season have, on the whole, been brilliant. Jack leads by example, works hard for the team and on too many occasions to remember, has been the man to put in the last ditch tackle to save his side.

Kick Off on Tuesday 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.

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