Hoddesdon Town managed to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory against FC Baresi in a match played in wet and stormy conditions at Ware FC’s Wodson Park home. Both stands either side of the pitch sheltered the excellent travelling support as many of our brilliant fans made the short trip up the A10. It was worth braving the conditions as we were treated to a rollercoaster of a game that built to a pulsating crescendo.

The game began with both sides playing positive passing football on the slick 3G surface, but it was FC Baresi that had the edge, taking an early lead through Marvin Dolapo Hamilton-Omole, who found the net twice within the first 25 minutes (17', 24'). The second goal came at the end of an excellent passing move with a definitive low shot from close range giving the returning Liam Nugent no chance. Momentum was with the hosts as Hoddesdon Town struggled to gain a foothold. The cause was dealt a further blow when injury struck for key-man Blue Gallagher in the 37th minute. It looked to be a knock to his ankle and we hope that he recovers soon. However, Arnis Lala was a coiled spring of energy and came off the bench to put in a fine performance, highlighting the strength in the squad and the collective spirit of this side. Hoddesdon started to find some rhythm culminating in a deserved reward when Callum Bennison scored with a header just before the break (42') after good work from Bolton on the right, giving the travelling fans new voice and a glimmer of hope. Further encouragement came as Baresi midfielder Edson Lami was sinned binned late in the half, taking his side down to ten men.

After the interval, Hoddesdon's resurgence continued with the excellent Arnis Lala equalizing in the 70th minute with a well taken goal from outside of the area. Only two minutes later, Callum Bennison struck again to give Hoddesdon a 3-2 lead as he headed into the net from another well worked cross. The momentum seemed to be with the visitors but FC Baresi's reaction was swift, and it was Junior Appiah (scorer of a fine hat trick against us at Lowfield earlier in the season) who levelled the score at 3-3 in the 73rd minute.

Both teams looked to their benches for fresh legs as Hoddesdon’s Ben Clarke came on for Callum Bennison in the 82nd minute. It was now turning into “one of those games” with an air of expectation from both sides that there was more to be had out of this.

In the dying moments of the game, Hoddesdon won a corner that was delivered high into the wind by George Hamill. It floated for an age in the swirling rain but seemed to bounce off the keeper’s gloves to where Connor Bolton was on hand to poke in the winner and send the fans and players into wild celebrations. You can see the goal here.

There is something special about last-gasp winners in wet and swirling conditions that heightens the emotion and makes it feel like a win that means more. This was one of those afternoons and Hoddesdon will look to channel this energy into the next game. This will be against Dunmow Town at Lowfield Saturday 30th November. Come and join us for that one as we look to climb the table further.

Up The Lilywhites!

Nugent - Barnett - Evans - Riddle - Gibbs(c) - Hamill - Gallagher (Lala) - Collins - Bennison (Clarke) - Carter - Bolton