It's a blockbuster weekend at Lowfield as Non league Day returns to Hoddesdon, Rayleigh Town visit for yet another important league fixture and we end the evening with DJ JD on the decks bringing you Live Music and Karaoke.

Non-League Day was set up by James Doe in 2010 as a social media experiment, after being inspired by a pre-season trip to Devon to watch Queens Park Rangers play at Tavistock. It has now grown to become an annual part of the football calendar, backed by Premier League and Football League clubs, MPs, celebrities, media organisations, charities and most importantly the non-league clubs themselves and the fans who turn up on the day.

Always scheduled to coincide with an international break, Non-League Day provides a platform for clubs to promote the importance of affordable volunteer-led community football while giving fans across the country the chance to show support for their local non-league side. Many non-league clubs are almost exclusively volunteer run, with money taken at the turnstiles often funding thriving youth set-ups, projects and facilities which are of benefit to the whole community. The level of skill on offer at non-league grounds might not be the same as that at the Etihad Stadium or Stamford Bridge, for example, but there are other sides to the experience, from which the smaller club will always win hands down.

The vast majority of games still kick off at 3pm, ticket prices are realistic, you can often stand (and drink!) anywhere in the ground and will always be guaranteed a warm welcome by people who run their clubs for a love of the game. Whether you’re a Premier League or Championship fan without a game, a League One or League Two supporter who can’t make an away trip, or just someone who is curious about what their local club has to offer, there is sure to be something to interest everyone.

To celebrate, at Hoddesdon Town FC we are allowing you to 'Pay What You Want' to enter the ground on Saturday and watch the first team game v Rayleigh Town!! Couple of quid? A fiver? One pound? It's up to you!! Enjoy the game at YOUR prices!! Kick off is 3pm and we are inviting EVERYBODY to come and join us and celebrate the fun that is non league football.

Following the game, join us in the clubhouse for a fantastic Karaoke Night hosted by DJ JD from 7pm til late. The evening promises great music, plenty of laughs, and a chance to showcase your singing skills. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just in it for fun, everyone is welcome to take the mic. With a fully stocked bar and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to round off the match day at Lowfield. Gather your friends and make a night of it. For Non League Day, we've got you covered!

Our visitors come to us in fine form.

A recent article on their excellent website (which you can view by clicking HERE) stated 'It’s been the magical month of March, so far for Rayleigh with three straight wins scoring 10 goals and conceding none in the process so they will be looking to continue that trend with another win and 3pts as the race for the playoffs gathers pace...'

Rayleigh Star were founded in 1897, adopting their current name in 1946. In 1976, after time in the Southend & District League, the club joined the Essex Olympian League. In 1979, the club won the Essex Olympian League for the first time, winning the Premier Division again in 1981, 1984 and 1985. Following two second place finishes in 1987 and 1989, the club won the league for a fifth time in 1990. In 2001, Rayleigh won the league for a sixth time, before being relegated two years later. In 2024, the club was admitted into the Eastern Counties League Division One South, after winning the Essex Olympian League for a seventh time.

Following World War II, the club played at King George V Playing Field in Rayleigh. In 1970, the club moved to London Road, leasing an 11-acre site from the council. In 2022, Rayleigh Town entered a groundsharing agreement with Concord Rangers to play at Thames Road.

An excellent 2-0 win at home to Southend Manor last Saturday, with two first half goals from Benny Fiadzomor securing the points, has cemented their third place credentials, and with Harlow and Hackney Wick guaranteed a play off place at least, the chase is on for 6 teams to try and secure the final two spots. AS London, Rayleigh Town, Coggeshall Town, Hutton FC, Cannon's Wood and of course, Hoddesdon Town , all have the opportunity to put themselves in a play off semi final, and Tuesday evening's home win against Enfield Borough did the Lilywhites chances the power of good. Speaking after the game, manager Simon Riddle wasn't happy with his side's performance, despite the three points. He lamented about wasted opportunities in front of goal and not getting the basics right and so he will be hoping for an improved display on Saturday.

Rayleigh Town, as previously mentioned, currently occupy 3rd place and have to do battle with Hoddesdon twice still this season, with the return game on their home ground scheduled for the 1st of April. Their league record reads P31 W 18 D4 L9 GD+24 and a points total of 58. They sit 6th in the form table with 4 wins and 2 defeats from their last 6 games. The away record is very good too, arguably better than it is at home, reading P22 W16 D2 L4 F43 A33 in all competitions this season. Being on their travels clearly doesn't seem to affect manager Rob Hodgson and assistants Jason Davis, Ian Read and Luke Heywood.

This will be the first meeting of the two sides at this level, after Rayleigh Town's promotion last season.

A close fought season long battle with Old Southendian and Sungate Saturday saw manager Rob Hodgson and his side clinch automatic promotion as champions of the Essex Olympian League Premier Division.

With a record of P26, W22, D1, L3, GF79, GA21, GD+58 and 67 points in total, Rayleigh also won the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup after beating Brightlingsea Town 3-1 at Aveley FC’s Parkside ground.

Forward Gianni Frankis was the standout player for the team in last season’s campaign, notching 20 goals in 26 appearances for his side. However, the British-born Italian athlete who represented Great Britain in the 110m Sprint Hurdles at the 2009 World Championships, left the club in mid-April prior to the conclusion of the season, after being ‘let go’ according to his Twitter page.

In terms of this season's personnel, 22 different players have found the back of the net for the Essex based side, none more so than the previously mentioned Fiadzomor, whose two goals last weekend moved him to ten for the season in 23 appearances.Not far behind is Owen Barratt with 9 in 31 and then there is Arnold Acheampong, James Dalton, Lewis Risk and Jack Walker all on 7 goals, so there is firepower all the way through this team. In fact, Rayleigh games always bring goals and they haven't been involved in a 0-0 all season and from 42 games in all competitions, they have only drawn a blank on six occasions. Oliver Quick captained the side on Saturday and he is 4th in terms of leading appearances for the side this season, with 33.

You can follow Rayleigh Town on X HERE.

For Hoddesdon, Jack Riddle begins his suspension for his red card awat at Hackney Wick at the weekend and will be missed in defence, however, Bailey Collins is proving a worthy addition to the back line this season, underlined by a brilliant performance midweek that saw him awarded the Greene King Man of the Match Award in front of the Lowfield crowd. Full back Jonah Evans returned to the starting line up on Tuesday evening and looked as assured as ever after a period on the substitutes bench. Leading goalscorer Connor Bolton came off with a muscle injury on Tuesday and the Lilywhite faithful will be holding their breath to see if he is fit enough to take part on Saturday. Forward Connor Casey has put in some lively performances of late too and has been a welcome return top the side after long term injury ruled him out for many weeks. Recent signing Terrel Sterling continues to impress for the team too despite just an 8 minute cameo from the bench midweek. In recent weeks, we have seen club captain Jack Gibbs play a more advanced position, joining in with attacks, and his energy going forward has been extremely enjoyable to watch.

A win for Hoddesdon could move them into 7th with much more football to come as we continue the playoff push.

Hoddesdon Town FC invites everybody to Lowfield for what promises to be an exciting afternoon of football. With the tea bar open serving hot and cold refreshments, as well as the clubhouse offering draught beers, ciders, and stouts from Greene King, fans can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere on and off the pitch. Lowfield365 Members will enjoy up to 20% off their round at the bar and you can sign up by clicking HERE.

Entry prices on Saturday are 'Pay What You Want' to celebrate Non League Day.

Bring your family and friends, and let’s make Lowfield a fortress as the Lilywhites embark on their push for the playoffs.

Enjoy the game.

#COYL