The freezing weather at the beginning of the month meant that we all had to show a little patience in waiting for Hoddesdon Town’s first game of the new year. Simon Riddle was able to name an unchanged starting eleven from the 4-1 victory over May & Baker at the end of December, and the team were looking to continue the solid run of form that sees them right in the playoff hunt and that could make it a season we never forget.

The match kicked off under the lights at New Lodge, home of Billericay Town FC, and it was a bright start for the Lilywhites. 8 minutes in, after a good period of possession, the breakthrough came and once again it was from top goal scorer Connor Bolton. This one was his 14th for the season as his excellent scoring run continues.

The half treated the supporters to some entertaining, end to end play with Maxwell Appauh showing his skills for the home side and Liam Nugent ready when called upon in the Hoddesdon goal. However it only takes a minute and everything changes these days. Just before the stroke of half time, Hutton were very fortunate to be awarded a penalty when it seemed to many that Jason Brown had won the ball and, to compound matters, Reece Barnett was invited to sit in the sin bin for ten minutes. Elliot Howson stepped up to convert with no mistake and the half finished at 1-1.

The second half saw Hutton step things up and take the game to Hoddesdon Town. A number of longer-range shots were coming in with one hitting the bar on 68mins and another going over on 75. Bennison, Roads and Howard were all brought on as the half progressed to do their bit to weather the Hutton storm and relight the fire. There was a late effort from Connor Bolton that the Hutton keeper was able to tip away for a corner and Liam Nugent once again made sure the scores stayed level at the other end with a good save before the full-time whistle went. 1-1 final score.

Jack Riddle was the standout performer in a back four that were excellent all evening, and we now move on to preparations for Harlow Town at home on Saturday. Up the Hoddy!

TEAM - Nugent, Agnew, Gibbs ©, Riddle, Barnett, Hamill, Lala (Roads ‘66), Brown, Clarke (Bennison ‘66), Carter (Howard ‘76), Bolton.