A fine 1-1 draw against high flying Harlow Town was cause for celebration in front of a bumper crowd at Lowfield, as the Lilywhites remained undefeated against the champions elect for the 24/25 season. A 55th minute goal for Connor Bolton secured the draw, taking him to 15 goals for the season in just 23 games. Bolton has once again underlined his credentials in the goalscoring charts, a phenomenal effort when you consider he doesn't lead the front line. His knack of popping up in the right place at the right time means he has now already eclipsed the 13 goals he scored last season to claim the club's Golden Boot trophy at the end of term presentation. In terms of this season, it places him 5th in the table for the overall league Golden Boot trophy, just 7 goals off of AS London's Reece Simpson. Nobody at Hoddesdon even comes close to Bolton's goal scoring prowess this season, with Callum Bennison and Ben Clarke both 10 goals behind Bolton on 5 a piece.

We celebrate the team defence this season too, none more so than last time out against Harlow. Jack Riddle was adjudged man of the match in that game for a resolute display at the back, and once again, the central defensive partnership of Gibbs and Riddle, affectionately known as 'Double Jack' is proving fruitful again. It is the 6th tightest defence in the league currently, with just 35 conceded in 23 games, at a rate of 1.52 per game. In terms of a home record, the back four have conceded just 16 goals in 10 games at Lowfield. Ably assisted by the likes of Jonah Evans, Jimmy Agnew, Liam Nugent, Ethan Gannon, Naz Krutko, Reece Barnett and the afore mentioned Connor Bolton, Hoddesdon have tightened up at the back this season, and 7th place in the table chasing down a play-off spot is proof positive that improvements have been made at the back.

In this fixture last season, Hoddesdon ran out convincing 5-2 winners with another Connor Bolton double salvo the highlight.

They overwhelmed their visitors with a five-goal first-half display that effectively secured the valuable three points on offer. It was perhaps understandable that the Lilywhites followed it with a lacklustre second-half performance that allowed the Borough to salvage some respect from the game.

It took only seven minutes for Conor Casey to open the scoring for the Lilywhites when he lunged into the six-yard box to put the finishing touch to a George Rankin pass.

Despite having taken the lead and dominating the exchanges they were far from fluid with their passing and, with the visitors struggling to retain possession, the game became quite scrappy. George Rankin had a wonderful opportunity to double the Lilywhites’ tally in the 15th minute when he found space in the area but he unfortunately placed his shot wide of the goal.

The second goal was not long in coming, however, and it came from man-of-the-match, Dion Laughton, when he seized upon a loose back-pass and slotted home.

Two became three in the 27th minute when Kyle Roberts showed neat footwork to cut inside from the right and beat the keeper at his near post. Nine minutes later, Connor Bolton added a fourth after Dion Laughton ran onto a good ball up the left from Syd Barker, beat two defenders and squared the ball for Connor Bolton to apply the finish.

At the time, that was leading-scorer, Connor Bolton’s, tenth goal of the season and he very soon made it eleven when good approach play down the right, between Conor Casey and Kyle Roberts set up Connor for another clinical finish.

Five-nil at half-time could have led to an avalanche of goals but the visitors came out determined to prevent it and gave notice of their intent when they struck a post in the very first minute of the second period.

With good reason, the Lilywhites decided to make all their five substitutions early in the half, to give all their squad gametime. The move looked to be paying off when first Bailey Eden and then Callum Bennison had golden opportunities to add a sixth and seventh goal with 25 minutes remaining but both chances went begging and the door was opened for a Borough recovery.

They won a penalty in the 68th minute, which they converted neatly, and pulled a second goal back in the second minute of added time. By this time their tempers had boiled over and they ended the game with only nine men when two were sent off in quick succession.

Man of the match that day was Dion Laughton.

You can relive all seven goals and two red cards from the game HERE.

Our visitors this weekend arrive at Lowfield in 13th position.

A league record of P22 W8 D4 L10 with 28 points and a goal difference of -2 will see Enfield Borough coming to town in the hunt for crucial points to boost them up the table. The away form however will be of interest to Simon Riddle, as it reads P12 W4 D0 L8 F22 A26 and so the gaffer will want to capitalise on that. That record will have the Lilywhites smelling blood but anything can happen on the day. Marco Magunga is a player who has the ability to punish any side and with 10 goals in 14 appearances, Hoddesdon's defence will have to be on it's guard to enforce a shut out. Enfield will also have their tales up after a convincing 3-0 home win against basement club St Margaretsbury last weekend. Indeed, Magunga bagged a goal in that game too and so is definitely one to watch. Also on the scoresheet that night was 17 year old Emre Baram who normally features for the Under 18 side. Enfield will be buoyant that the production line at the club appears to be in rude health. You can watch a post match interview with Baram HERE.

The two sides have already met once this season, a 2-2 draw at the home of Wingate and Finchley back on the 24th of August, with Callum Bennison climbing off the bench that day to rescue his team

In the opening minute, Hoddesdon sliced open their hosts with ease, playing some cracking football but Ben Clarke failed to convert the chance. A few minutes later, captain jack Gibbs was booked, when in wet conditions, the referee may have been forgiven for showing a little leniency. To compound Clarke's misery, he was booked shortly after for kicking the ball away after he blew the whistle whilst Hoddesdon were on the attack.

On the half hour mark, Sachon Lawrence-Edwards was yellow carded for Enfield Borough, with the referee deeming him guilty of simulation. Chairman Stuart Varney commented at the time that in his opinion, it looked a penalty and Hoddesdon were lucky to get away with one.

Connor Bolton had an opportunity on 40 minutes after a good cross from wide right by Clarke, but he put his effort wide. A couple of minutes later, Enfield fortuitously took the lead against the run of play. A shot that looked pretty tame was deflected by Jack Gibbs past a diving Liam Nugent and into the net on 42 minutes. This was a real dagger to the Lilywhites heart and the lads headed into the dressing room at half time 1-0 down.

Half Time 1-0

It took twenty minutes for the second half to come to life and it was Enfield who were now threatening. The biggest action of the opening exchanges was a booking for Enfield goalkeeper Davis Boateng.

Goalkeeper Liam Nugent came to help of his team when a goal bound shot was pushed onto the post and away by the 'Viking'. The warning signs had been given though and Hoddesdon were under pressure. On 68 minutes, Alex Mansarak tried his luck with a shot from outside the box and gave his side a 2-0 lead to leave the visitors shell shocked.

With this, the gaffer rang the changes.

On came Arnis Lala, Bailey Eden and Callum Bennison for Ben Clarke, Mason Oakley and Sam Cross in a bold triple substitution to try and claw Hoddesdon back into the game, and it took just 4 minutes for the changes to have an effect. On 74, Hoddesdon decided to capitalise on Enfield defending deeply. Arnis Lala crossed from the right, Eden Bailey seized onto the ball and passed to Callum Bennison who converted his effort and dragged his side back into contention. The comeback was on and momentum had shifted. Hoddesdon then made another change, Naz Krutko making way for Jimmy Agnew. That said, 8 minutes later, Liam Nugent made two excellent saves, one after the other, and Hoddesdon were made well aware that Enfield still had the ability to extend their lead.

But the Lilywhites were not to be denied.

On 83 minutes, Hoddesdon continued to press the Enfield defence, when a cross came in from Jonah Evans and home goalkeeper Davis Boateng missed it, allowing Callum Bennison to head in the loose ball for his second and draw his side level.

Shortly after, Riddle went for the win, withdrawing Jonah Evans and throwing on Sid Barker. However, two minutes later, Enfield were denied a very strong penalty claim for the second time in the game and can feel very harshly treated, as the ref once again waved it away. In time added on, Arnis Lala broke up field and, as the travelling supporters held their breath, sadly, instead of shooting at the goal, he shot wide, in what was a golden opportunity for Hoddesdon to snatch all three points. With that, the referee brought the game to a close.

So, honours even, but with all the chances they had, Hoddesdon should have won the game against a lively Enfield Borough. That said, if you can't win, don't lose, and in truth, to rescue a point late on, after being 2-0 down, credit must be given to the team for once again showing a 'never say die' attitude.

With another 3 points on offer this weekend and a chance to further lay claim to a play-off spot come the end of the season, this remains a crucial fixture for the lads in the hunt for glory.

Entry on Saturday is £8 Adults and £5 Concessions, Under12s FREE.

We invite all our supporters, old and new, to head to Lowfield where a warm welcome is waiting for you. Hoddesdon Town FC is embarking on a new era and we are working closely with our co-tenants, Hoddesdon Cricket Club, and the wider local community, to bring you a multi sports venue to be proud of, and create a local hub for everybody. Opening up our club to all is at the top of our agenda and your support is hugely appreciated. Our tea bar will be open serving hot and cold refreshments, as well the bar inside the clubhouse where you will find great beers, ciders and stout on draught, in conjunction with our partner and sponsor, Greene King. Indeed, Greene King's delicious Level Head IPA is our new Man of the Match sponsor, and winners will be presented with a case for their efforts. Lowfield365 Members will enjoy up to 20% off their round at the bar and you can sign up either at the club on the day or online by heading HERE.

Kick Off is 3pm. Enjoy the game.

#COYL