The New River Stadium witnessed a crucial league clash this weekend as Hoddesdon Town travelled to face AS London in a bid for a promotion spot. Hoddesdon started the day just one place and six points behind the hosts with a game in hand and had high hopes as the sun shone.

A late change to the Hoddesdon line-up saw Reece Barnett replaced by Jonah Evans just before kick-off due to injury. Unfortunately, things didn't improve from there. Both teams started brightly, aiming to control possession. Liam Nugent was sharp when called upon, and AS London had an effort cleared off the line as they continued to press. Hoddesdon struggled to create any real threatening efforts, and it was AS London who broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Reece Simpson added to his impressive season tally with a low finish from just inside the box, making it 1-0.
Hoddesdon's woes were then to deepen as they failed to clear the ball from the back, allowing Sajid Aziz to score and make it 2-0 just before half-time.

In the second half, Hoddesdon needed a change, and with 57 minutes gone, they made a triple substitution. Connor Casey, Cam Roads, and Callum Bennison came on to try and turn the tide. The tempo and intent from Hoddesdon improved, with Connor Casey even attempting a long-range shot on 65 minutes, but the AS keeper was able to recover. However, just five minutes later, Reece Simpson struck again. Some excellent work from Juan Araque set up Simpson inside the box, and a well-taken low drive found the bottom corner, making it 3-0 after 70 minutes.

Hoddesdon continued to fight, but nothing seemed to click, and it took further good work from Liam Nugent to prevent the scoreline from worsening. Congratulations to AS London on an impressive performance that moves them into the playoff places.
Hoddesdon, meanwhile, have a run of three home games to come (weather permitting), starting on Tuesday at home against Brimsdown where they will look to bounce back and reignite the playoff push.

Up The Hoddy!

HTFC Team: Nugent – Agnew – Riddle – Gibbs (c) – Evans – Clarke (Roads ‘57) – Brown – Gallagher – Bolton – Carter (Casey ‘57) – Howard (Bennison ‘57).

Hoddesdon Man of the Match: Liam Nugent