Match Report: Hoddesdon Town 3-3 Cannons Wood

In a thrilling encounter, Hoddesdon Town and Cannons Wood played out a 3-3 draw, with both teams having opportunities to secure the win. Hoddesdon where much improved in the second half, but Cannons Wood had periods that produced a stream of chances that on anotherday, could have put them out of sight. Defensive mistakes from both sides, chances for both sides and, ultimately, both will feel they could have won this one.

Hoddesdon Town started aggressively, with Arnis Lala shooting wide from an early attack. However, it was Cannons Wood who took the lead in the 10th minute when Joe Thomas, unmarked from a corner, headed in to stun the home side.

14 minutes later and this lead was to grow with Manny Shoderu on hand to convert after a fortunate deflection and Cannons Wood doubled their lead to make it 0-2. This was not the start that the home side were hoping for but the comeback is always on with this group of players.

Three minutes later, some good work from Bailey Collins set up a clinical Connor Bolton strike as he lashed in to get Hoddesdon back into the game. It was a clean hit that gave the Cannons Wood keeper no chance and sees Bolton’s rich vein of goal-scoring form continue.
Chances were flowing at both ends but Jimmy Agnew was throwing himself in front of everything for the Hoddesdon defence to deny the visitors, although he somewhat harshly earned himself a booking on 36 minutes. The first half ended with Cannons Wood leading 2-1.

The second half saw Hoddesdon come out with renewed vigour, but it was Cannons Wood who capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 55th minute, with Kieran David smashing home to extend their lead to 3-1. Matters were compounded for Hoddesdon two minutes later when Reece Barnett received a yellow card and was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.

Simon Riddle decided it was time for a change and debutant winger Cameron Road took to the field in place of Collins. As first touches go on debuts for Hoddesdon Town, I think this may be the best ever. The ball looped up and came to Road outside the area on the right where he took it on the volley to send it sailing over the keeper into the top left. One touch, one worldie! 2-3 and The Lilywhites right back in it.

Hoddesdon were creating chances now and the momentum increased as we gained a corner on the right. The in-form Connor Bolton was to take it and with his left ‘magic wand’ sent an arcing and curling ball in that beat the keeper and found the back of the net to put The Lilywhites back on level terms. This was not his first Hoddesdon Town goal straight from a corner and he might find himself on goal kicks soon where he would probably baga couple from this season. You can see the goal here.

Unfortunately, Jimmy Agnew had to leave the pitch with an injury after a valiant performance where he put it all on the line for the side. We hope it’s not too serious and he recovers quickly.
The final ten mins saw some excellent chances for both teams. That man Connor Bolton sending in an in-swinging freekick from the right that beat the keeper but not the bar. Reece Barnett also coming close with a header in the final moments.

It was to end 3-3 in a fantastically fun game for the neutral, high in chances with defensive lapses and some quality finishes. Man of the Match for Hoddesdon was awarded to George Hamill for another tireless performance in the midfield.

Next up is Coggeshall Town at home this Saturday with a 3pm kick-off. Be sure to join us for this one where the Clubhouse will be open with TNT and Sky Sports on the big screens before, during and after the match. All welcome!

Up The Lilywhites!