Conditions were difficult for both sides, but it was The Lilywhites that adapted quickest with the in-form Harry Carter playing a high ball into the Rayleigh box where the returning Connor Bolton was on hand to nod the ball across the line for his 21st goal of the season.
The lead did not last long though as Lou Bazley hit a fantastic strike from outside the area and into the top corner to give Liam Nugent no chance. 1-1 after 14 mins. It was Matt Tapley turning provider next with a ball into the area and, with the wind, a difficult one for the Hoddesdon back line to deal with. There was no hesitation from Jahvid Irish though as he headed Rayleigh into a 2-1 lead just before the break.

55 minutes in and Rayleigh were to add the first of two more. Taylor Armstrong set up Charlie Little who showed tidy feet to take the ball round the keeper and finish low to make it 3-1. Five minutes later, it was the same combination working together again, with the ball being lifted over the keeper this time, to make the score 4-1 to the home side.

There was still some good news to be had for Hoddy though with a first goal for new signing Josh Smith. Having come on as a second half substitute, he was in the right place to turn the ball home at close range after a low ball in from the left after 85mins.

Jack Gibbs was the HTFC Man of the Match for his contribution all over the pitch.

All in all, a fair result and congratulations to our hosts. Hoddesdon now have a week to see some players hopefully recover from injuries before we face Newbury Forest at home for a ‘Tuesday Night Lights’ game at Lowfield on the 8th April. Come and join us for that one.

HTFC Team: Nugent – Evans – Barnett – Collins – Gibbs © – Brown – Gallagher (Agnew 60) – Sterling – Bolton (Smith 60) – Carter – Lala (Cage 45).