MATCH PREVIEW
Lymore Gardens FC vs Hoddesdon Town FC
Thurlow Nunn Division One South – Friday 26th July, 2025
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Venue: Oakside Stadium, Station Road, Barkingside, IG6 1NB

A brand new season dawns for Hoddesdon Town Football Club tomorrow night under the East London lights, as Simon Riddle’s side travel to Barkingside to face newly-promoted Lymore Gardens FC in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 Thurlow Nunn Division One South campaign.

After a positive pre-season and with a refreshed squad carrying both familiar faces and exciting new names, there’s a buzz of optimism around Lowfield that Hoddesdon can improve on last season’s 8th-place finish and mount a serious push for promotion. But standing in their way first up is a side entering Step 6 football for the very first time – a Lymore Gardens outfit built on ambition, heart, and a deep-rooted connection to their community.

Who are Lymore Gardens FC?
For many Hoddesdon fans, Lymore Gardens FC will be something of an unknown quantity. Promoted from the Essex Alliance League Senior Division as runners-up behind the formidable Philip United, Lymore racked up 68 points last term, winning 21 of their 30 matches and scoring 101 goals – the second-highest tally in the division.

Their attacking threat was no fluke. Players like Ryo Brown, Paul Benfield, Richie Dorcas, and Stanley Green featured in a squad that scored for fun in the capital, and the depth of their roster – with more than 40 names registered this season – suggests they are a club that knows how to rotate effectively.

But Lymore Gardens are far more than just a football team. As detailed in their inspiring club mission, they are a community powerhouse, engaging hundreds of youths and adults weekly across multiple community programmes, sporting opportunities, and mentorship pathways. Football is just the beginning of their work. Their ethos – “Growing our GRDNS” – blends social outreach with ambition on the pitch, and their home at Redbridge FC’s Oakside Stadium gives them a proper platform to grow.

In short: they might be new to the division, but underestimate them at your peril.

Hoddesdon Town: Ready for Lift-Off
Manager Simon Riddle enters the season with a squad that blends experience, potential, and hunger. Hoddesdon’s 2024/25 campaign flirted with the play-off places before tailing off in the spring, finishing 8th with a respectable 59 points. With a clearer identity and squad stability, the Lilywhites will be targeting more consistency this time around.

Pre-season has been encouraging. The squad looks sharp, the new additions have settled quickly, and fitness levels – thanks in no small part to Sports Therapist Fayme Patel – are looking excellent.

Tomorrow night, Riddle will once again hand the armband to Jack Gibbs, who leads by example from midfield. He’ll be without goalkeeper Liam Nugent, still serving a two-match ban after his red card away at Hackney Wick late last season. That means the brilliant Ethan Gannon will likely start between the sticks – a safe pair of hands who impressed whenever called upon in 2024/25.

There are also question marks over Jimmy Agnew’s availability. The energetic Lilywhite suffered a heavy fall in Tuesday’s friendly away at London Colney, leaving the field with a back injury. He’ll be assessed ahead of kick-off, but fans may have to wait for his first competitive outing of the new season. Jonah Evans also faces suspension after his red card for handball in the Herts Charity Shield defeat to Harpenden. While it’s unclear when that ban will be served, Evans remains a key part of the squad.

New Faces to Watch
While the core of last season’s squad remains intact, Hoddesdon have strengthened smartly over the summer, with several new additions catching the eye during pre-season. Here are a few names to watch out for:

Joshua Anlin
Daniel Calin
James Codling
Tommy Edwards
Freddie Lee Wilkinson
Malanding Prince Sanyang
Joshua Sarfo Jnr
Emarie Smith

More will be revealed about these new additions in the coming weeks, but what’s clear is that Hoddesdon now boast greater depth, balance, and options across the pitch.

The Riddle Philosophy
Simon Riddle has earned plenty of plaudits since stepping into the dugout at Lowfield. Alongside trusted lieutenants Jeff Cross, Ray Greenall, and Andy Prutton, Riddle has instilled a culture of hard work, adaptability, and fast-tempo football. His system encourages fluid movement, a high press out of possession, and positive ball progression when in control.

Last season saw the emergence of key partnerships all over the field – most notably in defence where Jack Gibbs, Jack Riddle, Jonah Evans and others formed a reliable spine. But with competition for places now fiercer than ever, expect Riddle to keep things fresh depending on opponent and circumstance.

The Venue: Oakside Stadium
Located just steps from Barkingside tube station on the Central Line, the Oakside Stadium is a classic non-league venue with character and history. The ground is home to Redbridge FC but will serve as Lymore Gardens’ base for their debut Step 6 campaign. Fans making the journey can expect a warm welcome and a lively atmosphere.

Kick-off is at 7:45pm, so if you're planning to travel, allow plenty of time for rush-hour transport. With the fixture taking place on a Friday night, there’s sure to be a great buzz under the floodlights.

Key Stats

Lymore Gardens (2024/25 - Essex Alliance League Senior Division)

Position: 2nd
Played: 30
Wins: 21
Draws: 5
Losses: 4
Goals For: 101
Goals Against: 46
Points: 68

Hoddesdon Town (2024/25 - Thurlow Nunn Division One South)

Position: 8th
Points: 59

Key players retained:

Liam Nugent
Jimmy Agnew
Connor Bolton
Jason Brown
Harrison Cage
Harry Carter
Connor Casey
Bailey Collins
Bailey Eden
Jonah Evans
Blue Gallagher
Ethan Gannon
Jack Gibbs
Joshua Smith
Joshua Howard
Arnis Lala
Fraser McCarthy
Jack Riddle
Cameron Roads
Ata Khan Tanak

New Signings: 8 confirmed, more TBC
Manager: Simon Riddle
Last Competitive Fixture: 1–2 loss vs Harpenden (Herts Charity Shield) – goal by Tommy Edwards

From the Dugout
Manager Simon Riddle:

“We’re looking forward to getting started. Pre-season has gone well, the lads are sharp, and there’s real togetherness in this group. Lymore Gardens are a bit of an unknown in terms of Step 6 football, but we know they’re ambitious and will be fired up for their debut. We need to focus on our own standards and make sure we control the tempo. We’ve got a squad now where every player is pushing for minutes. That brings out the best in training and will keep standards high across the season. The key is starting strong and laying down a marker from game one.”

Prediction
Opening games are always tricky to call, especially when facing a newly-promoted side with momentum and a mission. But Hoddesdon’s experience at this level, coupled with a more rounded squad and a clear tactical identity, could give them the edge. Expect a close game – one that might go down to the wire – but if the Lilywhites can impose themselves early and keep concentration at the back, they should have enough quality to bring three points back down the M25.

Come On You Lilywhites!
Whether you’re heading to Oakside in person or following from afar, don’t miss this curtain-raiser to what promises to be a thrilling season. We’ll have full match coverage across our social media channels – and remember, your support means everything to the lads.

Let’s get behind them.

Come On You Lilywhites!

#COYL