This Saturday, two sides desperately seeking to kickstart their First Division South campaigns lock horns at Southchurch Park Arena, as Southend Manor welcome Hoddesdon Town FC in a clash that already feels pivotal, even at this early stage of the season.

Neither team has opened their account in the points column after the first round of fixtures, and both will be eyeing this fixture as a golden opportunity to bounce back and gain much-needed momentum. It might be early days, but confidence is key in football, and Saturday's showdown offers just that: a chance to shake off a disappointing start and build a platform.

Opening Day Woes
Hoddesdon Town FC endured a torrid start to the 2025/26 campaign, falling to a heavy 5-1 defeat away at league newcomers Lymore Gardens. Despite high hopes going into the season, the Lilywhites were left shell-shocked by the newcomers, who ran riot in an emphatic display that announced their arrival in the division. For manager Simon Riddle and his side, the challenge now is clear: regroup, reset, and respond.

Southend Manor, meanwhile, also began with a defeat, losing 3-1 at home to AS London. It had all started so well for manager Billy Cove, with Taylor Ansell-Quinton giving the hosts the lead and raising hopes of a strong home showing. But AS London responded with authority, netting three times to overturn the deficit and leave Southchurch Park with all three points. While Manor showed attacking promise, particularly in the opening stages, defensive lapses proved costly. Despite a bright start from the home side, the game was finely balanced throughout the first half. Manor were rewarded for their positive approach in the 35th minute when forward Ansell-Quinton broke the deadlock with a well-timed run and clinical finish, giving the home crowd an early reason to cheer.

However, the lead was short-lived. Just three minutes later, AS London equalised through Charles Opoku, who latched onto a loose ball in the box and slotted home from close range.

The sides went into the break level at 1–1, but the visitors grew into the game in the second half. AS London took the lead in the 68th minute after capitalising on a quick counter-attack, and extended their advantage just seven minutes later with a sharp finish that left the Manor defence little time to respond. Despite some late efforts from the home side to pull one back, the deficit proved too much to overcome.

Clash of the Winless
With both sides sitting in the lower reaches of the table – Southend Manor in 17th and Hoddesdon Town in 19th – there is no understating the importance of this weekend's fixture. A win for either side could not only lift them out of the relegation zone but inject some early belief into the camp.

For Hoddesdon, the pain of last weekend's humbling defeat must be harnessed as motivation. Riddle will be demanding more resilience from his back line, who struggled to contain Lymore Gardens' potent attack. Offensively, though, there were signs of life, and finding the net on a tough evening is at least something to build on.

Manor will take encouragement from their opening goal against AS London, which demonstrated their ability to carve open opportunities. However, the capitulation that followed will be a concern for manager Cove, who will want to see a more complete performance from his men. Solidifying the back line and maintaining composure when under pressure will be high on his agenda.

Key Players to Watch
For the visitors, look no further than experienced midfielder Blue Gallagher. His leadership and composure on the ball will be vital in helping Hoddesdon settle into the game and dictate tempo. If he can control the midfield battle, the visitors will stand a much better chance of returning up the A127 with points in hand.

Taylor Ansell-Quinton will once again be Southend Manor’s key threat going forward. His goal last weekend showed his poacher’s instinct and if supplied with the right service, he could cause problems for a Hoddesdon defence still smarting from conceding five.

Both teams will also be looking to their goalkeepers to bounce back after conceding multiple goals on opening weekend. Commanding performances from the men between the sticks could make all the difference in a potentially tight encounter.

Tactical Talking Points
Simon Riddle will likely be weighing up whether to stick with the shape used against Lymore Gardens or to tweak things in search of greater defensive solidity. A more compact midfield could provide the cover needed to shield the back four, while encouraging quick transitions may be the key to exploiting space behind Manor’s back line.

Southend, meanwhile, may persist with their direct approach, utilising the wide areas to deliver crosses into dangerous areas. If Manor can get in behind Hoddesdon's full-backs, it could open the door to scoring opportunities. However, they'll need to avoid the same defensive vulnerabilities that saw AS London pick them off last week.

Set pieces may also play a big role in this contest. Early in the season, with both teams still gelling, dead-ball situations can often provide a route to goal. Expect both sides to test the opposition from corners and free-kicks in advanced areas.

A Six-Pointer Already?
It might seem premature to call this a "six-pointer" so early in the season, but psychologically, this game carries weight. For Hoddesdon, a win would not only get their campaign up and running but also lift spirits after a demoralising opening defeat. For Southend Manor, securing three points at home would calm early-season nerves and give supporters something to cheer about.

Moreover, with both clubs sitting in the lower half of the table in 17th and 19th respectively, the loser risks getting left behind even at this nascent stage. That sense of urgency is sure to feed into the intensity of Saturday's clash.

The Venue: Southchurch Park Arena
Nestled just off Northumberland Crescent and within a short stroll of Southend seafront, Southchurch Park Arena offers a picturesque yet unforgiving setting for visiting teams. If the wind whips in off the Thames Estuary, conditions can be tricky, and Hoddesdon will need to adapt quickly to their surroundings.

The home crowd, too, could play a part. Manor's supporters are passionate and vocal, and they’ll be eager to see their side bounce back in style. Should Southend make a positive start, the atmosphere could become a twelfth man in their favour.

Ground Directions
Southend Manor Football Club
Southchurch Park Arena Stadium
Northumberland Avenue
Southend-on-Sea
SS1 2XB

By Car
As you come into Southend, follow signs for Central Seafront. This takes you past The Kursaal, where you go left at the traffic lights (with the seafront in front of you) and then go along the seafront until you get to a road called Lifstan Way on your left (just after you pass Ocean Beach Café on your right).

This road takes you past the ground and then as you pass the ground take an immediate left into Northumberland Crescent. Follow this for 0.1 miles until you come across the entrance to Southchurch Park car park is on your left.

By Rail
Southend East: 10-15 Minute Walk
Southend Central: 25 Minute Walk
Southend Victoria: 30 Minute Walk

If coming from London, cross over the bridge onto the other platform and exit the station from this side. Exit left out of the station down Ambleside Drive and then take the third road on your right called Marlborough Road. Follow this down (crossing over one main road on the way called Woodgrange Drive) until you get to the end of Marlborough Road and the entrance to Southchurch Park is dead opposite you.

Entry is as follows:
Adults £7
Over 60s £5
Under 16s £2

Previous Meeting
Last season, Hoddesdon Town's excellent start to the season was interrupted with defeat in a tough fixture at Southend Manor. Hopes were high going into the match that the momentum that saw us sit in first place in the league earlier in the week could continue. It was not to be however as the team was unable to recover from a start that saw us concede two goals inside the first ten minutes.

It took only six minutes for Ross Barnes to have the ball in the net for Southend Manor. It was then a case of 'one brings two' as a misplaced backpass allowed Louie Rodmell in to add Manor's second just a few minutes later. Calm heads were needed as the boys managed to find more of a footing in the game. That being said, it was Liam Nugent who kept us in touch with a good save on 30mins.

The next blow was not far away though as Town lost the influential Connor Casey at half time and the third Manor goal arrived on 47mins to make it 3-0, leaving Lilywhites with a mountain to climb. The spirit of this team though is one of its strengths and Blue Gallagher and Connor Bolton both had shots well saved by Danny Biggs, the Manor keeper. It was indeed Hoddesdon with the next goal as good work down the right from substitute Nazarii Krutko saw the ball pulled back to last season's top scorer, Connor Bolton who made sure that some respectability was restored as the game finished 3-1 to the hosts.

Final Thoughts
Saturday's clash is one neither side will want to lose – and one both will be desperate to win. After bruising opening defeats, this is about recovery, redemption, and reigniting belief.

Expect a gritty, competitive affair with both teams leaving everything out on the pitch. The margins may be fine, and mistakes could prove costly. But for either Southend Manor or Hoddesdon Town, the rewards for getting it right are significant: the first three points of the season, a rise up the table, and a welcome injection of optimism.

The stakes are set. The backdrop is Southchurch Park.

The only question is: who wants it more?

#COYL