Match Preview: May & Baker EC vs Hoddesdon Town FC
Saturday, 30 August 2025
Kick-off: 3:00 PM BST
Venue: Bobby Moore Sports Hub
Eastern Counties League Division One South

Context & Stakes
As the sun rises over East London, anticipation builds for a compelling clash between two sides at opposite ends of the early-season table. May & Baker EC, unbeaten in their first five league outings, host Hoddesdon Town FC, who are still searching for their first league point of the campaign.
While the standings may suggest a mismatch—May & Baker sitting 8th with 9 points and Hoddesdon languishing in 20th with zero—the narrative is far richer. Hoddesdon’s recent 2-0 FA Vase victory over Burnham Ramblers has injected a dose of confidence into a squad that has endured a tough start. For May & Baker, the goal is simple: maintain their unbeaten run and climb into the playoff conversation.

Form Guide
May & Baker EC
• League Position: 8th
• Record: 2 Wins, 3 Draws, 0 Losses
• Goals Scored: 9
• Goals Conceded: 6
• Last 5 Matches: D-D-D-W-W
May & Baker have quietly built a reputation for resilience. Three consecutive draws to start the season may have raised eyebrows, but back-to-back wins have shifted the tone. Their ability to grind out results—especially in tight contests—has made them one of the more difficult sides to break down.

Hoddesdon Town FC
• League Position: 20th
• Record: 0 Wins, 0 Draws, 4 Losses
• Goals Scored: 3
• Goals Conceded: 11
• Last 5 Matches: L-L-L-L
Hoddesdon’s league form has been disappointing, but the FA Vase win last weekend could be a turning point. The Lilywhites showed grit and discipline in that match, and manager Simon Riddle will be hoping his side can carry that momentum into today’s fixture.

Key Players to Watch
May & Baker EC | Rowan Newland
Newland has been the standout performer for May & Baker so far. Showing all the positive signs for an attacking player, with 3 goals in 4 games, expect him to be heavily involved in any attacking sequences today.

Hoddesdon Town FC | Bailey Eden, Connor Bolton & Connor Casey
Bailey, and our 2 Connor’s all share the leading goal scorer status… with 1. With no clear talisman, Hoddesdon rely on a collective effort in attack. Bolton’s pace, Eden’s work rate, and Casey’s composure will be vital if the Lilywhites are to breach May & Baker’s defence.

Previous Meeting | Hoddesdon Town 4 – 1 May & Baker
The job was completed with ease, the last time the 2 sides met. Back in December 2024, the lilywhites returned after their Christmas break and goals from Jack Gibbs, Ben Clarke, Connor Bolton & Jason Brown gave a 3 goal lead in a confident 4-1 win on our own turf. 1 goal from Jack Ferris was not enough on the day for May & Baker.

What’s at Stake?
For May & Baker:
• A win could propel them into the top 5.
• Maintaining their unbeaten record is key to building early-season momentum.
For Hoddesdon:
• A point—or more—would be a psychological breakthrough.
• Avoiding a fifth straight league defeat is crucial to keeping morale intact.

The Venue: Bobby Moore Sports Hub
The Bobby Moore Sports Hub is more than just a venue—it’s a symbol of grassroots football’s enduring spirit. With modern facilities and a vibrant local crowd, it offers a fitting stage for today’s clash. The pitch is expected to be in excellent condition.

By Rail
1. Take a Greater Anglia train to London Liverpool Street. This journey typically takes around 40–50 minutes.
2. From Liverpool Street, take the Central Line (Tube) westbound to Stratford Station.
3. At Stratford, transfer to the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) and head towards Pudding Mill Lane or Stratford High Street, depending on your walking preference.
4. The Bobby Moore Sports Hub is located near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, so from either DLR stop, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk.
Estimated Total Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

By Car
1. Head south on the A10.
2. Merge onto the M25 Eastbound via the slip road to Dartford.
3. Take Exit 27 for the M11 Southbound toward London.
4. Exit at Junction 4 for A406 North Circular, then follow signs for Stratford.
5. Continue onto A12, then take the exit toward Stratford/Westfield.
6. Follow signs for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Bobby Moore Sports Hub.
Parking: Check ahead for availability at the Sports Hub or nearby public car parks. Weekend matches may have limited spaces.

Entry is as follows:
Adults : £7 (Cash) | £7.10 (Card)
U15s: Free

Final Thoughts
This fixture has all the ingredients of a compelling contest. May & Baker are favourites on paper, but Hoddesdon’s recent cup win suggests they may be ready to surprise. The key will be whether Hoddesdon can withstand early pressure and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities.
Expect a tight match, with moments of brilliance from both sides. Rowan Newland could be the difference-maker, but Hoddesdon’s newfound confidence might just make this a closer affair than the table suggests. Let’s get down to East London and support the boys! #COYL