Match Preview: Coggeshall Town vs Hoddesdon Town
Saturday 6th Sep, 15:00 Ko
Coggeshall Town Football Club
Eastern Counties League – First Division South

Two Teams, Two Trajectories
As the sun prepares to cast its golden glow over Coggeshall this Saturday afternoon, Coggeshall Town and Hoddesdon Town will meet in a fixture that, on paper, looks like a readable game—but football rarely follows the script. Coggeshall, sitting comfortably in 8th place, have had a solid start to the season, while Hoddesdon Town are enduring what can only be described as a nightmare opening, languishing in 21st with five straight defeats.

This isn’t just another league game. For Hoddesdon, it’s a chance to stop the rot. For Coggeshall, it’s an opportunity to climb further up the table and assert their playoff ambitions. The stakes are high, the narratives compelling, and the fans can expect a clash filled with grit, urgency, and perhaps a few surprises.

Form Guide: A Tale of Contrasts
Coggeshall Town – Steady and Ambitious
Coggeshall have played six matches so far, winning three, drawing two, and losing just once. Their most recent outing was a commanding 4–1 away victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline. With Todd Hollocks leading the scoring charts with three goals so far this season, the team has found a reliable tally man.
Their form suggests a team that’s growing in confidence. The blend of youth and experience, coupled with a well-drilled midfield, has allowed them to control games and convert chances. Managerial decisions have been spot-on, and the squad looks increasingly cohesive.

Hoddesdon Town – Searching for Answers
Hoddesdon’s start to the season has been extremely poor. Five games, five losses, only three goals scored, and a worrying number of injuries have left the squad depleted and demoralized. Their latest defeat—a 3–0 loss away to May & Baker—was emblematic of their struggles: lack of creativity, defensive lapses, and a visible dip in morale.

This is the worst start Hoddesdon have endured since joining the First Division South, and the pressure is mounting. The coaching staff are scrambling for solutions, and the players know that another loss could deepen the crisis.

Players to Watch
Todd Hollocks (Coggeshall Town)
The teams standout player so far, Hollocks has netted three goals and looks hungry for more. Todd is the number 8 for the town and wears the armband on his shoulder proudly. This is a player who you will see appear a lot during the game. Expect him to test Hoddesdon’s midfield and defence early and often.

Jack Riddle (Hoddesdon Town)
While Hoddesdon have conceded heavily, Jack has still shown his ability to clear the danger and be there when you very much need it. The central defender received Hoddesdon's man of the match last Saturday and his defensive contributions do not go unnoticed. He’ll need to be at his absolute best to keep Coggeshall at bay.

League Implications
Coggeshall currently sit 8th, but a win could see them leapfrog into the top five, depending on other results. With playoff ambitions in sight, every point counts.

Hoddesdon, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a result. Another loss could see them glued to the bottom, and with morale already low, the psychological impact could be severe. A win however could push them out of the danger zone, again depending on other results.

Prediction and Expectations
While football is unpredictable, the form guide and squad depth suggest Coggeshall are favorites. Their attacking rhythm, defensive solidity, and home advantage give them the edge.

However, Hoddesdon’s desperation could fuel a spirited performance. If they can stay compact, frustrate Coggeshall, and capitalize on set-pieces, they might just snatch a point—or more.

Last Meeting
15/04/2025
Hoddesdon Town 1 - 3 Coggeshall Town
It was Coggeshall Town’s night as they delivered an excellent performance to maintain their own playoff push at the expense of Hoddesdon Town. The Lilywhites remain in 7th place with two to play and can mathematically still finish level on points with 5th place Hutton but have a vastly inferior goal difference.

This was a rearranged game after the original fixture in March was abandoned in the second half after Coggeshall’s Sam Hollocks suffered a dislocated elbow. It was a pleasure to welcome him back to Lowfield as a spectator and we are pleased to report that his arm was able to hold his free pint from Hoddesdon Chairman, Stuart Varney.
3 goals to nil the game looked finished, but Harry Carters finish put a bit of spark back into the game in the second half. This was not enough for HTFC. The Lilywhites were pushing hard in the final stages, it was to end 3-1 to the visitors though.

The Venue: Coggeshall Town FC
Directions By Rail:
1. Depart from Broxbourne Station
Board a Greater Anglia service heading towards London Liverpool Street.
Journey time: ~30 minutes.

2. Change at London Liverpool Street
From Liverpool Street, take a Greater Anglia train towards Colchester or Ipswich.
Get off at Kelvedon Station (this is the closest rail stop to Coggeshall).
Journey time: ~50 minutes.

3. From Kelvedon to Coggeshall (127 West Street)
Coggeshall is about 3 miles from Kelvedon Station.
You can take a local taxi (usually available outside the station) or check for bus services like the 91 or 91A towards Coggeshall.
Travel time: ~10–15 minutes.

Directions by car
Head east on the A1170 toward the A10
Merge onto the A10 northbound
Take the exit for the M11 toward Cambridge
Follow the M11 for about 20 miles
Exit at Junction 8 for the A120 toward Braintree/Colchester
Continue on the A120 eastbound for approximately 15 miles
Take the exit for Coggeshall
Follow signs into the town centre
Turn onto West Street—the venue is located at 127 West Street, Coggeshall CO6 1NT
Estimated ~ 1 hour

Entry is as follows
Adults £8 | Seniors (65+) £5 | U16s £2

Final Thoughts
This fixture is more than just a clash between 8th and 21st. It’s a clash between 2 clubs who are very friendly with each other and both will be fighting for the 3 points. Coggeshall are looking to build a campaign that ends in glory. Hoddesdon are fighting to avoid a season of despair.

Saturday’s 3pm kick off at Coggeshall promises drama, emotion, and the kind of grassroots football that reminds us why we love the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a neutral observer, this is one match you won’t want to miss. #COYL