There’s a growing buzz around Lowfield once again as Hoddesdon Town prepare to host one of the First Division South’s high-flyers, Brimsdown, in what promises to be a thrilling Saturday afternoon fixture under the crisp November skies.

For the Lilywhites, the mood is very different to just a few short weeks ago. After enduring a rough start to the season that left them rooted to the bottom of the table, Hoddesdon have suddenly clicked into gear. The club comes into this match on the back of three straight wins in all competitions — a run that’s breathed life, confidence, and optimism back into the dressing room. Back-to-back league victories over Dunmow Town and May & Baker EC, and a strong cup win against Tring Corinthians, have reminded everyone of what this side is capable of when belief and cohesion come together. The old fighting spirit — the Lowfield roar — seems to be back. Now, as they welcome a Brimsdown team chasing promotion and brimming with attacking quality, the hosts will see this as both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a chance to prove their resurgence is no fluke — and to send a message to the rest of the division that Hoddesdon Town are not done yet.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

There’s no hiding the fact that it’s been a difficult campaign so far. The early weeks brought frustration, narrow defeats, and a run of results that left the table looking bleak. But football seasons have a funny way of turning — and Hoddesdon’s recent form is proof of that. Something has shifted. There’s more belief in possession, more purpose in attack, and more resilience when the team are under pressure. The victory over May & Baker EC was particularly telling — a fluid performance built on discipline, teamwork, and clinical finishing. It was followed by another composed display against Dunmow Town, where the side showed control and confidence that’s been missing for much of the season.

There’s now a feeling around the club that things are beginning to fall into place — that the hard work on the training ground is paying off, and that this group of players are starting to play with freedom again. That’s a dangerous combination for any visiting side to face at Lowfield.

The Visitors: Brimsdown

Standing in Hoddesdon’s way this afternoon is a side who’ve been one of the division’s most eye-catching performers this season — Brimsdown FC, who currently sit 4th in the First Division South table on 32 points from 18 games.

Their record reads:

Played: 18
Won: 9
Drawn: 5
Lost: 4
Goals For: 48
Goals Against: 31

Those numbers tell their own story. Brimsdown are an attacking force to be reckoned with, second only to the league’s leaders Newbury Forest in total goals scored. They’ve got pace, power, and an ability to turn games on their head in an instant. Recent weeks have seen them maintain solid form — unbeaten in their last 13 matches in the league. A 3–1 away victory at AS London on Wednesday night was the latest statement of intent, following a dramatic 3–3 draw at Enfield Borough and a hard-fought 2–1 home win over FC Baresi.

Earlier in the season, they’ve blown sides away with emphatic scorelines — a 5–2 win over Southend Manor, a 5–1 rout of AS London, and a 4–0 triumph away at May & Baker EC among the highlights. Yet, for all their attacking brilliance, Brimsdown have shown that they’re not invincible. Their defence has conceded 31 goals — more than any other side in the top eight — suggesting that while they can hurt you going forward, they can also be got at if pressed in the right areas.

It makes for an intriguing contrast in styles this afternoon: Hoddesdon’s newfound solidity and team spirit against Brimsdown’s open, attacking philosophy.

Players to Watch

If there’s one name that immediately catches the eye in the Brimsdown ranks, it’s Matas Machovas. The forward has been in sensational form this season, netting 17 goals in 21 appearances — an outstanding return that’s made him one of the most prolific strikers in the division. A powerful and composed finisher, Machovas has a knack for finding space in the box and rarely needs a second invitation to pull the trigger. Hoddesdon’s defenders will need to keep him quiet if they’re to keep Brimsdown at bay.

Supporting him is Taylan Kilinc, another consistent performer in front of goal, with nine goals in 20 games. Kilinc brings energy, pressing intensity, and clever link-up play — a player who complements Machovas perfectly in the final third. In midfield, Raymond Cathline has chipped in with five goals and acts as the creative heartbeat, often dictating tempo and driving attacks forward. Emmanuel Olasehinde adds steel and energy, while Theo Higson-Farrell and Shaun Diboussi provide versatility and bite when needed.

It’s a squad that blends flair and experience — and one that’s well-drilled in turning chances into goals.

The Challenge Ahead

For Hoddesdon, this will be a stern test. Brimsdown’s attacking prowess means the Lilywhites will need to stay disciplined, close spaces quickly, and be ruthless when opportunities arise at the other end. But it’s worth remembering that Hoddesdon have been excellent at Lowfield in recent weeks. Home form is beginning to improve, and the team’s confidence when backed by the Hoddy faithful can’t be overstated. There’s also the psychological edge that comes with momentum — and right now, the home side have it. Three wins on the bounce have changed the dressing-room mood completely. Players are smiling, the work rate is through the roof, and there’s a collective determination to keep this run going.

And while Brimsdown may be fourth in the league, Hoddesdon’s belief that they can upset anyone on their day will be crucial.

League Picture

Brimsdown come into the weekend just one point behind third-placed Hutton, and nine behind leaders Newbury Forest, who have played one game more. For Hoddesdon, the objective is simple: keep the momentum going and start to close the gap on those above them. Despite sitting 21st, the recent revival means there’s genuine belief that a climb up the table is well within reach. Just three points currently separate the bottom three, and with two wins on the bounce, Hoddesdon could quickly turn pressure into progress with another positive result today.

Manager’s Outlook

While there’s no official pre-match quote, the sense around the camp is one of determination. The message is clear — keep doing what’s been working. The recent turnaround hasn’t been by luck; it’s been earned through hard work, organisation, and a commitment to playing for the badge. The gaffer will know that facing a free-scoring Brimsdown side means staying compact and not allowing them to dictate tempo early on. But he’ll also be quietly confident that Hoddesdon’s pace in transition and improved finishing can cause problems of their own.

This is exactly the type of test that can show how far the team has come.

The Lowfield Factor

Few grounds in the division carry the character and history of Lowfield, and few atmospheres can lift a team quite like it. The home faithful have stuck by the side through a tough spell, and the reward has been a visible upturn in performances. The roar that greeted the final whistle in recent home matches says it all — there’s belief again. And with Brimsdown bringing attacking intent to the party, this could be one of those end-to-end encounters where the home crowd really can make a difference.

Final Thoughts

This afternoon’s clash has all the ingredients of a classic — two sides in good spirits, both carrying recent momentum, but for very different reasons. Brimsdown arrive with promotion ambitions and one of the most dangerous front lines in the league. Hoddesdon, meanwhile, are fighting to continue their revival and keep climbing away from the bottom. The first meeting between these two sides this season could be a real test of nerve, discipline, and belief.

If Hoddesdon can maintain their recent defensive resolve, stay sharp in attack, and use the home advantage to full effect, there’s every chance the current winning streak could stretch to four. Lowfield is starting to believe again. The tide is turning — and Saturday afternoon could be another big step forward in Hoddesdon Town’s resurgence.

Entry:
Adults £7
Concession £5
Under 12s £2
HTFC Youth players FREE when accompanied by a paying adult

Kick-off is at 3pm. Get down early, make some noise, and back the boys!

#COYL