There was late drama at Lowfield as Hoddesdon Town extended their unbeaten run to four games with a hard-fought 2–2 draw against an in-form Brimsdown side, themselves enjoying an excellent spell.

The afternoon started with an impeccably observed two-minute silence, as all inside The Stuart Edwards Stadium paused in remembrance. This was to be the only quiet moment of the day however, as the action got underway and it was clear that both sides meant business.

Hoddesdon were without three form players from last weekend in Freddie Wilkinson, Bailey Collins and Patryk Bozych. This saw captain Jack Gibbs pushed forward into midfield, while Huey Reid returned to partner Jack Riddle in central defence. Despite Brimsdown sitting fourth in the table, Hoddesdon went into the game with renewed confidence and determination.

Connor Casey was playing with the tenacity and desire that the home fans have come to expect from him, and after 9mins of play was brought down on the edge of the box as he bore down on goal. Much to the frustration of the home supporters, the foul was deemed to have been just outside the area and the shouts for a penalty were dismissed and a free kick awarded. Casey showed his frustration by punching the ball and was given ten minutes in the sin bin. The team regrouped well though and fullbacks Jimmy Agnew and Jonah Evans were at their reliable best as they worked tirelessly to contain the excellent Brimsdown wide players.

On 38mins, it was Jack Gibbs who then also received ten minutes in the sin bin, again for dissent. The game was starting to get more physical, but Hoddesdon were going toe-to-toe with their opponents as the first half ended 0-0.

The first goal of the afternoon arrived after 55 minutes. Blue Gallagher made an excellent run through the centre (after a defence splitting ball from Arnis Lala) and showed fantastic composure to finish the chance as Brimsdown defenders seemed to be closing on him from every angle. It was well deserved for the effort that he, and the whole team were putting in.

Brimsdown responded well, forcing a fine save from Liam Nugent after 67 minutes. However, shortly afterwards, the ball was expertly put into the danger zone from a corner and Brimsdown headed themselves level on 68mins. This was then to become a lead on 77mins when the ball was first hooked off the line in style by Jonah Evans before it somehow ended up back in the mix and being forced in. Brimsdown were now 2-1 up with goals their coming from Matas Machovas and Max Montgomery.

The tough nature of the game continued after this and there will be some sore legs for the boys this weekend as Brimsdown were now collecting up the cards. Hoddesdon are a tough side themselves though and were given a boost in the second half as last season’s top scorer and star player Connor Bolton returned to action after a long layoff.

The game was now into stoppage time, but Simon Riddle and his management team continued to urge the players on, determined to get something from a game where they had more than matched the quality of the opposition. After a huge throw from Emarie Smith on the right, the ball deflected to the feet of Bailey Eden in the centre of the six-yard box where he tapped home and reeled away in celebration as the roar went up from the home supporters. 2-2 and a very hard-fought and well-earned point for Hoddesdon Town as the progress continues, and the points are now starting to come.

Some excellent performances from all the players with Jonah Evans doing vital work at the back (with his terrific back four teammates), Casey and Lala never letting up, Gibbs and Finch tireless in the centre, but the 'Man of the Match' Greene King beers, like the goals, were shared between Blue Gallagher and Bailey Eden, both adding that spark of creativity to the team endeavour.

Next up we make the short trip to Wodson Park (Ware) to play FC Baresi on Wednesday 12th November. Up, The Hod!

TEAM: Nugent, Agnew (E. Smith ’83), Evans, Riddle, Reid, finch, Lala (Coltman ’83), Gallagher, Casey (Bolton ’68), Gibbs ©, Eden.