Hoddesdon Town FC make the short trip up the A10 to Wodson Park on Wednesday night to face FC Baresi in a First Division South fixture that could prove pivotal in their quest to climb away from the foot of the table. After a torrid start to the 2025/26 campaign, the Lilywhites have shown unmistakable signs of progress in recent weeks, losing just once in their last six matches in all competitions and beginning to rediscover the confidence and rhythm that were missing through the early months of the season.

For Simon Riddle’s men, the short midweek journey to Ware represents both an opportunity and a test — a chance to extend their unbeaten run to five games, and to see how far they’ve come against a mid-table FC Baresi side whose results have oscillated between the impressive and the erratic.

SETTING THE SCENE AT WODSON PARK

FC Baresi, who share Ware FC’s Wodson Park ground, currently sit 12th in the Essex Senior League First Division South table on 20 points from 18 games. Their season so far has been defined by inconsistency: flashes of attacking brilliance offset by defensive lapses that have repeatedly cost them points.

Their latest result — a 2–2 draw at Clapton Community — perfectly encapsulated that narrative. Baresi went into the break with a two-goal lead, only to concede twice in the second half and leave with a single point. That result followed a 4–1 home cup win against Sporting Club Thamesmead and a dramatic 4–3 home defeat to Cannons Wood.

Their home record remains their Achilles heel: 3 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats at Wodson Park, scoring 20 but conceding 26. In contrast, their away form has been steadier (3-3-3), but their overall goal difference of -4 (33 scored, 37 conceded) underlines a side capable of scoring freely yet equally prone to defensive vulnerability.

Baresi’s attack is spearheaded by Junior Appiah, who has been in prolific form with 11 goals in 11 appearances — a return that makes him one of the league’s most efficient forwards. Supporting him, Alexandru Vtornicov (5 goals in 11 games) and Kuba Vermont Ollivierre (2 in 12) add pace and technical flair. Kishawn James, Romuald Boco, and Stefan McKie have each chipped in with a couple of goals apiece, offering balance between creativity and experience.

However, Baresi’s defensive unit has struggled for consistency, despite the experience of Graham Loki (18 appearances) and Omosheni Oshodi-Atinmo (16). They’ve kept few clean sheets, two all season up to this point, and lapses in concentration have seen several leads slip away late in matches. That fragility at the back will give Hoddesdon encouragement as they seek to continue their recent resurgence.

HODDESDON’S RECENT REVIVAL

For Hoddesdon Town, the last month has brought tangible progress. The Lilywhites’ league position — 21st with 8 points from 13 matches — doesn’t yet reflect the improvement in performances or results, but the signs are clear that Simon Riddle’s side are turning a corner.

Since mid-October, Hoddesdon have registered three wins and two draws from their last six matches in all competitions, with the only defeat coming away to AS London. In that time, they’ve scored 13 goals and conceded just 5, a marked improvement on the defensive frailties that characterised their early-season form. Their most recent outing — a 2–2 draw at home to Brimsdown on Saturday — saw Hoddesdon pegged back despite a strong display, following impressive victories over Dunmow Town (2–0 away), May & Baker EC (5–1 at home), and Tring Corinthians (3–1 in the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy).

Riddle’s men have also begun to show greater resilience away from home. After losing eight of their first nine away fixtures, they’ve now taken heart from their last two on the road, consecutive victories at Tring Corinthians in the cup and Dunmow Town in the league. That newfound defensive solidity has been the platform for improvement, supported by better organisation, collective pressing, and improved composure in possession.

THE STORY IN NUMBERS

Hoddesdon’s season record now reads 5 wins, 2 draws, 11 defeats from 18 matches in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and conceding 38. Their home record (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 defeats) is respectable, but it’s away from Lowfield where they’ve struggled most — 2 wins and 8 losses from 10 outings. That said, those two wins have come in their last two away games, a clear indication of progress.

ATTACKING BRIGHT SPOTS

Offensively, Hoddesdon have found more variety in recent weeks, with multiple players contributing goals. Connor Casey leads the scoring charts with six goals in 13 appearances, while Blue Gallagher (four in 17) and Bailey Eden (three in 17) have provided consistent attacking threat. Casey’s sharpness around the penalty area has been key to Hoddesdon’s resurgence — his intelligent movement and cool finishing helping to turn half-chances into goals. Gallagher, meanwhile, brings energy and versatility, operating effectively either as a forward or an advanced midfielder.

Elsewhere, Prince Sanyang, Armis Lala, Max Coltman and Pat Bozych have each struck twice this season, offering valuable support from midfield. Riddle has spoken often about wanting goals to come from all areas of the pitch, and recent results suggest that balance is starting to emerge.

DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT

At the back, Hoddesdon’s structure has tightened significantly. After conceding 26 goals in their first 10 matches, they’ve shipped just 12 in their last eight, including a clean sheet last time out away from home. Defensive partnerships have stabilised, with greater communication between centre-backs and improved support from the full-backs. The midfield shield has also played a crucial role, helping to limit opposition chances and control transitions. The 2–0 win v Dunmow Town on November 1st was particularly encouraging — a disciplined, composed performance in which Hoddesdon managed the game effectively, pressed intelligently, and took their chances when they came.

TACTICAL ANALYSIS

Wednesday night’s fixture promises a fascinating tactical battle. FC Baresi’s preference for expansive, attacking football contrasts with Hoddesdon’s recent emphasis on compact organisation and clinical counterattacking. Baresi typically operate with Appiah leading the line and wide players cutting inside to link play centrally. Their full-backs, particularly on the left, push high to create overloads — a system that produces chances but often leaves them exposed when possession is turned over.

Hoddesdon are likely to maintain a flexible shape, aiming to stay narrow defensively and break quickly through the flanks. With players like Gallagher and the returning Bolton capable of carrying the ball at pace, and Casey or Eden able to exploit gaps between defenders, the Lilywhites will look to strike decisively when opportunities arise.

Set pieces could again prove vital. Hoddesdon’s aerial strength and delivery from wide areas caused May & Baker EC all sorts of problems in the 5–1 win, while Baresi’s vulnerability to balls into the box has been a recurring issue. With the quality of Lala, Bolton, Gallgher and Agnew’s deliveries, Hoddesdon will look to make those moments count.

FORM COMPARISON

Last 6 Matches – All Competitions

FC Baresi:

D 2–2 vs Clapton Community (A)
W 4–1 vs Sporting Club Thamesmead (H)
L 3–4 vs Cannons Wood (H)
L 1–2 vs Brimsdown (A)
W 2–1 vs May & Baker EC (H)
L 2–4 vs Enfield Borough (A)

Hoddesdon Town:

D 2–2 vs Brimsdown (H)
W 2–0 vs Dunmow Town (A)
W 5–1 vs May & Baker EC (H)
W 3–1 vs Tring Corinthians (A, HSCT)
A-A vs Basildon Town (Abandoned due to floodlight failure)
L 0–4 vs AS London (A)

Both teams have shown flashes of form, but Hoddesdon’s recent record — three wins and a draw from their last four completed matches — suggests momentum is with the visitors, but Riddle will not be counting his chickens.

LEAGUE CONTEXT

At the top of the table, Newbury Forest (44 points) lead the title race, with Hutton (36) and Lymore Gardens (35) in pursuit. FC Baresi sit 12th with 20 points, five clear of the bottom three but nine adrift of the top six. Hoddesdon, meanwhile, remain bottom on 8 points but have games in hand on several sides above them. A win at Wodson Park could see them close the gap on Barkingside and Enfield Borough (both on 10 points) and move within touching distance of safety.

With a busy festive schedule ahead, maintaining momentum through November could prove crucial in shaping the remainder of Hoddesdon’s season.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT WARE

Being an artificial surface, Wodson Park is expected to be in good condition despite recent rain, and both sides will relish the chance to play under the lights. For Hoddesdon, discipline and patience will be key — containing Baresi’s early attacks, staying organised, and capitalising on moments in transition. The Lilywhites’ travelling support is expected to make the short journey in good numbers, adding to what should be a lively atmosphere. The recent improvement in results has re-energised the fanbase, and that backing could make a difference as Hoddesdon look to build further confidence on the road.

MANAGER’S VIEW: SIMON RIDDLE

Speaking ahead of the game, First Team Manager Simon Riddle praised his players’ attitude and underlined the importance of consistency.

“The lads have worked really hard over the last few weeks, and you can see the progress in how we’re playing. We’ve become more compact, more confident on the ball, and more clinical in front of goal. The spirit has been first-class, and that’s reflected in our results.”

“Baresi are a good side — they’ve got pace, power, and players who can hurt you if you switch off — but we’ve shown we can compete with anyone in this division when we’re switched on. It’s about maintaining our standards for ninety minutes.”

“We’ve got a bit of momentum now, and it’s important we keep that going. The lads are starting to believe in themselves, and that belief can carry us a long way.”

VERDICT

On paper, the league positions suggest a mismatch, but in reality this is a finely balanced contest between two sides heading in different directions. FC Baresi’s unpredictability makes them dangerous but beatable, while Hoddesdon’s steady improvement and renewed confidence give them every chance of taking something from the game. If the Lilywhites can replicate the discipline shown in their recent away victories and remain composed in key moments, there’s every reason to believe they can extend their unbeaten run and continue their climb up the table. But Baresi would love to claim the three points, especially on home turf, and will certainly not make things easy for the Lilywhites.

MATCH DETAILS