There is something uniquely special about football at Christmas. The fixtures come thick and fast, the scarves are wrapped a little tighter, the air is colder, and the smell of burgers and hot drinks drifts across grounds up and down the country. For players, it’s a test of depth, resilience and momentum. For supporters, it’s often the perfect excuse to escape the sofa, stretch the legs after one too many mince pies, and reconnect with friends and family over 90 minutes of live football.

This Saturday, Hoddesdon Town welcome Dunmow Town to Lowfield for a festive First Division South encounter that ticks all of those boxes. A 3pm kick-off, nestled neatly in Christmas week, offers supporters a genuine feast of festive football — a chance to get out of the house, enjoy the buzz of a matchday, and soak up the unique atmosphere that only football between Christmas and New Year can provide.

While Lowfield has been a familiar setting for both clubs this season due to Dunmow Town’s groundshare arrangement, this fixture carries its own distinct narrative. On this occasion, Hoddesdon Town are very much the hosts, with Dunmow arriving as the away side — a role reversal that adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling contest.

Festive Football at Lowfield

Christmas football has long been part of the fabric of the English game. From packed Boxing Day schedules to cold, muddy pitches and dramatic late goals, it’s a period that often defines seasons. Supporters know that these fixtures matter — momentum gained now can shape league positions deep into the spring.

Saturday’s clash offers everything you’d want from a festive fixture. A local feel, an accessible kick-off time, and a Lowfield crowd keen to back a Hoddesdon side riding high on confidence. For families, it’s an ideal post-Christmas outing. For football lovers, it’s another chance to see league-leading form on home turf. And for those simply looking to escape the house for a couple of hours, there are few better options than live non-league football on a December afternoon.

The League Picture

The wider league context only adds to the significance of this match.

Hoddesdon Town currently sit mid-table in the overall First Division South standings, but that position does not tell the full story. In terms of recent form, Hoddesdon are setting the pace. Over the last six league fixtures, no side has accumulated more points, placing the Lilywhites top of the form table and firmly among the division’s most consistent performers.

Crucially, Hoddesdon Town are unbeaten in the league for their last 11 matches, a remarkable run that underlines the progress made over recent months. The only blemish on the recent record came last weekend in cup competition, when a defeat to Chipperfield Corinthians brought an end to an otherwise outstanding sequence of results. While disappointing, that setback has done little to dampen belief, and the focus has very quickly returned to league matters.

At the other end of the table, Dunmow Town currently find themselves towards the lower reaches of the standings. Their season has been disrupted not only by results on the pitch, but also by significant off-field challenges — challenges they have now worked hard to overcome.

Dunmow Town: A Season of Disruption and Resolution

Dunmow Town’s campaign has been anything but straightforward.

Earlier in the season, the club was withdrawn from league competition by league management after breaching the terms of their groundshare agreement with Hoddesdon. It was a difficult and uncertain period for everyone connected with Dunmow, casting doubt over their immediate future and raising questions about whether they would be able to complete the season at all.

However, after a period of intense work behind the scenes, Dunmow Town have successfully resolved their internal issues and have met the strict conditions laid down by both the league and Hoddesdon Town FC. As a result, they have been reinstated and are now able to resume their season.

At Hoddesdon Town FC, there is a genuine sense of relief and goodwill surrounding that outcome. Football clubs are community institutions, and the challenges faced by Dunmow served as a reminder of how fragile things can be at this level. We are delighted that Dunmow Town have been able to put the necessary structures in place and return to league action, ensuring the integrity of the competition and allowing players, supporters and volunteers to continue enjoying football on Saturdays.

A Familiar Setting, But Different Roles

One of the more unusual aspects of this fixture is the setting itself. Due to their groundshare arrangement this season, Dunmow Town have been playing their home games at Lowfield. That has made Hoddesdon supporters accustomed to seeing Dunmow in “home” surroundings, albeit under different circumstances.

This Saturday, however, the roles are clearly defined. Hoddesdon Town are the hosts, and Dunmow arrive as visitors. The dressing rooms, the routines, and the matchday rhythms all return to familiar territory for Hoddesdon, while Dunmow will experience Lowfield from a different perspective. That dynamic brings its own interest. Dunmow know the pitch, the surroundings, and the quirks of the ground well — but Hoddesdon know it better. It is their home, their base, and a venue where they have built impressive momentum this season.

Hoddesdon Town: Form, Confidence and Belief

There is no escaping the fact that Hoddesdon Town arrive at this fixture in excellent shape.

Eleven league matches without defeat is no accident. It reflects a side that has found balance, resilience and consistency, even when circumstances have not always been straightforward. Home form has been particularly encouraging, with Lowfield once again proving to be a difficult place for visiting teams.

Last time out in the league, Hoddesdon produced a 3–1 victory over Basildon Town at Lowfield, a performance that combined control, intensity and attacking quality. It was a match that showcased Hoddesdon’s strengths, particularly in midfield and in transition, and one that further underlined their ability to manage games effectively.

At the heart of that performance was captain Jack Gibbs, who claimed the Man of the Match award after a commanding display. Gibbs led by example throughout, setting the tempo, winning key battles, and driving his side forward at crucial moments. His leadership has been a defining feature of Hoddesdon’s recent run, and his influence will once again be vital on Saturday.

Key Players and Contributions

Looking at the season statistics, Hoddesdon Town have benefited from goals spread throughout the squad rather than reliance on a single source.

Connor Casey has been the leading marksman so far, with 11 goals from 19 appearances, providing a consistent threat in the final third. Support has come from Connor Bolton, Patryk Bozych, Blue Gallagher and others, all contributing at key moments and ensuring Hoddesdon remain dangerous from multiple angles. That collective approach has been one of the hallmarks of the team’s recent success. Goals, assists and defensive contributions have come from across the pitch, making Hoddesdon difficult to predict and difficult to stop.

Defensively, the side has shown resilience and organisation, particularly during the current unbeaten league run. While clean sheets have not always been plentiful, Hoddesdon have consistently found ways to stay in games, manage pressure, and strike at the right moments. Players like the afore mentioned Jack Gibbs, Jonah Evans, Mo Abana, Emarie Smith, Huey Reid, Ollie Finch, Max Coltman and Jordan George have all worked tirelessly to ensure Liam Nugent's goal is relieved of pressure.

Dunmow Town on the Pitch

Dunmow Town’s season statistics reflect the disruption they have faced.

Their league position places them near the bottom of the table, with results hard to come by and goals at a premium. However, numbers alone rarely tell the full story, particularly in a season so heavily affected by off-field uncertainty.

Darnell Fuller has been a bright spot, leading the scoring charts for Dunmow with 14 goals from 17 appearances, an impressive return that highlights his ability to find the net even when opportunities have been limited. Clarence Emeh and Bobby John Bolden have also chipped in, while contributions from across the squad have helped Dunmow remain competitive in individual matches.

The challenge for Dunmow will be consistency. Reintegrating into league competition after a period away is never easy, and maintaining sharpness — both physically and mentally — will be key if they are to pick up points during the festive period.

The Tactical Picture

From a tactical standpoint, this match presents an interesting contrast.

Hoddesdon Town are likely to look to control possession, press intelligently, and use the width of the pitch to stretch Dunmow’s defensive shape. At home, they have been patient without being passive, waiting for the right moments to accelerate and exploit gaps.

Dunmow Town, meanwhile, may adopt a more pragmatic approach. With their recent history and league position, staying compact, organised and disciplined will be vital. Transitions could be key for them, particularly with players capable of capitalising on any mistakes or lapses in concentration. Set-pieces could also play a role, especially in winter conditions where fine margins often decide games.

There will be a question over fitness with the side out of action during the long lay off but make no mistake, this Dunmow side are more than capable of hurting Simon Riddle's men.

Christmas Week: A Festive Feast of Football

Beyond tactics, form and statistics, this fixture is about football as a shared experience during the festive season. It is about meeting friends at the gate, exchanging Christmas greetings, and watching live football when so much of modern sport feels distant and commercialised.

For Hoddesdon Town supporters, it is another chance to back a team that has given them plenty to cheer about in recent weeks. For Dunmow Town followers, it is an opportunity to continue rebuilding, both on and off the pitch, and to look forward rather than back. Matches like this remind everyone why non-league football matters. It is local. It is personal. And it remains deeply rooted in community.

What to Expect on Saturday

As the clock ticks towards 3pm on Saturday afternoon, expect a competitive, committed contest played in the spirit of the season.

Hoddesdon Town will be keen to extend their unbeaten league run, maintain their position at the top of the form table, and give supporters another festive performance to enjoy. Dunmow Town will be eager to show resilience, fight for every point, and continue their journey back to stability. With Christmas week in full swing, Lowfield promises warmth in atmosphere, even if the December air bites a little harder. New socks will undoubtedly be worn, voices raised, and for 90 minutes, the focus will be purely on football.

We must also at this juncture, pay tribute to our grounds team. This fixture was originally off due to Dunmow's off the field issues, but after a reprieve the game is back on, and Animal and Neil have been tasked with a quick turnaround to get the surface in ship shape condition for the tie. As ever, we are indebted to their hard work and professionalism and we are very lucky to have such a committed and dedicated duo on baord.

A festive feast awaits — and there are far worse ways to spend a December afternoon.

Lowfield 365 Members can benefit from up to 20% discount on their round at the bar. To sign up, head to our member ship age by clicking HERE.

Inside the clubhouse, we have a fully stocked bar and thank our brewery Greene King, for their continued support. Indeed, the man of the match award is sponsored by their delicious Level Head IPA and you can sample it at the bar, amongst a host of famous draught products, including Cruzcampo lager, as well as the usual favourites of Fosters, Birra Moretti, Inch's Cider and Draught Guinness.

The tea bar will no doubt be a popular destination, warming the cockles with hot drinks, burgers and snacks. Who knows, there may even be a mince pie in the offing, too.

Football. Community. Christmas. See you at Lowfield.

COYL