Hoddesdon Town begin 2026 with one of the toughest assignments the First Division South has to offer, travelling to high-flying Stansted FC for the first competitive fixture of the new year.

With the calendar turning and the nights still drawing in cold and sharp, this is a fixture that feels appropriately wintery in every sense – hard-fought, physically demanding, and likely decided by fine margins. The Lilywhites head to Essex looking to build on an encouraging run of form through November and December, while Stansted enter the contest firmly established among the division’s frontrunners. Add in freezing overnight temperatures, a pitch that will need careful monitoring, and recent history between the sides, and all the ingredients are in place for a compelling start to 2026.

Supporters are advised that overnight temperatures are forecast to dip as low as -3°C, with very cold conditions expected on Saturday morning. Should there be any concerns regarding a frozen surface at Hargreave Park, we will communicate updates from Stansted FC as soon as they are received, via this website and our social media channels.

The Setting: A Proper New Year Test

There is something fitting about beginning a new year away from home, against one of the division’s strongest and most consistent sides. Stansted have made Hargreave Park a difficult place to visit, combining an aggressive, front-foot style with a strong defensive spine and a clinical edge in the final third. The hosts come into this fixture sitting above Hoddesdon in the league table, occupying a position firmly in the promotion conversation. Their numbers tell a clear story: solid defensively, productive going forward, and difficult to beat. By contrast, Hoddesdon’s league position does not fully reflect the improvements made over recent weeks, nor the resilience shown against the division’s better sides.

This fixture therefore feels like an opportunity – not just to start the year positively, but to make a statement about where Hoddesdon Town see themselves heading in the second half of the campaign.

League Context: Tight Margins, No Easy Games

The First Division South table paints a picture of a fiercely competitive league. The top half remains congested, with little separating sides on points and goal difference, while consistency has become the defining currency.

Stansted’s league campaign has been built on balance. They have lost fewer games than most around them, turned draws into points accumulation, and shown an ability to grind out results when not at their fluent best. Their goal difference reflects a side that does not concede many, while still carrying enough attacking threat to punish opponents.

Hoddesdon, meanwhile, sit just inside the top half, but with games in hand and a recent upturn in performances that suggests the gap is bridgeable. The Lilywhites have already shown they can compete with – and frustrate – the division’s leading sides, and Saturday presents another chance to do exactly that. Murmurs from the dressing room indicate that the playing squad is not giving up on a playoff place just yet and that will be bring sweet joy to the fans.

Recent Form: Momentum vs Consistency

Stansted FC

Stansted’s recent results underline why they are considered one of the league’s pace-setters. Victories over Enfield Borough, FC Romania and Southend Manor have been combined with draws against strong opposition, including Hoddesdon themselves and AS London. Even in games where they have dropped points, Stansted have rarely looked second best for long periods.

Form-wise, they enter this match with multiple wins from their last five league outings, and importantly, an unbeaten run at home that has become a platform for their promotion push. Indeed, they haven't lost at home since the 8th of November, a 3-1 defeat to Hutton.

Hoddesdon Town

Hoddesdon’s form line tells a quieter, but no less encouraging story. November and December brought a sequence of results that showcased the side’s growing maturity: wins away from home, solid defensive displays, and the ability to stay competitive deep into matches.

The Lilywhites have lost just once in their last run of fixtures (which was a cup game) with draws against strong opposition and important victories that have steadied the campaign. The 0-0 draw with Dunmow Town just before Christmas epitomised this resilience – disciplined, organised, and hard to break down. While goals have sometimes come at a premium, Hoddesdon’s defensive numbers have improved markedly, and that solidity will be crucial against a Stansted side that thrives on pressure and territory.

Looking Back: December’s Dramatic Draw

The sides last met as recently as 9 December, when Stansted visited Lowfield in a midweek league fixture that finished 1-1, a result that felt deserved for both teams.

Stansted struck first through a set-piece, demonstrating their threat from dead-ball situations and physical presence in the box. For long spells, the visitors looked comfortable, managing the game well and limiting clear-cut chances. Hoddesdon, however, refused to accept defeat. With fresh legs introduced from the bench and pressure building late on, the Lilywhites forced the issue in the closing stages. Deep into stoppage time, a corner caused chaos in the six-yard area, and Connor Bolton rose to glance a stooping header over the line, sparking jubilant scenes and securing a point that felt richly earned.

That late goal encapsulated much of what Hoddesdon have become in recent weeks: stubborn, committed, and prepared to fight until the final whistle. It also underlined Stansted’s need to stay switched on until the very end – a lesson they will not have forgotten.

The Managers’ Chess Match

Simon Riddle has quietly overseen a period of consolidation and growth at Hoddesdon Town. His side is now tactically flexible, capable of pressing when required or dropping into a compact, disciplined shape against stronger opponents. Against Stansted, Riddle is likely to emphasise defensive shape, midfield discipline, and transition play, knowing that opportunities may come from turnovers and set pieces rather than sustained possession.

Stansted’s management, Paul Pittuck and John Watters, may favour an assertive approach at home. They will look to dominate territory, push their full-backs high, and force Hoddesdon into long spells without the ball. How effectively Hoddesdon manage those phases – and how quickly they can spring forward when possession is regained – could be decisive.

Key Players: Where the Game May Be Won

Stansted FC

Stansted’s squad statistics highlight a side that spreads responsibility rather than relying on one individual. Michael Mignot, their captain and leader, has been influential, contributing goals and dragging his side forward. He will also be chomping at the bit to avenge the red card dismissal he picked up at Lowfield before Christmas.

Further forward, Harry Pittuck and Danny Wickenden have provided consistent attacking output, combining work rate with intelligent movement. Their midfield unit is energetic and technically sound, capable of sustaining pressure and recycling possession efficiently. Stansted’s strength lies not just in individuals, but in how well their units function together – particularly at home, where confidence and familiarity with the pitch come into play.

There is of course familiar faces in the Stansted side, with both Reece Barnett and George Hamill now turning out for the Essex based side, two former Lilywhites who remain firmly in the hearts of the Hoddesdon faithful.

That said, we hope slabhead at the back has a nightmare and Hamill inadvertently slices one into the back of his own net...

Hoddesdon Town

For Hoddesdon, the attacking responsibility has often fallen to Connor Casey, the club’s leading scorer this season. His movement, strength, and finishing ability make him a constant threat, even when chances are limited. Connor Bolton continues to be pivotal – not only for his goals, but for his leadership, work rate, and knack for delivering in key moments, as demonstrated in the December meeting between the sides.

Pat Bozych, Blue Gallagher, Max Coltman and Arnis Lala have also chipped in with goal contributions and played an important role in the Lilywhite's resurgance of late.

At the back, Hadley Richards and Jonah Evans have been central to Hoddesdon’s defensive improvement, combining discipline with an ability to support attacks when the opportunity arises. In goal, Liam Nugent has produced several important saves over the festive period and will need to be alert against a high-volume Stansted attack.

Conditions: Cold, Hard, and Testing

January football rarely offers luxury, and Saturday will be no exception. With overnight temperatures forecast at -3°C, the pitch is expected to be firm and potentially unforgiving. Such conditions often lead to games decided by second balls, set pieces, and moments of concentration rather than flowing football. Players will need to be mentally sharp from the opening whistle, as mistakes can be punished swiftly on a cold, fast surface.

Supporters should wrap up warm, and players will be grateful for vocal backing from the travelling Lilywhite faithful.

What to Expect

This feels unlikely to be a high-scoring affair. The previous meeting, recent form, and weather conditions all point towards a game of narrow margins. Stansted will likely try to apply sustained pressure, particularly in the opening stages. Hoddesdon, meanwhile, will look to frustrate, stay compact, and grow into the contest as it progresses. Set pieces could prove crucial at both ends, as could substitutions in the latter stages – something that worked in Hoddesdon’s favour last time out.

A Chance to Set the Tone for 2026

The first game of a new year always carries symbolic weight. A positive result at Stansted would not only deliver valuable points, but also reinforce belief within the Hoddesdon camp that they can compete with the league’s very best. With other results going there way, by 5pm on Saturday evening, Hoddesdon could be just ten points off of the playoff promised land, a notion that seemed unthinkable back in late September.

Whatever the outcome, this fixture promises intensity, commitment, and no shortage of drama – exactly what supporters have come to expect from First Division South football. As always, we thank those making the journey to Stansted for their incredible support. Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s start 2026 together.

COYL