It was brilliant to see a busy Lowfield this weekend, as a large number of vocal Clapton CFC supporters overcame the weekend’s train issues to join the Hoddesdon Town faithful for a well contested game of football. It was a meeting of two in form sides: Clapton Community arrived on an outstanding ten match winning run, while Hoddesdon were unbeaten in nine at home. An unstoppable force versus an immovable object.

Hoddesdon named an unchanged starting eleven from Monday night’s away win at Barkingside, and hopes were high of adding more points to the season’s tally. The home side started confidently and, after eight minutes, good play down the right created an opening for Connor Bolton, who swivelled and shot from the centre of the box, but his effort was straight at the Clapton Community goalkeeper.

As the half wore on, the tackling grew more intense, with fouls given all across the pitch. Hoddesdon made good use of their set pieces and looked to be edging toward a breakthrough. However, after half an hour, it was Clapton CFC who struck first with their first shot on target. Fred Taylor fired the ball across goal from the left; it was blocked but fell to Jeff Twumasi, who applied the finish to give Clapton the lead.

There was further concern for Hoddesdon as Jack Gibbs went down in significant pain during the goalmouth action. After treatment, he was helped from the pitch and replaced by Hadley Richards, prompting a defensive reshuffle. It appears to be a fairly serious leg injury, and we wish Jack a speedy recovery.

The second half began positively for the home side, who showed real determination to get back into the match with the sense that the next goal would be crucial. And in the 68th minute, it came. Once again, it was an excellent set piece delivery from Blue Gallagher, looping over a corner from the left. Maurice Abana nodded it back across goal from the far post, and Connor Bolton glanced a header into the top corner for a well deserved equaliser. 1–1. You can see that goal HERE.

Hoddesdon continued to play some good football, with Abana and Finch controlling the midfield well. At the other end, Liam Nugent produced a sharp save from Andre Odeku and later reacted quickly to stop the ball on the line as it threatened to squirm through his legs. A flurry of late substitutions saw the game out, and at full time a 1–1 draw felt a fair result, with positives for both sides.

Hoddesdon are at home again next Saturday as we take on Southend Manor so come and join us at Lowfield for that one. All are welcome!

Man of the Match:
There were solid performances across the team, but the award goes to Ollie Finch for an efficient, industrious display in midfield that helped us edge that battle.

HTFC Team: Nugent, Agnew, Evans, Reid, Gibbs © (Richards 39’), Abana (Asekolenga 77’), Eden (Coltman 84’), Finch, Bolton (Harvey 90’), Wilkinson (Casey 84’), Gallagher.