The game started at pace and, after ten minutes, Reon Read struck the post with a crisp effort, only for Hoddesdon to counter immediately as the tireless Connor Bolton saw a dipping shot also come back off the woodwork at the other end. Moments later, following more good work from Bolton, it was Blue Gallagher’s turn to unleash a clean strike that stung the hands of the Forest keeper. Making his 250th appearance for Hoddesdon, Blue once again showed the flair and industry that make him such a popular figure around the club.

Newbury were creating chances of their own and an unfortunate slip from Evans near the halfway line allowed Mbowa to go one on one with Liam Nugent. The Hoddesdon goalkeeper somehow scrambled a block, with the follow up effort saved by the face of Ollie Finch. A clear warning for the hosts. On 26 minutes, a Connor Bolton free kick curled just wide of the top right corner. Nugent continued to deal confidently with everything that came his way as the contest settled into a more balanced affair.

As half time approached, some excellent work from Freddie Wilkinson released Bolton down the right. The Hoddesdon top scorer beat his man and floated a cross to the far post, where Ollie Finch headed towards the top corner, only for Anjorin in the Newbury goal to somehow spring across and make an outstanding save. It remained 0–0 at the interval.

The second half resumed at a similar tempo, with the game becoming increasingly tetchy as it wore on. After 60 minutes, Reid was booked for the visitors, and on 72 minutes an off the ball kick or trip from Hadley Richards led the referee to consult his assistant before producing a red card. Jake Harvey was introduced to complete the back four as Hoddesdon prepared to dig deep in the face of an expected onslaught.

However, there was to be a twist in the tale. Hoddesdon never stopped applying pressure and continued to deliver balls into the Newbury Forest box. Connor Casey, introduced from the bench to add fresh spark and tenacity, proved decisive, turning the ball home on 88 minutes to spark celebrations among the home players and supporters.

Early in added time, a late and unnecessary challenge on Freddie Wilkinson sparked a brief fracas, with players exchanging views in a manner that reflected the intensity of the match. This resulted in red cards for Hoddesdon’s Connor Casey and Newbury Forest’s Cesario Mendes. Shortly afterwards, the referee blew for full time, leaving Hoddesdon to celebrate another last gasp 1–0 victory and an entertaining evening under the Lowfield lights.

We are next at home on Tuesday 7th April, so be sure to join us for that one.

HTFC Man of the Match: Liam Nugent for another impressive display in goal.

HTFC Team: Nugent, Evans, Richards, Agnew, Orchard, Finch, Eden, Asekolenga (65’ Harvey), Bolton © (86’ Casey), Wilkinson, Gallagher.