Hoddesdon Town make the journey into North London on Wednesday evening for their second fixture of the new Thurlow Nunn League First Division South season, with NW London providing the opposition at Haringey Borough’s Coles Park. Kick-off is at 7.45pm as Simon Riddle’s side look to build on Saturday’s hard-earned opening point and claim their first victory of the new campaign.

The Lilywhites began the 2026/27 season with a goalless draw away to Cannons Wood at Parkside Stadium, where a closely fought match finished 0-0 despite the hosts playing almost the entire second half with ten men. Palvy Manduakila was dismissed for a heavy challenge in the 48th minute, but Hoddesdon were unable to take full advantage of the extra player against a Cannons Wood side that reorganised effectively and remained dangerous on the counterattack. There was some frustration that Hoddesdon could not convert their numerical advantage into three points, particularly after being handed such an early second-half opportunity. However, the Lilywhites also required two outstanding defensive interventions in the closing moments to preserve the draw, meaning the opening point should still be viewed as a useful result away from home. Goalkeeper Liam Nugent was named man of the match and Captain Jack Gibbs made a vital block to prevent a goal-bound effort from deciding the contest, completing a determined defensive performance and ensuring Hoddesdon began the season with a clean sheet.

Liam Nugent Was Man Of The Match V Cannon's Wood

Manager Simon Riddle believes the result offered both encouragement and several clear areas for improvement before Wednesday’s trip to Coles Park.

“We are still at the beginning of the season and there will naturally be things for us to sharpen up,” he added. “The important thing is that we have a point on the board, and now we have another opportunity on Wednesday night to produce a stronger performance with the ball.”

Wednesday’s hosts will be looking for a significant reaction after suffering a punishing opening-night defeat against London Harts United. NW London were beaten 8-1 at Coles Park on Friday evening, having already found themselves 5-0 behind at half-time in front of an attendance of 100. London Harts were clinical throughout and moved immediately to the top of the early First Division South table with a goal difference of plus seven. NW London, meanwhile, began the week at the bottom in 22nd position with a goal difference of minus seven, although such standings inevitably remain extremely premature after only one round of matches. NW London’s own response to the defeat acknowledged that it had been a difficult evening and gave credit to an impressive London Harts side. The Gorillas have nevertheless spoken of their determination to put matters right when they return to Coles Park, making Wednesday’s contest potentially far more demanding than the opening scoreline might suggest.

NW London Appealed For A Response On Their Instagram Page This Week

Riddle is certainly not expecting NW London to be short of motivation. He believes the size of their first defeat could make them particularly determined to produce a response in front of their home support.

“The scoreline from their opening game will obviously attract attention, but we cannot read too much into one result,” said the Hoddesdon manager. “Teams often react strongly after a heavy defeat, especially when they are back at home a few days later, so we have to prepare for a very competitive game.”

“They will want to start quickly, restore some pride and show that Friday was not a true reflection of them,” he continued. “Our job is to concentrate on our own standards, play with composure and make sure we do not allow them to build confidence during the early stages.”

Simon Riddle Warned Against Complacency

NW London are groundsharing at Coles Park for the 2026/27 season, with the venue normally serving as the home of Haringey Borough. Located on White Hart Lane, the stadium gives the Gorillas an established Step Three and Step Four setting in which to host their First Division South fixtures. The club’s recent history includes a highly successful 2022 campaign, when NW London won the Middlesex County Premier Division, the Anagram Records Trophy and the Middlesex Intermediate Cup. Manager Wasim Khan is now responsible for guiding the Gorillas through their latest season, assisted by a club structure that also includes chairman Samir Janji, team co-ordinator Ayodeji Tifase and academy director Landislei Bueno.

Coles Park Is The Venue On Wednesday

Although NW London’s full team was not published alongside the details of Friday’s defeat, Hoddesdon will know that a wounded opponent can often be an unpredictable one. The hosts may choose to alter personnel or shape following the loss to London Harts, while the relatively short turnaround could also lead to changes for both teams.

Hoddesdon’s squad for Wednesday evening has not yet been confirmed, so no official travelling party can be announced at this stage. Riddle’s opening-day group included Nugent, Jason Brown, Jimmy Agnew, Gibbs, Jonah Evans, Blue Gallagher, Maurice Abana, Blesson Asekolenga, Connor Bolton, Harrison Cage and Freddie Wilkinson in the starting side. Connor Casey, Reggie Pegrum, Ollie Finch and Brandon Fricker were all introduced during the second half, while Huey Reid was also named among the substitutes. The availability of those players for Wednesday remains unconfirmed, but Saturday’s selection demonstrated the blend of experience, energy and attacking options currently available to the Hoddesdon manager.

Hoddesdon Named A Strong Squad For Their Opening Day Fixture V Cannon's Wood

One of the biggest priorities will be turning promising possession into clearer opportunities. Hoddesdon competed well at Cannons Wood but were unable to find the decisive final pass after the dismissal, and a more clinical attacking display could be required against opponents desperate to repair the damage caused by their opening result. The Lilywhites must also maintain the defensive concentration that earned them their first clean sheet. NW London may have endured a difficult first evening, but they did find the net once and are likely to play with greater urgency as they seek an immediate response under the Coles Park floodlights.

Saturday’s draw left Hoddesdon tenth in the initial league table, alongside Cannons Wood, Rayleigh Town and Marcelona on one point. Several clubs had yet to play when the standings were published, so positions carry little meaning at this stage, but a positive result on Wednesday would give the Lilywhites a healthy start from two consecutive away matches.

Hoddesdon Sit 10th After One Game

Riddle wants his players to take confidence from their defensive resilience while showing greater authority in possession.

“We want to be difficult to play against, but we also want to express ourselves and carry a stronger threat going forward,” he said. “Wednesday gives us the chance to take another step, and we will be looking for the right balance between patience, intensity and being positive when opportunities appear.”

Tickets for the match are priced at £7 for adults and £5 for concessions, with NW London encouraging supporters to attend their first Wednesday-night fixture of the season. Hoddesdon followers making the journey will find Coles Park on White Hart Lane, London, N17 7JP.

MATCH DETAILS

Fixture: NW London v Hoddesdon Town
Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Venue: Coles Park Stadium, White Hart Lane, London, N17 7JP
Competition: Thurlow Nunn League First Division South
League positions: NW London 22nd; Hoddesdon Town 10th
Admission: Adults £7; concessions £5

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