The fans at Lowfield on Saturday were treated to a hard-fought and competitive contest as top-of-the-table Hoddesdon Town entertained second-placed May & Baker. It ended honours even, with positives to be taken for both sides, although the final minutes saw a flurry of late chances for Hoddesdon to secure all three points.

The first half had spells of decent build-up play without too many clear-cut chances being created. Harrison Cage, Freddie Wilkinson and Ollie Babbage were making inroads in the wide areas for the home side, while the Hoddesdon back line marshalled the May & Baker forwards well.

Thirty-five minutes in, Jimmy Agnew took a knock that, despite his determined efforts to continue, meant he had to be replaced. On came Connor Casey, returning to action after a spell out following a head injury last month. Jack Gibbs slotted back into defence to cover, and neither goalkeeper was overly troubled before half-time arrived. 0-0.

The second half started with both the intensity and battling performances increasing. Yellow cards were beginning to appear more frequently, but Hoddesdon continued to play neat football through midfield, with Gallagher and Abana both demonstrating excellent footwork and control.
Midway through the half, May & Baker began to enjoy their first sustained period of pressure, showing why they had arrived at the fixture with a 100% record. Hoddesdon’s Man of the Match, Blesson Asekolenga, was snuffing out each wave of attack, and it seemed as though the momentum was turning back in the home side’s favour. However, after around 78 minutes, a series of dangerous balls were delivered into the Hoddesdon penalty area. One such cross needed dealing with, but Jack Orchard’s attempt to clear over the bar dropped agonisingly underneath it instead, and May & Baker took the lead through the unfortunate own goal. 0-1.

Hoddesdon responded in the manner fans have come to expect from this group of players. Desire and determination were on display in abundance, and the chances began to come. Blue Gallagher won the ball in midfield and surged past a number of opponents to drive into the May & Baker penalty area. His shot, however, was too close to Biggs, who had come out well to smother.

With players pushing forward, Jonah Evans found some joy down the left flank, and a series of corners were won without the breakthrough arriving. It was beginning to look as though there would be no way back for Hoddesdon when the big moment came. With the 90 minutes up, the onrushing goalkeeper denied Connor Casey with a block, but the ball fell kindly back to the Hoddesdon forward. With a perfectly weighted and angled curling effort, Casey lifted the ball precisely back over the keeper and into the corner of the net to level the game. 1-1.

There was still time for several more chances for Hoddesdon to claim all three points, with a number of dangerous balls across the box just narrowly out of reach, but it was not quite to be. The full-time whistle sounded and, after some words were exchanged between the teams in the heat of the moment, attention turned to the clubhouse and the opportunity to reflect on an entertaining contest. Both teams remain unbeaten and will surely be looking forward to the return fixture in the new year.

Hoddesdon return to action at Lowfield on Tuesday night as they face Hertford Heath in the League Cup, after the original fixture was abandoned due to a serious injury. A strong crowd is expected, so be sure to come along and support the team.