It’s fast becoming a tradition for these two sides to serve up entertaining encounters, and this one did not disappoint. Hoddesdon were down to ten men in the third minute but readjusted to put in an intense but disciplined performance to control much of the game and take all three points.

Pre Match Pleasantries Gave Way To A Thunderous Start

The drama started before kick-off as we understood that the FC Baresi keeper had to pull out and was replaced by a member of their coaching team. What he may have lacked in height, he more than made up for with focus though. Hoddesdon were taking every chance to drop the ball into the six-yard box from high crosses to put the pressure on.

Wilkinson Saw Red In The Opening Exchanges

This resulted in a tightly packed area for corners, and it was in such jostling in the third minute when Freddie Wilkinson was shown a straight red for a perceived kick out at the keeper. Hard to tell exactly what happened in the crowd but there was no hesitation from the referee. Once the corner was taken, it sent into the danger zone and touched the bar before being scrambled clear.

It was starting to get a little heated and in the 8th minute a tenacious Conner Casey run was blocked off in the area. Both Casey and the defender grappled to the floor with holding and ‘face pushes’ abound. This only served to ramp up the tension and after 20 minutes, with the ball heading for the corner, Connor Casey slid in at pace taking defender and ball crashing into the fence. The referee showed only a yellow, but Simon Riddle took the call to diffuse an escalating situation, swapping in Jason Brown. The effect was instant and Hoddesdon settled into a rhythm that controlled the game, creating a steady stream of chances and Liam Nugent having very little to do in the away goal.

Jason Brown Was The Calming Influence Hoddesdon Needed

As the half wore on, Blue Gallagher was sending a steady stream of deliveries into the area with Jack Orchard and Blesson Asekolenga both going close with headed efforts. On 40 minutes, the ever-busy Connor Bolton beat several down the left to cross low for Jack Gibbs who wasn’t quite able to find the space for the shot. However, this was to be a foreshadowing of the crucial goal that came just on the stroke of half time. Captain Jack Gibbs was played in through the centre this time with a well-timed run and slotted pass. He had time to pick his spot as he advanced on the keeper and made no mistake to score his fifth of the season and give Hoddesdon a deserved 1-0 lead at half time.

Gibbo Again, Olé Olé

The second half began with a similar tempo with the Hoddesdon side determined to maintain the level and concentration. The back three of Agnew, Orchard and Asekolenga were outstanding and restricting any threat from FC Baresi while Hadley Richards and Jake Harvey were up and down the pitch with great effect in their wingback roles and supporting the Hoddesdon attack. 63 minutes played and Jack Gibbs again timed an excellent run onto another perfect through ball. Again, he had time to pick his spot but wasn’t able to fully set himself before taking the shot and the Baresi keeper did well to come out and deflect just wide.

Nervous Energy From The Coaching Team

The final 20 minutes started to get a bit scrappy with frustrations for the Hoddesdon attack with decisions seemingly not going our way. The Baresi players seemed to sense a chance to get something, but Jimmy Agnew was not giving them an inch and Hadley Richards was timing challenges to perfection to repeatedly snuff out every attack down our left side to earn himself the Man of the Match award. There were lots of candidates here with Jason Brown’s shift being so effective in getting the game under control to give a platform for a sustained team performance of high concentration and effort.

Hadley Richards Claimed The Man Of The Match Award

There was celebration from players and the travelling support on the final whistle, partly an element of relief, but also to enjoy a job well done after difficult opening circumstances. Hoddesdon remain top of the league with other results meaning that there is now a four-point gap to second place. Next up is a trip east for Dunmow Town away (at Heybridge Swifts) in what will be another test. Based on last night though, this is a side that is up for the task.

Hoddesdon Remain Top Of The Table