There was a good turnout at Lowfield for Saturday’s game, and those in attendance were treated to an action and incident-packed contest.

Coggeshall Town started well and were clearly up for the game. They took the lead after only nine minutes when the ball fell to Lewis Nial, who smashed an excellent strike into the top-right corner of the Hoddesdon goal to make it 0-1.
Hoddesdon responded well, and an excellent passing move involving Bolton, Cage and Andic played the marauding wing-back Jonah Evans in from the right. He struck a confident effort just wide, a foreshadowing of things to come later in the half.

On 21 minutes, a major turning point arrived. The always energetic Connor Bolton set off down the right flank at pace. Ross Debrick was the covering Coggeshall player, but he was too late to get anywhere near the ball and clattered into Bolton with a challenge around the halfway line. It looked mistimed rather than malicious, but the referee produced a straight red card and Coggeshall were down to ten men.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors just a minute later when the ball struck the arm of one of their defenders inside the area and Hoddesdon were awarded a penalty. Connor Bolton stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick to level the scores at 1-1.

Coggeshall were beginning to get frustrated, and a member of their coaching staff became involved while trying to grab the ball near the touchline, triggering a melee involving both sets of players. He too received a red card and headed back to the dressing room.
To their credit, Coggeshall regained some focus towards the end of the half and created a few chances. Liam Nugent in the Hoddesdon goal was on hand to smother the best of their opportunities.

Tuesday night’s game had provided a moment of magic for the Lowfield faithful when Jonah Evans produced a stunning finish from 25 yards to score for Hoddesdon. The now “free-scoring full-back” changed things up on Saturday, showing that a silky dinked finish over an onrushing goalkeeper is also something he has in his repertoire. On 42 minutes, Evans was played in by Connor Bolton and produced his latest bit of skill, calmly lifting the ball over the keeper to put Hoddesdon 2-1 ahead.

Just before the break, there was more bad luck for Coggeshall as they were forced into a change following a painful-looking injury to Alex Banyard, who was warmly applauded from the pitch by both sets of supporters.

The second half got underway with Coggeshall continuing to battle despite being a man down, ensuring it remained a well-contested game. The weather wasn't making things any easier, with sun, rain and wind all taking their turn to punish the players.
The Hoddesdon midfield remained tireless, while the back line, superbly marshalled by eventual Man of the Match Jack Orchard, gave very little away.
Simon Riddle has a strong and motivated squad at his disposal this season, and the fresh legs introduced from the bench ensured Hoddesdon kept up the pressure as the second half wore on.
The game was finally made safe in the 81st minute. The ball sat up invitingly for Oliver Babbage just inside the area, and he made no mistake with a well-struck finish to make it 3-1. It was a goal both he and the team deserved.
Hoddesdon saw out the remaining minutes confidently to secure another impressive victory and continue their incredible start to the season.

We take a break from league action on Tuesday as we host May & Baker in the League Cup, followed by Allenburys Sports the following Saturday. Join us at Lowfield. Join us for those. All welcome!