Chinoweth, Becker, Stevenson, Gulvin, Southgate, Bishop, Bidwell, Sedgwick, Moye, Nathan, Nathan, Wilson, Picking, Maybury Green, Schofield and Hickey. Not names that most will be familiar with in football circles these days, but to Hoddesdon Town, these men are forever etched into our memories.

On Saturday the 19th of April, 1975, the greatest achievement in the clubs long history was achieved, as the Lilywhites went to Wembley Stadium and lifted the first ever FA Vase. Formed in 1879, Hoddesdon Town can boast a series of successes from their early history. But it was only the mid sixties that they emerged from comparative obscurity and reaffirmed their power around the Home Counties. The leap in fortunes coincided with the appointment of "Elmer" Elliott as chairman in 1965. It was Mr. Elliott who provided the driving force as the club cleared its financial problems. And it was Mr. Elliott who prompted a reorganisation of the club's administration.

One major step was the appointment of a player-manager. For that, Hoddesdon turned to neighbours Hitchin Town, the only older club in Hertfordshire. Hitchin released and recommended Tommy Everett - one of their most successful and experienced players - and he held the post for two successful years.

The next two player-managers came from Enfield. Phil Kirbyshire was in charge for two seasons, followed by bubbling Welsh international Roy Thomas. Thomas, a stocky back-four player, injected tremendous enthusiasm and skill into very ordinary players. He led Hoddesdon to a unique treble in 1971 when they won the Spartan League championship, the Spartan League Cup and the Herts Charity Shield. What is more, those triumphs were achieved without a single caution or sending-off being recorded against the club in the entire season.

When Thomas switched to Harlow Town later in 1971, Hoddesdon returned to orthodox manager appointments. Tommy Barnett, ex-Crystal Palace and Romford forward, was the first. Barnett stayed for two seasons before departing to Isthmian Leaguers St. Albans City.
The position was then on offer and the club received 31 applications, from which they selected the next manager, Billy Moye.

In less than two seasons at the helm, Moye constructed a powerful side almost from scratch, blending youth and experience and producing talent. Hoddesdon have played on their Lowfield ground since 1899. Their only previous home was at Mancer's Field, Essex Road, now the site of a junior school. Their early years were spent in the East Herts and Herts County Leagues. Then, in 1925, came the election to the Spartan League and by 1975, they were now the longest-serving "Spartans". Town have an impressive list of honours in the league stretching back to 1928 when they won Division Two Section B. The Division One title was won for the first time in 1935-36 and in recent years the league had contained only one division and Hoddesdon lifted the title just once more, in that triumphant 1971. Runners-up honours had been won in each of the last three seasons. In 1974, Town were beaten to the the next two championship by Farnborough Town but revenge was gained with victory over the Hampshire side en route to the Vase Final.

Victories over more senior opposition were almost commonplace at Hoddesdon. Hampton, Staines Finchley, Boreham Wood, Hertford, Ware, Clapton and Letchworth are among the sides who had fallen to them. But the game that everybody at Hoddesdon will always treasure was a defeat! It happened on March 7, 1973, when West Ham sent a strong side to meet Town in a match marking the switching-on of the club's floodlights, renowned among the best outside the Football League. The Hammers included Clyde Best, Ron Boyce, Ade Coker, Pat Holland, Johnny Ayris and Dudley Tyler, and won 3-1 after a fine battle watched by 3,500 people.

Hoddesdon themselves at that point, had recently produced three players for Football League clubs. Best known of them was Micky Droy, the 6 ft 4 in centre-back who left Town in 1970 and went on to feature regularly for Chelsea. Also in 1970, Peter Cruse was signed by Arsenal.
And a year later, striker Bryn Key joined Crystal Palace, where he was hampered by a broken leg. On that day however, every one of the Hoddesdon players won a place in the club's history. For a Wembley final is out of the ordinary for a team that never progressed beyond the first-round proper of the old F.A. Amateur Cup!

The journey to Wembley Stadium started on 26th of October 1974 at Lowfield with a Round 1 tie against Epping Town. Two splendid goals from Dave Bidwell gave Hoddesdon an easy 2-1 win, and a Round 2 match, again at home, involving another Essex side, Billericay Town. This match, was played on an extremely wet and heavy pitch (unusual for Lowfield) but despite the atrocious conditions it was a humdinger of a cup tie. Reggie Bishop's solitary goal put Hoddesdon into Round 3 and another Essex side, Basildon Utd, tested the Lilywhites ability on their ground. The match was settled in a hectic three-minute spell in the second half, Keith Schofield opened the scoring in the 73 minute, Basildon equalised immediately from the kick-off, and in the 75th minute Schofield settled the match, again from the kick-off.

Hoddesdon were in the last 32, and in the national draw, the previous Rounds having been on a regional basis, with the prospect of travelling to the North-East to play Wallsend Town, to Bristol in the West country or to the South coast to play Eastbourne, not forgetting the Midlands! Hoddesdon only had to go as far as Baldock Town on 18" January 1975, and there the club had a fright as Baldock opened the scoring. However, goals from Johnny Nathan and Dickie Sedgwick took Hoddesdon into Round 5, and the last 16.

On Saturday 8* February 1975 Molesey came to Lowfield, and Dickie Sedgwick got a 50/50 chance against Roger Hunt (the ex-QPR centre back), left him standing and slotted the ball home for one of the best and most welcome goals seen at Lowfield for many years.

Now to the quarter finals in which Hoddesdon were drawn, again at home, against Farnborough Town, which ensured that one Spartan League side would reach the semi-finals. Farnborough had never beaten Hoddesdon in a major cup tie, and had rarely been successful against the Lilywhites in League encounters. However, the memory of the previous League game against Farnborough was a nightmare experience. How did the Lilywhites manage to let a two-goal lead slip and end up being beaten 3-2! Rumour had it that Farnborough were so confident of reaching Wembley that they had ordered new blazers, track suits, shirts and socks and had obtained considerable sponsorship! In the end they came unstuck at Lowfield on Saturday 1st March, through goals from Johnny Nathan and Dickie Sedgwick. One lesson learned from that match was that if a team ensures that a ball-playing side doesn't get the ball then their forwards are impotent and pose little threat.

It became clear that Billy Moye had carefully planned the downfall of each club played, and that first-class teamwork carried out his tactics to the most minute detail. Farnborough lost 2-0 that day, and the margin of defeat could have been greater.

The semi-final was a two-legged affair against the Leicestershire side Friar Lane Old Boys. It was at this stage of the season that Committee members under the guidance of Club Treasurer, Bob Parker, took a hand. The first leg was to be at home on Saturday 22nd March 1975. During the preceding week, the Lowfield pitch was a beauty, but by Thursday night, 24 hours of heavy rain had settled on top of a well rolled pitch, sufficient to cause to cause concern that the tie might be postponed. It continued to rain all day Friday, all Friday night, and only eased by 6am on Saturday. Bob Parker was on the ground and by 9:30am, with the assistance of the committee members, had forked the top-laying water under the ground, leaving no surface water visible. The referee inspected the ground and passed it fit to play provided no further rain fell, and a telephone call was put through to Leicester to summon Friar Lane Old Boys to the fray! They were stunned when they saw the state of the ground, being certain that no ground could absorb the amount of moisture which had worried everyone all week, but to their credit, never used this as an excuse for subsequent events.

It was known that FLOB played on a very firm pitch, that they liked playing on a firm surface, and had a reputation for rushing the opposition off their feet. The 'gamesmanship' by the Hoddesdon Committee, it was no more than that, ensured that the first leg took place as scheduled. It was an added bonus when Friar Lane refused to change their usual tactics and tried so blast their hosts off the pitch with some superb running and very exciting football on a heavy pitch which very quickly resembled a swamp!

Once the visitors' initial onslaught had failed to earn a goal, they very soon ran out of steam, although excellent saves by both goalkeepers made it a classic cup-tie thriller. In the first half, Johnny Nathan's carefully rehearsed set-piece free kick tested the Friar Lane goalkeeper, who always delayed coming off his line, and Keith Schofield blasted home the Lilywhites first goal. In the second half, Reggie Bishop took advantage of Friar Lane's attacking play as they found a second wind, and scored an opportunist goal from a breakaway. The final score, Hoddesdon Town 2 Friar Lane Old Boys 0.

The weather continued to misbehave, rain, sleet and snow (into April), but Easter Saturday 29th March 1975 dawned bright, sunny and very cold. In an amphitheatre setting which held 3,500 spectators (at least 1,000 from Hoddesdon and East Herts.) Dickie Sedgwick got the all-important first goal from a splendid through ball by Chris Wilson which Sedgwick picked up inside his own half of the centre circle. A lone chase to beat the goalkeeper took him to within 18 yards of goal where he rounded the 'goalie' (again too late off his line), only to survive a fierce but fair tackle from behind from a desperate Friar Lane 'sprinter' and calmly slotting the ball home. Dickie had done it again. This meant that Friar Lane needed four goals without reply to win, and there was no way that the careful planning by Billy Moye and his Assistant Joe Chynoweth would allow that to happen. However, towards the end of the match a defensive error allowed Friar Lane to level the score through an unnecessary free kick, but the final scoreline was 1-1 and an overall 3-1 aggregate to Hoddesdon.

The reward was a trip to Wembley on Saturday 19th April and a Final against Epsom & Ewell. The arrangements made by the Football Association in the weeks preceding the final (and every cup final) have to be experienced to be believed, and Adrian Titcombe did everything possible to ensure that the reception of the two teams involved, their Officials and supporters, was no less than that extended to participants involved in the FA Challenge Cup itself! Indeed, as this was the to be the first Final of the FA Challenge Vase, involving two clubs from the lower echelons of senior amateur football, the arrangements were probably the most important feature in ensuring that everyone concerned enjoyed their visit to Wembley, win or lose.

Enthusiasm in Hoddesdon and all over East Hertfordshire knew no bounds, and firms, schools and residents chartered coaches and arranged lifts in private cars in order to get to Wembley. One or two went by train to savour the occasion! The official figures stated that 10,000 attended the match but as almost 8,000 people travelled from East Herts and Hoddesdon, this was considered a low figure. A figure of 15,000 inside Wembley Stadium was considered likely to be more accurate.

And so to the match itself.

Once again, careful planning by Billy Moye and Joe Chynoweth, and the allocation of a number of specific tasks to the defence, ensured an exciting, if not classic Final. It was certainly more entertaining than the Cup Final that year! Billy Green made mincemeat of Epsom's flying ace striker Trevor Lee, and Fred Gulvin brought all his vast experience on the Non-League circuit (he was also once on Chelsea's books) to steady what might have been a nervous defence. Hoddesdon settled down much more quickly and took to the Wembley scene just as if they were at home at Lowfield. The pitch on that occasion was not much better, and Don Revie had complained bitterly about if the preceding Wednesday evening when England played Cyprus.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Neill Scott aptly summed up the game as follows: "Hoddesdon Town are the first winners of the FA Challenge Vase. Two left foot shots in the first half by Captain and centre forward Dickie Sedgwick won the Vase for the Spartan League side. Epsom and Ewell lacked conviction in the early stages and did not pose a threat until the second half. Trevor Wales, their Captain, replied for the Surrey Senior League team 10 minutes from the end, but Lee and Tuite missed openings that should have produced more goals during periods of sustained Epsom pressure".

And so Hoddesdon had done it. The stories of what followed are legendary around the club, with tales of open top buses, Chairman Elmer at the wheel, and celebrations going long into the night. What that side achieved at Wembley Stadium on that Saturday afternoon may never be replicated, but it can certainly never be taken away. Hoddesdon Town have a seat at the top table of non league folklore, and this Saturday afternoon, on the 50th Anniversary of that inaugural win, they will once again attempt it all over again.

Our hosts, Clapton CFC, a fan-owned club, has been making headlines for their community-first approach and unique football culture. Their matches are known for a vibrant atmosphere, with local fans fully backing a team that represents not just football but wider social and political ideals. The Old Spotted Dog Ground will be buzzing with anticipation, especially with a documentary showcasing the club’s ethos being screened before the game.

On the pitch, Clapton will look to make a mark against a more seasoned opponent. While their form has been a bit inconsistent, playing on home turf in a cup game might just give them the edge they need. Their side will be fired up for what could be a defining match for this season. Clapton have shown resilience in their games, and their fans' vocal support could play a crucial role in keeping their spirits high​.

Playing in the Southern Counties East Football League First Division, they currently sit 7th in the table, having played 9, won 4, drawn 2 and lost 3. Their home form reads played 4, won 2, drawn 1, lost 1, scored 4 and conceded 5. Last time out they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat away to Forest Hill Park, despite leading 1-0 at half time courtesy of a Noah Olanlekan Adejokun strike. Indeed Noah is their current top goalscorer, with 4 goals in 8 appearances.

This tie is in the Second Qualifying Round of the Vase, with the winner being entered into the hat for the next stage, the first round proper, in early October. There is also the added carrot of £725 prize money for the winners, and all 354 teams playing in this round will be hoping for a win.

The Clapton CFC website has previewed the game stating "Clapton Community FC vs Hoddesdon Town takes place on Saturday, September 21 2024 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London. It’s been a five-year wait, but Clapton CFC Men’s First Team are finally back in the FA Vase for a second time and with a first ever home tie too. We play Hoddesdon Town in the second round qualifying on Saturday, September 21, after receiving a bye in the first. It’s an even more significant occasion as not only are Hoddesdon former FA Vase winners, it’s precisely 50 years since they lifted the trophy. We played The Lilywhites in two very tight games in the Eastern Counties League last season, drawing 0-0 at home and winning 1-0 away. After a decent tenth placed finish last season, four behind CCFC, Hoddesdon have improved further this season, sitting just outside the play-offs. That’s despite having played the first 10 games of the season away as their ground is shared with the town’s cricket team. Some eye-catching wins include 4-0 away at Cannons Wood and 3-1 at Dunmow Town."

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 1.30pm.

Standard admission is now £5, concessions can pay what they want, and under 13s are free. Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground – cash is quicker at the turnstile to help prevent queues but card quicker elsewhere.

Documentary Premiere

Clapton CFC is the subject of a new documentary called ‘This Club Belongs To You And Me’ which will be screened in the OSD clubhouse before the game. The film by Voices. Media will cover the political and community ethos of the club and ‘how it has become a beacon of hope for football fans’. The OSD gates and bar will open early at 1.30pm so that fans can get settled with a refreshment when the documentary begins at 1.45pm. Runtime is 30 minutes.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will be open from 1.30pm.

The rules for FA Vase games are slightly different because no cans, as well as glass, can be taken outside of the Clubhouse. So we will be serving in plastic only -we do have reusable plastic cups. We have a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale. We have two beers on tap from Pretty Decent Brewery, generally a lager and Old Scaffold Daze, our own IPA. We also have hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Bovril) and water and squash at the bar, please help yourself. There is no charge but please put some change in the donation box if you can. We have crisps, nuts, and Hackney Gelato on sale in the clubhouse. Outside, Fusion Foods will be selling hot and cold food – meat, veggie and vegan options.

Directions

The Old Spotted Dog Ground is at 212 Upton Lane in Forest Gate, London E7 9NP.

Forest Gate station (Elizabeth Line) and Wanstead Park (Overground) are 15 minutes’ walk away, Plaistow (District / Hammersmith & City) is 20 minutes’ walk, and Stratford (National Rail/Overground/Elizabeth/Jubilee/Central/DLR) is 25 minutes’ walk. Parking is free on the streets to the north and west of the ground (e.g. Disraeli Rd) on Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturdays, parking is restricted on streets to the east and south of the ground (e.g. St George’s Rd and Upton Lane), but there are no restrictions on Sundays. Always check local signage for any changes. And if possible come by public transport, bike or walk

Check out the excellent Clapton CFC website by clicking HERE or follow them on X by clicking HERE.

Enjoy the game.

#COYL

(this article is written with thanks to The Football Association, The Lilywhites Chronicles - Volume 3 written by Colin Sinden and Clapton Community Football Club Website, all of which have been used for extracts in this match preview.)