There is no time for reflection on the weekend's positive start to the campaign, as Hoddesdon are thrust into battle once again on Tuesday evening, away to Dunmow Town.

This game is being played at the home of Saffron Walden Town FC, so travelling fans are asked to note the address at the bottom of this article.

Goals from Connor Casey and Callum Bennison on Saturday will give Simon Riddle real encouragement that this season can be one of the best yet, as the Lilywhites go hunting for another three points on the road. There were new faces in the team at the weekend, including a cameo from wide man Jonah Evans and a starting birth for centre half Bailey Collins. Collins particularly, played an impressive role at the back in the absence of club captain Jack Gibbs, AND his defensive partner from last season, Jack Riddle, on the bench, and so a clean sheet in their first game will give much confidence.

And so to our hosts.

Dumow Town have switched grounds again this season, and find themselves plying their trade at the home of Saffron Walden Town FC. Manager Richard Ponsford will be delighted with his teams bright start to the season too, a comfortable 3-0 win away to AS London at the New River Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Maurice Abana, Aaron Browne and Darnell Fuller put the 'Royals" 3-0 up inside 60 minutes and they never looked back.

After the game, a buoyant Ponsford said 'A very good start for this new group. Seriously good first half of football that did all the damage. Some excellent goals scored too, cannot praise this ‘brand new’ group enough, attitudes and ability in abundance. Deserved 3 nil win, roll on Tuesday...'

The former Ilford boss joined the club in the summer after Simon Noakes left, following their unsuccessful attempt to win the division playoff final. It was ultimately heartbreak for the Essex based outfit, losing out to Wormley Rovers, who now play at Step 5 in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division. Following Ponsford's appointment, a club statement read " Very pleased to announce Richard Ponsford as our new manager! Richard stood out from many others in our search and fits the clubs ambitions and we are very pleased to have appointed him! Welcome to the Royals."

Ponsford left Ilford after just one season following a challenging campaign, despite much hope that he could bring some of the magic he created at Ongar, winning the Olympain League title.

It will have been an uncertain time for the club, especially after the successes of last season, that saw a 5th placed finish off the back of 23 wins last season and 38 goals from forward Stuart Zanone. The hotshot striker decided to leave the club in the summer and join rivals Hutton for the new campaign, having amassed an extraordinary amount of goals for the club in the last two seasons. Replacing that kind of firepower will never be an easy task, but the resounding 3-0 win on Saturday will have done much to allay those fears. Freddy Frazer was singled out by the Dunmow gaffer for putting in a great performance.

You can follow Dunmow Town on X by clicking HERE. or check out their website HERE.

With both sides registering good away wins to kick off their respective league campaigns, we are surely in for an entertaining evening.

All travelling support welcome.

Entry is Adults £5 Under 16s £3

Enjoy the game.

#COYL