Hoddesdon Town's excellent start to the season was interrupted (hopefully temporarily) with defeat in a tough fixture at Southend Manor. Hopes were high going into the match that the momentum that saw us sit in first place in the league earlier in the week could continue. It was not to be however as the team was unable to recover from a start that saw us concede two goals inside the first ten minutes.

It took only six minutes for Ross Barnes to have the ball in the net for Southend Manor. It was then a case of 'one brings two' as a misplaced backpass allowed Louie Rodmell in to add Manor's second just a few minutes later. Calm heads were needed as the boys managed to find more of a footing in the game. That being said, it was Liam Nugent who kept us in touch with a good save on 30mins.

The next blow was not far away though as Town lost the influential Connor Casey at half time and the third Manor goal arrived on 47mins to make it 3-0, leaving Lilywhites with a mountain to climb. The spirit of this team though is one of its strengths and Blue Gallagher and Connor Bolton both had shots well saved by Danny Biggs, the Manor keeper. It was indeed Hoddesdon with the next goal as good work down the right from substitute Nazarii Krutko saw the ball pulled back to last season's top scorer, Connor Bolton who made sure that some respectability was restored.

There will be no time for the lads to dwell too long on this result though, as one of the toughest games of the season could lie in wait as we make the short trip to Harlow on Tuesday night for the chance to restart the surge up the league. All support welcome.

Come on you Lilywhites!