Hoddesdon head into the weekend fixture looking for a much needed win after two defeats and two draws stunting d their fine start to the season.

(Please note, this article contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive, triggering and/or disturbing)

Last weekend's fixture, away to Barkingside, was an exercise in character and Hoddesdon passed it with flying colours, coming from a goal behind and surviving a late scare in the 86th minute, to take a point home from Ilford. Jonah Evans both scored our equaliser and gave away the late penalty, but was still adjudged to be the man of the match, and hi form so far this season has been especially pleasing. The loss of Connor Casey to injury has perhaps dampened the Lilywhites firepower a little, but they do have a number of players on the pitch capable of finding the back of the net. Last seasons top goalscorer, Connor Bolton, already has a goal to his name, as does Jimmy Agnew, Callum Bennison and of course, the afore mentioned Jonah Evans.

Simon Riddle sees his team currently occupy 9th place in the Thurlow Nunn Division One South, and a win on Saturday could see them move back into the playoff places. Two wins, two draws and two losses so far in the league this campaign show a mixed bag, both in terms of result, and in performance. The defeat to May & Baker was in stark contrast to the battling draw away at Harlow four days previously, and the Hoddesdon supporters will be hoping the latter rather than the former will be the inspiration for the weekend display.

With a tricky away game at Cannons Wood to come next, followed by two cup games, the lads will be keen to grab three points in the league. This will be the Lilywhites SEVENTH of ten opening games that have to be played away from home, and September the 14th cannot come soon enough, enabling us too feel the Lowfield turf under our feet once more.

Our hosts, Enfield Borough, announced on Wednesday evening that they have parted ways with their manager, Kiernan Mason-Hughes, in horrendous circumstances.

A club statement by Chairman Marvin Walker read 'Effective immediately, Enfield Borough FC has decided to relieve Kiernan Mason-Hughes from his duties as manager. This decision comes in light of recent revelations regarding serious legal matters from Mr. Mason-Hughes' past, which were not disclosed during the hiring process. Enfield Borough FC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and we believe that this action is necessary to uphold these values. We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our fans and community during this time. No further statement will be made.'

You can read that statement in full HERE.

Whilst we don't wish to give air time to the utterly horrific crimes committed, you can read more by clicking HERE.

We would however, like to send our deepest sympathy to the victims and the families for what they have had to endure. Anyone who is suffering as a result of this kind of abuse can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. We at Hoddesdon Town Football Club, and the wider footballing community, remain committed to creating a safe environment for everyone and condemn the events and actions related to this awful crime.

It is unclear at the time of print who will be taking the reigns for the weekend.

Enfield Borough currently sit 14th in the league with 2 wins and 4 losses from their opening six games. Nine goals scored and thirteen conceded gives them a goal difference of -4. From their two home games, they have one win (v Brimsdown) and one defeat (v Cannons Wood), which occurred this past Tuesday in a tight 3-2 defeat.

Sachon Lawrence-Edwards represents their most potent attacking force, with three goals in five games.

You can follow Enfield Borough on X HERE.

Last season, Hoddesdon did the double over their hosts, a 5-2 home win at Lowfield in March and a 4-1 away win at the Maurice Rebak Stadium, home of Wingate and Finchley FC, back in November. On that occasion, new signing Dion Laughton made an instant impact when he scored what is believed to be the fastest goal by a debutant after only 48 seconds of this match.

The Lilywhites kicked off and, after passing the ball across the back twice, they broke down the right and Dion was set free for a run on goal which ended with him chipping the ball over the body of the advancing keeper.

This was the start that the Lilywhites were looking for and they almost doubled their advantage in the eighth minute when Harrison Cage saw his 20-yard effort tipped over the bar with a very good save.

After this, though, the hosts – playing at Wingate & Finchley’s ground – picked up their game and began to have the better of the play. Gradually, however, the Lilywhites clawed their way back on top and deserved their second goal when it came in the 33rd minute. Pressure on the home goal resulted in a succession of corners that finally bore fruit when Jack Riddle took advantage of a melee in the six-yard box to head home from close range.

Being well-organised defensively, the Lilywhites were now in control of the game but it wasn’t until midway through the second half that they added a third and ultimately decisive goal. A good move up the left involving Narcis Filipe and Connor Bolton set up Dion Laughton for a shot from just outside the box. His fierce drive struck the inside of the post and deflected into the goal.

This three-goal buffer only lasted three minutes, however, as some indecisive defending, following a cross into the box, allowed a soft reply. And then, soon after, Liam Nugent pulled out a fine save to preserve the Lilywhites’ two-goal lead.

There were to be no more alarms, though, and the Lilywhites added a fourth in added time when Jack Riddle found space for a free header at the far post from a Connor Bolton corner from the right. Man of the match that day was defender Jack Riddle, and he will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday.

Kick Off is 3pm and all travelling support is welcome.

Entry at the Maurice Rebak Stadium is Adult £7, Concessions £5 and U12 FREE.

Enjoy the game.

#COYL