On a day when Hoddesdon were very much the supersonic force, they defied all expectations with a display that made their fans proud, thrashing Cannons Wood 4-0 in a blistering performance at Aveley. The game was billed as a tough ask, but the Lilywhites played with a swagger reminiscent of the Britpop era, delivering, what some might say, the most spirited and delightful football seen so far this season. With the reigns taken off, gaffer Simon Riddle called upon his talented squad to express themselves and go let it out.

Don't go away, as we bring you the full match report. Listen up.

Hoddesdon started like a band on tour, setting a rock 'n' roll star tempo from the get-go. Just four minutes in, a curling free-kick from new signing Reece Barnett found Bolton, who nearly turned in what would have been a champagne supernova moment of a goal, only to be denied by a sharp save from the Cannons Wood goalkeeper. The early warning signs were there, causing some sort of gas panic for the hosts, and the breakthrough came soon after. In the 7th minute, Lala unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that landed at the feet of Ben Clarke, who was the better man and calmly slotted home to put us 1-0 up, giving the travelling fans some morning glory.

0-1

The game was fast and furious, with each side attacking and counter-attacking in a blur of intensity. Cannons Wood seemed to be half the world away as they pressed hard for an equalizer, but Hoddesdon's backline stood firm. Nugent pulled off two excellent saves in the 18th and 20th minutes to maintain his side's slender advantage.

Hoddesdon, meanwhile, continued to play excellent football, their tenacity and flair paying off again in the 29th minute. An effort that hit the crossbar from Bailey Eden found Ben Clarke, who rose like a salmon to nod home and double the lead.

0-2

As Cannons Wood began to fade in-out, the lads turned the screw. Clarke turned provider in the 39th minute, delivering a perfect cross that Arnis Lala had enough time to consume some cigarettes and alcohol, and he smashed home with a sublime finish - intoxicating and brilliant in its execution. D'you know what I mean?

0-3

Just before half time, captain Jack Gibbs was down on the ground and had to receive lengthy treatment from physio Fayme Patel. She was quick on the scene though as she's electric, and Gibbs was able to continue.

Half Time

At the break, the traveling fans were in good spirits and the half time refreshments tasted wonderful. Magic pie.

The mood in the dressing room at the break was also buoyant but the lads knew that eventually, a bell will ring and it will be time to got out and do it all over again.

The second half continued much like the first, with Hoddesdon showing no desire to let up. Nugent, with his mucky fingers, made another great save in the 48th minute, tipping a shot over for a corner to keep his clean sheet intact. Bolton, desperate to find his goal and cast no shadow over the performance, missed a chance in the 56th minute after some fine build-up play by Lala. Little by little, Hoddesdon were starting to strangle Cannon's Wood.

Connor Bolton would, however, finally get his moment of glory. In the 60th minute, our very own Gallagher delivered a sublime free kick over the (wonder) wall — an acquiesce to Bolton’s determination — and the forward made no mistake this time, calmly slotting home to make the rout complete and affirm his reputation as a force of nature.

0-4

On 69 minutes, Riddle introduced Bennison in place of Clarke.

Cannons Wood, all around the world, tried to find a way back, but their best chance came and went in the 71st minute, a free-kick from just outside the box rebounding off the post and leaving their spectators ducking in the bushes. They were truly up in the sky, searching for a goal that never came and by this point, the travelling fans knew the game was a one way road.

With 78 minutes gone, Krutko and Lala were replaced by Barker and Casey and on 84 minutes, Gallagher (not that one) and Bolton were withdrawn for McCarthy, making his debut for the first team as a product of the under 18s, and little James Agnew.

HTFC decided to roll with it and played with intelligence and resilience to see out the game comfortably. In the 88th minute, Casey, fresh off the bench, made a run that could only be described as pure slide away brilliance, charging down the pitch to win a corner and cap off an exemplary team performance.

When the final whistle blew, HTFC had secured a victory that didn't fade away. It was a day when their performance truly shone and left their fans to keep the dream alive. Manager Simon Riddle, married with children, had certainly come up with the masterplan and executed it perfectly.

The Man of the Match was up for debate, but Lala's performance was absolutely worthy — orchestrating play, scoring, and driving his team forward with relentless energy. He looked like he was born on a different cloud. A perfect day, a perfect win, and definitely maybe a sign of greater things to come, and we hope that Cannon's Wood don't look back in anger. Many will talk tonight about that performance but for now, I'm outta time.

Next up for Hoddesdon is an away trip to Oxhey Jets in the cup on Tuesday evening, which is sure to be another helter skelter game for the Lilywhites.

It's gettin better, man.

Team: Nugent – Krutko (Barker 78), Evans, Barnett, Gibbs (C), Eden, Lala (Casey 78), Lee, Clarke (Bennison 69), Gallagher (McCarthy 84), Bolton (Agnew 84).

(Editors note. Absolutely zero apologies issued for this match report)