Hoddesdon Town rebounded impressively from their recent penalty heartbreak with a well-earned 2-1 victory over a formidable AS London side. Entering the game with their spirits high after hitting 30 goals in their last 5 games, AS London faced a resilient Hoddesdon team determined to change their fortunes.

The visitors, boasting a rapid and dynamic attack, tried to seize the initiative early on. However, Hoddesdon Town's defence held strong, showcasing a resolute and disciplined performance to thwart the initial onslaught. Despite the pressure, Hoddesdon remained steadfast, clearly up for this one after the disappointment of last week.

16 minutes in and Harry Carter, looking lively on his first Lilywhites start, swung in an excellent cross that was headed wide by Arnis Lala. Two minutes later and the debutant again delivered an inviting ball in that was headed too close to the keeper from Jason Brown.

AS London were clearly a team capable of playing some wonderful football and they pushed forward positively. It needed the Hoddesdon defensive line to keep concentration and stretch every sinew to keep us in the game.

After 34 minutes of play, a bit of confusion in the box ended with Connor Bolton coolly slotting the ball away, giving Hoddesdon a precious lead. AS London's response was swift, transitioning quickly every time they won possession. Hoddesdon's players were equal to the task, with every man doing his bit to get back, block, and throw bodies in the way. Ethan Gannon, in the Hoddesdon goal, dealt well with everything that came his way, while Jimmy Agnew and Jonah Evans put in a real shift in the fullback positions to contain the outstanding AS London wide-men.

The 75 minute mark saw Connor Bolton take flight down the left on a surging 50 yard run, driving into the box to find an opening of his own creation. The defender stood up well however, and the low shot from Bolton was was contained by the keeper.

After 80 minutes, AS London scored the goal that their endeavours probably deserved. Alejandro Patino delivered a corner, and Alie Bangura equalised, setting up a fraught final ten minutes as both sides believed they could find a winner. To the delight of the Lowfield faithful, it was the home side that managed it. Simon Riddle responded to the equaliser by calling on his strong bench, with Ben Clarke and Bailey Eden taking to the field.

With 88 minutes on the clock, the skilful and industrious Connor Bolton played a perfect through ball for Ben Clarke, who carried the ball into the area from the right and shot low across the keeper. The ball was parried out, and Bailey Eden, having gambled on this very outcome, was on hand to slot home and send the Lilywhite fans and players into raptures. Hoddesdon were able to see out the remaining minutes well to enjoy a fantastic and hard-earned win. The injured Hoddesdon keeper Liam Nugent summed it up as a game "deservedly won by solid defending and excitement in attack". Impossible to pick a "Player of the Match" this week so the award goes to them all.

Thank you to all the fans that came to support us today and to AS London who were a pleasure to host and will surely finish right at the business end of the league come the end of the season. A thank you also goes to the referee and her team of officials who played their part with an outstanding example of how to officiate effectively at this level.

It's the A1170 Classico for Hoddesdon Town next week as we welcome a St Margaretsbury side fresh from a much needed win for them today. See you there!

Up the Lilywhites!

Line-up:
Gannon – Agnew – Evans – Riddle – Gibbs (Capt) – Hamill – Brown – Gallagher – Lala (Clarke 84) – Carter (Eden 84) – Bolton (Barnett 90+2)