After two weeks without competitive football due to an electrical fault at Lowfield, Hoddesdon Town returned to action, hoping to restart their league campaign and climb from 9th place. However, the long layoff proved costly, as FC Baresi, 15th in the table and fighting to pull away from danger, took full advantage in a dominant display.

Hoddesdon started slowly, looking disjointed and off the pace. FC Baresi capitalized on this lethargy in the 23rd minute, as Junior Appiah volleyed home a cross to put the visitors ahead. Just two minutes later, Appiah doubled the lead with a superb lob over the advancing Hoddesdon keeper Ethan Gannon. Although there were appeals for offside, the finish was breathtaking, and Hoddesdon found themselves 0-2 down in a flash.

Jimmy Agnew was down for a long time following a tough 50/50 challenge in the 28th minute but was eventually able to continue. However, this stoppage did little to slow Baresi's momentum. Hoddesdon’s Ethan Gannon made a great save low to his left in the 38th minute to prevent further damage, while Jack Riddle’s late tackle in the 40th minute earned him a booking.

At halftime, Hoddesdon trailed 2-0, with their attacks breaking down due to misplaced passes and long, hopeful balls that were easily dealt with by Baresi’s defence.

Things went from bad to worse for Hoddesdon in the 53rd minute. Kishawn James volleyed home under pressure after Gannon palmed the ball away from a cross. Despite a lengthy discussion between the referee and linesman about a potential foul in the build up, the goal stood, making it 3-0 in the visitors favour.

In response to the three-goal deficit, Hoddesdon manager Simon Riddle made a bold quintuple substitution, bringing on five fresh players, including Connor Bolton, who would later earn the Man of the Match award for his second-half performance.

Despite two huge penalty shouts in the 65th and 68th minute—one of which saw Ben Clarke bundled over after following up on a Stuart Zanone attack—the referee waved away Hoddesdon’s protests, to the dismay of the entire Lilywhite faithful. The frustration mounted for the home side, who couldn't find a breakthrough.

Then, in the 77th minute, Junior Appiah completed his hat trick in style, Baresi delivering a cross to the back post before he audaciously backheeled it into the net on the volley. Gannon was left helpless as FC Baresi surged 4-0 ahead, and despite being hard done by with two strong claims for a penalty, in truth, Hoddesdon could have no complaints with the scoreline.

Hoddesdon finally pulled one back in the 89th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a heavy challenge. Zanone’s spot kick summed up the evening as it hit the underside of the bar and bounced on the line. After his headed follow-up was pushed away, FC Baresi finally succumbed and failed to clear their lines. George Hamill stabbed home the loose ball to give Hoddesdon a consolation. There were suggestions that Zanone had touched the ball twice, but the goal stood, and Hoddesdon had their goal. 1-4.

It was too little, too late however, and Hoddesdon were soundly beaten on their home turf.

Full Time: Hoddesdon Town 1-4 FC Baresi

Hoddesdon’s long layoff showed, with the team looking rusty and out of sync. Manager Simon Riddle admitted post-match that his side were second best, but it’s clear injuries and absences played a part, with key players like Connor Casey and Liam Nugent still on the treatment table, Connor Bolton only able to make a second half cameo appearance after a long lay off, and Blue Gallagher unavailable through suspension. FC Baresi, on the other hand, deserved their victory, with Junior Appiah the standout player, grabbing a hat trick.

Connor Bolton, who came on in the second half, was named the Greene King Man of the Match, receiving his prize from special guests Frank Piazza and Nick Ince.

For Hoddesdon, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to shake off the rust and get their season back on track, starting this coming Saturday as they host Barkingside at Lowfield in a 3pm kick off.