SUMMERS HAT-TRICK SHOWS THE LILLYWHITES ARE UP FOR THE CUP

A packed Lowfield watches the FA Cup game last night. It was a busy and unrewarding night for Sawbo's goalkeeper

 The magic of the FA Cup (now known as The Emirates FA Cup for 2015/16) returned last night with The Lillywhites of Hoddesdon Town grabbing some early glory with a comprehensive 4-0 home win versus Sawbridgeworth Town. On a miserable night weather wise and with Aston Villa v Manchester United on the television it was great to see a decent crowd of 216 at Lowfield. The home side came into the match on the back of two defeats in their opening Spartan South Midlands League games against Broxbourne Borough (1-2) and Tring Athletic (0-2). Sawbo had drawn in their opening Essex Senior League game 2-2 at home to Sporting Bengal United before winning 2-3 at Greenhouse London on Wednesday evening.

A clear indication that Cup Fever had hit this corner of Hertfordshire were that match programmes were fully sold out when I arrived around twenty minutes before kick off. 

The home side mostly dominated the game from start to finish with Mark Summers scoring a hat-trick and Tommy Wade, on his debut coming on as substitute, scoring in the 90th minute. This caused the watching group of Hertford Town manager, players and fans to give it a 'HERTFORD TOWN' chant. Wade, the former captain and fan's favourite at Hertingfordbury Park, moved between the two local rivals this summer which will make the league games between the two teams this season just a little bit more ultra competitive than usual.

Summer's third goal came from a defensive mix-up after Sawbo's best spell over the course of 5 or 10 minutes when if they did score it would of made for a exciting end to the game. 

One talking point from the game was a foul committed by a Sawbirdgeworth player only moments after he was booked for kicking the ball away. Many thought it could be a second booking and red card but the referee didn't brandish a card for the incident. Unfortunately the away player was taken off injured as a result of the challenge. See what you think - it's on the video from 0 m 36 secs??

Hoddesdon Town will play Ryman Division One (North) side Romford in the Preliminary Round on the weekend of Saturday 29th August. Hoddesdon manager Gavin Kelsey will be relishing the chance to cause an upset in this game.

THE COLD END MATCH HIGHLIGHTS BELOW 
includes all four of the goals scored


For the away side it's been a gloomy period in the FA Cup as their last victory came back in 2004 when they narrowly won 0-1 at Wisbech Town in the Extra Preliminary Round. There is always next season for them!