Hoddesdon Town Football Club Official Brochure 2024

Hoddesdon Town

Hoddesdon Town Football Club

www.firstgearcars.co.uk / info@firstgearcars.co.uk

welCome

THe Club is Very ForTunaTe

To enjoy greaT supporT From THe loCal CommuniTy, and we would loVe To welCome you aT lowField To CHeer on THe Team.

We look to offer a friendly and valuefor-money matchday experience for all. Our current squad of young and exciting players rarely fail to deliver entertaining 3pm Saturday or 7.45pm midweek football at a high standard.

The latest fixtures can be found on our new website where you can also download the club app and follow us on social media.

> Bespoke Windows

> External Doors

> Conservatories

> Roof lights/ Skylights

VAST STYLES/ uPVC, Timber, Aluminium/ Double, Triple and Quadruple glazing units/ ALL RAL colours & glazing styles/ SMART locking mechanisms and much more

welCome

The tea bar provides a range of drinks and snacks (including our very popular burgers) whilst the clubhouse bar has a range of beer on tap and the occasional local guest ale to enjoy. We know that taking the family to watch League football can be an expensive day out and we strive to give the community an affordable alternative with the same excitement but less travel, a seat closer to the action, less queuing and absolutely no VAR.

There really is no better place to be on Saturday afternoons or under the lights for a midweek game. Whether you are with friends, family, or on your own, there are always people to meet and football stories to be shared.

Take advantage of our season tickets and enjoy each game for less than a fiver for an adult and even less for concessions! Latest news of upcoming fixtures and club events can be found on our website or by following us on the usual socials. Up the Lilywhites!

special thanks to colin sinden for the history, and to danny smith for the photographs in this brochure.

BrOchure spOnsOred By

e 2023/24 season Has seen THe Ve To a new websiTe based operaTing plaTForm For THe lub. Here you Can Find all THe ion you need To plan your ernoon aT THe FooTball and e laTesT From maTCHes, Club VenTs aT THe ClubHouse. iT ree and easy To sign up as a Club o enjoy THe Full beneFiTs, as e opTion To insTall an app on To your pHone.

you will be able To Find:

> Latest news from the club

> Upcoming Matches and Previews

> Results and Match Reports

> Clubhouse Events

> Matchday Programme Archive

> Club shop for replica kit and merchandise

> Club Contact Details

> Matchday Information

> Team and Player Stats

> Contact Details and much more our TwiTTer (x) aCCounT is @HoddesdonTownFC.

THis is anoTHer exCellenT way To sTay in TouCH wiTH THe Club and you Can also enjoy FrequenT “FaCToid” posTings along wiTH all THe news and maTCH updaTes.

Kitchens & Associated Accessories

Sinks / Taps & Plumbing Kits

Neff. Lamona. MG & Bosch Appliances

Including: Ovens Hobs, Extractors, washing machines. Fridges. Freezers, Microwaves, Dishwashers & Wine Coolers

Top Quality Laminate Vinyl & Real Wood Flooring

Massive range of Internal & External

Doors, Hardware & Furniture

Branded Carpentry Hand Tools. Jigs & Router Bits

Mastics & Sealants

Skirting / Architrave / Door Liners & Frames

Worktops

Solid Wood, Laminate, Glass, Matt, Smooth, Textured, Square Edged and Real Quartz Worktops with Fitting Service.

Bathroom Cabinets

Wide variety of styles & finshes, the Bathroom Cabinet range provides an extensive choice of Traditional & Contemporary Doors

PROUD TO BE TRADE ONLY

Why

Choose Howdens Hoddesdon?

 Over 70 Kitchens from stock to choose from.

 Local Expertise.

 Quality Guaranteed.

 25 Years on all Cabinets.

 Full selection of Brand Name Appliances.

 Over 50 Worktops available: Laminates. Granite or Quartz.

 White, Oak and Croft grey. Oak Cabinets.

 100% UK Manufactured.

Don’t have a Trade Account? Visit us in store & open yours today!

Contact us or see us on instogram, focebook & our website

Ashbourne is an independent family-run broker based in Hertfordshire. At Ashbourne we pride ourselves on first class personal and professional service before, during and after the life of the policy.

We are very proud of our “Best Independent General Insurance Broker –Hertfordshire” award in the UK Finance Awards 2020 from SME News magazine.

Club sHop

THe Club is deligHTed To oFFer a Club sHop in ConjunCTion wiTH orC prinTwear promoTions. Here you Can kiT yourselF ouT wiTH oFFiCial repliCa sHirTs, Hoodies, polos, sweaTers, bags, sHorTs, TraCksuiTs and more.

Delivery will be made direct from ORC but please allow at least two weeks for delivery following the order being placed. Club hats, scarves and pin badges are also available from the club’s bar and tea bar.

To aCCess THe Club sHop please go To THe Club’s websiTe:

www.hoddesdontownfc.co.uk

and hit the BUY TEAMWEAR button at the top to access the ORC Club Shop website. Hit CLUB SHOP for badges and scarves but note that the prices include delivery and are better purchased on a match day if you are local.

FEATURED IN

ENGLISH, MATHS & SCIENCE

KS1, KS2, KS3, SATS, GCSE, 11 PLUS

per session

We can help with:

> Reading and comprehension

> Spelling, grammar and punctuation

> Creative writing

> Handwriting practice

> Exam questions and techniques

We use:

> Personalised learning programmes

> Multi-sensory teaching strategies

> Award-winning apps, accessible at home

> Educational games to develop social skills

> Workbooks in line with the National Curriculum

> Planning and organising written tasks

> Time management skills, memory techniques

> Arithmetic, reasoning and word problems

> 11+, English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning

Club loTTery

Hoddesdon Town FooTball Club is a proud parTiCipanT in my Club wins. m Club wins is a monTHly loTTery Helping FooTball Clubs like ours raise muCH needed Funds wiTH generous prizes T players and To Clubs.

Tickets are £5 a month and 50% of funds raised are donated back to the club, providing long-term sustainable revenues. It’s a fun, no risk, no cost, digitally accessible lottery.

We aim to raise £1,000+ each year and will use the money to fund coaching in our junior section, improving our ground, improving clubhouse amenities and providing equipment.

The monthly draw takes place on the final Friday of each month. The prizes for the next draw are detailed above in the section headed “Prizes & Results” where information about the prize winners from the previous month is also provided.

Please support Hoddesdon Town Football Club by signing up to play My Club Wins today. It’s a win-win!

HisTory

Hoddesdon Town F.C., Founded on 14TH april 1879, is THe THird oldesT Club in HerTFordsHire, beaTen in age only by bisHop’s sTorTFord F.C., Founded in 1874, and roysTon Town F.C. in 1875.

Along with Bishop’s Stortford F.C., St. Alban’s F.C. (not the City Club), Watford Rovers F.C., and about 15 other clubs, Hoddesdon were co-founders of the Herts. F.A. in 1885, a feat recognised by the County F.A. in their centenary year. Under their first captain, George Webster, the club actually started life as Hoddesdon F.C., on a pitch on Mansers Field, but in October 1882 started playing at “Low Field”, or as it is now known, Lowfield. It is reported that Hoddesdon FC purchased goal nets and used them for the first time on 17th December 1892. In those early days, and possibly until the wooden stand between Beech Walk and the current clubhouse was built, the team used as their “dressing rooms” the Salisbury Arms Hotel in the High Street.

In 1951/52 the Club shared games between Lowfield and the Essex Road Arena and for the following two seasons

played solely at the Arena, before moving back to Lowfield exclusively in 1954. In its early years the Club played only friendly and County Cup matches, with the exception of 1884/85 when Hoddesdon entered the FA Cup and were beaten 8-0 by a strong Old Foresters side that had been established in 1875. In 1896 Hoddesdon helped to form the East Herts. League but, due to a lack of numbers in the East Herts area, none of the teams playing in Division One of the EHL in 1899/00 played in the competition for the following two seasons, and the competition only ran one Division during that period. In 1908/09 Hoddesdon joined the Herts. County League and played in both competitions until 1921/22.

An early player worthy of note was inside left, Albert Aylott, who made 47 appearances for the Herts. County side and would perhaps have made many more but for a leg injury and the advent of the 191418 War. Then there were the Haynes brothers, sons of another fine sportsman, W.D. Haynes, three of whom played regularly for the Town. Most notable was W.G. (Wiggle) who, for a long time was one of the mainstays at the back, the other two being H.W. and M. Haynes. BrOchure

HisTory

Through his son, Peter, now president of the club, ‘Wiggle’ Haynes’ memory is perpetuated by the trophy in his honour given to the Player of the Year each season. Another family which, somewhat earlier, contributed keen players to the Club were the Nightingales.

It was in those early days that Hoddesdon gained the title, and the legend, of being ‘The Unbeatables’, and this was referred to in 1935 at the Jubilee celebrations of the Hertfordshire Football Association. That grand old man of Herts. football administration, G Wagstaffe Simmons, Chairman of the Herts. FA Council, referred to Hoddesdon thus: “ I shall never forget the splendid team that Hoddesdon placed in the field in those days when the Cox and Newbery brothers and F B Debenham were at their best. They were then unbeatables. One is apt to look at the sport of the past through rose-tinted spectacles and to fancy it was better than it really was, but I am convinced that a finer all-round side has never been placed in the field by an amateur club in Hertfordshire than that which was at the command of Hoddesdon in the period 1879/90”.

In 1919, immediately after the First World War, Town was added to the Club’s name. In 1924 the Club reached the Herts. Senior Cup final, losing to neighbours Cheshunt, before leaving the Herts. County League to join the Spartan League.

Hoddesdon Town stayed in this League for over 50 years and gained many honours during their membership. Between 1923 and 1936 Hoddesdon Town won the local Perry Charity Cup competition on seven occasions, and were runners-up once.

Hoddesdon Town joined the Spartan League in 1925, and their first honours came in 1927/28 when the Club were Division Two, Section B Champions, In 1935/36 Hoddesdon Town were Spartan League, Division One Champions and gained promotion to the Premier Division. Unfortunately, relegation followed the very next season.

1948 saw Hoddesdon Town win the Herts. Charity Shield for the first of five occasions. Sadly that year also saw the passing of S.T. Hampton, outside right for Hoddesdon in all the Herts. Challenge Cup finals between 1887 and 1890, and George Crawley, a life long activist with both the Football and Cricket Clubs, who was present at all the early final appearances. In 1951/52 the final of the Herts. Senior Cup was reached, where the Club lost to Letchworth Town, and in 1953 Hoddesdon Town were losing finalists in the Perry Charity Cup.

Success was generally sparse during the late 1950s and early 1960s, and there were many dark days, but the appointment of Elmer Elliott as Chairman in 1965 was to prove to be a turning point for the club. In 1970/71 the club achieved the unprecedented treble of Spartan

League Champions, Spartan League Challenge Cup winners and Herts. Charity Shield winners. The latter two trophies were retained the following season, and the club finished as League runners-up for the next three campaigns.

Hoddesdon Town

joined THe sparTan league in 1925, and THeir FirsT Honours Came in 1927/28 wHen THe Club were diVision Two, seCTion b CHampions.

HisTory

The Club had floodlights installed in 1973, and these were officially opened on March 7th when West Ham United’s visit to Lowfield was watched by an alltime record crowd of 3,500. Hoddesdon Town’s greatest achievement to date came under manager Billy Moye in April 1975 when Epsom & Ewell were beaten, 2-1 at Wembley, in front of nearly 10,000 spectators, to make Hoddesdon Town the first ever winners of the FA Challenge Vase. In 1977/78 Hoddesdon Town achieved a long term ambition when they were elected into the more powerful Athenian League,

A new paybox was built, and an area of the stand was partitioned for use by club officials, and so the Lilywhites eagerly joined a group of strong senior clubs that included Leyton Wingate, Grays Athletic, Edgware, Marlow and Chalfont St. Peter. Hoddesdon Town’s tenure in the Athenian League was to last just seven seasons, during which time they never finished lower than 16th (out of 20), but no higher than 9th (out of 21) in 1983/84, which proved to be the final season of the Athenian League’s existence. The Isthmian League had grown further in strength and wished to create more Divisions, so another exodus of clubs from

the Athenian League forced its closure after 72 years in existence.

When the Athenian League was disbanded in 1984, Hoddesdon Town lost a long-running campaign to move to the Isthmian League, despite achieving the necessary ground-grading, and joined the South Midlands League to play in their Premier Division. Between 1984 and 2018 they were one of their leading clubs, gaining considerable success both on and off the field. In 1989/90 Hoddesdon Town F.C. won the South Midlands Floodlight Cup, beating Vauxhall League side Vauxhall Motors F.C. in a penalty shoot-out, having drawn 2-2 after extra time. As well as two cup finals during 1989/90 Hoddesdon Town had their best ever run in the London Senior Cup, reaching the semi-final and beating Vauxhall League Premier Division sides Dulwich Hamlet and Barking along the way.

The Lilywhites enjoyed a 36-year tenure in the Spartan South Midlands League, eight of those seasons in Division One, before being moved by the FA into the Essex Senior League in 2018. Four seasons later, two of them disrupted by Covid-19 restrictions, the FA moved the Club back into the Spartan South Midland League Premier Division. Over those latter 40 years, many honours were won, and during one period the Club took part in no fewer than nine cup competitions each season.

Since the early 1990s the Club has striven to improve facilities at Lowfield, and apart from needing to install a stand for 50 people, have everything in place to achieve a ground grading suitable for Step 4 football.

THe lilywHiTes enjoyed a 36-year Tenure in

THe sparTan souTH midlands league, eigHT oF THose seasons in diVision one, beFore being moVed by THe Fa inTo THe essex senior league in 2018.

We are recruiting caring, compassionate individuals to join our dedicated team of care workers. If you are experienced in elderly care then please get in touch. info@portfoliohomecare.org

Honours

wHilsT winning THe HerTs. senior Cup in iTs inaugural year oF 1887, and THen again in 1888 and 1890, arguably THe Club’s greaTesT aCHieVemenT in iTs HisTory was winning THe inaugural Fa Vase CompeTiTion in 1975. HoweVer, in THe 1970/71 season THe FirsT Team won a unique Treble oF sparTan league CHampionsHip, sparTan league CHallenge Cup and HerTs. CHariTy sHield.

The first team of 1992/93 failed to win a trophy despite appearing in two finals, but played no fewer than 76 competitive games, including nine cup competitions, with two players making in excess of 70 starts. The reserves side won the South Midlands Floodlight Cup competition three successive times between 2011 and 2014, and in the 2015/16 season won the Club’s first ever reserves championship title.

FirsT Team winning Honours

Fa Challenge Vase Winners 1974/75

Herts Senior Cup Winners 1886/87, 1887/88, 1889/90

Herts Charity Shield Winners 1947/48, 1970/71, 1971/72, 1978/79, 2003/04

Herts Senior Centenary Trophy Winners 1986/87, 2007/08, 2008/09

(Record holders for most final appearances – 7 in total)

Spartan League Premier Division Champions 1970/71

Spartan League Division One Champions 1935/36

Spartan League play-off Final Winners 1935/36

Spartan League Division Two, Section ‘B’ Champions 1927/28

Spartan League Cup Winners 1970/71. 1971/72

South Midlands Football League Challenge Trophy Winners 1985/86, 1986/87, 1991/92

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Cup Winners 2015/16, 2016/17

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Plate Winners 1997/98

Essex Senior League Len Cordell Plate Winners 2020/21

South Midlands Floodlight Cup Winners 1989/90, 2001/02

Roy Bailey Memorial Trophy Winners 2002/03

Waltham Hospital Cup Winners 1927/28

Perry Charity Cup Winners 1922, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934(Jt), 1935, 1936

Dunkels Memorial Cup Winners 1935/36

Plus 29 occasions as finalists in various competitions above.

reserVes

winning Honours

under-18s and sunday

Spartan South Midlands League Reserves section play-off Winners 2015/16

Spartan South Midlands League Reserves Division South & East Winners 2015/16

Spartan League Reserves section Cup Winners 1971/72

South Midlands Floodlight Cup Reserves section Winners 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14

Rolleston Cup Winners 1954/55 (Jt)

W. J. Clarke’s Invitation Cup Winners 1956/57

Plus 15 occasions as finalists or runners-up in various competitions above

Teams Honours

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League, Southern section

Champions 1996/97

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League, Nemean Division Champions 1999/00

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League, Olympian section Champions 2009/10

SCFYL, Brian Hitchings Challenge Trophy Winners 2009/10

Colwyn Minors Challenge Cup Winners 1997/98

Eastern Junior Alliance Ingilby Cup Winners 2012/13

Waltham & District Sunday Football League Division

Three Champions 1984/85

Waltham & District Sunday Football League

Challenge Cup Winners 1995/96

Nestled in the picturesque heart of the Lea Valley, Broxbourne Nursing Home emerges as a beacon of luxury and warmth.

This brand-new haven, designed with meticulous attention to detail, boasts 77 stylish bedrooms, each a sanctuary of comfort. From the inviting hum of our open-plan communal spaces to the serene beauty of our landscaped gardens, every corner of Broxbourne is crafted for joy.

youTH

Hoddesdon Town FC Has a THriVing youTH

seCTion THaT Has enjoyed greaT suCCess

oVer THe pasT Few years. Hoddesdon Town youTH FooTball Club was Formed in 2008

Following a merger oF Hoddesdon uniTed youTH and broxbourne rangers youTH. iT is a CommuniTy-based Fa CHarTer sTandard

U13 Whites U13 Blacks

BrOchure spOnsOred By

leVel 2 Club THaT oFFers FooTball For all abiliTies. as aT THe end oF 2023, THe Club will be represenTed by 264 players and 76 oFFiCials aCross all 21 youTH Teams.

All the teams currently play in the Mid-Herts Rural Minors League and the club retains an affiliation with the Eastern Junior Alliance League and Southern Counties Floodlit League. All games are played at Broxbourne School, Cranbourne Primary School, Flamstead End and also at Lowfield for some cup games.

Teams For 2023/24

U7 lions U7 Blacks

U8 Whites

U9 Whites

U10 Whites U10 Blacks U10 Lions U10 Sharks

U11 Hawks U11 Huntsman U11 Eagles

U11 Lions

U12 Blacks U12 Whites

U15 Whites

U16 Reds

U17 Blacks U17 Reds

U18 Blacks

The main Committee of Hoddesdon Town Youth Football Club consists of:

secretary: Peter Alligan - 07859 889 905- HTYFCSecretary@hotmail.co.uk

Chairman: Clive Rawlings -07973637009 -clivepr@outlook.com

Treasurer: Santo Padalino-07973219298- santopadalino@hotmail.co.uk

Child Welfare Officer:

Paul Sullivan - 07983969712 - sullyhtyfc@icloud.com

Football Development officer

Dan Miles - 07718175965danmiles148@gmail.com

spOnsOred By

KING OF HERTS WASTE REMOVAL

Commercial & Household waste: • Soft demolition/Builders rip outs

Builders/Tradesmen waste • Household waste

Soft demolition/ Builders rip outs

Garden waste

Builders/ Tradesmen waste

Garden clearance

Garage waste

Household waste

Garden waste

Garden clearance

House clearances/end of tenancy • Commercial waste • Same day service available • Wait & load

a sHorT Fa Vase sTory

in non-league FooTball CirCles many Clubs dream oF playing a wembley buT Few eVer aCHieV HoweVer, THaT CannoT be said o Hoddesdon Town FC wHo gra THe Hallowed TurF on 19TH april 1975 wHen THey liFTed THe Fa Vase in iTs inaugural year, Following sCrapping oF THe Fa amaTeur Cup.

The journey to Wembley Stadium started on 26th October 1974 at Lowfield with a first round tie against Epping Town. Two splendid goals from Dave Bidwell gave Hoddesdon an easy 2-1 win, and a second round match against another Essex side, Billericay Town. This match was played on an extremely wet and heavy pitch and was a humdinger of a cup tie. Reggie Bishop’s solitary goal put Hoddesdon into the thrid round, and yet another Essex side, Basildon Utd. came to Lowfield.

The match was settled in a hectic three-minute spell in the second half, Keith Schofield opened the score in the 73rd minute, Basildon equalised immediately from the kick-off, and in the 75th minute Schofield settled the match, again from the kick-off.

BrOchure spOnsOred

a sHorT Fa Vase sTory

Hoddesdon were in the last 32, and were fearful of a long distant trip. As it happened they only had to go as far as Baldock Town on 18th January 1975, and there the club had a fright as Baldock opened the scoring. However, goals from Johnny Nathan and Dickie Sedgwick took Hoddesdon into the fifth round, and the last 16.

On Saturday 8th February 1975 Molesey came to Lowfield, and Dickie Sedgwick got a 50/50 chance against Roger Hunt (the ex-QPR centre back), left him standing and slotted the ball home for one of the best and most welcome goals seen at Lowfield for many years!

Hoddesdon drew Farnborough at home and the visitors had never beaten their hosts in a major cup tie. They had only rarely been successful against the Lilywhites in league encounters. Rumour had it that Farnborough were so confident of reaching Wembley that they had ordered new blazers, track suits, shirts and socks and had obtained considerable sponsorship! In the end they came unstuck at Lowfield on Saturday 1st March through goals from Johnny Nathan and Dickie Sedgwick.

It became clear that manager, Billy Moye, had carefully planned the downfall of each club played, and that firstclass teamwork carried out his tactics to the most minute detail. Farnborough lost 2-0 that day, and the margin of defeat could have been greater.

THe journey To wembley sTadium

sTarTed on 26TH oCTober 1974 aT

lowField wiTH a round 1 Tie againsT epping Town.

The semi-final was a two-legged affair against the Leicestershire side Friar Lane Old Boys.. The first leg was to be at home on Saturday 22nd March 1975.

a sHorT Fa Vase sTory

During the preceding week the Lowfield pitch was a beauty, but by Thursday night 24 hours of heavy rain had settled on top of a well rolled pitch, sufficient to cause concern that the tie might be postponed. It continued to rain all day Friday, all Friday night and only eased by 6 a.m on Saturday. The referee inspected the ground and passed it fit to play, provided no further rain fell, and a telephone call was put through to Leicester to summon Friar Lane Old Boys to the fray! They were stunned when they saw the state of the ground, being certain that no ground could absorb the amount of moisture which had worried everyone all week, but to their credit never used this as an excuse for subsequent events.

It was a bonus for Hoddesdon when Friar Lane refused to change their usual tactics and tried to blast their hosts off the pitch with some superb running and very exciting football on a heavy pitch which very quickly resembled a swamp!

Once the visitors’ initial onslaught had failed to earn a goal they very soon ran out of steam, although excellent saves by both goalkeepers made it a classic cuptie thriller. In the first half, Johnny Nathan’s carefully rehearsed set-piece free kick tested the Friar Lane goalkeeper, who always delayed coming off his line, and Keith Schofield blasted home the Lilywhites’ first goal. In the second half, Reggie Bishop took advantage of Friar Lane’s attacking play as they found a second wind, and scored an opportunist goal from a breakaway. The final score, Hoddesdon Town 2 Friar lane old boys 0.

The weather continued to misbehave, rain, sleet and snow (into April), but Easter Saturday 29th March 1975 dawned bright, sunny and very cold for the second leg in Leicestershire. In an amphitheatre setting which held 3,500 spectators (at least 1,000 from Hoddesdon and East Herts.)

Dickie Sedgwick got the all-important first goal from a splendid through ball by Chris Wilson which Sedgwick picked up inside his own half of the centre circle. A lone chase to beat the goalkeeper took him to within 18 yards of goal where he rounded the ‘goalie’ (again too late off his line), only to survive a fierce but fair tackle from behind from a desperate Friar Lane ‘sprinter’, and calmly slotting the ball home Dickie had done it again. This meant that Friar Lane needed four goals without reply to win, and there was no way that the careful planning by Billy Moye and his assistant Joe Chynoweth would allow that to happen. However, towards the end of the match a defensive

error allowed Friar Lane to level the score through an unnecessary free kick, but the final scoreline was 1-1 and an overall 3-1 aggregate to Hoddesdon.

THe

reward was a Trip To wembley on saTurday 19TH april and a Final againsT epsom &

ewell.

The reward was a trip to Wembley on Saturday 19th April and a final against Epsom & Ewell. The arrangements made by the Football Association in the weeks preceding the Final (and every cup final) have to be experienced to be believed, and Adrian Titcombe did everything possible to ensure that the reception of the two teams involved, their officials and supporters, was no less than that extended to participants involved in the FA Challenge Cup itself!

a sHorT Fa Vase sTory

Indeed, as this was the to be the first final of the FA Challenge Vase, involving two clubs from the lower echelons of senior amateur football, the arrangements were probably the, most important feature in ensuring that everyone concerned enjoyed the visit to Wembley, win or lose.

Enthusiasm in Hoddesdon and all over East Hertfordshire knew no bounds, and firms, schools and residents chartered coaches and arranged lifts in private cars in order to get to Wembley. One or two went by train to savour the occasion! The official figures stated that 10,000 attended the match but as almost 8,000 people travelled from East Herts and Hoddesdon this was considered a low figure. A figure of 15,000 inside Wembley Stadium was considered likely to be more accurate. And so to the match itself. Once again, careful planning by Billy Moye and Joe Chynoweth, and the allocation of a number of specific tasks to the defence, ensured an exciting if not classic final. It was certainly more entertaining than the cup final that year! Billy Green made ‘mincemeat’ of Epsom’s flying ace striker Trevor Lee, and Fred Gulvin brought all his vast experience on the non-league circuit (he was also once on Chelsea’s books) to steady what might have been a nervous defence.

Hoddesdon settled down much more quickly and took to the Wembley scene just as if they were at home at Lowfield. The pitch on that occasion was not much better, and Don Revie had complained bitterly about it the preceding Wednesday evening when England played Cyprus.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Neill Scott aptly summed up the game as follows: “Hoddesdon Town are the first winners of the FA Challenge Vase…two left-foot shots in the first half by captain and centre forward Dickie Sedgwick won the Vase for the Spartan League side. Epsom & Ewell lacked conviction in the early stages and did not pose a threat until the second half. Trevor Wales, their captain, replied for the Surrey Senior League team 10 minutes from the end, but Lee and Tuite missed openings that should have produced more goals during periods of sustained Epsom pressure”.

Final score: Hoddesdon Town 2 epsom & ewell 1

> Express Sunblinds was established in 1989.

> FREE no-obligation quotation.

> FREE visualisation of your new awning on your house.

> Professional Installation: We take pride in a professional installation service and ensure they are installed accurately and securely.

> See the awnings before you buy in our fully air conditioned showroom.

> Member of the British Blind and Shutter Association for peace of mind.

ClubHouse & Venue Hire

Looking for a venue for that special occasion? Look no further than Hoddesdon Town Football Club.

Our spacious clubhouse allows up to 100 guests for that birthday party, anniversary, christening or celebration of life.

A fully stocked bar that accepts cash or card, kitchen facilities, toilets, as well as space for your entertainment, be it a DJ or a band, are all under one roof when you hire Lowfield for your function.

Your venue hire also includes exclusive use of the venue, bar staff and cleaning of the venue afterwards. Please note, availability is subject to the club diary and hire is available until midnight only. No extensions are available due to licensing laws.

The venue permits self-catering and use of the kitchen is granted, providing it is left in a suitable clean and tidy fashion afterwards.

For a quote and to check availability, please contact us via the website or by emailing stuartvarney78@gmail.com

Robinsons butcheRs

Our aim is tO bring yOu the best quality tattOOs in a clean, sterile and mOdern envirOnment.

We have exceptionally high standards and pride ourselves on having a friendly and welcoming approach to our work. We are primarily a custom tattoo studio and enjoy working hard to design the best tattoo for you.

We now also do piercings! unit 7, the Pavillion, tower centre, hoddesdon, hertfordshire, en11 8ub

tel. 01992 447756 email.

WWW.electricPunchtattOO.cO.uk

sponsorsHip & adVerTising

THe lilywHiTes HaVe enjoyed supporT From loCal sHops and businesses sinCe 1924 aCCording

To THe oldesT programme THaT is in THe Club’s arCHiVes. THere HaVe also been many main sponsors oVer THe years wHo HaVe ConTribuTed

To THe running and wellbeing oF THe Club.

The home shirt sponsor is MCP and Mick Clarke also brings his experience and support to the Club Committee. The away shirt sponsor is MC Drainage Consultancy, and we send our thanks to them both.

We would also like to thank Pepper & Phillips Funeral Directors who give great support to the club and to the community.

> ORC Sportswear

> Paul Wallace Estate Agents

> Shepherd’s Estate Agents

> Skeltons Wealth Management

> TRA Independent Financial Advisors

> Ware Cross Pharmacy

> Woodhall Properties Ltd

It is worth noting that Paul Wallace have been supporting the matchday programme with an advert for over 60 years, George’s Hairdressers have been a Programme advertiser for 54 years, and Johnson Ross Tackle first advertised in 1991.

THe lisT oF sponsors Taking adVerTising spaCe eiTHer in THe programme or around THe ground are:

> Amwell Studios

> Appelman Charman Opticians

> Ashbourne Insurance

> Bentleys Dry Cleaners

> Eggenton Removals

> Equinox Jewellers

> Garnier Jewellers

> George’s Hairdressers

> Highlights Floodlighting

> House Coalition

> Johnson Ross Tackle

> Lanes Property Agents,

> Marcanato Italian Restaurant

> Martyn Charles Carpentry

> Mobile Stationery & Printing Centre

> Neete & Tidey Services

The club welcomes matchday and match ball sponsorship, and these packages include coverage in the matchday Programme, on the club’s website and hospitality before and after the game, and at half time. Further details can be obtained via the club’s website and ‘Contact Us’ button, or by emailing in the first instance Stuartvarney78@gmail.com

FaCiliTies & How To Find us

For up To daTe news Find THe Club on TwiTTer

@HoddesdonTownFC or aT www.HoddesdonTownFC.Co.uk wHere all inFormaTion and ConTaCTs Can be Found.

Hoddesdon Town FC, The stewart edwards stadium Lowfield, Park View, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8PX

On the field, Hoddesdon Town Football Club has wellappointed facilities for both watching the game, and for relaxing afterwards.

A custom-built seated stand for 100 people was erected in 1996, and has separate areas designated for club officials and for the press. There is also a wheelchair bay available within the stand. The original seats installed came from Bolton Wanderer’s Burnden Park when that was being stripped in 1998 prior to being demolished. Due to their age those seats started to deteriorate within a few years, and in 2012 were replaced with tip-up seats obtained from Kettering Town’s Rockingham Road Stadium that had been seized and closed by bailiffs on behalf of the landlord.

On the other side of the ground in 2014 a wooden covered standing stand for up to 100 people was constructed, and two years later a 50-seater stand was installed on the same side. That stand was dedicated to FA Vase-winning manager Bill Moye after he passed away. Some say the back row of that stand offers the best seat in the house!

The substitutes and management of both teams are protected by modern dugouts seating up to 11 occupants each, and the players enter the pitch from the changing rooms via a newly laid path through a fully protected walkway.

In 2022 the club completed the refurbishment of a former public toilet block adjacent to the main clubhouse which allowed it to offer additional toilet facilities for spectators. The block also offers an accessibility toilet for wheelchair users.

The club’s tea bar is legend, offering a range of hot drinks, hot food, cold drinks and confectionery. Situated under cover at the front of the clubhouse, access from around the playing area is easy, and there is always plenty of banter from the ladies who run it.

The main clubhouse is shared by the two clubs at Lowfield, has a well-stocked bar, and kitchen facilities that have recently been modernised by the Cricket Club thanks in part to grant-aid.

The main hall will comfortably hold 80-100 people for the types of function that are held there, and there is also a boardroom available for use according to need. Further details of the facilities and availability for functions can be obtained by emailing in the first instance Stuartvarney78@gmail.com.

The two main changing rooms are clean and comfortable, and each have four showerheads available in the separated wet area. Toilet facilities for the players are also first class.

The match officials’ changing room is one of the best appointed at Step 5. More than enough uncluttered changing room for four Officials if necessary, and the shower and toilet facilities are first class. Should the pumped shower system run out of hot water when the Officials are ready take a shower, there is an excellent electric shower available as back-up.

Whilst Lowfield is relatively easy to find once in Hoddesdon, finding a parking space can sometimes be difficult. There is very limited free parking in Park View, and watch out for the double yellow lines, the single yellow lines are not enforced after 6 30pm. Most of the houses in Park Road opposite the ground now have dropped kerbs, so parking there is also very limited. There are various side roads near the ground that lend themselves for parking, and the local Civic Hall, now called The Spotlight, does have a free car park that can be used when there is no function on, and it is only a five-minute walk to the ground. Bus services in the area are excellent, and coming in by train

FaCiliTies & How To Find us

means arriving at either Broxbourne or Rye House, depending on the service. Both stations are a 20-minute walk from the ground.

The postcode for the ground is EN11 8PX, but despite it having been recently reactivated, that code may not appear on SatNav systems. Googling EN11 8PX will bring up a map of the area, but for SatNav systems the postcode EN11 8PH will take the driver to a block of apartments directly opposite the ground main entrance.

For non-saTnaV users, THe Following insTruCTions will Help Find THe ground:

From the A10 bypass take the Hoddesdon turn off, A1170. Follow slip road to roundabout at bottom of the hill and turn right into Amwell Street. Take the first right, at the Church, into Pauls Lane. Follow the road round to the left, which then becomes Taverners Way. At the mini roundabout opposite Iceland Store, turn right into Brocket Road. At the ‘T’ junction turn left into Park View. The Lowfield main entrance is approximately 200 yards on your right.

Please note, there are NO parking facilities for spectators inside the ground.

Moving people forward

Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents offer a complete and bespoke tailored service to meet all your property needs, including financial services and conveyancing.

Motivated by our commitment to customer service ensures that al our clients receive the best experience and advice which exceeds their expectations.