Saturday 20th September, 2025 | Hoddesdon Town 0-2 Buckhurst Hill | Isuzu FA Vase Second Qualifying Round | Attendance : 152
By Harry Biggs
Mark Williams’ Buckhurst Hill side advanced to the First Round Proper of the Isuzu FA Vase with a 2–0 win over Step 6 outfit Hoddesdon Town in what was described as a professional performance.
The gaffer made five changes to the side that narrowly lost to Great Wakering Rovers last time out. Four were enforced, with key players Josh Banfield, Preston Knight, Tony Martin and new signing Jack Johnson all unavailable. Dimitri Nicolaou also dropped to the bench, replaced by skipper Ollie Williams returning from injury. Harris and Daniels resumed their familiar partnership at the back, while Reece Lee Simpson led the line in Martin’s absence. Youngster Harry Lusher was handed his first start, with Alfie Padington fit enough only for the bench, joined by new loan signing Harvey Livings.
First Half: All Pressure, No Breakthrough
The Stags started strongly and could have been ahead inside two minutes when Simpson burst through on goal, only for former Buckhurst Hill keeper Alex Reed to smother his effort. Maltese also tested Reed moments later, before Hammond’s free-kick brushed the side netting with the home keeper rooted.
Lusher looked lively, forcing Reed into another save before heading over from point-blank range after good work from Hammond and Foster. The teenager continued to cause problems and was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge that went unpunished, much to the frustration of the visitors. Despite their dominance, Buckhurst Hill couldn’t find a breakthrough, with Hammond and Simpson both seeing further chances go begging as the half ended goalless.
Second Half: Simpson and Maltese Seal It
The second period began with Hoddesdon appealing for a penalty, waved away by the referee. Almost immediately, The Stags countered with Dolan and Simpson both having efforts blocked.
Finally, relentless pressure paid off. Simpson headed against the underside of the bar and in to score his first goal for the club—celebrated in trademark fashion with his ‘Mask’ celebration. Buoyed by the breakthrough, Harris went close soon after, linking neatly with Lusher before firing just over.
Maltese then doubled the lead with his fifth goal of the season, driving through the Town defence and calmly finishing under Reed. From there, Buckhurst Hill controlled the contest, with substitutions giving minutes to Livings, Padington, Nicolaou, and Colyer.
Lusher twice went close to adding a third, denied by Reed, while Dolan squandered a late one-on-one by firing straight at the keeper.
Full-Time: Job Done
The Stags saw out the remaining minutes to complete a composed 2–0 win. It may not have been the most clinical performance, but it was professional, disciplined, and enough to secure safe passage into the First Round Proper of the FA Vase.
TEAM :
North, Foster, Edwards 🟨, Maltese ⚽, Harris, Daniels, Hammond 🟨, Williams ©, Lee Simpson ⚽, Lusher, Dolan
SUBS NOT USED :
Livings (66’ – Edwards), Colyer (78’ – Maltese), Nicoloau (71’ – Hammond), Padington (71’ – Lee Simpson), Buchanan
NEXT UP
Saturday 27th September, 2025 – Halstead Town (A) – Essex Senior League – KO 3PM