The scoreline reflects more poor finishing rather than great defending but Manager Reynolds will be happy with the way the side are developing into a very good team.

Leighton almost went ahead straight from the kick-off with an effort from Marsala causing problems for the Hoddesdon defence and Smith was denied by a last ditch save by the 'keeper.

The Visitors went straight up field and were also denied by a good save - by Wyant in the Town goal.

The goal came in the 7th minute when Lorrell Smith took possession just outside the penalty area on the right and cracked an unstoppable shot into the far corner for a fabulous goal.

Hoddeddon had a great chance to equalise but despite having a couple of players free in the box they took too much time and the chance was cleared.

O'Brien went close for Town with a twenty yard effort which just went over the bar and at the other end Home 'keeper Wyant made a great save - tipping over a goal bound header. From the resultant corner Town escaped as the ball was deflected for another corner.

Marsala had an effort saved and Scully shot over for the visitors when he should have at least hit the target.

O'Brien set up Marsala from a quickly taken throw-in and his shot crashed back from the cross-bar with the 'keeper nowhere.

Cowell made a great run through the middle and his shot went just wide to Town's relief. As the half ended O' Brien should have scored for Town but his tame effort was saved.

The second half started exactly as the first with the Hoddesdon keeper in early action and then the visitors squandered a great chance to equalise but good defending by the excellent Guiney cleared the threat for Town.

Smith had an effort saved by the 'keeper as Town pressed but as the game was very open as Hoddesdon tried to create openings for an equaliser.

O'Brien shot just wide before Smith again went close. Town sub Tappin was next to go close before Towell put an effort wide as Town pushed for a second.

Hoddesdon had a spell with good possession but Condon defended well and Marsh worked very hard to deny the visitors any clear cut chances.

Hoddedsdon did put the ball in the net near the end but the effort was correctly ruled out for offside.

Right at the end Smith broke clear and shot wide when a pass inside would surely have been scored from

Town will be very happy with this result but need to start taking the chances they are creating - they should have won
by a greater margin. All played well and with Hatch and McBride nearing full fitness the squad will be stronger for the
next few matches,

The team was : Wyant , Towell , Hall , Pursey , Condon , Guiney , Marsala ( capt ) , Marsh , Smith , O'Brien, Ashley ,.

Subs - Risby for Ashley and Tappin for Pursey . Not used - James and Oye .

Town are away at Berkhamsted in a Cup match Tuesday 7.45 pm and Home on Saturday in League v Harpenden at 3.00pm

The U25 team have a friendly at the Club on Wednesday 7.45 pm and also next Sunday at 12.30 pm.