Oliver Deed on difficult campaign for the Southern League side

A group of footballers competing for a football which is in the air — Hadley in action at Hitchin Town – (Credit – Chris Forster)

Step four of the non-league pyramid can be very tough, as Hadley are finding out this season. Having played 19 of their 42 league fixtures, the Bricks are currently 13^th in the Southern League Division One Central, some ten points off the play-offs and 14 clear of the relegation zone. It all has a very midtable feel to it.

The Bricks opened their league campaign by losing 2-0 at home to freshly relegated Hitchin Town! That loss was quickly followed by an early exit in the FA Cup to Maldon & Tiptree (who progressed to the first round proper).

Such is manager Anthony Clark’s prowess, this double blow was softened by an excellent run of results in subsequent league fixtures, which included wins at Northwood and Marlow, and at home to Stotfold and Thame United, ensuring the good ship Hadley was still on course.

The highlight of the campaign to date was the club’s run in the FA Trophy, a competition the Bricks have come to love. Having dispatched Ware 5-1 in the first qualifying round, the Bricks beat Ascot United on penalties at Brickfield Lane and then beat National League club Dartford Town 2-1 to seal a place in the first round proper.

That game ended in disappointment, a 1-0 loss away at Tilbury in a turgid affair, played on a very challenging pitch. A missed penalty that day left Clark and his players rueing what might have been.

After that loss, a superb run of results ensued. A 3-1 win at Hertford Town was followed by a 4-3 win at home to Enfield and a 6-1 win against Ware. Punters got value for their admission fee. In those three games, young striker Lenny Asamoah scored three consecutive hattricks and established himself as a firm favourite with Hadley supporters.

Since that win against Ware in early November, the Bricks haven’t won in the league, although they did manage to beat Royston Town in the Herts Senior Cup on penalties on a cold night at Brickfield Lane. They suffered defeat on the road at title favourites Leighton Town and their nearest rivals Hitchin Town in consecutive matches.

They should have won at Aylesbury United, but a 92^nd minute own goal cost them three points in a 1-1 draw. It was a similar story last time out, when the Bricks sacrificed a 2-0 lead in injury time to draw 2-2 at play-off chasing Biggleswade. Four more points and things would have looked rosier.

However, there are grounds for optimism. The squad has suffered with injuries. At one point twelve players were out and your correspondent was dusting off his boots. Several are due back over the festive period, which will be a welcome boost.

Hadley do have a history of going on excellent runs at this level, so a play-off place cannot be ruled out. Make no bones about it though, this league is tough, so it is very much a case of ‘watch this space’.

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