Saffron Walden town will be the visitors on Saturday 4 January at Hadley’s ground in Bricklfield Lane, Arkley, where there have been £500,000 worth of improvements to the pitch, stands, changing rooms and clubhouse.

This is being billed as a top-of-the-table clash between two highly placed teams in the Essex Senior League which are both hoping for promotion to level four in the English league.

The following Saturday – 11 January – Hadley travel to Southend Manor.

Hadley FC, established in 1882, is the oldest football club playing in Barnet, and the club’s spokesman, Oliver Deed, says their ambition is to gain promotion, perhaps to the Isthmian League.

Last season the club finished in third place in the premier division of the Spartan South Midlands League.

After correspondence with the Football Association, Hadley moved to the Essex Senior League for the 2019-20 season.

Currently Hadley are placed fifth in the Essex Senior League.

“One reason for the switch was that it cuts down travelling distances for the team – and the Southend Manor fixture will be the furthest away match this season.

“This is our fourth season at Brickfield Lane and average attendances are going up. We are attracting new season ticket holders and we do think there is a real community feel around the Hadley club and support for our home fixtures.”

Hadley’s last pre-Christmas match was a home fixture and despite being 1-0 down initially, the team delivered a 2-1 win against Hashtag United, a team established by YouTube personalities.

Currently Hadley are placed fifth in the Essex Senior League.

There was a record attendance of 194 – and a free mince pie and a glass of mulled wine for every spectator.

For more information about the club and its fixtures: https://www.hadleyfc.co.uk/