London Colney’s promotion hopes suffered a blow after losing 1-0 at Hoddesdon Town in the South Midlands Premier Division on Saturday.

The defeat means their lead at the top of the table has been cut to four points over AFC Dunstable.

Both sides hit the woodwork in an open first half.

The Blueboys went close through Charlie Smith’s free-kick but he curled his effort against the top of the bar.

The hosts also went close through Mark Twumasi’s header which struck the far post.

Hoddesdon’s Mark Summers found himself clear and with a wide open goal but instead blasted his effort well wide of the target.

Visiting goalkeeper Charlie May was called into action and did well to push a Summers shot round the post.

Lee Armitt came on to make a welcome return for the Blueboys in the second half after a 12 week lay-off but he did not get a real chance to cause problems in the box.

As the clock was running down Ricky Light fired in a free-kick which May tipped over the bar.

There were only a few minutes left with the match heading for a draw when the hosts snatched a winner.

Light stepped up and drove his low free kick past Charlie May to send Colney to defeat.

The Blueboys are away to Berkhamsted on Saturday.