Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
Hello & welcome to the round-up of action that transpired in Bostik League Division North in midweek (Monday-Wednesday).
Monday 14th August Result
Haringey Borough 1 – 1 Barking
Venue: Coles Park Attendance: 188
Haringey came back from behind to hold the Blues at Coles Park. Glen Golby & Justin Gardner’s side took the lead after 25 minutes through a goal from Ricky Tarbard. The task for Borough got harder when Jorge Dtassi-Sambu saw red just before the hour mark. The ten men did find an leveller though as defender Scott Mitchell’s goal sixteen minutes from the end ensured it was honours even.
Tuesday 15th August Results
Bowers & Pitsea 3 – 0 Witham Town
Venue: Len Salmon Stadium Attendance: 160
Bowers comfortably swept aside ten-man Witham at the Len Salmon Stadium. Bowers forward Tony Stokes scored from the penalty spot after 34 minutes to give Rob Small’s men the lead. Adam Flint’s side saw Ryan Imbert dismissed early in the second half as their evening got ever-tougher. Stokes converted another spot-kick ten minutes into the second half before Lewis Manor made the points safe only two minutes afterward.
Canvey Island 2 – 3 Tilbury
Venue: Park Lane Attendance: 268
Tilbury resisted a Canvey fight-back to take all three points at Park Lane. The Dockers took an early lead just three minutes in through Kurt Smith’s opener. Smith then scored at the other end as Canvey levelled, before Ryan Charles’ goal six minutes before the break gave Danny Heale’s side the lead. Tilbury roared back though late on as goals from Adam Vyse and Smith again sealed a good win for Gary Henty’s side.
Cheshunt 1 – 3 Ware
Venue: Theobalds Lane Attendance: 147
Cheshunt suffered their second successive loss at the hands of a resurgent Ware at Theobalds Lane. The Ambers took the lead five minutes before the break thanks to Tom Bruno’s opener. Ware recovered well after the interval though, levelling through Yannick Kamanan’s goal seven minutes into the second half. Ware sealed the points with further second-half goals by Murat Karagul (65’) and substitute Finbarr Robins (87’).
Hertford Town 0 – 6 Bury Town
Venue: Hertingfordbury Park Attendance: 209
Bury Town bounced back from Saturday’s draw by demolishing newcomers Hertford Town at Hertingfordbury Park. Glenn Draper’s OG gave Town the lead eight minutes in, before Leon Ottley-Gooch put Ben Chenery’s side two-up at the break. After the break, Town piled on the goals with Ollie Cenfer (49’), Ryan Jolland (69’), and a late Ollie Hughes brace in the last eleven minutes sealed a big win for the visitors.
Maldon & Tiptree A – A AFC Sudbury
Venue: Park Drive Attendance: 143
This match was abandoned at half-time due to floodlight failure. The Yellows had taken the lead thanks to L’heureux Menga’s calm finish mid-way into the first half. Maldon levelled through Junior Ofelia-Uzokwe’s tap-in with ten minutes of the half remaining. However, the match was halted as the lighting became steadily worse and this match will be replayed later in the season.
Mildenhall Town 0 – 1 Dereham Town
Venue: Recreation Way Attendance: 204
Dereham picked up another narrow win, this time at Recreation Way. The match was only settled with moments left as Jake Anema’s strike was the deciding goal that gave the Magpies their second win on the trot.
Potters Bar Town 2 – 1 Brentwood Town
Venue: Pakex Stadium Attendance: 130
Potters Bar fought back to claim an important win at the Pakex Stadium. Brentwood took the lead through Matt Price after 25 minutes. As half-time was approaching, the Scholars levelled thanks to Steve Brown’s goal. With five minutes remaining, Lee O’Leary pounced to give Steve Ringrose’s side their second win of the season.
Soham Town Rangers 4 – 1 Norwich Utd
Venue: Julius Martin Lane Attendance: 134
Soham recovered from the previous weekend’s loss to hand Norwich Utd their second straight loss. Soham led through Joe Carden’s goal eight minutes before the break. Two goals in the space of eight minutes after the break from Lewis Endacott (56’) and Marcus Hall’s penalty (64’) gave Robbie Mason’s side a comfortable cushion. The Planters pulled one back through Adam Hipperson though Soham’s Matt Allan scored a late fourth to give his side a good win.
Waltham Abbey 0 – 1 Aveley
Venue: Capershotts Attendance: 105
Aveley pulled off a narrow win at Capershotts. Tommy Spillane’s 21st-minute goal was enough to give the Millers the points & their first win of the campaign.
Wednesday 16th August Results
Grays Athletic 0 – 2 AFC Hornchurch
Venue: Parkside Attendance: 377
Hornchurch fought to a good win at Parkside. The Urchins led through Bradley Warner with 15 minutes to play. The visitors were awarded a penalty just four minutes later, which resulted in Grays’ Glenn Wilson being sent off. Unfortunately, forward Leon McKenzie had his penalty saved by Grays goalkeeper Lamar Johnson. Hornchurch did get a second goal however, as with moments remaining, George Purcell securing the points for their second win of the campaign.
Romford 1 – 5 Heybridge Swifts
Venue: Ship Lane Attendance: 127
Heybridge produced a superb performance to defeat ‘Boro at Ship Lane. The visitors went ahead on 21 minutes through Sam Bantick’s opener. Only four minutes later, Luke Callander doubled Swifts’ advantage. Just past the hour, Juan Luque made it three. Romford grabbed a goal back thanks to Jonathan Nzenga on 71 minutes. Late on, Heybridge inflicted further pain on the home side as Luque got his second ten minutes from the end and with the match in its final moments, Harrison Chatting added a fifth.
This match was Romford Manager Paul ‘Magic’ Martin’s 400th league match in charge of the side; many congratulations go to Paul for his long, successful reign in charge of the club, thus far.
This weekend, Bostik North clubs are involved in the FA Cup Prelim Round, the action in the league returns on Friday/Saturday 25th/26th August.