Written by Scott W
This weekend, there’s two FA Vase 3rd Rd ties involving ESL sides plus a reduced ESL programme. I’m solo again this week so here are my thoughts on the weekend’s matches:-
Saturday 2nd December
The FA Vase Third Round
Great Wakering Rovers v Cogenhoe Utd | Venue: Burroughs Park
Scott: Wakering welcome United Counties League Premier side Cogenhoe to Burroughs Park. The hosts have had a mixed week with a league win at Barkingside & a Gordon Brasted Trophy defeat by Hullbridge in midweek. Their league form is very good though, and Cogenhoe are mid-table in their division. I reckon Wakering will get the job done as they did ‘shuffle their pack’ a bit squad-wise in midweek.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1
Hullbridge Sports v Enfield 1893 | Venue: Lower Road
Scott: Also in the FA Vase on Saturday, Enfield travel to Hullbridge in an all-ESL tie at Lower Road. The new-look hosts have had a good week with a league win at Southend Manor last Saturday and that cup win at Wakering in midweek Their opponents have had a mixed one, comprised of a heavy home loss to FC Romania last weekend though came back to get a draw with Bengal on Monday night. Both sides will be up for this encounter though I have a feeling there will be goals in it too, given both sides’ defensive records this term. Hullbridge might just edge it though it really could go either way.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 2
Essex Senior League
FC Romania v Woodford Town | Venue: Theobalds Lane
Scott: Woodford are the visitors to Theobalds Lane as they take on in-form FCR. The hosts picked up a big win at Enfield last time out, while Town lost out at home to Wadham. Dee Safer’s side have lost five out of their last seven league matches though shouldn’t be under-estimated here. That said, I still reckon FCR will prevail.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1
Ilford v Burnham Ramblers | Venue: Cricklefield
Scott: Ilford take on Burnham at Cricklefield. The Foxes have had a mixed last week, getting a point at Clapton though exited the Errington Challenge Cup at Sawbridgeworth in midweek. League-wise, they’ve won three of their last eight matches. Burnham have had a good week with league wins at Stansted and Wadham which ended a barren ESL run. Really tough one to call this as both sides could do with the points, therefore it might end all-square.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 1
Sporting Bengal Utd v Hackney Wick | Venue: Mile End Stadium
Scott: Bengal welcome near-neighbours Wick to Mile End. The hosts have had a good week with a win over West Essex last weekend and a draw at Enfield on Monday night. Wick lost out to Hamlets last weekend though do have a better record away from home so far this term. Also, Wick appointed ex-Brentwood & Woodford boss Tony Ievoli this week and as ever, you can’t discount the ‘new manager’ effect. I’m going to plump for a narrow home win.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1
Takeley v Southend Manor | Venue: Station Road
Scott: Takeley welcome Manor to Station Road. The hosts lost their long unbeaten stretch last weekend at Waltham Forest while Manor lost out to Hullbridge last Saturday and then exited the Essex Senior Cup at Harlow in midweek. The hosts will know that they have two games in hand on leaders Redbridge though they are under a bit of pressure to win those matches given the leaders’ excellent recent league run. I do reckon they will emerge with the points here.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 0
Waltham Forest v Tower Hamlets | Venue: Kitchener Road
Scott: Forest welcome Hamlets to Kitchener Road. The home side have are unbeaten in three league matches now following a surprise win over Takeley last weekend. Hamlets have won three & lost three in their last six outings though sit 7th in the table currently. They face a tough test here as Waltham seek to continue their mini-revival. The hosts will have to keep the likes of Curtis Pond quiet though so I’m going to plump for a score draw here.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2
West Essex v Barkingside | Venue: Mayesbrook Park
Scott: ‘Side travel to Mayesbrook Park in this battle of two out-of-form sides. The Stags lost out to Bengal last weekend and have won two of their last eight league matches. Their opponents are on a poor run themselves with just a single win in their last eight ESL matches, though they did get pipped late on at Clapton in midweek. I have a feeling both sides may ‘throw caution to the wind’ here and therefore this could be an exciting encounter. Hard to seperate them though so I’ll go with a draw.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2
If you would like to see more of the vast ‘back catalogue’ of Peter’s work including ESL round-up’s & Match reports then follow him on Twitter – @ped1980 and on his website at http://www.leaguewebsite.co.uk/unofficialesl/
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