Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
Hello and welcome to the first of a new season of weekend Essex Senior League round-up’s here on my blog. Below are the results from the opening weekend’s league action, beginning with the opening chapter on Friday night.
My thanks to ESL Publicity Officer Scott Lanza for his assistance in this piece. Enjoy.
Friday 3rd August
Woodford Town 4 – 1 Leyton Athletic | Venue: The Harlow Arena | Att: 65
The ESL got underway with this lively encounter on Friday night… here’s my report: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2018/08/04/match-report-woodford-town-4-1-leyton-ath-esl-3-8-18/
Saturday 4th August
Clapton 1 – 0 Tower Hamlets | Venue: Old Spotted Dog | Att: 74
Clapton came through a tight battle against Hamlets with all three points thanks to a injury-time winner from returning forward Jeff Cobblah. Hamlets may gain some confidence for the next few matches despite the result given the changes to their squad.
Hullbridge Sports 0 – 0 Barkingside | Venue: Lower Road | Att: 69
Both sides drew ablank in this encounter in front of a decent crowd at Lower Road. Hullbridge and Barkingside will look for better results in midweek ahead of the beginning of their FA Cup journeys next weekend.
Ilford 0 – 3 Stansted | Venue: Cricklefield | Att: 91
Stansted bested a new-look Ilford side at Cricklefield. New signing Carl Mullings came back to haunt his old club by grabbing a brace [31′ & 44′] before half-time. Sam West finished the scoring ten minutes from time on a good day for Paul Pittuck & Marc Benterman’s side. ‘Start as you mean to go on’ may be in their thoughts this week.
Redbridge 1 – 1 Saffron Walden Town | Venue: Oakside | Att: 85
Saffron Walden’s return to the ESL ended in a stalemate at Oakside. Ex-Barkingside forward Charlie Portway’s penalty on 11 minutes got the Bloods going in this one, before new signing Michael Ogboin levelled for the Motormen just nine minutes later to complete the scoring.
It will be interesting to see where both these sides are in the latter stages of the season.
Southend Manor 2 – 0 Enfield 1893 | Venue: Southchurch Park | Att: 60
Manor won their opening day encounter at Southchurch Park. Second-half strikes from Alfie Lindfield [72′] and substitute Charlie Burns on the cusp of full-time sealed a good victory for Adam Peek’s side ahead of their midweek home match v Hullbridge on Wednesday.
Stanway Rovers 1 – 5 Takeley | Venue: Hawthorns | Att: 88
Takeley made it a miserable afternoon for Stanway in what was the latter’s debut match back in the division. Marc Das’ fancied side were three-up at the interval through goals from winger Mitchell Das [15′], forward Stuart Zanone [36′] and full-back Bryn Thorpe [42′]. Rovers pulled one back 13 minutes after the break through Romario Dunne though Zanone completed a first-day hat-trick [62′ & 81′] to really get the visitors’ campaign off to a strong start.
Walthamstow 2 – 2 Hoddesdon Town | Venue: Kitchener Road | Att: 63
Walthamstow kicked off their new era being held by new-boys Hoddesdon. Things started well for ‘Stow as double-ESL promotion winner James Peagram struck on the quarter-hour. That lead only lasted five minutes though before Scott Hayes restored parity for the visitors.
Indeed, Town went ahead as Hayes got his second of the afternoon three minutes from half-time to make player-manager Ryan Maxwell’s team-talk more interesting. That said, ‘Stow’s firepower is something to behold this term and Christian Owusu’s goal secured a point on 62 minutes and it ended honours-even.
West Essex 2 – 3 Sawbridgeworth Town | Venue: Mayesbrook Park | Att: 32
This was the match I attended on the day and you’ll find my report on a blistering encounter here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2018/08/04/match-report-west-essex-2-3-sawbridgeworth-esl-4-8-18/
That’s all for this week, next weekend the FA Cup begins its path for the new season involving ESL clubs. Thanks for reading and have a good week.
survivor16b 