Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
Hello and welcome to another of round-up articles, looking at this weekend’s weather-affected action in the Essex Senior League on Saturday 15th December.
Friday 14th December
Barkingside P – P Walthamstow (due to a frozen pitch)
Woodford Town P – P Southend Manor (due to problems associated with the Harlow Arena)
Saturday 15th December
Clapton P – P Hullbridge Sports (due to a unplayable surface)
Leyton Athletic 0 – 2 Hoddesdon Town | Kitchener Road | Att: 12
Hoddy emerged with the points from this battle at Kichener Road. Jack Lee gave the visitors the lead after just five minutes and that lead doubled on 28 minutes as Oliver Gnandi struck to consign Ath to another defeat which keeps them second-bottom. Hoddesdon stay in 8th place.
Redbridge 1 – 2 Sporting Bengal Utd | Oakside | Att: 32
I attended this match, and you can find my report here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2018/12/15/match-report-redbridge-1-2-sporting-bengal-esl-15-12-18/
Saffron Walden Town 3 – 5 Stansted | Catons Lane | Att: 251
Stansted won a pulsating encounter at Catons Lane. The Airportmen hit the ground running quickly as early goals from Callum Ibe [8′] and the returning Connor Hammond [17′] put them in a decent position. The Bloods are known for their own goal-scoring talents and club stalwart Spike Bell pulled a goal back on 20 minutes before an OG on 35 minutes brought the scores level. Ibe got his second of the afternoon two minutes into the second half though that lead barely lasted ten minutes before Lewis Francis smashed home a penalty on 58 minutes. Paul Pittuck & Marc Benterman’s team had the final say though as strikes by Jack Mitchell [65′] and debutant James Peagram [86′] saw the visitors back to the ESL summit.
For more on this match, check out my Non-League colleague Pete Dudley’s report here: pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2018/12/saffron-walden-town-3-stansted-5.html
Sawbridgeworth Town 2 – 0 Stanway Rovers | Crofters | Att: 41
Sawbo struck early in each half to claim the points over a out-of-form Stanway outfit. Recent signing Julien Lloyd broke the deadlock on six minutes before Lewis Deamer [49′] made it two on his return from a long injury lay-off. John Watters’ side kept going to continue their upturn in form which sees them up to ninth spot now. Stanway’s woes away from home continue as they stay 14th.
St Margaretsbury 1 – 2 Enfield | The Recreation Ground | Att: 27
Enfield produced a fine second-half comeback to overcome St Margs at the Rec. Charncey Dash got his name on the score-sheet again on eight minutes and you may have thought this would be another grey day for the E’s. Not so as bang on the hour mark, Dan Chambers levelled things before a rare strike by Matt Thoma with three minutes left sealed all three points and end their three-match winless run and rise three places to 15th. St Margs drop to 10th spot.
Tower Hamlets A – A llford | Mile End
The remorseless rain had an impact on this match as it was called off at half-time, with a new date to be determined.
West Essex 2 – 5 Takeley | Mayesbrook Park | Att: 18
Finally for this weekend, Takeley powered past the Stags to win their 9th match in their last ten. The hosts initially took the lead as Izzy Ogedu-Uzokwe struck on ten minutes. This stirred the visitors up and they were level eight minutes later through Mosope Oguntuga and ended the half well ahead thanks to a brace from Jason Todd [25′ & 40′[ with a strike by Alex Martin sandwiched in between with 35 on the watch. Cameron Gray made it 2 – 4 with seven minutes remaining though Todd completed his hat-trick from the spot with two minutes left. Marc Das’ side are now only a point behind leaders Stansted in 3rd, behind Hullbridge on goal difference. West drop to 11th.
For more on this match, you can catch fellow Non-League writer Scott Lanza’s report here: essexseniorleague.co.uk/takeley-make-it-ten-unbeaten/
That’s all from me, for more on all things ESL, check out essexseniorleague.co.uk
survivor16b 