Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) – ESL Writer & Grassroots Football Show Contributor
Hello all and welcome to an extended preview piece looking at the two Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy ties this weekend, plus a wealth of FA Cup Preliminary Round matches involving Essex Senior League sides. We’ll also be listing the remaining Eastern Senior League South fixtures as well this weekend.
Enjoy your weekend whoever you are watching. Thanks for reading. Love Non-League!
Gordon Brasted Trophy Saturday 24rd August – 3pm KO
Clapton v Sporting Bengal Utd | Moved to Oakside (Redbridge FC)
The Tons face Sporting Bengal for the second time this month, in a match again moved to Oakside in the Gordon Brasted Trophy First Round. Glen Kendall’s team won on that occasion in the league though have been inactive in terms of competitive action due to continuing off-field issues. Bengal by contrast have had a mixed week with defeat at Hadley last weekend being followed by a hard-fought win at Sawbridgeworth in midweek. I’m going go for a narrow away win here.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2
Ilford v Southend Manor | Cricklefield
The other tie in the GBT this weekend sees the Foxes welcome Manor to Cricklefield. You would believe that both of these teams would like a cup run this term, though the Foxes will have to rally after a hard-fought win over Tower Hamlets in midweek. Manor have had a week off and that may hold them in good stead here. My gut instinct says that Manor have more momentum with them at this stage of the season and therefore they will be the side to progress.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2
The FA Cup Prelim Round – Sat 24 August
Cockfosters v Coggeshall Town | Chalk Lane
The first of our featured FA Cup ties sees the ESL’s Cockfosters welcome Isthmian North side Coggeshall to Chalk Lane. The hosts have certainly not been goal-shy, scoring eight goals in their four league matches to date. That said, they have also conceded as many goals too so you feel they will have to raise their game defensively to increase their chances of an upset against a side unbeaten, albeit early in their league campaign.
I also feel it fitting to mention that the hosts will want to put in a good performance in memory of long-serving player & secretary Graham Bint, who sadly passed away this week. My thoughts & respects to his family & all at Cockfosters FC.
Hadley v Hoddesdon Town | Brickfield Lane
It’s an all-ESL battle at Brickfield Lane as Hadley welcome local rivals Hoddesdon. Anthony Clark’s side beat Redbridge in the last round while Hoddesdon knocked out Brantham Athletic. The hosts are yet to lose at home in all competitions and that may prove to be the slight edge they need in what could be a tight battle. The Lilywhites defeated Ilford last weekend and are looking to continue their own good start to the season here.
Saffron Walden Town v Maldon & Tiptree | Catons Lane
Walden entertain Isthmian North side Maldon at Catons Lane. Jason Maher’s side knocked out Baldock Town in the last round before going on to defeat Takeley (away) and Stansted (home) in the last week. They will be another side who will fancy a run in the FA Cup though face a Maldon side who have scored five league goals already this term. This one could be a cracking encounter.
Takeley v White Ensign | Station Road
Ensign continue their maiden FA Cup voyage with a trip to ESL pace-setters Takeley, who knocked out Crawley Green in the last round. Ensign showed a lot of guts in their replay win over Woodford and they will need that to overpower Marc Das’ side here. Brett Munyard & Mark Healy’s side unsurprisingly rested a few in their Essex Senior Cup loss at home to Holland in midweek and this tie could be another stonker.
Tower Hamlets v Horsham | Mile End Stadium
Hamlets have a formidable task on their hands as they welcome Isthmian Premier Division (Step 3) side Horsham to Mile End. Damien Briggs’ side won well at Sawbridgeworth last weekend before succumbing to a late defeat at Ilford in midweek. Horsham won well at Enfield Town last weekend in their division and you’d be very surprised to see anything except an away win.. though the FA Cup does have its ‘magic dust’ and some could be sprinkled here…
Walthamstow v Great Wakering Rovers | Wadham Lodge Stadium
Finally in the Cup action, Isthmian North side Great Wakering travel to Wadham Lodge to face Walthamstow. ‘Stow defeated Stansted last weekend in the ESl while Wakering defeated Tilbury at Burroughs Park in the Isthmian North. If Steve Butterworth’s side are not on-song, they could get a bit of a ‘rude awakening’ here though six goals in their recent two league matches sets them up well. This one could be a battle though you would still expect the Step 4 visitors to triumph.
Eastern Senior League South Fixtures (23/24 August)
Friday 23 Aug: Brightlingsea Regent Res v Frenford | North Road
Sat 24 Aug: Benfleet v Lopes Tavares | Park Lane
Burnham Ramblers v Wivenhoe Town | Leslie Field
Coggeshall Utd v Newbury Forest | West Street
Holland v Leyton Athletic | Dulwich Road
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