Hello and welcome to this week’s Preview piece looking at the five Essex Senior League matches, plus a listing of the Essex Senior & Eastern Senior South sides involved in The FA Vase weekend, plus fixtures in the Eastern Senior League South for Friday 13th September – Sunday 15th September
Essex Senior League
Friday 13th Sept – Woodford Town v Southend Manor | Harlow Arena
The first of the weekend’s league action starts here with this battle at the Harlow Arena as Manor travel to face Woodford. Despite having a number of players unavailable, Woodford battled hard before losing out to West Essex last weekend. On-the-pitch, Manor have been inactive though off-it, it has not been quite so quiet, after news emerged of chairman Jerry Omango appointing himself as the club’s new manager, with support from the coaching staff. Difficult to gauge this one as Manor will need to keep the same core group of players that started the season in my opinion to do alright. Wins have not been too far from Town’s grasp of late and they may get one here.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1
Saturday 14th Sept
Hadley v Sawbridgeworth Town | Brickfield Lane
The Bricks welcome Sawbridgeworth to Brickfield Lane. Anthony Clark’s side are certainly in the midst of a ‘bubble’, particularly at home after a win over Arlesey Town in the First Round Qualifying of the FA Cup last weekend. They are unbeaten at home in the league thus far as well though they do face a busy ten days ahead with Cup action, in the Gordon Brasted Trophy and back in the FA Cup. Sawbo have been improving in some ways, just not in results terms recently as they lost out narrowly to Hashtag Utd last weekend, having led earlier in the match. Hard to go against a home win though it may be a tight one.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1
Hoddesdon Town v Clapton | Lowfield
Hoddesdon welcome Clapton to Lowfield. The hosts had a free weekend last time out and will want to get their league campaign rolling here, while the Tons had another disappointing defeat last weekend at Ilford. This will be a tough match for the visitors and I would head for a win for the hosts here.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 0
Sporting Bengal Utd v Ilford | Mile End
Bengal entertain an Ilford side that has seen a mini-renaissance of sorts recently. The Foxes comfortably defeated Clapton last weekend to put them up into the top half with two wins from their opening six matches. Bengal played their part in a terrific match for the neutral with a high-scoring draw at Enfield last time out and are only one spot below their opposition in 10th spot, with only goal difference separating them. This is Imrul Gazi’s first home league match this term so that may their side a lift. Draw for me.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2
Stansted v Cockfosters | Hargrave Park
Finally in the ESL this weekend, Stansted welcome Cockfosters to Hargrave Park. Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ team were held at home by St Margaretsbury last weekend before defeating Eastern Senior South side Benfleet in the Essex Senior Cup in midweek. The ‘Fosters defeated Tower Hamlets last weekend and have only lost once in the league, at Takeley on the opening day. This will be another intriguing battle, though the Airportmen’s steely defence may give them the edge here.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1
The FA Vase – Second Qualifying Round (ESL & EaSL sides)
Friday 13th Sept – New Salamis v Tower Hamlets | Queen Elizabeth II Stadium
Saturday 14th September
Enfield v Enfield Borough | Woodside
FC Broxbourne Borough v Wivenhoe Town | Goffs Lane
FC Clacton v Redbridge | Rush Green Bowl
Frenford v Hashtag Utd | Len Salmon Stadium [3G]
Langford v Hackney Wick
Lopes Tavares v Catholic Utd | Terence MacMillan Stadium
Takeley v Wormley Rovers | Station Road
West Essex v Brantham Athletic | Mayesbrook Park
White Ensign v Newbury Forest | Burroughs Park
Whitton Utd v St Margaretsbury | King George V Playing Field
Sun 15 Sept – Coggeshall Utd v Long Melford | West Street
And.. Eastern Senior League South (Sat 14 Sept)
Barkingside v Brightlingsea Regent Res | Cricklefield
Benfleet v Little Oakley | Park Lane
Burnham Ramblers v Holland | Leslie Field
Harwich & Parkeston v Halstead Town | Royal Oak
survivor16b 