Essex Olympian League – Senior Division Two
Venue: Garon Park
2019 – 20 Season: Match 22
Saturday 24th August 2019 – 2.30pm KO
Old S Res: Green Shirts, Black Shorts, Green Socks
Epping: White Shirts, Black Shorts, Red Socks
Epping comfortably defeat OS Ressies at Garon Park
Old Southendian Reserves 0 – 5 Epping Town
Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
Another rare weekend off from Essex Senior action saw me travel to Garon Park to see Old Southendian Reserves face Epping Town in Senior Division Two of the Essex Olympian League. The hosts won Division Three last season while their opposition and strengthened again since they were promoted two divisions, along with Corinthians up to Div Two for this term. OS Ressies’ were missing the likes of David Stubbs, Greg Molford and Oliver Tatton-Bennett though still named Andy Turner and Harry Da Costa as their front two. Tom Judge was the anchor at the back for Ben Manley’s side, with George Dugdale continuing in goal. For Epping, their strong squad saw a bit of rotation with the likes of Remi Nelson, Billy Rees and Patrick Duggan all unavailable though could still field at least five players that have played higher in the Non-League pyramid prior to joining the club. The back four was comprised of Jack Sawyer, Bradley Gayer, skipper Glen Warwick and William Weightman, with Alex Paraskeva leading the attack.
The hosts had a let off only two minutes into this one, as a powerful header by Epping forward Taner Dagyaran thundered back off the underside of the crossbar. The visitors didn’t have to wait long to break the deadlock as on seven minutes, left-back Bradley Gayer’s floated free-kick deceived the hosts’ backline, along with a dummy run by midfielder Tommie Turner which distracted them enough for Gayer’s effort to nestle into the corner. Old Southendian’s second-side did respond as following a telling run down the right by full-back Thomas Margerison which led to a throw-in, towering centre-back Tom Judge headed off-target. The searing heat was not doing either side any favours, though the Greens did force a decent save from Town goalkeeper Trevor Grace, whose one-handed save did scupper a rebound chance.
For the next phase of the half, the home defence were up for the challenge of stifling a quick and skilful Epping forward line. On 32 minutes, another searching long pass by creative midfielder Joey May found Dagyaran though OS full-back Jack Pagett denied him a strike at George Dugdale’s goal. Much to their credit, OS Reserves did finish the half strongly, with forward Andy Turner leading the line well with his pace and running. Seven minutes before the break, Peter Jelley’s cross was deflected wide by centre-back Thomas Adams and although Ben Manley’s side had their share of the ball at this point, they couldn’t quite carve out the chances to isolate visiting ‘keeper Grace.
Half-Time: Old Southendian Res 0 – 1 Epping Town
The second half certainly didn’t disappoint either as barely a minute in, Judge’s ball in for the hosts found forward Harry Da Costa, following some neat build-up though the forward could only strike wide. If Town were snoozing for that moment, they certainly raised it minutes later. Five minutes after the interval, their lead was doubled as centre-back Glen Warwick powered in at the near post to head home past a helpless Dugdale. In the ‘blink of an eye’, it was three as Tommie Turner’s low drive snuck in low to really put Billy Cove’s team in a commanding position. It could have been worse for the Greens as a sweet curling drive by forward Eben Rowledge was only denied by a fine save by Dugdale. Soon after, OS midfielder Luke Stillwell fired over with only Grace to beat. Finishing was proving to be the difference as Epping extended their lead still further just shy of the hour as after a super run from Dagyaran down the right flank, his cross found rapid forward Alex Paraskeva, who made no mistake from close range.
Into the last third of this match, and after Margerison had a header blocked for the hosts, the over-worked Dugdale again did well to deny another Dagyaran strike. In the latter stages, Turner struck wide wth Grace doing well to narrow down his angle at the near post before Epping rounded off a fine afternoon for them as Dugdale did superbly to deny Town twice before Paraskeva smashed home the rebound as OS could not clear their lines.
Full-Time: Old Southendian Res 0 – 5 Epping Town
In all fairness, OS Reserves showed no lack of heart & endeavour today, though they did lack that final ball and crucially as it turned out, finishing prowess. Even so, goalkeeper George Dugdale had a fine game and more than arguably reduced what could have been a ‘worse day at the office’. Centre-back Tom Judge, forward Andy Turner and full-back Thomas Margerison also stood out in my view today. Epping showed just why they are highly thought of and could well be up there this term. They just had that added bit of craft and creativity in their play. Forward Taner Dagyaran had a really good game, with forward Alex Paraskeva, full-back Bradley Gayer and midfielder Joey May all also making telling contributions to the cause.
Finally, I’d like to first say thank you to ‘Old Boys’ manager Ben Manley for the welcome, on behalf of the club. It was also great to catch up with the one-off that is Epping boss Billy Cove today. Best wishes to both sides for the rest of the season.
Teams
Old Southendian Res | Manager: Ben Manley
Starting XI: George Dugdale (GK), Thomas Margerison, Jack Pagett, Greg Smith (Capt), Thomas Adams, Tom Judge, Luke Stillwell, Daniel Dowd, Harry Da Costa, Andy Turner, Peter Jelley
Booked: Margerison | Subs On: Kieron Judd | Subs Unused: Manley, Warrington
Epping Town | Manager: Billy Cove
Starting XI: Trevor Grace (GK), Jack Sawyer, Bradley Gayer, Glen Warwick (Capt), William Weightman, Tommie Turner, Joe Thomas, Joey May, Eben Rowledge, Alex Paraskeva, Taner Dagyaran
Goal-scorers: Bradley Gayer [7’], Glen Warwick [50’], Tommie Turner [51’], Alex Paraskeva [59’ & 87’]
Subs On: Ryan Folan, David Watson | Subs Not Used: Molloy (GK)
Referee: Mark Irvine
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