Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer
Hello and welcome to this weekend’s preview of Essex Senior League action on Non-League Day – Saturday 12 October, here on my blog. Also includes the fixtures for ESL sides in action in the FA Vase First Round Proper. Thanks for reading.
ESL Fixtures
Friday 11th October
Woodford Town v Clapton | Harlow Arena [3G] |
The weekend’s action starts with a new dawn for Town as they welcome Clapton to the Harlow Arena. Manager Dee Safer has moved upstairs to become Director of Football with the Towners’ aspirations of moving to Ashton’s in mind reportedly. Coach Ross Weare steps up to lead a new-look management team. On-the-pitch, Town have been inconsistent so far this term with four wins from their eight games. They have also had a break from action recently while Clapton have had a poor last two games, with heavy losses to Saffron Walden and Cockfosters. On paper, you would favour a home win though Woodford need to tighten up defensively I feel.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1
Saturday 12th October
Cockfosters v Redbridge | Chalk Lane |
Redbridge have a third straight away game, this time travelling to Chalk Lane to face Cockfosters. The ‘Fosters have had an entertaining last couple of matches with a big win over Clapton last weekend followed by a narrow loss to Hashtag in midweek. Redbridge won at Southend Manor last weekend before seeing their midweek match at home to Hadley fall foul of the hefty rainfall. Although both sides are not finding wins easy to come by, both are scoring goals so don’t be surprised if this one is another goal-fest. Narrow away win for me given this is the hosts’ third match in eight days.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 3
Hoddesdon Town v Hashtag Utd | Lowfield |
Hoddesdon entertain fellow high-flyers Hashtag at Lowfield. Both sides are in prime form, with the Lilywhites being held by local rivals St Margaretsbury in a high-scoring draw last weekend. Hashtag followed up a weekend at Stansted last weekend with a narrow win at home to Cockfosters on Wednesday night to make it seven straight wins in the league. Former East Thurrock Utd & Aveley assistant Joe Keith has also joined the club to link up once again with manager Jay Devereux.
This is a tough one to call given Hoddesdon’s defensive record and the form of the Tags’ front-men. Yup, you guessed it – I’m going to plump for a draw.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2
Sawbridgeworth Town v West Essex | Crofters |
Sawbridgeworth welcome free-scoring West Essex to Crofters, with that first win foremost in their thoughts. Sawbo fell to a frustrating loss at Enfield last weekend to extend their winless run. By contrast, West have had a fine week, with a comeback win at Sporting Bengal last weekend followed by a home triumph over Stansted in midweek. The Stags may find this trip tricky though if they can maintain their recent consistency, they can grab another three points.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 3
Southend Manor v Tower Hamlets | Southchurch Park |
Manor welcome Hamlets to Southchurch Park, on the back of a mixed week. They lost out to Redbridge last weekend before going to Takeley and bringing back a respectable point in midweek. Ironically, Hamlets last match was a home loss to Takeley which made it four straight league defeats for the Mile End-based side. Despite this indifferent form, Manor will need to play well to overcome the rapid, youthful visitors.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1
Sporting Bengal Utd v St Margaretsbury | Mile End Stadium
Finally in the league this weekend, the other Mile End side Sporting Bengal face St Margaretsbury for the second time in ten days after St Margs penalty shoot-out win in the Gordon Brasted Trophy recently. Bengal’s recent form must be frustrating for manager Imrul Gazi, with a loss in their last match at home to West Essex. St Mags held Hoddesdon last weekend before succumbing to Walthamstow in midweek in what was a rare game without scoring. Think this one will be another high-scoring affair.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 2
The FA Vase First Round Proper (Fixtures – ESL sides) –
Friday 11th October
Biggleswade v Saffron Walden Town
Saturday 12th October
Broadfields Utd v Walthamstow
Hadley v Milton Keynes Robins
Harborough Town v Enfield
Stansted v Aylesbury Vale Dynamos
Wellingborough Town v Takeley
survivor16b 