Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Senior League preview. Also including the ties in the FA Vase this weekend involving three ESL sides. We have eight league matches this weekend.
Saturday 2nd November – ESL
Cockfosters v Hoddesdon Town | Chalk Lane
The ‘Fosters have their third home game in a row as they welcome Hoddesdon to Chalk Lane. The previous two home games they have won in different ways, against Sporting Bengal and West Essex respectively in the past week. Hoddesdon came back to form in a big way with a hugely important home triumph over Saffron Walden last weekend. Simon Riddle’s side then backed that up with progression in the Errington Cup in their midweek trip to Southend Manor. This could be another gritty encounter though my instinct says the Lilywhites will ultimately prevail.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2
Hadley v Woodford Town | Brickfield Lane
Hadley return to Brickfield Lane for a league encounter with inconsistent Woodford Town. The Bricks outshone Takeley last weekend at Station Road which made it four straight wins for Anthony Clark’s side. Woodford have been inactive this week because of circumstances beyond their control. Ross Weare’s side will have to be at their best to get the win here, though I have to say home win because of the hosts’ miserly defence.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1
Ilford v Enfield | Cricklefield
The Foxes welcome Enfield back to Cricklefield. These two sides met in the FA Vase in late August, when Matt Hanning’s side prevailed. The two sides had contrasting emotions in midweek as Ilford’s Errington Cup tie at Sporting Bengal was abandoned due to a serious head injury sustained during the match, while the E’s were heavily beaten at home to in-form Walthamstow. The question that floats in my mind is how much those respective events will affect each side here, going to head for a draw here.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2
Sawbridgeworth Town v Redbridge | Crofters
Sawbridgeworth entertain the Motormen at Crofters, as Lee Mackman’s team look to build on their first point of the campaign at St Margaretsbury last weekend. Redbridge have had a really contrasting week as they progessed in the Errington Cup with a comfortable win over Enfield, only to be humbled by Clapton in midweek, much to the ire of manager Micky Wetherall. You feel there will be a fierce response by the visitors here and again, Sawbo will need to defend well to deprive the likes of Gilchrist, Tombides & co goals here.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 3
Southend Manor v Clapton | Southchurch Park
Clapton visit Southchurch Park to face Southend Manor on the back of a fine win over Redbridge in midweek. Manor’s week has been unfortunate to say the least. A loss at home to Walthamstow last weekend in league action was followed by an exit from the Errington Cup at home to Hoddesdon in midweek. Ultimately, results meant that manager Michael Walther was dismissed after six weeks in charge, with Craig Watters taking charge of the first team.
This game could really go either way, though you also feel the Tons need to make the most of the good feeling they will have after that win in midweek.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2
Sporting Bengal Utd v Hashtag Utd | Mile End
Bengal welcome Hashtag in their third match in eight days. Imrul Gazi’s side were frustrated as they lost out in a nine-goal thriller at Cockfosters last weekend. Their Errington Cup tie with Ilford was abandoned due to injury to an opposition player though they will replay that match in midweek at Mile End. Hashtag overcame Clapton last weekend to make it ten league wins in succession and they wll take some stopping right now, that much is for sure.
Bengal have the craft and skill to pose a threat here though you suspect they will have to be at their best to dent the Tags imperious recent form.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 3
St Margaretsbury v Tower Hamlets | The Recreation Ground
St Mags face Hamlets at The Rec. Ray Bartlett & Tony Wild’s side were held late on by Sawbridgeworth last weekend though they have only lost one of their last eight league matches. Hamlets have won two of their last six after a narrow loss at home to Stansted last weekend. Even so, they cannot be underestimated. Home win for me, just.
Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1
West Essex v Takeley | Mayesbrook Park
West welcome Takeley to Mayesbrook. with both sides looking to put blips in recent matches behind them. The Stags lost out narrowly to Cockfosters in midweek while Takeley have suffered defeats to Hadley and Hashtag in the last week in League and Cup respectively. My instinct says it could be a narrow win or the visitors.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2
The FA Vase Second Round Proper (ESL Sides)
Saffron Walden Town v FC Clacton | Catons Lane
Stansted v Mildenhall Town | Hargrave Park
Walthamstow v AFC Uckfield Town | Wadham Lodge
survivor16b 