Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – ESL & Non-League Writer
Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Senior League preview of all seven ESL matches this weekend. Thanks for reading.
Essex Senior League
Friday 15th Nov
Woodford Town v Saffron Walden Town | Harlow Arena |
The Towners kick off the action on Friday night as they welcome Saffron Walden to the Harlow Arena. Ross Weare’s side won at Redbridge last Friday night though lost out to formidable Walthamstow at Wadham Lodge in midweek. I saw that match at Oakside and if they can reach that performance level, they can give Walden a tough night. Jason Maher’s side are still in decent nick, they drew at Walthamstow last weekend before edging a seven-goal thriller with Southend Manor in midweek. Walden have the fourth-best defence in the league at present though this is a hard one to call. Narrow away win for me.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2
Saturday 16th Nov
Enfield v Takeley | Woodside
The first of the Saturday fixtures sees Enfield battle Takeley at Woodside. The E’s lost out to Hashtag last weekend which made it three straight defeats for them. Takeley have also sprung into form with three straight wins following wins over Sporting Bengal Utd and Clapton in the past week. Have to go for an away triumph here, given the hosts’ defensive record.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2
Hadley v Ilford | Brickfield Lane |
The Foxes travel to Brickfield Lane to face Hadley, who still have a 100% at home record (from seven matches there). Hadley thumped Clapton last weekend and now average three goals a game in the League from 11 matches. Ilford lost out to St Margaretsbury at home last weekend and have also had a free weeken. Jonny Fowell’s new side will want to improve on their goal-scoring record this term as they look to claw their way away from the bottom three. That is a really tough ask here though, have to go with the stat book – home win.
Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 0
Sawbridgeworth Town v Cockfosters | Crofters |
Sawbo entertain in-form Cockfosters at Crofters. The hosts had a week off last weekend though were heavily beaten by Colney Heath in the Hertfordshire County Cup in midweek. Their last match in ESL-related competitions was in the Gordon Brasted Trophy ten days ago where they lost to a strong Hashtag Utd side. By contrast, Cockfosters are finding a groove as they won well at Southend Manor last weekend to make four matches without defeat now. The form book says this should be an away win, though you do also feel that Sawbridgeworth will get that first win soon.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 3
Stansted v Redbridge | Hargrave Park |
These two sides meet for the second time inside a week, at the same venue of Hargrave Park. The Airportmen edged out Hoddesdon last weekend before only just getting the better of the Motormen on penalties in the Gordon Brasted Trophy in midweek. Redbridge also lost out last weekend at home to Woodford in the League, though their away record is rather better thus far.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 1
Tower Hamlets v Walthamstow | Mile End |
Hamlets welcome unbeaten Walthamstow to Mile End. The hosts are in good form after a narrow win over West Essex last weekend made it four wins from their last five. Walthamstow were held by Saffron Walden last weekend in their top-of-the-table clash before getting the points in their clash with Woodford in midweek. The stats convey a simple message – this is the battle of the second-worst defence against the best defence in the league. I have a feeling it will not be that clear-cut though because ‘Stow need to win to keep pace with the top-two.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2
West Essex v Hashtag Utd | Mayesbrook Park
Finally this weekend, leaders Hashtag bring their array of stars to Mayesbrook Park to face an out-of-form West Essex. West haven’t won in four matches now whilst Hashtag got back to winning ways last weekend at home to Enfield. Jay Devereux’s side are now the leading scorers in the division and though West do not lack spirit whatsoever, I still feel that it is hard to go against an away win.
Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 3
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