Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 23 October. This week, the central focus on the League action returns, with this round-up focusing on the top three divisions (Division Three is now updated), with results from Division Four & Five. Many thanks for reading.
Image is an Archive one from Rochford Town v Wakebury earlier this month, by Scott W.
EOFL Premier Division
In the Premier Division, Catholic Utd got the result of the day as they won 5 – 0 at Kelvedon Hatch, with Aaron Baldwin returning to form with a double. Jay Nash, James Warder and Michael Sammut also netted for Simon Thomas’ side on a memorable day for them. Hutton also got an important three points as they defeated Shenfield AFC 3 – 1, with strikes by Brad Freeman, Will Marlowe and substitute Sean O’Callaghan sending Matt Singh’s team on the way to a fine win and remain third. Marc Holland responded for the visitors there. Rayleigh Town also got another win, as they won 3 – 0 against Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at London Road. Jack Long, Liam Oliver and George Vile all scored for Paul Higgins’ team.
Basildon Town also emerged from a hard-fought match with Harold Wood Athletic at Gardiners Close with a 2 – 1 victory and remain just one point adrift of the summit. Graham Harrison netted again to continue his fine season, with replacement Rhys Fatt also on target to overturn Freddy Shepherd’s strike for ‘Wood. In other action, OId Southendian continued their decent season with a 2 – 1 success at home to Galleywood. Matthew Buckingham struck for the visitors there. Ongar Town also won, 2 – 0 at Springfield to spoil Francesco Zabotti’s first match in charge for the hosts and Sungate secured a 4 – 2 triumph at home to Leigh Ramblers.
EOFL Division One
There were a couple of surprising results in Division One. First, leaders Wakering Sports travelled to Newbury Park in East London to face Toby. It ended up being a good day for Toby as they won 2 – 1, with Albert Perry and a Rhys Willson spot-kick enough to earn a big win and hamper the visitors’ superb start to the campaign. Charlie Smith had levelled for Sports earlier in the game. There was also an important win for Corinthians, who won 2 – 1 at Leigh Town thanks to strikes by Bailey Moss and Connor Summerhill.
Meanwhile at Billericay Road, the points were shared as Herongate Athletic drew 3 – 3 with Epping Town in a fine match. Mark Argent, Ray Snares and Ben Clarke all struck for Billy Cove’s side, but a double for Joe Rickett and one from Andrew Smith was enough to claim a decent point for Stuart Hoskins’ side. Elsewhere in other action, Old Chelmsfordians had Charlie Portway to thank for both goals as they claimed a 2 – 1 victory at home to Runwell Sports, who replied through player-boss Rob Hogdson. Finally, Chingford Athletic narrowly defeated Snaresbrook 1 – 0.
EOFL Division Two
In Division Two, ACD Utd went back to the top of the table on goal difference after a fine 4 – 2 win over Shoebury Town at Westlands. Michael Wade notched another brace here, with Shaun Goddard and Samuel Payne also on target for Greg Knock’s side. Callum Merenda and Steven Sharpe netted goals in response for Garry Johnson’s side but they fell to a third league loss this term. Nearest challengers Harold Hill were held to a 2 – 2 draw by Hutton Res at Noak Hill, with Jack Shaw netting both goals for the visitors there. Hill responded through a brace from Peter Tyler but are now joint-top. Old Southendian Res grabbed a decent 2 – 0 triumph at Harold Wood Athletic Res.
May & Baker A continued to make strides in this division as they defeated AS Rawreth 4 – 2. Alagi Juwara, Rowan Newland, Matthew Ball and Ryan Mugera all scored for Matt Guidera & Steve Hogg’s side as they earned a fourth league win this season. Rochford Town also emerged with a fine win, as they edged a nine-goal thriller, as they won 5 – 4 against Rayleigh Town Res at the Rec. Harry Ford netted twice for Jim Cooper’s side, with Owen Pedder, Musa Kamba and Freddie Pettitt all adding important goals to get a rare win this season for Rochford. Finally, Manford Way got a 2 – 1 win at Wakebury, with Max Hall again scoring for Matt Cardy’s side.
EOFL Division Three
In Division Three, Wakering Sports Res kept the gap to leaders Catholic Utd Res to six points after a 4 – 1 win over Leigh Town Res at Cupid’s. Liam O’Callaghan netted for Town but a double for Connor Fardyga and strikes by Scott Clark and David Watson were enough to claim the win. Catholic’s own Ressie side won 9 – 3 at home to Toby Res.
Hashtag Utd Development remain third after a 4 – 0 win against Collier Row, with Samuel Pratt scoring twice, with Kai Warren & Alex Warren also on target at Barleylands. Meanwhile, Basildon Town Res won 2 – 1 at Pitsea Athletic, thanks to strikes by Conor Mead and replacement Keith King. Finally, Corinthians Res got a 1 – 0 success at home to Hullbridge Sports Res, with Isaac Bello getting the only goal.
EOFL Division Four
Galleywood Res 1 – 4 Shenfield AFC Res | Clarkes Field
Leytonstone Utd 1 – 4 Chingford Athletic Res | Forest Row Centre
Ongar Town Res 2 – 0 Springfield Res | Melbourne Park 3G
Southend Manor Dev. 1 – 1 Canning Town Res | Southchurch Park
Wakering Sports A 3 – 3 Sungate Dev. | Cupid’s CC (Pitch 2)
EOFL Division Five
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 3 – 2 Pitsea Athletic Res | Silver Leys
Epping Town Res 2 – 2 Collier Row Res | Epping UC Rugby Club
Leigh Ramblers Res 4 – 4 Old Barkabbeyans | Belfairs Park
Runwell Sports Res H – W AS Rawreth Res
Snaresbrook Res 2 – 2 Herongate Athletic Res | Nutter Field
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