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 29 January. This week, the league action takes the central focus, with a number of matches also in several Cup competitions. This week’s round-up includes a section looking at EOFL Division Four, in addition to the top four tiers of league action & Results in the Cups.
Essex Olympian League Round-up – Saturday 29 January
EOFL Premier Division & Division One
In the top-tier, Shenfield AFC got another important victory as they won 2 – 1 at Galleywood. Charlie Heatley and Luke Williamson strikes were enough to give AFC the win which means they are ten points clear of the bottom two. Jamie Lockwood got a goal back for Galleywood though they still need points to move away from the bottom three. Leigh Ramblers also managed a vital victory, defeating Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 3 – 1 at Belfairs Park. Harry Bovington’s goal wasn’t enough to gain a point for Swifts, as the Rams rose one place to 12th.
At the summit, Hutton went into second spot with a fine 3 – 0 win at Old Southendian. Brad Freeman’s double and Tom Stephens’ goal was enough to keep Matt Singh’s side well in the title hunt. I attended this match & my report is here: Link: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/01/29/s21-22-match-report-old-southendian-0-3-hutton-sat-29-jan-eofl/
Meanwhile, Ongar Town lost ground as they were held 0 – 0 by an improving Springfield side at Lakeside Sports Ground. Richard Ponsford’s team are in fourth spot, three points adrift of leaders Basildon Town. Kelvedon Hatch are also moving into contention for a top four finish after a 2 – 0 triumph against Canning Town at New Hall. Joseph Newson and substitute Drew Klessa-Smith got the goals for Darren Hunt’s team as they moved seven points clear in fifth spot.
In Division One, leaders Runwell Sports took a big stride towards promotion with an important 5 – 1 win over Herongate Athletic at St Luke’s Park. Jimmy Cox and Charlie Little both netted doubles for Rob Hodgson’s side, with Gianni Frankis’ goal competing the scoring. George Doyle got the only goal for Herongate here but the win for Runwell means they lead by six points putting the onus on the chasing pack who do all have games in hand. Toby moved into second spot after a narrow 1 – 0 success at Leigh Town. Luis Ruiz got the only goal there, and Town need a couple of wins to avoid getting drawn into the bottom two.
Beacon Hill Rovers got a much-needed victory also, as they triumphed 3 – 1 at rivals Epping Town. Callum Turner got the only goal for Epping but they are in a similar position to Leigh with four teams in that battle to stay in the division. Also, Old Chelmsfordians defeated Chingford Athletic 2 – 0 at Town Mead to put themselves in a good position as one of five teams that could challenge the leaders for promotion.
EOFL Senior League Cup
Harold Hill 4 – 3 AS Rawreth | Noak Hill
Rayleigh Town 1 – 0 Wakering Sports | London Road
Essex Premier Cup – Quarter-Finals
Catholic Utd 2 – 1 Stanway Pegasus | Len Forge 3G
Clapton CFC 3 – 2 Manford Way | Held at Oakside
Sungate 5 – 3 Basildon Town (AET) | Ilford Wanderers RFC
EOFL Divisions Two & Three
Into the League action with the four games played in Division Two, and ACD Utd were held to a 3 – 3 draw at Westlands by improving Rayleigh Town Res. Even a brace from Michael Wade and one from Jacob Dingli was not enough to claim the points for Greg Knock’s side Wakebury are right there in the promotion running now after a 2 – 1 success at Shoebury Town. Harry Kateley netted both strikes for Matt Cardy’s side, which sees them strengthen their position in third & are four points behind leaders ACD Utd.
Hutton Res were also held at home, as they drew 3 – 3 with Old Southendian Res at Polo Fields. Thomas Adams, Oliver Tatton-Bennett and replacement Harry DaCosta all netted for Josh Bambury’s team as they maintained fourth spot but their advantage over their rivals is slim. Finally. Harold Wood Athletic Res edged an outstanding game to win 5 – 4 over Rochford Town at Robert Clack Sch 3G. Billy Spencer netted twice for the hosts, with Ben Rowe, Thomas Butler and Josh Portway all also on target for Steve Hubbard’s side. Rochford responded through a four-goal haul for club stalwart Freddie Pettitt but the Wood second-side go three points clear of Town after this win.
In Division Three, Pitsea Athletic went three points clear in fifth spot after a 2 – 1 triumph at Collier Row. Kwadwo Asante and Sean Devlin got the goals which meant Pitsea got their seventh win this term, while Row remain second bottom. Catholic Utd Res extended their lead to six points after a 6 – 1 victory over Buckhurst Hill U23 at St Thomas More Sch.
Meanwhile, Basildon Town Res look set for a top four finish after a 5 – 1 victory at Corinthians Res. Matthew Keiller got two goals here for Town, with Rhys Willson, Nicholas Bowers and Sam Marsh also netting to overpower a solitary goal for substitute Jacob Hudson for the Corinthians Ressie side. Town are ten points clear of Pitsea with both having only four league games left. Finally in this division, Wakering Sports Res maintained their chance of promotion with a 7 – 0 success over Hullbridge Sports Res at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga netted another fine treble to pass 20 league goals this term, with Scott Clark notching twice and Ciaran Sweeney also on target.
EOFL Reserve League Cup Results
Old Chelmsfordians Res 2 – 0 Runwell Sports Res | Lawford Lane
Wakebury Res 3 – 2 Sungate Dev | Nursery Sports Ground
EOFL Reserve League Trophy – May & Baker A 2 – 1 Canning Town Res
EOFL Divisions Four & Five
In Division Four, Roydon got another fine win as they defeated Wakering Sports A 3 – 0 at home. Nader Benzid, Connor Riddoch and Connor Presland all were on the score-sheet as Roydon continue their aspiration to get promoted once again. Also, Shenfield AFC Res got a 3 – 1 triumph at Springfield Res, with Billy Calder netting twice and there was also a goal for Ben Cawood. Finally, Leytonstone Utd won 2 – 1 at Southend Manor Development, with Jack Mead notching the consolation goal for the Manor reserve side.
Division Five Results
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res H – W Old Barkabbeyans | Home Walkover
Collier Row Res 0 – 0 Leigh Ramblers Res | Forest Row Centre (Pitch 2)
Pitsea Athletic Res 1 – 2 Herongate Athletic Res | Basildon Sporting Village
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