Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & welcome to this weekend’s round-up from the action in the Essex Olympian League. This week on Saturday 10 December, we look at the action in all divisions, the weekend’s ‘big freeze’ heavily reduced the amount of fixtures played. Even so, some teams earned big wins in their respective divisions.
EOFL Premier Division, Divisions One & Two
In the top-tier this week, the only game that survived the freeze was at Garon Park 3G, where Rayleigh Town grabbed a late winner to win 2 – 1 at Old Southendian, in the match I attended this weekend. Goals from Jack Long & William Vile ensured Paul Higgins’ side went back up to second, eleven points adrift of leaders Hutton. Connor Burrows’ fine strike on the hour had given Altar Ali’s side the lead but they remain in sixth. If you’d like more on this game, my report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/12/11/s22-23-match-report-old-southendian-1-2-rayleigh-town-sat-10-dec-eofl/
In Division One, the only surviving game was at Cupid’s (Main pitch) where Corinthians secured a 3 – 1 victory over Wakering Sports. Bailey Moss netted twice to reach 14 league goals this term, with Max Jones netting the other goal as the Stambridge-based side when within one point of second-placed Epping Town. Luke Winter got the goal for Sports but they remain bottom, without a point, with ten matches remaining this term.
In Division Two, Catholic Utd Res gained a useful three points as they overwlmed Old Southendian Res 7 – 1 at St Thomas More Sch. Franklin Craik netted four goals here himself, with Dominic O’Kane, Daniel Williams & substitute Thomas Kearney adding one each to add to the visitors’ pain. The win takes the Utd second-side up to seventh, while the OS side remain bottom, with Hutton Res only above them on goal difference.
EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five
In the fourth-tier, Buckhurst Hill U23 put in a superb performance to win 8 – 1 over Toby Res at Roding Lane. Harvey Woods struck four goals here to raise his goal-tally to nine league goals thus far, with substitute Jack Ferris netting twice. Charlie Cole & Eden Reyes alao netted for Darren Gosnell’s talented side. Jamie Sparkes’ consolation goal meant Toby had something to take from the game but they remain three p[oints adrift at the bottom.
Into Division Four now, and Collier Row had to fight hard to win 3 – 2 at Wakering Sports A. Freddie Donkor, Elliott Barrow & Benjamin Whomersley strikes were enough to claim the points & overhaul goals a double for James Loudon for the hosts. Row ‘s revival this term continues as they are now level on points with leaders Roydon, and are 11 points clear of nearest rivals Herongate Athletic Res, having played three games more.
Finally, there were two matches in Division Five. First, Manford Way Res increased their lead at the summit to five points after a 5 – 0 success over strugglers Sungate Res. Luke Bennett powered in another treble to reach 15 league goals (congrats to him) this term, with Rakim Janneh added the other two goals. The Sungate remain eighth of the now nine active sides (see news below).
In the other game, Collier Row Res went up to third after a convincing 6 – 1 triumph at home to Wakebury Res. First-half goals by Ryan Costello & Aloisio Dos Santos were added to by Harry Potts, Jordan Lee & substitutes Danny Gilley & George Coker after the break to ensure the win. Replacement Alfie Stone got the goal for the berries second-side, who drop to fifth spot.
Also, it was announced this week that Epping Town Res have become the latest side to withdraw from the league this term. Hopefully, they will return in due course.
End
survivor16b 