Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & welcome to the another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 14 January, as the weekend’s action was again affected by the wintry weather.
EOFL Premier Division
In the top-tier, Leigh Ramblers have gone up to second spot after an incredible 7 – 2 victory at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Doubles for Andrew Webster and Tom Franks set Mark Hunter’s side on their way here, with further strikes by Justin Hazell, Matthew Brinklow & Jack Gardner securing a handsome win. Daryl Doolan & replacement Charlie Gilbert replied for Swifts but they are vulnerable having played several more games than the bottom two clubs currently (Springfield & Galleywood). The other result saw Canning Town rise to third after a 4 – 1 win at home to Springfield. Lewis Chapman netted for the visitors but Town got their 7th win this term.
EOFL Divisions One, Two & Four
Division One only saw one match beat the weather, as ACD Utd grabbed a 5 – 3 victory over Wakering Sports at Westlands. Shaun Goddard’s treble saw Michael Wade’s side in command, but goals from Harry Payne & substitute Jacob Dingli were needed to overhaul Paul Wines’ brace for Sports & one goal for Nathan Roche as well. ACD rose to fifth after this win.
Into Division Two now and the only match here saw Old Southendian Res edge to a 3 – 2 triumph over May & Baker at Garon Park 3G. Carl Patten & Darren Seymour netted for the visitors but goals for Nico Dubouchet, Oliver Tatton-Bennett & substitute Callum Ludlaim ensured the points went to Josh Bambury’s side – they now sit 7th in the table, seven points adrift of their opponents here.
It’s straight into Division Four, and Ongar Town got a valuable 2 – 1 success over Collier Row at Marks Hall Centre. Jude Collins nabbed both goals for the hosts here to send up to seventh spot. Row had a setback here, and they will need to amass as many points as possible from their six remaining games to stay in the promotion race. Herongate Athletic Res also drew 0 – 0 with Shenfield AFC Res, which temporarily lifts them up to third.
There was no action in Divisions Three & Five this week, due to postponements.
Cups
Now into the EOFL Senior Cup games, and Hutton breezed through into the next round thanks to a 5 – 1 win over Shenfield AFC, in this tie moved to New Lodge 3G. Connor Hammond struck two goals here for Matt Singh’s side, added to by Luke Ricketts, Joshua Seal & Kyle Linzell strikes. Co-manager Luke Williamson got the Shenfield reply but the Reds went through. Elsewhere, Toby progressed after defeating Harold Wood Athletic 2 – 1 on spot-kicks, following a battling 1 – 1 draw at the Nursery Sports Ground. Chris Rowland netted for Toby, with James Pottle scoring for Ath there.
The other tie saw Old Chelmsfordians overcome a scare at Division Two Wakebury. The OC’s won 4 – 1 on penalties, following a 3 – 3 draw at Cupid’s. Harry Kateley netted twice for the Berries here, with Will Wheeler notching the other goal for them.
One game in the Reserve Cup saw Wakrering Sports Res progress with a terrific 6 – 1 triumph over Collier Row Res on the Main pitch at Cupid’s. Adem Beji & Connor Fardyga both scored twice here for the hosts, with Steven Valente and Substitute Charlie Smith also finding the net for Sports.
In the Essex Junior Trophy, Manford Way Res went through after a 5 – 0 victory at Silver End Utd Res. George Green’s fine hat-trick was added to by two goals for prolific scorer Luke Bennett. But Basildon Town A are out after a 4 – 1 loss to Snaresbrook, leaders of Essex Alliance League Division Two.
survivor16b 