Guest Blog – Page 3 – survivor16b

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 11 – Sat 30 Oct) [EAL 21-22 1.11.21]

Emergency ‘keeper (& player-boss) Aaron Hunwicks pulls off good save for Spartans in Fenton Cup this weekend

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on an rain-affected day of action on Saturday 30 October. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Image by Chadwell Heath Spartans FC (@CH_SpartansFC)

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 30 October

FENTON CUP

Despite the incessant rainfall on Saturday morning, most football survived at the weekend with the day’s only Fenton Cup action seeing Chadwell Heath Spartans make the trip over to Hainault to take on Blue Marlin in first round action. A hard fought game saw Spartans edge through, winning 2 – 1 thanks to goals from Harry Amoah and Thomas Callagher.

FENTON TROPHY

There was also one Fenton Trophy tie too over the weekend as Royal Forest hosted FHN Athletic over at Roding Valley High School as the two sides fought for a place in round two. Tom Osmond is a regular feature on the Forest scoresheet and he scored four for his team which, combined with Joe Owers’ brace, was enough for Royal Forest to win the tie 6 – 2.

SENIOR DIVISION

It was a busy afternoon in the Senior Division which has new joint leaders after Woodford East moved top of the table following their solid home win, defeating CSM London 3 – 0 to go clear on goal difference. Adam Tabbani scored twice and Lucio Uare grabbed the other to keep them well in contention though the chasing teams do have a game in hand. One of those also well in contention is DTFC who trail by just goal difference on East and remain one of only two unbeaten sides in the division after they came through a tough test at home against Lymore Gardens. Jake Kissiedu and Billy Golledge goals proved the difference in the end to win the match 2 – 0, continuing their unbeaten run.

It was a good afternoon for Kit Out London who were made to work hard for their latest win with FC Baresi the visitors to Noak Hill, the sides starting level on points before the game. Mark Matthews and Hadi Osman both got on the Baresi scoresheet but three Kit Out goals from Amalraj Kakumanu, Alex Solomon and Yasin Zougui saw them take the points late on in a 3 – 2 victory. There were two big results at the other end of the table where Rapid Chingford picked up just their second league win of the campaign, edging a close game with relegation threatened Tower United, winning 2 – 1. Abubakar Maxamed’s goal had given Tower a chance in the game but the two Rapid goals saw them over the line, shifting them up to ninth place.

It was a similarly big result for Rapid’s rivals, Leyton Royal, who had a trip to Chigwell Town to contend with as the sides met over at Fairlop Oak. Mark Howe struck for Town but Royal goals from Muresan Razvan and Vlad Farcas were the difference to help their team record a narrow 2 – 1 win, their third success of the campaign.

PREMIER DIVISION

It was the battle of the top two sides in the Premier Division over the weekend with Frenford A making the trip to Castle Green to take on Dagenham United, both sides going into the game sporting unbeaten records. Shaquille Mathurin grabbed a United goal but his efforts proved in vain as Frenford recorded an important 4 – 2 win that saw them move nine points clear of the rest. It’s been a season of mixed successes for Eastside so far but they had a day to remember on Saturday with a huge win against All Prospects to move themselves clear of danger. Five goal performances from Joshua Duyile and Michael Morgan set the tone, Abid Haque and Ifeanyi Umeh netted twice each with Junior Mandeng-Fotabong and Johnathan Odutulu goals completing a 16 – 0 win.

Oakside moved up a number of places, taking advantage of results around them to gain territory on the sides above following an emphatic 5 – 0 home win against one of the other promotion chasing sides in the division, North East Lions. Mussa Jamanca scored twice while Freddie Anderson, Demi Elegushi and Luke Caston all struck to take ‘Side to the win. The division’s other fixture saw Athletic Newham Under 23s seeking to improve their indifferent start to the season as they were paid a visit by promotion chasing Wapping in East Ham. Athletic struck through Rodney Botuli and Christopher Barbosa goals but two Wapping efforts off the bench from debutant Josh Morris saw the game end level at 2 – 2.

DIVISION ONE

Division One has new leaders this week as Cowley Community made the most of others being out of action to move two points clear at the top, taking maximum points in a 3 – 0 home win against Renegade. Chris Wright, Michael Taylor and Lekan Bakare efforts took them to victory in Newbury Park, their fifth success of the season. There was also a shift up the table for RCXI who moved up to second as they came away victorious from their trip to Kwanzas London Sport, edging the game 3 – 2. Michael Temitayo scored twice and Ayo Matthews also netted to give their side an important win, taking their points tally to thirteen for the campaign.

DIVISION TWO

Division Two was a goal-fest at the weekend with some big scorelines with one of the most important results coming from Debden where tenth placed Loughton Lions had a tough looking game against Rainham Working Mens Club who had won every game this season. But football proved it can throw up a few surprises and the Lions roared to an incredible 4 – 0 win.

If that performance was miraculous enough, you’d go far to beat an incredible Ryan Under 23s comeback on Saturday which had seen them trail 6 – 2 to Redbridge Community with Akiljo Balliu (3), Frankie Francis (2) and Tevini French all striking for the visitors. But that wasn’t the end of the game by any means as a stirring fightback thanks to a four-goal haul by William Amoah plus one goal each for Ryan Washington, Luke Hillier and Leon Humphrey then win it for Ryan 7 – 6. Incredible.

With their rivals dropping points, Fairlop Rovers had the chance to give themselves a bit of daylight at the top and they duly obliged with a stunning win away at Old Esthameians, scoring nine in a 9 – 2 victory in Newbury Park. Jack Kibblewhite scored a hat-trick, Harry Oliver netted twice and one apiece from Logan Simmonds, Dylan Scutt, Harry Rouse and Bailey White finished things off. The remaining game in the division came from Loughton where Emerson & Upminster Reserves were the visitors to face Unitey, the sides locked on nine points each going into the game. Emerson will be pleased with their efforts on the day though as they came through 2 – 0 with goals from Ross Brabrooke and Reece Martin.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves are up to fifth in the table in Division Three as they closed the gap on sides above with a solid 7 – 3 home win against Flyers Under 23s. Robbie Osborne scored a hat-trick with further efforts from Kacper Kasprzycki, Alex Donkor and Mehdi Ahorbi. Two debut goals from Joshua Adu and an Ethan Sowonola effort accounted for the Flyers efforts in reply.

It was also a seven-goal day for ASA over at the Marshes where Terin were the visitors and looking to open their points account for the season. Miran Miran and Fahad Abdallah both got on the Terin scoresheet but an ASA hat-trick for Mithurn Vijayarajah, two from Atif Haider and singles from David Rigby and Irfan Bahadur made it a comfortable 7 – 2 win for their side. There was also victory for now sixth placed Melbourne Sports as they saw the visit of high-flying Buckhurst Way to Hainault on Saturday. The Mels were in fine form however and turned the tables on their head with a good performance to win 4 – 0, picking up a third league win and move to nine points in the process.

There was plenty of entertainment in the division’s remaining game where Glendale were the visitors to Lymore Gardens Reserves and led early through a Wesley Kangi strike. But Lymore battled hard and were 3 – 1 up at the break and well in control. A stirring fightback from the Dales earned a point however as Wesley Kangi struck again and Was Lawal’s close range effort finished it 3 – 3.

DIVISION FOUR

Chingford Harriers remain top of Division Four but have seen their lead cut in recent weeks, including a disappointing draw against strugglers Newham & Havering Borough on Saturday. Nick Shawyer struck twice and in-form Darlington Ojo once but three Borough goals led to this one finishing 3 – 3 in the end. It will feel like an important milestone for Flyers Under 21s who opened their points account for the season on Saturday with a terrific win against fourth placed West Essex Under 23s down at King George’s Park. They were 2 – 0 winners on the day to ensure they closed the gaps on the sides above, though they remain bottom for now.

The early season form for Sporting Pillars suggests they will be there or thereabouts by the end of the season and they maintained their unbeaten run in the league with a 2 – 0 win against Emerson & Upminster A. Emanuel Jacob scored twice off the bench for this side and proved the difference between the two teams in the end. Meanwhile, Dagenham United Reserves joined the six point club in Division Four as they record a second win of the season with a 2-0 home victory against Collier Row A, closing the gap on their opponents to just goal difference. Cain Dash and substitute Mamadou Soumare were the men on the scoresheet to complete United’s victory.

COUNTY CUP

It was a mostly disappointing afternoon the London Junior Cup although last year’s finalists, FC Petrocub, did continue their run in the competition with a win against their semi final opponents last season, Jolof Sports. Petrocub were 3 – 1 winners on Saturday to see them through into the next round. There was a narrow defeat for Together United who faced a trip to south London to take on Standard Ballers in a nine-goal thriller. That contest was edged by Ballers who netted late on to take a 5 – 4 win.

Fixtures – Saturday November 6th (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

CSM London v FC Petrocub | West Ham Community Ground 3G, Beckton

DT FC v Blue Marlin | Harlow Arena 3G

FC Baresi v Chigwell Town | Britannia Sports Ground

Jolof Sports v Leyton Royal | Flanders Playing Fields, East Ham

Kit Out London v Woodford East | Noak Hill 3G

Rapid Chingford v Lymore Gardens | Lakeside Spts Grd (2.30pm KO)

Tower Utd v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Mabley Green 3G

EAL Premier Division

All Prospects v London Park City | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

London Cranes v Eastside | Flanders Playing Fields

North East Lions v Athletic Newham U23 | Peter May Centre

Wapping v Oakside | Victoria Park, E9

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 10 – Sat 23 Oct) [EAL 21-22 25.10.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on Saturday 23 October. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 23 October

FENTON CUP

It was a busy cup weekend in the Essex Alliance League on Saturday with the Fenton Cup and Trophy taking centre stage and, although there were no big cup shocks, some near misses did occur. Unbeaten Senior Division side, Jolof Sports, almost endured a big shock as Ilford Reserves from Division One held them to a 2 – 2 draw through Rhys Clements and Seghei Scupoi efforts. But Jolof held their nerve in the shootout to win 3 – 0.

There was a similarly close game over in Hackney where Division One’s Renegade were facing Senior opposition in the shape of Tower United. The game saw a five goal thriller with Tower edging through into the second round with a 3 – 2 win. Bashir Ali scored a hat-trick and proved the match winner on the day.

Another Division One side, Kwanzas London Sport, were also facing up to a two division deficit as they travelled to Lakeside to take on another Senior Division side in the shape of Rapid Chingford. It was the higher ranked side who prevailed from the tie, winning 5 – 2 to take their spot in round two of the competition.

Oakside were the highest scorers of the day as they faced fellow Premier Division side, All Prospects, over at Fairlop Oak. ‘Side were in fine form in front of goal with Luke Caston striking five goals, Darnyl Stanley scored a hat-trick, Mussa Jamanca scored twice and one apiece from Jack Swaby, Demi Elegushi, Kieren Huddart and Sam Blackholly confirmed a thumping 14 – 0 win.

Leyton Royal were also in goal scoring form on Saturday facing up to third tier opposition in Hainault with Forest Green the visitors to Fairlop Oak seeking to cause a surprise. But Royal were too clinical on the day with Bogdan Toana and George Mirea scoring twice and singles from Florin Porceanu, Vlad Farcas, Tamer-Andrei Bogdan and Marian Nedelea completing an 8 – 1 victory.

Premier Division leaders, Frenford A, are into the hat for the second round themselves, extending their great start into the cup competitions with a hard fought victory at home against Wapping in Ilford. Kingsley Morris netted for Wapping but Frenford goals from Isima Iguisi and Adam Andrade were the difference for the hosts who won it 2 – 1.

FC Baresi were in Preliminary Round action on Saturday with a tough looking tie ahead of them against one of the Premier Division high-flyers, North East Lions, in the Crooked Billet derby match. The Senior Division side made no mistake however and were comfortable 3 – 0 victors on the day as Tyreece Robinson continued his form with two more goals and Abdirahman Sabriye netted also.

Also in First Round action were Woodford East who comfortably defeated Chigwell Town 7 – 2 at Hackney Marshes. Lucio Uare led the way for Halil Hassan’s side with a treble, with the support on the goalscorers’ sheet coming from Keiran Bruns, Ben Smith, Frank Glock and John Gilley. Chigwell responded therough strikes from Leon Harris and Wesley Adeyemi but exited the competition.

Also into the hat for round two are London Cranes who faced familiar opposition again, taking on Athletic Newham Under 23s for the second time in as many weeks, following up their big league win last time out with a 4-1 victory on Saturday. The experienced Mathius Sendawula struck twice with Dennis Mahadha and Muhammad Mutesasira also on target to render Luis Reinoso’s effort as just consolation.

FENTON TROPHY

In the Fenton Trophy, there were again no shocks based on league position aside from narrow victories. Division Two’s Loughton Lions put themselves into the second round as they faced a tricky trip to Division Three’s Old Barkabbeyans Reserves. Barks’ goals from Jarode Mbungu and Robbie Osborne made the game competitive but Lions squeezed through 3-2 to continue their run.

It was a similar story for Division Four’s Fairlop Rovers Reserves who went into their clash at Division Three Glendale with confidence after a strong league start but found themselves three down through Dales goals from Mouhamed Gueye, Attila Szabo and an own goal. But Rovers rallied well, scoring twice to make the ending nervous but it proved not quite enough with the game ending 3 – 2.

The Fairlop Rovers first team had a far more routine afternoon but didn’t have everything their way, taking on Division Four’s Avondale Rangers in Hainault. Two Rangers’ goals from William Cloakley and one each from Johnson Santos and Jake Clarke made things interesting but a Rovers hat-trick in reply from Jack Kibblewhite, two from Sam Beaman and one each from Ellis Simmonds, Kian Millward-Burton, Harry Oliver and Dylan Scutt ended the game 10 – 4 in the hosts’ favour.

The theme of goals continued over in Newbury Park where Old Esthameians ensured themselves of a place in the second round of the competition as they secured a big 9 – 3 home win over Emerson & Upminster A. Carl Holroyd’s brace and a Bradlee Birch effort accounted for the Emerson goals but those efforts were not enough as E’s struck regularly to win it. It was a good day for all of the other Division Two sides also as Ryan Under 23s made safe passage through to the next round themselves, returning home from their trip to Rainham with a 7-3 win under their belts against Newham Royals. They now play host to Old E’s in the last sixteen in the coming weeks.

After a difficult last couple of weeks for the club, Newbury East showed some improved form in the cup on Saturday but were eventually knocked out of the competition with defeat at home to Unitey in Newbury Park despite a Mohammed Janneh goal. Mohammed Abaker and Brandon Fulton goals for the visitors in reply edged the game 2-1 to see Unitey through safely in the end.

Division Two’s Redbridge Community had to overcome lower division opposition on Saturday with the visit of Flyers Under 23s to Castle Green with Redbridge starting to show some real form this season. They were able to confirm a solid 7-2 win as Akiljo Balliu bagged a hat-trick while Tevini French scored twice and singles form Suny Jadeja and Frankie Francis completed a good showing.

There was also a really strong performance from the new Saints of St Francis who made their competitive bow this term with a home fixture against Newham & Havering Borough at the Flats and were emphatic 8-0 winners. Codey Cosgrave, Godwill Kumpana and Jaiden Belfon all scored braces with Chavez Rose-Sterling and Peter Luvualu efforts rounding off a positive performance.

The sole Preliminary Round action was an action packed affair as Together United made the short trip around the Crooked Billet roundabout to take on FC Baresi Under 23s at the Britannia. A seven goal thriller ensued with Maamoon Khan, Harrez Aliane and Ronnie Kabongo all finding the back of the net for FC Baresi but those efforts proved not quite enough as United edged it 4-3 themselves.

SENIOR DIVISION

Aside from the cup football action, there was a sprinkling of league football also with two big results in the Senior Division affecting top and bottom. CSM London picked up a hugely important win in their quest to move away from danger, winning at title chasing Lymore Gardens in a 3-1 scoreline. Goals from Ayodeji Adelekan, Munnir Saad and Chris Anele proved enough to take a second win. And if that result wasn’t exciting enough for you, the game over at Noak Hill produced a ten-goal thriller as hosts FC Petrocub were paid a visit by struggling Blue Marlin, both sides showing some improved form of late. The game ended in an incredible 5 – 5 draw as Lindsey Marsh struck a hat-trick for Marlin, Triston Foster and Scott Campbell netting the others to take a vital point.

PREMIER DIVISION

With others around them in cup action, Crookz United used that to their advantage, moving up a number of places in the Premier Division to fifth following a solid 4 -2 win away at Eastside in familiar surroundings. That was United’s second win of the season and positions them well in the race for promotion into the National League System.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, the gap at the top is down to just goal difference once again as Cowley Community moved level with the leaders on points after scooping their fourth league win of the campaign, defeating Newham Wanderers 4 – 0 in Newbury Park. Chris Wright scored twice for the hosts with Aiden Gentle and Lekan Bakare also one the scoresheet. Two of the division’s in-form sides also secured important wins with RCXI just two points off the pace and sitting third after defeating Francis Luke in a close game at the Marshes. RCXI overcame two Jahvarn Steward goals for Luke with a Oluwaseun Koya brace and one apiece from Derek Feyi and Omololu Onabolu to win it 4 – 2.

Wanstead’s impressive start shows no end anytime soon and they had Edson Lami to thank once again as he scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 win away at Something From Nothing. Zoltan Balogh also got in on the act with a brace as their side confirmed a third league win from three this season and sit in fourth, well in sight of those above. Giovanni Alberto got both goals for SfN.

DIVISION TWO

There were two thrillers in the fourth tier with Emerson & Upminster Reserves combined with Royal Forest for a game of nine goals, the teams beginning the day level on six points in mid-table. But by the end, Emerson had moved three points clear, confirming a third league win through goals from Ross Braybrooke, Aaron Costello, Sonny scott, Tobi Onafeko and Joshua Gibbins to edge it 5 – 4.

Two unbeaten sides went head to head in the division’s other fixture with FHN Athletic’s solid start put to the test against leaders Rainham Working Mens Club on Saturday. Another close game saw Kieran McKoy on target for FHN but that goal was not quite enough as Cameron Shakes and Sean Tormey efforts turned the match in favour of the Workies who won it 2 – 1 to stay top.

DIVISION THREE

The six-point club gained another member in Division Three on Saturday where Melbourne Sports were able to secure their second win of the season, defeating ASA 3-1 at the Marshes and moving above their opponents to move into eighth in the process.

DIVISION FOUR

There was just the one game in Division Four over the weekend where the leaders, Chingford Harriers, were in action with a home fixture against Sporting Pillars, both sides having made perfect starts to their seasons – something had to give. The two sides were well matched and couldn’t be separated, finishing 2-2 with Darlington Ojo’s brace ensuring Harriers stay top while Pillars enhanced their credentials for a title tilt.

Fixtures for Saturday 30 October (Top Two tiers only)

In Senior Division

Chigwell Town v Leyton Royal | London Marathon Spts Grd

DT FC v Lymore Gardens | Harlow Arena 3G

Kit Out London v FC Baresi | Noak Hill 3G

Tower Utd v Rapid Chingford | Mabley Green 3G

Wodford East v CSM London | Hackney Marshes

In Premier Division

Athletic Newham U23 v Wapping | Flanders Playing Fields

Dagenham Utd v Frenford A | Castle Green Leisure Green

Eastside v All Prospects | Peter May Sports Centre, Walthamstow

London Park City v London Cranes | Seven Kings Sch 3G

Oakside v North East Lions | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 8- Sat 9 Oct) [EAL 21-22 11.10.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and some Cup competitions as well from Saturday 9 October. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 9 October

SENIOR DIVISION

Just five points separate the top five sides in the Senior Division as the chasing pack took advantage of the leaders being out of action. Woodford East moved to within two points of Chadwell Heath Spartans after they returned to winning ways on the back of a terrific 7 – 0 home win against Leyton Royal in Hackney. Frank Glock and Lucio Uare both scored twice here with Will Letchford , Ben Smith and Adam Tabbani goals rounding off a win.

Jolof Sports remain the only side with a perfect record in the division as they extended their perfect start to four games, still being yet to concede a goal also. They were 4 – 0 victors on Saturday with a home victory against Blue Marlin in East Ham. Mody Gaye, Papa Ndiaye, Bogdan Ursica and Jeremias Visi all netted to move within four points of the leaders.

The other side in the top flight yet to experience defeat are DT FC and the Harlow-based side romped into a 4 – 1 half time lead away to Chigwell Town through goals from Jake Kissiedu, Stanley Green and Billy Golledge & an OG. But Town fought back hard through Ellis Morgan, Harry Tew-Robinson and Wesley Adeyemi goals though their efforts were not quite enough, going down 4 – 3.

It was a big afternoon for Tower United who moved themselves away from relegation worries following a shock away win as they returned home with three points from their trip to the County Ground against Lymore Gardens. Abdi Jama, Kayis Mohamed and Yaqub Haji were the goal scorers to edge the contest 3 – 2, a crucial result affecting both ends of the table.

Another five goal thriller was witnessed down at the Lakeside Sports Ground where Rapid Chingford were the hosts, taking on FC Petrocub, the sides both occupying places in the bottom half. An in-form FC Petrocub side though were the winners on the day, earning a 3 – 2 win to leap above their opponents and up to ninth.

In the final game in the Senior Division, there was a crucial point earned by CSM London who took their tally to four for the season thus far as they held sixth-placed Kit Out London to a 1 – 1 draw in Beckton. Daniel Muamba came off the bench to score an equaliser for Kit Out after CSM thought they had won the game late on via Ramone Senior’s goal, the sides eventually settling for a share of the spoils.

PREMIER DIVISION

North East Lions have closed the gap on the leaders to just three points in the Premier Division after the Walthamstow based side returned home with all three points from their trip to All Prospects in Hainault. Lions were 5 – 1 winners as Mikael Martin netted two with one apiece from Lorenc Hoxha, Adnan Miah and Louis Blake.

Wapping remain in the hunt for promotion as they picked up an important third win of the campaign so far, coming away with all three points with victory in Seven Kings against London Park City. Wapping goals from Sabiq Khan, Mohammed Asrar, Joel Brown and Shamsun Noor were the difference between the sides, helping their team win it 4 – 2.

There was another big win for undefeated Dagenham United who moved up to fourth in the table following a 6 – 1 home win on Saturday against Eastside at Castle Green. Charlie Fiander came off the bench to score twice for Chris Mascall’s side with Jay Fenton, Shaquille Mathurin, Iaia Jau and Victor Mendes efforts also on the scoresheet to give United their second win in three.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Wanstead have found some form in recent weeks and have moved into the top half of the table on the back of a terrific 8 – 3 win on Saturday as they travelled to Leyton to take on Forest Green. Zoltan Balogh and Edson Lami were on fire with four and three goals respectively, Robert Clarke netting the other secure a first league win of the campaign.

The day’s other action in the third tier came from Beckton where Kwanzas London Sport were in action for the second time this season with Renegade their visitors on the day. Renegade have made an indifferent start in the league but were able to secure all three points on Saturday, winning 3 – 1 as goals from Fernandez Kogneman, Praise The Lord Masasu and Vincent Follea confirmed the points.

DIVISION TWO

There were two goal filled contests in Division Two where Unitey moved up to fourth place in the standings, coming through a ten goal thriller in a 6 – 4 scoreline at home to Royal Forest. Mohammed Abaker scored a hat-trick and Gaeton Mukoko also netted to give the hosts a crucial victory, their third of the season. Forest goals came courtesy of Thomas Osmond, Joe Owers, Charlie Palline and Joe Meader.

The other game of the day saw Redbridge Community pick up a big win, their second of the season. Redbridge were 7 – 2 victors at home to bottom of the table Newbury East as Jayke Welch and Tevini French both scored twice, adding to further goals from Dean Cole, Dylan Broadley and debutant Akilijo Bullio.

DIVISION THREE

There is a change at the top in Division Three where Royal Forest Reserves have become the new leaders on goal difference as they recorded a third league win of the season with a 4 – 1 victory at home against Terin. Tom Alexander scored twice with Sereign Lette-Jallow and Josh Trainor goals, cancelling out a Fahad Abdallah effort from the visitors.

Lymore Gardens Reserves join Forest at the top on nine points, though from a game more, after they saw off the efforts of Melbourne Sports on the very next pitch. Garden, who have made a terrific start to the new season, will be more than pleased with their efforts thus far, recording a 6 – 2 win on Saturday to trail at the top by just goal difference.

The movement at the top was made possible after previous leaders, FC Baresi Under 23s, saw their perfect start to the season reach a conclusion as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw against ASA in Walthamstow. Harrez Aliane struck for the hosts but an ASA leveller from Ramanan Selvarasa off the bench levelled up the game.

Together United bounced back well from defeat in their opening game of the season last time out as they defeated a high flying Buckhurst Way side in Walthamstow, coming out on the right side of a 6 – 3 win. Andrei Rizea netted twice and Myles Croxford once for Way but a four goal Stanley Kweya performance plus two from Remel Green proved enough in the end.

It was also an important afternoon’s work from Romford based Flyers Under 23s as were up against visitors Harlow Inter on Saturday seeking to open their points account for the new season. And that was exactly what they did, completing a 2 – 1 win at King George’s thanks to goals from Kai Eaton and Muhammed Waqas to move them up to eleventh in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

Things remain tight at the top in Division Four with Chingford Harriers ahead of their closest rivals on goal difference, aided by their win over the weekend at home against Flyers Under 21s. Harrier goals from Alex Diner, Jake Kemp, Edwin Jabbari and Jemel Richards were the difference with their side cruising to a 4 – 1 win.

The other side sitting well placed for a promotion push are Fairlop Rovers Reserves as their good start to the season continued on Saturday with a home victory against Newham & Havering Borough at Redbridge Sports Centre. Rovers edged a close game by the odd goal, 3 – 2 victors to make it four wins from five this season.

West Essex Under 23s will also be pleased with the start to their season and moved third over the weekend with a narrow win on the road, taking maximum points from their trip to Emerson & Upminster A. Tyler Huggett and Tashan Diamond struck for the hosts but West goals from Charles Jeans, Javen Cole and Ciaran Farrell-Christian were sufficient to earn their side a 3 – 2 win.

The biggest win of the day came from Forest Row where hosts, Collier Row A, made it two wins from three this season with a 9 – 3 home victory against Avondale Rangers. That saw Row move their points tally to nine for the season and shifting up to fourth in the standings in the process.

COUNTY CUP

It was a busy county cup weekend with action across three competitions. In the Essex Junior Cup, there were progressions for our clubs in both ties with Crookz United earning a terrific 6 – 0 home win against Harold Wood Athletic A. Crookz will now travel to Barleylands in Billericay in the next round to take on Hashtag United Development, from the Essex Olympian League’s Division Three.

In the other tie played, it was an all EAL affair in Hainault where Oakside played host to fellow Premier Division side Frenford A. The visitors continued their league form into this competition, completing a 5 – 2 win to confirm a trip to Ramsey & Mistley Reserves in the next round of the competition.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, seven of the eight ties saw our sides progress on with Something From Nothing the biggest winners of the day, the Division One side putting in a solid performance to defeat Dagenham United Reserves 7 – 0 and set up a home tie against Chingford Athletic A in November.

The biggest shock of the day came from Hainault where Division Two leaders, Fairlop Rovers, put an end to Ilford Reserves’ run in the competition, defeating the Division One high-flyers in a 4 – 2 scoreline. They will now travel to an as yet unidentified Mid Essex League side in the third round.

There were three 5 – 2 scorelines in the round and Francis Luke produced what might be construed as a shock as the winless side ended Barkingside A’s perfect start to the season at the Marshes to set up a home game against Brentwood Athletic Reserves in round three.

There was a near miss for Rainham Working Mens Club in Hainault as the Division Two high-flyers were held to a 1 – 1 draw by Division Three Glendale at ninety minutes and it needed the extra time period to eventually separate the teams with the Workies running out 5 – 2 in the end.

The third 5 – 2 result came from Barking Abbey School where Old Barkabbeyans Reserves hosted Ryan Under 23s and it was Division Two side Ryan who made the move into the next round, avoiding any kind of slip up to book a trip to Benfleet Reserves next month.

Belfry are also into the hat for round for the third round as they came through an all-EAL tie at home to RCXI, winning the tie 3 – 1 on the day. They now head up the A12 next month to face Great Baddow in the next round of the competition.

The finalists in this competition from the 2019/20 campaign, Cowley Community extended their form in this competition to another round after defeating FHN Athletic 2 – 0 in Newbury Park on Saturday. They will now take on Rainham Working Mens Club in the third round.

The day’s only reverse against an outside club came at Hendersons’ where Emerson & Upminster Reserves saw their run in the competition come to an end with a narrow 3-2 defeat, going down 3 – 2 against Harold Hill Reserves.

Two of our clubs made their inaugural appearances in the London Senior Trophy over the weekend with FC Baresi renewing old acquaintances with a trip to Middlesex League side, Indian Gymkhana. After the sides battled to a 2 – 2 draw at full-time, Baresi were eventually knocked out on spot-kicks, losing 4 – 3 in the shootout.

In the other Trophy tie played involving our clubs, Athletic Newham Under 23s came up against a side expected to go far in this competition, going down 6 – 3 to Barking Under 23s at Mayesbrook Park to end EAL involvement in the competition.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 6- Sat 25 Sept) [EAL 21-22 27.9.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and some Cup competitions as well from Saturday 25 September. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 25 September

SENIOR DIVISION

A six point gap has been opened at the top of the Senior Division standings as Chadwell Heath Spartans took advantage of results around them to increase the gap on the back of a hard fought 3 – 2 victory away at Kit Out London, ending the latter’s unbeaten start. Marlon Ortiz scored twice for Kit Out but two Jeffrey Nketia strikes and a Michael Ramsay effort were enough for a Spartan victory.

FC Petrocub picked up a vital first win of the season on Saturday as they travelled to Lakeside to take on a previously unbeaten Woodford East side. Lucio Uare scored for the Peacocks but his efforts were in vain as Petrocub put in their best show of the season to win the game 3 – 1, moving them away from the relegation zone.

That result enabled Lymore Gardens to apply pressure to the sides at the top end of the table and they moved level with second place on goal difference as they took all three points home with them following a 4 – 1 victory in Hainault against winless Chigwell Town. Andre Rashford scored twice with Dylan Roberts and Ryo Brown netting the others to render John Lye’s effort for Town as just consolation.

A second win of the season was secured by FC Baresi as their first game in Walthamstow saw them produce a 4 – 2 winning performance against visitors Tower United at the Britannia. Bashir Ali and Abubakar Maxamed netted for United with Paul Benfield scoring twice in reply for Baresi, along with efforts from Zuhayr Amjad and Tyreece Robertson.

There was a big derby match in Hainault as two close rivals, Leyton Royal and Rapid Chingford, faced off at Fairlop Oak with both sides eager to win. Rapid went into the game trailing their opposition by five points but that was cut to just two as they earned a first win of the season. Bogdan Toana scored a brace for Royal but that proved not quite enough as Rapid strikes from Catalin Anghel, Federico Ardei and Ionut Labunt won it 3 – 2.

Over in East Ham, two of the sides struggling at the wrong end of the table met as CSM London played host to Blue Marlin, both sides seeking to move clear of any relegations worries. By the end of the game, Blue Marlin were able to move level with their opponents, running out 3 – 1 victors despite a Leon Barnard goal from the hosts. Jorginho Gomez scored twice and Abu Khan once to hand Marlin victory.

FENTON CUP

The first Fenton Cup action for many months was witnessed over the weekend as the competition returned with a first round tie between DTFC and Dagenham United. A five goal thriller ensued with the higher ranked DTFC eventually coming through in a 3 – 2 score-line. Charlie Fiander and Iaia Jau both netted for United but DT goals from Mickey Mesmin, Jake Kissiedu and Lewis Page saw their side safely through to round two.

PREMIER DIVISION

The excellent start to the season from Frenford A sees no end and they have also now opened up a big five lead at the top of the Premier Division standings, ending Marcelona’s unbeaten start to the season. Joel Opara came off the bench to score twice with Keenan Gravillis, Murilo Pereira, Isima Iguisi and Adam Andrade efforts carrying them to a comprehensive 6 – 0 win.

That result allowed North East Lions to move back into the top two places as they were victorious at home on Saturday as they took on Eastside in Walthamstow. Rweal Azizur, Romelle Pile and Liam Lezama-Johnson all found the back of the net for Lions to hand their side a second win of the campaign in a 3 – 1 scoreline.

DIVISION ONE

It’s been a great start for Cowley Community so far and they made it three from three in the league on Saturday, coming away with all three points from Belhus Park as they sent hosts RCXI to a first defeat, going down 3-1. Josh Coulson was on target once again with Jake Nelson and Chris Wright goals carrying them over the line, despite a Harold Ofori goal.

In a familiar looking top end of a league table, Belfry are also once again up there and challenging, enhancing their credentials with a tough trip to Something From Nothing at the weekend at Wanstead Flats. Belfry were 1 – 0 winners on the day, coming through a close game to earn maximum points and move second.

DIVISION TWO

Things couldn’t be much tighter at the top of Division Two where three sides sit level on nine points, Old Esthameians joining the party with a big 7 – 1 win on Saturday as they entertained Ryan Under 23s in Newbury Park. That saw them jump up to within two goals of Rainham Working Mens Club who presently lead the way.

Sitting just one goal further back, Fairlop Rovers put themselves into a strong position with a third win of the season after their went away the happier of the sides in their home clash against Unitey on Saturday. Eddy Litambolo netted the Unitey goal but his efforts proved not quite enough as Rovers edged the game by the odd goal in a 2 – 1 win.

It was a good afternoon’s work for Royal Forest too who completed a comprehensive victory with 5 – 0 victory away at Newbury East at Oaks Park School. Tom Osmond scored twice with Joe Owers and Anthony Carrig also netting to help their side to a second league win of the campaign, moving them fifth in the standings.

DIVISION THREE

There are four teams sharing the lead of Division Three with Royal Forest Reserves joining that group over the weekend as they earned a thumping 6 – 1 win in the Hainault derby against Glendale. Will Asenso was on fire with a hat-trick for his side, supplementing goals from Jamie Cooper, Sereign Lette-Jallow and Stephen Aduadjoe. Wesley Kangi netted the Dales’ consolation goal in reply.

Moving up to third and on six points from three games, Lymore Gardens Reserves extending a positive start to their season with a big 5 – 0 victory at home against ASA. Kevin Monteiro, Omani Green, Nick Kordize, Alex Chuck and Rob Small were more than sufficient to send the points home with the hosts.

Also sitting on six points, Buckhurst Way made it two wins from three this season, moving third in the table on the back of a back a hard fought 2 – 1 win at home against Harlow Inter at Bancroft Rugby Club. Tom Glattback and Liam Wallis both found the back of the net to sent Way home with the points.

DIVISION FOUR

Chingford Harriers are now the only unbeaten side in Division Four and they added a third win to their record this season, coming out on top of their clash against Dagenham United Reserves by the odd goal. Two goals from Jake Kemp proved just enough to overcome a George Martin strike for United as Harriers confirmed a 2 – 1 success.

There was a second win of the new season for West Essex Under 23s who moved up into fourth place in the standings as they ended Fairlop Rovers Reserves’ perfect start, beating the previous leaders 3-2. Deshaun Johnson, Daniel Mincer and Ciaran Farrell-Christian were the difference in the end as each scored to give West the victory.

The final league game saw an important first win for another of the league’s new sides as Newham & Havering Borough broke their duck with a 5 – 3 win against Emerson & Upminster A. Tyler Huggett scored twice for Emerson and Garry Ashworth once but Borough scored five in reply to give them a boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

COUNTY CUP

In the Essex Junior Cup, there was a day of mixed successes for our clubs with Oakside having the best result of the day with a 4-0 win away at Olympian League opposition, Collier Row Reserves. They now entertain Frenford A in the next round in a fortnight.

Crookz United also scored four as they defeated fellow EAL outfit, London Cranes, 4 – 1 in East Ham to book their own place in the second round. They will now be at home to Harold Wood Athletic A in the next round.

That tie was set up on the back of Harold Wood coming through a tough tie against Athletic Newham Under 23s as the sides finished level at 3 – 3 after extra time. In the resulting shootout, it was Wood who held their nerve to come through 5 – 4 winners.

There were sizeable defeats for two of our clubs as All Prospects fell to an 8-0 loss away at Old Barkabbeyans while London Park City shipped ten against Isthmian League opposition, Tilbury Under 23s the winners of that one.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, the goals were really flowing, with FHN Athletic scoring eight as they faced Melbourne Sports at Fairlop Oak. The Mels rallied in the second period after being 7 – 1 down but FHN progressed, winning 8 – 4 to book at tie against Cowley Community in a fortnight.

There was also a high-scoring win for Ilford Reserves who successfully avoid a potential banana skin with victory away at Collier Row A. The Foxes were 6 – 1 victors to go through to round two where they will now tackle Fairlop Rovers.

Another of the all-EAL ties saw Loughton Lions up against higher division opposition, facing Barkingside A in Debden. Side edged a close game by the odd goal, winning 3 – 2 to set up a tie at Francis Luke.

There were defeats for two of our clubs at Mid Essex League opposition as Flyers Under 23s went down 5 – 1 away at Harold Hill A while Flyers Under 21s also suffered a reverse, losing 8-0 at home against Emerson & Upminster.

The London Junior Cup first round action finishes off the weekly round-up with last season’s semi-finalists, Jolof Sports, earning themselves a place in round two with a hard fought 2 – 0 win away at Doverhouse Lions.

Also into the hat for round two are Together United who faced tough opposition in the form of south London based Wanderers. The sides finished level at 1-1 after ninety minutes with United holding things together in the shootout, winning that 5 – 4 to progress through.

The third success of the day saw league new boys, Wanstead, victorious in their first competitive cup fixture as they earned an entertaining 5 – 4 home win against Eltham Eagles at the Flats, confirming safe passage into round two in the process.

There were high-scoring defeats for FC Baresi Under 23s who ended their participation with an 8 – 4 loss away at London Hibernians while Wapping’s run in the competition came to a premature halt with a 5 – 2 defeat at home to Peckham Town A.

Fixture – Tuesday 28 September (in Senior Division)

DT FC v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Harlow Arena 3G

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 5 – Sat 18 Sept) [EAL 21-22 20.9.21]

Penalty for CH Spartans tests FC Pretrocub ‘keeper (Image by @ABridgeTooFar16)

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the divisions and the inter-divisional Cup competitions (Essex Premier Cup, Essex Junior Cup, Essex Junior Trophy) from Saturday 18 September. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Lead image by @ABridgeTooFar16 , used with thanks. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 18 September

SENIOR DIVISION

With county cup action involving a number of our clubs this weekend, a limited Senior Division schedule saw league leaders, Chadwell Heath Spartans, on the road with a trip down the A12 to take on FC Petrocub at Noak Hill. Trailing by a goal at the break, Spartans fought back and took all three points with Courtney Holness and an own goal contributing to a 2 – 1 victory. Second placed Woodford East took advantage of sides around them being out of action as they climbed up into the top two with a big away win in Hainault against Blue Marlin. Billy Barr has been in good form and added another four goals to his tally here, with Lucio Uare netted twice and Adam Tabbani and Jack Haspineall also netting in an 8 – 1 win.

Completing the top-flight action, there was a key battle at the other end of the table as winless Tower United were at home to CSM London on Saturday in Mabley Green seeking to open their points account. And that was exactly what they did as Abubakar Maxamed struck four goals to counter a CSM fight-back from Joel Palmer, Lukman Hasan and Oscar-Ikye Williams in a 4 – 3 scoreline.

PREMIER DIVISION

It’s three from three now for the Premier Division leaders after Frenford A extended their winning run with a hard fought victory away at Crookz United on Saturday. Both sides went into the fixture unbeaten but it was the leaders who will have come away the happier of the two teams, recording a 2 – 1 win to move four points clear at the top with Damilola Olaiya and Nesar Torkamani scoring for the visitors. Crookz Utd responded through John Afrane-Kesey. Sitting second are Marcelona who also kept their unbeaten record running for another week as they secured a second draw to go alongside their solitary win, as they were involved in a incredible 4 – 4 draw away at Oakside who made their competition debut. There proved to be little between the sides as they settled for a share of the spoils. Oakside’s goals came from a brace from Moustapha Kane, plus strikes by Luke Caston and Jack Swaby.

Another side making their league debut were Athletic Newham Under 23s who finally got underway at the weekend as they hosted All Prospects in East Ham. Daniel Devey scored for the visitors, making their return to this level, but that effort proved not quite enough as Newham scored five of their own to win it 5 – 1.

There’s little to separate the sides in fifth and sixth where Eastside presently sit in the former on the back of a win and a defeat in their opening two games. London Park City were their opponents this weekend with Alexandru Gheorghe and Wais Heshemy efforts finding the target for their side. But substitute Ifeanyi Umeh’s hat-trick plus a Michael Morgan goal gave ‘Side the 4 – 2 win.

Sixth-placed Wapping trail by just goals scored and opened their points account for the new season with a closely fought 1 – 0 home win against North East Lions courtesy of Meeshaq Malone’s goal. That result saw the hosts bounce back well from their opening defeat to take maximum points in Hackney to move into the top half of the table.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, two sides are fighting hard at the top of the early standings where Cowley Community presently hold sway at the top on goal difference following a second consecutive win, recording a 3 – 2 win at home against Something From Nothing in a five goal thriller. That man Chris Wright netted once again with James Allen and Kyle Cargill strikes edging the contest.

Renegade are up to third in the table as they completed the full set of results, adding a win to their draw and defeat, the victory coming at the hands of Wanstead at the Flats. Vincent Follea, Deon Thwala, Nana Baah and Daekwon King-Douglas all struck to give the Hackney based side their maiden win in a 4-2 score-line. Also at the Flats, Newham Wanderers bounced back well from their defeat last time out in the opening round of games to reign supreme as they welcomed Francis Luke. Wanderers goals from Admir Cassama, Robertson Morais and Joao Cruz were crucial to separate the sides with Saico Djop’s effort in reply proving insufficient as the hosts won 3 – 1.

Barkingside A opened their new season in some style with a solid 4 – 2 victory as they hosted Forest Green at Nutter Lane, the visitors remaining winless after their opening two games in the competition. The hosts had a double from Josh Rowe plus goals from Umaru Kabia and Harry Nicholson to thank for this success. That win sees ‘Side move up to fifth and gives them much hope for the campaign ahead.

It was also a good afternoon’s work for Belfry who got their own campaign off to the best of starts as they took maximum points in a 1 – 0 score-line, scoring in the dying embers of the game to defeat Ilford Reserves at May & Baker, a game which looked well fought between two well equipped sides.

DIVISION TWO

It’s Rainham Working Mens Club setting the early pace in the fourth tier this season after they got a third win of the campaign already following a solid away victory at Ryan Under 23s in Walthamstow. Workies goals from Matthew Humphreys, Nick Tormey, Connor Kain, Odo Osei-Tutu & Sean Tormey were enough in the end to round off a 5 – 1 win. William Amoah netted the solitary goal for the Ryan side here. Three further sides sport a perfect record in the division where FHN Athletic presently lead the chasing pack on the back of a second win of the campaign, sending Emerson & Upminster Reserves to a 4 – 1 defeat in Hainault. Dan Lane struck for the visitors but Joseph O’Hare, Michael Barek, Terron Fordjoe and Amos Agyei goals handed their FHN side the points.

Fairlop Rovers are the third side with a 100% start so far in the division but had to do things the hard way as they came from behind against a solid Royal Forest side to record a 4 – 2 win on the road in Loughton. Joe Owers and Martin Cannon blasted onto the Royal score-sheet but two Dylan Scutt goals in reply plus efforts from Toby Stephens and Harry Oliver did just enough to rescue the points.

There was a nine-goal thriller served up in Loughton’s other match offering as Unitey hosted Redbridge Community at Roding Valley High School. Brandon Fulton certainly knows where the goal is and he scored a hat-trick for Unitey here, adding to Jordan Vib and Ahmed Dousa goals. Two Frankie Francis consolations and goals from Harvir Bhangal and Alibacar Dabo netted in reply for Redbridge.

DIVISION THREE

It’s Old Barkabbeyans Reserves presently setting the pace in Division Three as they exploded in front of goal on Saturday, winning 13 – 1 away at Terin to go top of the pile. Mehdi Ahorbi’s five-goal haul set the side on their way with Chris Plummer, Callum Elliott, Alex Donkor Junior, Kacper Kasprzycki, Robbie Osborne, Okey Obialo, Jason Cassama and Ryan Lindfield efforts making it a memorable day.

Royal Forest Reserves made their bow in the fifth tier on Saturday as they made the short trip of a few yards to face Melbourne Sports at Fairlop Oak. Two goals apiece from Tom Alexander and Will Asenso were the difference between the sides in the end as Forest firmly laid their roots in the division with an excellent 4 – 1 win. Also back in action for the first time this season, ASA made a good start with an opening victory in Hackney Marshes as they faced Glendale. Trailing at the break to a Khari Pobi strike for the Dales, second half ASA goals from Mithurn Vijayarajah, Jubayed Miah and Saranth Veersasingam changed the context of the game, Wesley Kangi netting another for the Dales late on as ASA won 3 – 2.

Lymore Gardens Reserves responded well to their opening defeat of the campaign as they returned home from Chigwell with all three points after sending Harlow Inter to a 5 – 2 defeat. Macauley Harrington and Ashton Livermore-Rose both scored for Inter but those efforts proved not quite enough with Lymore doing enough to take the spoils. It was also a great day for Buckhurst Way as they also reversed their fortunes from their opening game in the competition to take home the points with them from their match at Flyers Under 23s. Muhammed Waqas got on the hosts’ score-sheet but Way edged the contest with two of their own to win it 2 – 1.

DIVISION FOUR

Fairlop Rovers Reserves stay top of Division Four on the back of a third consecutive win to make it a good afternoon for the club. Jake Atherton’s goal for Flyers Under 21s made this a real contest but Rovers done just enough to edge it 2 – 1 and maintain a three point gap at the top. Elsewhere, Chingford Harriers are up to second in the table taking a goal difference advantage over the other sides level on points aided by a big win on the road as they defeated Collier Row A, 8 – 0. Jake Kemp was in fine fettle with a hat-trick, Edwin Jabbari and Darnell Lamothe both scored twice with Jesse Middleweek’s effort rounding things off.

In third, Emerson & Upminster A keep themselves in contention at the top as they made it two wins from three so far this term, returning home from Loughton with all the points against Avondale Rangers. Bryn Compton-Lowe led the way with two goals, Tyler Huggett and Robert Spratley striking with the other goals in a 4 – 0 win.

Also on six points, Newham Royals came out on the right side of the “Newham” derby as they defeated Newham & Havering Borough, oddly, quite a long way from Newham! Rainham was the host venue for this five goal thriller which saw Ashley Evett, Andre Peters and Billy Grainger goals separate the sides in a 3 – 2 Royal win.

COUNTY CUPS

It was BBC Essex Premier Cup day for a few of our sides with mixed fortunes. DT FC came from two goals down at the break against Walthamstow Reserves to advance into round two, turning things around in the second period thanks to goals from Billy Golledge (2), Lewis Evans, Stanley Green and Kieran Hipgrave to run out 5 -2 winners to set up a clash at home to Holland Reserves. Leyton Royal perhaps picked up the result of the day for our sides with the longest of trips, almost the entire length of the A12 as they headed to the north of the county to take on Lawford Lads. A terrific performance saw them win 3 – 1 and book a return trip up the A12 where they now head to Tiptree Heath in round two.

It wasn’t such a great day for two of our other representatives who both slipped to narrow 2 – 1 reverses. Chigwell Town were up against Essex Senior League Reserve Division side May & Baker Reserves and were edged out in a close game thanks to goals from Brandon Johnson and Tolu Dina goals for M & B. Over in Leyton, Epping Town were the first visitors at Lymore Gardens’ new home at the County Ground. Another closely fought game saw our side edged out with Epping the beneficiaries with a 2 – 1 victory to book their place in Round Two.

Both Dagenham United sides were also in county cup action where the first team saw their Essex Junior Cup campaign come to a halt in the opening round with a big 5 – 0 defeat against local rivals, Barking Under 23s who hail from the Isthmian Development League. Things were a little more plain sailing for Dagenham United Reserves who faced fellow Essex Alliance League opposition with West Essex Under 23s the visitors to Castle Green in their Essex Junior Trophy clash. Dagenham came through by the odd goal in seven, winning it 4 – 3 to go through to Round Two.

Fixtures (Top 3 tiers only) – Saturday 25th September (2pm KO unless stated)

EAL Senior Division

Chigwell Town v Lymore Gardens |

CSM London v FC Petrocub | West Ham Community Grd 3G, Beckton

FC Baresi v Tower Utd | Britannia Sports Grd, W’stow

Kit Out London v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Noak Hill 3G

Leyton Royal v Rapid Chingford | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Woodford East v Blue Marlin | Lakeside Sports Ground 3G (2.30pm KO)

EAL Premier Division

Frenford A v Marcelona | Jack Carter Centre

North East Lions v Eastside | Peter May Sports Centre

EAL Division One

Francis Luke v Renegade | Leyton County Ground

RC XI v Cowley Community | Belhus Park, Aveley

Something from Nothing v Belfry | Wanstead Flats

Fenton Cup – Round One

DT FC v Dagenham Utd | The Harlow Arena 3G

Full fixture list available at essexallianceleague.com

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-ups (Wk 4 – Sat 11 Sept) [EAL 21-22 14.9.21]

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 11 September

SENIOR DIVISION

It’s as you were at the summit of the Senior Division where Chadwell Heath Spartans continue to lead the way after securing a third league win in four with victory in Chigwell against FC Baresi. Raymond Pok got on the visitors scoresheet once again but Spartan strikes from Samir Aboulainaf and Thomas Callagher were enough to see their side to a 2-1 win and maximum points.

Sitting in second and with a perfect record thus far, Jolof Sports continued a spirited start to the season as they recorded a solid 3-0 win against FC Petrocub at Lakeside, putting the memories of their county cup defeat in June behind them. Mody Gaye, Serigne Samb and Bogdan Ursica notched the goals as they also extended their cleansheet run to three matches.

Woodford East’s start since promotion has also shown their potential and the Peacocks are in third place after the first four weeks of the season with two wins and a draw to their name thus far. Their most recent victory came from the Marshes where they ended Lymore Garden’s unbeaten start as Billy Barr’s hat-trick and an Adam Tabbani effort proved decisive in a 4-2 scoreline.

Trailing just behind East by a single goal scored are Leyton Royal who themselves have made the step up in level with aplomb and extended their unbeaten start to a third game with a comprehensive 7-1 home win against Blue Marlin in Chingford. Tamer-Andrei Bozgan scored four of the goals with Catalin Gavril, Marian Nedelea and Bogdan Toana efforts completing a Royal win.

Kit Out London are another of the division’s seven sides to yet be defeated and after a couple of opening draws, they finally got their wins account into the plus as they defeated Tower United 4-1 at Noak Hill. Yasin Zougui, Oliver Holmes, Marlon Ortiz and substitute Abbas Yassin were all on the scoresheet for the hosts to continue their good start.

Two of the sides having made indifferent starts met in Beckton as Chigwell Town made the short trip down the A406 to face CSM London, both sides beginning the game without a point. Despite a Ross Chimes goals for Town, it was Ramone Senior’s brace for CSM that made the difference in the end as the hosts won 2-1 to take their first points of the campaign.

PREMIER DIVISION

In the Premier Division, Frenford A have opened up a two point gap at the top after two rounds of fixtures as they made it two wins from two, coming away victors in their clash against London Cranes on Saturday. Moses Kazibwe scored for the visitors but two Nesar Torkamani efforts off the bench and strikes from Isima Oguisi and Damilola Olaiya gave Frenfor d a 4-1 win at The Drive.

Marcelona just behind the leaders in the chasing pack after they followed up an opening day draw with a first victory in the competition to remain unbeaten so far. They were up against Wapping at Paringdon and came away winners by the odd goal in five, edging a close game to take their points tally to four.

In similar fashion, third placed North East Lions also made it four points from six in their opening two games and sit just one point off of the top two after recording an impressive 2-1 win at London Park City, one of the sides expected to challenge at the top this year. Shane Thomas and Tashan Benjamin had other ideas however as their Lions side edged to a narrow but crucial win in Seven Kings.

DIVISION ONE

The Division One table sees two of the league’s new member clubs leading the way as RCXI made it two wins from two in their opening fixtures to move three points clear of the rest. They were visitors to Newham Wanderers on Saturday and edged to a close 2-1 win through goals from Hassan Sesay and Jide Lewis. Robertson Morais was on the scoresheet for Wanderers with his customary goal.

Sitting in second, Ilford Reserves made their debut in the competition with a solid home win against Francis Luke, winning 5-1 in Dagenham. Luke Newbury-Neale scored twice with Joseph Sulola, Serghei Scupoi and Abdulrahman Cheraitia efforts finishing things off. Jose Da Silva grabbed the Luke consolation goal in response.

Cowley Community are a side who will be seeking to convert cup success from the last two seasons into a league title and they made a terrific start in new surrounds, defeating Forest Green 4-1 on Saturday in Newbury Park. Josh Coulson scored a hat-trick for Cowley with Ryan Thompson-Cobham also netting to earn all three points for their club.

The division’s final game came from Hackney where two of the league’s new members met with Renegade up against debutants Something From Nothing. After their opening day defeat, Renegade got a point on the board in a 1-1 draw as SFN netted late on to share the spoils, the sides sitting fourth and fifth in the table.

DIVISION TWO

Two sides presently sit atop of the standings in Division Two with a pair of opening victories and Rainham Working Mens Club lead the way on goal difference after securing a second win, seeing off the efforts of Royal Forest. Sean Tormey scored twice with Connor Kain and Odo Osei-Tutu efforts finishing things off in a 4-2 win.

Just behind Rainham sit Old Esthameians who followed up their opening day success with a hard fought win against new side Redbridge Community after the sides met in Dagenham. E’s were 2-1 winners on the day to confirm maximum points and sit just a few goals off top spot so far.

Fairlop Rovers started the new season how they ended the last with a solid opening win on the road, picking up all three points in a win against Newbury East. George Montgomery scored twice for East but Rovers goals from Sam Beaman (2), Sam Balmforth, Brandon Dillon, Dylan Scutt and Joe Reynolds finished the job in a 6-2 scoreline.

The last game of the day in the top division came from Walthamstow where Ryan Under 23s were up against Unitey in both sides’ second fixtures after opening day defeats. It will be the visitors, Unitey, who left the happier of the clubs as Ahmed Dousa’s brace and a Matthew Pitchford effort were sufficient to see their team to a 3-1 win on the road.

DIVISION THREE

FC Baresi Under 23s made a great start to their first season in the competition as they returned home with all three points from their trip to fellow new side, Buckhurst Way. Zach Aliane scored twice while Leo Siki and Kii Jean-Baptiste also netted as Baresi ran out 4-1 victors to move third in the standings.

There was an eight goal thriller over in Barking where Melbourne Sports were the visitors to face Old Barkabbeyans Reserves at Barking Abbey. Jarode Mbungu, Callum Elliott and Robbie Osborne all struck the net for Old Barks but those efforts proved in vain as the Mels scored five of their own to win 5-3 on the day.

DIVISION FOUR

It’s been a great start to the campaign for Fairlop Rovers Reserves who head up the Division Four standings after two weeks, earning themselves a 2-0 win on Saturday to follow up their opening win last time out. Their opponents this week were Emerson & Upminster A who made a good start themselves but two Joe Head goals on debut were the difference for his Rovers outfit.

Collier Row A sit second in the table as they started their second season with the league with a thumping win away at Newham Royals in Rainham. Row ran in nine goals with the Royals only able to respond with three of their own as the visitors returned home the happier of the two teams.

It was a better second week of the season for West Essex Under 23s who responded to an opening day defeat to win 3-2 against Avondale Rangers who remain winless thus far. Anthony Adeoba and Phillip Heinen both got on the score-sheet for Rangers but West goals from Javen Cole, Amari Dixon and Daniel Mincer provided the platform for a hard fought victory.

The day’s final action came at King George’s Park in Romford where Flyers Under 21s made their competitive debut as hosts to Dagenham United Reserves. Lewis Bennett scored twice for Dagenham with Shaquille Mathurin netting the other as the visitors went away with the points in a 3-1 scoreline, that result moving them up to sixth in the standings.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 3 – Sat 4 Sept) [EAL 21-22 6.9.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand. The first extended edition of the campaign sees the start of Divisions One – Four this weekend, on Saturday 4 September. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 4 September

Senior Division

Two sides now sit joint-top of the Senior Division after the third weekend of action as Chadwell Heath Spartans took their points tally to seven following a draw away to Rapid Chingford on Saturday. Bradley Downes got on the score-sheet for the visitors to help his side remain unbeaten, Rapid also netted through Federico Ardei in an eventual 1-1 draw. Lymore Gardens have also climbed to seven points and trail the leaders by just goal difference as they picked up a 4 – 2 victory from their game against Blue Marlin. Andre Rashford netted twice with Bradley Williams and Rob Small efforts seeing them to maximum points on the day. Nathan Desnoes and Ni Acquaye scored Marlin’s consolation efforts in reply.

With two wins from two, Jolof Sports are now the only side with a perfect record thus far and they maintained that with a solid performance away at Tower United, earning a 6 – 0 win at Mabley Green to go third. Joshua Kweifio-Okai was the hero with a hat-trick for his side, further goals arriving through Moustapha Gueye, Mody Gaye and Fode Diakhite.

The battle between the division’s 4th and 5th placed unbeaten sides saw DTFC meet Woodford East at the Harlow Arena & it was the hosts who took an early lead through Jake Kissiedu. East however held on after that and earned themselves a valuable point late in the game with Jack Haspineall’s effort making it 1 -1 in the dying embers of the game.

The division’s remaining game saw a glut of goals with FC Petrocub and FC Baresi combining for a total of twelve efforts. Baresi will ultimately have left the happier of those sides however as Tyreece Robertson scored a hat-trick, Hamza Shire scored twice and one apiece from Ashley Godwin, Raymond Pok, Marvin Smith and Paul Benfield completed an emphatic 9 – 3 win.

Premier Division

The rest of the league joined the action this weekend and Frenford A made an early impact in the Premier Division with a 2-0 home victory as they took on Eastside at The Drive, with both sides looking to build upon solid performances last term. Daniel Francis and Murilo Pereira efforts were the difference on the day as Frenford took all three points away with them to go top. The division’s other two games ended in score draws with the most exciting of those witnessed at Castle Green as Dagenham United shared the spoils with new members, Crookz United, in a 3 – 3 scoreline. A brace from Lewis Bennett and an Iaia Jau goal accounted for the three Dagenham goals on the day while Abdouaziz Jeng, Kevin Osei and John Afrane-Kesey all responded to level it up.

Fourth and fifth places in the standings are held by league debutants Marcelona and North East Lions respectively after the opening action as they teams combined to record a draw in Harlow. Tashan Benjamin scored the Lions goal but Marcelona were up to the task and scored one of their own to ensure they left with a point in a 1 – 1 draw.

EAL Division One

There was just the one match in Division One on the opening day with two of the league’s new clubs meeting in Hackney where Renegade played host to RCXI with both sides keen to impress on their competitive debuts. It will have been the visitors who left the happier of the sides as Hassan Sesay and Sammy Anjorin both netted to give RCXI a 2 – 1 victory.

EAL Division Two

A near full fixture list opened Division Two for the season and Emerson & Upminster Reserves lead the way after a crazy 9 – 5 win in the first game of the season as they beat Loughton Lions at Debden Park High School. Tobi Onafeko and Ross Braybrooke each netted hat-tricks for Emerson with Sonny Scott, Alex Pizzey and Joshua Gibbins efforts rounding off the win. Loughton responded with some vigour though as a brace from Taylor Mclaughlin and strikes by Harrison Andrews, William Osmond and Jake Roberts made for a truly stirring contest.

Two sides sit level in second with FHN Athletic shading it on alphabetical order so following a 4 – 0 away win against debutants Newbury East in their clash in Newbury Park. Owen McConnell scored twice on his debut for FHN with Michael Barek and Terron Fordjoe goals earning the visitors maximum points to start the season.

Rainham Working Mens Club are the other side in second as they equalled the result of their rivals with a solid 4 – 0 home victory against another of the league’s debutants, in Redbridge Community. Cameron Shakes really mixed things up with a brace as Nick Tormey and Sean Tormey goals rounded things off in favour of the hosts. Goals were the order of the day in the remaining games where Royal Forest picked up a solid first win of the season as they entertained Ryan Under 23s at Roding Valley High School. Tom Osmond scored twice for Forest with Joe Owers, Harry Killick and George Taylor all scoring to give their side a 5 – 3 victory. Marley Wilson-Braithwaite grabbed a Ryan hat-trick in reply for the visitors.

There was a seven-goal thriller in Newbury Park where two of the division’s stalwarts, Old Esthameians and Unitey, met for their opening game. Mohammed Abaker scored twice and Ahmed Dousa once for Unitey but their efforts proved in vain as Old E’s had doubles from Neil Robinson and Brad Harris to thank for coming out on the right side of a 4 – 3 victory.

EAL Division Three

The goals continued to flow into Division Three where Harlow Inter made a great start to life in the competition, producing a stunning performance to beat fellow new side, Terin, in a 10 – 2 scoreline at Chigwell School. Lindsey Marsh scored a hat-trick, Connor Starling and Ben Homewood both scored twice with Macauley Harrington, Matthew Koayloay and Sam Balmforth efforts finishing it off.

Sitting second in the table, Old Barkabbeyans Reserves produced their own top drawer performance as they defeated Lymore Gardens Reserves 8 – 3 at Barking Abbey. Mehdi Ahorbi scored a hat-trick, Robbie Osborne and Luke Sewell bagged braces and Klodian Meta picked up the final goal to give them a winning start to the new campaign.

EAL Division Four

Just alphabetical order keeps the two sides apart at the head of Division Four as Emerson & Upminster A confirmed an opening day 3 – 0 win with a victory away at Dagenham United Reserves at Castle Green. Nicholas Sofianov, Ryan Whitton and Stephen Lee all found the back of the net to make it a good afternoon for Emerson sides in the league.

One letter back in the alphabet, Fairlop Rovers Reserves made a winning start in Rainham on their competitive debut with a solid win away at fellow debutants, Newham & Havering Borough. Goals from Tino Daga and substitutes, Sean McGilloway and Toby Stephens, were enough to help Fairlop to a 3 – 0 win.

A familiar face at this level holds third place after this game week with Newham Royals taking on West Essex Under 23s at Salisbury Hall. Aaron Brooks and Daniel Mincer got on the score-sheet for West but Royals rattled in four of their own to take a 4-2 victory on the day, starting their season in a positive fashion. In the day’s final fixture, two more of the league’s stalwarts met in Loughton where Chingford Harriers picked up an opening victory against Avondale Rangers. The experienced trio of Alex Diner, Nicholas Shawyer and Edwin Jabbari did the damage with their sides three goals on the day. Despite a solitary reply from Laurence Brady for Avondale, Harriers returned home to E4 with a 3 – 1 win under their belts.

__________________

Fixtures – EAL on Saturday 11 September (Top Three Divisions only – stc)

Senior Division

Chadwell Heath Spartans v FC Baresi | Chigwell Hall

CSM London v Chigwell Town | West Ham Community Ground 3G, Beckton

DT FC v Rapid Chingford | Harlow Arena 3G

Jolof Sports v FC Petrocub | Lakeside Sports Ground (2.30pm KO)

Leyton Royal v Blue Marlin | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Woodford East v Lymore Gardens | Hackney Marshes

Premier Division

Frenford A v London Cranes | The Drive

Lomdon Park City v North East Lions | Seven Kings Sch 3G

Marcelona v Wapping | Paringdon Sports Club

Division One

Cowley Community v Forest Green | Ford’s Sports Club (Newbury Park)

Ilford Reserves v Francis Luke | London Marathon Sports Grond, Hainault

Newham Wanderers v RC XI | Wanstead Flats

Renegade v Something From Nothing (SFN) | Hackney Marshes

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 2 – Sat 28 August) [EAL 21-22 30.8.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand. This shortened edition looks at the second weekend of the Regional Feeder League that took place on Saturday 28 August. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Senior Division – Saturday 28 August

The early leaders in the Senior Division are promoted Chadwell Heath Spartans who have followed up a narrow success in week one with a thumping victory the second time around, beating Chigwell Town in a 6 – 0 scoreline. Miguel Martins and Niru Hunwicks both bagged braces with Samir Aboulainaf and Jonathan Evans goals ensuring the points when home with Spartans.

Lymore Gardens sit just a couple of points back at the head of the chasing pack as they followed up their emphatic win on Monday night with a point against unbeaten Leyton Royal. Ahmed Faisal had given Gardens the lead but a Royal equaliser by Bogdan Octavian Toana saw them take a share of the points in an eventual 1 – 1 draw, the sides seperated just by goal difference at this stage.

Sandwiched between the two “L” sides sit a DTFC outfit who remain unbeaten themselves and picked up a point from their trip to Noak Hill to face Kit Out London. Kit Out were ahead but DT fought back to level and then lead themselves thanks to goals from Bill Golledge and Lewis Page before a late strike from distance rescued a point for the hosts for whom Marlon Ortiz and Badr Chiboub were on target in a 2 – 2 draw.

Jolof Sports got themselves off of the mark in their first game of the new campaign as they made a short trip to fellow Newham-based CSM London at the West Ham Community Ground in Beckton. Jolof goals from Bogdan Ursica, Joshua Kewifio-Okai and Papa Ndiaye were more than enough to earn a 3 – 0 win, keeping CSM winless after their opening two fixtures.

Fixtures – Saturday 4 September (top three tiers only, full list on the EAL website)

Senior Division

DT FC v Woodford East | the Harlow Arena 3G

FC Petrocub v FC Baresi | Noak Hill 3G

Lymore Gardens v Blue Marlin | Lakeside 3G (2.30pm KO)

Rapid Chingford v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Salisbury Hall SG (3pm KO)

Tower Utd v Jolof Sports | Mabley Green 3G

Premier Division

Dagenham Utd v Crookz Utd | Castle Green Leisure Centre

Eastside v Frenford A | Hackney Marshes

Marcelona v North East Lions | Paringdon Sports Club, Great Parndon

Division One

Renegade v RCXI | Hackney Marshes

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 1 – Sat 21 August) [EAL 21-22 23.8.21]

Hello and welcome to the first of th season’s round-ups of the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand. This shortened edition looks at the first-ever weekend of the new Step 7 (or Regional Feeder League) that took place n Saturday 21 August. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Senior Division – Saturday 21 August

Following what was the shortest summer break in league history, the new Essex Alliance League started for our Senior Division clubs on Saturday as the country’s newest Regional Feeder League commenced with five fixtures.

The early league leaders after the opening fixtures are promoted Woodford East who made their bow in the top flight with an impressive 5 – 0 away victory at Tower United at Mabley Green to move top. Callum Maltese scored twice for East with Frank Glock, Sonny Feltwell and Matthew Stacey goals rounding off a top draw performance.

Sitting second on goal difference are another of the promoted sides as Chadwell Heath Spartans made a spirited start to top flight football edging a tight contest against Blue Marlin 2 – 1. Michael Ramsey and Samir Aboulainaf got the all important goals to win the game on their competitive debut at their new home in Chigwell.

It’s merely alphabetical order separating the sides in third and fourth respectively as DT FC opened their new campaign as they finished the last with a victory in a close contest with CSM London, the two sides meeting for the first time. And it was just an own goal that was the difference between the sides, DT the beneficiaries of that key moment to win 1 – 0 at the Harlow Arena.

It was another good day for a promoted side as Leyton Royal became of the third such side to record an opening day victory as they made the trip to Noak Hill to face last season’s London Junior Cup finalists, FC Petrocub. Florin Porceanu was on target with the only goal as another close game ended 1 – 0.

The final fixture on Saturday came from Walthamstow where the division’s fourth promoted side, Kit Out London, made the journey to east London to take on Rapid Chingford who were themselves looking for a positive start to the campaign. There was little between the sides in the end with the game ending in a 1 – 1 draw, both sides earning a hard fought point.

Fixtures – EAL Senior Division

Mon 23rd August – FC Baresi v Lymore Gardens | at Mayesbrook Park 3G (8pm KO)

Saturday 28th August (2pm KO’s I understand)

Chadwell Heath Spartans v Chigwell Town | Chigwell Hall Spts Grd

CSM London v Jolof Sports | West Ham Community Grd 3G, Beckton

Kit Out London v DT FC | Noak Hill 3G

Leyton Royal v Lymore Gardens | Salisbury Hall Spts Grd

2021 Club In-Focus – Dagenham Utd [CIF June 2021]

Written By Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EAL Writer

Hello and welcome to a ‘bonus’ instalment of ‘In-Focus’ blogs for Summer 2021. In this fourth article, I caught up with Essex Alliance League (EAL) side Dagenham Utd, who also competed in the group-only Essex Alliance League Cup since the resumption of Football in March this year.

The ‘Daggers’ have had a side in the EAL divisions since 2017, and although their first team are a more recent addition after coming over from the Olympian League.

In this article, I’m pleased to be joined by First Team player-boss (and Adult Section Chairman) Chris Mascall (CM) and First Team Secretary & Physio Jamie Mascall (JM) to give their thoughts on how the recent League Cup has been to compete in, the season as a whole, the inside track on the club and their thoughts on the change coming for the EAL next season. My thanks to them both for their time & Jamie for the Action images shown here.

Dagenham Utd compete in the Essex Alliance Lge (EAL)

SW: It’s fair to say that the 2020-21 campaign has been disrupted by the various lockdowns, but what positives would you all take from this campaign?

CM: “It’s a pleasure Scott, thanks for taking the time to talk to us also.”

“It has been a frustrating campaign again in terms of the stop start of lockdown etc., but we do take some positives from the last lockdown as it allowed a couple of our key players to return from substantial injuries they suffered at the start of the season which disrupted our season towards the Xmas period.

In terms of positives on the pitch this season, we had a strong showing in our league division, pushing at the top of the table for promotion for the majority of the season and picking up some very good results along the way. The restart of the league cup groups yielded some of our best results as we introduced a new system and style of play, which lead to us winning all of our cup group games bar one, narrowly missing out on silverware”

SW: What was the favourite match of the season and why?

CM: “There have been some great matches this season but for the neutral, there’s only one that can really spring to mind. We had a home game early on in the season (on October 3rd 2020 – Ed) vs Forest Green which ended 5 – 4 to us with a winner in the 88th min, an outrageous goal from our winger Rodeny Dos Santos Varela whom cut in on the edge of the box and curled one into the opposite corner lobbing the keeper and leaving him stranded, the absolutely scenes that followed were amazing as it was pure euphoria and a goal worthy of winning any game at any level! Our Reserve team were playing at home too that week and won their game also and so the joint celebrations that took place immediately after the games were fantastic with both teams coming together to enjoy the results in what was a great show of the real family feel we have at this club.”

SW: On or off-the-pitch, what was your most memorable moment/s from this season?

JM: “I would say it would have to be the game Chris just mentioned , the togetherness of the teams and the pure elation they both had for each other’s results was beautiful to see. It was a lovely day weather-wise, both teams winning in spectacular fashion and really felt like it was one of those moments that makes all the hard work running and organising these teams worth it. It was a real ‘this is why we do it’ moment.”

Action Still (Dag Utd in Blue & White Stripes) [Image Credit: Jamie Mascall/Dagenham Utd]

SW: I vaguely remember the club’s first team being among the sides competing in Essex Olympian League (EOFL). How has it been competing in the Alliance League (EAL) since you came over at Division Two level?

CM: “Yes that’s right, our first team used to compete in the Essex Olympian league and moved across to the Alliance League last season. After transferring to Dagenham, I started my journey as First Team Captain and then moved into a management role with the Reserve team whom were entered into the Essex Alliance League in 2016/17 season I believe it was. It was a real ‘start from scratch’ project. I then moved into the First Team Managers role and the Adult Section chairman position, setting out a five-year progression plan for the men’s teams to aim towards. This was when we entered First & Reserve teams into the Alliance, comprised of a few key players from the Reserve team and a lot of new additions whom were eager to join the exciting project and we haven’t looked back since as I enter my 5th season managing within the EAL.

In terms of abilities of the teams within the respective leagues, I genuinely don’t see much difference In quality, and the EAL have some great teams and players amongst the leagues.”

SW: You competed in Group D of the hastily-convened Essex Alliance League Cup finishing in third spot, two points behind leaders Cowley Community. How was it to return to playing after such a long lay-off?

CM: “To be fair, as I mentioned earlier, the break almost done us good in a sense that it allowed injured players to return, but of course you then loose the momentum of the team being together etc. What did really impress me however was that a large number of the first team especially took up 1-2-1 coaching with myself and really looked after themselves during the break, which was evident when we returned to action, where as I mentioned, we were unbeaten, bar one.”

“The final Cup table makes for a slightly distorted view of the way the cup unfolded. We were joint-top along with Unitey after 3 games, both sides winning three a piece going into our encounter with them. We proceeded to draw that game which opened the door to Cowley to sneak up the mini group. We went into the final game of the season against Cowley joint top but with 3 less goal difference then Unitey, meaning we either required Unitey to draw or for us to beat Cowley by a four-goal margin at least, should Unitey win for us to lift the title. I think this lack of clarity slightly affected us in the final fixture and we deviated from the way we had been playing so successfully since the restart, ultimately losing the final game 2-3 to Cowley, with Unitey drawing their final game a result that would have been ideal, meaning Cowley sneaked in and took the title.

Absolutely full credit to them for clinching the title as the ‘dark horses’ when it seemed like race between two sides, they are a nice bunch of lads who were simply better on the day, but we take pride in the fact we were so close to silverware and intend to make sure we get our hands on some ourselves next time around ha!”

SW: It was announced recently that the Senior Division of the Essex Alliance League has been given Step 7 status by the FA, putting it on par with the Premier Division of the Essex Olympian League. Is reaching that division an ambition of the club & what is your reaction to the news as an EAL club?

CM: “It’s fantastic news for the league and all those whom make it tick and fully deserved for all their hard work in getting to that level. On a personal note, Barry [Fitzgerald], Rob [Parker] and Alan Spike for example have been extremely supportive towards us as a team and me personally, and this is evident in the piece you did with Rob a couple of weeks ago, where he name-checked Dagenham United as being one of the big teams that are looking likely progress up the footballing ladder, which is a great compliment to read [Pleasure to assist! – Ed).

In terms of step 7 for us, absolutely, we’ve made no secret of hiding the fact that is very much the plan, to keep climbing up the footballing ladder and into the Non League system etc. We are delighted that we have gained promotion for the coming season to the Premier Division (next season’s EAL second-tier, below the Senior Division) from Div 2 and again feel it shows our progression as a club and our intent to wake what I feel is a sleeping giant of a club.”

Dag Utd GK in action [Image Credit: Jamie Mascall/Dagenham Utd]

SW: How important is it that the EAL matches are covered by Independent amateur media, particularly with the said focus elsewhere on other divisions higher up the Non-League pyramid?

CM: “I think it’s fantastic that people like yourselves are starting to shine a light on grassroots football and highlighting the hard work that goes into these teams and the quality that Is actually within these leagues that very often get missed. As you mention, coverage higher up the pyramid is strong, but at this level is few and far between, but what it does mean, is that when independent amateur media like yourself do take the time out of your days to cover and focus on teams, you have the chance to really build relationships and respect from the teams and leagues you are covering, which I think is a great thing on a personal level, as often in football, especially higher up, that personal touch element often gets missed and it becomes very business orientated.”

SW: In my research for this article, I saw you are one of a number of clubs now who film highlights of matches & then put them on your YouTube channel. How important do you feel doing things like that are to raise the profile of the club (and perhaps the League) as a whole?

CM: “I actually believe we were one of the first to really push the filming of fixtures, investing in a Veo Camera prior to pre-season to automatically record our games and create highlights of match days and other media content. The social media aspect is huge in today’s day and age and by far one of the easiest ways to attract interest in the club as it’s a physical representation of your team and whom you are and allows you to express your identity”

JM: “We not only use the filming of games to create highlight pieces etc, but use the footage for tactical analysis of games which has been crucial throughout the season in being able to Identify any areas of improvement whilst also highlighting the positives for individuals that many players often don’t have. Even at a good semi-pro standard, until recently very few games were recorded and so lots of players don’t have the opportunities to see themselves play and identify these areas to work on.”

CM: In terms of the league’s social media coverage, I genuinely believe they are by far one of the best at any level in terms of engagement with their teams and individuals in the divisions and are very supportive of the social media content put out by clubs. The filming of the games from the league can only be a positive and shows their desire to offer that extra ‘personal touch’ each week.

SW: What do you believe is the main difference between Intermediate/Grassroots Football and the top four steps of the Senior Non-League game?

CM: “Finances. Pure and simple in my honest opinion. Grassroots football has come under so much pressure with lack of help for funding, with costs rising exponentially each year for facilities especially, as quite simply there will always be more teams then there are good venues, meaning most places of hire can charge what they want, with very few teams owning or having leases to their own grounds at this level, every season you see the same story, teams folding left, right and centre, majority of the time simply down to lack of finances. I genuinely believe there are a lot of clubs out there, ourselves being one of them that have real potential to climb the footballing ladder, but football costs money and many are unfortunately ‘priced out’ of progression.”

JM: “I agree, finances play a huge part in the gap between the standards of the senior non league game and grassroots football. It’s unfortunate, but a lot of the financial strains get placed upon the managers of these teams to keep the teams afloat let alone progressing forward.

Thankfully, I’m fully supportive of Chris’s plans for the teams and the ambition he has to keep building the project, meaning the adult section have been fortunate enough to have the financial backing from ourselves to keep progressing. We take pride in the fact we can match what a lot of senior non-league teams can in terms of kits, equipment etc but that ultimately comes down to the passion and drive to want to be able to do this as-well, as we see the teams and the players as extended family and feel that is another of the key differences between the levels.”

SW: Looking on now to the 2021/22 season, what are the short-term aspirations of the club?

CM: “To get some silverware under our belt and ultimately to gain promotion to the Senior Division, after a positive year this season which culminated in a promotion from Div 2 to the Premier Division.

We would like to add some fresh faces to our current teams that believe in the project we have and can appreciate the progression we have made and to compliment the existing players we have. We have keen focus of developing young players and providing a pathway into men’s football as well, a luxury which is often not afforded. In our last game for example, we had four 17 year old players in the first team squad, with another 3 under 21’s and that is something we are committed to continue doing in the 21/22 season.”

SW: Finally, what other developments are on the way for the club in the future that you’d like to share?

CM: “As cliché as it sounds, We’ve got some really exciting plans in the pipeline that will elevate the club to another level. We have transferred to a 4G pitch for our men’s first team to ensure we have a better standard of playing surface to compliment the attractive football we play, whilst also securing a partnership which sees us gain the use of a clubhouse and bar for post-game socials, something we had been sorely missing in the last few seasons.”

“With our ambitions to progress into the Senior division and continue up the footballing pyramid, we are in positive talks to secure a stadium and pitch for the 2022/2023 season [Readers, Ground-grading is a factor in Step 7 divisions – Ed] and have a secure home base with the fantastic current owners whom we are building a good relationship with.”

End

If you’d like to catch up with the others article in this ‘In-Focus’ series relating to the Essex Alliance League, you can find them here

Essex Alliance League – The Future: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/06/11/2021-in-focus-essex-alliance-league-the-future-eal/ 

Club In-Focus – Chadwell Heath Spartans: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/06/14/2021-club-in-focus-chadwell-heath-spartans/