Season Review 2019-20: Essex Senior League (Part 2 – Bottom half) [ESL SR 19/20 10.5.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the second of a two-part blog looking back at the Essex Senior League 2019-20 season, as part of my Non-League ‘Season Review’ series.

In this concluding part, I look back at the sides in the bottom half of the division from the dry statistics perspective and my own thoughts on seeing them in action during the campaign, followed by the stats on Top Goal-scorers this season.

For The Top Ten sides in the ESL, add this URL: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/05/05/season-review-2019-20-essex-senior-lge-p1/   Thanks for reading.

 

Essex Senior League   (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with most Football at or below Step 3 (Isthmian Premier Division in the local area), the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later.

West Essex crest

Image from Sawbo v W Essex (ESL 12.10.19)

Beginning the bottom half in 11th are West Essex. The Stags had a season of transition with thirty-one points being gathered in their 24 matches. Their campaign was also blighted by weather-affected postponements though they still struck fifty-one goals (a goals per game average (GpG) of 2.125) and also shelled fifty-one in defence. They won five of their 12 matches away from their Mayesbrook Park home and their strong team ethos spread to their goal-scorers with Michael Mignot (10 league goals), Brad Russell (8) and Hakim Medfai (6) leading the way on that front. It is also notable that they have continued to encourage young talent into the first team this term. I saw them in action defeat Woodford in September, win well at Sawbridgeworth Town and narrowly lose at Cockfosters, the latter two matches both in October. Their attacking pace has continued from last term though I think for most of the season they have been that bit stronger defensively, despite suffering a few heavy losses this term. It may be that their counter-attacking style favours playing away from home, but I believe it is also about longer-term brick-building you feel for the club as they seek to strengthen the youth side of the club to build pathways through to Senior football.

 

Still from Stansted v Clapton (ESL 23.11.19)

Still from Stansted v Clapton ESL 23.11.19

Clapton logo

In 12th place were Clapton. The Tons had a very strong ‘end’ to the campaign to record thirty-one points also from their 27 matches.  Five of their nine wins this term came in their last eight matches and Julian Charles’ side were nomads, playing at Parkside before finishing the campaign at Southchurch Park. They scored forty goals and conceded 59 in total, though their ten losses from seventeen away matches also impeded them. I saw them twice back in November where they lost at Stansted after a decent start and then gave Saffron Walden Town a test before falling to a loss at home to the Bloods. They struck me as a decent side on-the-pitch though their concentration did let down at times. Deimar Queni led the goal-scoring charts with six league goals so well done Deimar.

Ilford club crest

Still from Ilford v W’stow (ESL 29.1.20)

In 13th place are Ilford, with Jonny Fowell’s side gaining thirty points from their twenty-eight games. Stats will show that they scored only 31 league goals (a GpG of 1.11) which is the third-lowest in the division this term, though they did concede fifty times at the other end, which on balance is second-best of all the bottom-half sides. Cricklefield was their ‘fortress’ with all league eight wins this season coming from their 15 home games, with only five points coming away from home. Being positive, I have little doubt that Fowell and his strong coaching team will be aiming for a better season next time out. I saw them narrowly best Tower Hamlets at home back in August before giving it their all in a draw with Walthamstow in late January. I found them to be a determined outfit with some talented players who will improve with coaching & experience.

St Margaretsbury club logo

Still from S Manor v St Margaretsbury (ESL 4.1.20)

Still from S Manor v St Mags (ESL 4.1.20)

St Margaretsbury ended up in 14th spot with twenty-six points from their 28 games, after a tough end to the season which saw them gain one win in their last ten matches. Tony Wild & Ray Bartlett’s team had issues finding the net, as they scored 36 goals (a GpG of 1.28) whilst shelling forty-eight goals at the other end. Forward Kyle Roberts snared eleven league goals to lessen the threat of being caught in the bottom four. In one of those quirks, I saw them twice against Southend Manor this term. Firstly, in early September where they just edged to a win at home in a real helter-skelter high-scoring battle before Manor returned the favour at Southchurch Park in early January. When I saw them they played quite an open, attacking style and benefitted by having the likes of Ryan Reed on set-pieces too. But in defence, they could be got at, much the same as their rivals in that bottom half. It was announced post-season that Tony Wild has moved across to lead the Youth section next term, with Bartlett taking sole charge of the first team, I’d like to wish both well in their respective roles next season.

Sporting Bengal crest

Still from S Bengal v Redbridge (ESL 28.9.19)

Still from S Bengal v Redbridge ESL 28.9.19)

A point behind St Mags were Sporting Bengal Utd in 15th, having gathered twenty-five points from their 26 matches, after being deducted three points early on in the campaign. Imrul Gazi’s side have played a attractive style of football for several seasons now, though this term they were that bit more vulnerable defensively, having conceded 62 goals (a GpG of 2.38) this term. Curtley McIntosh led the way in attack with a very respectable twelve league goals, with support from Bobby Redwood who got seven. As mentioned in the previous part of this article, Bengal contributed hugely to a fine match in their draw with Redbridge at Mile End in late September and reminds us that they have a very capable side, even if the consistency isn’t quite there.

Into the bottom four now, starting with Enfield in 16th spot. Matt Hanning’s side had twenty-four points on the board from their 26 matches, thanks in part to a decent run of two wins and three draws in their last eight matches. Defensively they conceded sixty-six goals – the second-worst in the division but to their credit, in the last few matches they did tighten up at the back and had the season continued, they may have ended the season in a better position. One plus for them as well was their new home of Woodside (Bishop’s Stortford) and they got some fine results there, winning five of their 14 matches there this season. In 17th spot was Southend Manor who endured a tough season it has to be said. They gained twenty-three points from their 26 matches, with four of their six league wins coming at Southchurch Park. The principal issue for them was scoring goals, as they scored twenty-eight times during the entire season – the lowest in the division (a GpG of 1.07). When I saw them live though, they did have their moments (particularly in the midway point of the season as they held Sawbridgeworth in November and edged to victory of St Margaretsbury in early January) but earlier in the campaign, lapses of concentration & confidence showed in home losses to Redbridge and Cockfosters.

Image from S Manor v Cockfosters ESL 9.11.19

Still from S Manor v St Mags (ESL 4.1.20)

 

Hamlets logo

Still from T Hamlets v Cockfosters ESL 2.12.19

Moving into the bottom two, and in 18th place were Tower Hamlets. They were a point adrift of Manor on 22 points from their 27 games played. I wouldn’t be too surprised if Hamlets had one of the youngest squads to play in the division, certainly this season if not going further back into the league’s history. One for the historians that is. On their day, their pace and exuberance was tough to stifle, but on the other end of that scale is that their inexperience cost them, defensively in particular. They shipped sixty-five goals (a GpG of 2.41) and they didn’t win any of their last ten league matches which did put them in the position that they finished, but ran the top-of-the-table sides close which did earn John Jatto’s side respect.  Finally, bottom of the standings were Sawbridgeworth Town who won eight points from their 28 matches. Two league wins all season kind of sets the tone though what really leaps off the page was the unfortunate defensive record, conceding ninety-nine goals this term (a GpG of 3.53). Their league wins came against Cockfosters at home in mid-November and at Sporting Bengal in mid-February. I saw them lose out at home to West Essex in mid-October where they had promising parts of the game but not enough end product.  When I saw next saw them battle hard for a point at Manor at the end of November, there were signs they were tightening up and their attacking promise was evident too. Ultimately though, you’re forced to concede that it was a very harsh campaign for Sawbo and one they can scarcely afford to see again.

Sawbridgeworth club badge

Still from S Manor v Sawbo ESL 30.11.19

 

 

Finally, here’s the Leading Goal-scorers in the Essex Senior League 2019/20

(Source: essexseniorleague.co.uk)

		Club/s	League Goals	Total Goals (All Comps)
1	Dwade James	Walthamstow	27	40
2	George Smith	Hashtag Utd	19	26
3	Solomon Ofori	Hadley	18	25
4	Gavin Cockman	Saffron Walden Town	16	20
5	Suiabo Balde	Tower Hamlets	15	15
6	Lewis Francis	Walthamstow/ Saffron Walden Town	13	17
=7	Taylor Tombides	Redbridge	12	19
	Curtley McIntosh	Sporting Bengal Utd	12	16
	Issac Marfo-Jacobs	Hoddesdon Town	12	15
=10	Kyle Roberts	St Margaretsbury/ Hadley	11	15
	Connor Hammond	Stansted	11	13
=12	Michael Mignot	West Essex	10	15
	Manny Hammond	Hadley	10	12
	Ned Clarke	Cockfosters/ Hadley	10	10
=15	Charlie Cole	Saffron Walden Town	9	28
	Bryn Thorpe	Takeley	9	15
	Alfie Bartram	Hadley	9	12
	Hassan Nalbant	Redbridge	9	11
	Cameron Ferguson	Hadley	9	9

 

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Season Review 2019-20: Essex Senior League (Part 1 – Top 10) [ESL SR 19/20 5.5.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the first of a two-part blog looking back at the Essex Senior League 2019-20 season, as part of my Non-League ‘Season Review’ series.

In this first part, I look back at the top ten sides in the division from the dry statistics perspective and my own thoughts on seeing them in action during the campaign, followed by the stats on ‘Clean Sheets’ this season. Thanks for reading.

 

Essex Senior League   (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with most Football at or below Step 3 (Isthmian Premier Division in the local area), the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later.

We start off the Top ten rundown at the summit, where Saffron Walden Town led having grabbed sixty-six points from their 29 matches. Jason Maher’s side had another very strong campaign, with a much-admired strike force featuring the likes of Charlie Cole, Nathan Scarborough and highly-rated prospect Tyger Smalls breaking into the team in the second part of the campaign. The ‘Bloods’ hit 69 goals this term (at a Goals per game (GpG) average of 2.38) and had the fourth-best defence in the division (marshalled by the likes of Scott Pethers and club stalwart Spike Bell), conceding twenty-eight times in the league. They have all the hallmarks of a top side, being gritty when they need to be but also having searing pace going forward and can score goals almost at will when I watched them in-person. I also must give a special mention to determined forward Gavin Cockman, who struck sixteen league goals to lead his side in attack and personally he had a superb campaign.

Still from Errington Cup match: Saffron Walden v Cockfosters 28.12.19

Still from Errington Cup: S Walden v Cockfosters 28.12.19

Another still from Hashtag Utd v Redbridge ESL 18.1.20

In second place are Hashtag Utd, who memorably won the Eastern Senior League South in their debut campaign in 2018-19. It was another very positive season for Jay Devereux’s side, having accrued sixty-five points from their 26 matches prior to the season being halted. The ‘Tags’ were the most in-form side in March, with six wins from their most recent eight matches. Overall, they scored sixty-six times (a GpG of 2.54) and conceded 27 goals, the third-best defensive record in the division. Their home record was right up there but it was away from their temporary home of Chadfields that they excelled, winning eleven of their thirteen matches away from home. Striker George Smith was a superb addition to the team, firing home nineteen league goals, but canny signings during the season like centre-back Luke Wilson, goalkeeper Louis Hawes and midfielder Tom Anderson added to their momentum. I saw them in their opening ESL match where they surprisingly lost to Southend Manor, though after that they won their next ten matches on-the-reel. Then in January, an inspired spell after half-time saw them bypass Redbridge and at that point you knew they would take some stopping. For all the hype that follows them around, they are a very promising side and will expect to be right in the tussle for promotion again next season. They are on the move once again, having agreed to ground-share at Bowers & Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium next season, which will only add to the optimism going forward.

 

Walthamstow logo

Walthamstow resided in third place, with new manager Max Mitchell taking the reins in late January. The East Londoners gained sixty-three points from their 26 games, winning twenty of them. They netted seventy-three times (a GpG of 2.81) and yes, Dwade James got 27 of those himself to end up the league’s top scorer for the second season in succession, you also have to applaud the stats at the other end of the pitch. Notably, they shelled only seventeen goals, the league’s best this term (a GpG of 0.65) and custodian James Bransgrove also gathered 16 clean sheets (see below), which speaks for itself. Previous gaffer Ryan Maxwell has to take some credit for assembling the team he did, and therefore was largely responsible for his side losing only one of their twelve away matches this term. I saw them since back in August where they just outshone Stansted and battle to a point at Ilford in late January though with Mitchell settling in well since his appointment, the ‘Waltham Rabble’ will be fired up once again next term for another good season at Wadham Lodge.

 

Hadley crest (Image: Hadley FC)

Still from Takeley v Hadley ESL Oct 19

Next in the table were league newcomers Hadley in fourth. They garnered 57 points from their twenty-six matches and have the esteem of scoring the most goals this term, with eighty strikes (a GpG of 3.07) and letting in only twenty-four goals, the second-best record in the division this term. I saw them back on the opening day where they comfortably defeated Enfield though the best thing I recall about that day was the good atmosphere at the club, not forgetting the intriguing ‘Tennis Ball Challenge’ game which is a rather unique half-time spot of entertainment. I saw them again in October where they had to play well to win at Takeley. Forward Solomon Ofori was arguably their star player this term with eighteen league goals to his name, though I’d also mention Luke Jupp, Cameron Ferguson and Manny Hammond who also were right up there in the goal-scorers chart and for their importance to the team. I doubt I’m the only writer who hopes they remain with the league next season as they certainly played their part in it for the football they played and the good people at the club. They were the only side unbeaten at home, winning 13 of their fourteen matches at Brickfield Lane, with only Saffron Walden Town holding them to a draw in the ESL in January. Finally, who could forget the FA Cup run to the Third Qualifying Round where they lost out at National League South side Havant & Waterlooville in early October.

 

Stansted club badge

Still from Stansted v Clapton ESL 23.11.19

Still from Stansted v Clapton 23.11.19

In fifth spot are Stansted, who got fifty points from their 27 matches this term. A mixed start to the campaign was swiftly nullified from the memory banks during mid-season as they achieved a new club record of twelve straight league wins which shot them up into the top six. They were in good nick towards the ‘end’ of the season as well. Having scored fifty-five goals in all this term (a GpG of 2.04) and their form at Hargrave Park was to be envied, with ten wins from their 14 matches at home. Paul Pittuck and John Watters’ side also made the last 64 of the FA Vase, and had a grand away day at Thurlow Nunn Premier high-flyers Stowmarket Town to show for it. Connor Hammond ended up their top scorer with eleven league goals, though in fairness the goals were well spread out this term. These two canny managers are known for having determined sides and that was certainly the case again this season. I saw them narrowly lose out at Walthamstow early-doors before besting Clapton in November. You wouldn’t be surprised if the Airportmen are competitive once again next season.

 

Takeley were once again in the upper echelons of the table in sixth place, garnering forty-three points from their 24 matches, as the indecent weather in the winter heavily affected their fixtures. Interestingly, their form away from Station Road was slightly better than at home, as Marc Das’ side won seven of their 13 matches away, with only three losses. They struck 46 goals this term, whilst the familiar steely backline remained, conceding thirty-four goals (a GpG of 1.42) – the fifth-best record in the ESL. Bryn Thorpe deserves a mention for being top scorer with nine league goals (15 in all competitions) and stopper Matt Gill also racked up six clean sheets as well. When I saw them back in late October, they were beaten by the better side in Hadley and their form toward the season’s halt wasn’t super with two wins and three losses in their last eight matches though it is a testament to the reputation that Das & co have built that you can’t rule out his side from having a good season, even if they are not the most spectacular.

 

That thought remains with the next club in seventh which was filled by Hoddesdon Town, having won 41 points from their twenty-seven matches. The solid nature of the previous season was maintained, with the Lilywhites conceding 35 times (a GpG of 1.29) and notching a half-century of goals too. Isaac Marfo-Jacobs was their top goal-getter with twelve goals, prior to his departure for Isthmian North side Witham Town. Jordan Halls got six league goals as well to help cover during the latter part of the campaign. Goalkeepers Simon Dent and Aaron Bull got ten clean sheets between them as well and you would feel Simon Riddle’s side are well-placed for another top-half finish at least in 2020/21.

Redbridge club crest

Still from Sporting Bengal v Redbridge ESL 28.9.19

Still from S Manor v Redbridge ESL 5.10.19

Redbridge are next in eighth spot, having recovered from a mid-season lull to notch thirty-eight points from their 25 games. Weather also affected the improving Oakside stadium, though the fact that they scored 57 league goals (a GpG of 2.28) says a lot for manager Micky Wetherall and his coaching staff. They also shelled 56 goals in defence which arguably held them back a bit but you also have to credit the manner of how they play. Their high-scoring draw at Sporting Bengal Utd in late September was one of my matches of the season, just for the attacking intent shown by both sides. Then in early October, they showed a more gritty side as they won at Southend Manor. Finally, a rare Friday night outing at Oakside in early November saw them just lose out to Woodford Town in another highly-competitive game. Incredibly, eight of their 12wins this came on-the-road and overall, I believe Micky will be happy enough with their campaign.

Woodford Town Badge

Image from Redbridge v Woodford Town ESL 8.12.19

Still from Redbridge v Woodford ESL 8.11.19

In ninth place were Woodford Town, after claiming thirty-four points from their 28 matches. Their season could ably be labelled as inconsistent though they did end up finishing well, with four wins from their last eight matches. Remaining at the Harlow Arena this term, they got six wins from their fourteen home games while having their struggles on away days, with four wins and nine losses from their fourteen matches away from home. I saw them lose out at West Essex in September before winning at Redbridge in early November. If they have a more settled squad next term, you would think they will finish higher next term, given they have some talented prospects in the young side. Finally for this part, in tenth spot are Cockfosters, another new side to the division. Ryan Wade’s team gathered thirty-four points also from their 26 matches and ended below Woodford on goals scored. Their Chalk Lane base saw them win six of their twelve matches and going forward, they are an enterprising side to watch, with Billy Healey and Ned Clarke among those impressing. I watched them narrowly defeat West Essex in late October and as some of my peers have said on radio this season, on that occasion they showed how much of a welcoming club they are and they should be congratulated for that. I also saw them make the most of a first-half blitz to win at Southend Manor in November before they ground out a win at Tower Hamlets in early December. All in all, they are a god side to watch and much like Hadley, I hope they remain in the ESL as they have added to the division this term.

Cockfosters Emblem

Image from S Manor v Cockfosters ESL 9.11.19

Image from Cockfosters v West Essex ESL 29.10.19

Still from Cockfosters v West Essex ESL 29.10.19

 

Essex Senior League  – Goalkeepers’ Clean Sheets

(Source: essexseniorleague.co.uk)

		Club/s	Clean Sheets
1	James Bransgrove	Walthamstow	16
=2	Luke Ward	Hadley	13
	Nicholas Eyre	Saffron Walden Town	13
=4	Bradley Robinson	Cockfosters	7
	Tim Pitman	Hashtag Utd	7
=6	Matthew Gill	Takeley	6
	Simon Dent	Hoddesdon Town	6
	Alex Read	Woodford Town	6
9	William Hunt	Clapton	5
	Jack Coker	West Essex	5
=11	Aaron Bull	Hoddesdon Town	4
	Louis Hawes	Hashtag Utd	4
	George Marsh	Stansted	4
	Florent Gislette	Redbridge	4
	Alex Jennings	Enfield	4

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Premier Division [EOFL SR 19/20 30.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the fifth piece of a mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA.

In this piece, I look back what was a fascinating Essex Olympian League Premier Division campaign, rounded out with an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goal-scorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I was fortunate to see a few of the teams in action live this term.

 

EOFL Premier Division   (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

Still from Old S v Sungate [EOFL PD 8.2.20]

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. At the summit were Sungate, who amassed forty-four points from their 22 matches in what was a very good season for the East London-based side. They had the secod-best defensive record, conceding twenty-nine times (at a average per game (or GpG) of 1.32) and also enjoyed the joint-best goal-scoring record, scoring 52 times (GpG of 2.36). I saw them come back to win a really enterprising game at Old Southendian in February and you could certainly see why they were hot in front of-goal and they will hope to carry on the impetus going forward. Leigh Ramblers had a really good campaign, finishing in second spot. Wayne Seal’s team had a strong end to the season, ending up with thirty-eight points from their 22 games played. They won seven of their 11 matches at their Belfairs Park home and were also joint-high goal-scorers with 52 strikes this term. Murmurings indicate that they are looking to build the club going forward and they will be a threat next term you feel. Last season’s champions Buckhurst Hill finished in third, with 32 points gained from only fourteen matches. Postponements and Cup runs perhaps thwarted Mark Williams’ side from a higher finish and you would not have gone against Hill obtaining a top-two finish, had the season gone on for another month. As it was, they still got ten league wins, along with being the division’s fourth-best goal-scorers with 46 strikes (a GpG of 3.28) and held the best defensive record (16 goals shelled) for the second consecutive campaign. Not bad going! Factor in their three entrants in the leading goal-scorers chart (see below) and you start to see why Hill are highly-regarded in the local Non-League scene. Both of their losses this season came in South Essex, at Rayleigh Town and Leigh Ramblers but it does seem they are well-placed for another tilt at success next term.

In fourth place were Catholic Utd, having managed 31 points from their twenty-one matches this term. The ‘Super Hoops’ are based at Bowers & Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium [3G] and grabbed seven wins from their thirteen games there. They scored fifty-one goals (GpG of 2.43) to put them in third in the list of ‘Entertainers’ this term though it was at the other end where the issues were, having shelled 39 goals this season. Their form tailed towards the end of the campaign, and they were uncharacteristic in their loss at Old Southendian in late January, which I watched. Utd have announced that former Southend Manor & Waltham Abbey Reserves boss Stuart Marshall will take the reins next season and it is good to see him back in the game, all the best to him. Kelvedon Hatch made the most of a decent run prior to the cut-off to finish fifth, having got thirty points from their 20 outings. Glen Golby & Steve Willis’ side certainly were not dull to watch, having struck the net forty-one times and conceded 45 times (a GpG of 2.25) this term. I saw them lose out narrowly at Old Southendian in December and you could see why quite a few of their players have played at a higher level, the guile and the craft is there. On that note, Petrit Elbi deserves a mention as their top goal-scorer with eight goals.

Still from Old S v K Hatch [EOFL PD 21.12.19]

Still from Old S v K Hatch [EOFL PD 21.12.19]

Into mid-table now, with Springfield finishing sixth with twenty-eight points from their 20 games played. Nine of them were wins with 44 goals scored, the fifth-best record in the division. Unfortunately, they conceded forty-nine goals as well, the second-worst in the division. Their Arun Close home was the place of six of their wins this term, and they also can champion the league’s top goal-scorer in Dave Wareham who netted fifteen times. Congratulations to him. The club saw a transition as well as stalwart Glen Wilkinson moved upstairs to Director of Football, with former Laindon Orient & Rayleigh Town Reserves co-boss Dan Williams coming in the second half of the season. They seem well set for another promising campaign next term. Rayleigh Town are another club with plans for the future, and they ended up seventh with twenty-five points from their 16 matches. They were hampered by weather & Cup fixtures somewhat though still won eight of their games, having scored thirty-three times and conceded 33 times as well – the fifth-best defensive record. I saw Paul Higgins’ side in action back in August as they defeated Leigh Ramblers, though I must note that like a lot of clubs at this level, they are welcoming and do deserve to increase their fan following as they play decent football as well.

In eighth place were a club I saw a few times in the second half of the campaign: Old Southendian. They found a degree of form in that second part of the season to also end on twenty-five points from their 22 matches. An inferior goal difference saw them below their local rivals Rayleigh, but Connor Lane’s team still won seven times, three of which I saw in person. Stats-wise, they struck 38 goals (a GpG of 1.73) and shelled 42 times as well though as is so often the case, the stats don’t tell the whole story. At their best, they do play some good stuff and given the experience they have in abundance in their squad, that isn’t a surprise.  Nick Henesy and Ed Gould both got eight goals apiece and as has been well-publicised, they are another of the clubs to play on artificial 3G at Garon Park.

Still from Old S v Catholic U [EOFL PD 25.1.20]

Still from Old S v Basildon T [EOFL 29.2.20]

 

Another club that saw a managerial change in Bishop’s Stortford Swifts finished ninth. They accrued twenty-three points from their 20 matches and on the face of it, you may call it a very mixed campaign. They scored 35 goals (a GpG of 1.75) and conceded forty-three times but they did get five of their seven wins at Silver Leys this term. Former Epping Town boss Billy Cove came in as manager in February and you sense the club’s focus has been renewed as they picked up two important wins over Kelvedon Hatch and Sungate which staved off immediate relegation worries at that time. I would predict a more positive season to come for the Swifts. Canning Town ended up tenth with twenty-three points coming from the 22 matches they contested. Their defence was the most troublesome area for the Beckton-based team, having conceded 49 times, the joint-second highest in the division. They did finish the season well though, with four wins in their last eight games with the pressure on so that may bode well for the next campaign. Another side who finished strongly sits in eleventh, which is Shenfield AFC, who won Division One in 2018/19. They garnered twenty-two points from their 18 matches, having won four of their last seven matches. That was quite the opposite of their early-season woes, as they didn’t win any of their first six games. It is true that only the bottom three sides had more trouble in front of goal, as AFC netted thirty times in all, though the team were more than decent at the back, shelling 35 goals to gain the sixth-best defensive record in the division. Ben Carroll also deserves to be mentioned as he grabbed nine league goals this term, well done Ben. Basildon Town were just below them in 12th, with 21 points from their fifteen outings. Those points came from their seven league wins, and they struck the net 27 times, the joint-lowest in the division. Couple that with conceding 48 times and you can see why the management would be frustrated to say the least. I saw Town at Old Southendian in late February and to be honest, they played well in patches so that must add to the frustration.

Now to the bottom two, with Hutton ending up 13th having gathered eighteen points from their 14 matches, having been one of many clubs affected by the deluge of rain over the winter. Gary Damrill’s team on five of their matches and although going forward they scored 27 times (joint-lowest with Basildon Town), the promising statistic is that they conceded 32 goals, which was the fourth-strongest defensive record. Quirks of numbers indeed. Top scorer Will Marlowe netted eight times as well so congrats to Will. Finally, Harold Wood Athletic ended a season they would probably like to forget bottom, also on 18 points from the same amount of matches. They finished below Hutton because of a much weaker goal difference, largely due to conceding 53 times. Stalwart boss Kris Taylor moved sideways at season’s end, to be replaced by former Barkingside boss Alex Goldstone and they will certainly want a better season next time out.

To close this part, I’d like to note my belief that the quality of the Premier Division is rising this season. Some may disagree with that and they are welcome to their opinion, I just don’t think it is an accident that players are dropping into Step 7 and on the same note, there are some good managers as well. All in all, it should be a really fascinating division next season, if it isn’t too badly affected by the current world events (No, I’m not saying the ‘C-word here). I hope to watch a few matches in this division again next term.

 

EOFL Premier Division  – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Dave Wareham Jr	Springfield	15	18
=2	Nathan Sollosi	Buckhurst Hill	12	12
	Jake Clarke	Sungate	12	15
=4	Fehinti Falola	Buckhurst Hill	10	8
	Suleyman Zuhdu	Buckhurst Hill	10	11
6	Ben Caroll	Shenfield AFC	9	15
=7	Will Marlowe	Hutton	8	8
	Petrit Elbi	Kelvedon Hatch	8	13
	Nick Henesy	Old Southendian	8	13
	Joe Nathanson	Springfield	8	13
	Aaron Baldwin	Catholic Utd	8	14
	Rhys Fatt	Leigh Ramblers	8	14
	Reece Clarke	Sungate	8	15
	Daniel Williams	Leigh Ramblers	8	16
	Ed Gould	Old Southendian	8	18

 

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Premier Division  (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
1	Michael Sammut	Catholic Utd	21	0	21
=2	Thomas Kearney	Catholic Utd	20	1	21
	James Smith	Sungate	20	1	21
	Ryan Batchford	Springfield	20	0	20
	Ryan Lowe	Leigh Ramblers	20	0	20
	Rorie McKenzie	Sungate	20	0	20
	Tyron Thomas	Canning Town	20	0	20
=8	Billy Evans	Canning Town	19	1	20
	Reece Still	Bishop’s Stortford Swifts	19	1	20
	Dylan Skinner	Leigh Ramblers	19	0	19
=11	Ed Gould	Old Southendian	18	2	20
	Dave Wareham Jr	Springfield	18	1	19
	Adam Palmer	Bishop’s Stortford Swifts	18	0	18
	Scott Truman	Sungate	18	0	18
	Bradley Vaughan	Catholic Utd	18	0	18
	Matt Wilson	Old Southendian	18	0	18

 

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division Five [EOFL SR 19/20 30.4.20]

EOFL Crest

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @SottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to another of my mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA. Sufficed to say, I felt it was important to mark what’s been another fascinating campaign in the Essex Olympian League, Essex Senior League & Eastern Senior League South (leagues I’ve watched mostly this season just gone).

Anyway, we begin the series with a look at Division Five, including an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goal-scorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. Thanks for reading.

 

EOFL Division Five  (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. At the top of Division Five, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Reserves led the way with 39 points gained from their 18 matches. Danny Page’s side managed twelve wins from those games and in doing so were the joint-top scorers in the division with 51 goals (a Goals per game (or GpG) of 2.83) and also shared the best defensive record with the same side in Springfield Reserves, in shelling 22 goals this term. All in all, a really good season for the Swifts second-side so congrats to them. In second spot were the aforementioned Springfield Reserves who had only played 14 matches, resulting in twenty-eight points. They also notched 51 times this season and led the goal-scoring chart in the division by virtue of a better average (GpG of 3.64). Their top-scorer James Page struck sixteen of those goals himself so credit must go to him.

The chasing pack were pretty close behind, led by Collier Row Reserves who ended the term in third spot with twenty-five points from their 15 matches. The Romford-based side struck the net forty-seven times this term (a GpG of 3.13) though also conceded 32 times, giving them the fifth-best defensive record at this level. Roberto Carvalho also merits a mention with thirteen goals making him Row’s second-side’s top goal-getter. Herongate Athletic Reserves are next in fourth, having been deducted two points for failing to play a fixture in September, they ended up with 24 points from their seventeen games, with eight wins this term. They struck forty-eight goals this term (a GpG of 2.82) though it may frustrate them to have shelled 46 goals as well. One for Non-League fans to follow as fans don’t often like goal-less stalemates. On a better note, they also have two entrants in the leading goal-scorers chart (see below).

Also on twenty-four points were Newbury Forest Reserves in fifth spot. They played 15 matches, with no stalemates here, only eight wins and seven losses. One positive statistic for them was that their record at the back was thirty-one goals conceded, the fourth-best record in the division. Roydon Reserves are a point behind in sixth, having gathered twenty-three points from their 15 outings. Their miserly defence shelled twenty-five goals, the third-best record at this level but that good point is somewhat dampened by their goal-scoring, having made the net rustle thirty times and despite scoring on average two goals a game, it was still the fourth-worst in the division. The next two sides were both relegated from Division Four in 2018/19. First, Old Barkbbeyans ended in seventh, on twenty-one points from their sixteen games. Their goal difference saw them finish here, having won six matches this term. They scored thirty-nine goals this term and a mention has to go to top goal-scorer Michael Ryder who nabbed twenty-four of them to end as the division’s best marksman. Well done Michael. Leigh Ramblers Reserves are eighth woth 21 points also, having won seven of their twenty matches. They did complete their season before the season’s halt, and by the stats, it was a mixed one. They struck forty-four goals (a GpG of 2.20) but also shelled fifty-one times which was the second-worst record in defence this term. Ola James was their top goal-getter with twelve goals so congrats to him.

Into the bottom three now, and in ninth spot were Shoebury Town Reserves, having only played thirteen times due to weather issues earlier in the campaign. They still gained twenty points, thanks largely to their six wins this term. Goal-scoring was their main ‘Achilles heel’, gathering 28 goals (a GpG of 2.15) which in fairness still isn’t bad going. Runwell Sports Reserves finished tenth, with 16 points (after having two points taken away for being unable to fulfil a fixture in November) from their sixteen matches. They managed six league wins, though again it was the offensive side of the pitch which troubled them a bit, having scored 26 times (a GpG of 1.62) this term, the second-lowest goal-scoring side at this level. Finally, it was a season of development for bottom side Wakering Sports Development, who finished with eleven points from their 17 matches. Unfortunately, they scored only fourteen goals  this term and conceded a whopping sixty-eight times (or on average, four goals a game) though to be positive, their experience this season will hold them in good stead as they continue their transition into Adult Football.

 

EOFL Division Five – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Michael Ryder	Old Barkabbeyans	24	14
2	James Page	Springfield Res	16	13
3	Roberto Carvalho	Collier Row Res	13	8
=4	Liam England	Springfield Res	12 (+1 pen)	12
	Ola James	Leigh Ramblers Res	12	14
6	Glen Jordan	Herongate Athletic Res	11	9
=7	Valentine Lawrence	Herongate Athletic Res	10 (+1 pen)	9
	Nicholas George	Collier Row Res	10	11
	Josh Robinson	Old Barkabbeyans	10	12
10	Jordan Handcomb	Roydon Res/ Bishop’s Stortford Res	9	14

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Division Five (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
=1	Edward Foskett	Leigh Ramblers Res	17	1	18
	Lewis Harvey	Leigh Ramblers Res	17	1	18
=3	Joe Howson	Leigh Ramblers Res	16	3	19
	Ben Wood	Old Barkabbeyans	16	0	16
=5	Jake Fairman	Leigh Ramblers Res	15	1	16
	Taylor Stewart	Leigh Ramblers Res	15	1	16
	Archie Lambert	Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res	15	0	15
	Khari Pobi	Newbury Forest Res	15	0	15
=9	Jordan Handcomb	Roydon Res/ Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res	14	2	16
	Luke Harradine	Old Barkabbeyans	14	1	15
	Kyle Stanley	Roydon Res	14	1	15
	Danny Adderson	Roydon Res	14	0	14
	Ryan Blake	Old Barkabbeyans	14	0	14
	Tony Carlton	Herongate Athletic Res	14	0	14
	Oliver Gees-Howes	Collier Row Res	14	0	14
	Ola James	Leigh Ramblers Res	14	0	14
	Ewan Rockell	Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res	14	0	14
	Michael Ryder	Old Barkabbeyans	14	0	14
	Kai Wade	Collier Row Res	14	0	14
	Lewis Kelsey	Leigh Ramblers Res	14	0	14

2019-20 Season – Club In-Focus: Wakebury FC [EOFL 2019/20 I-F 29.4.20]

Still from Wakebury v Corinthians Res (EOFL D3 11.1.20)

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome the first of a possible series of blogs which clubs themselves give their thoughts on the 2019-20 season and their favourite moments, favourite matches and more. First up is Essex Olympian League Division Three side Wakebury, who joined the EOFL last summer, after a spell in the Southend Combination League.

In this piece, manager Matt Cardy and assistant boss Dan Blewett (MC & DB) and club captain Chris Gore (CG) giving a players’ viewpoint, shed some light on how they felt the season went. My thanks to Matt, Dan & Chris for their time, you call find the club on Twitter: @Wakebury_FC

Wakebury emblem (Image: Wakebury FC/Twitter)

 

• Going into your first Essex Olympian League season at Division Three level, how did you feel the side would cope with the opposition?

MC & DB: Looking back and reflecting now, we are really pleased with the progress we made through the season. We stepped up to most challenges put in front of us. The players bought in to how we want to do things and as the season went on we felt we was getting better all the time. Joining the EOFL was a big step for a club of our size and we was aware we would be “punching above our weight” and be underdogs in the majority of games so to be sitting in a promotion spot at the close of play is really pleasing and we are glad to have achieved the clubs’ highest-ever finish in this fashion. This level of progress motivates us more to get better and improve all aspects of the club.

 

• What was the favourite match of the season and why?

MC & DB: We’re going to go a bit ‘outside the box’ on this one. It was Basildon Town Reserves (away) in our first-ever EOFL league game. We won the game 3 -1 after going 1- 0 down to a penalty in the first half (which is still a mind-blowing decision thinking about it now!) we had made a big effort in the summer to bring in better characters to make us mentally stronger, this was a test of that in the first game and we was able to turn it around in style and win the game, this set us up for the rest of the season as we demonstrated how much character we have on a number of occasions.

CG: For me personally, my favourite match of the season came away at ACD Utd – we went into the game with 12 available players, 2 – 0 down inside the first 10 minutes, then an injury put us down to 11, which included the manager & assistant! We managed to come back and grab a point with a last-minute free-kick. It was a great performance with all factors considered.

 

• What was your best performance away from Shoebury Park this season?

MC & DB: Toby Reserves (away). Although we lost the game, this was 100% the turning point in our season. We all came away feeling hard done by and this brought the group closer together and saw us go on unbeaten. We played with 10 men for 35 minutes and battled against a top side heroically at times. This was our last defeat of the season and really got us moving in the right direction.

CG:  Our best away performance would be away at Leigh Town Reserves. Having lost to them a couple of weeks before and after suffering a couple of defeats we came into the game under pressure as we wanted to challenge at the top. We completely dominated the game from start to finish and came away with a 3 – 1 win.

 

• What was your best performance at Shoebury Park this season?

MC & DB: Corinthians Reserves would be a stand-out home performance. We had billed it to the players as the ‘game of the season’. Make or break. I could feel it changing just before we went out for kick-off that the players were in the right frame of mind. We had really created a squad that wanted to step up and be involved in these pressure moments. We went 1 – 0 down just after half time and in our first season in charge, we would have collapsed. But this group used that goal as extra motivation to perform. We went on to win 3 – 1 and it was a great show of character and determination. We were proud of the players following that performance.

CG: Our best home performance would be against Corinthians Reserves. We knew going into the game that if we wanted to challenge for the league title we needed to win this game. I felt we was under pressure as a side and even more so going 1 – 0 down just after half-time. We managed to come back and win 3 – 1 which showed the amount of character we have as a side.

 

 

• On or off-the-pitch, what was your most memorable moment from this season?

MC & DB: Generally speaking, we would say how we grew as side the longer the season went on. When you have an idea in your head of how you want your team to play and be, we really made some big strides this season to working towards that. Off-the-pitch, the players became a tight-knit group, the best group since we began four years ago. We built a side of not only good players but good people – that’s why we have had a good season.

CG:  Back to the away game at ACD, to steal a point with a depleted side and with the free-kick being the last kick of the game. The celebrations after the goal showed how much it meant to everyone. To go away from home with the side we had out on the day, it meant a huge amount to everyone.

 

• Were there any low points of the campaign for you?

MC & DB: Home defeats. We lost two league games at home and both times we under-performed. Looking back, that is the only frustration of the season. We don’t like losing. Especially in games where we should be winning. The week following a defeat always seems to drag on a little bit more and you are just counting down to the next Saturday to hopefully right the wrongs of any defeat.

CG:  Lowest point would Toby Reserves (away) back in November. Probably our first big game of the season, after taking an early lead we had goal wrongly disallowed. After dominating we were hit with a ‘sucker-punch’ to make it 1-1 at half time. Early in the 2^nd half we was reduced to 10 men and battled on a muddy pitch until the last minute when was beaten by a penalty. That day we showed so much character, and that was our last defeat of the season and was a real turning point.

 

• Looking forward to 2020/21 season (whenever it starts), what are the aspirations for the club?

MC & DB:  We hope to rewarded how we feel we should be after a fantastic debut season in the EOFL. We hope the relevant people see sense and reward all sides across the divisions for their hard work. We are ambitious and will always strive to improve all aspects of what we do. From our coaching to how we deliver information to the players in preparation for matches, this period of lockdown has given us great chance to evolve how we work and we can’t wait to put some new strategies and practices in place for next season.

 

• Finally, any other exciting news for the future you’d like to share?

MC & DB: We have announced the launch of a new youth set-up. Wakebury Youth is a new strand of the club and something we believe is vital to having a long-lasting, stable football club. Football Clubs are all about young people so it will be great to see some young players coming over and represent the club. This being said, we are looking out for any coaches or volunteers that want to help and get involved in Wakebury Youth, so if anyone is reading this and wants to get involved do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you! This is an exciting time and we continue to grow on and off-the-pitch.

End

 

My particular thanks to Matt Cardy, Chairman of Wakebury for setting this piece up & I wish the club well going into next season. If you’d like to contact the club, a reminder that you can find them @Wakebury_FC on Twitter or by email at wakeburyfc@gmail.com

If your club (at Essex Olympian level for the moment) would be interested in sharing your thoughts on your 2019/20 season then please DM me on Twitter. Thank you. Hope you enjoyed the article & stay safe.

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division One [EOFL SR 19/20 27.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the fifth piece of a mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA.

In this edition, I look back at the EOFL Division One campaign, rounded out with an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goal-scorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I won’t shirk, I’ll get the apology in now that I didn’t see any EOFL Division One matches live, but I will try to treat it the same as the other divisions that I did see matches in (Premier, Div Two & Div Three) this season.

EOFL Division One  (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. At the top of the standings at this point was Chingford Athletic, who continued their terrific progress up the EOFL divisions following promotion from Division Two last term. Dave Richbell’s side won fourteen of their 17 matches to end up on an impressive 43 points. In doing so, they had the best home record, winning eight of their ten matches at Town Mead [3G] and had the second-best goal-scoring record, striking the net 48 times (at a Goals per game average (Or GpG) of 2.82). The only sides to beat them this term were Old Chelmsfordians and Lakeside and the fact they had two entrants in the top five of the goal-scoring charts (see below) means they will again look for elevation next term you feel. All in all, another good campaign that chairman Lee Bowers can reflect on with pride.

In second spot were Old Chelmsfordians, six points further back on 37 points from their seventeen matches played. All season they have been a tough side to breakdown, having the fourth-best defence conceding twenty goals and are the top-scorers in the division, having plundered 54 goals (a GpG of 3.17) and to cap it off, the Chelmsford-based side also had the second-best home record, winning seven of their nine matches at Lawford Lane. Matthew Crick also topped the goal-scoring charts with 15 league goals this term. Ongar Town were third on 31 points from only eleven matches, having been blighted by weather and being in Cup action as well, particularly the Essex Premier Cup. Even so, they won ten of their matches, scoring 36 and conceding only nine times – the best in the division. They were unbeaten at their Fyfield Village Hall home as well, winning six of their seven matches there. Had the season continued, the East London side may well have caught the leaders though they can still be more than satisfied with a fine season.

Lakeside finished in fourth place, having accrued 29 points from their fifteen matches. Not bad going at all for the promoted side. It is one of those statistical quirks that six of their nine wins this season came away from their Lakeside Sports Ground 3G home. Plus, their goal-scoring and defensive records sit in mid-table, with them having the sixth-highest scoring record with 31 (GpG of 2.06) and having shelled 22 goals, the sixth-best in Division One. Highly-rated forward Drew Klessa-Smith was again their top league goal-scorer with eight goals and they can look forward to another good campaign next term. Another side in the Chelmsford area finished fifth, in Galleywood. They got 24 points from their fifteen outings, though they won six of those and only lost three times. In an interesting stat twist, they were the lowest scorers of anyone in the top seven sides (with 23 strikes this term), whilst also having the fifth-best defensive record with 20 goals conceded. Going from that, they are a tough side to defeat and will look to maintain that going into the next campaign.

A point further back in sixth were Rayleigh Town Reserves, under the leadership initially of Lee Bunn and Dan Williams before the latter’s departure meant Bunn took sole charge in the last couple of months or so. They improved on a bottom-two finish in 2018/19, having won seven of their 13 matches to end up on 23 points. They were not a dull side to follow, having struck the net thirty-five times (at a GpG of 3.18) but also shelled 30 goals themselves and it was perhaps the latter that hindered them from achieving a top-four finish, though it’s worth noting they did have matches in hand on most of their rivals. The Town second-side also were unbeaten in their last five matches so they will be optimistic that they will have a decent season again next time around. They were six points clear of Shoebury Town in seventh, who ended a mixed season to put it mildly with seventeen points from 18 matches. They only won three matches, though they did also draw a league-high of eight matches as well. The mixed theme continues as Shoebury struck 38 times this term (a GpG of 2.11), only to concede 49 goals at the other end, the third-worst in the division. On a better note, star forward Dominic Binns again was their highest goal-getter, grabbing eleven goals this season so congratulations to him. Plaudits also go to Mitchell Odd and Matthew Smith, the other two Town players in the top goal-scorers chart this term with six goals apiece.

Next in the standings were another club affected by weather and Cup action in FC Hamlets, who got 15 points from their eleven matches, after a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player. On a happier note, Ashley King’s side had the second-best record defensively, only shelling twelve goals in their league season, as well as another fine in the London Junior Cup, which saw them make the Final once again. It is impossible to leave out a mention for the 2018-19 Division One Top goal-scorer Charlie Heatley, who added a further ten goals this term. Respect to you Charlie. I would also like to wish departing player-boss Ashley King well as social media reports indicate he will move on in the summer. Snaresbrook are two points behind their fellow East London side in ninth, having reached thirteen points from their ten matches, as the weather heavily impacted their fortunes. Their management will probably look to the point that they scored nineteen goals in their matches this term, the second-most goal-shy this term. Ramsden Scotia are a point further back in tenth spot, having been deducted two points as well. They finished fifth in the previous season though the Billiericay-based side had more problems going forward this term, scoring eighteen goals in their 15 games (GpG of 1.20) – the lowest in the division. Their top-scorer Jamie Auvache (6 goals) deserves a mention too for preventing a worse outcome there.

Into the bottom four now and Manford Way had another hard campaign following relegation from the Premier Division in 2018-19. They finished in eleventh spot with 11 points from their fifteen matches (after being deducted two points). Unfortunately, their biggest headache this term was at the back as they conceded forty-eight goals (average of 3.20 a match) which is the fourth highest this league term. Top-scorer Joe Lovell got six of the twenty-two league goals they did strike though they will look to improve next term. In twelfth place is Herongate Athletic, who gained three points as a result of an opposition error to end on eleven points from their15 matches. Goalscoring wasn’t a particular issue for them, having scored twenty-six goals (the highest number of all the bottom six clubs) though their troubles were in defence, having conceded fifty-three times which was the division’s joint-worst record this season. Two wins all campaign really lends itself to the feeling they will want to improve next term. Below them are Runwell Sports in 13th after a very hard campaign for outgoing manager Jason Emery, who will concentrate on being Chairman next season. Sports grabbed ten points from their 14 matches though in fairness, they did show glimpses of improving form both in the league and in Cups in the second part of the season. They may have got themselves higher in the standings given the big number of matches they had to play and in another anomaly, they only conceded 26 goals, the best defensive record of the bottom six sides.

Finally, Toby prop up the table in last place, having gained seven points in their 18 matches. One win all season (which was against rivals Herongate Athletic in early February) almost tells the tale sadly for the previous season’s Div Two runners-up which saw them promoted, and also conceding 53 goals did hamper their aspirations to evade the bottom two. Wish them well next campaign.

 

EOFL Division One – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Matthew Crick	Old Chelmsfordians	15	16
2	Alex Gordon	Chingford Athletic	14	15
=3	Aaron Blair	Ongar Town	11	11
	Lee Lashley	Chingford Athletic	11	10
	Dominic Binns	Shoebury Town	11 (1 pen)	12
6	Charlie Heatley	FC Hamlets	10	11
7	Rodney Wilson	Rayleigh Town Res	9	10
=8	Max Johnson	Old Chelmsfordians	8	14
	Drew Klessa-Smith	Lakeside	8	14
10	Joshua Boxall	Ongar Town	7	8
=11	Martin Mixture	Old Chelmsfordians	6	4
	Mitchell Odd	Shoebury Town	6	6
	Luke Quinton	Lakeside	6	6
	Joe Lovell	Manford Way	6	9
	Joe Lilly	Ongar Town	6	9
	Jamie Auvache	Ramsden Scotia	6	10
	Matthew Smith	Shoebury Town	6	13

 

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Division One (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
=1	Benjamin Britton	Toby	17	0	17
	Matthew Crick	Old Chelmsfordians	16	1	17
=3	Aaron Clark	Shoebury Town	16	0	16
	Joe Peters	Old Chelmsfordians	16	0	16
=5	Alex Gordon	Chingford Athletic	15	0	15
	Sean O’Sullivan	Toby	15	0	15
	Max Johnson	Old Chelmsfordians	14	1	15
	Drew Klessa-Smith	Lakeside	14	1	15
=9	Liam Aston	Lakeside	14	0	14
	Ollie Pettit	Lakeside	14	0	14
	Sam Pettit	Lakeside	14	0	14
	Samuel Pollard	Old Chelmsfordians	14	0	14
	Liam Saunders	Old Chelmsfordians	14	0	14
	William Strutt	Lakeside	14	0	14
=15	Charlie Adams	Runwell Sports	13	0	13

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division Two [EOFL SR 19/20 26.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the third piece of a mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA.

In this piece, I look back at a very competitive Essex Olympian League Division Two campaign, rounded out with an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goal-scorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I managed to watch a few Division Two matches this term so they may be mentioned here.

 

EOFL Division Two  (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. Leigh Town were deservedly top of the standings at the cut-off point, as they garnered an impressive 43 points from 15 matches, in which they were not beaten. Unsurprisingly, they had a good defence, the second-best in the division (conceded on average less than a goal a game) whilst also being pretty handy in attack, scoring 44 goals (as an average of 2.93 goals per game or GpG). Jack Pearman’s side were also a good Cup side as I saw them defeat fellow Div Two side Corinthians in the Essex Premier Cup at John Burrows Recreation Ground at the start of February. It’s a credit to both teams that you wouldn’t have thought you were watching two third-tier Olympian sides, such was the passion, energy & physicality on display.

Still from Leigh Town v Corinthians [EPC QF 1.2.20]

Leigh Town v Corinthians still 1.2.20 EPC QF [Image by Scott W]

Still from Leigh T v Corinthians EPC QF [Image by Scott W]

Back to the League, and in second spot was Beacon Hill Rovers, having racked up 36 points from their 15 matches. Rovers had the second-best record at home this term with six wins from their seven matches there, along with having the third-best defensive record, being breached seventeen times. Their two top-goalscorers in Adebolu Adeyemi and Stephen Bennett both hit ten goals as well so credit goes where it’s due. Both clubs will be aiming for another successful campaign next term and if they can keep their squads together, you wouldn’t bet against them doing it either. The next two sides are quite local to me. In third place are Old Southendian Reserves, under the management of Ben Manley. Ten wins in 17 matches isn’t bad going for a second-side that won the Division Three title the previous campaign. Factor in a very decent end to the season with six wins in their last eight matches and having the fourth-best defence this season and it is certainly one to look back on with some fondness. I also have to note the fine performance they put in to win at Corinthians, back in December. To call it ‘determined’ would be an understatement.

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res [EOFL D2 7.12.20]

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res EOFL D2 7.12.19

Just behind OS Ressies in fourth were Corinthians, who were promoted two divisions, having won Division Four in 2018/19. Chris Stoneham’s youthful, attack-minded side are a delight to watch when they are on-song, no two ways about that. They had ten wins from their fourteen matches to make it to 31 points in all, though could have got in the top three had the season continued. There are two stats that can’t be taken off them though, firstly that they were the divisional top-scorers with 54 goals (a GpG of 3.71 – some going in any league). Secondly, Nathan Dewberry ended up the division’s top goal-getter with 16 goals though to many in the local Non-League scene that won’t come as a surprise, given his pedigree. Even so, respect to you Nathan and to your team-mates on a good season.

The parched pitch at Stambridge – Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

Another image from Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

Into mid-table now, and May & Baker Reserves ended up being in fifth place. Jimmy Donald’s side had a fine end to the campaign which pushed them up the mid-table places somewhat, and acquired 28 points from 17 matches (though they benefitted from getting three points as an opposition side had fielded an ineligible player in late August). The side certainly has its place in the club pathway, with the first team now competing in Step 6 (Eastern Senior League South) and they struck the net 48 times in all, the second-best in the division. They were also not a dull side to watch as they also conceded fourty-four times and the main downer on their season you have to say is that pourous defence. That being said, the main thing for this team is development you feel and they will look for another strong campaign in 2020/21 I believe.

Laindon Orient were two points behind them in sixth, despite only playing twelve matches due to being hindered by the incessant rain (remember that?) before the season’s premature end. Neil Blackburn’s side still won eight of their matches and can be proud of their defensive record, only letting in eleven goals all league season. They may be another side to watch out for next season. Epping Town finished in seventh spot after having a difficult end to the campaign. That has been well-publicised elsewhere and with a new set-up, they ensured they saw out the campaign with 20 points from their 16 matches. Even though in the early stages of the campaign they were in the top four and looking menacing, you also can’t help but feel that the best thing right now is that they have a new management team under ex-Bishop Stortford Swifts’ boss Stuart Hoskins and they exist to go again next term.

Wakering Sports are in eighth, a point behind on 19 points from their sixteen matches. Overall, Mitchell Gleeson’s side had a solid if unspectacular season though they can build on the record on scoring 37 goals this term (a GpG of 2.31) which was the sixth-best this term. They finished well-clear of the bottom four as Harold Wood Athletic Reserves were eight points adrift on 11 points in ninth spot, after navigating a tough campaign. Defensively-speaking, they were decent though their issues were at the offensive end, striking the net only 18 times, the divisions’ worst this term. It must be said that had the campaign continued, they may have gone up a place or two but they will look for a better campaign next time out.

Corinthians v Rochford Town still EOFL D2 15.2.20

In tenth place, Rochford Town had another campaign of strife, getting nine points from their 18 matches. Goal-scoring was an issue for John Smith & James Cooper’s side, making the net bulge 21 times though having seen them in February, they struck me as a hard-working, committed side under the captaincy of Freddie Pettitt. As was the case in recent seasons though, their defence is their undoing to an extent, with sixty goals conceded, a record only the two sides below them were worse at. Promoted AS Rawreth also struggled, finishing 11th (second-bottom) by virtue of an inferior goal difference, also on nine points from 16 games. They had the joint-weakest goal=scoring record with 20 goals, and hotshot Louis Hill got nine of those goals himself so plaudits to him. They will hope for a better campaign at the back, as they shelled 63 goals (average per game of 3.94) which arguably knackered their season right there. And finally, recent strugglers Ryan also had another very tough season, finishing bottom on one point from 18 matches. It’s worth noting that they lost five points during the season for fielding an ineligible player & being unable to play a fixture but even so, it’s been a sobering season for the East London side. They conceded sixty-five goals this term and they will hope the talent from their promising junior sides will one day play for the first-team.

EOFL Division Two – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Nathan Dewberry	Corinthians	16	10
=2	Adebolu Adeyemi	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	10
	Stephen Bennett	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	12
=4	Ashley Blackburn	Laindon Orient	9	10
	Max Jones	Leigh Town	9	10
	Louis Hill	AS Rawreth	9	13
7	Jake Hodder	Corinthians	8	11
=8	Alex Paraskeva	Epping Town	7	8
	Shane Cooper	Leigh Town	7	10
	Mohammed Sesay	Wakering Sports	7	11
=11	Gabriel Odili	May & Baker Res	6	2
	Ben Franklin	Old Southendian Res	6	8
	John Bolton-Smith	Corinthians	6	11
	Leo Clarke	Corinthians	6	12
	Greg Molford	Old Southendian Res	6	12
	Glen Warwick	Epping Town	6	12
	Oliver Taton-Bennett	Old Southendian Res	6	13
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	6	16

 

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Division Two (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
=1	Jacob Hubble	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Freddie Pettitt	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	16	0	16
=4	Danny Pallett	Wakering Sports	15	1	16
	Luke Stillwell	Old Southendian Res	15	0	15
=6	Harry Ford	Rochford Town	14	1	15
	Ethan Bird	AS Rawreth	14	0	14
	Callum Burns-Green	Wakering Sports	14	0	14
	George Dugdale	Old Southendian Res	14	0	14
	Jack Power	Rochford Town	14	0	14
	Lewis Sherwood	Beacon Hill Rovers	14	0	14
	Adam Smith	Leigh Town	14	0	14
=13	Mitchell Gleeson	Wakering Sports	13	2	15
	Akeem Matthews	Ryan	13	1	14
	Luke Owen	Corinthians	13	1	14
	Matt Welsh	Rochford Town	13	1	14

 

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division Three [EOFL SR 19/20 23.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the second of a mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA.

In this piece, I look back at Essex Olympian League Division Three, including an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goalscorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I was fortunate enough to attend a few Division Three matches this term so they may be referenced to as well here.

 

EOFL Division Three  (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. At that point, ACD Utd held the top spot with 43 points from 18 matches. This record included thirteen wins and only the one loss, which was away at rivals Wakebury in late October. Michael Wade’s side were also the best side defensively in this division this term with only 19 goals conceded all league campaign, not bad for their first campaign as an Olympian League side. Fellow newcomers Wakebury were four points adrift in second place, with twelve wins from their 19 matches this term. Matt Cardy & Dan Blewett’s side were the most entertaining side this term with 56 goals scored, at an average of 2.95 Goals per game (GpG). The Shoebury-based side were not as proficient in defence and that may have cost them the top spot but both Wakebury & ACD have a lot to be proud of this season.

Wakebury v Corinthians Res (Sat 11 January ’20)

Another image from Wakebury v Corinthians Res (11.1.20)

Another promoted side ended up being third in Corinthians Reserves. Terry Rose & Ben Adams’ team had an impressive twelve wins from their 15 matches, with only two losses, at home to Buckhurst Hill Ressies and away at Wakebury, which I was pleased to watch in-person. On a better note, they are the second-best goal-scorers this term with 51 goals (but in fewer matches than the Berries so the GpG is 3.40). A sturdy defence as well may have seen them climb into the top two, had the season continued. The next two sides ended in close formation in fourth & fifth respectively. Firstly, Toby Reserves were fourth on 29 points, with nine wins from their 18 matches. They were also fourth in the ‘Entertainers’ listing, with a substantial number of their 40 goals this season coming from forwards Marc ‘The Flea’ Porter-Brown and Luis Ruiz. In fifth place are Collier Row with 28 points from fourteen matches, which included an impressive nine wins for you guessed it, another promoted side (from Div Five in 2018/19). What is also noteworthy is that Row have the third-most miserly defence this term as well with 25 goals conceded, so plaudits to them on that.

Image from White Ensign Res v Hutton Res (visitors in yellow – from 14.12.19)

Another still from White Ensign Res v Hutton Res (14.12.19)

Another side I saw this term in Hutton Reserves finished in sixth spot, having played the least amount of matches this term (13), ending up with 21 points. Matt Singh’s side grabbed seven wins this term, though as a caveat, six of those wins were at home. The other win was at White Ensign Reserves in mid-December, which happened to be the game I watched them in. Factor in an impressive goal-scoring record of 35 strikes (a GpG of 2.69) this season and again, they also have grounds for optimism next season. Leigh Town Reserves and Buckhurst Hill Reserves finished in seventh and eighth spot respectively. Leigh’s second-side, under the leadership of Robert Hutchings-Spiller ended up with 20 points from their 14 matches played. Unlike their first team in the division above, Town’s defence was breached 33 times this term as they won six and lost six of their matches this season. Hill’s second-team were two points behind them in eighth spot with 18 points from their fourteen games. Again, their defence was their ‘Achilles heel’, shipping 35 goals at an average of 2.50 per game.

Into the bottom four now, with Lakeside Reserves ending up ninth on 14 points from their 17 matches. All four of their wins this term came in their last nine matches as the latter half of the campaign saw them evade the dreaded bottom two. It was that poor start to the campaign (they didn’t win in their first ten matches) that contributed to them having the second-worst defensive record, conceding 48 times. Basildon Town Reserves finished tenth with 13 points from 15 matches. A difficult campaign at both ends of the pitch was highlighted by them having the third-weakest side in terms of goal-scoring, having scored 23 times and also conceding 41 goals, the fourth-worst in the division. Even so, their four wins this term matches the win count combined for the bottom two sides this term.

Still from White Ensign Res v Hullbridge ‘A’ (2nd Nov 19)

White Ensign Reserves were 11th, with three wins chalking up the bulk of their ten points gained this term. Manager Jack Caten has had it hard this term, as his side conceded 53 times in their 18 matches, the worst in the division. That said, they continue the club’s tradition of playing at the Len Forge Centre [3G] which is good to see. Finally, another new side in Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ ended up propping up the table, with one win all season – away at rivals Lakeside Reserves. It was a rare great day for Jason Mole’s side, as they scored four points all season and conceded forty-six  goals in their 15 matches this term. I saw the bottom two duke out a 1 – draw in November (image above) at the Len Forge.

EOFL Division Three – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Max Hall	Corinthians Res	18	14
2	Charlie Little	Wakebury	17	10
3	Ed Hart	Collier Row	16	13
=4	Sean O’Callaghan	Hutton Res	15	9
	Michael Wade	ACD Utd	15	11
6	Marc Porter-Brown	Toby Res	14	14
=7	Harry Davison	Lakeside Res	9	10
	Harry Kateley	Wakebury	9	17
	Luis Ruiz	Toby Res	9	17
	Ben Munday	Wakebury	8 (+1 pen)	14
=11	Chris Pope	Leigh Town Res	7	12
	Alex Hubbard	Leigh Town Res	7	14
=13	Tommy Fraine	Buckhurst Hill Res	6	9
	George Wickings	Hutton Res	6	10
	Grant Cumming	Basildon Town Res	6	11
	Landry Gogoa	Buckhurst Hill Res	6	11
	Luke Smith	Corinthians Res	6	13
	Samuel Payne	ACD Utd	6	14
	Ashley Webb	Corinthians Res	6	14

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Division Three (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
1	Liam Jarrett	Wakebury	19	0	19
=2	Jamie Alexandrou	ACD Utd	17	1	18
	Harry Kateley	Wakebury	17	1	18
=4	Ben Perry	Wakebury	17	0	17
	Luis Ruiz	Toby Res	17	0	17
	Ollie Williams	ACD Utd	17	0	17
=7	Daniel Buglione	Wakebury	16	1	17
	Dominic Cooper	Toby Res	16	1	17
	Chris Gore	Wakebury	16	1	17
=10	Yaw Danso	White Ensign Res	16	0	16
	Archie Matthews	White Ensign Res	16	0	16
	Mason Oakley	ACD Utd	16	0	16
	Matthew Thompson	Lakeside Res	16	0	16

 

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division Four [EOFL SR 19/20 22.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the first of a mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA. Sufficed to say, I felt it was important to mark what’s been another fascinating campaign in the Essex Olympian League, Essex Senior League & Eastern Senior League South (leagues I’ve watched mostly this season just gone).

Anyway, we begin the series with a look at Division Four, including an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goalscorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. Thanks for reading.

 

EOFL Division Four  (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. At that point, Roydon took advantage of a fine run of six wins from their last eight matches to get themselves to the top of the standings, with 39 points from their 15 unbeaten matches played. Ten of those matches were at home and the North West Essex side won eight of them, drawing the other two. They also were the best ‘Entertainers’ in the division this term, scoring 67 goals at an average of 4.46 Goals per game (GpG).

Their nearest rivals in second spot were former leaders Chingford Athletic Development, who if I recall correctly were a new side in the EOFL this season, supporting the club to begin a pathway for the first team (who played in Senior One this term) for players. The Ath ‘second-side’ amassed 38 points from their 19 matches, scoring 61 goals in the process (the second best in the division) and having three entrants in the Top Goalscorers listing but more on that later.

Ongar Town Reserves finished in third spot after a mixed campaign, with 28 points from their 17 matches. Five of their nine wins came away from home interestingly though it is also worth noting that only six of those 17 games were at home. A leaky defence arguably stopped them from being nearer the top two at the cut-off point, though it is certainly a campaign to build on next term.

Next, three clubs all on 27 points with goal difference proving decisive in separating them. In fourth spot are Wakering Sports Reserves, having won eight of their 16 matches and having a better defence than their nearest rivals. Forest Glade also ended on 27 points though ended up fifth, because of inferior (and zero) goal difference. They won eight of their 19 matches in total, though had a better second half of the campaign as they rose up the mid-table spots. Catholic Utd’s Reserve side finished in sixth, also on 27 points though because a negative goal difference dragged them down. Continuing the mantra of the first team somewhat, the ‘second-side’ scored 52 goals and conceded 58, the second worst defence in the division. Also, five of their eight wins at their home pitch at the Len Forge Centre [3G].

There lays a gap of seven points before we reach the bottom half sides. Firstly, Galleywood Reserves are in seventh spot, having won six of their 14 matches to end on 20 points. A hard-earned quirk of their season is that they have the fourth best defensive record in the division, with 26 goals conceded. Only three of the top four sides are above them in terms of having a more miserly defensive record. Leytonstone Utd are a point behind them in eighth place, having grabbed six wins from their 15 matches which isn’t bad going when you factor in they were the second weakest in terms of scoring goals in Division Four in 2019-20. Laindon Orient Reserves are just behind in ninth spot, with six wins and nine losses from their 15 matches. Unfortunately, the O’s second-side do have that poorest goal-scoring record this term, along with the third-worst defence. Club Chairman Neil Blackburn will hope for better next term, you feel.

Rounding off the division are Old Chelmsfordians Reserves (10th, 17 points from 15 matches), Shenfield AFC Reserves (11th, 12 points from 16 games) and lastly, Canning Town Reserves who amassed two wins  from their 18 matches to end up with ten points, whilst also conceding sixty goals, the worst in the division.

 

EOFL Division Four – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

 

	Player	Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Franklin Craik	Catholic Utd Res	19	13
2	Lewis Watson	Roydon	17	12
3	Tom Vine	Wakering Sports Res	16	12
4	Lewis Page	Roydon	15	9
5	Frankie Goodhall	Ongar Town Res	14	10
=6	Zak Robinson	Galleywood Res	12	10
	James Medlock	Leytonstone Utd	12	15
=8	Luke Dimond	Chingford Athletic Dev	11	7
	Jack Zielinski	Ongar Town Res	11	7
	George Burton	Chingford Athletic Dev	11	9
	Scout Bown	Roydon	11	11
12	Dean Peck	Galleywood Res	10	7
=13	James Warder	Catholic Utd Res	8	10
	Matthew Gauci	Forest Glade	8	16
15	Umar Ali	Chingford Athletic Dev	7	12

 

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Division Four (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
1	Kian Burton	Chingford Athletic Dev	18	1	19
=2	Joseph Edwards	Forest Glade	17	0	17
	Shaun Warren	Forest Glade	17	0	17
=3	Nathan Ackie	Chingford Athletic Dev	16	2	18
	Patrick Clarke	Chingford Athletic Dev	16	1	17
	Billy Calder	Shenfield AFC Res	16	0	16
	Matthew Gauci	Forest Glade	16	0	16
	Charles Simpson	Forest Glade	16	0	16
=8	Jayson De Araujo	Canning Town Res	15	1	16
	Harry Holt	Ongar Town Res	15	1	16
	Trevor Kabuchu	Ongar Town Res	15	1	16
	James Medlock	Leytonstone Utd	15	0	15
	Lee Pellin	Laindon Orient Res	15	0	15

Match Report: Hullbridge Sports 0 – 2 Dereham Town (Tues 10th Mar) [ILN 19/20 11.3.20]

Isthmian League Division North

Tuesday 10th March 2020 – 7.45pm KO

Venue: Len Salmon Stadium [3G]

Attendance: 70

2019-20 Season: Match 62

Hullbridge:  Blue & White Hooped Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Deeham: Greeen Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

The upgraded Len Salmon 3G surface

Layers warming-up before KO

Dereham’s fast-paced attack grabs the points with win at Hullbridge 

Hullbridge Sports 0 – 2 Dereham Town

Match Report & Photos by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

A ‘bonus’ match saw me travel to the Len Salmon Stadium to see last season’s Essex Senior champions Hullbridge Sports continue their Isthmian League North campaign with a ‘home’ match against Dereham Town. ‘Bridge had a mixed week with a heavy loss to Cambridge City a week ago being part-vanquished by a decent point at Bury Town last weekend. Darren Manning fielded an unchanged side from that draw at Bury Town, with Lewis Greene between the sticks and in front of him, a defence of full-backs Courtney Homans and skipper Matt Rose with Michael Agboola and Jamal Allen as centre-backs. Jamie Salmon and Emmanuel Okunja made up the central midfield with Daniel Gilchrist and Joe Wright leading the line. Forwards Dan Walker and Kieran Bishop were among the options from the bench. Dereham were in decent form coming into this match, having won 3 – 1 away to Brentwood Town last weekend.

Adam Gusterson’s Magpies side featured Elliot Pride in goal, with Shaun Wones among the centre-backs and in central midfield, George Quantrell and David Hinton were named with a front three of Nathan Stewart, Ryan Crisp and top-scorer Adam Hipperson. The added factor here was that this is my first visit to the Bowers & Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium since it went 3G and goodness, the good talk I’ve heard about it is more than accurate, so fair play to Rob Small’s side on that development.

Onto the match and in the early-going, Dereham started well with the lively Nathan Stewart being denied by a timely interception by Sports centre-back Michael Agboola on four minutes. Minutes later, a good run down the middle by the rapid Adam Hipperson fed Stewart with an unselfish pass though with the angle on goal declining with only home custodian Lewis Greene to beat, his strike was well-blocked by Greene getting down low. At this point, the Hullbridge goal was living a tad of a charmed life as a succession of corners heaped the pressure on as the nippy visiting front line gave the home backline enough to handle with mazy runs.

With eighteen minutes on the watch, Hullbridge ventured forward and box-to-box midfielder Emmanuel Okunja played in forward Daniel Gilchrist as he bared down on goal, though visiting goalkeeper Elliot Pride did well to deny his strike. Joe Wright followed up in the next attack with an attempted chip which lacked the finesse to bypass Pride. Midway through the half, a fine long ball sprayed in by experienced midfielder Jamie Salmon found Wright down the right channel and Wright’s cut-back only just escaped the run of onrushing winger Callum Thompson, who felt he was impeded.

The Magpies responded at the other end, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by the hosts as Stewart ghosted in, though with only Greene to beat, the advancing forward’s drive was well-blocked by Greene’s legs. As we entered the last few minutes before the interval, Agboola made a couple of good interceptions for the hosts though Stewart made a fine run down the left-side on the penalty box, evading Agboola in the process but unfortunately for Adam Gusterson’s side, his effort was tame and Greene could gratefully gather. ‘Bridge had periods in the half but ultimately their final ball was letting them down, plus Dereham showed their pace and passing game enough to make you feel this wasn’t going to stay a stalemate.

Half-time: Hullbridge 0 – 0 Dereham

Hullbridge changed their system just before the hour, with Kieran Bishop and Dan Walker replacing Gilchrist and midfielder Gregory Frederick who worked hard in breaking up the opposition attacks. Soon after coming on, Walker was played in by full-back Courtney Homans’ long-throw and his strike was well-saved by Pride in the Dereham goal. The deadlock was finally broken midway through the half as a free-kick from the half-line fell to Dereham skipper David Hinton after Sports were unable to clear their lines defensively and Hinton weaved away from a couple of defenders before striking low and calmly past Greene  to give the visitors a deserved lead.

To their credit, Hullbridge kept trying to get back on level terms showing passion and energy, though that crucial final pass continued to elude them and the frustration was starting to show. With eleven minutes remaining, another defensive mix-up allowed the tireless Ryan Crisp in on goal, though Allen got in first to pick his pocket before facing Greene one-on-one.

Then, in added-time, Crisp got his reward for holding on to a ‘lost cause’ down the left wing, before gliding impressively past three defenders and working the angle to slot past Greene from about five yards out. Not one for the home defence to remember perhaps, though Crisp’s ninth league goal this term sealed the points.

Full-Time: Hullbridge Sports 0 – 2 Dereham Town

In all fairness, it was the right result as Dereham had more than enough chances to score and win the game conclusively and they did play some really good stuff at times, though it is a credit to ‘Bridge that the Magpies didn’t look quite so assured in defence in the second half.

In my view, the stand-out performances for Dereham were tireless forward Ryan Crisp who typified his work rate with a well-taken goal in added-time. Playmaker David Hinton got his side going supporting the frontline and also took his goal well, with Nathan Stewart also having a lot of joy on the right flank with his pace and directness. Shaun Wones also stood out with an assured performance at centre-back. For Hullbridge, on a difficult evening, centre-back pairing Michael Agboola and Jamal Allen played their part to repel the fast-paced Magpies attacks, though goalkeeper Lewis Greene had a fine match with at least five good saves. Dan Gilchrist also did a fair wad of unselfish work up front down the channels for the Bridge Boys.

Finally, as ever I would like to say thank you to Hullbridge for their welcome & hospitality. Also, my thanks to the Webb family. Best wishes to both sides for the remainder of the season. Dereham went up into eighth place with this win, while Hullbridge remain in 16th, seven points clear of the relegation spot.

Teams

Hullbridge Sports  | Manager: Darren Manning  | Assistant Mgr: James Wakeling

1 Lewis Greene (GK), 2 Courtney Homans, 3 Matt Rose (Capt), 4 Jamal Allen, 5 Michael Agboola, 6 Gregory Frederick (10 Daniel Walker 54′), 7 Callum Thompson, 18 Jamie Salmon, 8 Emmanuel Okunja, 9 Daniel Gilchrist (16 Kieran Bishop 54′), 11 Joe Wright (12 Tim Monsheju 74′)

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Rahman Fujah, Garrett-Douglas

Dereham Town    | Manager: Adam Gusterson | Assistant: Olly Willis

1 Elliot Pride (GK), 2 Thomas Matthews, 3 Owen Murphy, 4 Robbie Linford, 5 Tomas Snapkauskas, 6 Shaun Wones, 7 Nathan Stewart (12 Lagshan Sivakumar 90′ +1), 8 George Quantrell, 9 Ryan Crisp, 10 David Hinton (Capt), 11 Adam Hipperson

Goal-scorers: David Hinton [67′], Ryan Crisp [90′ +2]

Booked: None   | Subs Not Used: Willis, Smith

Referee: Jamie Pope
Assistant Referees:  Kennedy Kikulwe  & Andy Simmonds