Athletic Newham – survivor16b

S22-23 Match Report: Athletic Newham 1 – 0 Buckhurst Hill (Sat 4 Mar) [ESL 22-23 5.3.23]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Terrance MacMillan Stadium

Attendance: 23

2022-23 Season: Match 45

Saturday 4th March 2023 – 3pm KO

Newham: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts & Socks

Buckhurst: Blue & Black Shirts, Blue Shorts, Black Socks

Newham’s Louis Hiobi pushes forward in 1st half

Newham edge to battling win over out-of-form Buckhurst Hill at Terry Mac

Athletic Newham 1 – 0 Buckhurst Hill

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

The match this weekend saw me make a rare trip to the Terry Mac in East London to see Athletic Newham continue their quest to utilise their matches in hand on rivals to gain ground on the top six, as they welcomed Buckhurst Hill in the Essex Senior League Premier Division. Mark Williams’ team were looking to end a eight-match winless run. Athletic Newham rotated their squad somewhat here, with Daniel Izekor, Jacques Leurs & & Chris Cruz Barbosa all not involved here. Manager Chris Davis named regular stopper Wilkinson Boateng in goal, with full-backs Jeff Idemudia & Louis Hiobi plus centre-backs Chris Nguidjol & Michael Adu. Anderson Baro, Andy Greenslade & Abdul Shobowale were the central midfield three, with the forward line led by Jailson Seidi & Richard Kone, supported by captain Joel Appiah. Buckhurst Hill named new recruit Emmanuel Olajide as their goalkeeper, with a defence of full-backs Cameron Weekes and Brad Rowland, with centre-backs being recent signing Daniel Smith and stalwart Alfie Harris. Jake Moss & captain Harry Markatis were in central midfield. Sam Sollosi & Nathan Sollisi started on the flanks, with Ezekiel Bademosi and George Johnson leading the attack.

I have to mention that I was keen to see how these sides would approach this contest, what we got was a slow start to proceedings, with both teams finding it tricky to keep the ball & find that key final pass into the forwards. Newham did have the better of the half-chances in the early stages here, with home skipper Joel Appiah’s shot gathered by visiting custodian Emmanuel Olajide. Talisman Richard Kone also fired off-target twice as well, while Hill midfielder Jake Moss’ decent free-kick was only just over the top right corner. As the half went on, there was no lack of endeavour from the hosts, with Abdul Shobowale and forward Jailson Seidi making several enterprising runs to unsettle a stern Hill backline, led well by Alfie Harris, who made a number of important clearances throught the match. At the other end, Buckhurst was also finding it tricky to find that all-important final pass, despite centre forward Ezekiel Bademosi being a good presence and testing the hosts’ defensive awareness and pace. Winger Nathan Sollosi had an effort blocked at the far post for Mark Williams’ side. Newham were also finding it hard to find their cohesive, rapid flowing forward moves, perhaps their hectic match schedule of late had influenced that, though Shobowale’s effort aimed at the near post needed the intervention of the experienced Olajide not long before the interval.

HT: Newham 0 – 0 Buckhurst

This game needed both a goal and both teams to find some inspiration from somewhere. To their credit, the hosts did up it a hear after the break as five minutes into the second half, a good pass in by Kone found Seidi well, and Seidi’s good strike was well-parried away by Olajide. What turned out to be the only goal came 18 minutes from time as the influential Seidi was felled in the penalty area, and referee Royan Campbell showed little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Richard Kone stepped up and blasted his penalty into the left side of goal to lessen the nerves of the hosts as they saught to continue their winning run of late. Buckhurst did keep going as we entered the latter stages of the match, being thwarted by a combination of the Newham defence, led well by Chris Nguidjol and a lack of fortune. Moss was in the action again as his close range header at the far post was blocked, with the visitors keen to assert there was a foul in that phase of play, to which they got no reply.

Sam Sollosi (#7) in possession for Buckhurst

Athletic Newham have recently signed ex-Dagenham & Redbridge forward, former Coggeshall Utd boss & general Non-League stalwart Cliff Akurang and he came on for the last few moments, replacing Seidi who certainly played his part here. Buckhurst were running against the clock in their keenness to find an equaliser, and substitute Sonny Shilling fired wide from 20 yards out and in the end, the clock won that particular battle, leaving boss Williams understandably frustrated. For Newham though, the points saw them gain ground on Stansted & Little Oakley directrly above them, with several more matches than them to play.

Full-Time: Athletic Newham 1 – 0 Buckhurst Hill

In summary, this was a battle befit for an end of season run-in match, with neither side bossing the match completely & as a result chances were fairly limited. Newham had enough chances to ake the points safe but will be content with a hard-earned three points to keen their run going (& bearing in mind their forthcoming, hectic end to the campaign), while Buckhurst’s winless run extends to nine matches now. They had some good moments here, but in the end they didn’t quite test Newham custodian Wilkinson Boateng enough here.

There were some good performances here, beginning with victors Newham. We start with a mention for the hard-working Abdul Shobowale, who made several good runs down the channels and showed some good passing and movement. Forward Jailson Seidi contributed well and his pace, energy and movement made it tricky for the opposition defence. Lastly, centre-back Chris Nguidjol had a good game, making several important interceptions and also showing good positioning as well.

For Buckhurst, centre-back Alfie Harris shone in the visiting defence, making good clearances and stifling a quick Newham forward line on a number of occasions. Right-back Cameron Weekes also had a good game too, being a good presence in the air, as well as passing the ball well, out of defence at times. Finally, a word for forward Ezekiel Bademosi who put a good shift in for his team, keeping the Newham defence alert with his pace and direct running.

Teams

Athletic Newham | Manager: Chris Davis | Assistants: Timothy Tesuosu & Ray Bartlett |

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Wilkinson Boateng (GK), 7 Jeff Idemudia, 4 Christopher Nguidjol, 12 Michael Adu, 3 Louis Hiobi, 15 Anderson Baro, 8 Andy Greenslade, 16 Abdul Shobowale, 9 Jailson Seidi (19 Cliff Akurang 88′), 17 Richard Kone, 10 Joel Appiah (Capt) (18 Simon Bamidele 90’+3)

Goal-scorer: Richard Kone [pen 72′]

Booked: Kone, Nguidjol, Idemudia, Seidi | Subs Not Used: Sathiyananthan, Martin & Goumou

Buckhurst Hill | Manager: Mark Williams | Assistant: Jonny Fowell

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Emmanuel Olajide (GK), 2 Cameron Weekes, 4 Alfie Harris, 5 Daniel Smith, 3 Bradleigh Rowland, 6 Jake Moss, 8 Harry Markatis (Capt), 7 Sam Sollosi (12 Sonny Shilling 73′), 10 George Johnson (14 James Deaney 60′), 9 Ezekiel Bademosi (15 Oliver Williams 73′), 11 Nathan Sollosi

Booked: Smith | Subs Not Used: Tyrrell

Referee: Royan Campbell
Asstistants: Abdel Hamid Zekri & Abdel Wahid Touileb

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Senior Lge (Fri 24/Sat 25 Feb)

Image from Romford v Barking on Friday night [Image from Scott W]

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer

Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, looking at the Essex Senior League – Premier Division programme that took place on the weekend of Friday 24/Saturday 25 February.

Essex Senior Lge – Friday 24 February

The weekend’s action begins with three games of Friday & another fine win for in-form Woodford Town, who defeated Stanway Rovers 3 – 0 at Ashton’s. Ernest Okoh, Luke Parrott & substitute Wale Odedoyin all netted for Shane Baptiste’s side, in a win which fortifies their position in fourth, after the weekend’s action. There was a gritty goal-less draw between Buckhurst Hill and Stansted, in front of about 200 spectators at Roding Lane. Hill are 13th, while the Airportmen are eighth. Lastly on Friday, there was a memorable match as the Mayesbrook derby ended with Barking winning 4 – 3 over Romford, in front of 135 fans. Luke Hirst’s treble & a super goal by Ronaldo Kapica overturned a fine Hassan Nalbant double & a Anthony Furlong goal and it saw the Blues rise to sixth. If you’d like more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/02/25/s22-23-match-report-romford-3-4-barking-fri-24-feb-esl/

On Saturday 25 February, leaders Enfield got a much-needed victory, as they won 3 – 0 at Takeley to stay two points clear at the summit. Alex Warman opened the scoring ten minutes in, before a first-half double for Louie Johnson secured the win for Jamie Cureton’s team. Also, Redbridge stay second after a 2 – 0 triumph over Halstead Town. Jamie Price & James Barlow got the goals to keep George Christou’s team six points clear of FC Clacton, who despatched Southend Manor 5 – 0 at the Austin Arena. The ensemble cast of Adam Tilson (2), Jordan Lartey, Teddy Collis and Mekhi McKenzie’s 22nd league goal this term secured the points for Tom Austin’s team.

Elsewhere, Athletic Newham are well-placed in ninth, with several matches in hand on their rivals as they won 2 – 1 at Little Oakley. Richard Kone notched both goals to reach 15 league goals this term. Danny Garrad responded for James Good’s side but they drop to seventh. White Ensign got another fine away result, as they won 1 – 0 at West Essex. Joe Gregory got the telling goal, to send Ensign up to 15th. Ilford won 5 – 0 at Clapton to see the Foxes up to 12th. The ensemble cast of Josh Boxall, Jack Zielinski, Conner Jones, Jake Chadwick and substitute Caleb Adomako-Mensah all scored to assist Richard Ponsford’s sude to the points. Lastly, Saffron Walden Town defeated Sawbridgeworth Town 3 – 0 in front of 321 at Catons Lane. Tom Skelton, Ryan Melaugh & Charlie Smith all scored for Terry Spillane & Michael Toner’s team, who rise to tenth now.

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Sat 26 Nov) [ESL 22-23 27.11.22]

Archive Image – Halstead Tn v FC Clacton earlier this term

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer

Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, rounding-up the full Essex Senior League programme that took place on the weekend of Saturday 26 November. We also include the Reserve Shield action & the solitary Ressie league match in Division Two.

Essex Senior League – Saturday 26 November

The weekend’s action starts with an important win for Barking as they powered past Stanway Rovers 5 – 1 at Mayesbrook Park 3G. Charlie Heatley’s first hat-trick inside the first hour led the way for Charlie MacDonald’s side, while Ahmed Abdulla and George Fairhead added further pain to Danny Slatter’s team, who replied through Will Crisell’s goal. At the Terry Mac, Clapton got another big three points as they fought back to defeat Romford 4 – 3. Khyreece Smith-Reid’s fifth league goal this term plus goals from Leon Wildman, Sharn Quinn’s spot-kick & an OG enabled Ross Weare’s side to move eight points clear of bottom side Southend Manor. Romford responded through strikes from Emmanuel Ogunrinde, Adalberto Pinto and Shomari Barnwell’s goal in stoppage time but they are now five points adrift of landlords Barking in tenth.

Takeley continued their recent good form, with a 4 – 0 victory at Southend Manor. Charlie Allum and George Frodsham goals inside the first ten minutes led the way for Marc Das’ side, then Jayden Gipson & Jordan Westcott goals added more anguish for Alex O’Leary’s side. At the summit, Enfield stay at the top on goal difference after a 3 – 0 victory at managerless Saffron Walden Town. Danny Norton, Louie Johnson’s penalty & a Usman Adeniji goal sealed the points for Jamie Cureton in front of 330 spectators at Catons Lane. Redbridge are second on the same points total (36) after a gritty 1 – 0 win at West Essex. Ibrahim Kehinde got the only goal there for George Christou’s side at Wadham Lodge. FC Clacton are now five points clear in third spot after a 2 – 1 success at White Ensign. Jake Clowsley & the league’s top scorer Mekhi McKenzie got the goals for Tom Austin’s side there, while Teddy Rumsby got the goal back for Aaron Bloxham’s team.

Elsewhere, Stansted remain in sixth after a 4 – 0 win at Halstead Town. The quartet of Ashaan Siddik, George O’Connor, Michael Mignot and Andre Embalo all netted for the Airportmen to add more concern for the Humbugs, who stay 16th. Buckhurst Hill got an important victory after the loss of two big players this week, as they won 4 – 1 over Sawbridgeworth Town at Roding Lane. Jake Knight had given Kieran Amos & Ben Taylor’s side an early lead, but Ezekiel Bademosi levelled the match just before the interval before a double from Hassan Nalbant and a late goal by replacement Jake Moss sealed the win for Mark Williams’ side, who reside in eighth. Athletic Newham are ninth after a 3 – 1 victory at Ilford, with Daniel Izekor notching another double and Abdul Shobowale also on target for Chris Davis’ team. Jack Zielinski got the reply for the Foxes there. Lastly in the top-tier, Woodford Town bagged a 1 – 0 away win at Little Oakley, thanks to Wale Odedoyin’s goal to spoil new manager James Good’s first league game in charge, after the resignation of Matt Carmichael this week – I’d like to pass on my best wishes to Matt & his family at this tough time.

Now into the Reserve Shield action, Barkingside Res edged through on Friday night, defeating White Ensgn Res 2 – 1 at Lakeside Sports Ground. Junior Mandeng-Fotabeng netted for the Ensign side, but strikes by Emmanuel Banahene & Kolade Oshun secured the hosts’ progression. Woodford Town Res joined them there after a 3 – 1 victory at Athletic Newham Res. David Avram, Albert James & replacement Izac Clarke all scored for Town in that game. The other two games needed spot-kicks to determine the victor and Billericay Town Res drew 1 – 1 with Frenford Res, before winning 4 – 3 on penalties. Redbridge Res also drew, 2 – 2 with West Essex Development but it was the Stags side who won 3 – 1 on penalties in that one.

Finally, there’s one result in Ressie League Division Two, which saw Barking U23 go back to the summit after a thumping 7 – 0 victory at May & Baker Res.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Senior Lge (Sat 12 Nov) [ESL 13.11.22]

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer

Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, looking at the three Essex Senior League matches that took place on the weekend of Saturday 12 November. We saw nine goals in the top-tier, while we also have sections on the FA Vase Round Two, the one Reserve D2 match & the Len Cordell Trophy action, with the latter featuring the Reserve sides.

Essex Senior Lge – Saturday 12 November

The weekend’s action behigs with Ilford returning to winning ways with a 4 – 2 victory at White Ensign. Ilford were indebted to Joshua Boxall who grabbed a fine treble to give the Foxes a big advantage. Joe Lilly got the other goal for Richard Ponsford’s team. Ensign replied through goals from skipper Mitchell Stuart-Evans and new recruit Kian Bradshaw. The win takes Ilford above their opppnents here & into 13th spot. West Essex had to battle for a 1 – 0 success over Clapton at Wadham Lodge. Oliseh Okuguni was again the hero for Kwame Kwateng’s side with the winning goal midway through the second half, after good initial work by substitute David Bell. The Stags have gone four points clear in fifth.

Lastly, Halstead Town got a hugely important triumph as they won 2 – 0 at Southchurch Park. Tom White and Joel Older got the goals for Mark McLean’s side. This win takes them above Sawbridgeworth into fourth-bottom on goal difference. The majority of sides didn’t play this weekend because of the FA Vase action this weekend, but at present Enfield sit top, two points clear of FC Clacton in second, with Redbridge in third and Little Oakley in fourth spot.

Meanwhile, in the FA Vase Round Two, Athletic Newham booked their spot in Round Three with a 4 – 0 success at home to Kennington. Daniel Izekor added to his growing reputation with a fine treble here for Chris Davis’ team. Richard Kone added the other goal early in the second half as Newham took their place in the Last 64. Romford put a difficult week behind them and also progressed with a 2 – 0 triumph over divisional rivals Little Oakley, with Camilo Restrepo scoring a brace for Steve Butterworth’s side. In other results, Dunstable Town edged Enfield 1 – 0 at Creasey Park on Friday night. Lakenheath responded superbly after an early setback to defeat Buckhurst Hilll 3 – 2. Sam Hawley, a penalty from Luke Young and Thomas Thulborn’s late goal sealed te Eastern Counties Premier side’s progression. Suleyman Zuhdu had given Buckhurst the lead after 13 minutes and Nathan Sollosi added a late consolation.

Elsewhere, Norwich Utd scored two late goals to defeat Stansted 2 – 0 at Plantation Park. Haydn Davis & Thomas Hunter got those goals to break the Airportmen’s hearts. Leighton Town won 2 – 0 at Saffron Walden Town as the Bloods played their first match after the departure of long-serving boss Jason Maher this week. Finally in the Vase, Woodford Town exited on the lottery of penalties after a 2 – 2 draw with Fakenham Town at Ashton’s. Alejandro Machado got both goals for Shane Baptiste’s team but a double from Jack Robinson for the Ghosts forced a shoot-out, with Fakenham won 4 – 3.

In the the Len Cordell Trophy, Barking U23 grabbed a fine 4 – 0 triumph at Frenford Res, with Argest Nela scoring twice, with Abdul Charfi & George Fairhead also scoring. Billericay Town Ressies also won away from home, coming away with a 4 – 2 win at May & Baker Res. Joshua Brown led the way with a double, added to by strikes from Rhian Fowler and substitute Jes Oshitola. Other results in the Cordell Cup were Barkingside Res’ 2 – 2 draw with Grays Athletic Res on Friday night and Romford’s second side drawing 3 – 3 with Redridge Res at Westlands on Saturday.

We close this article with the one Reserve Division Two match that took place on Friday night, which saw Takeley Res win 2 – 1 at Southend Manor U23. Bryn Thorpe notching both goals there for Takeley’s second side, which took them level on points with leaders Barking U23.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Sat 5 Nov) [ESL 22-23 6.11.22]

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer

Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, looking at the Essex Senior League action, looking at all ten matches that took place on the weekend of Saturday 5 November. We saw 43 goals in the ten matches.

Essex Senior Lge – Saturday 5 November

The weekend’s action started on Friday night as Saffron Walden Town grabbed an impressive 4 – 1 victory at Halstead Town to bolster their top-five aspirations. The ensemble cast of Solomon Ofori, Dion Lewis-Kirwan, Palvy Manduakila and Stanley Leech all netted a goal each to render Jordan Blackwell’s goal for Halstead as mere consolation, in front of 425 spectators at Rosemary Lane. Also, Ilford got an decent 1 – 0 victory at Romford, with Paul Cox the scorer there for Richard Ponsford’s team who are 15th after the weekend’s action. Finally on Friday night, Woodford Town handed Clapton another loss as Town won 4 – 0, with Jaedon Phillips’ early double being added to by Luke Parrott & substitute Dimi Christou to keep the Tons second bottom.

On Saturday, Enfield remain five points clear at the summit with a comprehensive 6 – 0 victory over Sawbridgeworth Town at Woodside. Ibrahim Kehinde opened the scoring on 25 minutes for Jamie Curerton’s team, while Danny Norton added another two goals to reach nine leaguwe goals this term. Louie Johnson’s spot-kick, Samrai Gebrai & substitute Dwade James all added a goal each to make it 11 wins from 12 games for the E’s. Elsewhere, Redbridge are third after a 4 – 0 victory over White Ensign at Oakside. Joey May made a rare start & got the opening goal after five minutes. Bradley Bennett added another first-half goal before Solomon Ogunwomoju struck twice to secure the win. Little Oakley also got another good three points with a 3 – 2 win over Stanway Rovers at the Memorial Stadium. Harry Mann, William Crisell & Mason Ridgway-Lumley got the crucial goals for Matt Carmichael’s side to overturn strikes by Ernest Okoh and replacement Sanunur Bah Bah for Rovers.

FC Clacton got back to winning ways with an impressive 5 – 1 win at Southend Manor, in the match I attended this weekend. Mekhi McKenzie has so often been an important player for Tom Austin’s side and McKenzie showed that again with a treble, which was added to by strikes by Reuben Cowler & a penalty by Teddy Collis. Substitute Joe Darby got a late consolation for Manor but they remain bottom. My report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/11/05/s22-23-match-report-southend-manor-1-5-fc-clacton-sat-5-nov/

Meanwhile, Athletic Newham welcomed back Richard Kone from injury and he bagged a fine treble as Newham defeated West Essex 4 – 0 at the Terry Mac. Daniel Izekor got the other goal as the hosts went up to ninth spot. Buckhurst Hill made the most of an early sending off for Barking to grab a 4 – 0 win over Charlie MacDonald’s side at Roding Lane. Ezekiel Bademosi got a brace for Mark Williams’ side, with Nathan Sollosi also netting and there was a late goal for Hassan Nalbant as well. Finally, Takeley got a fine 3 – 1 victory at Stansted, with Glenn O’Hanlon and George Wappett getting first-half goals for Marc Das’ team. Ashaan Siddik got a goal back for the Airportmen before the interval. Hodje Almeida-Joaquim added a third goal to give the visitors the points which saw them rise to 11th.

That’s all for this week, thank you for reading.

S21-22 Match Report: Sporting Bengal Utd 0 – 2 Athletic Newham (Wed 26 Jan) [ESL 21-22 27.1.22]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Mile End Stadium

Attendance: TBC

2021-22 Season: Match 52

Wednesday 26th January 2022 – 7.45pm KO

S Bengal: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Ath Newham: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Action still from the first half at Mile End

Energetic display from Newham gains another win at Sporting Bengal

Sporting Bengal Utd 0 – 2 Athletic Newham

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

The Non-League road continued on Wednesday night with a return to Mile End to see Sporting Bengal welcome play-off chasing Athletic Newham in the Essex Senior League. Sporting Bengal narrowly lost out at Hoddesdon Town four days prior to this match and named Kevin Rrushi in goal, with a midfield of Todor Germanov, Louie Maxwell and Djibril Cante, with a forward line of Yaya Jau, Gianfranco Mici and Mark Nwokeji, who played for Dagenham & Redbridge some twelve years ago. Their options from the bench included forward Quincy Roberts, Daniele Paoloni, Stany Mongha and Ajani Bryan-Wilson. Newham have a few games to catch up on due to their superb FA Vase run to date and named Wilkinson Boateng as their goalkeeper, a midfield of Benjamin Bodipo, Anderson Baro, Abdul Shobowale and Jacques Leurs. In atttack, the league’s leading scorer in Richard Kone was joined by Joel Appiah and Rasheed Salau. From the sidelines, their substitutes included the experienced Simon Bamidele, Babs Sonupe and Best Toke.

The match got underway with the visitors looking to assert themselves in possession and put the Bengal defence under pressure. After only three minutes, Bengal custodian Kevin Rrushi was alert to claim a deflected free-kick from tricky Newham midfielder Anderson Baro. Chris Davis’ side did continue to have more ball retention in the early stages of the contest, with Abdul Shobowale making good runs down the left channel and putting in some good crosses from that side. Richard Kone was occupying defenders from fairly early on as well and after evading his marker, Rrushi did well reach down low to deny Kone’s strike on fourteen minutes.

Newham were finding their rhythm going forward at this point in proceedings, and a well-struck overhead kick by captain Joel Appiah needed the fine intervention of Rrushi to claw the ball onto the far side post. Bengal’s counter-attacks were fairly rare in the first half, with forward Yaya Jau unable to unnerve visiting goalkeeper Wilkinson Boateng & instead fired well over the goal frame. By the midway point of the half, you felt it was a case of when Newham would score rather than if, and defender Perez Goumou’s good header from Baro’s corner was gratefully gathered by Rrushi.

At the other end, Boateng was largely untroubled at this point, with a decent strike by centre-back Daniel Udanoh from just inside the eighteen-yard area eventually being gathered. Unfortunately for the hosts, the closing minutes of the half proved to be somewhat costly. Five minutes before the break, a fierce strike from Benjamin Bodipo evaded the grasp of Rrushi and went low into the net to give Athletic Newham a deserved lead.

Newham made the most of this good spell as another well-worked move three minutes later allowed forward Rasheed Salau to finish from close range to ultimately give the visitors the lead they deserved for their approach play and their chances created.

Half-Time: Sporting Bengal 0 – 2 Athletic Newham

Bengal manager Steve Clark made a change at the interval, bringing on Ajani Bryan-Wilson for central midfielder Djibril Cante and to their credit, they did show work rate, spirit and defensively they held firm as they looked to get back into the contest. That being said, Newham were unlucky not to put the match beyond doubt midway through the half as another Baro set-piece was headed onto the crossbar by Salau. Moments later, midfielder James Runham’s powerful strike was well saved by Rrushi and soon after, Kone got past the impressive Udanoh but the angle on goal was narrow and he could only fire off-target.

Newham were pretty comfortable defensively, although Gianfranco Mici did find half a yard of space before striking at goal, though the strike lacked the power to bypass Boateng, who claimed the ball well. Appiah also drifted a effort wide of goal although he did have a good game here, leading his side well.

In the latter stages, Bengal did make some good runs down the flanks with Bryan-Wilson and full-back Karmani Collington being willing runners though in the end, they couldn’t create enough in the way of chances to really merit any points in the match. The final whistle blew and Newham can feel happy with a good performance earning them another win, which takes them back into fifth spot, ahead of Saffron Walden on goal difference, with Newham travelling to Catons Lane at the weekend.

Full-Time: Sporting Bengal Utd 0 – 2 Athletic Newham

In summary, Newham put in a characteristic display of high work rate and good possession though if their finishing was more clinical, they would have would have won this tie much more convincingly. Bengal did show spirit, particularly in the second half, with decent approach play though ultimately Newham goalkeeper Wilkinson Boateng had a largely stress-free evening.

There were several notable performances from both sides in this match. First up for victors Newham, skipper Joel Appiah put in a fine display, building attacking moves alongside rapid forward Richard Kone who occupied defenders and on another day would have had at least one goal. Also, full-back Perez Goumou had a good all-round match making good defensive clearances and showing good energy and passing. Finally, technical midfielder Anderson Baro also again looked good on the ball and showed his ability to put in good crosses and free-kicks. Baro also did a good share of defensive work for his side to assist his team. For Bengal, centre-back Daniel Udanoh had a really good game, making good clearances when his defence was under considerable pressure, alongside the influential Freddy Tandon, who also had a really good match. Goalkeeper Kevin Rrushi pulled off several good saves to keep his side in the game in the first half and lastly, substitute Ajani Bryan-Wilson also made a difference down the right flank in the second half, looking to get involved in good forward moves.

Best wishes to both sides for the remainder of the season.

Teams

Sporting Bengal Utd | Manager: Steve Clark

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Kevin Rrushi (GK), 2 Darius Maxime, 3 Kamarni Collington, 4 Todor Germanov, 5 Freddy Tandon, 6 Daniel Udanoh, 7 Louie Maxwell, 8 Djibril Cante (17 Ajani Bryan-Wilson 46’), 9 Yaya Jau (12 Quincy Roberts 65’), 10 Gianfranco Mici, 11 Mark Nwokeji (14 Daniele Paoloni 57’)

Subs Not Used: P Paul, Mongha

Athletic Newham | Manager: Chris Davis

1 Wilkinson Boateng (GK), 2 Perez Goumou (12 Best Toke 86’), 3 Louis Hiobi, 4 James Runham, 8 Benjamin Bodipo, 11 Jacques Leurs (7 Babs Sonupe 70’), 15 Anderson Baro, 14 Rasheed Salau, 10 Joel Appiah (Capt), 17 Richard Kone, 16 Abdul Shobowale (19 Simon Bamidele 80’)

Goal-scorers: Benjamin Bodipo [40’], Rasheed Salau [43’]

Subs Not Used: Owootomo, Gaye

Referee: Sam Everitt

Assistants: Royan Campbell & Adrian Vernica

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Sat 8 Jan) [ESL 21-22 9.1.22]

Archive Image from Dec 2021 – Ensign v Sawbo at Burroughs Park [Image by Scott W]

Hello and welcome a bonus blog (replacing this week’s Match report as the focused match fell to the weather) rounding-up the four Essex Senior matches that took place on the 8th January. We’ll also have a short look at the standings as well, with nearly four months of the season remaining (if there are no remaining Covid interruptions). Thanks for reading & a Happy 2022 to you all.

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer

Essex Senior League Round-up- Sat 8 January

The match with the most on the line was at the Hawthorns as Saffron Walden Town set aside a challenging week with a 4 – 2 success at fellow top six side Stanway Rovers. Walden started the match the stronger and after leading the way at the interval, two goals from Joe Pullen from a goal apiece for Tom Skelton and Craig Calver was enough to give the Bloods a vital win, which sees them reduce the deficit on the top three to five points. Recent signing Ayo Odukoya got both goals for Stanway though they fell to only their third loss at home this term.

Elsewhere, Athletic Newham went into seventh spot, only two points adrift of Walden following a 3 – 0 victory over Ilford at the Terry Mac. Jailson Seidi opened the scoring for Chris Davis’ side, before a late brace for the League’s top-scorer Richard Kone secured the win for Newham and took Kone to the 25-goal mark this season. Ilford remain in 16th, nine points clear of the bottom four. There was an extraordinary comeback by FC Clacton as they won 4 – 3 in added-time at Little Oakley. Strikes by Danny Garrad and Mason Ridgway-Lumley had put Matt Carmichael’s side two goals up at half-time, but Clacton were level on the hour thanks to goals from Harry McDonald and Jordan Lartey. Tyler Sullivan netted for Oakley with fourteen minutes left to give them a narrow lead but injury-time strikes from McDonald and Mekhi McKenzie secured the points for the visitors which took them back into the top ten.

Finally, in their derby at Hargrave Park, Stansted had first-half goals from John Clarke and Paul Clayton to be thankful for in their 2 – 1 success over Sawbridgeworth Town. Teddy Hall got a late consolation for Kieran Amos & Alex Salmon’s side who continue to seek points to draw in the sides above them .

The six matches that were off this weekend (Sat 8 Jan) were as follows:

Enfield P – P Takeley, Hoddesdon Town v St Margaretsbury, Redbridge v Clapton, Southend Manor v White Ensign, Sporting Bengal Utd v Woodford Town and Walthamstow v Cockfosters.

With regards to the table, Walthamstow are still strong favourites to finally seal the promotion they have sought for some time. They are on sixty points (with 19 wins from their 24 matches), ten points clear of nearest rivals Stansted who are again having a fine season under the tutelage of Paul Pittuck and John Watters. Then we have the chasing pack of Redbridge (3rd – 48 points from 24 games), Stanway Rovers (4th – 47 points from 26 matches), Enfield (5th – 43 points from 22 matches) and Saffron Walden Town (6th – 43 points from 23 matches) who are all striving to find themselves in the play-off mix at the end of the campaign, where the victors will face-off against a struggling side from a local Step 4 division, as I understand it.

At the foot of the table, there are debatably five sides who are most wary of avoiding relegation. Sporting Bengal remain at the bottom after one win all season to date (4 points from 23 matches). Steve Clark’s side also need to help their goal difference though Southend Manor are only seven points better off (11 points from 23 matches) and recently appointed former Hullbridge assistant boss James Wakeling as their new boss. Both teams will need more goals in their armoury to catch up to Sawbridgeworth Town who sit 19th, on 16 points and St Margaretsbury are just above them on goal difference. Clapton also will be mindful of securing points as they are 17th, with 18 points from their 23 matches to date.

End

S21-22 Match Report: Ilford 2 – 3 Athletic Newham (Wed 1 Sept) [ESL 21/22 2.9.21]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Cricklefield

Attendance: TBC

2021-22 Season: Match 18

Wednesday 1st September 2021 – 7.45pm KO

Ilford: Blue & White Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Ath Newham: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Late goal gives Newham another away-day win

Ilford 2 – 3 Athletic Newham

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

The midweek match this week was a trip to Cricklefield to see Ilford take on Athletic Newham. The hosts have a big FA Cup match with Aveley on the horizon, while Newham were looking for their third straight league win. The Foxes fielded Josh Blackburn in goal, with a back four of full-backs Dion Lewis-Kirwan and Josh Taylor, with centre-backs Anthony Kelsey and former Sporting Bengal player Lee Sharpe. Adam Peek’s side did have a few changes to it, as recent signing Michael Ogboin and Jerold Cobblah led the forward line. Options from the sidelines included forwards Tigana Quebe, Kieran Southgate and Ellis Leveridge. Athletic Newham had regular stopper Wilkinson Boateng between the posts, with Louis Hiobi, Christopher Nguidjol and Jeff Idemudia in defence and brought a foward line of Richard Kone, skipper Joel Appiah and experienced forward Simon Bamidele. Their substitutes’ bench included forward Tony Cookey, midfielders Emmanuel Odunaike and Best Toke.

This game didn’t take long to get going in earnest as Newham took the lead after just two minutes. A defensive error by the Foxes allowed in-form forward Richard Kone to steal in and slot home into the left-side corner from close range, past Foxes custodian Josh Blackburn. The hosts had to be alert moments later as a teasing cross from the left channel from Simon Bamidele evaded everyone. Ilford had their first big chance on ten minutes, as Reece Sayers’ free-kick from the right found centre-back Anthony Kelsey who sent a good header goalward which was tipped onto the crossbar well by Newham stopper Wilkinson Boateng.

Adam Peek’ team had a decent phase of the match at this point as advancing full-back Dion Lewis-Kirwan’s strike fizzed of Boateng’s far post. Newham responded midway through the half by doubling their advantage with a great solo run by Kone initially intercepted well by a covering defender, but Kone managed to get to the ball first and fired home past Blackburn. Ilford couldn’t create too much on the counter despite the pressure mounting on the visitors. With about ten minutes to the interval, a good header from a corner by Sharpe had to be tipped wide by the alert Boateng.

Soon after that chance, Ilford did pull a goal back. From another set-piece by Sayers, referee Tom Wyatt detected a hand-ball in the area and blew up for a spot-kick. Michael Ogboin stepped up and duly converted, low into the net past Boateng on 34 minutes.

Half-Time: Ilford 1 – 2 Athletic Newham

At the break, I had a strong feeling the open nature of the match would lead to more goals & that end-to-end composition of the game continued after the break. Sharpe and Ogboin both had chances with only Boateng to beat, but their respective strikes lacked the power to defeat the Newham goalkeepeer. As it happened, that was a warning as Ilford levelled on 52 minutes. A superb 20-yard thunderbolt from substutute Ellis Leveridge sailed into the top corner to really give the hosts a good chance od taking something from the match.

Just before the hour mark, fellow Ilford replacement Tigana Quebe was well found by Dimi Christou but when Quebe was poised, he was well-intercepted by Newham defender Louis Hiobi. The scoring ended on 79 minutes as Newham got the decisive goal, as Hiobi sent in a terrific cross deep from the left side, which Kone chested down well and allowed skipper Joel Appiah to steal in first ahead of the home defence and stroke home.

Newham would again feel unfortunate as substitute Tony Cookey had a good header chalked off for a off-side four minutes from time. It was fitting that the match ended with two good chances. First, Newham replacement Emmanuel Odunaike powered a fine strike just off-target and then in added-time, Quebe was unfortunate to see a lofted effort go over the advancing Boateng but the ball went agonizingly over the cross-bar.

Full-Time: Ilford 2 – 3 Athletic Newham

To briefly summarise, Ilford couldn’t get enough ball retention in the final third at times or finish the chances they had although they did give the Newham backline some nervy moments. Newham showed again the pace of their forward line, were more clinical in their finishing and they made the most of a poor start by their opponents and just about deserved the win, thanks to determined defending. For the visitors, Richard Kone had another strong match, showing rapid pace and good finishing to make it eight goals in the last three matches alone. Anderson Baro also had a good match, building attacking moves well. Defender Louis Hiobi was very good in the Newham defence & put in a great cross for their third goal, while Joel Appiah also contributed well to his team’s attacks.

For Ilford, forward Michael Ogboin led the line well and gave Newham a tricky evening and couldn’t had a brace here. Centre-back Lee Sharpe really showed his worth with a committed display to lead the hosts’ backline. Substitute Ellis Leveridge made a difference on second half and his superbly well-taken strike gave his team a chance of a point and fellow replacement Tigana Quebe did well down the flanks and his late lob was inches away from claiming a draw for Ilford.

I’d like to wish both teams a good rest of the season.

Teams

Ilford | Manager: Adam Peek | Assistant: Charlie Barlow

Starting XI: 1 Josh Blackburn (GK), 2 Dion Lewis-Kirwan, 3 Josh Taylor, 4 Ope Mosuro (Capt) (17 Ellis Leveridge 46′), 5 Anthony Kelsey, 6 Lee Sharpe, 7 Mo Kargbo (16 Tigana Quebe 36′), 8 Reece Sayers, 9 Michael Ogboin, 10 Jerold Cobblah, 11 Dimitrou Christou (15 Kieran Southgate 69′)

Goal-scorers: Michael Ogboin [pen 34′), Ellis Leveridge (52′)

Booked: Cobblah | Subs Not Used: Fisher, Olukolu

Athletic Newham | Manager: Chris Davis | Assistant: Timothy Tejuoso

Starting XI: 1 Wilkinson Boateng (GK), 3 Louis Hiobi, 4 Christopher Nguidjol, 7 Jeff Idemudia, 6 Yousupha Gaye (9 Tony Cookey 73′) , 14 Akin Akinola, 8 Eusfrause Cabulo (19 Emmanuel Odunaike 84′), 18 Simon Bamidele, 15 Anderson Baro, 10 Joel Appiah (Capt), 17 Richard Kone

Goal-scorers: Richard Kone [2′, 23′], Joel Appiah [79′]

Booked: Akinola, Kone, Appiah | Subs Not Used: Toke, Dame, Leurs

Referee: Tom Wyatt

Assistants: Craig Wood & Mackenzie Klessa-Smith

S21-22 Match Report: Southend Manor 3 – 4 Athletic Newham (Tues 24 Aug) [ESL 21/22 25.8.21]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Southchurch Park

Attendance: 36

2021-22 Season: Match 14

Tuesday 24th August 2021 – 7.45pm KO

S Manor: Yellow & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Ath Newham: Blue & White Shirts, White Shorts, Blue Socks

Pre-match image as both teams prepare to get the match underway

Superb comeback from Newham claims the points at Manor

Southend Manor 3 – 4 Athletic Newham

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

The midweek main match was another visit to Southchrch Park to see Southend Manor face Essex Senior League newcomers Athletic Newham. Both sides exited the FA Cup three days previously and have been scoring goals – but also conceding them so was we in for more of the same here? Was we ever! Manor’s squad was again affected by injuries but could still field regular stopper Jack Allen in goal with a back four of Ben Sargent, Billy Harrison with James Hegarty and Alex Jenkins as centre-backs. Luca Frankis once again led the forward line alongside Josh Devlin, with Isaac Acquah and Jordan Chambers on the flanks in support. Options from the sidelines included forwards Conor Cobb and Harry Rogers and midfielder Jordan Russell for Craig Waters’ team. Athletic Newham brought a strong attack-minded team with Richard Kone, skipper Joel Appiah and experienced forward Tony Cookey making up their forward line. Alvaro Guerrero and Anderson Baro were part of a creative midfield and Wilkinson Boateng was once again selected as goalkeeper for Chris Davis’ side.

The match started well for Southend Manor who had an early sight of goal four minutes in as a free-kick from Alex Jenkins found Isaac Acquah in space at the far post but the latter was unable to turn his strike into the net. The hosts were keen to fizz crosses into the six-yard area with visiting goalkeeper Wilkinson Boateng electing to parry the ball away from danger in the early part of the match. Newham were swift on the counter-attack as ever though and ten minutes in, a great pass by playmaker Anderson Baro found the run of rapid forward Richard Kone who hammered a good strike which came back off the left-side goalpost with some pace. That was a warning for Manor which ultimately they didn’t heed but they could count themselves a little unfortunate in how they fell behind here. On fourteen minutes, a clearance from a home defender cannoned off full-back Ben Sargent and into the path of Kone who cut inside and struck home into the net past home custodian Jack Allen.

The home side were causing some nervy moments for Newham from set-pieces and six minutes after they went behind, Manor levelled from one said set-piece. Boateng clawed a cross away but didn’t get enough on it which allowed Manor forward Luca Frankis to pounce and head into the net from close range in a congested penalty area. With the half-hour mark approaching, forward Joel Appiah’s strike was well-saved by Allen, though the assistant’s flag would have denied him anyway. By this point, Newham were really in the match though in another twist, Manor took the advantage for the first time on 32 minutes. Another Jenkins free-kick managed to catch Boateng off his goal-line and the ball was lofted over him and into the net.

However, there was another swift change of fortune barely a minute afterwards as Newham showed all of their quality & skill to level the match again. Richard Kone powered home a fine strike which flew past Allen, low into the net on the left-side. Minutes after that, the tempo was building further as Jenkins had a half-chance gathered by Boateng and visiting forward Tony Cookey also had a decent chance saved by Allen following another good move.

Half-Time: Southend Manor 2 – 2 Athletic Newham

After the interval, it was the hosts who edged the opening moments of the second half as Acquah played in winger Jordan Chambers but the Newham defence denied him a clear chance at Boateng’s goal. Frankis also had another effort sail wide but three minutes later, it was Newham’s turn to feel frustrated. Another really good long pass by Anderson Baro found Kone again and after another good run, Kone blazed his effort wide of Allen’s goal. On the hour, Manor responded with a well-taken goal to give them the lead again, as good hold-up play by Chambers occupied the Newham defence, allowing right-back Ben Sargent to advance and Chambers managed to get a pass in, which Sargent fired home a good effort into the corner again. Newham defender Perez Goumou made a number of good interceptions for his side, which would prove important in the latter stages.

Both sides traded chances as we entered the last twenty minutes of the match, with midfielder Jordan Faulkner firing wide for Manor and Cookey also off-target for the visitors. However, the game turned late on as with nine minutes remaining, another terrific run down the left channel by Kone ended up finding Baro who struck his effort wide when in a really good position to score. At this point, Newham skipper Joel Appiah had been sent into the sin-bin by referee Leigh Ballinger. Frankis had to be substituted as well at this point, with Conor Cobb replacing him. Newham went into another gear to try and grab a point with Manor defending deep and Newham got a dramatic leveller on 89 minutes with Kone again involved in the build-up but it was defender Louis Hiobi who fired a good strike past Allen, much to the delight of the visitors.

Newham sensed that the comeback was on right there and barely a minute after replacing Cookey, substitute Reon Reid was well found again by Baro and Reid made no mistake with a good finish to break the hosts’ resolve and ultimately claim all three points in what was a brilliant match for the neutral.

Full-Time: Southend Manor 3 – 4 Athletic Newham

In summary, this was a really open, entertaining match and Chris Davis’ Newham side really showed they are a strong-willed team, as well as showing the quality they have, particularly in attack. Manor put so much into the match but their decision to defend deep in the latter stages ultimately didn’t go well for them in a match that had pretty much everything – great finishing, great chances created and an enthralling high tempo for most of the match. You have to give both teams a lot of credit for the type of match we saw here.

There were a number of good performances in this encounter. For victors Newham, forward Richard Kone was again the driving force for his team, scoring two goals and creating a lot of problems down the flanks with his movement and rapid pace. Playmaker Anderson Baro also had a good game, making some astute passes and looked to build quick attacking moves, with skipper Joel Appiah playing his part in the forward line and defender Louis Hiobi also made a number of good interceptions during the game, as well as the well-taken late goal. Manor’s stand-out players were led by forward Luca Frankis who took his goal well and generally gave the visiting defence a tricky evening with his physicality and movement. Winger Jordan Chambers had another fine match too, showing a big work rate down the flanks and played his part in his side’ third goal by occupying defenders. Defenders Alex Jenkins and James Hegarty also did well to clear their lines as often as they did but ultimately the pace and creativity of Newham’s counter-attacks did prove telling.

I’d like to wish both teams a good rest of the season.

Teams

Southend Manor | Manager: Craig Waters | Assistant: Garry Pond

Starting XI: 1 Jack Allen (GK), 2 Ben Sargent, 3 Billy Harrison, 4 Kiah Froud, 5 James Hegarty, 6 Alex Jenkins, 7 Jordan Chambers, 8 Jordan Faulkner, 9 Luca Frankis (Capt) (15 Conor Cobb 82′), 10 Josh Devlin, 11 Isaac Acquah (14 Jordan Russell 66′)

Goal-scorers: Luca Frankis [20′], Alex Jenkins [32′], Ben Sargent [60′]

Booked: Sargent, Chambers, Harrison | Subs Not Used: Brocklebank, Frost, Rogers

Athletic Newham | Manager: Chris Davis | Assistant: Timothy Tejuoso

Starting XI: 1 Wilkinson Boateng (GK), 3 Louis Hiobi, 2 Perez Goumou, 7 Jeff Idemudia, 8 Alvaro Guerrero, 14 Akin Akinola, 19 Emmanuel Odunaike (6 Yousupha Gaye 68′), 15 Anderson Baro, 10 Joel Appiah (Capt), 17 Richard Kone, 9 Tony Cookey (11 Reon Reid 90′)

Goal-scorers: Richard Kone [14′ & 33′], Louis Hiobi [89′], Reon Reid [90′ +1]

Booked: Odunaike, Appiah (Sin-Bin) | Subs Not Used: Toke, Gbade, Barrow

Referee: Leigh Ballinger

Assistants: Elliott Hardcastle & Joe Lennon

S 20-21 Match Report: Redbridge 1 – 1 Athletic Newham (Re won 5 – 4 on pens) (Sat 15 May) [LCC 2021 15.5.21]

Len Cordell Cup – Quarter-Final

Venue: Oakside

2020 -21 Season – Match 35

Saturday 15th May 2021 – 2pm KO

Redbridge: Red Shirts, Red Shorts & Red Socks

Newham: Blue & White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Oakside pitch pre-match [Image: Scott W]

Redbridge deny spirited Newham on penalties at Oakside

Redbridge 1 – 1 Athletic Newham (Redbridge won 5 – 4 on pens)

Match Report by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Photos by Scott Lanza (@lanza_sport) & Scott W

This weekend saw me return to the Cordell Cup with this Quarter-Final, which saw Redbridge host Eastern Senior League South side Athletic Newham, who have had a great run in the competition thus far. The hosts were beset by injuries but still named George Martin in goal, a centre-half pairing of Alamiji Ayoola and ex-Romford & Aveley defender Harry Gibbs, with Jack Roult skippering the side in central midfield. Forward Josh Sykes led the line, with support from Abdishakur Farah and Gayene Sanderson. The options on the sidelines for George Christou’s side included forward Tony Martin, plus James Barlow, Sonny Fish and tricky winger Ayub Kadiri. Athletic Newham continued with the attack-minded side which has won them matches in this tournament. Captain Joel Appiah was joined in attack by Richard Kone, with support from Mauricio Rui Carlos and Anderson Baro. Their substitutes’ bench included forward Tony Cookey, plus the likes of Nnamdi Harold-Egole, Blessing Adomah and Simon Bamidele.

The match was about two minutes old when there was a concerning injury to Newham’s tricky support forward Anderson Baro, who had come off worse from a challenge by Ayoola. Much to his credit though, Baro did return to the pitch after several minutes’ treatment. Newham were keen to get their pass & move game going and an early sighter of that emerged on six minutes as Mauricio Rui Carlos got down the left flank and was well intercepted by Redbridge full-back Chikosi Basden. Visiting skipper Joel Appiah was denied a chance at goal on the quarter-hour by Alamiji Ayoola who stuck to his task well. Redbridge went up the other end and countered through pacy forward Abishakur Farah who weaved his way past two defenders before centre-back Christopher Ndoji got in and cleared. Newham burst forward in the next phase as a fine deep cross from the right channel found forward Richard Kone but his header was off-target.

Sykes converts the spot-kick [Image: Scott Lanza]

One of the many telling moments in this match arrived on twenty-one minutes as referee Alex Kyriacou adjudged a handball in the Newham box, and pointed to the penalty spot. Josh Sykes stepped up and his low strike into the left-side corner opened the scoring, somewhat against the run of play at that stage. As we approached the half-hour, Newham were posing a question or two again to the home defence as Alvaro Guerrero’s free-kick was sent in to the near post and home custodian George Martin passed that test of alertness there. The Motormen missed a good chance just moments later as a fine centre from the left side by full-back Jack Blackledge found Sykes but his powerful header was narrowly wide of the near post. Chris Davis’ side deserved that let-off really given the chances they had created and they weathered this passage of play as a good challenge in the 8-yard area by full-back Louis Hiobi ended Farah’s progress of setting up another attack. From the resulting corner, Ayoola lost his marker but couldn’t guide his header to threaten Wilkinson Boateng’s goal.

(l-r) Farah on the ball for Redbridge and another Newham attack in progress [Images: Scott Lanza]

As the interval was fast approaching, Rui Carlos made a good run into the danger area and managed to get his strike away which did draw a save out of Martin. Newham were looking the stronger side in terms of building attacking moves but also needed to find a bit more rhythm and composure. Redbridge would definitely have been aware of how slender their lead was at the break.

Half-Time: Redbridge 1 – 0 Athletic Newham

In the early minutes of the second half, Athletic Newham needed to stay alert defensively as a decent move involving winger Gayene Sanderson found Farah again but his tame strike didn’t unduly trouble Boateng in the Newham goal. It was the hosts’ turn to have a let-off on 49 minutes as Appiah’s low strike was also gathered by Martin. The visitors were definitely building their attacking rhythm at this point and soon levelled on fifty-six minutes. Kone’s initial effort was partly blocked by Martin but a combination of being unable to gather and his defenders unable to clear left Jeff Idemudia enough time to strike home, much to the delight of the visiting side.

Newham should really have struck again in the next seven minutes. First, Kone somehow couldn’t finish from a narrow angle as the ball agonizingly trickled across an unguarded goal-line, before full-back Carlos Indjai was denied a goal after being adjudged to have strayed into an off-side position. But, the game stayed level and the hosts needed to retain possession better to prevent the waves of energetic attacking moves by the visitors. This energy was displayed well on sixty-nine minutes as a fine fifty-yard run by centre-back Ndoji ended with him finding Idemudia but this time the latter fired narrowly wide.

The Motormen looked to finish the half strongly but despite good running shown by skipper Jack Roult, their main chance came with a minute of normal time remaining as a powerful header by centre-back Harry Gibbs cannoned off the far post and away from danger.

Stills from during the game [Images: Scott W]

Full-Time (after 90 minutes): Redbridge 1 – 1 Athletic Newham

So the hosts had denied the more enterprising visitors after normal time and we went straight into the shoot-out. It was Redbridge who went first and they scored their first two spot-kicks, thanks to Jack Brocklebank and Tony Martin. Newham scored their first kick through Louis Hiobi but saw Alvaro Guerrero’s strike saved by Martin. The hosts’ narrow lead looked even more precarious as Harry Gibbs blazed his spot-kick over the woodwork.

Richard Kone successfully blasted high into the net to make it two-two but more drama soon followed. James Barlow’s penalty was adjudged to have crossed the line after coming back off the upright, before Blessing Adomah’s penalty was well-saved by Martin. Newham goalkeeper was then equal to Adbishakur Farah’s penalty, punching it away, before Christopher Ndoji’s low strike made it 3 – 3. Ayub Kadiri for the hosts and Jay Jimali for Newham made no mistake and netted their respective kicks so at 4 – 4, it was down to ‘sudden death’. Skipper Jack Roult blasted his penalty high into net past Boateng and then the experienced Tony Cookey stepped up, but it wasn’t his day as Martin pulled off another good save to his left and parried Cookey’s spot-kick to seal the narrowest of victories for the home side.

Result: Redbridge 1 – 1 Athletic Newham (Redbridge won 5 – 4 on penalty kicks)

This match is difficult to summarize, but I think even the hosts will feel like on another day they could have been beaten here. Newham were unfortunate to not seal the tie in normal time, as their second-half performance was probably enough to win the match. That and they had several good chances as they had the better of the second period. However, you have to also credit Motormen custodian George Martin for making three penalty saves in the shoot-out and that was the difference at the end of the day.

There were a number of good performances from the visitors today, who showed enough to display why they have a very good record of scoring goals and would be a threat to any side in Step 5 or 6, whichever league they are in next season, but that’s all up to the FA now. Forward Richard Kone had another fine game, showing his pace, passing and movement and was unfortunate not to get his name on the score-sheet here. Wing-back Jeff Idemudia gave it his all and added to the forward line when he took that position later in the match, with centre-back Christopher Ndoji making several key interceptions in the Newham defence. Skipper Joel Appiah again had a good game as well, building the attacking moves that gave the home backline a hard afternoon.

For Redbridge, as mentioned earlier George Martin deserves a lot of credit for his saves in the shoot-out, though forward Abdishakur Farah also had a good afternoon I felt and his pace and trickery was a good outlet for George Christou’s side. Centre-back Harry Gibbs and right-back Chikosi Basden also deserve mentions for showing good energy levels and awareness in both boxes.

Redbridge go through then to the last four, where they will face Clapton, likely to be next weekend but its TBC at present. My best wishes to both sides going into next season as well.

Also, my thanks to Essex Senior Media official Scott Lanza for some of the pictures (all credited) from the match today.

Teams

Redbridge | Manager: George Christou

13 George Martin (GK), 2 Chikosi Basden, 3 Jack Blackledge (16 James Barlow 60’), 4 Jack Chawner (14 Sonny Fish 80’), 5 Alamiji Ayoola, 6 Harry Gibbs, 7 Jack Roult (Capt), 8 Sam Dickens (12 Jack Brocklebank 73’), 19 Josh Sykes (9 Tony Martin 60’), 10 Abdishakur Farah, 11 Gayene Sanderson (15 Ayub Kadiri 80’)

Goal-scorer: Josh Sykes [pen 21’]

Booked: Sykes | Sub Not Used: Bennett, Harris, D Hall

Athletic Newham | Manager: Chris Davis

1 Wilkinson Boateng (GK), 2 Carlos Indjai (12 Jay Jimali 80’), 3 Louis Hiobi, 4 Christopher Ndoji, 7 Jeff Idemudia (9 Tony Cookey 88’), 8 Alvaro Guerrero, 14 Akin Akinola (6 Blessing Adomah 90’ +4), 18 Mauricio Rui Carlos (20 Nnamdi Harold-Egole 53’), 15 Anderson Baro, 10 Joel Appiah (Capt), 17 Richard Kone

Goal-scorers: Jeff Idemudia [56’]

Booked: Kone, Hiobi, Jimali | Subs Not Used: Mpalampa, Bamidele, Purdon

Referee: Alex Kyriacou

Assistant Referees: Martin Quinn & Nick Reece