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.
Harry Baker (left) on the ball for Barking [Image by Scott W]
Barking emerge with a narrow win in a pulsating Mayesbrook derby
Romford 3 – 4 Barking
Match Report by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
Photos by Bill Badger [@BillBadger1976] & Scott W
The season returned to the Essex Senior for this Friday night match between Romford and Barking in the Mayesbrook derby. Romford are aiming for a top 10 finish at least, given the hectic close to the season they will have after their FA Vase run earlier this term. Boro Manager Steve Butterworth fielded Matt Cafer in goal, with a defence comprised of full-backs Jamie Hursit & Danny Hurford, with centre-backs Anthony Furlong & Scott Doe. The central midfield featured Kris Newby, skipper Adalberto Pinto and Praise Ogbebor, and the forward was led by recent recruit Hassan Nalbant, supported by George Cox & Charlie Morris. Barking had Harvey Simson between the posts, with a defence of Harry Baker, Ergis Kastrati, Kyrell Palmer & captain Eljay Worrell. Jess Norey & Ronaldo Kapica were the central midfield, with Sam Shaban & George Okoye on the flanks. Luke Hirst was the focal point in attack, supported by Ahmed Abdulla. Jeff Sears took the team here with Rob O’Brien as his assistant, as the Blues were looking to fortify their place in the top eight with a win.
Romford full-back Danny Hurford [#3] lays ball off, marked by Barking’s George Okoye [Image by Scott W]
Barking did their chances of getting the points no harm whatsoever by making the most of a sloppy opening five minutes by Boro. In the first minute, Barking led after Luke Hurst made the most of a defensive error to lob over the covering defender and find the net. Then, four minutes later a fine assist by Sam Shaban allowed Hirst to slot home comfortably past Romford goalkeeper Matt Cafer and in no time, the Blues had a two-goal lead. Barking were bossing it in possession for the majority of the first half, but on 22 minutes, the enterprising winger Charlie Morris gos past his marker and put in a good cross from the left flank, which only just evaded the run of Praise Ogbebor, a reminder that the Blues had to keep their focus.
It was a warning they didn’t really heed, as Romford gradually had more ball time in the last 15 minutes, with Morris, Ogbebor, George Cox and forward Hassan Nalbant stretching Jeff Sears’ team defensively, even though Barking were up to the task, assisted by full-back Harry Baker, centre-back Ergis Kastrati and good handling skills of goalkeeper Harvey Simson. That was until 39 minutes when Nalbant decided to launch an unstoppable strike from 25 yards out which fizzed past Simson in a flash & found the top right corner, much to the delight of the Romford contingent. Steve Butterworth’s side really pounced on the oppurtunity to level the match before half-time, as centre-back Scott Doe headed over the crossbar, shortly before that Ogbebor had a header cleared off the goal-line as Barking were grateful to hear the half-time whistle.
Half-Time: Romford 1 – 2 Barking
Romford’s Hassan Nalbant is tackled as team-mate Ogbebor & Barking’s Worrell look on [Image by Bill B]
That fortune for the Blues barely lasted a minute after the restart though as a decent ball tracked the run of the fired-up Nalbant who duly struck low past Simson for his second goal here to level a match that earlier on seemed rather difficult for them to get back into. That was really only the start of the drama, in what was a splendid second half of football for the neutral. Barking re-took the lead on 50 minutes, thanks to a superb strike from central midfielder Ronaldo Kapica, which found the top corner, giving Cafer no chance. To their credit, Romford responded as Jamie Hursit’s cross found Morris but the latter’s strike was just off-target. Praise Ogbebor was also in the action as his strike was blocked by a combination of a defender and a tip over by Simson.
Romford did make their decent spell count as they made it three-three as a set-piece was bundled in at the far post by centre-back Anthony Furlong. That made three goals since the restart & the pace wasn’t showing any sign of stopping. Just past the hour mark, Romford stopper Cafer made a decent save to deny Shaban’s header. The next turning point was on 64 minutes, with his defence higher up the pitch, Cafer advanced out of his area and couldn’t clear into the sidelines, allowing Luke Hirst to regain possession & slotted home with aplomb to give Barking the lead for the third time.
Romford stopper Matt Cafer in action [Image by Bill B]
Romford were then restricted to ten men five minutes after that, as skipper Adalberto PInto was dismissed for a tough challenge. That did understandably affect the Boro but they admirably still pushed on in search of another leveller. Barking kept going themselves and it was hard to argue that they didn’t deserve the points, but they did make it hard for themselves at times. Credit also has to go to Romford for their determination to make the team in yellow tonight word hard for their win.
Full-Time: Romford 3 – 4 Barking
This match was one of the more memorable games this season, because of the goals, the drama & the relentless nature of it. Barking were comfortable for most of the first half but lapses of concentration allowed Romford to pile pressure on either side of half-time. Must give credit to Boro though for their contribution to a great match, which they started poorly but grew in influence as the game wore on. Barking weathered the storm well & looked lively throughout the game, as they were indebted to the cool finishing of Luke Hurst with his treble & also, they made the most of of defensive errors from the ‘home’ side here to eventually claim the points.
There were some good performances to note as ever. For victors Barking, hat-trick hero Luke Hirst was a thorn in the side of Boro all game, well suported by the likes of Shaban, Okoye and Abdulla. Hirst’s pace was tough to deal with but not as hard to stop as his cool finishing. Sam Shaban was also very good at times down the left channel, coming inside & got a good assist for Hirst’s second goal. Jess Norey had a good game, being an energetic presence in central midfield, while I thought Harry Baker was good at right-back, as he was an real presence on the deck & aerially as well.
For Romford, forward Hassan Nalbant was unfortunate to be on the losing side, scori g two good goals, the first of which was a super strike. His presence in the air & generally grew as the match went on, and showed decent passing too. Charlie Morris was a good threat as well down the left side, putting in a number of decent crosses & he was their best outlet for much of the match. Support forward George Cox also played his part in rallying his team after the start they had, showing good movement and neat passing. Finally, Scott Doe typified the attitude from the defence who had to work hard to avoid being out of the game before the interval.
Thanks to both teams for a match that will live a fair while in the memory.
Teams
Romford | Manager: Steve Butterworth | Assistant: Dan Spinks
Starting XI (Subs): 1 Matt Cafer (GK), 2 Jamie Hursit (17 Stephen Toussaint 87′) , 3 Danny Hurford (16 Bleron Ademi 62′), 5 Anthony Furlong, 6 Scott Doe, 4 Kris Newby (12 Tyrese Sibanda 70′) , 8 Adalberto Pinto (Capt), 7 Praise Ogbebor (14 Jacob Wiggins 70′) , 9 Hassan Nalbant, 10 George Cox, 11 Charlie Morris
Goal-scorers: Hassan Nalbant [39′ & 46′], Anthony Furlong [57′]
Booked: Cox | Sent Off: Pinto [69′] | Sub Not Used: Glenister
Barking | Stand-in Manager: Jeff Sears | Assistant: Rob O’Brien
Starting XI (Subs): 1 Harvey Simson (GK), 2 Kyrell Palmer, 3 Eljay Worrell (Capt), 5 Harry Baker, 4 Jess Norey, 6 Ergis Kastrati, 7 George Okoye, 8 Ronaldo Kapica (15 Ronaldo Dariri 84′) , 9 Luke Hirst, 10 Ahmed Abdulla (17 Alessandro Wisdom 75′), 11 Sam Shaban
Goal-scorers: Luke Hirst [1′, 5′ & 64′], Ronaldo Kapica [50′]
Booked: Palmer | Subs Not Used: Leach, Tshilumba, Charfi
Referee: Michael Iddenden-Smith Asstistants: Ray Parmenter & Zeki Bedri Karayaka
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.
ESL crest
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.
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest of an occasional blog series this term looking at the action in the Essex Senior League this weekend, plus the two representatives in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. This weekend saw eight League matches take place.
Still from behind Manor’s goal late on v Ensign on Fri night
Essex Senior – Friday 16 & Saturday 17 September
We begin with Friday night’s matches, as Redbridge failed to take their chance of reaching the summit as Woodford Town defeated them 3 – 2 at Ashton’s. Luke Parrott, Zivonimir Lopes and Samir Ali got the goals for Shane Baptiste’s side as they went up to fourth. The Motormen replied through goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju and replacement Loui Hazelwood but they are still three points clear in third. Also on Friday, there was a rare match at Southchurch Park as White Ensign won the derby match, defeating Southend Manor 3 – 1 in front of a crowd of over 140. Daniel Monk, Charlie Portway and an injury-time goal from substitute Jack Allen gave Aaron Bloxham’s side the points as they rose to mid-table. Kieran James topped off a good performance with the only goal for Manor. I was at this game & if you’d like more on it, my report can found here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/09/18/s22-23-match-report-southend-manor-1-3-white-ensign-fri-16-sept-esl/
On Saturday, West Essex got the result of the day as they grabbed a superb 6 – 2 win away at Halstead Town. David Bell gave Kwame Kwateng’s team a sixth-minute lead there, but Jordan Pavett’s strike from 12 yards levelled things up 11 minutes later. West were in a mood to score goals though as two spot-kicks from Callum Bloss put them 3 – 1 up at the break, with the Humbugs down to ten men following Matt Travell’s dismissal just before the break. Further goals for the Stags from Oliseh Okuguni [58′], experienced forward Cameron Gray [68′] and substitute Tyler Morgan added to a fine day out for them – they also went two points clear at the top. Stansted maintained their mini-revival with a narrow 1 – 0 win over Athletic Newham at Hargrave Park. Jack Mitchell’s penalty was enough to give Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ team the points there.
Elsewhere, Takeley got a fine 3 – 0 triumph over Stanway Rovers at Station Road. First-half goals by Alex Lambrou and Lewis Deamer were added to midway into the second half by Bryn Thorpe to give Marc Das’ side a convincing victory, which sent them a point adrift of mid-table. Clapton also got their first win of the season with a late flourish to give them a 3 – 2 success at Ilford. Saidu Salifu gave Ross Weare’s team an early advantage, only for Jake Chadwick and Josh Boxall goals to turn it round for Richard Ponsford’s side. However, there was another twist in the offing as late strikes by Ricky Shaw and Vieira Mandica meant the Tons prevailed.
Barking also got a important success as they held on to win 4 – 3 at Saffron Walden Town. Jason Hallett got all three goals for Walden by the hour mark, but strikes by Sa-Sean Lutumba, George Fairhead, Luke Hirst and Eljay Worrell meant Charlie MacDonald’s side prevailed. Finally, Buckhurst Hill got another victory, this time winning 3 – 1 at Sawbridgeworth Town. Goals from Tyler Dolan, Ezekiel Bademosi and Suleyman Zuhdu were enough to see them to the win and sets up their clash with Redbridge at home on Tuesday well.
Emirates FA Cup – Second Qualifying Round (Sat)
Romford pulled off a superb 2 – 1 win at Step 3 Potters Bar Town to make the third Quali Round. Goals from Charlie Morris and Emmanuel Robe were enough to complete a comeback win for Steve Butterworth’s team. They will find out their opposition in the draw on Tuesday. Enfield are out though after a 4 – 0 home loss to Step 3 team Billericay Town. Former Witham & Braintree player Alfie Cerulli scored a hat-trick and Bradley Stevenson got the other goal as the E’s played well but couldn’t muster a comeback.
Image from Ensign 1 – B’side on Fri 30 Apr (Image: Scott W)
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – ESL & Non-League Writer
Hello and welcome to my round-up of the six of the eight ties in the Last 16 round of the Cordell Cup which took place this week. The Semi-Finals of the Cordell Cup Plate competition is also looked at towards the end of this article as the two sides who will contest the Final of the subsidiary competition.
After the round-up, we’ll have a gander at the draw for the Quarter-Finals, ahead of the remainder of the last 16 matches which take place in midweek as some of the sides involved are also taking part in other Cups.
ESL crest
The Len Cordell Cup – Last 16
St Margaretsbury 2 – 2 FC Clacton (Clacton won 3 – 2 on pens) | The Rec | Friday 30 Apr
St Mags held Clacton after the ninety minutes but exited on spot-kicks in this tie played on Friday night, which was also live-streamed on the night. Charlie Thompson struck both goals for the Seasiders, though their lead was nullified by goals from Chris Manangu and Kirk McPherson for Ray Bartlett and James Falaise’s side. It needed spot-kicks to decide the tie and it went the way of the visitors.
West Essex 1 – 3 Stansted | Mayesbrook Park [3G] | Friday 30 Apr
Stansted continued their improving form with a fine win at West Essex. Jordan Palmer put the Airportmen ahead after eleven minutes. Greg Frederick levelled the tie nine minutes after the interval for Kwame Kwateng’s side but two goals in the last quarter of the game sealed the match. Michael Salako [68’] struck to once again give the visitors the lead, before Harry Bushell [82’] ended the hopes of the Stags and confirm Stansted’s place in the last eight.
White Ensign 1 – 1 Barkingside (Ensign won 3 – 1 on pens)| Held at Lower Road | Fri 30 Apr
Barkingside gave Ensign a scare before ultimately bowing out in the dreaded shoot-out at Lower Road. Ensign led nine minutes before the break through a calm finish by Dominic Locke. However, the hosts couldn’t convert the chances they did create and were pegged back just four minutes from time by Reece Simpson’s powerful header for Steven Le Sage’s spirited ‘Side. Ensign did get through a twitchy shoot-out to advance though to the quarter-finals. I was at this match & my report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/05/02/s-20-21-match-report-white-ensign-1-1-barkingside-30-april/
Billericay Town U23 0 – 1 Athletic Newham | New Lodge [3G] | Sat 1 May
In the last tie of the weekend in the Cordell Cup, Athletic Newham withstood the pressure to complete a narrow win over Billericay’s impressive development side at New Lodge. Joel Appiah got the only goal on 24 minutes to give Chris Davis’ side the win and see them through to the last eight.
Brimsdown 0 – 0 Clapton (Clapton won 7 – 6 on pens) | New River Sta | Mon 3 May
A tense match in awful conditions (is it really the start of May you sometimes wonder) saw the Tons held by Step 6 side Brimsdown in this match held at the New River Stadium. Despite having the better of the play in normal time, the gritty ‘home’ side held on for spot-kicks, which the Tons got through in ‘sudden death’. Fellow Non-League writer Pete Dudley was at this match & here’s his report: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2021/05/brimsdown-0-clapton-0-clapton-won-7-6.html
Image from Cockfosters 1 – 1 Barking (Tues 4 May – Image by Peter D)
Cockfosters 1 – 1 Barking (Barking won 7 – 6 on pens) | Chalk Lane | Tues 4 May
The Blues made it through on spot-kicks at Chalk Lane. Kieran Jones gave the visitors the lead on 31 minutes though Charlie Morgan levelled things up for Cockfoster just shy of the seventy minute mark. With no further goals forthcoming, it was left to the shoot-out from twelve yards to decide the tie, and after a nervy battle Barking emerged with the win 7 – 6 on penalty kicks. The Blues will face either Holland or tenants for this competition Hackney Wick in the Quarter-Finals.
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – ESL & Non-League Writer
Hello and welcome to my round-up of third & final weekend of the Group Stages of the Len Cordell Cup, a competition run by the Essex Senior to remember a pillar of the Non-League Family in Len Cordell, who was associated with Redbridge FC for many years. Thanks to Pete Dudley (@ped1980) for the main image above (from Holland v FC Clacton)
All the results from this week’s action are below, they took place on Saturday 24th April unless stated in the Result line. The sides highlighted in bold progress to the next round. After each group, we have a final table and at the end of the article we have the draw for the last 16 of the Len Cordell Cup and the eight sides that will face each other in the Len Cordell Plate.
Len Cordell Cup – Saturday 24 April
Cockfosters 3 – 2 Hoddesdon Town | Chalk Lane | Group A
The ‘Fosters went through from Group A in second spot after a good win over Essex Senior rivals Hoddesdon at Chalk Lane. James Verney put his side ahead early on, which was added to by Marcus Crowther five minutes before the break and Jo Wilkinson late on. Harrison Rookard and Alfie Little responded for the Lilywhites but they finish bottom and go into the Plate mini-competition.
DT FC 0 – 2 St Margaretsbury | the Harlow Arena [3G] | Group A
St Margs did enough to inflict the first defeat on newcomers DT at the Harlow Arena. Strikes from Aiden Read [35’] and Jermaine Nicholson in added time secured a place in the last 16 for Ray Bartlett and James Falaise’s side. DT’s loss means they slip down to third but they still make it to the next round.
———————————————
Clapton 2 – 0 Barkingside | Played at J. Carter Cen. [3G], Frenford | Group B | Fri 23 Apr
The Tons sealed their progress to the knockout stages of the competition with a decent win over Barkingside in this match played at Frenford on Friday night . Second-half goals from Melos Ajvasi and Bayemore Ndiaye were enough to claim the win which sent the home side to their second win in three games. Both sides go through, with Clapton in second spot.
Woodford Town 2 – 3 Redbridge | Coles Park [3G] | Group B | Sat 24 April
In the match on Saturday, Redbridge recovered from a poor start to complete their third win in succession. Tariq Alexander had given Dee Safer & Julian Charles’ side a first-minute lead but Tony Martin erased that lead two minutes later. Further strikes by tricky winger Ayub Kadiri [21’] and Sonny Fish [61’] turned the tide of the match. Josh Steele pulled one back on the stroke of the 90 minutes but it is the Motormen who advance as group winners in this competition that they dearly want to get to the latter stages at least. Woodford finish bottom and therefore head into the Plate mini-competition.
———————————-
Saturday 24 April – Group C
Billericay U23s 2 – 3 Stansted | New Lodge [3G]| Group C
Stansted made a heroic comeback after their interval to defeat Billericay’s development side at New Lodge. The hosts were two goals to the good at the break thanks to strikes by Gabriel Ipanga Mbambo [25’] and Nyan Msuria five minutes later. But Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side once again showed the “Stansted resolve” and goals from John Clarke, Michael Salako and Jack Mitchell’s winner later on sealed their first win and progression into the last 16 as the ‘best’ of the fourth-placed sides.
Holland 3 – 2 FC Clacton | Dulwich Road| Group C
These two local rivals met for the first time in a competitive match and it was the Step 6 hosts who prevailed. It was some match for Louis Olymbios who not only netted a treble but was also later dismissed for persistent fouling. Kevin Coyle’s spot-kick and an OG saw Clacton close but ultimately both sides progressed with Holland topping the group.
Barking 2 – 1 West Essex | Mayesbrook Park [3G] | Group D | Friday 23rd April
West Essex faced their landlords Barking for the last time whilst being tenants in this local derby on Friday night. It was to be the Blues who won and progressed as Group winners. Strikes from Louis Dillion six minutes before the break & Johnny Ashman midway through the second half cancelled out a thunderbolt from the returning James Jewers early on. West still head into the knockout phase as they finished in second spot.
Frenford 0 – 2 Hackney Wick | Jack Carter Centre [3G] | Group D | Sat 24th April
The Saturday game saw Wick grab their first win & with it progression to the knockout phase with victory at Frenford. Mohamed Raza and Jermain Lachoo provided the goals to ensure they leapfrogged Dave Forbes’ side into third spot and sent the hosts out of the Cup and into the Plate mini-competition.
———————————————————-
Athletic Newham 6 – 2 Great Wakering Rovers | Terry Mac | Group E
Finally in Group E, Athletic Newham sealed a hugely morale-boosting win over Great Wakering at the Terry Mac. Anderson Baro put the hosts head just past the 20-minute mark, with Richard Kone and Joel Appiah both adding doubles to add to Stephen Butterworth’s team’s pain. Babs Sonupe added further gloss to the score-line late on and render strikes by Jake Gordon and Louie Hay to be mere consolation. Newham go through in second while Wakering exit and will compete in the Plate next weekend.
Brimsdown 0 – 3 White Ensign | Moved to Lower Road | Group E
Ensign ended a superb group stage for them with a fine win over Brimsdown at Lower Road. Luke Skinner, Dominic Locke and Luke Woodward all struck to complete a decent three weeks for Brett Munyard & Mark Healy’s team and they march on to the next round as group winners. Brimsdown’s defensive record has assisted them to the last sixteen as they ended up third.
As promised earlier, here is the draw for the knockout round of the Len Cordell Cup. Fixtures in both competitions will be played on weekend of April 30/May 1.
Draw for Len Cordell Cup Last 16
Billericay U23 v Athletic Newham
Brimsdown v Clapton
Cockfosters v Barking
DT FC v Redbridge
Holland v Hackney Wick
St Margaretsbury v FC Clacton
West Essex v Stansted
White Ensign v Barkingside
Here is the draw for the Cordell Cup Plate competition as well:
Hello and welcome to the first Bostik North round-up piece of the new year, on a day where there were no draws at all in the ten matches in the division.
Aveley continued their almost unblemished recent form with a good win at King’s Marsh. Tom Rochardson broke the stalemate on 33 minutes to put thevisitors ahead. That lead was doubled nine minutes into the second-half by influential forward Andy Freeman. The Millers picked up their seventh win in their last ten outings to go into 4th place, five points off the promotion spot. The Suds saw their four-match winning run end here though still sit in 6th place, five points adrift of the play-offs.
The Blues added more misery to the Bees with this comprehensive win at mayesbrook Park. Justin Gardner’s side were three up by the half-hour as Kemo Darboe 5th-minute opener was added to by a brace by former Ware forward Ross Elsom [16′ & 26′]. Darelle Russell made it four, six minutes before the interval. Jeffrey Cobblah struck Basildon’s consolation [53′] though new boss Neil Blackburn’s re-building job isn’t going to be easy. Abs Seymour rounded out the scoring by getting the hosts’ fifth with six minutes remaining. Barking have won three of their last five matches which sees them reside in 12th spot. Basildon’s eighth loss in their last eleven matches sees them drop to 11th, a point clear of their opponents here.
Canvey Island 2 – 1 Mildenhall Town | Park Lane | Att: 208
Adam Vyse inspired Canvey to success over struggling Mildenhall. Town did take the lead in this one though through Abouhadje Kouassi [25′]. Vyse levelled matters from the penalty spot, seven minutes before the break. Vyse then got the winner with 16 minutes remaining to give the Islanders their third win in five matches, which sees them up to 9th spot. The Hall are winless in seven matches now, which sees the remain second-bottom, two points from safety.
Felixstowe upset Cogg to claim a much sought-after three points at Dellwood Avenue. All three goals came in a twenty-minute spell. First, Rhys Henry broke the deadlock right on the hour, and a brace from Josh Kerridge [73′ & 80′] sealed their first win in seven matches. They rise to 13th while Coggeshall drop to 5th, five points clear of nearest rivals Sudbury.
Grays battled to victory in a match which saw most of the goal action after the innterval. Kieran Bishop added to his glowing reputation with the Ath fans with the opener just before half-time. Kyran Clements got an equaliser on 72 minutes though barely four minutes later, Bishop struck again to restore the home side’s lead. Aron Gordon made it 3 – 1 on 82 minutes and although Ryan Horne added a 90th-minute second for the visitors, it wasn’t enough to deny Ath a first win in five outings and go above their opponents here into 7th place.
Great Wakering Rovers 2 – 4 Maldon & Tiptree | Burroughs Park | Att: 103
Maldon came away with the points from this tussle at Burroughs Park. Wayne Brown’s side had the better of the first half as DeCarrey Sheriff’s spot-kick put them ahead on 16 minutes, before Sammie Mcleod’s brace [30′ & 32′] put the Jammers well ahead. Jake Gordon pulled one back for a stubborn Wakering side 12 minutes before the break. The first period ended with Sham Barnwell netting for the hosts and Sheriff grabbing his second for the visitors. The visitors held on without further incident to achieve their fourth win in their last six to stay third. Wakering’s 4th loss in their last seven sees them drop to 15th.
This battle of the top-two went the way of the hosts, with recent signing Charlie Kendall grabbing the only goal on 62 minutes. Bowers’ five match-winning run is over while Swifts continue to impress under boss Julian Dicks as they are unbeaten in seven matches now.
Soham Town Rangers 4 – 0 Romford | Julius Martin Lane | Att: 136
Soham won this ‘six-pointer’ with something to spare in the end to consign Boro to their sixth loss in their last seven. Soham were two goals up inside the first 20 minutes as Sam Mulready continued his fine scoring form with the opener on 11 minutes, before Callum Russell [18′] doubled the lead. Mulready put the game realistically beyond doubt with his second of the afternoon, ten minutes after the break. Michael Baulk added a late fourth to give his side a second straight victory to send them above their opponents into 17th, four points above the bottom two. Romford are two points behind Soham in 18th.
The Dockers continued their fine run with a good win over bottom side Dereham. The visitors took the lead through David Hinton’s goal on 21 minutes though that advantage only lasted six minutes before talisman Lewis Smith levelled the match. A brace from influential midfielder Thomas Barton [56′ & 64′] turned the course of the game. Smith got his second of the day with 11 minutes to play. Joe Gatting grabbed a second for Town on the stroke of the 90 though the visitors winless run extends to nine matches. By contrast, Marc Harrison’s team has only tasted defeat once in eight matches and go up to tenth spot.
Witham Town 2 – 1 Brentwood Town | Spa Road | Att: 117
Witham extended their winning run to five matches with a hard-fought win over Brentwood at Spa Road. Ernest Okoh gave the visitors the lead on 24 minutes though Town restored parity ten minutes afterward through Toby Aromolaran and then led on the stroke of half-time thanks to Luke Mallett’s penalty. Witham sit 16th, seven points clear of the drop zone while Town slip to 14th because of results elsewhere.
Hello and welcome to the latest of my regular round-ups of the action in Bostik Division North this weekend. How did your side do? Following that are the results from both the Bostik South Central and Bostik South East Divisions this weekend.
Friday 16th Nov
BLN
Witham Town 1 – 3 Aveley | Spa Road | Att: 166
Aveley started off the weekend’s action with a win at Spa Road. Tom Richardson put the visitors here ahead after only three minutes, although Johnny Ashman levelled for Town only six minutes later. The Millers found another gear after the break though as goals from Sam Cross [49’] and Reggie Hubbard [90’] saw them to a fourth straight win and leave their hosts still bottom of the standings.
Sat 17th Nov
Barking 2 – 1 Soham Town Rangers | Mayesbrook Park | Att: 73
The Blues took advantage of a good start here to record their third win in their last six outings. Joshua Davidson broke the deadlock after seven minutes before Darelle Russell made it two with 34 minutes on the watch. Soham responded late on through prolific scorer Sam Mulready though they fell to their 5th loss in their last six matches and remain second-bottom. Barking sit 12th.
The new era at the Bees under joint-managers Michael Walther and Lee Connor started with a narrow defeat at home to Felixstowe. Sam Ford got the only goal after 27 minutes to the visitors to their sixth win of the season thus far and they reside in ninth place. Basildon’s winless stretch extends to six matches now and therefore drop to 5th place.
Town got arguably the result of their league season thus far by defeating under-par Bowers and consequently ending their unbeaten streak this term. The hosts broke the stalemate thanks to goalkeeper James Pellin’s long free-kick midway through the first half. Two former Bowers players struck the other goals with Ryan Mallett [49’] and substitute Charlee Hughes [82’] also netting to give Craig Shipman’s men their third win of the campaign. Rob Small’s side remain top on goal difference.
Bury Town 2 – 3 Coggeshall Town | Ram Meadow | Att: 372
Coggeshall went joint-top of the division after coming through in this thriller at Ram Meadow. Cemal Ramadan’s spot-kick after four minutes gave the hosts the lead though two quick-fire goals from Curtis Haynes-Brown [12’] and Connor Hubble [20’] turned the tide in the visitors’ favour. Ollie Hughes then struck two minutes before the break to make it even-stevens again. Ross Wall got the decisive strike nine minutes after the interval to see Cogg to their sixth win in their last seven matches. Bury remain 8th.
Canvey Island 0 – 2 AFC Sudbury | Park Lane | Att: 214
The Suds continued their upturn in form with this good win at out-of-form Canvey. First-half goals from Reece Harris [18’] and Thomas Monk [24’] saw the visitors to the win and have only lost one of their last seven now. Canvey have won only one of their last seven themselves and drop to 12th place.
Another cracker of a performance saw Ath to a big win at Parkside. It started poorly for Jamie Stuart’s side as Joe Gatting put Town ahead on seven minutes. The hosts showed their spirit soon after as Tommy Wade levelled on the quarter-hour before Joao Carlos’ spot-kick put the hosts ahead just two minutes later. Wade’s second on 59 minutes plus late strikes by Mitchell Hahn [80’] and Michael Finneran four minutes afterward steered Ath to their 5th win in their last six matches, they rise to 6th while Dereham drop to 14th.
Great Wakering Rovers 3 – 2 Heybridge Swifts | Burroughs Park | Att: 237
Rovers continued their good start to life back in Isthmian North by edging this cracker at Burroughs Park. Jake Gordon’s penalty on eight minutes put them ahead though Odei Martin restored parity for Swifts seven minutes later. Billy Johnson handed the lead back to Garry Kimble’s side on 33 minutes and after Gordon grabbed his brace four minutes into the second half, the hosts had the initiative.
Swifts are made of tough stuff though and Kreshnic Krasniqi’s strike eight minutes from time made it a nervy end, despite Heybridge being down to ten men after forward Matt Price’s dismissal. Wakering’s fifth win this term sees them rise to tenth while Swifts’ first loss under boss Julian Dicks sees them fall to seventh.
New Dockers boss Marc Harrison began his tenure with a more than respectable draw at Maldon. Maldon are a tough side to beat though with only two defeats in seven now residing in 4th spot while third-bottom Tilbury haven’t won in seven outings now.
Mildenhall Town 2 – 1 Romford | Recreation Way | Att: 149
A good first 45 minutes saw Town to eventual victory over Boro at Recreation Way. Emmanuel Osei-Owuso’s eighth-minute strike put the hosts ahead before Aboudhadje Kouassi doubled that advantage ten minutes before the break. Henry Fisher did give Paul Martin’s side hope by reducing the deficit on 61 minutes though they still fell to their 5th straight loss and sit 16th. Town go level on points with their opponents here in 17th after ending their own four-match losing run.
Here’s your results from the Bostik South Central & South East divisions now:
Before I close, we heard the sad news this week that long-serving Isthmian League President and former Chairman Alan Turvey has died at the age of 85. My very best thoughts to Alan’s family and I am aware he was held in very high regard by many people in Non-League for many years.
Bowers continued their fine season thus far with this victory over Romford at the Len Salmon. Quentin Monville put Rob Small’s side ahead two minutes before half-time and then Lewis Manor [49′] made it two and gave them a platform to see the game out. Bowers are 2nd, ahead of Aveley on goal difference, while Romford slide to 11th.
Bury Town 3 – 0 Tilbury | Ram Meadow | Att: 287
Bury Town went into the top-five with this triumph over Tilbury. All the goals came in a 20 minute period with Jake Chambers-Shaw [47′], Ryan Jolland [59′] and Ollie Hughes [65′] goals sealing the points. The Dockers remain third from bottom after this loss.
Coggeshall Town 4 – 0 Grays Athletic | West Street | Att: 154
Cogg handed Grays a heavy loss at West Street. Sam Bantick’s strike [24′] gave the hosts a half-time lead though two goals in seven minutes from Ross Wall [63′] and Jamie Shaw [70′] saw them to a fine win. Connor Hubble’s late penalty added further gloss to the score-line as Town went above their opponents into sixth spot.
Great Wakering Rovers 0 – 3 Barking | Burroughs Park | Att: 111
Barking’s first-half performance laid the basis for this win at Great Wakering. Ben O’Brien put the Blues ahead on 19 minutes. Daniel Cheema made it two nine minutes later and Eusebio Da Silva rounded out the scoring on 62 minutes to send Justin Gardner’s side into 9th, one of a clutch of teams on 13 points, including Rovers.
Finally, Heybridge defeated Felixstowe at Scraley Road. Harrison Chatting put the hosts ahead on 19 minutes before Dan Walker made it two with 33 minutes on the watch. Matt Price converted a spot-kick three minutes after the interval to extend the hosts’ lead. Things went from bad to worse for Utd as Daniel Davis was dismissed on 53 minutes and Swifts sealed the points through Chatting’s second on 69 minutes.
Credit has to go to Utd though as a Jack Ainsley penalty [80′] and a Miles Powell goal five minutes afterward made it tighter than it could have been though Swifts went fourth with this win.
Hello & welcome to another round of the Bostik North round-up, here on the blog. This article looks at the action in the first weekend of October. How did your side do?
Bostik Division North
Saturday 6th October
Barking 1 – 0 Dereham Town | Mayesbrook Park | Att: 43
Despite a team re-shuffle, the Blues edged to a good win over Dereham at Mayesbrook Park. Ben O’Brien got the only goal of the game in the 21st minute to give Justin Gardner’s side their third win of the season to go 14th in the table. Dereham’s sixth defeat in nine sees them in 16th spot, below their opponents here on goal difference.
Basildon Utd 0 – 0 Bury Town | Gardiners Close | Att: 86
The Bees were held for the second match on-the-spot by a resilient Bury Town side at Gardiners Close. Manager of the Month for September Marc Harrison still has a lot to be pleased with though as his side extended their unbeaten run to nine matches and are seven points clear at the summit.
Brentwood Town 4 – 1 Soham Town Rangers | Brentwood Arena | Att: 90
Brentwood achieved a big win with a stand-out performance over struggling Soham at the Brentwood Arena. Albert Levett [27′] and Connor Martin [31′] strikes put the hosts in command before Sam Mulready halved the arrears for the visitors just before the interval. Town were not to be denied their second win of the season though as Kojo Apenteng [55′] and Alfie Hilton [83′] goals sealed the points to see the hosts up to 11th spot. Soham’s 4th loss in their last five means they remain bottom of the table.
Canvey Island 1 – 1 Tilbury | Park Lane | Att: 183
Canvey were denied an important win at Park Lane by a late leveller by Joe Keith’s Dockers. Both goals came late in the game as Martin Tuohy broke the stalemate with five minutes remaining before Tilbury’s Abdus Salami ensured the visitors left with a point and are now unbeaten in three matches, sitting in 17th spot. Canvey are winless in their last three matches and reside in 6th spot.
Over 200 spectators saw a cracker-jack encounter at Parkside. Grays definitely had the better of the first 45 minutes as Dennis Oli [7′] and Joao Carlos [19′] put Jamie Stuart’s side two ahead before Shomari Barnwell’s penalty made it three six minutes before the break. Rovers responded after the hour mark though through strikes from Ollie Woodhouse on 62 minutes and Jake Gordon six minutes after that. Ade Cole netted to give Ath some breathing room on 71 minutes though recent signing Marcus Bowers [89′] closed out the scoring though ultimately Grays got their third win of the season and up to 8th spot in the table. Wakering drop to 12th after their fourth defeat of the season.
Aveley battled to an important win at Park Drive. Alex Akrofi was on the score-sheet again from the penalty spot on 20 minutes. The visitors held on to rack up their fifth win in 8 matches to rise above their opponents into second spot. The Jammers drop to fourth after only their second loss this term.
Mildenhall Town 3 – 4 Heybridge Swifts | Recreation Way | Att: 170
Heybridge emerged from a huge battle with the points at Recreation Way. New signing Dan Walker broke the deadlock two minutes before the interval to give Julian Dicks’ new charges a lead at the break. Matthew Price [56′] extended that lead before Thomas Boxer struck home a spot-kick seven minutes later to get the hosts on the scoreboard. Walker’s second made it 1 – 3 on 68 minutes though a second Boxer penalty with 17 minutes left made it tight. Not for long though as on 77 minutes Nick Brown struck to make it 2 – 4 before a late third for the hosts from Luke Butcher made it an incredible six goals in one half. The Hall fell to their third loss of the season regardless, and drop to tenth place while Heybridge ended a four-match losing run here and rise to 15th spot.
Bowers had recent signing Simon Thomas to thank for the goals in this win at Spa Road. Thomas struck twice in five minutes [52′ & 56′] to turn the course of this match and give Rob Small’s side their fourth win in seven matches and preserve their unbeaten stretch. Witham’s fourth straight defeat sees them remain in the bottom two while Bowers are up to third spot.
Bostik South Central Division – Sat 6.10.18
Bracknell Town 1 – 1 Bedfont Sports | Att: 201
FC Romania 0 – 5 Chipstead | Att: 48
Hayes & Yeading Utd 7 – 1 Ashford Town (Middx) | Att: 196
![S22-23 Match Report: Romford 3 – 4 Barking (Fri 24 Feb) [ESL 22-23 25.2.23]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/20230224_202316-1.jpg?w=1200)
survivor16b 