Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League on Saturday 7 May. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up also includes a mention of Monday night’s solitary match in Senior Divsion. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.
Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]
With additional reporting by Scott W
Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 7 May
PREMIER DIVISION CUP
The full line-up for this season’s Premier Division Cup is now known as the second semi-final was completed on Saturday where London Park City were in action once again, taking on London Cranes in Seven Kings. A close game saw the sides finish level at 1-1 at full-time, sending the game to another shootout. After a penalties victory last weekend, it was London Park City who once again prevailed, winning 3 – 2 to send their side to a maiden final, facing Wapping later in the month.
DIVISION THREE CUP
In the Division Three Cup, the first of the semi-finals took place which saw ASA attempting to stand in the way of champions FC Baresi Under 23s as the latter sought the opportunity of a league and cup double. A terrific game saw ASA lead through strikes by Mithurn Vijayarajah & Panushanth Kulenthiran before a Baresi fightback led by goals from Maamoon Khan and Zach Aliane took the game to penalties. In the shootout, it was the champions who progressed to their first final, winning 4 – 2 to send their side to Dagenham & Redbridge!
SENIOR DIVISION
Some huge games in the Senior Division took place over the weekend which saw Chigwell Town, a side who had been in the relegation zone almost the entirety of the season, pull off a massive win, defeating Tower United 3 – 2 to stay in the league. Harry Tew-Robinson was the hero with a hat-trick which ensured his side stayed up by the narrowest of margins. Abdullah Jama’s double was not enough for Tower who finished bottom & will most likely be relegated.
It was also a great day for Blue Marlin who knew they had to get a win against London Cup finalists FC Petrocub in order to give themselves a chance of beating the drop. And a win was exactly what Blue Marlin delivered, beating their mid-table opponents in a 2 – 0 scoreline, thanks to strikes by Macauley Harrington & Ni Acquaye and moved out of the relegation zone and confirm their senior status for another season.
Over in Beckton, those results meant that CSM London had no choice but to win their game to stay in the league but were facing a Woodford East side with just as much in the game for them as they strove for runners-up spot. Eli Brown scored for CSM but East goals from Billy Barr, Andrew Rowe, Ben Smith and Reece Beaumont meant their side took the honours in a 4 – 1 win, keeping their hopes of top two alive going into Monday’s match.
Cup finalists, Rapid Chingford, warmed up for their huge occasion in the coming fortnight with a terrific win in their last game of the season, defeating Jolof Sports in a 1 – 0 scoreline over at Mayfield Leisure Centre. A single Tita Daniel goal was enough for the Fenton Cup finalists to take the points, confirming an eighth placed finish in the process.
On Monday night, Jolof Sports recovered from their narrow loss 48 hours earlier by recording a superb 5 – 0 victory over Woodford East in their match, held at Mayesbrook Park 3G. This result means that East finish the league campaign in third spot but Halil Hassan’s side are still involved in two Cup competitions so they have a chance of endoing their first season at Step 7 in a memorable way.
PREMIER DIVISION
The penultimate game of the Premier Division season saw Frenford A the hosts to fifth placed Wapping, the latter looking for a confidence boost ahead of their own cup final in a couple of weeks time. A closely fought battle eventually went in favour of the champions as Frenford won the game 4 – 2 to ensure they completed a terrific campaign in some style ahead of their debut top flight season. Joel Opara and Wisley Baltazar both netted two goals each to confirm a memorable day.
DIVISION ONE
Division One’s action was wrapped up on Saturday as Belfry went out knowing that three points would see them achieve something quite special. But standing in their way were a side who will have been pleased with their own efforts this year and RCXI raced into a 3 – 0 lead through goals two goals from Ayo Matthews and a Sammy Anjorin goal. Two Kieran James responses wasn’t enough as RCXI sent the champions to just their first defeat, in the very last game of the season.
All eyes were then on the big game at the Marshes where Cowley Community went into their battle against Francis Luke knowing they needed the points to ensure themselves of the runners-up position. They delivered exactly what they needed, winning the game 3 – 1 as two Elias Tackie strikes and a Michael Taylor goal promoted their club into the Premier Division for next season!
DIVISION TWO
It’s congratulations to Fairlop Rovers who were confirmed as Division Two champions on Saturday as their opponents could not raise a side for the remaining fixture. A tremendous achievement for the club as they continue their rise through the divisions. Well done to Dylan and all of the Rovers players on their success!
Following that outcome, the battle was then on for the runners-up spot which saw Rainham Working Mens Club needing to secure a win against Royal Forest to take second place. And that was exactly what they managed to do as Connor Kain scored twice and Sean Tormey once to give the Workies a 3 – 2 win, confirming promotion to Division One. Well done to everyone involved!
In the battle to avoid the drop in Division Two, a key six pointer saw St Francis taking on Loughton Lions at Robert Clack, the Saints knowing they needed to secure a win to keep things in their favour. But the Lions were able to secure a valuable point for their side in a 3 – 3 draw, despite two Omar Hafid goals and a Peter Luvualu effort for Saints. Lions now need just two points to beat the drop.
Image from Woodford East v Chadwell Heath Spartans [Image by Scott W]
Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]
With additional reporting by Scott W
Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 9 April
DIVISION TWO CUP
The first half of the line-up for the Division Two Cup Final is now confirmed after the weekend’s action as Rainham Working Mens Club made up for their other semi defeat to go through to this final with a 1 – 0 win away at Loughton Lions at Debden Park. The only goal of the game was scored by Charlie Perry whose goal took Rainham through to their fourth final with the competition.
DIVISION THREE CUP
In the Division Three Cup quarter-final, the third of four semi-finalists was confirmed in as two of the division’s top sides, Royal Forest Reserves and FC Baresi Under 23s, met in Hainault for a place in the last four. The visitors, Baresi, were in good form once again as they rattled in a 5 – 1 victory with Joshua Adu scoring three alongside Harrez Aliane and Kii Jean-Baptiste scoring one apiece, overcoming a Will Asenso goal from the hosts.
DIVISION FOUR CUP
It was semi-final day for two clubs in the Division Four Cup competition where Chingford Harriers were the hosts to an Emerson & Upminster A side with both sides keen on a cup final appearance. A close game finished 1 – 1 with Darnell Lamothe netting for Harriers and Carl Holroyd for Emerson in reply. A dreaded shootout was needed to separate the sides and it was Harriers who won that 4 – 3 to take their place in the final next month.
SENIOR DIVISION
The last week has seen some big results in the Senior Division with Wednesday night’s action having seen Woodford East secure all three points from a trip to Cricklefields where they were facing Lymore Gardens. Adam Tabbani and Connor Brathwaite both scored twice for East with Gracia Muhemba and Teriq Roberts goals accounting for the Garden consolations in a 4 – 2 East success. NonLeague writer Peter Dudley was among those in attendance and here’s his report: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/lymore-gardens-2-woodford-east-4.html
On Saturday, the leadership of the division changed hands once again with DT FC taking advantage of results around them to go a point clear with a game in hand, coming out 4 – 1 winners away at Tower United. Alex Paraskeva scored twice with Izaih Antoine and Robbie Farrell grabbing the other goals to move back to the summit with three games to play. Just a few hundred yards away at the Marshes, another huge game saw Chadwell Heath Spartans in town to face hosts Woodford East. First-half Woodford goals from Callum Maltese and Connor Brathwaite proved pivotal in a 2 – 1 victory for them, despite an Aaron Hunwicks effort for Spartans, as East brought themselves very much into an intriguing three-way title race.
The Non-League writing duo of Scott W and Pete Dudley were both at this match, you can view their respective reports on the game here:
Elsewhere in the Senior division, Blue Marlin’s late’s charge to safety is underway as they pulled off a terrific 3 – 1 success at home to fourth placed Lymore Gardens to give them a great chance of beating the drop. Macauley Harrington, Ni Acquaye and Scott Campbell all found the back of the net to help their side pick up some vital points, moving three clear of the side beneath them.
CSM London’s penultimate game of the season saw them take on FC Baresi, the game switched to Beckton. Bradley Soares’ effort had appeared to be enough to hand CSM a vital points haul of their own but for a late FC Baresi leveller to take the gloss off the performance somewhat, earning them a point in a 1 – 1 draw. CSM now sit five points above the relegation places with one last fixture to come.
In Hainault, Chigwell Town were in action against Rapid Chingford knowing that they desperately needed points on the board to move closer to safety but ended up on the wrong end of a five goal thriller as Rapid took all three points in a 3 – 2 success. Joe Creasey and Harry Tew-Robinson struck for Town but two Darwin Romero goals and a Tita Daniel goal sent the points home with the visitors. The division’s remaining game saw two sides comfortably in mid-table meet with seventh placed Kit Out London travelling to East Ham to take on fifth placed Jolof Sports. Papa Ndiaye scored twice for Jolof, a feat matched by Marlon Ortiz of Kit Out as the teams finished level at 2 – 2 to add a further point to each other’s tallies, Jolof remaining eleven points clear of their opponents.
PREMIER DIVISION
Following their recent confirmation of promotion, it’s now fully party time for Frenford A who wrapped up the league title outright with a 2 – 1 away success in their penultimate game of the season. London Cranes were the side on the wrong end of the result, Wisley Baltazar scoring both of the goals to put the gloss on a very fine season for the Ilford based side who will move up to Step 7 with confidence.
DIVISION ONE
Ilford Reserves’ late promotion charge continued on Saturday as they were able to take maximum points against Cowley Community, though the latter do still have plenty of games in hand to change that situation. The Foxes secured a 5 – 2 win as Luke Newbury-Neale scored two and one each from Rhys Clements, Rio Clements and Joseph Sulola, Chris Wright bagging both goals in reply for Cowley. Fifth placed Wanstead ensured they stayed in touch with the promotion matters with two games left to play, picking up all three points in their game against Renegades at the weekend, the latter’s final game of the campaign. A 4 – 2 success for Wanstead thanks to strikes from Zoltan Balogh, Jake Nicolas, Suhaib Abeid and Dan Gardner as they consolidated a top half finish with their tenth win of the campaign while Renegades must now wait to see if they can avoid the drop.
Something From Nothing also sit in a top half position with a couple of games to go as they won a local derby fixture against Forest Green in a 5 – 3 scoreline. That confirmed SFN’s eighth league success of their maiden season in Saturday football and know that one more win will be enough to finish sixth. Forest Green’s season is now over as they also keep an eye on events below them. Third placed RC XI will go into their last two games knowing that promotion is still a possibility but lost the chance to take full advantage of slips around them as they were only able to take a point from their twentieth game of the season, held by seventh placed Newham Wanderers. The sides went into the game with an eleven point gap but that remained the same as the game finished 2 – 2. Stephen Duberry and Michael Temitayo both scored for RC in this one.
A much improved campaign for Kwanzas London Sport is reaching a conclusion and the seventh placed side were up against relegation threatened Barkingside A at the weekend. ‘Side goals from Ebenezer Gyamerah and Jeffrey Osei kept them in the game but Kwanzas edged it by full-time to take a 3 – 2 win meaning they can finish no lower than eighth now.
DIVISION TWO
The race to avoid the drop in Division Two is really hotting up after the weekend’s results as St Francis had a day to remember, taking maximum points from a double header against third placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves. They edged the first contest 4 – 3, overcoming a Tobi Onafeko hat-trick with two from Abdullah Azizi and one each for Martin Valkov and Soumen Nandi. Game two saw Saints record an emphatic 6 – 1 success with Theo Jacobs-Aaron netting a hat-trick, Skye Salmon scoring two and Soumen Nandi rounding off a great day. They now sit just two points from safety with five games to play.
Over in Loughton, second placed Unitey were another leading side to drop points against lower opposition as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw against Ryan Under 23s who continued their late season charge with a point in their final game of the campaign. Bubintende Masadi scored both of the Unitey goals to keep his side in with a chance of a top two finish with one game to go.
DIVISION THREE
Old Barkabbeyans Reserves are the first side to confirm promotion from Division Three this season as they collected the points they needed from their penultimate game, defeating Together United in a comprehensive 8 – 2 scoreline. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick, Geovany Cruz and Jay Elliott both scored two with Mitchell Day finishing it off ahead of a possible title play-off game next weekend. The day’s other game was of equal entertainment as an in-form Buckhurst Way saw the visit of Terin to Bancrofts on Saturday. The hosts trailed 4-2 going into the latter stages of the game through Terin doubles from Alex Thomas and Jabir Malik, along with a Fahad Abdallah single. But they found a “Way” to take a point with the game finishing 5 – 5 incredibly.
DIVISION FOUR
In Division Four, the final game in the division this season saw Sporting Pillars go into their clash at Avondale Rangers knowing that a point or more would be enough to seal the title. Jake Clarke and Phillip Heinan netted for Rangers but those efforts were not enough to prevent Sporting winning the game 6 – 2, sealing the league title in the process. Congratulations to all involved with the team on their achievement!
Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on Saturday 20 November. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.
Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]
With additional reporting by Scott W
EAL logo
Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 20 November
FENTON CUP
There was further Fenton Cup action this weekend as the first round action came to a close with Jolof Sports at home to Kit Out London, both seeking a place in the last sixteen. A close game saw the two teams finish level at 2 – 2 at full-time, forcing the game into a shootout in which Jolof held their nerve to win it 4 – 2. They now head on to face FC Petrocub in the next round.
In the day’s second round action on an adjoining pitch, two of the league’s Premier Division sides met in East Ham with hosts London Cranes taking on Oakside with a place in the quarter finals the reward for the winner. In an eleven goal thriller, it was ‘Side who eventually prevailed by the odd goal, winning 6 – 5 to confirm a home quarter-final against DTFC. Oakside’s scorers were Brandon Burgess, Kieren Huddart, Jed Ofori, Luke Caston, Demi Elegushi and Mussa Jamanca.
FENTON TROPHY
In the Fenton Trophy, there were four further ties completed with Royal Forest Reserves’ perfect record put to the test as the Division Three leaders faced Division Two St Francis. A very closely fought contest was won by a youthful Saints side as Ross Basunda’s goal proved the pivotal moment in the game in a 1 – 0 victory.
Division Two’s Loughton Lions also had a stern test ahead of them as they welcomed an in-form Melbourne Sports side to Debden for their second round clash. Lions have been in some decent form themselves in recent weeks and progressed with 3 – 1 home victory thanks to strikes by Thomas Osmond, Lucas Maxwell and Jordan French to ensure their run in the cup continued.
Another Division Two side safely through are Rainham Working Mens Club as they navigated what proved to be another very competitive game against Division Three’s Glendale. An own goal midway through the first half of the game in Rainham’s favour proved to be the only scoring moment of the game as the Dales couldn’t convert second half pressure into chances, Rainham winning 1 – 0.
The final game from this competition saw six goals as Together United looked to cause a surprise as they were paid a visit by Division Two’s Unitey at Peter May. But it was the higher placed side who made their advantage count with Bubintende Masadi’s hat-trick doing the damage with Mohammed Abaker and Jordan Vib also finding the back of the net in a 5 – 1 win.
SENIOR DIVISION
There was plenty of Senior Division action too over the weekend, despite some sides being involved in cup action, and Chadwell Heath Spartans opened up a five point lead at the top of the table after coming out on the right side of a 2 – 1 win at FC Baresi. Abdirahman Sabriye struck for the hosts but Jack Evans and Aaron Hunwicks replies for Spartans gave them a crucial three points. Lymore Gardens also took advantage of others being out of action to move into the top four, earning themselves a solid win away at FC Petrocub in Noak Hill. Another close game was settled by the odd goal with Andre Rashford and Dylan Roberts efforts the difference as Garden won 2 – 1, their fifth win of the season so far.
Moving into mid-table, Leyton Royal have joined a cluster of clubs sitting on thirteen points following a terrific win on Saturday, defeating Tower United in a 4 – 0 scoreline at Fairlop Oak. That result saw Royal confirm a fourth league win and with games in hand, could still be pushing for a solid top half finish. For Tower, they remain in the bottom three, four points adrift of safety approaching the half way mark. Not far behind Leyton Royal are CSM London who moved to the cusp of mid-table themselves after a hugely important win at Lakeside, beating Rapid Chingford 5-2 to pick up three points. Munnir Saad scored twice with Kamran Khan, Ramone Senior and Leon Barnard goals completing the win in favour of the visitors.
Just a point behind CSM lie Blue Marlin who moved themselves out of the relegation zone on Saturday with a local derby victory against Chigwell Town in Hainault. The journey of just a few yards proved a fruitful one for Marlin, overcoming a John Lye goal for Town with strikes of their own from Nile Laidlaw and Lindsey Marsh to win it 2 – 1.
PREMIER DIVISION
In the Premier Division, there was a huge result affecting the top end of the table as Wapping produced a top performance to send leaders Frenford A to their first defeat of the season. Meeshaq Malone scored twice and Shahid Ali grabbed the other to overturn the only goal in response by Damilola Olaiya for the visitors and give Wapping a 3 – 1 victory to move second, albeit eight points behind the leaders. The top goal scorers in the division are Eastside with thirty-five so far this campaign and they now sit third after coming through an entertaining game against All Prospects. Michael Dager and Abid Haque scored twice each and Basekou Gassama netted the other to overcome a Prospects fight back to win it 6 – 4. It was also a winning Saturday for another side sitting on thirteen points as Dagenham United continued their promotion push with a solid performance on the road away at London Park City. Iaia Jau netted a brace and Shaquille Mathurin grabbed the other to win 3 – 1, United’s fourth league win and placing them just goal difference away from a spot in the promotion places.
With games in hand, Crookz United are one of the sides who could still spoil the party in the promotion places and presently sit eighth in the table from five games after defeating North East Lions in a 2 – 1 scoreline at Peter May. Ben Joao and John Afrane-Kesey goals were the difference between the side, Mace Johnson striking the Lions consolation off the bench.
DIVISION ONE
Belfry have moved to the cusp of the promotion places once again in Division One as they secured a big win at the Marshes, defeating Francis Luke in a 9 – 0 scoreline. Kieran James was in fine fettle with a five-goal haul for his side with Victor Davis, Warren James, Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Luke MacDonald also scoring to confirm a fifth league win on the spin. Second placed RCXI moved a point closer to the leaders but missed the chance to go top as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw away at Something From Nothing. Despite the eleven point gap between the sides going into the game, SFN put in a solid performance against their promotion chasing opponents to earn a big point.
Wanstead remain well placed to make a charge for promotion, sitting fourth and on the back of another league win, having defeated Barkingside A 5 – 0 at the Flats on Saturday. That win saw the in-form Wanstead move to twelve points, five adrift of the promotion places as Edson Lami’s tremendous form continued with another four goals, adding to Suhaib Abeid’s strike. Just a few goals behind Wanstead sit their local rivals Newham Wanderers who are fifth in the table after seven games following their weekend’s efforts, defeating Forest Green 5 – 1 at Leyton Sixth Form College. Nuno Dentampol netted twice off the bench with Seco Embalo, Robertson Morais and Macane Caleir goals rounding off the scoring.
It was also a good afternoon’s work for Kwanzas London Sport who will hope to build on an excellent result as they defeated Ilford Reserves 2 – 1 in Hainault to pick up their first points of the season. Despite a difficult start, that will give Kwanzas plenty of confidence and saw them move off the bottom, just a point adrift from safety.
DIVISION TWO
The high-scoring Old Esthameians have pushed themselves up into the promotion places following the weekend’s results as they earned a local derby victory at home to strugglers Newbury East, winning the game 5 – 0. That confirmed a fifth win in seven this season and became one of four teams level on fifteen points. Another side in the fifteen point club are Emerson & Upminster Reserves who reached that mark with a home win on Saturday as ninth placed Ryan Under 23s were the visitors to Hall Lane. Tobi Onafeko and Danny Gillham were the scorers in the game for Emerson to edge the game 2 – 1, netting their own fifth league victory in the process. Mekhi Charles-Armstrong got the only goal for the Ryan side here.
There was a five goal thriller in the division’s final game where Redbridge Community were the hosts to an FHN Athletic side, the teams beginning the game just three points apart. But that had increased to six by full time as FHN came through a five goal thriller, winning 3 – 2 thanks to goals from Carl Gbolade, Merrill Appiah and Kieran McKoy.
DIVISION THREE
With the leaders out of action in Division Three, FC Baresi Under 23 took full advantage of that situation by recording maximum points at home to Harlow Inter to go top, edging a tight game 4 – 3. Akins Subair scored twice and Jamal Harvey once for Harlow but two Kii Jean-Baptiste efforts plus goals from Harrez Aliane and Hanza Hafesji gave the points to Baresi.
Lymore Gardens Reserves also took advantage of other sides being out of action to move third in the standings following the weekend’s results as they came through 5-3 winners with Flyers Under 23s. Rob Small struck twice and Warren Isoka, Marcel Destouche and Omani Green one each to render Flyers goals from Kai Eaton, Ethan Sowonola and Aaron Weymouth as just consolation. There was an impressive win for ASA too who made home advantage count with a big 6 – 1 victory against Old Barkabbeyans Reserves at the Marshes, leapfrogging their opponents into the top half of the table. A hat-trick of braces done the damage with Jubayed Miah, Atif Haider and Arun Jeyashankar goals proving the difference, Klodian Meta netting the Old Barks reply.
Also in the top half, Buckhurst Way sit fifth in the standings approaching the half way point in the season, aided by their most recent success as they defeated Terin 3 – 0 at Oaks Park High School. Andrei Rizea, Dolapo Gbadamosi and Segun Dickson struck for the visitors to made it five wins from ten so far this campaign.
DIVISION FOUR
In Division Four, Dagenham United Reserves have moved to within three points of the promotion places after an entertaining away victory on Saturday against sixth placed Emerson & Upminster A where the teams share seven goals. Dagenham came out on the right side of a 4 – 3 win with two Cain Dash goals and one each from Mamadou Soumare and Tyler Leon handing their side the win, despite two Robert McKnight efforts and a Bradlee Birch goal for Emerson.
There was also an impressive win for the division’s third highest scoring side, Avondale Rangers, who picked up their third win of the season with a 4 – 2 win at Newham Royals to move their points tally onto nine. Daniel Bordman, Chris Harper, Mark Hayden and Harry Callagher were the scorers to render Gary Adams and Ashley Evett efforts as just consolation in the end. The remaining league game came from Romford where top half Flyers Under 21s were in action against an in-form Newham & Havering Borough side. The sides starting the day just two points apart and that was how it ended also with the teams sharing the spoils in a 1 – 1 draw. Andrew Elie scored for Newham to add another point to their tally, with Alex Grant responding for Flyers.
COUNTY CUP
Woodford East are into the hat for the next round of the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup as they came through a competitive game against May & Baker EC A over in Dagenham. East were 5 – 3 winners on the day, thanks to a brace from Billy Barr and one each for Ben Smith, Lucio Uare and Adam Tabbani. Halil Hassan’s side now face a trip to Dunmow Town in the fourth round in January.
It wasn’t such a successful afternoon for DT FC who saw their unbeaten run come to an end this season with a defeat away at Colne Athletic. They were beaten 4 – 1 against the Essex & Suffolk Border League side to end their run in the competition. In the Essex Saturday Junior Trophy, the delayed tie between Felsted Rovers and Fairlop Rovers finally got played and it was the Mid Essex League hosts who took the honours with a solid 2 – 1 win against a previously unbeaten Fairlop Rovers side.
Fixtures – Saturday November 27th (top two tiers only)
EAL Senior Division
Chadwell Heath Spartans v Jolof Sports | Chigwell Hall
DT FC v FC Baresi | Harlow Arena 3G
Kit Out London v Lymore Gardens | Noak Hill 3G
Rapid Chingford v Leyton Royal | Lakeside Sports Ground
Woodford East v Chigwell Town | Hackney Marshes
EAL Premier Division
Crookz Utd v London Park City | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow
Dagenham Utd v London Cranes | Castle Green Leisure Centre 3G
Eastside v North East Lions | Peter May Centre, W’stow
Oakside v Athletic Newham U23 | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields
Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on Saturday 13 November. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.
Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]
With additional reporting by Scott W
Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 13 November
FENTON CUP
The Remembrance Weekend Fenton Cup action saw probably the biggest shock of the season so far as Division One’s RCXI put in a memorable performance to beat Senior Division opposition, Tower United, in a 6 – 2 scoreline. Abubakar Maxamed scored ttwice for Tower but RC went through with Michael Temitayo netting a hat-trick. Oluwaseun Koya, Sammy Anjorin and Jide Lewis also scored to complete an excellent win to send them into the quarter finals. Also into the hat for the quarter finals are DTFC as they came through a close battle with their fellow Senior Division front-runners, Woodford East, at Hackney Marshes. It took just one goal to separate the sides on the day and that came from the boot of Stanley Green who ensured his team kept their cup run going, winning 1 – 0.
There was some entertainment at Leyton County Ground where Lymore Gardens and FC Baresi met for an all-Senior Division clash in the first round. Lymore had raced into a lead with two Andre Rashford goals and a Rio Brown effort. But a Paul Benfield hat-trick sparked a Baresi fight back to make it 3 – 3 and take the game to a penalty shootout. Lymore held their nerve to win an epic encounter 8 – 7.
In the other game played in the Cup, Division One’s high-flyers Belfry made the trip to Walthamstow to take on Premier Division’s Crookz United for a place in the second round. Despite a Warren James goal for the visitors, Crookz made their higher league placing count and secured a 4 – 1 win thanks to strikes by Khalid Madey, Anselmo Gomes, Kevin Osei and Abdouaziz Jeng, going through to the next round.
FENTON TROPHY
There were two all-Division Two clashes in the weekend’s Fenton Trophy action where Royal Forest overcame a side placed six points ahead of them in the shape of Emerson & Upminster Reserves, defeating their top half opponents in a 4 – 1 win. Josh Owers scored twice for Forest with Frank Carver and Harry Killick netting the others to head into the quarter finals and overturn a solitary Tobi Onafeko goal for Emerson.
Joining Forest in the last eight of the competition are Old Esthameians who faced a Ryan Under 23s side sitting a few places below them in the standings but constructed a seven goal thriller between them at Wadham Lodge. Old E’s came through a close game with a narrow 4 – 3 to book their place in the last eight.
SENIOR DIVISION
There was a change at the top of the Senior Division table once again on Saturday with Chadwell Heath Spartans taking full advantage of the previous top two being in cup action as they edged a close game at home to CSM London. Two Jack Evans goals overcame a Ramone Senior effort for the visitors to give Spartans a 2 – 1 win. There was an important three points for Blue Marlin in the race to avoid the drop as they saw the visit of fellow strugglers Rapid Chingford to Fairlop Oak. Scott Campbell struck a brace and Lewis Forman netted off the bench to edge a close game 3 – 2. That saw Marlin move up a place to twelfth, just one point shy of safety.
The final game in the division was a real thriller as previously point-less Chigwell Town were on the road with a visit to FC Petrocub seeking to address that situation. The two teams battled their way to a 3 – 3 draw by full-time with Harry Tew-Robinson scoring twice and Joe Creasey once for Town to secure their first point of the campaign.
PREMIER DIVISION
The Frenford A express train is really beginning to motor at the top of the Premier Division and they now lead the way by nine points after putting ten goals past All Prospects in a 10 – 1 result. Damilola Olaiya has been in fine scoring form and he struck a hat-trick with Daniel Francis, Malachi Hercules and Isimia Iguisi scoring twice each and Keenan Gravillis once to earn another win.
Athletic Newham Under 23s are one of a number of sides who do have games in hand on the leaders to cut the deficit and they’re now up to third in the standings following a solid 2 – 0 win at home against bottom of the table London Park City. Goals from Amilcar Abrantes and Nathaniel Adjei saw Newham move to eleven points having just been beaten once in the league this term. Moving second, North East Lions’ first half of the season has been a little up and down but they did get back to winning ways with a important 1 – 0 win away at Dagenham United. Adnan Miah was the scorer of that only goal of the game to give Lions a fourth league win while sending United to just a second league defeat this term.
Two of the other sides in the top half, Eastside and Wapping, met in the division’s final fixture with the teams beginning the day just a point apart. A close game saw the sides finish level at 2 – 2, preserving Wapping’s advantage over ‘Side for the time being. Junior Mandeng-Fotabong and Basekou Gassama scored for Eastside here, with Jordan Mills-Smith and Kamrul Ahmed efforts on target for Wapping to help side secure a point.
DIVISION ONE
In Division One, Cowley Community put themselves top of the table, jumping above their previous top two who were both in cup action, earning a sixth league win in seven this season in a 5 – 2 win against Francis Luke. Jose da Silva netted twice for the visitors but Cowley goals from Kyle Cargill (2), Inarhu Martin, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright were enough to take the points. Newham Wanderers have moved into the top half and onto nine points as their endeavours were successful on Saturday, defeating an in-form Wanstead side 4 – 2 in a local derby match. Malam Injai scored a hat-trick and Joao Cruz struck the other to render Wanstead efforts in reply as just consolation.
That scoreline was mirrored not too far away as Forest Green were the hosts to a Something From Nothing side with the latter starting the day a place below their opponents. But that had all changed by full-time as SFN won 4 – 2 courtesy of two Khai Bailey goals plus efforts from Thomas Bergmann and Micah Innocent. Mickel Smith and Darren Gillings struck in reply for Green.
And two further sides who swapped places in the table were Renegade and Barkingside A as the former increased their league wins tally to two with a 2 – 0 home victory against ‘Side at the Marshes. Nana Baah and Alwi Salah goals were the difference to the home side as they moved up to seventh on the back of this victory.
DIVISION TWO
The game of the day in Division Two was the battle of the top two as Rainham Working Mens Club went out with the hopes of cutting the lead on Fairlop Rovers at the top. But things didn’t quite pan out that way as Harry Oliver and Dylan Scutt goals were enough to see Rovers win 2 – 1, despite a Nathan Wilson strike for the hosts, extending the leaders’ advantage to nine points. Unitey are now third in the table and just goal difference keeps them out of the promotion places after a comprehensive 6 – 1 win against Loughton Lions in a local derby. Taylor McLaughlin was on targets for Lions but a Bubintende Masadi hat-trick and singles from Eddy Litambolo, Ahmed Dousa and Matthew Surry confirmed victory for the hosts.
It was also a good afternoon’s work for St Francis who opened their points and wins account at just the second attempt, defeating winless Newbury East at Oaks Park High School in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Theo Jacobs-Aaron and Ross Basunda goals were the difference on the day between the teams as Saints moved up a place to eleventh, just a point from safety with plenty of games in hand. Mohammed Janneh responded for Newbury here.
DIVISION THREE
The gap at the top of Division Three remains at just two points after leaders Royal Forest Reserves kept up their perfect record with another win against Buckhurst Way, defeating their opponents 4 – 0 at Bancroft Rugby Club. Sereign Lette-Jallow struck twice alongside goals from Tom Alexander and Richard Grove. And just a couple of points back, FC Baresi Under 23s kept up the pressure on the leaders with their fifth win of the season as they returned home from Old Barkabbeyans Reserves with all three points in a 3 – 0 win. Kii Jean-Baptiste was the man in form on the day and he scored all three goals for Baresi on a memorable afternoon.
The in-form Melbourne Sports are up to third place with five league wins of their own this term, coming from behind twice in the game against Glendale to win 6 – 2 in one of the league’s oldest derby matches. Two Dave Hennessey goals had given Glendale a lead at the break but a superb second half performance from the Mels broke their opponents’ resistance to take the win.
Together United’s sparkling form has seen them climb as high as sixth in the standings now and they made it four wins from five on Saturday with a 5 – 2 against Lymore Gardens Reserves at Hainault Rec, despite Omani Green’s goal. Utd’s scorers were led by a double from Stanley Kweya with strikes by Carnell Marcel, Issac Clarke and Fifi Banin & the result sees Together go level on points with fourth-placed Old Barks and just four off the promotion pace with a game in hand.
It was a good afternoon for ASA also as they put six goals past their opponents, Flyers Under 23s, as the sides met at Hackney Marshes. Jubayed Miah scored a hat-trick for his side adding to efforts from Saigeethan Senthan, Mithurn Vijayarajah and Ramanan Selvarasa to confirm a solid 6 – 2 victory for the eighth placed side. Joshua Adu and Kai Eaton replied for Flyers in this match.
DIVISION FOUR
After a couple of winless afternoons for Chingford Harriers, they returned to form on Saturday with a solid victory at Emerson & Upminster A, defeating the mid-table side 2 – 1 to go two points clear at the top. Darlington Ojo’s form in front of goal continued and Cedric Onchuru grabbed the other with Ritchie Weeks coming off the bench to net Emerson’s consolation effort.
Sporting Pillars are third in the table and with games in hand as they added to their points tally with a win against Avondale Rangers on Saturday, winning 9 – 3. Daniel Gutierrez scored four and Rayan Allam three with Ousmany Dibaga and Gavin Afriyie finishing things off. Jake Clarke, Chris Harper and Blaijan Kitufueni all netted in reply for Rangers.
The Reserves of Dagenham United are in some fine form at present and sit fourth on the back of their most recent success, a 2 – 1 home victory against West Essex Under 23s at Castle Green. Cain Dash scored twice to set up his side for a winning performance, overcoming Javen Cole’s goal from the visitors. With results around them going in their favour, Flyers Under 21s excellent recent form has now seen them move into the top half, moving fifth after a terrific 4 – 0 win against Newham Royals at King Georges. Bradley Maycock struck twice with Harry Cossington and Jack Atherton goals completing the scoresheet on the day.
Fixtures – Saturday November 20th (top two tiers only)
EAL Senior Division
Chigwell Town v Blue Marlin | London Marathon Sports Ground
FC Baresi v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Britannia Sports Ground, Walthamstow
FC Petrocub v Lymore Gardens | Noak Hill 3G
Leyton Royal v Tower Utd | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault
Rapid Chingford v CSM London | Lakeside Sports Ground
EAL Premier Division
All Prospects v Eastside | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields
London Park City v Dagenham Utd | Seven Kings Sch 3G
North East Lions v Crookz Utd | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow
Hello and welcome to a guest blog, going through the action in the five Essex Alliance League divisions on Saturday 24th October, along with the Olympian League action, it is good to have guest content on other Grassroots Leagues, thank you Rob. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with thanks. Thanks for reading.
Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]
Essex Alliance League – Saturday 24 October
SENIOR DIVISION
It was a goal-filled weekend in the top flight with thirty-two goals scored across the six fixtures, ten of those coming in the clash between Chigwell Town and CSM London where Town ran out emphatic 9-1 victors. Mark Howe scored four of his sides goals, Ross Chimes got two and one each from Joe Creasey, Lewis Mcgillicuddy and Harry Burgess. Keifer Cole grabbed the CSM goal back in reply.
At the top end of the division it remains very tight with FC Baresi still leading the way by a point, aided by a narrow win over the weekend as they took home all three points against Tower United at Mabley Green. Recent signing Ashley Godwin made the difference with the only goal of the game to win it 1-0.
DTFC are just behind and with a game in hand as they continued their quest for the title with a trip to West Ham to take on London Cranes. Two goals from Billy Golledge were accompanied onto the score-sheet by efforts from Terry Olivo, Jermaine Francis, Jake Kissiedu and Jamiah Plentie which saw them to a comfortable 6-0 win.
West Essex Reserves saw their chances hit as Blue Marlin took maximum points in Newbury Park, edging the contest 4-3. Goals from Jordan Mills-Smith, Josh Morris, Nathan Desnoes and Tyreese Robinson proved just enough as they overcame the three goals scored by West to hand Blue Marlin their second league win of the season.
That result allowed Lymore Gardens to close the gap on the sides at the top of the table after they returned home from Hainault with all three points in a 4-0 victory at All Prospects. A goal apiece from Andre Rashford, Dylan Roberts, Dushane Powell and Karel Francis earned Lymore a fourth league win in seven as they moved fourth.
Completing the top flight action, it was a good afternoon for Rapid Chingford as they continued their much improved recent form and put a temporary dent in Jolof Sports’ title credentials, holding their opposition to a 2-2 draw in Chingford. Gabriel Prisecaru and Andrei Boga goals accounted for Rapid’s goals while Papa Ndiaye and Mamadou Sene struck for Jolof as Rapid moved up a place to eleventh in the standings.
DIVISION ONE
There were some huge results at the top end of Division One as present leaders, Leyton Royal, missed the chance to extend their lead too much at the top as they were held to a draw against Chadwell Heath Spartans in the battle between the division’s two unbeaten sides. Defences were on top of this one with the game ending 0-0 to keep both sides undefeated.
Second placed Woodford East couldn’t capitalise on those sides dropping points as they fell to second successive defeat as third placed Eastside beat them 4-0 at the Marshes. Johnathan Odutulu scored twice with Lawrence Amadi and Michael Dager grabbing one each to take their side to a fourth league win in six, extending a very promising start to the season.
Kit Out London remain very well placed to stay in the mix as the fifth placed side made it three wins from four on Saturday as they hosted old rivals London Park City at Noak Hill. In a closely fought game, Amalraj Kakmanu and Kachi Yassine goals were the difference on the day to secure a 2-1 victory.
Francis Luke continue their improved form and moved away from the bottom of the table after taking all three points home from their trip to Ilford to face Frenford A. Jordan McLaughlin had got on the hosts’ score-sheet but his efforts were in vain as Francis Luke scored three goals themselves through Louison Kamba, Saico Djop and Saif Altamash to win it 3-1.
The remaining game in the division came from the Marshes were North East Lions were the hosts to take on Kwanzas London Sport. The two teams had to settle for a share of the points as Louis Blake’s goal for Lions was cancelled out by a Kwanzas strike to end this contest level at 1-1 on the day.
DIVISION TWO
It was first versus second in the game of the day in Division Two as Cowley Community hosted Belfry at the Leyton County Ground, the sides meeting for the first time. As predicted, this game was a close contest but Jeremy Lynch once again got on the scoresheet, Jamie Redington netting the other to secure a crucial 2-0 win for Belfry in their battle for the title.
Chingford Athletic A closed the gap on the sides above them as they got the better of Rainham Working Mens Club at Town Mead. Nathan Wilson scored for the Workies but braces from Luke Primett and Eric Kelly in reply plus an Aaron French goal enabled Chingford to run out 5-1 victors.
Keeping chasing with Chingford are Newham Wanderers with only goals scored keeping Wanderers below them in fifth. Newham’s promotion push was kept up with a big away win as they picked up a 6-2 local derby victory away at Forest Green. Malam Injai scored twice adding to Bradley Harris, Macane Caleir, Robertson Morais and Shazib Miah efforts.
Unitey also scooped themselves a big win, their second in succession, as they picked up all three points from their home clash against Old Esthameians in Loughton. Brandon Fulton had a memorable debut scoring four of the Unitey goals, Eddy Litambolo scoring the other in a 5-1 success.
Also in Loughton, Royal Forest had a much improved afternoon as they picked up their first league win of the season with an important win against St Francis. Tom Osmond scored four of the goals in a sparkling performance, Joe Owers and Samuel Gregory netting the others to earn their side a 6-2 win.
There was also a first league win for Barkingside A at the second attempt and it was a huge win as they were up against third placed Dagenham United at Nutter Lane. They bounced back well from defeat last Saturday to earn all this points this time around, ending as 3-0 winners and will be hopeful of extending that form with games in hand.
DIVISION THREE
The big result of the day in Division Three came from Barkingside where Fairlop Rovers made it two excellent wins in succession with a 4-1 victory against the league leaders, FHN Athletic. Cory Regisford scored for FHN but Rovers were in great form with Logan Simmonds netting two and one each from George Birch and Louis Goodman rounded it off.
That result allowed Melbourne Sports to close the gap on the leaders to just two points with a game in hand as the Mels’ good start continued with a 4-2 away win against Flyers Under 23s in Romford. That was Sports’ fourth win in six as they moved second while Flyers continue their quest for their maiden points this season.
Loughton Lions took advantage of results around them to go third and are another side likely to be in the chase, aided by their most recent victory, a 2-0 home win against ASA. That enabled them to also pick up a fourth league win and lie just a point off the promotion places going into the second quarter of the season.
Just through the hedge, there was a topsy-turvy game involving Glendale and Old Barkabbeyans Reserves where second half Dales goals from Mouhamed Gueye and Wesley Kangi looked to be sending them to victory. But late Old Barks goals from Klodian Meta and Kudzai Madziya earned them what had looked like an unlikely point in a 2-2 draw.
DIVISION FOUR
There was plenty of goal action in most of the Division Four games with Emerson United Reserves grabbing the result of the day with a big 8-1 victory against Newham Royals in Upminster. Archie Pitfield done most of the damage with a hat-trick with goals from Ross Braybrooke, Joshua Gibbins, Joe Reece, Harry Wilkins and Marcus Williams finishing things off.
Unbeaten Custom House United also made ground on the league leaders as the third placed side came out on the right side of a 5-2 win as they returned home with the points from their trip to Brentwood United Reserves. Jamie Wooster scored twice with Matthew Guy, Paul Wooster and Liam Sullivan efforts also making the scoresheet in their third league win.
There are always goals in Together United games and Saturday was no exception, combining with Avondale Rangers in a seven-goal thriller in Walthamstow. Chris Harper scored twice and Laurence Brady once for Rangers but their efforts proved just consolation as United got it together to score four themselves in a 4-3 win.
The form of Collier Row A hasn’t gone unnoticed as their recent form continued over the weekend, earning them a third league win in seven as they took maximum points from their clash at home to Dagenham United Reserves. Row edged the game by the odd goal in a 2-1 scoreline which sees them move up a place to fifth in the standings.
The day’s remaining game in the league involved the league leaders, Royal Forest Reserves, who were at home in Hainault against Chingford Harriers with the sides only having one defeat between them this season so far. You could have predicted a tight game therefore and so it proved with the matching ending in a rare goalless draw as defences reigned supreme.
Hello and welcome to a guest blog, going through the action in the five Essex Alliance League divisions on Saturday 3rd October, along with the other Grassroots divisions, it is good to have guest content on these Leagues, thank you Rob. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with thanks. Thanks for reading.
Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]
SENIOR DIVISION
Just a point separates the top three sides in the Senior Division with FC Baresi still leading the way, assisted by their enthralling victory over the weekend in a nine-goal thriller against Chigwell Town. Ali Shikeey scored twice and one apiece from Amais Khan, Marvin Smith and Denzel Conteh sent the hosts to a 5-4 win.
It’s as you were just behind the leaders with DTFC putting in a comprehensive performance against one of their rivals for the title as they saw off FC Petrocub 7-0 at the Harlow Arena. Jake Kissiedu’s hat-trick was accompanied by Billy Golledge and Kieran Hipgrave braces to extend their perfect record so far.
Another side sporting a perfect record so far are third placed West Essex Reserves who are also sporting four wins from four so far and maintained that start to the season with a hard fought 2-1 win away at Lymore Gardens in their contest in Loughton. Mitchell Arthur and Mason Iley netted the West goals as they returned home with the points.
Jolof Sports are the sitting fourth in the table, the last of the four unbeaten sides in the top flight after they made it three wins from three so far on the back of their most recent performance which saw them beat All Prospects 5-1 in East Ham. Mussa Jamanca scored twice with Abib Diop, Papa Ndiaye and Mamadou Sene also netting for Jolof. Prince Esanbor got the consolation for Prospects here.
Moving up the table are London Cranes who recorded their first victory of the new season on Saturday with a stunning 5-2 home win over Tower United in West Ham. Mohamed Hassan and Asad Yousef had netted for Tower but a home brace for Mathius Sendawula plus strikes from Fred Karyngo, Shadrack Sibasa and Valentine Djeikuyi gave victory to the hosts.
It was also a pleasing afternoon’s work for Blue Marlin who also picked up their first win of the campaign as they returned home from CSM London with the points. Radostin Danchev got on the scoresheet for the hosts but his efforts proved in vain as Marlin scored four goals of their own to earn a 4-1 victory, thanks largely to a Jordan Mills-Smith hat-trick and one for Tyreese Robinson.
DIVISION ONE
The race for promotion in Division One continues to offer much promise with the top two sides separated by just goal difference. Woodford East stay top with a fourth win, courtesy of a 3-1 home victory against Frenford A. Ben Smith, Callum Maltese and Billy Barr all got on the score-sheet to help their side to a fourth consecutive win.
Leyton Royal trail in second place by just a few goals with games between those sides likely to be interesting. Leyton’s 2-1 home win on Saturday came at the expense of London Park City with Cosmin Capatina and Bogdan Toana efforts earning maximum points for the hosts to keep their winning record going.
There was an impressive victory for Kit Out London who made light work of their home fixture against Francis Luke, earning themselves a 7-1 win. Amalraj Kakmanu was in good form once again with a brace adding to goals from Olajide Akala, Lewis Jacobs, Darnell Kitambo, Massi Rahimi and debutant Erik Rusnack.
Moving up third place in the standings, Chadwell Heath Spartans recorded a second league victory and remain unbeaten after they were also 7-1 winners following their match with North East Lions. Ricky Reid scored twice and there were also efforts from Caleb Roberts, Rob Hodgson, Niru Hunwicks, Miguel Martins and Tom Callagher to round off an impressive performance.
Rounding off the action in the second tier, there was a seven goal thriller in Walthamstow as Kwanzas London Sport took on Eastside with the latter recording their first win of the season. They were victors by the odd goal in seven thanks to a double from Michael Dager plus strikes by Wenbi Ghenda and Lawrence Amadi in a result which saw them move up to seventh in the table.
DIVISION TWO
There was just the one completed game in Division Two and it couldn’t have been a more exciting one with top of the table Dagenham United and Forest Green sharing nine goals between them. Rodeny Varela scored twice and one apiece from Brandon Johnson, Ola Ogunjobi and George Martin ended the game 5-4 in favour for United, a result which brought Green’s perfect start to an end.
DIVISION THREE
The big game in Division Three came from Fairlop Oak where previously top of the table Melbourne Sports took on third placed FHN Athletic, both sides sporting excellent starts. Athletic ended the day having swapped places with the Mels as Dillon Ashford-Quaye, Oluwatunmida Adebayo, Ose Egbejale and Daniel Ohuruogu all netted to win it 4-2, rendering Ross Barker and Kinsley Tatham goals as just consolation for the Mels.
Old Barkabbeyans Reserves extended their unbeaten start to the season but did drop points for the first time as they were held to a rare goalless draw at home against Lymore Garden Reserves in Barking. That result saw them go second, two points off the new leaders, while Lymore move sixth.
Moving fourth in the standings are Glendale who, after two recent draws, tasted victory this weekend as they ended Loughton Lions’ perfect start in a closely fought 1-0 victory in the Hainault battle of the hedge. Mohammed Gueye came oft the bench to net in some style from distance to help his Dales side to the win.
There was also an important first victory of the season for Fairlop Rovers who took maximum points and moved away from the bottom of the table after a 4-0 win away at Flyers Under 23s. That result moves them seventh in the standings while Flyers will seek an upturn in form after a pointless start so far.
DIVISION FOUR
Avondale Rangers have cut the gap at the top of the table in Division Four as they moved third on Saturday following a 4-2 home win against Newham Royals in Loughton. Jake Clarke scored a hat-trick for Rangers with James Whitbread grabbing the other to move their side to within one point of the leaders.
There was an impressive performance from Dagenham United’s reserve side too where the previously winless side grabbed their first win of the season as they took down Together United at Castle Green. Hans Dodoo scored twice with Amran El-Kaouny grabbing the other to win it 3-1 and end the day as the happier of the sides.
Rainham WMC v CSM London in D2 Cup Final in May 2019 (Image: Scott W)
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Blogger & GFS Contributor
Hello and a warm welcome to a one-off piece looking at the teams that will compete in the Essex Alliance League in the 2019-20 season, with a small additional preview of the top two divisions. For regular round-up’s of this increasingly popular Grassroots group of divisions, check out their website at http://www.essexallianceleague.com or via Twitter – @EssexAllianceFL
You can also hear the results round-up weekly as part of the Intermediate Football round-up which continues on the Grassroots Football Show on East London Radio from next month. My thanks to Rob Parker for his assistance in this piece.
The top division sees a fair amount of change as the league responds to the loss of two of its stand-out clubs. Firstly, Jolof Sports have taken the plunge and will compete at Step 8 in the Middlesex County League’s Division One Central & East following a superb league campaign which saw them win the EAL Senior Division by three points from ACD Utd. Speaking of ACD Utd, they have also left the Essex Alliance League to try their hand in the Essex Olympian League, where they have been placed in Senior Division Three (the fourth tier).
Back to the clubs that remain in the top-tier from last season. Highest on that list are Singh Sabha Barking who finished in a very good third place, seven points behind ACD Utd. East Ham Inter are next as they fifth last term, with eight wins each in their 18 matches. In sixth and seventh last season, West Essex Res and London Cranes couldn’t be separated in points, West getting that sixth spot by virtue of a better goal difference.
Blue Marlin were eighth last term, 13 points clear of the bottom two and they round out the clubs that haven’t moved tiers. However, there are a number of clubs who have been elevated to the Senior Division. Firstly, last season’s Division One champions FC Baresi are in there after scoring 66 goals in their 18 matches to win the title by a point. Chingford Athletic’s ‘third team’ (aka ‘A’) will take part as well following the placing of the Development team in Essex Olympian League’s Division Four.
Three other clubs have also been promoted from Division One in Chigwell, Lymore Gardens and Rapid Chingford. Chigwell finished six points clear in third spot in D1 last term. Lymore earned a fifth-placed finish after 9 wins in their 18 matches while Rapid were sixth a point behind them. Finally, there is one new club entering the ranks in FC Petrocub, who transition over from Sunday Football. All in all, we have 12 clubs duking it out for the title and it should be another fascinating campaign.
Update (from late August 2019): Docklands Albion have announced they are withdrawing from the EAL for the 2019-20 campaign. We wish them well in the hope they reform for 2020-21.
EAL Division ONE Constitution (2019 -20) (11 clubs)
All Prospects Academy (NEW)
All Real (NEW)
Chingford United
CSM London (P)
Eastside (P)
Forest Green
Jolof Sports U21 (NEW)
London Park City (R)
Sporting Hackney Dev (NEW)
Tower Hamlets Res (P)
Tower United (NEW)
Wapping
Division One also sees a number of club changes with the only survivors from last season’s Div One being Forest Green, Wapping and Chingford Utd. All three of those sides struggled somewhat in 2018 – 19 as ‘Green finished 7th, eight points ahead of Wapping, who in turn were seven points ahead of second-bottom Chingford. London Park City come down from the top-tier after a horrid campaign there in which they acquired only one point all season. Joining them are three promoted sides – CSM London and Eastside who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in Div Two last season. Both teams scored upwards of fifty goals last term so they may be eye-catching here. Tower Hamlets Res are also given a ‘double bubble’ promotion from Division Three after a third-placed success last term, in which they scored 93 goals last season.
Finally, there are four new sides joining the second-tier. With the first team being elevated to Step 8 (see above), Jolof Sports are retaining a side in the EAL with a Under-21 side being placed here. The other new sides are All Prospects Academy, All Real and Tower Utd.
Below are the listing for the remaining divisions, as more new sides have joined the fray.
EAL Division TWO Constitution (2019 -20) (11 clubs)
survivor16b 