Round–up: Bostik Division North (Sat 12 Jan) [BLN 13.1.19]

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another round of the Bostik North round-up, here on the blog. This article looks at the action on Saturday 12th January. How did your side do?
Saturday 12th january 2019

 

Aveley  3 – 2   Felixstowe & Walton Utd    | Parkside (3G) | Att: 294

The Millers had to rally to continue their good run at Parkside. Tom Richardson nabbed the first of the contest on 12 minutes for the home side though a quick double for the visitors from Rhys Henry [23′] and Jack Ainsley [29′] did threaten a upset. Shad Ngandu’s penalty five minutes into the second-half vanquished that idea though and Andy Freeman continued his fine form in front of goal with the winner with 15 minutes left. Only one defeat in their last eleven games has helped them up to 3rd place, while Felixstowe have only managed one win in their last eight games, falling to 14th spot.

 

Basildon Utd  0 – 3  Tilbury   |  Gardiners Close  | Att: 168

Ex-Bees boss Marc Harrison extended his old club’s dismal form as the Dockers won at Gardiners Close. George Sykes broke the stalemate just shy of the half-hour before another brace for the prolific Lewis Smith [44′ & 73′] saw Tilbury to the points and extended their impressive form with only one loss in their last nine matches, which takes them up to 8th place. Basildon’s fourth loss on-the-trot sees them fall to 13th.

 

Bowers & Pitsea   3 – 0  AFC Sudbury  | Len Salmon Stadium (3G)  | Att: 124

Bowers grabbed their 6th win in their last seven outings with a a strong second-half display to defeat Sudbury. Skipper Martyn Stokes  powered Rob Small’s side ahead on 52 minutes, before Brad Warner [76′] and James Thomas [90′] goals helped Bowers to retain their three-point lead at the summit. The Suds drop one to 7th.

Brentwood Town   3 – 2  Great Wakering Rovers  | Brentwood Arena | Att: 143

Brentwood emerged from a ding-dong battle with Wakering with the points. Former Town forward Shomari Barnwell broke the deadlock after only seven minutes though the home side quickly levelled through Ernest Okoh’s goal six minutes afterward. Two goals in six minutes saw Town take the lead as Alfie Hilton struck four minutes after the break before Okoh’s second of the afternoon on 55 minutes saw the visitors face a challenge to get anything from the game. Jake Gordon’s spot-kick on the hour halved the arrears though George Cox’s dismissal on 74′ made it harder and Rovers’ third straight loss sees them only four points clear of trouble in 15th. Brentwood’s fourth win in their last seven sees them up to 11th.

 

Bury Town  1 – 1  Canvey Island  | Ram Meadow  | Att: 311

Canvey were stunned by a late leveller by in-form hosts Bury Town. Josh Hutchinson continued his fine season with the opening strike on six minutes to put the Islanders ahead though an injury-time strike by Kyran Clements denied Mark Bentley’s side all three points. The hosts haven’t won in three now though sit ninth, a point clear of Canvey who haven’t lost in three games though are ten points off the play-offs in 10th.

 

Coggeshall Town  3 – 0  Soham Town Rangers  | West Street  | Att: 118

Coggeshall remain in the play-off spots with a comfortable win over strugglers Soham. Nnamdi Nwachuku’s 4th-minute opener set the tone somewhat. MIchael Gyasi [51′] and George Cocklin [54′] goals swiftly put the hosts in command after the interval as they claimed their third win in their last six matches. Soham stay 17th, merely a point clear of danger.

Dereham Town  1  – 3  Heybridge Swifts  | Aldiss Park | Att: 323

Swifts came back from an early deficit to claim another success, this time at Dereham. Joe Gatting’s goals are rare bright spark for the home side right now and his 7th-minute strike put the hosts ahead. After the hour though, Julian Dicks’ side powered back with Kreshnic Krasniqi levelling affairs on 63 minutes. Strikes from Matt Price [76′] and Luke Wilson [83′] secured the points in front of more than 300 fans at Aldiss Park. Town’s winless stretch extends to ten matches though as they remain bottom, four points from safety. Heybridge’s 7th win in their last eight games sees them stay 2nd.

Maldon & Tiptree  2 – 2  Grays Athletic   | Park Drive  | Att: 225

Grays came out of this battle with a share of the points, having initially led this contest. Charlie Allen provided the opening goal on 11 minutes though Laste Dombaxe’s spot-kick erased that advantage eleven minutes later. Stephane Ngamvoulou turned the course of the game only four minutes later to put the hosts ahead. Kieran Bishop struck again midway through the second-half to continue his goal-scoring form for Ath though they lost ground in the play-off hunt as they are now seven points adrift of 5th-placed Coggeshall. Maldon also conceded points in the promotion race, as they drop to fourth, six points behind leaders Bowers & Pitsea.

Mildenhall Town  2 – 0  Witham Town  | Recreation Way  | Att: 203

Fortune was not on the side of Witham at Recreation Way as not one but two own goals assisted the Hall to a vital win in this bottom-of-the-table clash. Kevin Coyle put the hosts ahead with a 13th-minute OG which Danny Norton added to both the OG count and the goal count with the hosts’ second on the stroke of half-time. Mildenhall’s first win in eight matches sees them emerge out of the bottom two on goal difference. Witham sit 16th, four points clear of their opponents hee after their first loss in seven outings.

 

Romford  0 – 0  Barking   | Rookery Hill  | Att: 96

Romford and Barked duked it out at Rookery Hill though ultimately could not be seperated. Boro continue to struggle for victories and fall to second-bottom while the Blues sit 12th.

That’s all for this round-up, thanks for reading.

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Round-up: Bostik League North (Sat 15 Dec) [BLN 16.12.18]

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another round-up  of action this weekend that took place in the Bostik League Division North as every match did take place on the rain-drenched Saturday 15th of December.

Saturday 15th December

AFC Sudbury  8 – 2  Dereham Town  | Venue: King’s Marsh (3G)  | Att: 194

The Suds absolutely vanquished sorry Dereham with this massive win at King’s Marsh. The hosts led thanks to a brace from Paul Hayes [22’ & 40’] and a third from Callum Harrison, three minutes before the break put the hosts in command. The onslaught continued soon after the restart as Reece Harris smashed a hat-trick inside nine minutes [53’, 58’ & 61’] to erase any doubt as to where the points were heading. Joe Gatting did give the travelling support ‘something to shout about’ with a 67th-minute goal though Tom Monk made it 7 – 1 on 86 minutes. Gatting got his second two minutes later for the visitors before Mekhi McKenzie completed the rout on the cusp of full-time.

Sudbury claimed their fourth win in their last eight games and soit 9th spot while Dereham fall to the foot of the table following a run of six matches without a win.

Bowers & Pitsea  3 – 1  Soham Town Rangers   | Venue: Len Salmon Stadium  (3G)  |    At: 86

Bowers had super-sub David Knight to thank for this victory at the Len Salmon. Soham have shown sprinkles of revival of late and did take the lead on 25 minutes here through Sam Mulready’s spot-kick. Crucially though, that lead didn’t quite last until half-time as Lewis Manor levelled for Rob Small’s side just before the break. This ended up giving the hosts some impetus after the break as Knight got a brace [63’ & 90’] to secure Bowers’ their third straight win  which takes them back to the summit of Bostik North. Soham’s third loss in their last five sees them fall to second-bottom.

Bury Town  2 – 1  Barking    | Venue:  Ram Meadow   |  Att: 240

Town overcame the Blues thanks to two goals from key man Ollie Hughes. He got the opener on 25 minutes though Darelle Russell eliminated that lead eleven minutes afterward. The hosts re-took the lead right before the interval as Hughes grabbed his second of the afternoon and with no further goals in the second period; Town’s four-match winless run is over as they sit in 8th spot. Barking reside in 14th place.

Canvey Island  0 – 1  Witham Town   | Venue: Park Lane  | Att: 121

Witham continued their recent upturn in form with a terrific win at Canvey. Johnny Ashman got the only goal on 62 minutes to give Mark Ashford’s men their third straight win to catapult them out of the bottom two, into 16th. Canvey’s inconsistent form reared its head again with their 5th loss in their last eight matches here which saw them drop to 11th.

Coggeshall Town  3 – 0  Great Wakering Rovers  | Venue: West Street | Att: 64

Coggeshall continued their good home form with a strong performance at West Street. Sam Bantick put the hosts ahead after 29 minutes before Connor Hubble doubled that lead on 62 minutes. Rovers had Brian Moses and Jake Gordon among their front line though Cogg sealed the win thanks to Ross Wall’s goal ten minutes from time. The hosts have only tasted defeat once n their last eight and rise to 3rd spot, just three points off leaders Bowers. Wakering are winless in their last four now and fall to 15th.

 

Grays Athletic  2 – 2  Basildon Utd  | Venue: Parkside (3G)  |  Att: 204

These two playing-off chasing sides couldn’t be separated at Parkside. The Bees took the initiative three minutes before the interval as Luke Stanley struck. Ryan Reed inadvertently levelled for the hosts by putting through his own net on 63 minutes though Callum Taylor struck from 12 yards with nine minutes and caretaker boss Lee Connor may have thought they may have earned the three points. It wasn’t to be though as Aron Gordon got Ath another draw with his strike four minutes later. Grays stay 6th despite not winning in their last three games while Bas remain two points behind in 7th and today have appointed Laindon Orient boss Neil Blackburn as their new manager until the end of the season.

 

Maldon & Tiptree  2 – 1  Felixstowe & Walton Utd  | Venue: Park Drive | Att: 122

Maldon produced a stirring comeback to claim all three points at Park Drive. Miles Powell put the Seasiders ahead on 61 minutes though two goals in two minutes swayed the direction of the points as a spot-kick by DeCarrey Sheriff on 74 minutes plus Eddie Dsane’s winner a mere minute later sealed the match’s fate. Utd have lost three on-the-bounce now and drop to 13th while the Jammers rise to 2nd spot, just two points off leaders Bowers after 7 wins in their last eight matches.

 

 

Mildenhall Town  0 – 6  Brentwood Town |   Venue: Recreation Way  |  Att: 110

Brentwood pummeled the Hall to add to their hosts’ misery at Recreation Way. Charlee Hughes continued his fantastic recent scoring run with a hat-trick, firstly to put the hosts ahead on 29 minutes and then added two more in the latter stages [72’ & 76’]. Tony Stokes also grabbed a pair of strikes, one from the spot on the hour and late on [82’]. Goalkeeper Rob Budd also scored with 11 minutes remaining to complete a stellar day for Craig Shipman’s improving side – their third win in their last four, which helps them rise to tenth. Mildenhall have only had one success in their last eight now and are a point clear of the bottom two in 17th.

 

Romford  1 – 5  Heybridge Swifts   |   Venue: Rookery Hill   |  Att: 118

Heybridge continued their fine form with a big win at beleaguered Romford. The dependable Matt Price stroked home a penalty on 21 minutes to give Swifts the lead. Debutant Reece Hewitt levelled for Boro four minutes before the break though full-back Guillem Ramon struck right on half-time to give the visitors the lead once again. Price got his second [62’] before the visitors made the points safe thanks to strikes by Jack Adlington [76’] and Elliot Ronto three minutes later. The winless stretch extends for Paul Martin’s side, and having lost eight of their last nine outings, they fall to 18th. Swifts have opened up a six-point gap from the play-off chasing pack, thanks to their fourth win on-the-spin.

 

Tilbury   3 – 0  Aveley   |   Venue: Chadfields |  Att: 159

The Dockers sent ten-man Aveley to a rare defeat at Chadfields. Oliver Spooner gave Marc Harrison’s side the lead on the half-hour mark before Aveley saw Dan Humphreys dismissed. The hosts took advantage as Lewis Smith [75’] and George Sykes late on sealed the points to take them up to 12th. Aveley drop to 4th on goal difference after their 13-match unbeaten streak ended here.

Round-up: Bostik Division North (Sat 1st Dec) [BLN 2.12.18]

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello & welcome to another of my round-up’s of Bostik League North action, on the first week of December 2018. How did your side fare?

 

Saturday 1st December

Bostik Division North 

 

Barking   0 – 1   Bowers & Pitsea   | Mayesbrook Park  (2pm KO) | Att: 54

Bowers got their fourth win in their last six league matches as ex-Blues winger Quentin Monville continued his superb season by getting the only goal with 21 minutes remaining. Justin Gardner’s men continue their intermittent form and drop to 15th spot while Bowers remain 2nd, two points behind leaders Aveley.

 

Basildon Utd   0 – 1   Coggeshall Town   | Gardiners Close | Att: 78

The Bees were on the wrong end of another tight result as high-flying Cogg got the points at Gardiners Close. Correy Davidson struck on 32 minutes to give the visitors their 5th win in their last six, to keep hold of third spot in the standings. Basildon are in 7th place.

 

Brentwood Town   3 – 1   Felixstowe & Walton Utd   |  Brentwood Arena | Att: 136

Town produced a stirring fight-back to overwhelm Felixstowe in a match where all the goals came in the last 25 minutes. The visitors opened the scoring on 68 minutes through the prolific Jack Ainsley though Charlee Hughes levelled for Craig Shipman’s team eight minutes later. The hosts finished the stronger and took the points thanks to strikes by Albert Levett [82’] & Ryan Mallett [87’] which takes them up to 14th place. Utd remain 9th after only their second defeat in five matches.

 

Bury Town  3 – 3  Dereham Town    |  Ram Meadow  | Att: 329

This see-saw encounter saw the hosts scramble a last-moment leveller. Cema Ramadan put Bury ahead though Dereham returned the favour from the penalty spot, as Karol Wengrzik [62’] converted from 12 yards. Ollie Ebbage put the visitors ahead on 71 minutes though only a minute after that, Jake Kerins fired the home side level. Then came the late drama as deep into added-time, Joe Gatting would have been forgiven for thinking he’d scored the winner. Not to be though as Ramadan snared another equaliser for Bury to ensure the points were shared. Bury stay 8th while Dereham drop into the bottom two on goal difference.

 

Canvey Island   0 – 1   Soham Town Rangers  | Park Lane  | Att: 133

Soham continued their recent resurgence with a huge victory at Canvey. Ryan Auger struck the solitary goal after ten minutes to see Soham out of the drop zone after their third win in their last four matches. Canvey’s fourth defeat in their last six league outings keeps them in 11th spot.

 

Grays Athletic  0 – 1   Heybridge Swifts  | Parkside (3G) (2pm KO)  | Att: 133

A moment to forget for home defender Stanley Muguo ended up being the difference for Grays in another tight battle this weekend. Heybridge’s moment of fortune came on 26 minutes when Muguo unwittingly put past his own keeper Lloyd Anderson. Swifts kept up their recent good run with one loss in their last six now and go above Grays into 5th. Ath are a point behind in 6th.

 

Great Wakering Rovers  2 – 3    Tilbury  | Burroughs Park  | Att: 111

Wakering fought hard but ultimately fell to defeat as the Dockers got their third straight victory. Lewis Smith put Marc Harrison’s side ahead on 33 minutes though shortly after coming off the bench, a quick-fire brace for Jake Gordon [55’ & 61’] saw Garry Kimble’s side ahead. Mitchell Gilbey’s strike saw that lead vanquished though only four minutes later and George Sykes got the decisive strike with six minutes remaining. Wakering sit 12th, ahead of their opponents by goal difference only, Tilbury are 13th.

 

Maldon & Tiptree  4 – 1   Romford   | Park Drive  | Att: 110

The Jammers enhanced their unbeaten run with this big win over Boro at Park Drive. Eddie-Louis D’Sane had a big part to play in that with his hat-trick [12’, 27’ & 90’] with Matthew Briggs snaring the other goal just shy of the hour. George Forrest pulled one back for Romford on 66 minutes though the long wait for a win goes on for Paul Martin’s side. Maldon keep 4th place while Romford slide to 16th.

 

Mildenhall Town   1 – 2  Aveley  | Recreation Way | Att: 139

The Millers achieved their sixth win on-the-spin with this battling performance at Recreation Way. Andy Freeman put them ahead nine minutes in. Things didn’t go all their own way as former Aveley defender Hussein Jaffa restored parity for his current side, three minutes before the break. Alex Akrofi got the winner mid-way through the second half to keep the visitors at the top of the standings. The Hall reside in 17th, only outside the drop zone by virtue of goal difference.

 

Witham Town   2 – 0   AFC Sudbury  |  Spa Road  | Att: 108

Witham finally ended a long drought with this triumph over Sudbury at Spa Road. John Watson’s double [17’ & 73’] made sure of only their second win of the campaign which tightens up the bottom five (Town are five points off Romford in 16th) while the Suds remain in 10th spot.

 

Round-up: Bostik Division North (Fri 16/Sat 17 Nov) [BLN 18.11.18]

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

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.

Basildon Utd  0 – 1  Felixstowe & Walton Utd   | Gardiners Close | Att: 100

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.

Brentwood Town  3 – 0  Bowers & Pitsea   | Brentwood Arena  | Att: 190

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.

Grays Athletic  5 – 1  Dereham Town  | Parkside (3G) | Att: 188

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.

Maldon & Tiptree  0 – 0  Tilbury   | Park Drive  | Att: 137

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.

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

Round-up: Bostik Lge Division North (& South Central & South East Division R’s) [BLN 8.10.18]

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

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.

 

Grays Athletic  4 – 3  Great Wakering Rovers  | Parkside  | Att: 213

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.

 

Maldon & Tiptree  0 – 1  Aveley   | Park Drive  | Att: 126

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.

Witham Town   0 – 2   Bowers & Pitsea   | Spa Road  | Att: 74

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

Molesey  0 – 1  Cheshunt  | Att: 40

South Park  0 – 5   Chalfont St Peter  | Att: 66

Tooting & Mitcham Utd  3 – 1  Hertford Town  | Att: 124

Waltham Abbey   3 – 0   Uxbridge   | Att: 83

Ware  3 – 1  Egham Town  | Att: 70

Westfield   1 – 2   Northwood  | Att: 60

 

Bostik South East Division – Sat 6.10.18

Ashford Utd   2 – 4   Three Bridges    | Att: 190

Cray Wanderers  7 – 2  Faversham Town  | Att: 135

East Grinstead Town   1 – 1   Sevenoaks Town   | Att: 89

Haywards Heath Town   2 – 0   Sittingbourne  | Att: 116

Hythe Town  3 – 0  VCD Athletic  |  Att: 229

Phoenix Sports  2 – 2  Whyteleafe  | Att: 68

Thamesmead Town   3 – 0    Guernsey   | Att: 84

Whitstable Town  2 – 0   Greenwich Borough  | Att: 151

 

That’s all for this round-up, thanks for reading.

Match Report: Sporting Bengal Utd 1 – 3 Brentwood Town (FA Cup PR Replay – Wed 29.8.18) [FAC 30.8.18]

The FA Cup Prelim Round – Replay (Season 2018-19)

Venue: Mile End Stadium

Attendance: 158

2018-19 Season – Match 11

Wednesday 29th August 2018  – 7.45pm KO

S Bengal Utd: Royal Blue Shirts, Royal Blue Shorts, Royal Blue Socks

Brentwood Town: Maroon Shirts, Maroon Shorts, Light Blue Socks

Brentwood tough it out to win a cracker at Mile End

Both teams before KO (Image: Peter D)

Report by Scott W (Twitter: ScottMHC14) with photos by Peter D (Twitter: @ped1980)

The FA Cup Prelim Round continued with this fascinating replay between Sporting Bengal Utd and Brentwood Town at Mile End Stadium. The initial tie ended 1 – 1 at the Brentwood Arena the previous Saturday.

With regards to the respective line-up’s, Bengal named a strong starting XI with Bobby Redwood leading the attack with Steven Carvell, skipper Ashaan Siddik and Codey Cameron among the supporting cast. For the Blues, player-assistant boss John Easterford partnered Connor Martin in the centre of defence, with ex-Romford goalkeeper Rob Budd between the sticks. The forward line was led by Jack Mitchell and Alfie Hilton.

The game got underway with an early flourish from the hosts as a neat move involving forwards Steven Carvell and Bobby Redwood led to playmaker Ashaan Siddik’s cross from the right which evaded everyone in the box. Redwood showed his intent with an effort from the edge of the 18-yard area on 11 minutes.

However, it was Brentwood who struck first as a long-throw from the right was flicked on by defender John Easterford which found full-back Oluwatobi Joseph unmarked at the back post who helped himself to a tap-in just 12 minutes into the game. Joseph could’ve had another only three minutes later but his scuffed shot was gathered by home goalkeeper Suleyman Mahmood. Blues forward Jack Mitchell was also giving the Bengal defence a headache at times with his darting runs though it was Bengal who had the next big oppurtunity as Blues custodian Rob Budd fouled Redwood in the area. Penalty to Bengal though Budd atoned for his error with a decent save from a Siddik penalty which in truth, lacked power.

In the last third of the first period, chances were being shelled at both ends. Brentwood skipper for the evening Albert Levett’s free-kick only just went over the bar before Siddik and Carvell missed the target for the hosts. As Bengal began piling on the pressure to the visiting defence, Redwood’s goal-bound was well-denied by Budd. A mixture of near-misses and committed defending saw the Blues through to half-time with their narrow lead intact.

Brentwood’s Albert Levett stands over free-kick in dangerous position (Image: Peter D)

Half-Time: Sporting Bengal  0 – 1  Brentwood Town

As the second-half breezed into life, Imrul Gazi’s side again started fairly brightly though Siddik blazed a shot from 20 yards over the bar and then Carvell was denied by a combination of the inspired Budd at point-blank range and the post. Carvell by this stage was orchestrating attacks for the hosts though they couldn’t quite create the final ball to thread through the Blues defence.

At the other end, substitute Ayrton Coley was asking the home defence questions with his intelligent runs though Bengal centre-backs Anthony Bruce and Kamarl Duncan dealt with the opposing forwards admirably. Bengal had further chances on the hour as first from a corner, substitute David Vaughan couldn’t direct his header from close range and in the next attack, Siddik blasted over the bar.

The hosts had a lifeline on 68 minutes though as Redwood was felled just inside the area which meant another spot-kick for Bengal. Full-back Jon Watson took up the responsibility and duly converted past Budd to level up the tie once again. However, unlike the original tie, the score was level for all of two minutes before Blues forward Alfie Hilton’s calm finish saw the visitors re-take the lead.

Codey Cameron was really a thorn in the visitors’ side down the Bengal right flank all evening and his direct running and pace led to a corner though from that resulting corner, Cameron’s firm header was just wide. In the latter stages of this pulsating contest, both sides saw a man dismissed as the game got somewhat strained given the rising tension, Adeji for Bengal and Cuthbert for Brentwood both on the other end of two yellow cards. With minutes remaining, Carvell’s powerful drive fizzed just wide of goal before a moment of quality ended the tie in added-time.

Spotting that Bengal galkeeper Mahmood way off his goal-line, Blues winger Levett unleashed a crafty lob from 30 yards which found the target well to cue celebrations from the visiting side and their supporters who had travelled in good numbers here. Brentwood saw out the remaining moments of the match and with it, progression into the next round where will welcome Bostik Premier side Haringey Borough.

Full-Time: Sporting Bengal Utd   1 – 3  Brentwood Town

In this scribe’s opinion, the main difference between the teams tonight was the visitors’ finishing and perhaps that little bit of experience. In fairness, if Bengal had taken more of their chances, it could have been a marketedly different match though Sporting Bengal have a lot to be proud of given their work rate and passing moves and if they keep building, who knows where they will end up come April.

Sporting Bengal’s Carvell instigating another attack from deep (Image: Peter D)

Teams

Sporting Bengal Utd   | Manager: Imrul Gazi

Suleyman Mahmood (GK), Chris Greenslade (Danny Tenkorang 72′), Jon Watson, Joshua Adeji, Kamarl Duncan, Anthony Bruce, Codey Cameron, Ashaan Siddik (Capt), Bobby Redwood, Steven Carvell, Zakariya Haque (David Vaughan 46′)

Goal-scorer: Jon Watson [pen 68′]

Booked: Siddik | Sent Off: Adeji (two bookings) |

Subs Not Used: R Choudhury, Ryan-McCall, R Gazi, Okoli, Hamzah

Brentwood Town  |  Manager: Craig Shipman

Robert Budd (GK), Jack Gardner (Connor Tyrell 87′), Oluwatobi Joseph, Mitchell Hunter, John Easterford, Connor Martin, Harry Doyle (Ayrton Coley 46′), Ryan Mallett, Jack Mitchell (Harry Cuthbert 58′), Alfie Hilton, Albert Levett (Capt)

Goal-scorers: Oluwatobi Joseph [12′], Alfie Hilton [71′], Albert Levett [90’+2]

Booked: Hunter | Sent Off: Cuthbert (two bookings) |

Subs Not Used: Falaise, Brown, Scott, Blockley (GK)

Round-up: Bostik Division North (Mon 27th Aug) [BLN 27.8.18]

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another round of the Bostik North round-up, here on the blog. This article looks at the action on Bank Holiday Monday as the division returns following the FA Cup Prelim Rd just two days previously.

Monday 27th August

Aveley  3 – 1   Grays Athletic    |  Parkside (3G) | Att: 391

Aveley produced a stirring comeback to hand Grays another defeat in the Parkside derby. Ath led eight minutes after half-time through Dennis Oli’s strike though three goals in the last twenty minutes turned the course of the match. Shad Ngandu [70′] levelled before Andy Freemman’s strike [72′] rapidly followed. Alex Teniola’s 90th-minute goal crushed any doubt of where the points were going.

Basildon Utd  1 – 0  Great Wakering Rovers   | Gardiners Close  | Att: 249

The Bees won this battle of the two promoted sides from last season’s Essex Senior League into this division. Joe Turpin’s 2nd-minute strike was the difference in front of nearly 250 at Gardiners Close. Marc Harrison’s side secured their second straight win here.

Brentwood Town   1 – 0  Barking   |  The Brentwood Arena  | Att: 137

The Battle of the Blues saw Brentwood edge to a important win at the Brentwood Arena. Connor Martin’s goal [27′] was the difference in a tight contest which continued Barking’s poor start to the season.

Bury Town  1 – 0  Soham Town Rangers  |  Ram Meadow | Att: 490

A bumper crowd saw Bury Town edge to victory in a match where both sides ended up with ten men. Tanner Call was the goal-scoring hero after his 22nd-minute strike though Ryan Jolland for the hosts and Lee Chaffey were both sent off with 20 minutes remaining. Bury secured their first league win while Soham remain winless in the league.

Coggeshall Town  2 – 0  Witham Town   | West Street |

Coggeshall won this local derby at West Street. Goals from Ross Wall [6′] and Nnamdi Nwachuku [64′] secured the points for the newly-promoted side & their first win in the league.

Dereham Town   0 – 1    Felixstowe & Walton Utd    | Aldiss Park  | Att: 207

Felixstowe continued their decent league start with a good win at Aldiss Park. Jordan Matthews struck on the cusp of half-time which ended up being the winner to give Utd their second league win of the season.

Maldon & Tiptree  3 – 2    Heybridge Swifts     | Park Drive    | Att: 389

The Jammers overcame Swifts at Park Drive in a hard-fought contest. The visitors led through Ryan Henshaw on 21 minutes. The hosts powered back into the match with strikes from Decarrey Sheriff [23′] and Shane Cojocarel [35′]. Seven minutes after the break, Joe Gardner put Jody Brown’s side back on terms though Cojocarel struck again [55′] to eventually give Wayne Brown’s team the victory to keep their unbeaten start and end Swifts’ one as well.

Mildenhall Town   3 – 3  AFC Sudbury   |  Recreation Way  |  Att: 267

The Hall struck late to deny the Suds in an enthralling contest. John Sands put the hosts ahead in the first minute before Callum Harrison levelled seven minutes before half-time. The visitors took the lead through a James Seymour OG [57′] though Thomas Debenham restored parity five minutes afterward.

Harrison got his second with three minutes left though just when the visitors may have thought they’d grab the win, Debenham matched his opposite number for goals in the game with a 90th-minute equalizer.Town are yet to win this term.

 

Tuesday 28th August

Bowers & Pitsea   v   Canvey Island   | Parkside (3G)  |

Romford  v  Tilbury     | Rookery Hill  |

That’s all for this round-up, thanks for reading.

Bostik League Division North (& South) round-up (BLN 22.4.18)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another Bostik North round-up, here on the blog.

Here’s the round-up of this weekend’s action as we entered the last five weeks of this weather-induced chaotic season, followed as usual by a list of the results in Bostik Division South:

 

Friday 20th April

AFC Hornchurch 2 – 1 Aveley
| Venue: Bridge Avenue | Att: 328

The Urchins enjoyed their championship party at Bridge Avenue though only secured the win late on. Connor Hogan put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute. Garrett Kelly levelled for James Webster’s team with 19 minutes remaining which threatened to leave the Urchins fans with a tinge of frustration though record-scorer George Purcell fired home the winner in added-time to secure Hornchurch’s sixth straight win and break the 100-point barrier. Aveley’s 4th loss in their last seven matches sees them stay 16th.

 

Saturday 21st April

Brentwood Town  2 – 1 Romford
| Venue: Brentwood Arena | Att: 126

Brentwood fought hard to banish any slight relegation doubts with the win at the Brentwood Arena. Tony Stokes fired the hosts ahead on four minutes though Carlos Djalo-Oso struck to restore parity for Bro only four minutes after that. Just after the hour mark, Stokes got his and his team’s second to give Town their first win in five matches to go up to 19th spot on goal difference and push Romford close to relegation. Paul Martin’s side are five points adrift of Norwich Utd and simply have to win both of their remaining matches and hope the Planters slip up.

 

Grays Athletic  1 – 4 Heybridge Swifts
| Venue: Parkside | Att: 273

Grays suffered another hefty home defeat, this time at the hands of in-form Heybridge. Swifts led through Joe Gardner on 32 minutes before Luke Callander doubled that advantage eight minutes after the break. Callum Thompson halved the deficit for Ath six minutes afterward. Substitute Matt Price’s late brace [82′ & 87′] secured Heybridge their 6th win in their last eight matches to remain 5th and you wouldn’t envy who has to face them in the end-of-season play-offs either. Grays reside in 15th place after their third straight defeat.

 

Haringey Borough  1 – 0 Witham Town
| Venue: Coles Park  | Att: 221

Haringey narrowly overcame Witham at Coles Park, thanks to Jorge Sambu’s 72nd-minute goal to maintain their terrific form (10th victory in their last 12 matches) and stay 4th with an faint chance of going up automatically IF Potters Bar & Bowers slip up in the next week. Witham sit in 11th spot and are having a decent season.

 

Hertford Town  2 – 4 Barking
| Venue: Hertingfordbury Park | Att: 281

Barking twice came from behind to power past out-of-form Hertford at Hertingfordbury Park. Emmanuel Osei [9′] put Town ahead before Adem Ramadan levelled for Justin Gardner’s side eight minutes later. Daniel Palmer struck mid-way through the first half to edge the hosts ahead. Though again, the Blues restored parity through Billy Jones seven minutes before the interval.

After the break, Alan Taylor [54′] swung the match in the visitors’ favour before Kemo Darboe’s late fourth sealed Barking’s fourth win in their last six outings and one more win will seal a very respectable top-ten finish for them. Hertford’s sixth successive defeat keeps them 14th.

 

Maldon & Tiptree  0 – 2 Cheshunt
| Venue: Park Drive | Att: 154

Cheshunt got the win thanks to a goal in each half to end Maldon’s slim hopes of making the play-offs. Ricky Sappleton [26′] put the Ambers ahead though only sealed the points with six minutes left through Kyle Roberts. Maldon’s recent indifferent form of two wins in their last six means they can only finish 7th at best now. Craig Edwards’ side remain 22nd as one of four sides on 46 points after their fourth consequtive success.

 

Mildenhall Town  1 – 3 Canvey Island
| Venue: Recreation Way  | Att: 182

Canvey finally vanquished any doubts of making the play-offs with this success at lowly Mildenhall. A goal-blitz midway through the half sealed the win for the Islanders. Martin Tuohy opened the scoring on 21 minutes before a brace from Mitchell Gilbey [23′ & 28′] pretty much did the job despite Joshua Curry’s goal back for the Hall a minute into the second half. Town’s season has really gone off-kilter as their winless run extended to nine matches, dropping to 20th place. Canvey’s third win in seven outings confirms 6th spot though getting a bit of form back ahead of the play-offs seems crucial for Danny Heale’s men.

 

Norwich Utd  3 – 1 AFC Sudbury
| Venue: Plantation Park | Att: 132

History may well recall this result being the one that kept the Planters in the division. It started well for the Suds as they led 20 minutes in through Milo Grimes. The Planters roared back into the contest seven minutes after the break thanks to Shaun Wones’ goal. Adam Hipperson’s brace [57′ & pen 71′] ‘turned the tide’ of this match as Utd got their second win on-the-spin and now they only realistically need a single point to send Romford down. Sudbury’s recent inconsistent form means they are in 12th spot.

 

Soham Town Rangers  0 – 2 Bowers & Pitsea
| Venue: Julius Martin Lane | Att: 124

Bowers kept things tight before grabbing a priceless victory late on thanks to substitute Fahad Nyanja’s brace [86′ & 90′]. Bowers have recovered their form after a slight lull and their fourth win in their last six encounters means they realistically need four points from their last two matches to pip Potters Bar to promotion. Soham’s season is faltering away somewhat, though they sit 13th.

 

Tilbury  2 – 0 Dereham Town
| Venue: Chadfields | Att: 67

Tilbury got the points thanks to a double from Siju Odelusi’s brace [7′ & 47′] and in the process rise to 17th place. Dereham are another side that haven’t enjoyed the best of form after their fifth loss in their last seven outings which keeps them 10th.

 

Waltham Abbey  0 – 3 Potters Bar Town
| Venue: Capershotts | Att: 114

Potters Bar continued their relentless pursuit of promotion with an excellent win at struggling Abbey. Michael Murray’s penalty on the stroke of half-time started things off before Jack Bennett’s late brace [81′ & 89′] earned the Scholars their 9th win in 13 matches though have to win their last match to have any realistic hope of promotion. Abbey’s 8th loss in their last 12 outings means they drop to 18th.

Ware  0 – 1 Bury Town
| Venue: Wodson Park | Att: 98

Bury Town edged Ware courtesy of hot-shot Cemal Ramadan’s spot-kick [64′] to grab their fifth win in their last eight matches, and they are in 8th spot. Ware drop to 21st.
 

 

Bostik Division South Results – Saturday 21st April  2018

 

Chipstead  2 – 3  Ashford Utd    | Att:106

Corinthian-Casuals  1 – 3   Herne Bay  | Att: 256

East Grinstead Town  0 – 3 Hythe Town  | Att: 110

Faversham Town  2 – 0  Lewes  | Att: 328

Greenwich Borough  2 – 2  Hastings Utd | Att: 221

Shoreham (R)  1 – 5  Ramsgate  | Att: 112

Sittingbourne  3 – 1  Carshalton Athletic (P)  | Att: 167

South Park  4 – 1 Molesey  | Att: 87

VCD Athletic   2 – 1  Horsham  | Att: 125

Walton Casuals  5 – 2   Cray Wanderers  | Att: 186

Whyteleafe  1 – 3  Thamesmead Town  | Att: 123

 

Sun 22nd Apr  –  Guernsey  1 – 1  Phoenix Sports   | Att: 881

Bostik League Division North (& South) round-up (BLN 8.4.18)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another Bostik North round-up, here on the blog.

Here’s the round-up of this weekend’s action as we entered the last five weeks of this weather-induced chaotic season, followed as usual by a list of the results in Bostik Division South:

 

Saturday 7th April

AFC Hornchurch 1 – 0 Heybridge Swifts
| Venue: Bridge Avenue | Att: 287

The Urchins edged another important tussle here as Connor Hogan’s 33rd-minute goal secured victory in the end for the title-chasers. Hornchurch grabbed their third successive win here and could wrap up promotion n midweek if other results go their way. Heybridge suffered their first loss in five which is some going considering their gruelling end to the season. Swifts are 6th, two points clear of Maldon in 7th.

 

Brentwood Town  1 – 0  Barking
| Venue: Brentwood Arena | Att: 84

Brentwood pretty much secured their Bostik North status with this tight win over Barking at the Arena. Tony Stokes once again did the damage with the only goal four minutes into the second-half and ended a five-match winless run here. Craig Shipman’s side rise to 20th, ten points clear of the solitary relegation spot, with eight matches still to play.

Grays Athletic  1 – 6 Dereham Town
| Venue: Parkside | Att: 213

Grays suffered a heavy home defeat to play-off chasing Dereham at Parkside. Rossi Jarvis opened the scoring for the visitors on 14 minutes before Kieran Bishop levelled for Ath only a minute later. Dereham powered back ahead through Ryan Crisp eight minutes before half-time and a goal-blitz after the interval extinguished any doubt of where the points were heading. Ashley Jarvis got a brace [48′ & 58′] either side of substitute Karol Wengrzik’s strike [49′] and Jamie Forshaw added to the hosts’ pain with a sixth for the visitors 18 minutes from time. Grays’s first defeat in eight games sees them drop to 13th spot. Dereham’s first win in five matches sees them four points adrift of the play-off spots in 8th.

 

Haringey Borough  2 – 0  Canvey Island
| Venue: Coles Park  | Att: 207

Haringey  continued their superb recent form with this win over fellow play-off chasing side Canvey at Coles Park. Ralston Gabriel [37′] and Lauren Luke [76′] goals were the difference to give Boro their sixth win in their last eight matches, they stay 4th, four points clear of their opponents here. Canvey’s inconsistent form remains, this was their 5th defeat in their last nine encounters, the Islanders are 5th and still need a few wins to secure their play-off spot.

 

Hertford Town  0 – 1  AFC Sudbury
| Venue: Hertingfordbury Park | Att: 210

Sudbury won this baattle of two mid-table sides to leapfrog their opponents here in the table. Callum Harrison scored the only goal on 26 minutes, his first goal for the club. Hertford’s 3rd defeat in their last eight encounters sees them drop to 12th while the Suds rise to 11th.

 

Maldon & Tiptree  2 – 2  Bowers & Pitsea
| Venue: Park Drive | Att: 114

High-flying Bowers battled back to secure a point at Park Drive. Maldon led just three minutes in through Lee Barnard’s penalty  and George Brown doulbled that lead on the cusp of half-time. Bowers, who had midfielder Jamie Dicks dismissed, fought back through goals from Callum Leahy [67′] and recent signing Adam Vyse [81′]. Maldon have six matches remaining and remain 7th, two points off the play-off spots while Bowers lose ground on Potters Bar in the promotion race – they stay 3rd, five points off the in-form Scholars with six games left.

 

Mildenhall Town  1 – 2  Cheshunt
| Venue: Recreation Way  | Att: 171

Cheshunt recorded a significant win at Recreation Way. Nick Symons broke the stalemate on 24 minutes though that lead only lasted seven minutes before Andrew Ofusu restored parity for the Hall. Craig Edwards’ side kept going though and were rewarded eight minutes from time as Jack Lampe struck to give the Ambers second win in their last five matches to go above Norwich Utd into 22nd, six points clear of danger with five games left to play. Mildenhall sit 18th as they are now are six matches without a win.

 

Norwich Utd  0 – 3  Aveley
| Venue: Plantation Park | Att: 87

The Millers sent the Planters back into relegation danger with a good win at Plantation Park. Calvin Expiteta’s goal four minutes shy of half-time gave the visitors the lead. Tom Richardson then secured the points with another double [50′ & 84′] to extend Utd’s run without a win to eight matches. Utd drop to 23rd, only three points ahead of Romford who they meet in what’s sure to be a nerve-jangling encounter in midweek. Aveley’s third win in their last five matches helps them rise to 15th place.

 

Potters Bar Town  3 – 0  Bury Town
| Venue: Pakex Stadium | Att: 174

Potters Bar secured another important victory to maintain their commanding form as they seek promotion. Ben Ward-Cochrane gave the hosts the lead after 7 minutes before further strikes from Sandro Costa Dias Fernandes on the half-hour and Eoin Casey [76′] made sure of the Scholars’ 8th win in their last ten matches to stay 2nd, five points clear of Bowers in 3rd. Bury Town remain 10th, with four matches left.

 

Soham Town Rangers  0 – 1 Witham Town
| Venue: Julius Martin Lane | Att: 140

Witham pipped Soham here thanks to Eliott Ronti’s 74th-minute winner to seal third win in their last five outings and stay 14th. Soham drop to 16th and have seven matches yet to play.

 

Tilbury  1 –  2  Waltham Abbey
| Venue: Chadfields | Att: 77

Abbey finally ended their long run without a win with this success at Chadfields. Nathan Koranteng put Abbey ahead with 17 minutes on the watch before Darelle Russell all but sealed the victory with six minutes remaining. Jack Carlile’s late spot-kick ended up being mere consolation for Joe Keith’s men who haven’t won in six matches now, residing in 19th spot. Abbey’s own eight-match winless stretch ended here as they rise to 17th spot.

 

Ware  0 – 2  Romford
| Venue: Wodson Park | Att: 62

Romford probably averted instant relegation with this priceless win at Wodson Park. Carlos Djalo Oso coverted a spot-kick before the half-hour though Danny Cossington made it two eight minutes after the restart. Romford’s first win in six means they are only three points behind Norwich Utd who they play in midweek in another critical match for Paul Martin’s side. Ware’s third loss on-the-spin drops them back to 21st though they are still nine points clear of their opponents here.
Bostik Division South Results – Saturday 31st March 2018

 

Chipstead  1 – 3  Hastings Utd    | Att: 90

Corinthian-Casuals  1 – 3   Lewes  | Att: 316

East Grinstead Town  1 – 2   Phoenix Sports | Att: 68

Faversham Town  0 – 0  Thamesmead Town | Att: 163

Greenwich Borough  1 – 2  Hythe Town | Att: 151

Shoreham  0 – 1   Herne Bay  | Att: 59

Sittingbourne  1 – 0   Molesey  | Att: 112

South Park  1 – 3   Horsham  | Att: 135

VCD Athletic   0 – 0   Cray Wanderers  | Att: 120

Walton Casuals  0 – 1  Carshalton Athletic  | Att: 286

Whyteleafe  1 – 1  Ashford Utd  | Att: 135

 

Sun 8th Apr  –  Guernsey  1 – 4    Ramsgate  | Att: 625

 

That’s yer lot for now, cheers for reading.

Match Report: AFC Hornchurch 3 – 4 Brentwood Town (BLN 1.1.18)

Isthmian League Division North

Venue: Bridge Avenue

Attendance: 243

New Year’s Day (Mon 1st Jan 2018) 3pm KO

2017-18 Season: Match 49

AFC Hornchurch: Red & White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Brentwood Town: Sky Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Sky Blue Socks

 

Warm-up before KO (AFC H v BT – BLN 1.1.18)

The teams on their way out before KO (AFC H v BT – BLN 1.1.18)

Scott W Reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On the first day of 2018, I travelled to another new ground for me, Bridge Avenue to see leaders AFC Hornchurch take on the inconsistent Brentwood Town in another Isthmian League Division North encounter. The hosts were without the likes of Kenzer Lee and Eliott Styles as Leon McKenzie and George Purcell led the attack, with Theo Fairweather-Johnson and Tobi Joseph options from the bench. Brentwood, who have shown they have a result in them this term were led up front by Matt Price and Andy Freeman with skipper Matt Hall in midfield and forward Izzy Bademosi on the bench.

The visitors started strongly and went ahead on four minutes as forward Matt Price calmly slotted past home goalkeeper Sam Mott into the right corner. The hosts still didn’t stir as Town doubled their lead only three minutes later with full-back Jack Gardner’s speculative shot decieving Mott and finding its way in. Hornchurch found some urgency on 21 minutes as bustling target-man Leon McKenzie teed up strike partner George Purcell though the latter couldn’t get a shot away.

For the next few minutes, both sides traded chances with Price firing over for the Blues and Purcell also unable to find the target from 20 yards out for the Urchins. Brentwood also had to withstand pressure from the odd set-piece too though they extended their lead on the half-hour as winger Alfie Hilton’s ball found its way to Price who found fellow forward Andy Freeman who acrobatically lashed home to give the hosts the proverbial ‘mountain to climb’ in this match.

McKenzie headed over the bar five minutes before the interval though in my view, the Urchins endured a forgettable half in both penalty areas. Town had taken their chances at the right time and rightly led at the break.

Half-Time: AFC Hornchurch 0 – 3 Brentwood Town

Soon after the break, the hosts brought on Messrs Fairweather-Johnson & Joseph in place of defender Jed Chouman & winger Matthias Famino. The changes worked as seven minutes into the second half, Fairweather-Johnson’s shot was blocked for a corner, from which Brentwood conceded a spot-kick for an adjudged hand-ball which Purcell duly tucked away into the left corner, past visiting custodian Anthony Page to lessen the arrears.

The long second-half continued for the Blues as skipper Matt Hall had to clear one effort off the goal-line. Soon after, Fairweather-Johnson’s headed over from Purcell’s cross. Hornchurch ‘stopper Mott then reacted well to deny Freeman’s drive on the hour before minutes later being called into action again to deny Price’s lofted effort as Brentwood attempted to make the points safe.

Brentwood were defending fairly deep as the Urchins sensed they could get back into this encounter, having the majority of the play in the last 20 minutes or so, though Town held firm, led well at the back by central defenders Harry Gibbs and Brendan Cavalier. On a rare foray forward with three minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Izzy Bademosi was found very well by midfielder Theo Jones’ cross from the left flank and the striker made no mistake, slotting home past Mott.

Brentwood defending late on.. (BLN 1.1.18)

The Urchins were far from done though against a tiring Blues defence as firstly McKenzie nodded home at the far post with moments remaining. Then in added time, the Urchins were awarded another spot-kick after Joseph was fouled in the area, which Purcell once again converted.

Unfortunately for the Urchins, they’d given themselves too much to do after the interval though the visitors were still relieved to hear the final whistle sound that ended a tough encounter here. Promotion rivals Bowers & Pitsea’s defeat means that Jimmy McFarlane’s side remain top of the pile by three points, while Brentwood’s triumph sees them up one to 19th place, nine points clear of bottom side Cheshunt.

Full-Time: AFC Hornchurch 3 – 4 Brentwood Town

Finally, I’d like to say thank you to AFC Hornchurch for their hospitality & wish both sides well for the rest of the season. And also, thanks to you for reading. Happy New Year!
Teams

AFC Hornchurch

Sam Mott (GK), Alex Bentley (Capt), Jay Porter, Jed Chouman (Tobi Joseph 47′), Nathan Cooper, Olumide Oluwatimilehin, Matthias Finimo (Theo Fairweather-Johnson 47′), Sean Roberts, Leon McKenzie, George Purcell, Bradley Warner

Goal-scorers: George Purcell [Pen 53′ & Pen 90’+1], Leon McKenzie [88′]

Booked: McKenzie, Bentley   | Subs Not Used: Hursit, Livings & Collis
______________

Brentwood Town

Anthony Page (GK), Jack Gardner, Connor Martin, Theo Jones (Ollie Bell 87′), Harry Gibbs, Brendan Cavalier, Alfie Hilton (Izzy Bademosi 75′), Matt Hall (Capt), Matt Price, Andy Freeman, Luke Foster (James Pugsley 67′)

Goal-scorers: Matt Price [4′], Jack Gardner [7′], Andy Freeman [30′], Izzy Bademosi [87′]

Booked: Gibbs, Hall  | Subs Not Used: Wiggins, Mitchell

Referee: Elliott Kaye

Assistant Referees: Farai Hallam & Endrit Malaveci