Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 36 – Sat 7 May) [EAL 21-22 10.5.22]

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!

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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.

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Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 34 – Sat 23 Apr) [EAL 21-22 25.4.22]

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 respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 23 April. 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- Saturday 23 April

DIVISION TWO CUP

The line-up for the Division Two Cup Final is now complete as the second semi-final took place on Saturday with Emerson & Upminster Reserves in action away at Unitey. A sparkling performance from the hosts saw Unitey book their place at Dagenham & Redbridge as Bubintende Masadi’s hat-trick, a brace from Ahmed Dousa and a Mohammed Abaker goal sealed a 6 – 1 win. Tobi Onafeko grabbed the Emerson goal in reply.

SENIOR DIVISION

It’s celebration time for DTFC as the Harlow based side were crowned league champions on Saturday in their last league game of the season, defeating Kit Out London in a 3 – 1 scoreline to seal the title at the Harlow Arena. Many congratulations to all involved at the club on this significant achievement, confirming promotion to Step 6 football in the process! They still have cup ties ahead to really make this an even more memorable campaign.

The chase for the runners-up spot will go down to the last games of the season as Chadwell Heath Spartans kept themselves in the mix with a 5 – 0 success in their last game of the season. Rapid Chingford were the final visitors to Chigwell where Harry Payne and Jeffrey Nketia both struck twice and Ray Hunwicks netted the other to finish a very creditable season for the Spartans.

Woodford East go into their remaining games knowing what they need to do and saw their runners-up quest dented with a shock defeat at home against FC Baresi at the Marshes. Connor Brathwaite’s double and an Andrew Rowe goal were not enough as Raymond Pok scored twice for the visitors with Tyreece Robertson, Jeffery Botendo and Abdisamad Mohamed strikes handing Baresi a 5 – 4 win.

Over in Noak Hill, Lymore Gardens kept up their outside hopes of a top four finish as they sent FC Petrocub to a big defeat, Lymore winning the game 7 – 3 ahead of a big week for Petrocub. Andre Rashford scored a hat-trick with Bradley Williams, Alex Coster, Tyriq Davies and Jonathan Hurrell efforts finishing off the game. In matters at the other end of the table, the race to beat the drop will head to a dramatic conclusion it appears as both of the bottom two sides recorded hugely important wins. Bottom team Tower United had a massive game at home against Blue Marlin and were able to record a 6 – 1 success, despite a Josh Morris goal for the visitors. That result closes the gap between the two sides to just a couple of points.

Over in Dagenham, a game with just as much significance saw Chigwell Town get themselves into a 3 – 0 lead in their game against top four chasing Jolof Sports. John Lye scored two and Ross Chimes one and they eventually held on to take the victory, despite second half fightback goals from Joshua Kweifio-Okai and Ahmadou Seye, the 3 – 2 victory giving Town vital points.

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PREMIER DIVISION

The race for promotion in the Premier Division is into the final sequence of games and Dagenham United’s final game of the season has seen them move up into second place as they came through 3 – 1 victors in their game against Crookz United. Ancuba Cassama, Iaia Jau and Shaquille Mathurin were the men on target to give Dagenham a big chance of a top three finish.

In the other game from the division, Oakside’s own push for the top three is also still on track after they recorded win number ten this season with a 5 – 1 success away against Athletic Newham Under 23s. Kieren Huddart, Jahvid Irish, Demi Elegushi, Sam Davie and Kyrone Scotland were all on the scoresheet with this crucial three point haul. Rodney Botuli got the solitary reply for Newham, who will finish in mid-table.

DIVISION ONE

The promotion race in Division One took another turn on Saturday as promotion favourites, Cowley Community, slipped to defeat with two games to go, going down 3 – 1 to Kwanzas London Sport. Dwayne White scored for the hosts but his efforts were not quite enough as Kwanzas recorded their own ninth win of the campaign in their final league game of the season.

Something From Nothing will be relatively pleased with their first outing in Saturday football as their last league game of the season saw them confirm a top half finish following a 3 – 2 win at home against relegated Francis Luke. Brighton Tutalamon scored twice for Luke but those goals were not enough to take any points from the game.

DIVISION TWO

League leaders, Fairlop Rovers, missed the chance to take the title on Saturday as they could only take a single point from a double header against a rampant St Francis side who themselves moved further clear of danger at the bottom. Saints were 3 – 2 winners in the first game with Martin Valkov (2) and Omar Hafid netting the all important goals before taking a point in game two, Godwill Kumpana netting to make it 1 – 1.

The only side left who can catch the leaders are Rainham Working Mens Club but they failed to make the most of that Rovers slip as they could only draw in their home game against Old Esthameians, the two sides starting the day six points apart. That gap remained by full-time with neither side able to trouble the scorers in a 0 – 0 draw.

Over in Loughton, two more sides locked in a mid-table battle, Royal Forest and FHN Athletic, met at Roding Valley with the latter holding a slender one point lead going into the fixture. By full-time they had extended that to four as FHN ran out 3 – 1 victors to record their ninth league win of the season with three games to go.

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DIVISION THREE

Congratulations are in order for the now confirmed Division Three league champions after FC Baresi Under 23s secured the points they needed to take the title, beating Buckhurst Way 6 – 0 in their eighteenth game of the season to move above runners-up, Old Barkabbeyans Reserves. Zach Aliane has had a fine season and he netted a hat-trick, Joshua Adu and Kii Jean-Baptiste scoring the others. Well done to all involved with the team on such a fine success.

Over in Hainault, two further sides completed their league seasons with Royal Forest Reserves the hosts to a Glendale side, both teams knowing the game had little riding on it with positional matters resolved. The Trees scored a couple of early goals and consolidated that with a third in the second half with Josh Loften, James Nelson and Tom Alexander all netting in a 3 – 0 scoreline.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 30 – Sat 26 Mar) [EAL 21-22 28.3.22]

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 respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 26 March. 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- Saturday 26 March

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

The last weekend of GMT brought the first of the Premier Division Cup semi-finals as an east London derby saw Wapping taking on Crookz United at Victoria Park. Jordon Mills-Smith netted off the bench for Wapping but his efforts were not quite enough as Crookz scored three of their own in the game and record a 3 – 1 triumph to see them book their maiden cup final with the league.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the day’s only other cup tie, in the Division Three Cup competition, hosts FC Baresi Under 23s were in action with a first round tie against Terin at the Britannia. The hosts continued their excellent form to book a last eight tie with a thumping 5 – 0 win as Joshua Adu and Maamoon Khan both scored twice, along with a Marco Perkola effort.

SENIOR DIVISION

Chadwell Heath Spartans have moved two points clear at the top of the Senior Division with four games to go as they came away with all three points from their trip to Hainault defeating Blue Marlin 4 – 0. Harry Payne was the difference between the sides, netting a hat-trick, along with an Elie Fanga goal which saw their side move top on the back of other results around them. That switch at the top came on the back of a draw between the sides placed second and third now as Lymore Gardens took a point as they drew 1 – 1 against DT FC at the County Ground. Tyrique Peters struck for Gardens with their goal but DTFC ensured they took a point which, with their game in hand still, retains their position as the favourites.

Woodford East are continuing to lurk in the background and with games in hand, could still present a huge threat for the silverware, aided by a terrific 5 – 2 victory at the Marshes against Tower United in the Hackney derby. Connor Brathwaite bagged a hat-trick for his side with Callum Maltese and Billy Barr also on the scoresheet with another crucial three point haul.  Abdi Jama and Ousman Bangura replied for Tower in that game. At the other end of the table, what a fortnight it’s been for Chigwell Town who put in a huge performance at home to FC Baresi on Saturday to put the quest for safety in their own hands, moving level with eleventh placed Blue Marlin with a 2 – 1 victory. John Lye and Ellis Morgan both got on the score-sheet to keep their hopes of survival well and truly alive.

Over at Noak Hill, Rapid Chingford’s own quest for survival was all but assured at the weekend as they moved up to eighth, eight points clear of the drop zone with plenty still to play after they defeated London Cup finalists, FC Petrocub, in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Andrei Boga and Darwin Romero both scored for Rapid as they returned home with the points. The division’s remaining game was an East Ham derby fixture as Jolof Sports saw the visit of CSM London to their old stomping round of Flanders Playing Fields. A close game was settled by just the single goal and it was Jolof who took the accolades following the reappointment of Danny Brissett in the hot seat, Jolof winning 1 – 0 to maintain their hold of fifth spot.

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PREMIER DIVISION

There was an exhilarating game between two of the promotion contenders in the Premier Division where Oakside hosted leaders, Frenford A, over at Fairlop Oak with ‘Side knowing the importance of getting something from the game. The match ended in a six-goal thriller, 3 – 3, with Joel Opara netting two and Isima Iguisi once for Frenford as the teams settled for a point each. In the other game, London Cranes have moved up a place to seventh in the standings after they came away 1 – 0 victors in their home clash against London Park City. Moses Kazibwe was the man to score with that only goal of the game, netting to give his Cranes side their seventh league success of the campaign.

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DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry made sure of at least a promotion place on Saturday with a double header success against Barkingside A over in Dagenham. A 4 – 0 victory in game one saw Kieron James net twice along with efforts from Gabriel and Solomon Ogunwomoju to net their first points. They then followed that up with a narrow 1 – 0 success in the second fixture with Gabriel Ogunwomoju once again on target with the only goal of that game. Success next weekend will see the title heading to Belfry. The goals were flying in over Newbury Park where Cowley Community’s last game before their huge county final saw them take part in a ten-goal thriller against Wanstead. An entertaining game saw Cowley goals from James Allen, George Anthony, Joel McEwan, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright account for their goals but the visitors were on form themselves with five goals to see this finish 5 – 5.

That results enabled Ilford Reserves to take their place in the top two as they came through a close game against fellow promotion hopefuls, RCXI, in their game in Hainault. Joseph Sulola scored twice for the Foxes with RCXI only able to respond with one goal of their own, going down 2 – 1 as Ilford racked up win number twelve. Forest Green have given themselves the best chance of avoiding the drop as they confirmed an important victory against bottom of the table Francis Luke. Green were 6 – 4 winners to move ninth, despite a Jahvarn Steward hat-trick and a Kennerly Cassius effort for the hosts for whom time is running out to beat the drop. The afternoon’s mid-table battle saw Kwanzas London Sport go into their game against Something From Nothing, two points behind their opponents in the race to finish in the top half. But by full-time they had leapt above SFN as they won 4 – 2 to pick up win number seven, moving to twenty-four points, a point clear of their rivals.

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DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Fairlop Rovers have returned to the top of the standings after a few weeks away as they made it a six point Saturday with a double header success against FHN Athletic in the Hainault Derby, They were 2 – 1 winners in game one with Jack Kibblewhite and Logan Simmonds scoring, cancelling out an Aldo Vani strike for the visitors. In game two, another close game was edged by the odd goal with Rovers winning 3 – 2, Kibblewhite scoring twice this time and Sam Beaman once. Terron Fordjoe and Kieran McKoy grabbed the FHN goals in consolation.

Emerson & Upminster Reserves stay in the promotion hunt, sitting second, after they took home three points on Saturday with a 4 – 2 win at Hall Lane against Loughton Lions. Owen McKelvey and Will Osmond both scored for Lions but two Billy Biggs efforts plus goals from Tobi Onafeko and Reece Martin ensured it was their Emerson side taking the spoils. Owen McKelvey and William Osmond got the goals in reply for Loughton in that one. Fifth placed Old Esthameians lost ground on the promotion chase a little as they were held to a 3 – 3 away draw against Newbury East as the two Newbury Park based sides met at Oaks Park High School. Habeeb Gayle scored a hat-trick for an improving East side who took their points tally to five as they will seek further improvement next season. Neil Robinson got two goals in reply for Old E’s plus Nelson Goncalves also netted.

It was a good afternoon for Redbridge Community who took their place in the top half of the table with a double header success in both fixtures against St Francis on Saturday. Redbridge were 3 – 1 winners in the first fixture before following that up with a 5 – 2 success in game two to take their wins tally to eight for the campaign.

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DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves took their place once again at the top of the Division Three standings after an empathetic winning performance at home against ASA, winning 11 – 2. Jay Elliott scored four, Michael Ryder three and one each from Alex Donkor Junior, Josh Robinson, Jerome Morris and Simeon Peter completed a profitable day for them. It was also a good day for Lymore Gardens Reserves who moved up into fourth place in the table as they overtook opponents Melbourne Sports with a 3 – 1 win at Fairlop Oak. Kevin Monteiro, Warren Isoka and Omani Green were the men who found the back of the net with their efforts seeing Lymore record win number ten this season.

Tenth placed Flyers Under 23s made it three wins for the season in their penultimate game as they came from behind to take home the points with a terrific second half performance against Glendale. Josh Adeojo’s solo effort had given the Dales a 1-0 half time lead but capitulation in the second half, coupled with a vastly improved Flyers performance saw the visitors win the game 4 – 2, despite Attila Szabo also netting for the hosts.

On an adjacent pitch, promotion chasing Royal Forest Reserves saw their title hopes all but extinguished as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw against Together United. Together led through Fifi Banin’s strike but a Josh Trainor leveller in stoppage time rescued a point that, mathematically, does keep them in the race but now out of their hands.

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DIVISION FOUR

Both of the leading sides in Division Four were in action over the weekend with Sporting Pillars travelling to Romford to face a Flyers Under 21s side who had ended their cup hopes earlier in the month. It was a league clash this time but, once again, there will be disappointment in the visitors camp as Max Wellard’s goal for Flyers meant they took a point, Rayan Allam striking the Sporting goal in a 1 – 1 draw. That result could have been terminal for their league hopes but Chingford Harriers, presently sitting top, had a battle of their own at Peter May with Emerson & Upminster A the visitors ahead of their own cup tie. Neither side was able to find the back of the net as a 0 – 0 draw was recorded at full-time, Harriers therefore maintaining a one point lead with one game to go for both of the top two sides.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 29 – Sat 19 Mar) [EAL 21-22 21.3.22]

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 respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 19 March. 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]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 19 March

COUNTY CUP

It was another great afternoon in outside competitions for our clubs as FC Petrocub returned to the London Junior Cup final for the second time in successive seasons with a 2 – 1 win away at Yorxeter on Saturday. Many congratulations to Adrian and his team who, I’m sure, will want to go one better than last year and lift the trophy. They take on London Hibernian in the showpiece final on Friday 29^th April at Haringey Borough FC.

FENTON CUP

Another side just a game away from a showpiece final of their own is Frenford A who have made the draw for the semi-final of the Fenton Cup with a terrific away victory, defeating Crookz United 4 – 1 to book their place. Goals from Callum Alexander, Tiwa Owifuwa, Isima Iguisi and Omotola Oyerokun were enough to confirm a home semi final against top flight side, Rapid Chingford in coming weeks.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

The Senior Division Cup action also continued at the weekend with Tower United looking to cause a surprise as they entertained leaders DTFC at Mabley Green. In an extremely close game, it took just a single goal to separate the sides and that moment went to Bailey Hossack of DTFC who netted to put his side through 1 – 0 into the semi-finals.

DIVISION ONE CUP

A similarly close Division One Cup quarter-final was witnessed over in Wanstead where a local derby game saw Something From Nothing make the short trip to Barkingside A with both sides looking to continue cup quests. A tight game ended 2 – 2 with Josh Rowe and Sebastian Ramirez scoring for the hosts meaning a dreaded shootout was required and it was hosts ‘Side held their nerve in that, going through 7 – 6 to now face Wanstead in the last four.

DIVISION TWO CUP

Three out of four semi-final places are now secured in the Division Two Cup where Rainham Working Mens Club booked themselves into another semi-final after a solid 3 – 1 victory away at Redbridge Community at Castle Green. Nathan Wilson scored twice and Josh Perry grabbed the other to put their side into a last four place against Loughton Lions.

It was a tense affair in the other quarter final where Unitey were the visitors to Hainault to take on Fairlop Rovers with the sides combining to produce a 1 – 1 draw at full-time as Harry Rouse netted for Rovers and Peter Spencer struck for Unitey. Despite a recent shootout success for Rovers, it was Unitey this time who held their nerve to win it 3 – 2 and progress on.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was quarter finals day for two of Division Four’s leading clubs as Chingford Harriers took on Fairlop Rovers Reserves at Peter May, going in search of a semi-final spot against Emerson & Upminster A. With the sides finishing locked at 1 – 1 at full-time, Gerard O’Hara netting for the hosts, a third shootout of the day was required and Harriers held their nerve to win it 4 – 3 from the spot to put them into the semi-finals.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results affecting both ends of the Senior Division table, firstly as Jolof Sports lost ground on the sides above as they fell to defeat against third placed Lymore Gardens in their clash in Leyton. Ryo Brown and Tyrique Peters both struck for Lymore to see them walk away 2 – 1 victors and move third in the standings. At the other end of the table, Chigwell Town’s late quest to avoid the drop got a massive boost with an away victory against fellow strugglers Blue Marlin in the Hainault derby match. A goal apiece from Phorell Brooke and Harry Tew-Robinson were enough to edge them to a 2 – 1 win, taking them off of the bottom for the first time in a while and just three points adrift of safety with seven games to go.

The other top flight game also saw plenty of entertainment as FC Baresi and Kit Out London combined for a nine goal thriller at the Britannia, the hosts coming out 5 – 4 winners by full-time. Bashir Ali struck a hat-trick and Ali Shikheey scored twice with Marlon Ortiz netting a hat-trick in reply for Kit Out and Rio Mudhar-Hedley once, those efforts proving in vain in the end.

PREMIER DIVISION

Wapping missed the chance to go top of the table at the weekend as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw away at Oakside to keep them sitting second in the standings with a game to go. Andy Adomakoh struck for the hosts but Wapping were able to score one of their own as the sides settled for a share of the spoils by full-time. The other game came from East Ham where London Cranes were the hosts and up against a North East Lions side playing their final league game of the campaign. Cranes started the day six points adrift of their opponents but they had cut that to three by full-time as Mathius Sendawula scored to help his side win 2 – 1, despite a Taylor Mitchell goal for the visitors.

DIVISION ONE

The headline game in Division One came from Newbury Park where the top two, Cowley Community and Belfry, faced off once again, the former knowing that a win was the only outcome that would put significant pressure on the leaders. But a dramatic last few minutes put paid to their efforts as Belfry scored late on to win it 3 – 1 with Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Kieran James netting. That result enabled a couple of sides to close the gap on the promotion places with Ilford Reserves surge up the table continuing on the back of a solid victory away at Kwanzas London Sport where they were 3 – 0 winners. Rhys Clements, Abdul Cheraitia and Joseph Sulola all got on the scoresheet to keep their side placed for a promotion push.

Fourth placed RCXI are similarly well placed to pounce on any slip ups by sides above as they made no mistake with their win against Forest Green, winning 6 – 0 on the road to take the points home with them. Daniel Williams and Michael Temitayo both scored twice with Tosin Blacky and Oluwaseun Koya also finding the back of the net.  Over at the Marshes, a close game between Francis Luke and Newham Wanderers saw the sides separated by just a single goal, despite Wanderers holding an eighteen point advantage over their opponents. But it was Wanderers who strolled away with three points with Mahein Zaman netting that only goal to win it 1 – 0.

DIVISION TWO

The Division Two matches both saw goal-filled contests with Ryan Under 23s adding to their points tally with a three-point haul in Hainault against FHN Athletic. Ryan were 4 – 2 winners on the day, completing an eighth league win of the season and moving level on points with their opponents in the process too. The other game in the division saw a combined seven goals as Loughton Lions were the visitors to Royal Forest for a local IG10 derby fixture. The two teams started the day just three points apart but that was increased to six by full-time as Royal Forest won the game 5 – 2 to pick up win number seven this season.

DIVISION THREE

FC Baresi Under 23s have returned to the top of the table in Division Three as they took full advantage of the previous leaders being out of action to move top themselves, with a game in hand, after a 5 – 3 win at home against Melbourne Sports. Zach Aliane was in fine form, striking a hat-trick with Joshua Adu and Tayyab Mahmood also on target to keep them in pole position.

It’s as you were in the middle of the table as Together United remained fifth with a 4 – 1 home win at the weekend as they beat ASA at Peter May. That victory puts them just a point behind the Mels with a game in hand, that being Together’s ninth league success of the season following elevation over the summer. Lymore Gardens Reserves remain level on points with Together but with an inferior goal difference though they did boost that somewhat with a solid win against second bottom Flyers Under 23s on Saturday, winning 5 – 2 at King George’s in Romford to confirm a ninth win of their own.

Over in Hainault, bottom of the table Terin will be pleased with their efforts as they secured just their second ever win, defeating Glendale at Fairlop Oak with a late goal. The Dales will rue a host of missed chances before being punished to the fullest extent, Okey Obialo following up on a defensive error to net the only goal of the game in a 1-0 scoreline.

DIVISION FOUR

There was a huge twist in the race for the title in Division Four on Saturday as Dagenham United Reserves pulled off a huge win, defeating second placed Sporting Pillars 3 – 2 at Castle Green to put the race back into Harrier hands. Dagenham’s win was their eighth of the season which leaves Sporting a point off the top with two games left to play in what is sure to be a dramatic conclusion. Cup finalists, Flyers Under 21s, kept their strong momentum push going with a 2-1 away win against Newham & Havering Borough at the weekend, retaining their hold on fourth spot going into the last couple of fixtures. Jake Atherton and Luke Foster both came off the bench to score with Alexander Gerada striking the Borough goal in reply.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 23 – Sat 5 Feb) [EAL 21-22 8.1.22]

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 respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 5 February. 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- Saturday 5 February

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

There was a shock in another of the Senior Division Cup first round clashes where bottom of the table Chigwell Town followed up their victory in the league last time out by sending Leyton Royal out of the cup. Ellis Morgan was the scorer of the game’s only goal, his effort sending Town through 1 – 0 to a quarter final away at Lymore Gardens.

SENIOR DIVISION

In the Senior Division action, DT FC got themselves back on the winning trail, bouncing back from last week’s disappointment to record a narrow victory by the odd goal away at FC Petrocub. Goals from Lewis Evans, new recruit Robbie Farrell and the returning Jermaine Francis were enough to take home the points from Noak Hill in a 3 – 2 scoreline. Chadwell Heath Spartans remain at the head of the chasing pack with a four point deficit to make up but done their best to keep the title challenge ongoing with a big home win, defeating Kit Out London 5 – 2 in Chigwell. Marlon Ortiz scored twice for London but Spartan goals from Meer Ishanzadeh, Michael Ramsay, Harry Payne, Jordan Thomas and Rashid Matabaro were decisive.

Jolof Sports missed the chance to break into the top four as they could only take a point back with them from their visit to Walthamstow to face FC Baresi, the sides ending 2 – 2 at the Britannia. Ali Shikheey and Paul Benfield both struck for the hosts as they moved up a place to seventh and into the top half. Mussa Jamanca and Mamadou Sene responded for Jolof there. In a crucial battle at the bottom to avoid the drop, Blue Marlin played host to fellow relegation threatened CSM London, the latter looking to make up for the disappointment of their last trip to Hainault. CSM started the game a point clear of the drop zone but CSM had extended that to four by full time, winning 2 – 1 courtesy of key goals from Leon Barnard and Ramone Senior. Lindsey Marsh got the solitary reply for Marlin.

PREMIER DIVISION

There were huge results affecting both ends of the Premier Division standings as second placed Dagenham United’s recent run of poor continued, going down to a 2 – 0 defeat against sixth placed Oakside. The victors kept up their push for the title thanks to a double from Kieren Huddart and they still have twelve games left in their season to complete the job, many more than that their closest rivals. That result also enabled Crookz United to move to within two points of the promotion places after they came through a tricky game away to Athletic Newham Under 23s. United were 3 – 2 winners at Flanders through a Stephane Trah brace and an Abdouaziz Jeng goal, taking their wins tally for the season to nine.

And there was a massive result for sides trying to avoid the drop as London Park City gave themselves a fighting chance as they scooped a first league win of the season, beating London Cranes 3-0 at Seven Kings High School, a result which moved them off of the bottom of the table though still eleven points adrift from safety.

DIVISION ONE

Belfry’s stranglehold at the top of Division One continues for another week as they confirmed a tenth straight league victory to keep their perfect record, defeating promotion chasing RC XI 3 – 1 in Aveley. It was a family affair on the scoring front with Solomon Ogunwomoju netting twice and Gabriel Ogunwomoju striking the other to help their side take the win. Eugene Duah got the solitary reply for RC. Just a couple of points behind, Cowley Community’s own push for silverware was maintained as they put in a winning performance against Forest Green over in Newbury Park. Cowley were 5 – 2 winners on the day as Lekan Bakare struck twice with Chris Wright, Michael Taylor and Rotimi Balogun also getting on the scoresheet.

Ilford Reserves have shot up into the top five of the standings as they won both games of a double header against Barkingside A in Wanstead. They were 4 – 0 victors in the first game as Joseph Sulola and Rhys Clements both scored twice to help them cruise to victory. Game number two was tighter but the Foxes were winners once again as Denzel Essuah-Mensah and Rhys Clements netted to finish it 2 – 0. There was a big win for Something From Nothing as their local derby game against Wanstead went their way, running out 3 – 1 winners to sit sixth in the table. Nicola Rapacchiani scored for the hosts but his efforts proved in vain, missing the chance to go third as SFN scored three of their own to pick up a fifth league win of the season.

A nine-goal thriller was witnessed over at Hackney Marshes where Francis Luke and their co-tenants Renegade played their part in a goal filled contest. Luke’s Jahvarn Steward scored a hat-trick and Brighton Tutalamon one but those efforts were not quite enough as Nana Baah (2), Mundhir Omar, Nathaniel Williams and Prince Eze struck to win the game 5 – 4 in Renegade’s favour. The division’s remaining game was another from the Flats which saw Kwanzas London Sport the visitors to take on Newham Wanderers, both sides occupying mid-table berths and separated by three points. That gap remained by full-time with the teams settling for a 2 – 2 draw with Robertson Morais notching both efforts for Wanderers.

DIVISION TWO

The top of the Division Two table couldn’t be tighter with one point separating the top four sides. Fairlop Rovers closed the gap on the leaders to just a point but had their work cut out, edging a nine-goal thriller at home to Redbridge Community over in Hainault. Rovers were 5 – 4 winners despite Redbridge goals from Opeyemi Salami, Melanijus Butkus, Frankie Francis and Dylan Broadley. Top of the table Old Esthameians slipped to a third league defeat of the season as Ryan Under 23s exacted revenge for a defeat earlier in the season to take home the points in a 3 – 1 win at Wadham Lodge. Their goals came from Pooya Karimi, Mekhi Charles-Armstrong and Jedd Coster. That was Ryan’s fifth win the competition this season while E’s missed the chance to extend their lead at the summit.

There was also a defeat for second placed Unitey who were on the road ono Saturday with a trip to Debden to take on Loughton Lions but returned empty handed with Lions’ recent form from the cup extending to the league as they picked up a 2 – 1 win. That was the host’s fourth league victory as they attempt to move clear of relegation difficulties. Another key result saw Royal Forest shoot up to seventh in the league standings as they took down fourth placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves in Loughton. Martin Cannon fired in two goals, Jonathan Hick and Joe Meader also netting. Ross Braybrooke and Archie Pitfield struck for Emerson in reply with their consolation efforts as Forest won the game 4 – 2.

The biggest winners in the division were Rainham Working Mens Club who managed to find the net with regularity during an 8 – 1 away win at Newbury East over at Oaks Park. Two goals apiece from Nick Tormey, Scott Gormer and Sean Tormey led the way with Cameron Shakes and Charlie Perry efforts finishing things off. Christian Autunno scored the East consolation goal in reply. Fifth placed FHN Athletic enhanced their promotion credentials as one of only two winning sides in the top five on Saturday, defeating eleventh placed St Francis with a 3 – 0 win in Hainault. That was the host’s eighth league win and, with games in hand, could climb to second in the coming weeks if they can convert those to victories.

DIVISION THREE

The big result in Division Three came from Walthamstow on Saturday as Together United pulled off one of the biggest results of the season to end Royal Forest Reserves’ long unbeaten run in the league, defeating the title contenders 5 – 2. Tom Alexander scored twice for the Trees but those goals were not enough to get anything from the contest. Old Barkabbeyans Reserves took full advantage of that slip by a rival club to return to the top as they exacted some revenge for dropping points last time out against Buckhurst Way by beating them 5 – 0 this time around. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick with Luke Harradine and Mitchell Day efforts giving the leaders an eleventh win of the season.

Just a point behind Old Barks are FC Baresi Under 23s who moved into second place following the weekend’s results, coming through a comfortable home victory against Terin at the Britannia. Leo Siki scored a hat-trick, Joshua Adu scored twice and one each from Zach Aliane and Kii Jean-Baptiste confirmed a 7 – 0 win for the host club. Sitting three points off the top three, Lymore Gardens Reserves will potentially still have some impact on who finishes in the promotion places and got back to winning ways this weekend with a 3 – 1 away win over ASA at Hackney Marshes. That result, Lymore’s ninth of the season moved their points tally onto twenty-eight.

Fifth placed Melbourne Sports are not too far back themselves after a difficult spell of form but they were in fine goal scoring form on Saturday, putting seven goals past Flyers Under 23s in a 7 – 1 win for the Mels. Ethan Sowonola scored for Flyers but his effort was not quite enough as the hosts walked away comfortable winners.

DIVISION FOUR

Matching the two divisions above for its closeness, it’s one point separating four in Division Four also where Fairlop Rovers Reserves cut the gap at the top to just goal difference on Chingford Harriers as they won 4 – 1 in Walthamstow. Nick Shawyer scored for Harriers but the leaders’ luck ran out as Rovers were victorious. That result means that Sporting Pillars are in pole position for the title and sit just a point off the lead, with a game in hand, following a big 7 – 1 win away at Newham & Havering Borough as they reigned supreme in Dagenham. A Rayan Allam hat-trick, Emanuel Jacob brace and efforts from Daniel Gutierrez and Ousmany Dibaga were more than enough, Andrew Elie striking Borough’s consolation.

Fourth placed Flyers Under 21s missed the chance to go top of the table after they were held to a rare goalless draw in their game away to ninth placed West Essex Under 23s. The teams were unable to breach each other’s defences, taking away a point apiece to put a dent in Flyers’ promotion push, that being West’s fourteen point this season. In fifth place, Dagenham United Reserves got back to winning ways as they closed the gap on the four sides above to three points, coming away winners from a closely fought home game against Avondale Rangers at Castle Green. Blaijan Kitufueni scored for Rangers but United goals from Lucas Pereira and Imad Khan confirmed a 2-1 win for their side.

COUNTY CUP

The league will have it’s first representation in the semi finals of the BBC Essex Premier Cup as Woodford East returned home from their trip to Tiptree Heath with a dramatic 5-2 win. East fell behind in the first minute but battled back to hold a half-time lead then withstood a Heath fightback before scoring twice late on. They will now head on to face Clapton Community in the semi finals next month, one game away from the final.

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Fixtures – Saturday 12 February

EAL Senior Division

Chadwell Heath Spartans v Lymore Gardens | Chigwell Hall

Chigwell Town v Woodford East | London Marathon Sports Ground

CSM London v FC Baresi | West Ham Community Ground [3G]

Leyton Royal v Kit Out London | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

Rapid Chingford v DT FC | Lakeside Sports Ground

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EAL Premier Division

All Prospects v Athletic Newham U23 | Fairlop Oak

London Cranes v Oakside | Flanders Playing Fields

North East Lions v Frenford A | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow

Wapping v Dagenham Utd | Victoria Park, E9

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 22 – Sat 29 Jan) [EAL 21-22 1.2.22]

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 respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 29 January. 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

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Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 29 January

FENTON CUP

The penultimate name was placed in the hat for the quarter finals of the Fenton Cup and it saw a big derby match between two rivals as Rapid Chingford were the visitors to Hainault to take on Leyton Royal. Despite Royal holding a small advantage in the league, it was Rapid who put themselves into the last eight, winning 2 – 0 courtesy of goals from Darwin Romero and Andrei Boga. They will face Barkingside A in the next round in February.

FENTON TROPHY

The Fenton Trophy quarter finals also saw a game between two big rivals, just a few pitches away, as Division Two’s Fairlop Rovers and Loughton Lions both produced enigmatic performances in front of a sizeable crowd. The two sides couldn’t be separated in ninety minutes with the game ending 2 – 2, with Jake Roberts & Tom Ratican netting for Lions. And it was Lions who pulled off a big of a shock win in the shootout, overcoming a fifteen point deficit to win it 3-2 from the spot. They head on into the semi finals of the competition.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

In the first round of the Senior Division Cup, there was a five goal thriller in the game over at the County Ground where Lymore Gardens were hosts to a Blue Marlin side looking for improved cup form. A close game was edged by the hosts with Ryo Brown, Gracia Muhemba and Andre Rashford goals seeing their side win 3 – 2 to make the quarter finals. Ni Acquaye’s brace was not enough prevent the visitors exiting here.

DIVISION THREE CUP

The cup excitement extended to the day’s Division Three Cup tie too as Glendale played host to Lymore Gardens Reserves at Fairlop Oak. An entertaining game saw Lymore lead three times through goals from Eugene Goumou (2), Daniel Crowie and Omani Green. But the Dales fought back on each occasion to force spotkick as Attila Szabo (2), Valter Correia and Mohammed Gueye efforts made it 4 – 4. Glendale prevailed 5 – 4 in the shootout to book their place in the quarters.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results at the summit of the Senior Division as Woodford East kept their hat in the ring for the league title with a key victory against DTFC at the Marshes. A goal apiece from Frank Glock and William Letchford for East ended DT’s long unbeaten record with Mickey Mesmin’s effort proving just consolation in a 2 – 1 scoreline, though they do remain top. Jolof Sports also had an afternoon to remember with a crucial win of their own over a title rival as they defeated Chadwell Heath Spartans in a 5 – 1 scoreline at Flanders. Meer Ishanzadeh netted his first Spartans goal but Papa Ndiaye was in fine form for the hosts, scoring a hat-trick, to go with goals from Fode Diakhite and Yan Manzan.

There were some fine victories for the division’s two bottom sides as they continued their quest to avoid the drop with Chigwell Town taking home the points against CSM London in a 4 – 1 win, dragging their opponents back into the dogfight. Ross Chimes scored twice with further efforts from Mark Howe and Lewis McGillicuddy taking them home. Jayden Mitchell-Brown grabbed the CSM goal in reply but his efforts proved in vain. It was victory also for second bottom Tower United who picked up a critical third league win of the season with victory at home against mid-table Kit Out London in a 3 – 0 scoreline. Abdi Mohamed netted twice and Abubakar Maxamed scored the other for the Mabley Green based side as they put themselves to within four points of safety.

PREMIER DIVISION

It was the battle of the top two in the Premier Division on Saturday with Dagenham United making the trip to Ilford to take on leaders, Frenford A, in a huge game for those title chasing sides. And it will be the leaders who walked away the happier of the teams as they earned themselves a 3 – 0 win  through goals from Joel Opara (2) and Carlos Barahona to open up a three point gap at the top. Third placed Wapping ensured they moved to within a point of the second place after they came through a potentially tricky game against an in-form North East Lions side who sit just a couple of places below. A close game was settled by the odd goal with Wapping goals from Kamrul Ahmed and Muhammad Mikaeel overcoming Shane Thomas’ goal for Lions in a 2 – 1 scoreline.

With games in hand over the top three, Crookz United sit just outside the promotion places presently but kept their excellent run going with a thumping 6 – 1 away win against London Park City at Seven Kings High School. A terrific five goal performance from Abdouaziz Jeng was the difference, Stephane Trah scoring the other to make it eight league wins for United. Sixth placed Oakside were also in scintillating form on Saturday with a big away victory in their local derby game against co-tenants All Prospects at Fairlop Oak, putting them to the sword in a 10 – 0 scoreline. Luke Caston scored four for ‘Side, Mohammed Hassan added two with Freddie Anderson, Jed Ofori, Andy Adomakoh and Kieren Huddart goals completing a comfortable win.

London Cranes have moved themselves into mid-table after picking up a home win on Saturday against ground neighbours, Athletic Newham Under 23s. They were 2 – 0 victors to make it five wins for the season with Arafat Lubega the man on target for both goals to move his side up two places in the standings to seventh.

DIVISION ONE

Belfry have returned to the top of Division One on the back of the weekend’s results, scooping a big 11 – 2 home win against Forest Green to top the table on goal difference. Kieran James was in super form, scoring four for the hosts, Ryan O’Connell and Gabriel Ogunwomoju bagging twice each, with Lewis Prainer, Luke MacDonald and Daniel Osborne finishing things off. That change at the top also came about after second and third met in another big game at Fords where Cowley Community were looking to make up ground against RCXI who themselves have been in good form. And it was county cup semi-finalists, Cowley, who assured themselves of another crucial victory with Michael Taylor and Chris Wright scoring for them in a 2 – 0 win.

There were some important wins for the mid-table sides as Newham Wanderers pushed themselves up into sixth place in the standings after edging a close game away at Barkingside A. Goals from Amir Gurji, Malam Injai and Robertson Morais were the difference for Wanderers as they won the game 3-2, ‘Side remaining in the bottom two as a result. Just a point behind Newham, Ilford Reserves put a fifth win of the season on the board at the weekend with a solid 2 – 0 home win against Renegade over at London Marathon. Goals by Joseph Sulola and Mario Lipetz forThe Foxes kept them in the mid-table mix, taking their points tally to fifteen while Renegade stay tenth with eleven points from their fourteen games so far.

Just a couple of points further back sits Kwanzas London Sport who started the day six points behind their opponents, Something From Nothing, as those teams met at the Flats. But by full-time, Kwanzas had reduced that deficit to just three points as they beat their top-half opponents by the odd goal in a 2 – 1 victory, Antonio Semedo coming off the bench to score twice. A dramatic high-scoring draw rounds off the division’s action which saw Francis Luke take on high-flying Wanstead at the Marshes on Saturday. The sides combined to produce six goals as Luke took home a crucial point against their lofty opposition with Louison Kamba, Ramar Roberts and Adam Rowe all netting for them in a 3 – 3 scoreline.

DIVISION TWO

Old Esthameians are the new leaders on Division Two following the weekend’s results as they took advantage of the situation to record a big 5 – 1 home win against one of the other promotion contenders, FHN Athletic. That was E’s tenth league win of the campaign and puts them top on goal difference with games in hand too.

The division’s only other win on the day was earned by Royal Forest who continued their journey away from relegation difficulties with an away victory against St Francis at Wanstead Flats. Forest were 5 – 2 winners on the day to take their wins tally to five with still nine games for them to play this term. Forest’s goals came from Joe Meader (2), Joe Owers, Charlie Palline and Joshua Kane.  The other three games all ended in draws with previously top of the table Unitey being held to what looked to be an entertaining 4 – 4 draw against tenth placed Redbridge Community, that being a vitally important point for the relegation threatened side. Bubintende Masadi was once again in fine form, scoring a hat-trick for Unitey, though it proved not quite enough to force victory.

Two more of the top half sides were up against each other over in Upminster where Emerson & Upminster Reserves saw the visit of Rainham Working Mens Club, the sides proving well matched in the game. A Tobi Onafeko effort for Emerson was equalled by Joshua Iyen’s strike for Rainham to ensure both teams walked away with a point in a 1 – 1 draw. Over at Hainault Rec, there was a crucial game for hosts Newbury East who were searching for some improved league form against eighth placed Ryan Under 23s. The sides started the day twelve points apart and that was how it remained by full-time with the game ending 2 – 2, Abdurahman Hassan and George Montgomery both netting for East.

DIVISION THREE

Royal Forest Reserves have hit the top in Division Three as they took advantage of results around them to move clear on just goal difference, beating Melbourne Sports at Fairlop in a big game for both clubs. Luc Harpon struck for the Mels but Trees responded with efforts from Dodou Lette, Tom Alexander and Will Asenso to win the game 3 – 1. Just a point behind the leaders, FC Baresi Under 23s had a battle on their hands on Saturday as they came from behind to earn a crucial win with a 4 – 2 victory against Together United in a local derby match. Baresi goals from Zach Aliane, Daniel Adutwum, Marco Perkola and Leo Siki eventually enabled their side to win the game and remain unbeaten as a result.

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves missed the chance to stay top of the table after they dropped points from their trip to seventh placed Buckhurst Way at Bancroft Rugby Club. Kacper Kasprzycki and Robbie Osborne both got on the Old Barks scoresheet but Liam Wallis and Tom Richardson notched for the hosts to ensure they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Over at Oaks Park High School, hosts Terin were looking to recreate their performance from their first win last week but faced the challenge of mid-table ASA. And it was the visitors who came through the game in relative comfort, winning 5 – 2 with Jubayed Miah scoring twice, Ramanan Selvarasa, David Rigby and Irfan Bahadur also netting. Edmund Adade and Ali Mohammed were the Terin scorers in reply.

DIVISION FOUR

There were some huge results at the top of Division Four on Saturday with Flyers Under 21s moving to within two points of the leaders as they defeated top of the table Chingford Harriers in a big 4 – 1 scoreline. Dave Birchnall struck for Harriers but Flyers goals for Bradley McPharlane, Sam Maydell, Jamie Randall and Paul Garrett-Hammond mean this race goes on. Sporting Pillars were the other side to benefit from that first result as they closed the gap on the top two to just two points, with games in hand, to ensure they remain firmly in control of their destiny. They were comprehensive 8 – 2 winners against Dagenham United Reserves, Rayan Allam scoring four for this side along with braces from Emanuel Jacob and Daniel Gutierrez. Cain Dash scored twice in reply for the visitors.

Third placed Fairlop Rovers Reserves missed the chance to cut the gap on the promotion places themselves as they slipped to defeat against an in-form Emerson & Upminster A who built upon their recent cup success by adding a 4 -3  league victory here. Tyler Huggett scored twice and Martin Gray put the gloss on the result to move their side seventh. In the battle of the two sides at the wrong end of the table, there was a rare but important success for Newham Royals who made up one of their games in hand with victory at home against West Essex Under 23s. Matthew Horan scored for West but his goal was just consolation in the end as Royals won 2 – 1 to make it three wins for the season.

COUNTY CUP

Last year’s London Junior Cup finalists, FC Petrocub, are just two performances away from recreating that feat as they came through a tough away day trip to south London to take on Chelsea Rovers on Saturday. But they returned home buoyed by a 3 – 0 winning performance to set up a last eight tie away once again versus Old Plymouthians.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Cup Round-up (Wk 4 – Sat 1 May) [EAL 20-21 4.5.21]

Hello and welcome to a guest blog, going through the action in the Essex Alliance League Cup groups on Saturday 1st May, My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL  [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League – Saturday 1 May

 
GROUP A

The race for the Group A silverware remains well poised with FC Petrocub holding a two point gap at the top, helped by a big 6 – 1 win on Saturday away at Rapid Chingford. Vasilica Ilie led the visitors on with a treble here, to which Nicolai Gutu added a brace. Ghenadie Moisei also chipped in with the other goal in this big win which saw the visitors make it three wins from three and in pole position in the group going into their two huge remaining fixtures.

One of those will be against second-placed Lymore Gardens next week and Lymore warmed up for the huge showdown with a comfortable win of their own, ending West Essex Reserves’ hopes of silverware with a 3 – 1 victory. Andre Rashford, Dylan Roberts and Tyrique Peters grabbed the winning goals.

With games in hand, DT FC still have both of the leading sides to play away from home and kept up their hopes with a big home win as they beat FC Baresi 5 – 0 at the Harlow Arena. Carlos Simao notched twice here, with Jermaine Francis, Ayrton Coley and Steve Domfeh also on target to give the hosts a first win in the competition and, with three games still to go, can they chase down the leading pack?

GROUP B

Group B was thrown wide open at the weekend after a huge result in Noak Hill saw Kit Out London keep their unbeaten record in tact by beating another previously unbeaten side, Woodford East. Jay Stavri scored for East but a Erik Rusnak brace in reply added to Sami Bessadi’s goal to make it 3 – 2 to the Kit side.

Chigwell Town returned to contention at the top end of the standings after an impressive 4 – 2 victory at home against Tower United to dent the latter’s hopes. Ross Chimes scored two with Mark Howe and Modestas Dainuskas netting the others to render Tower goals from Abdi Abdikarim and Abubakar Maxamed as just consolation.

And in the group’s remaining fixture, Chadwell Heath Spartans opened their wins account in the group as they picked up a huge 5 – 1 win against higher league opposition, CSM London. Antonio Azevedo scored for CSM but a Rashid Matabaro hat-trick and goals for Rob Hodgson and Miguel Martins rounded things off for Spartans.

GROUP C

Four sides will go into the final weekend of Group C fixtures with hopes of silverware but it’s unbeaten Frenford A who hold the advantage after their beat now second-placed North East Lions 5 – 3 on Saturday to go top. Lorenc Hoxha, Romelle Pile and Chad-Troy Payne goals proved not quite enough for the Lions. Among the scorers for the Frenford developmental side were Gabriel De Souza Dias, Daniel Francis, Isima Iguisi and Joel Opara.

London Park City and Kwanzas London Sport are the other two sides with an outside chance but will require a significant goal difference swing after they could only finish level at 1-1. Antonio Semedo scored the hosts goal but City scored one themselves to send them into a showdown with the leaders next weekend.

In the battle between the fifth and sixth placed sides, Belfry earned their first points of the group after they secured victory in Dagenham against Francis Luke. Jose Nelson Da Silva scored for Luke but three Belfry goals from Gabriel Ogunwomoju, Daniel Osborne and Louis Window were enough to earn a 3 – 1 win for the hosts.

GROUP D

Two sides remain locked at the top in Group D as Unitey and Dagenham United, both sides sporting unbeaten records, met in Loughton on Saturday. With both having won all three games, it was perhaps no surprise to see this one finish level. Brandon Fulton scored twice for Unitey with Sean Kettle and Charlie Fiander goals ensuring it ended 2 – 2 to see this group go to the wire.

Third-placed Cowley Community, a point back, remain poised to sweep up if results go their way and they ensured they will remain interested on the last day as Chris Wright and Mark Farinha efforts gave them a 2 – 1 win against Chingford Athletic A. Sam Matthews scored the Chingford goal in reply.

GROUP E

In Group E, the first silverware was mathematically confirmed with Fairlop Rovers confirmed as group winners after Loughton Lions could only pick up a point on the road at Old Barkabbeyans Reserves. The Lions had two goals from William Osmond and one from Jay Lutman to thank for keeping them in the contest but two Michael Ryder goals and a Josh Robinson strike help Old Barks pick up a first point as the game ended 3 – 3.

The group’s other action came from Newbury Park where the other side with outside hopes, Glendale, saw their hopes ended despite fighting back from conceding early  against Old Esthameaians to lead through two Wesley Kanga goals. But goals from Neil Robinson and Danny Harris saw the tie finish at 2 – 2 on the day.

GROUP F

The drama in Group F will go to the final set of matches with three sides still in with a shout. Royal Forest Reserves are in pole position following a hard fought away win at Emerson United Reserves over the weekend as goals from Tom Alexander and Will Asenso carried their side to a 2 – 0 victory in Upminster.

Custom House United will hope for a Royal slip on the final day after they kept their hopes alive with a big 7 – 1 win at home against Eastern Avenue. Jamie Wooster was in fine form here with a hat-trick, with further goals arriving through Bobby Devlin, Paul Stringer, Robert Wooster and Tommy Douglas.

Chingford Harriers will require a lot of things to go their way to be putting hands on silverware but they will have a big say either way, coming through the Chingford derby contest against Lymore Gardens Reserves in a 3 – 0 scoreline. Paul Shawyer and Darnell Lamothe were on the scoresheet for the Harriers ahead of their showdown with the leaders next weekend.

GROUP G

In Group G, Collier Row A moved level on points with the top placed side in the group on the back of a big 7 – 1 Row victory against Dagenham United Reserves. Rahman Byjid scored for United but Tommy Mottram’s treble led an ensemble cast of scorers for Row which also included Joe Willson’s brace plus one each for Pete Adeleye and Jordan Reece-Peprah to leave them needing the leaders to drop points if they are to challenge.

Brentwood United Reserves have been creeping their way up the table in the last couple of weeks and could still have a big say in things, lying just two points off the leading teams. Their second win was secured as a double from Danny Walker and strikes from Alfie Wiseman and Tony Wyman assisted them to a 4 – 2 home win against Avondale Rangers on Saturday, a result which keeps them in touch.

LONDON JUNIOR CUP

Goals were the order of the day in the London Junior Cup where Jolof Sports’ chase for county cup glory continued with the visit of AFC Cubo Reserves to Dagenham on Saturday. An entertaining game saw Jolof run out 10 – 4 victors to become the third EAL club into the last sixteen where they face either West Fulham or Exeter Old Boys this month.

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Alliance League (Wk 8 – Sat 24 Oct) [EAL 20-21 26.9.20]

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.

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Alliance League & Cups (Wk 6 – Sat 10 Oct) [EAL 20-21 12.10.20]

Hello and welcome to a guest blog, going through the action in the five Essex Alliance League divisions plus action from the Cups on Saturday 10th October, along with the Olympian League & ESBL 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 10th October

SENIOR DIVISION

With a number of sides in county cup action this weekend, FC Baresi took full advantage of that to move four points clear at the top of the table, returning home from their trip to Newbury Park with all three points in a 2-0 win against Blue Marlin. Alfie Hatch and Denzel Conteh grabbed the all important goals to secure a fifth league win.

Over in Hainault, there was a second league win of the season for Chigwell Town who entertained Tower United. Abubakar Maxamed scored twice and Abdirahman Sabriye once for the visitors but braces from Ross Chimes and John Lye paved the way to Chigwell victory, with Joel Donnelly scoring the other goal in a 5-3 scoreline.

It was also a great afternoon for Rapid Chingford who picked up a crucial first win of the season to move them away from the bottom, seeing FC Petrocub slide to a second successive defeat after a perfect start. Bogdan Galan double and strikes from Dragos Aenasoaie and Andrei Boga were enough for Rapid, overcoming visitor goals from Vitalii Chiriac, Nicolai Gutu and Maxim Volosin in a 4-3 win.

DIVISION ONE

The title race remains interestingly poised in Division One with the top two sides both having won all five games so far. Leyton Royal extended their record but had to come through a tough contest away at Kwanzas London Sport as goals from George State and Bogdan Toana overcame an Antonio Semedo strike from the hosts in a 2-1 scoreline.

Remaining top on goal difference, Woodford East maintained their own great start as they took maximum points from their trip to London Park City. Callum Drummond, Matthew Stacey and James Collier goals proved enough on the day as they ended with a 3-1 win under their belts.

Moving up to fourth place are Eastside who made it two wins and a draw from their opening fixtures as they secured an important 6 – 2 home win against Francis Luke in a local derby. A brace apiece for Lawrence Amadi, Michael Dager and Junior Mandeng-Fotabong were sufficient for Side with Saico Djop and Joseph Mcnroe goals just consolation for FL.

North East Lions will be pleased with their efforts also as they scooped a second league win of the campaign with a victory at another local side in Wapping. A 4 – 3 win was secured by a Rweal Azizur hat-trick with Aaron Abbott grabbing the other to render strikes from Ashraf Ameer, Gracia Muhemba and Shamsun Noor as just consolation.

DIVISION TWO

Dagenham United remain top of Division Two but had to settle for a share of the spoils as they were held at 2 – 2 by previously bottom of the table Royal Forest. Ruben Silva and Lewis Bennett both got on the United scoresheet but Forest will have been pleased to secure a first point of the season to get their account underway.

Belfry are ominously poised to strike, just a point back from the leaders, and they made light work of their trip to Leyton to take on Forest Green. There were hat-tricks galore including one for debutant Jeremy Lynch, with Daniel Osborne and Sam Paterson equalling that effort. Luke Macdonald and Mujib Ayoola goals completed the scoring in a thumping 11 – 0 victory.

Sitting in third place, Cowley Community kept up their decent start to the new campaign with a closely fought home win against Unitey in Leyton. Aiden Gentle and Kyle Cargill goals were enough in the end to edge this encounter 2-1 with the visitors slipping to the bottom by full-time as they go in search of their first points.

Newham Wanderers are also sitting pretty with three wins from four so far after promotion and they took maximum points from their local derby game against St Francis, running out 3-0 winners at the Flats. Hamido Jalo, Marcelino Rodrigues and Bradley Harris found the back of the net for Wanderers to keep them in the hunt at the top end of the table.

It was also a good afternoon for Chingford Athletic A who have moved up to fifth in the table following a big 5-0 home win against Old Esthameians as the sides met at Town Mead. Eric Kelly’s rich vein of form continued with a hat-trick as Harry Miller and Shazad Edwards goals completed a deserved victory.

DIVISION THREE

In Division Three, it’s as you were at the top end of the table as FHN Athletic stay two points clear of the rest but had to come through a tough battle at home to Bailey Football Academy to take the points. Mustafa Burkhari and Fahd Umar goals kept Bailey interested but Athletic scored three times themselves to edge this one 3-2.

Over in Romford, Old Barkabbeyans Reserves kept up with the leaders but had to overcome a tough test themselves as they edged a five goal thriller against bottom of the table Flyers Under 23s. Klodian Meta scored twice and Sam Thompson once to help their side to an eventual 3 – 2 win in what was an improved Flyers performance.

Melbourne Sports remain third as they held off a comeback from Glendale, scoring twice late on to win it 5 – 3 after the hosts had fought back to 3 – 3. Alex Armah netted a Mels hat-trick with Jordan Green and Adnan Nuralt getting the other to render strikes from Enoch Apraku, Mohammed Gueye and Valter Correia as just consolation for the Dales.

Loughton Lions got back to winning ways this weekend as they put six goals passed a visiting Lymore Gardens Reserves side to secure a second league win in three. Will Osmond and George Bird swooped in with braces, Charlie Harper and Ryan Hazell scoring the others in a 6-1 scoreline.

ASA made their long awaited debut in the competition on Saturday as they made the trip to Barkingside to take on Fairlop Rangers. In the end, the two sides had to share the points as Saigeethan Senthan and Irfan Bahadur goals helped ASA to take a point in an eventual 2-2 draw, a result which was enough for Rovers to move sixth in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

Royal Forest Reserves’ return to league action was a successful one as they moved three points clear at the top of the table following a hard fought 2 – 0 home win against Dagenham United Reserves. Anayo Ukwunnah and Josh Trainor scored the two goals for Forest to keep their side unbeaten in the league so far.

Moving second in the standings, Together United picked up a second league win on Saturday, overcoming Brentwood United Reserves in Chadwell Heath in a 5 – 3 scoreline. Jake Southam, Connor Goom and Sam Bentley all found the net for Brentwood but a Stanley Kweya hat-trick and Fifi Banin brace brought it all Together for the visitors to take the points.

Collier Row A will have been pleased with their afternoon’s work as they made it two wins for the season over the weekend with a 4-1 win against Newham Royals. After such a difficult start, Row are now up to fifth in the table with Royal dropping to seventh as a result of that performance.

Completing the league action from Saturday, Emerson United Reserves were the hosts as Avondale Rangers visited Upminster in a mid-table battle. The game was closely fought and the teams had to settle for a point apiece with Adam Friend’s goal for Rangers equalled by a Sonny Scott goal for Emerson.

COUNTY CUP

It was a big county cup weekend for Essex clubs and in the Essex Junior Cup, three of our sides made safe passage into round two with West Essex Reserves proving comfortable 4 – 0 winners in their game against Toby Reserves and will now face fellow Senior Division side, Chigwell Town, next month.

Also making it through in impressive fashion were Jolof Sports who took on CSM London in the East Ham derby game and picked up a 4 – 1 win to book a second round clash away at Manford Way Reserves in November.

And they will be joined in the second round hat by Lymore Gardens who also had a home tie with Olympian League Dvision Five side Collier Row Reserves, with the visitors taking on an in-form Lymore side. They were 3-1 winners and secured a spot in round two against Leytonstone United. There was just the one defeat for our clubs as DTFC were edged out by Essex & Suffolk Border League Division One side Dunmow Town with Town winning 2-1 on the day to make the draw for the next round.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, there were two all-EAL ties completed as Division One side Chadwell Heath Spartans overcame Custom House United 7-2 to go through to the next round where they will face Harold Wood Athletic A next month. The other clash came from Ilford where, in the battle of the borough’s “A” sides, it was Barkingside A who came out on top, beating Frenford A 4-2 to book a clash at home to Glendale in the next round.