DT FC – survivor16b

S21-22 Match Report: DT FC 0 – 1 Rapid Chingford (Mon 23 May) [EAL Fenton Cup Final 24.5.22]

Essex Alliance League – Fenton Cup Final

Venue: Brisbane Road

Attendance: 400+

2021-22 Season: Match 87

Monday 23 May 2022 – 7.30pm KO

DT: Red Shirts, White Shorts & Red Socks

Rapid: Yellow Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts, Yellow Socks

Rapid put in hard-working defensive display to win the Fenton Cup

DT FC 0 – 1 Rapid Chingford

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

The last week of the Non-League season began with a return visit to Brisbane Road to see an interesting Fenton Cup Final between Essex Alliance League champions DT FC (soon to be renamed Cannons Wood ahead of next term) and Rapid Chingford, who finished eighth after a mixed league campaign. Rapid were buoyed by their travelling support, who had turned up in numbers and sang throughout this match.

The match began with DT looking to assert themselves in possession and build through the thirds, showing god build-up play. Stanley Green headed wide of the woodwork in the early phase of the match, but Rapid showed they were up for this Final with some good defending and some good moments on the counter-attack as well, looking to break quickly. Rapid did have the ball in the net around the twenty minute mark as a fine header by Catalin Anghel found the left corner, but the assistant’s flag was raised.

Rapid still admirably continued to press forward after their goal was disallowed, but DT were also showing why they had got past so many defences this season on their way to the League title, and the impressive Jermaine Francis struck a good effort on goal but DT’s principal problem was their final pass could not breach the Rapid backline often enough.

Rapid were growing in confidence as well and after an adjudged push in the penalty area, forward Andrei Boga stepped up to calmly convert the resulting spot-kick into the right-side corner to give them that crucial, if slender advantage at the interval. Just before the interval, DT skipper Chris Smith’s free-kick was straight at Popescu which signified his side’s frustration and inability to test the Rapid Chingford custodian.

Half-Time: DT 0 – 1 Rapid

The second half continued in a similar vein for DT, as Rapid continued to rebuff their attacking moves with diligent defending. Rapid were also still a threat on the counter too, with Daniel Tita making good runs down the right channel as well as fizzing in some good curling loss passes to the forwards. Seven minutes into the second half, Tita’s powerful strike was only narrowly over DT goalkeeper Alex Jennings’ woodwork.

Billy Cove’s team were also a threat from set-pieces, and midway through the half an in-swinging corner need Popescu to palm the ball away from immediate danger, and Popescu also gathered well from Smith’s decent strike, following-up on the volley. DT showed no lack of effort or spirit, much to their credit but were still finding chances hard to come by. DT forward Robbie Farrell also fired a long-range effort off-target. The minutes continued to ebb away and Rapid’s firm resistance continued and after the final whistle blew, the unadulterated joy started, which would continue long after the post-match Trophy presentation was complete.

Full-Time: DT FC 0 – 1 Rapid Chingford

To summarise this gritty but fairly good match, Rapid Chingford got the advantage that they needed and defended well against a DT side that couldn’t quite find their final pass into the forwards to really create too many chances on Popescu’s goal. Rapid also showed some good technical skills and were inspired by their exuberant travelling support, who really added to the occasion, waving their flags & singing their songs proudly. Popescu himself shows good handling skills in the Rapid goal and bolstered the confidence of his defence in front of him. DT showed good approach play and were decent in defence themselves, showcasing enough to suggest why they won the League title, but to use a common phrase in Sport, it just wasn’t their day here. Congratulations to Rapid Chingford on their triumph here, they did deserve their win here.

There were some good performances in this match. Beginning with victors Rapid, Andrei Boga not only converted the important penalty well but also showed good movement to keep the DT defence alert, while advanced midfielder Daniel Tita showed good technical skills, always looking up to find his forward line to start another counter-attack. Captain Bogdan Ivancia was the stalwart of the Rapid backline and typified his team’s defensive efforts, while goalkeeper Daniel Popescu also looked assured and snuffed out potential chances for the goal-hungry opposition forwards.

For DT, Jermaine Francis had a good game, breaking forward well and showing good passing and high work rate, with Stanley Green also doing well to get down the channels to set up crossing oppurtunities. Centre-back Ashley Campbell did well in defence to keep a lively Chingford forward line at bay, and skipper Chris Smith really drove his team on, particularly in the second half and show good work rate in both attack and defence.

Here are your winners, Rapid Chingford!

Teams

DT FC | Manager: Billy Cove | Assistant: Nick Jennings

Starting XI: 1 Alex Jennings (GK), 2 Adam Palmer, 15 Ashley Campbell, 17 Tremayne Coley, 21 Jacob Melford, 25 Cory Ugbonah, 29 Chris Smith (Capt), 7 Stanley Green, 22 Jermaine Francis, 18 Izaih Antoine, 11 Robbie Farrell

| Substitutes: 4 Mickey Mesmin, 14 Jake Kissiedu, 31 Sebastian Barford, 33 Steve Opoku-Domfeh

Booked: Farrell, Francis, Opoku-Domfeh

Rapid Chingford | Player-Manager: Florin Florea | Assistants: Bobaru Mircea & Bodgan Galan

Starting XI: 99 Daniel Popescu (GK), 20 Vlad Bucur, 4 Bogdan Ivancia (Capt), 11 Florin Ivancia, 6 Catalin Manea, 7 Dragos Aenasoaie, 8 Daniel Tita, 29 Sorin Tudose, 22 Catalin Anghel, 10 Andrei Boga, 17 Darwin Romero

Goal-scorer: Andrei Boga [pen 36′]

| Substitutes: 13 Claudiu Florea, 31 Ionut Labunt, 27 Zoltan Mihaly, 9 Bogdan Galan, 14 Federico Ardei

Booked: Tudose, Tita, Aenasoaie, Galan

Referee: Tony King
Assistants: Albert Forbes & Kyle Robertson

Fourth Official: Paul Roberts

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.

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.

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 33 – Sat 16 Apr) [EAL 21-22 19.4.22]

Action Still from Woodford East 0 – 2 Sungate in EPC Final on Wed 13 April [Image by Scott W]

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 16 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 16 April

COUNTY CUP

Wednesday night saw the much-anticipated conclusion of the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup competition where Woodford East were representing the league in the final against Sungate at Billericay Town’s New Lodge ground. Woodford had the best of the first half chances, shading the half. Sungate were much improved in the second period and took a lead with a great strike on the hour mark by George Johnson, holding onto their lead well and then netting a deserved second thanks to substitute Arif Mustapha just before the end as ‘Gate won 2-0 to lift the cup. East can hold their heads high after a wonderful run in the competition and not looking out of place in the final.

If you’ like more on this match, NonLeague writers Scott W & Pete Dudley were both in attendance, here are their reports

Scott: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/14/s21-22-match-report-woodford-east-0-2-sungate-epc-final-wed-13-apr/

Pete: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/sungate-2-woodford-east-0.html

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

There was further midweek action on Wednesday night as Lymore Gardens took on Chigwell Town in the quarter finals of the cup at Cricklefields. Lymore were in fine form and secured their place in the last four with a 4 – 0 winning performance, Richie Dorcas, Dylan Roberts and Alex Coster all getting on the score-sheet as they await the winner from the other last eight tie.

DIVISION ONE CUP

It was semi-final Saturday in the Division One Cup competition over the weekend as both games took place simultaneously, the first seeing Barkingside A looking to overcome indifferent league form in a local derby game against Wanstead. A seven goal thriller saw Ali Rajim score two and James Blewitt one for ‘Side but their efforts proved not quite enough as Wanstead responded through a Edson Lami treble & one from Segio Lourenco to win 4 – 3 and take their place in the final.

In the other semi-final, over in Dagenham, it was a battle between league champions Belfry and RCXI for the right to take on Wanstead in the final in May and this one also so a close game. But Belfry goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne were the difference in the end between the sides as the hosts won 2 – 0 to keep hopes alive of a league and cup double.

SENIOR DIVISION

A huge week in the Senior Division title race has seen DTFC put one hand on the coveted silverware after they produced a winning performance in a crucial trip to Chadwell Heath Spartans. A late, late goal was the only difference between the sides as Kazim Bishop netted that all important effort to win the game 1 – 0, moving them four points clear of the chasing pack. A win this Wednesday evening will be enough to see DT lift the crown.

The importance of that goal was emphasised even further as news came in from Noak Hill where Woodford East were in town to take on FC Petrocub, the Essex and London cup finalists meeting in a crucial league encounter. Connor Brathwaite found the back of the net for Woodford but Petrocub were in fine form ahead of their big occasion and netted twice to win the game 2 – 1, putting a huge dent in the title race.

Jolof Sports have moved up to fourth spot in the table with four games to go, leaping above Lymore Gardens following a hard fought 2 – 1 win away at Chigwell Town on Saturday afternoon. Joshua Kweifio-Okai and Papa Ndiaye both struck for Jolof with Ryan Gurry scoring the Town goal in reply as the hosts walked away with the points.

An important point was earned by Tower United in their battle to avoid the drop into the Premier Division as they took a share of the spoils in an exciting 3 – 3 draw away at Rapid Chingford over at Lakeside. Abdullah Jama scored a hat-trick in a fine performance but Sorin Tudose, Andrei Boga and Vlad Bucur goals ensured the hosts took a share of the spoils.

PREMIER DIVISION

The race for promotion into the National League System continues to hot up in the Premier Division with a key game on Saturday seeing Oakside taking on Crookz United in Collier Row. With games in hand, both sides still retain hopes of a top three finish but had to settle for a point each as the game finished in a 1 – 1 draw, keeping them fourth and fifth respectively.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, there was just the one game also as Cowley Community made the trip to east London to take on Kwanzas London Sport, the former knowing they still remain favourites for the runners-up position. But they didn’t get everything their own way and had to settle for a 1 – 1 draw with Anthony Conteh scoring for Cowley. They sit just a point outside of the promotion places with two games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

The title race is reaching a conclusion in Division Two as Fairlop Rovers moved to the cusp of silverware following a solid victory over the weekend, beating Newbury East 5 – 1 in Hainault. Sehraan Hussain struck for the visitors but Rovers scored five of their own, meaning they can win the league with a double header success next weekend. That outcome was made possible following an exhilarating game in Rainham where Redbridge Community secured a terrific three point haul with a 5 – 3 win against cup finalists, Rainham Working Mens Club. Sean Tormey scored twice and Cameron Shakes once but their efforts were not enough as Redbridge ran in five goals of their own to take the points.

There was another huge result at the bottom of the table where St Francis moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, picking up a fifth league win following a 3 – 0 away win at Fords against Old Esthameians. Skye Salmon, Martin Valkov and Abdullah Azizi were the Saints scorers for a vital points haul.

The division’s other game was another goal-filled encounter as Loughton Lions and Royal Forest met in Debden for a local derby game between two sides who know each other well. The sides shared six goals with the game ending in a 3 – 3 scoreline with Joe Meader netting twice for Forest & Joe Owers got the other goal. Lions moved to eleventh with four games left in their campaign while Royal Forest look comfortable in ninth.

DIVISION THREE

The huge game in Division Three saw FC Baresi Under 23s and Old Barkabbeyans Reserves battle it out for pole position in the race for the title. Old Barks started their final game with a four point advantage but an FC Baresi 6 – 4 success saw the latter put one hand on the trophy, now needing one victory from their last three games. Jay Elliott scored a hat-trick and Michael Ryder one for Old Barks with Joshua Adu (2), Maamoon Khan, Harrez Aliane, Zach Aliane and Hamza Shire all netting in reply.

Fourth placed Lymore Gardens Reserves gave themselves a great opportunity of holding on to that position come the end of the season as their second to last game of the campaign saw them secure a 4 – 1 win at Royal Forest Reserves in Hainault. Richard Grove scored for the hosts but four Garden goals courtesy of Warren Isoka, Rob Small, Tafari Miller and Raheem Sinclair were more than enough to take the points.

Together United are another side in with a shout of a top four finish this season as their penultimate league game saw them pick up all three points with an away success against Flyers Under 23s at King Georges. A 4-0 win was enough to add win number ten to their solid record this campaign and move to within two points of fourth spot.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 32 – Sat 9 Apr) [EAL 21-22 11.4.22]

Image from Woodford East v Chadwell Heath Spartans [Image by Scott W]

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 9 April

DIVISION TWO CUP

The first half of the line-up for the Division Two Cup Final is now confirmed after the weekend’s action as Rainham Working Mens Club made up for their other semi defeat to go through to this final with a 1 – 0 win away at Loughton Lions at Debden Park. The only goal of the game was scored by Charlie Perry whose goal took Rainham through to their fourth final with the competition.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the Division Three Cup quarter-final, the third of four semi-finalists was confirmed in as two of the division’s top sides, Royal Forest Reserves and FC Baresi Under 23s, met in Hainault for a place in the last four. The visitors, Baresi, were in good form once again as they rattled in a 5 – 1 victory with Joshua Adu scoring three alongside Harrez Aliane and Kii Jean-Baptiste scoring one apiece, overcoming a Will Asenso goal from the hosts.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was semi-final day for two clubs in the Division Four Cup competition where Chingford Harriers were the hosts to an Emerson & Upminster A side with both sides keen on a cup final appearance. A close game finished 1 – 1 with Darnell Lamothe netting for Harriers and Carl Holroyd for Emerson in reply. A dreaded shootout was needed to separate the sides and it was Harriers who won that 4 – 3 to take their place in the final next month.

SENIOR DIVISION

The last week has seen some big results in the Senior Division with Wednesday night’s action having seen Woodford East secure all three points from a trip to Cricklefields where they were facing Lymore Gardens. Adam Tabbani and Connor Brathwaite both scored twice for East with Gracia Muhemba and Teriq Roberts goals accounting for the Garden consolations in a 4 – 2 East success. NonLeague writer Peter Dudley was among those in attendance and here’s his report: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/lymore-gardens-2-woodford-east-4.html

On Saturday, the leadership of the division changed hands once again with DT FC taking advantage of results around them to go a point clear with a game in hand, coming out 4 – 1 winners away at Tower United. Alex Paraskeva scored twice with Izaih Antoine and Robbie Farrell grabbing the other goals to move back to the summit with three games to play. Just a few hundred yards away at the Marshes, another huge game saw Chadwell Heath Spartans in town to face hosts Woodford East. First-half Woodford goals from Callum Maltese and Connor Brathwaite proved pivotal in a 2 – 1 victory for them, despite an Aaron Hunwicks effort for Spartans, as East brought themselves very much into an intriguing three-way title race.

The Non-League writing duo of Scott W and Pete Dudley were both at this match, you can view their respective reports on the game here:

Scott W: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/s21-22-match-report-woodford-east-2-1-chadwell-heath-spartans-sat-9-apr-eal/

Peter D: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/woodford-east-2-chadwell-heath-spartans.html

Elsewhere in the Senior division, Blue Marlin’s late’s charge to safety is underway as they pulled off a terrific 3 – 1 success at home to fourth placed Lymore Gardens to give them a great chance of beating the drop. Macauley Harrington, Ni Acquaye and Scott Campbell all found the back of the net to help their side pick up some vital points, moving three clear of the side beneath them.

CSM London’s penultimate game of the season saw them take on FC Baresi, the game switched to Beckton. Bradley Soares’ effort had appeared to be enough to hand CSM a vital points haul of their own but for a late FC Baresi leveller to take the gloss off the performance somewhat, earning them a point in a 1 – 1 draw. CSM now sit five points above the relegation places with one last fixture to come.

In Hainault, Chigwell Town were in action against Rapid Chingford knowing that they desperately needed points on the board to move closer to safety but ended up on the wrong end of a five goal thriller as Rapid took all three points in a 3 – 2 success. Joe Creasey and Harry Tew-Robinson struck for Town but two Darwin Romero goals and a Tita Daniel goal sent the points home with the visitors. The division’s remaining game saw two sides comfortably in mid-table meet with seventh placed Kit Out London travelling to East Ham to take on fifth placed Jolof Sports. Papa Ndiaye scored twice for Jolof, a feat matched by Marlon Ortiz of Kit Out as the teams finished level at 2 – 2 to add a further point to each other’s tallies, Jolof remaining eleven points clear of their opponents.

PREMIER DIVISION

Following their recent confirmation of promotion, it’s now fully party time for Frenford A who wrapped up the league title outright with a 2 – 1 away success in their penultimate game of the season. London Cranes were the side on the wrong end of the result, Wisley Baltazar scoring both of the goals to put the gloss on a very fine season for the Ilford based side who will move up to Step 7 with confidence.

DIVISION ONE

Ilford Reserves’ late promotion charge continued on Saturday as they were able to take maximum points against Cowley Community, though the latter do still have plenty of games in hand to change that situation. The Foxes secured a 5 – 2 win as Luke Newbury-Neale scored two and one each from Rhys Clements, Rio Clements and Joseph Sulola, Chris Wright bagging both goals in reply for Cowley. Fifth placed Wanstead ensured they stayed in touch with the promotion matters with two games left to play, picking up all three points in their game against Renegades at the weekend, the latter’s final game of the campaign. A 4 – 2 success for Wanstead thanks to strikes from Zoltan Balogh, Jake Nicolas, Suhaib Abeid and Dan Gardner as they consolidated a top half finish with their tenth win of the campaign while Renegades must now wait to see if they can avoid the drop.

Something From Nothing also sit in a top half position with a couple of games to go as they won a local derby fixture against Forest Green in a 5 – 3 scoreline. That confirmed SFN’s eighth league success of their maiden season in Saturday football and know that one more win will be enough to finish sixth. Forest Green’s season is now over as they also keep an eye on events below them. Third placed RC XI will go into their last two games knowing that promotion is still a possibility but lost the chance to take full advantage of slips around them as they were only able to take a point from their twentieth game of the season, held by seventh placed Newham Wanderers. The sides went into the game with an eleven point gap but that remained the same as the game finished 2 – 2. Stephen Duberry and Michael Temitayo both scored for RC in this one.

A much improved campaign for Kwanzas London Sport is reaching a conclusion and the seventh placed side were up against relegation threatened Barkingside A at the weekend. ‘Side goals from Ebenezer Gyamerah and Jeffrey Osei kept them in the game but Kwanzas edged it by full-time to take a 3 – 2 win meaning they can finish no lower than eighth now.

DIVISION TWO

The race to avoid the drop in Division Two is really hotting up after the weekend’s results as St Francis had a day to remember, taking maximum points from a double header against third placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves. They edged the first contest 4 – 3, overcoming a Tobi Onafeko hat-trick with two from Abdullah Azizi and one each for Martin Valkov and Soumen Nandi. Game two saw Saints record an emphatic 6 – 1 success with Theo Jacobs-Aaron netting a hat-trick, Skye Salmon scoring two and Soumen Nandi rounding off a great day. They now sit just two points from safety with five games to play.

Over in Loughton, second placed Unitey were another leading side to drop points against lower opposition as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw against Ryan Under 23s who continued their late season charge with a point in their final game of the campaign. Bubintende Masadi scored both of the Unitey goals to keep his side in with a chance of a top two finish with one game to go.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves are the first side to confirm promotion from Division Three this season as they collected the points they needed from their penultimate game, defeating Together United in a comprehensive 8 – 2 scoreline. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick, Geovany Cruz and Jay Elliott both scored two with Mitchell Day finishing it off ahead of a possible title play-off game next weekend. The day’s other game was of equal entertainment as an in-form Buckhurst Way saw the visit of Terin to Bancrofts on Saturday. The hosts trailed 4-2 going into the latter stages of the game through Terin doubles from Alex Thomas and Jabir Malik, along with a Fahad Abdallah single. But they found a “Way” to take a point with the game finishing 5 – 5 incredibly.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four, the final game in the division this season saw Sporting Pillars go into their clash at Avondale Rangers knowing that a point or more would be enough to seal the title. Jake Clarke and Phillip Heinan netted for Rangers but those efforts were not enough to prevent Sporting winning the game 6 – 2, sealing the league title in the process. Congratulations to all involved with the team on their achievement!

End

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 31 – Sat 2 Apr) [EAL 21-22 4.4.22]

Chadwell Heath Spartans about to grab another goal this weekend [Image Credit: CH Spartans/ @ABridgeTooFar16]

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 2 April. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading. Image used is thanks to CH Spartans / @ABridgeTooFar16, Used with thanks.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 2 April

COUNTY CUP FINAL

The Essex Saturday Junior Trophy reached its conclusion on Friday evening at Heybridge Swifts where Cowley Community represented the league against Mid Essex side, Haver Town Reserves. Cowley started strongly but failed to convert early chances, enabling Haver to get a foothold in the game and took a solid 3 – 0 lead into the break, thanks to goals from Harry Andreetti (2) and Luke Dallison’s opener. Cowley started strongly again in the second half and cut the deficit down to just one with efforts from Wright and Taylor, leaving around twenty minutes to go. But Haver responded well to those setbacks and comfortably held on to win the game 3 – 2, despite the valiant efforts of Cowley.

DIVISION TWO CUP

The line-up for the Division Two Cup semi-finals was completed on Saturday afternoon as Emerson & Upminster Reserves took their place in the last four after winning 4 – 1 at Old Esthameians. Billy Biggs was in great form, netting a hat-trick for his side, while Tobi Onafeko also struck to put the Upminster side just ninety minutes away from a possible final. They now face Unitey in the semi-final.

DIVISION THREE CUP

There were two ties in the Division Three Cup where a shock was seen in the first round game between hosts Melbourne Sports and Buckhurst Way in Hainault. Despite an eight point gap in between the sides in the table, it was Way who progressed on to the quarter-finals, winning 6 – 1 to book a trip to Old Barkabbeyans Reserves in the last eight. There was also a big shock in the quarter-final tie completed over the weekend as sixth placed Together United were eliminated from the competition on the back of a defeat to ninth placed ASA, despite the latter being fourteen points and three places behind their opponents. A 0 – 0 draw saw the sides finish level at ninety minutes before ASA held their nerve to win the shootout 7-6.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were big wins for all of the top ranked Senior clubs ahead of a crucial run of games for all sides, Chadwell Heath Spartans remaining top of the standings by two points as they put seven goals past FC Petrocub in Chigwell. Elie Fanga scored twice coupled with further strikes from Tom Callagher, Harry Payne, Samir Aboulainaf and manager Aaron Hunwicks to complete that 7 – 0 success. DT FC sit just behind Spartans with a game in hand as they completed a solid victory of their own with a 5 – 0 home win against Chigwell Town at the Harlow Arena. Billy Jones, Cory Ugbomah, Alex Paraskeva, Izaih Antoine and Jacob Melford all found the back of the net for the hosts to ensure they remain the side with everything in their hands.

Third placed Lymore Gardens also racked up another win, making it twelve for the season with a 3 – 0 home success at the County Ground against CSM London. Dylan Roberts, Andre Rashford and Gracia Muhemba were the men to notch for Garden to keep them well in the mix at the business end of the league table. Sitting just a point further back from Garden are Woodford East who can still make a major impact on the title race with a busy April ahead and they started their month with a 5 – 0 win against Rapid Chingford at Lakeside. Two Connor Brathwaite goals plus one each from Matthew Stacey, Adam Tabbani and Jack Smith helped East to a comfortable winning scoreline with seven league games still to go.

Jolof Sports still sit fifth and made it ten league wins for the season on Saturday as they ran out 3 – 1 home winners against bottom of the table Tower United at Flanders. A goal apiece from Joshua Kweifio-Okai, Khadim Mbacke and Papa Ndiaye were enough for the hosts to take the points home with them and keep Tower trailing safety by three points. A huge game in the context of the relegation fight took place at Fairlop Oak where eleventh placed Blue Marlin were in home action against eighth placed Kit Out London knowing how vital points are for both clubs. A five goal thriller saw Kit Out edge the game 3 – 2, Lewis Jacobs scoring twice and Yasin Zougui once to all but seal their place in the top flight one again while Marlin’s place remains in the balance.

PREMIER DIVISION

Top of the table Frenford A will be celebrating as they confirmed promotion to the Senior Division on Saturday with results going their way and their own success earning a 3 – 0 home win against local rivals London Park City. Isima Iguisi scored a brace and Joel Opara netted the other to confirm their ascent to the top flight while a win in their next game will ensure they go up as champions. Oakside are now the only side that can catch the leaders mathematically and they faced a tough London Cranes side at Fairlop Oak in the sunshine on Saturday knowing they had to win to keep up the pressure. And a win was what they walked away with, defeating Cranes 1 – 0 to make it nine victories for the season, with four games left to play in their chase for promotion.

An entertaining game at Peter May rounds off the Premier Division action where Athletic Newham Under 23s were the visitors to Walthamstow to take on a promotion chasing Crookz United side, the latter knowing that victory was vital if they were to challenge for top spot. But the sides had to settle for a point apiece as the game ended in a 3 – 3 draw.

DIVISION ONE

It was a glorious afternoon for Belfry who took the Division One title in dramatic fashion on Saturday coming from 3-1 down in their first game against Newham Wanderers to win it 4 – 3 late on, sealing the title. Solomon Ogunwomoju struck twice with Lewis Warren and Kieran James scoring the others to seal the points they needed. In game two, a rather more sedate affair saw a narrow win once again as Ryan O’Connell scored the only goal of the game for Belfry to win 1 – 0.

The focus now turns to the race for promotion where Ilford Reserves saw their quest put in doubt, going down to a 2 – 1 away defeat against Something From Nothing at the Flats. The Foxes remain second with two games to go but games in hand for others may well cost them while SFN were able to move into the top half on the back of that result and others around them.RC XI have thrown themselves back into the promotion mix, moving up to third at the weekend as they defeated eighth placed Kwanzas London Sport over at Belhus Park. Tobi Alabi, Michael Temitayo and Tosin Blacky goals were enough to seal the points in a 3 – 0 win, the hosts’ eleventh success of their maiden season.

Wanstead have all but assured themselves of a top half finish in their first season as a club after they recorded a solid 2 – 0 home win in their game against Forest Green at the Flats on Saturday. Their ninth of the season while taking their points tally to thirty-one for the season. Eleventh placed Barkingside A have given themselves the best chance of avoid the drop this season as they took a vital three points against fellow relegation threatened Renegades in Wanstead. Side were 3 – 1 winners at Nutter Lane, recording win number four and moving to within six points of their opponents with five games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

It’s Fairlop Rovers who remain top of the pile in Division Two entering the penultimate month of the season and they will have been pleased with their efforts on Saturday, defeating rivals Loughton Lions in a 5 – 1 scoreline in Hainault. Sam Beaman opened the scoring, setting the platform for Harry Oliver and Logan Simmonds to both score twice in a big victory. Second placed Unitey remain the closest to Rovers but with just two games to go, following a thumping 6 – 0 away win in Hainault on Saturday, defeating FHN Athletic. Unitey goals from Matthew Surry, Nathan Lupumba, Romario Christian, Matthew Pitchford, Mohammed Abaker and Ahmed Dousa were plenty enough to earn their side the points.

An incredible game at Wanstead Flats saw St Francis and Ryan Under 23s combined for an eleven-goal thriller with attacks certainly dominating an open game. It was the visitors who ultimately prevailed in this incredible game, Ryan winning it 6 – 5 to move into the top half of the table for the first time this season, in their penultimate game of the campaign. Michael Bryan and Kemar Bello both netted twice for Ryan here, with Mekhi Charles-Armstrong & Adam Sodimu also scoring. Skye Salmon got two goals for St Francis, with their other scorers being Omar Hafid, Peter Luvualu and Theo Jacobs-Aaron.

The goals were also flying in down at Roding Valley where hosts Royal Forest were in home action against Newbury East. While not yet mathematically certain of survival, Forest have all but done enough now you feel to stave off the drop as they won the game 4 – 0 to record win number eight for the season.

DIVISION FOUR

The penultimate game of the Division Four season took place over the weekend where Avondale Rangers were the hosts to a Dagenham United Reserves side in Loughton with Rangers holding a vital say in the title race. Chris Harper scored for Rangers with Josh Michaels netting for Dagenham in a 1 – 1 draw, with next week’s fixture between Rangers and Sporting Pillars deciding the destination of the league title.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 28 – Sat 12 Mar) [EAL 21-22 15.3.22]

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 12 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 12 March

FENTON CUP

The penultimate semi final place was up for grabs on Saturday as Division One’s RCXI made a tough looking trip to top flight Jolof Sports, the holders of the trophy. A seven-goal thriller was produced by the two sides with Jolof made to go all the way before coming out 4 – 3 victors as Abib Diop, Serigne Samb, Papa Ndiaye and Bogdan Ursica all netted to book a home semi final versus DTFC. Oluwaseun Koya scored all three RC XI goals in reply.

FENTON TROPHY

It was semi-finals day in the Fenton Trophy competition as the first ever finalists were confirmed following two tight games. Over in Hainault, Fairlop Rovers entertained Rainham Working Mens Club as the two sides battled to a 1 – 1 draw at full-time, Nick Tormey the Workies goalscorer. But it was Rovers who held their nerve in the shootout, winning 4 – 3 on spot-kicks to confirm their first final!

A couple of miles away in Newbury Park, there was another all-Division Two battle as Old Esthameians hosted Unitey in their own semi-final as both sides took their part in a five-goal thriller. Devontae Young and Ahmed Dousa scored for Unitey but two Neil Robinson strikes and a Nelson Goncalves goal were enough to secure a 3 – 2 win for Old E’s and through to their second cup final with the league.

DIVISION TWO CUP

In the Division Two Cup, it was quarter finals day for two clubs as an improving Loughton Lions side took to the field to face FHN Athletic. And despite Lions having an eleven league point deficit, they were comfortable winners in this tie, winning it 5 – 2 to book a home semi-final against either Redbridge Community or Rainham Working Mens Club.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

Another semi-final was completed in the Division Four Cup which saw Flyers Under 21s make the long trip to east London to take on title favourites Sporting Pillars at Ive Farm. An expectedly tight game was produced but it was fourth placed Flyers who took the accolades, with goals from Bradley Maycock and Alex Grant overcoming a goal from the experienced Chris Rowlatt to win 2 – 1.

SENIOR DIVISION

In the Senior Division, it remains tight at the top with just a three-point gap between the leaders as DT FC ensured they remained top with another high scoring victory on Saturday against Tower United. Alex Paraskeva bagged himself a hat-trick with Robbie Farrell and Harry Watkins goals giving the hosts a 5 – 1 win. Michael Brown was the Tower scorer for their consolation effort. Second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans maintained the pressure on the leaders with a victory of their own, taking home all three points from their trip to Chigwell Town in a 2-0 scoreline. Elie Fanga and Harry Payne both got on the scoresheet to keep Spartans within three points reach and with that all important battle between the top two to come.

Woodford East are still well within reach themselves but will need to convert games in hand to victories as they continue their quest on multiple fronts. They were able to pick up another three points with a tight 2 – 1 win against Blue Marlin as Frank Glock and Billy Barr both netted to secure a tenth league win of the season. Ronaldo Lleshi got the goal for Marlin. In the big Noak Hill derby, Kit Out London were in action as the hosts, taking on their co-tenants London Cup semi-finalists FC Petrocub. Ahead of that big match next weekend, it was FC Petrocub who walked away with the points on Saturday, winning the game 3 – 1 to earn an eighth league win and keeping them comfortably placed in sixth.

At the other end of the table, a crucial battle between two sides eager to stay in the division saw Rapid Chingford in town to take on CSM London, both needing the points. An entertaining game finished 3 – 2 to Rapid as Andrei Boga’s brace and a Vlad Bucur goal were enough to overcome CSM goals from Plamedi Kinkela and Abdi Karim.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A have moved a step closer to confirming their place in the Senior Division following a solid 3 – 0 win at the weekend against fellow promotion contenders Crookz United at The Drive. Daniel Francis, Damilola Olaiya and Joel Opara all netted in a win means they are now one victory away from completing at least a top three finish and three further victories will be enough for the title outright. The closer contenders for the title appear to be Oakside presently who are catching up on games and moved to within twelve points of the top of the table with three games in hand after they picked up a terrific home win, beating Dagenham United 5 – 1 in Hainault. Charlie Fiander got on the Dagenham scoresheet but his efforts proved in vain.

Wapping remain just two points off the lead but from two games more than their rivals, having picked up their tenth league win of the season on Saturday, beating London Cranes 3 – 1 in East Ham. Muhammad Mikaeel, Jordon Mills-Smith and Shamsun Noor were the Wapping scorers as they kept their hopes alive. In the bottom half, London Park City kept their slim hopes alive of remaining in the second tier as they picked up a valuable point against North East Lions in a 1 – 1 draw. Nester Boansi struck the Lions goal but City also struck to ensure they shared the points. City will know that other results will have to go their way to avoid the drop this season.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry are now just a couple of wins away from confirming at least promotion after they racked up win number fourteen with a big 7 – 1 home victory against Something From Nothing at May & Bakers. Kieran James’ fine form continued with a hat-trick for his side with Ryan O’Connell netting two, the scoresheet completed by goals from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne. Khai Bailey struck the SFN consolation goal in reply.

The two are set to meet next weekend with Cowley Community warming up for that clash with a strong performance of their own on Saturday, defeating Renegade 3 – 0 at Hackney Marshes. Elias Tackie, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright all found the back of the net for the county cup finalists to ensure they remain in touch with their rivals at the top. Ilford Reserves have been in a good vain of form in recent weeks and are now up to third in the standings after they defeated Forest Green 4 – 0 in their home clash on Saturday. A pair of braces from Rhys Clements and Serghei Scupoi were the difference between the sides as the Foxes maintained their outside hopes of promotion with five games to go.

Fifth placed Wanstead will still have a say in that battle after they returned to winning ways over the weekend with a 5 – 3 home win against Francis Luke at the Flats. Jahvarn Steward scored twice and Kennerly Cassius once for Luke but two Edson Lami goals and efforts from Jake Nicolas, Mohamed Solaimani and Zoltan Balogh proved enough to earn their team some valuable points.

Also at the Flats, a local derby game saw Barkingside A making the short trip to face Newham Wanderers with the teams starting the game ten points apart. That was extended to thirteen as Wanderers won 4 – 0 though two goals from Mahein Zaman and singles from Robertson Morais and Michael Sarpong, leaving ‘Side still in danger of relegation.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Redbridge Community put a serious dent in Emerson & Upminster Reserves’ promotion push as the eighth placed side defeated their visitors in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Reece Stringer got himself on the Emerson scoresheet but his effort wasn’t enough as the hosts completed their sixth league win of the season.

It was the battle of the bottom two in the division’s other contest and what a game it was as St Francis and Newbury East both led at various stages of their game at the Flats. Eventually, the two had to settle on a point apiece in a 4 – 4 draw. Francesco Di Giovanni scored twice while Aenayat Nesari and Lewis Goulbourne scored the others to give Saints a point.

DIVISION THREE

The big game of the day in Division Three came from Hainault where it was first versus second as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves strived to hold onto top spot in their game against Royal Forest Reserves. And it was the league leaders who walked away the happier of the sides as goals from Daniel Margiotta, Mitchell Day and Mehdi Ahorbi were enough to take a 3 – 0 win home with them. That result enabled FC Baresi Under 23s to move into second spot as they made the trip to Hackney to face ASA at the Marshes. A close game saw the promotion favourites secure a 2 – 1 victory, a goal apiece from Daniel Adutwum and Harrez Aliane the difference between the sides to confirm a vital three points in their quest for the title. Atif Haider got the solitary reply for ASA.

Two of the sides in mid-table, Together United and Lymore Gardens Reserves, met in Leyton with the sides starting the game level on points. And that was exactly the way it ended with the sides finishing level at 2 – 2 to share the spoils. Richie Dorcas and Warren Isoka were the scorers for the hosts while Together remain one position higher on goal difference. Buckhurst Way have moved to within four points of that mid-table cluster of clubs, albeit from two games more, after they earned win number seven on Saturday with a 3 – 1 away victory at Glendale over in Hainault. They led 1-0 at the break and extended that to three early in the second half before Matt King’s first goal for Glendale made it interesting but Way held firm to take home the points.

The game between bottom of the table Terin and Flyers Under 23s saw the latter go into the game knowing they had to secure at least a point to remain, mathematically, in the race to avoid the drop. Neither side were able to make a breakthrough in ninety minutes as the game ended in a goalless draw. Flyers must now win all of their remaining games and hope for a sizeable goal difference swing.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four came from Rainham where Newham & Havering Borough were in action with a home game against West Essex Under 23s, the latter’s final game of their debut campaign. West ended the season in fine style, winning the game 5 – 1 to record a fifth league win. George Sadler-Stephens scored twice while Aytan Cohen, Javen Cole and Joel Hart all netted too.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 27 – Sat 5 Mar) [EAL 21-22 7.3.22]

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 5 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 5 March

COUNTY CUP

Despite the inclement weather, it was a glorious afternoon for Woodford East on Saturday as the league’s remaining representatives in the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup took their place in the final with a terrific display against Clapton Community at Wadham Lodge. All the goals were scored in the first half as Halil Hassan’s side won 3 – 1, setting up a mouthwatering final against Essex Olympian League Premier Division side Catholic United on 13^th April at Billericay Town.

DIVISION THREE CUP

The only other surviving cup tie at the weekend saw Glendale make the trip to Romford to face Flyers Under 23s in quarter final action, the winners confirming their place in the last four. Two first half Dales goals from Zack Clark and Mo Mboupe put them ahead with a Flyers goal early in the second half pulling one back but the Dales held on to win 2 – 1 and go through to the last four.

SENIOR DIVISION

Another weather impacted weekend meant that only one Senior Division game could proceed which saw a goal-filled encounter at Lakeside as FC Baresi hosted DT FC. The visitors were in sparkling form in front of goal, winning 11 – 0 to restore their lead at the top of the division going into the final eight games of the campaign. Kazim Bishop netted six goals on his own here, with Alex Paraskeva scoring a treble and Robbie Farrell got two goals to round off DT’s joint-highest ever win.

PREMIER DIVISION

In the Premier Division, Dagenham United moved level on points at the top of the table with a solid 6 – 1 win at home against Athletic Newham Under 23s at Castle Green. Shaquille Martin was the main man with a hat-trick for this side with Ancuba Cassama, Chris Mascall and Charlie Fiander also finding the net. Chris Barbosa got the solitary reply for the Newham development side.

Also at the top end of the table Crookz United secured another three point haul but had to do things the hard way, coming from 2 – 0 down against North East Lions to win 3 – 2 and enhance their promotion credentials. Shane Thomas and Tashan Benjamin both struck for Lions but their efforts proved in vain as Luke Stewart, Stephane Trah and Abdouaziz Jeng netted in reply for United. It was three wins from three for the promotion chasing sides as Wapping also secured victory with a 2 – 0 home win against London Park City in Hackney. That result enabled the hosts to stay third in the table, picking up a ninth league win of the season in the process and will games in hand still on the side immediately above.

DIVISION ONE

The goals were once again flying in down in Division One where Belfry put continued their excellent league form this season with a hard fought 4 – 2 win against Renegade at Hainault Rec. The James’, Kieran and Warren, were both on target, adding to efforts from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne. The theme of four was also witnessed at London Playing Fields where Ilford Reserves put in a top performance to defeat Wanstead in a 4 – 0 scoreline, bouncing back to winning ways. Ollie Miracco scored twice with Rio Clements and Mario-Angelino Lipetz one apiece to help their side move three points clear of their opponents in fourth.

Completing the division’s action, another game of fours as Kwanzas London Sport and Newham Wanderers scored four apiece in a 4 – 4 draw in Beckton. Nuno Dentampol scored a brace, adding to efforts for Wahid Hussain and Robertson Morais for Wanderers as the sides shared the spoils, the teams staying a couple of points apart in the league.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, the leaders, Unitey, lost the opportunity to extend their lead at the top as they slipped to a narrow 3 – 2 defeat against Rainham Working Mens Club in a five goal thriller. Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa got on the Unitey scoresheet but Rainham efforts from Nick Tormey, Connor Kain and Sean Tormey sent the points home with the visitors. Another side who were involved in a surprise result were fourth placed Fairlop Rovers who fell to an away defeat against Redbridge Community who made it three games undefeated with a 5 – 3 win. That result took the team to eighteen points, giving them plenty of hope to avoid the drop this season in the process.

There were two big results affecting things towards the bottom as Ryan Under 23s all but assured themselves of safety in the division with a 3 – 0 home win against St Francis at Wadham Lodge 3G. That kept the Chingford-based side on a good run of form, their seventh win of the season, taking them to twenty-three points while Saints continue their search for crucial league points.

DIVISION THREE

Just one game survived the deluge in Division Three which saw a tight game take place between bottom of the table Terin and a promotion chasing Royal Forest Reserves at Oaks Park High School. Alex Thomas and Suheil Shekh found the net for Terin but those goals proved insufficient as Robert Evans scored twice and Jack Warren once to take the Trees to a 3 – 2 win, moving them second in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four was a big one affecting the top of the table as Chingford Harriers ensured they stay top of the pile with a 4 – 1 home win against Avondale Rangers in the early game at Peter May. Jake Clarke scored for Rangers but two Harriers goals in reply for Darnell Lamothe plus strikes from Alex Diner and Suleman Yusuf were enough to take their side to an important win.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 25 – Sat 19 Feb) [EAL 21-22 21.1.22]

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 19 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 12 February

FENTON CUP

The first Fenton Cup quarter final for almost two years was completed on Saturday as the reversed Oakside and DTFC fixture went ahead at the Harlow Arena in blustery conditions. Despite a tricky looking tie on paper, there was no slip up by the Senior Division leaders as DTFC ran out 6 – 2 winners in the end to confirm their spot in the semi finals, thanks to doubles for Robbie Farrell, Alex Paraskeva and Izaih Antoine.

FENTON TROPHY

The last quarter final in the Trophy competition also reached a conclusion on Saturday as Old Esthameians travelled to Loughton to take on Royal Forest for a place in the last four. A competitive game was settled by the odd goal in five with Old E’s the side taking the plaudits in a 3 – 2 scoreline, securing a home semi final against Unitey.

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

It was quarter final day for two sides in the Premier Division Cup too where Dagenham United and Wapping renewed acquaintances once again, meeting for a place in the semi finals at Castle Green. Undeterred by their reverse last weekend, Wapping walked away comfortable 3 – 0 winners on Saturday with Jordon Mills-Smith scoring twice and Imran Hussain the other.

DIVISION ONE CUP

Two of the Division One Cup last eight games also beat the weather with Belfry in impressive form once again as they faced close rivals Cowley Community in their first round tie at May & Bakers. The league leaders however were imperious on the day with Kieran James scoring twice to go with other goals from Gabriel Ogunwomoju, Solomon Ogunwomoju and Ryan O’Connell in a 5 – 0 victory.

Also into the hat for the last four are RCXI who had a battle on their hands with the visit of an in-form Ilford Reserves side to Belhus Park. A close game was settled by the odd goal as Elliot Adeoye and Ayo Matthews efforts were enough to take their side through, overcoming a Mario-Angelino Lipetz effort in a 2 – 1 scoreline.

DIVISION TWO CUP

Division Two’s Cup competition saw first round action with the shock of the day coming from Oaks Park High School where bottom of the table Newbury East pulled off a terrific victory in the shootout against high-flying Emerson & Upminster Reserves. KD Hussein was in great form with a hat-trick and Safwan Selant netted the other to render Emerson goals from Alfie Jones, Ben Lamb and Marcus Williams strikes as just consolation.

Over in Walthamstow, two of the division’s strugglers towards the bottom end of the table looked to reignite their campaigns as Loughton Lions travelled over to take on Ryan Under 23s. It was Lions who walked away the happier of the two teams as Tom Osmond scored twice and Lucas Maxwell netted the other to win the tie 3-1.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was a great afternoon for Sporting Pillars in the Division Four Cup Quarter Final as they returned from Castle Green with a big win and a place in the last four, defeating hosts Dagenham United Reserves in an 8 – 1 scoreline. A Rayan Allam hat-trick, braces from Emanuel Jacob and Daniel Gutierrez, and singles from David Dagun and Rhyss Tappenden confirmed an imperious win for the visitors, Brendon Taylor scoring the United consolation.

SENIOR DIVISION

Three games survived the elements in the Senior Division with Jolof Sports the side making up the most ground on Saturday as they took home all three points with a 3 -1 win away at Kit Out London. Marlon Ortiz struck the Kit Out goal with two Papa Ndiaye efforts and a Joshua Kweifio-Okai goal handing Jolof an important victory in their bid to put pressure on at the top.

That result was made all the more important as two of the top four sides met in Chigwell with Woodford East looking to cut the deficit at the top against second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans. The hosts had led twice with Harry Payne netting both for Spartans but Woodford fought back to level it at 2 – 2 by full-time with Adam Tabbani and Kieran Bruns goals ensuring they took a point. Over at Mabley Green, Lymore Gardens had an opportunity to take advantage of that slip by two sides around them and they duly obliged, earning themselves a narrow 2 – 1 win against a relegation threatened Tower United side. Ryo Brown and Gracia Muhemba both struck for Garden with Abubakar Maxamed’s goal giving Tower their consolation on the day.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, there were two big results affecting things at the bottom end of the table with Forest Green putting in a strong performance to earn a valuable three points against Kwanzas London Sport to move them six points clear of the relegation zone. A single goal was all it took to separate the teams with Green 1 – 0 victors at Leyton Sixth Form, their fifth win of the season.

Over at Wanstead Flats, ninth placed Renegade were the visitors to take on a top half Something From Nothing side knowing they were also in desperate need of some points to steer clear of troubled waters. Renegade will be pleased with their afternoon’s work, winning the game 4 – 2 with goals from Okwute Izuchukwu, Nana Baah, Andre Periera and Praise The Lord Masasu. Oscar Walton and Temi Alaka struck the SFN goals in reply but their efforts proved in vain.

DIVISION THREE

There was just the one game in Division Three completed but what an important game it proved to be as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves put promotion in their hands with a big 6 – 2 win against Royal Forest Reserves. Doubles from Mitchell Day and Michael Ryder plus Robbie Osborne and Jay Elliott efforts were more than enough for the win, Will Asenso and Dodou Lette scoring for the Trees.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four saw Avondale Rangers in action at home against sixth placed Newham & Havering Borough, the latter going into the game with a three point lead over their opponents. But that was cut to just goal difference following a 4 – 1 Rangers win as James Whitbread, Jake Clarke, Peter Moles and Blaijan Kitufueni struck, countering a Joshua Morgan-Seki goal for Borough.

End

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 24 – Sat 12 Feb) [EAL 21-22 14.1.22]

Image from Chadwell Heath Spartans v Lymore Gardens [Image by Peter D]

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 12 February. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading. Photo by Peter Dudley [@ped1980], used with thanks.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 12 February

FENTON CUP

The season’s quarter final line up in the Fenton Cup is now complete with Jolof Sports becoming the eighth team to qualify as they came through a tough home encounter against FC Petrocub in East Ham. The holders, Jolof, were narrow 1 – 0 winners to book another home game, this time against Division One high-flyers RCXI in the coming weeks.

FENTON TROPHY

The day’s Fenton Trophy action saw another quarter final tie completed with two of Division Two’s sides meeting at Wanstead Flats as St Francis played host to Rainham Working Mens Club. A close game saw the sides finish level at 2 – 2 by full-time with Nick and Sean Tormey goal for the Workies equalled by Saints goals from Bora Alici and Skye Salmon. Rainham held their nerve in a 4-2 shootout win to go through to the semi finals.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

The Division Four Cup also saw quarter final action as Newham Royals were up against Flyers Under 21s with the two sides battling for a place in the last four. But it was the Romford based Flyers side who were imperious on the day as Bradley Maycock scored twice, with Sam Maydell, Max Wellard and Jamie Randall efforts completing a 5 – 0 win to send their side through.

SENIOR DIVISION

Another round of close games were witnessed in the Senior Division where DTFC came through a thriller against Rapid Chingford with their bottom half opponents playing their part in a nine-goal game. Andrei Boga scored a hat-trick and Bogdan Galan also netted to give their Rapid side hope but DT FC were able to maintain their lead at the top to win it 5 – 4 through goals from Stanley Green (2), Bailey Hossack, Billy Golledge and Robbie Farrell.

Second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans remain four points adrift of the leaders with a key battle between those sides still to come as they came from behind to take a win against previously third placed Lymore Gardens in Chigwell. Ryo Brown scored for Lymore but two late Harry Payne goals were the difference to win the game 2 – 1 in Spartans’ favour. My good friend Pete Dudley was there watching this one & his report is here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/02/chadwell-heath-spartans-2-lymore.html 

Woodford East took advantage of that result also to shift up a place to third and with games in hand but had a tough battle of their own against an improving Chigwell Town side in Hainault, East eventually prevailing in a 3 – 2 scoreline. Billy Barr, Connor Brathwaite and Liam Adams all struck to render Town goals from Mark Howe and Harry Tew-Robinson as just consolation. Completing the action from the top flight, FC Baresi were in good form on Saturday as they returned home with East Ham with all three points in a 4 – 1 scoreline against CSM London. Plamedi Kinkela notched for CSM but Baresi goals in reply from Raymond Pok (2), Tyreece Robertson and Abdisamad Mohamed were more than enough.

PREMIER DIVISION

There were some big results affecting the sides at the top of the Premier Division in the race to Step 7 for next season with Frenford A earning their eleventh win of the season with a 3 – 1 win away at North East Lions on Saturday. Callum Alexander, Keenan Gravillis and Damilola Olaiya scored for the league leaders with Andriano Lawson striking in reply for Lions with their consolation effort. It was also second versus third with Dagenham United travelling west to take on Wapping in Hackney knowing only a win would do to stay in the race for the title. A win was what they walked away with, putting a difficult run behind them to win 4 – 1. Dante Vincent struck twice, Charlie Fiander and Shaquille Mathurin also netting to render a Jordon Mills-Smith effort as just consolation for the hosts.

Another of the season’s promotion contenders, Oakside, had an away trip before them as they travelled down the A406 to East Ham to face London Cranes. The sides were well matched with a 1 – 1 draw the end result as the sides settle for a share of the spoils, that point being enough to move ‘Side into the top five. Luke Caston grabbed the visitor’s goal with Isa Mwebe bagging for Cranes.

DIVISION ONE

It was a busy day in Division One with all twelve sides in league action and Belfry put in their usual winning performance to remain the county’s highest placed side with a perfect record. They were 6 – 1 winners against Forest Green with Warren James netting two and further strikes from Dan Osborne, Kieron James, Sam Paterson and Solomon Ogunwomoju completing the victory.

Cowley Community went into their clash at the weekend against Barkingside A with two huge games head of them and done the job to confirm a tenth league win prior to those clashes, winning the game 2-1. Chris Wright and Lekan Bakare were the men on target for the Newbury Park based side to pick up that win ahead to two season defining fixtures. James Blewitt got the solitary reply for the visitors. RCXI remain well placed to sweep up should either of the top two slip up in their remaining games and sit just one point outside of the promotion zone after a terrific 1 – 0 win against another of their promotion contenders, Wanstead. Jide Lewis got the only goal there to give his side a ninth league of a sterling first campaign in the competition.

Another side in a good run of form are Ilford Reserves who made it eight wins from fourteen this season on Saturday with a big 7 – 2 victory against bottom of the table Francis Luke over at the Marshes. Ramar Roberts scored two goals for the hosts but Foxes efforts from Joshua Graham, Luke Newbury-Neale, Mario-Angelino Lipetz, Jack Newbury-Neale, Joseph Sulola, Serghei Scupoi and Ollie Miracco gave their side another win.

There was also an impressive victory for the boys at Kwanzas London Sport who moved up a place above their opponents, Renegade, after completing a 4 – 1 win at the Marshes to steer well clear of relegation worries, despite a Nana Baah goal for the hosts. That was Kwanzas’ fifth league win this season which gives them an eight point lead over the sides in the relegation zone. The Wanstead Flats derby match ends the round-up from the third tier as Something From Nothing were in home action against local rivals Newham Wanderers. The sides started just two points apart and remained that way by full-time as they settled for a point apiece in an eventual 1 – 1 draw which keeps both sides solidly placed in mid-table.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Unitey have moved into a three point lead at the top of the table as they came through a tough game against promotion contenders, FHN Athletic, edging the contest 3 – 2 to scoop an eleventh league win. Matthew Pitchford, Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa all found the back of their net to help their side take maximum points. There was an important result at the other end of the table too where Redbridge Community steered themselves clear of the imminent danger of relegation by picking up three points in a 2 – 1 win against Loughton Lions who are now just one point ahead of Redbridge. Dylan Broadley scored both of the goals to give his side the best chance of avoiding the drop.

DIVISION THREE

The picture at the top of the Division Three table is looking a little different after the weekend’s results as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves remain a point clear at the top following a 4 – 1 away win against Lymore Gardens Reserves in Leyton. Michael Ryder drove in a couple of goals with efforts from Robbie Osborne and Mitchell Day completing the scoring for the leaders.

It was second versus third in the division’s other big game where FC Baresi Under 23s were the visitors to take on Royal Forest Reserves in a hotly contested game at Fairlop Oak. The Trees led 2 – 0 early on through Will Casasola and Will Asenso but Baresi battled back and took victory with crucial strikes from Kii Jean-Baptiste, Joshua Adu and Joshua Matusa winning the game 3 – 2.

Melbourne Sports are up to fourth, taking advantage of results around them to close the gap on the leading clubs after picking up a solid 6 – 2 win from their trip to Newbury Park to take on Terin. Suheil Shekh and keeper Francis Hastings were accredited with the Terin goals but the Mels struck back with a Scott Duke treble, a brace from Ryan Lincoln and one from James Chamberlain to take the points. Sitting just inside the top half, Together United followed up their impressive win last weekend with another this time out as they defeated Glendale at Fairlop Oak in a tight game. Together led 2 – 0 early, capitalising on individual errors before Roland Farkas’ first Glendale goal pulled them back in it. The Dales fought hard to nick an equaliser and went close but the visitor’s defence hung on.

Buckhurst Way are also on the cusp of the top half once again as they responded well to their recent defeat to take all three points from their fixture against Flyers Under 23s at Bancroft Rugby Club. They were 3 – 1 victors in that game to sit just goal difference from a place in the top six with five games of their season left.

DIVISION FOUR

The battle for the Division Four is on a knife edge following the weekend’s results which saw Fairlop Rovers Reserves move to the summit following a second win in succession against Chingford Harriers who moved down to third on the back of their 2 – 0 defeat. Rovers’ tenth league win sees them go a point clear with three games left to go.

Sporting Pillars are lurking with intent in second with mathematics in their favour now as their ninth league success on Saturday saw them to within one point of the summit, coming away 7 – 1 winners against West Essex Under 23s, with the ensemble cast being led by doubles for Gavin Afriyie and David Dagun, with Rajai Millwood, Daniel Gutierrez and Yanis Allam also finding the net. With two games in hand on the leaders, they can now move top if they were to win those games in hand so everything still to play for.

Fixtures – Saturday 19 February (top tier only)

EAL Senior Division

Blue Marlin v Chigwell Town | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

Chadwell Heath Spartans v Woodford East | Chigwell Hall

FC Baresi v CSM London | Britannia Sports Ground, Walthamstow

Kit Out London v Jolof Sports | Noak Hill [3G]

Tower Utd v Lymore Gardens | Mabley Green [3G]

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.

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

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