East London – survivor16b

S22-23 Match Report: Athletic Newham 1 – 0 Buckhurst Hill (Sat 4 Mar) [ESL 22-23 5.3.23]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Terrance MacMillan Stadium

Attendance: 23

2022-23 Season: Match 45

Saturday 4th March 2023 – 3pm KO

Newham: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts & Socks

Buckhurst: Blue & Black Shirts, Blue Shorts, Black Socks

Newham’s Louis Hiobi pushes forward in 1st half

Newham edge to battling win over out-of-form Buckhurst Hill at Terry Mac

Athletic Newham 1 – 0 Buckhurst Hill

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

The match this weekend saw me make a rare trip to the Terry Mac in East London to see Athletic Newham continue their quest to utilise their matches in hand on rivals to gain ground on the top six, as they welcomed Buckhurst Hill in the Essex Senior League Premier Division. Mark Williams’ team were looking to end a eight-match winless run. Athletic Newham rotated their squad somewhat here, with Daniel Izekor, Jacques Leurs & & Chris Cruz Barbosa all not involved here. Manager Chris Davis named regular stopper Wilkinson Boateng in goal, with full-backs Jeff Idemudia & Louis Hiobi plus centre-backs Chris Nguidjol & Michael Adu. Anderson Baro, Andy Greenslade & Abdul Shobowale were the central midfield three, with the forward line led by Jailson Seidi & Richard Kone, supported by captain Joel Appiah. Buckhurst Hill named new recruit Emmanuel Olajide as their goalkeeper, with a defence of full-backs Cameron Weekes and Brad Rowland, with centre-backs being recent signing Daniel Smith and stalwart Alfie Harris. Jake Moss & captain Harry Markatis were in central midfield. Sam Sollosi & Nathan Sollisi started on the flanks, with Ezekiel Bademosi and George Johnson leading the attack.

I have to mention that I was keen to see how these sides would approach this contest, what we got was a slow start to proceedings, with both teams finding it tricky to keep the ball & find that key final pass into the forwards. Newham did have the better of the half-chances in the early stages here, with home skipper Joel Appiah’s shot gathered by visiting custodian Emmanuel Olajide. Talisman Richard Kone also fired off-target twice as well, while Hill midfielder Jake Moss’ decent free-kick was only just over the top right corner. As the half went on, there was no lack of endeavour from the hosts, with Abdul Shobowale and forward Jailson Seidi making several enterprising runs to unsettle a stern Hill backline, led well by Alfie Harris, who made a number of important clearances throught the match. At the other end, Buckhurst was also finding it tricky to find that all-important final pass, despite centre forward Ezekiel Bademosi being a good presence and testing the hosts’ defensive awareness and pace. Winger Nathan Sollosi had an effort blocked at the far post for Mark Williams’ side. Newham were also finding it hard to find their cohesive, rapid flowing forward moves, perhaps their hectic match schedule of late had influenced that, though Shobowale’s effort aimed at the near post needed the intervention of the experienced Olajide not long before the interval.

HT: Newham 0 – 0 Buckhurst

This game needed both a goal and both teams to find some inspiration from somewhere. To their credit, the hosts did up it a hear after the break as five minutes into the second half, a good pass in by Kone found Seidi well, and Seidi’s good strike was well-parried away by Olajide. What turned out to be the only goal came 18 minutes from time as the influential Seidi was felled in the penalty area, and referee Royan Campbell showed little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Richard Kone stepped up and blasted his penalty into the left side of goal to lessen the nerves of the hosts as they saught to continue their winning run of late. Buckhurst did keep going as we entered the latter stages of the match, being thwarted by a combination of the Newham defence, led well by Chris Nguidjol and a lack of fortune. Moss was in the action again as his close range header at the far post was blocked, with the visitors keen to assert there was a foul in that phase of play, to which they got no reply.

Sam Sollosi (#7) in possession for Buckhurst

Athletic Newham have recently signed ex-Dagenham & Redbridge forward, former Coggeshall Utd boss & general Non-League stalwart Cliff Akurang and he came on for the last few moments, replacing Seidi who certainly played his part here. Buckhurst were running against the clock in their keenness to find an equaliser, and substitute Sonny Shilling fired wide from 20 yards out and in the end, the clock won that particular battle, leaving boss Williams understandably frustrated. For Newham though, the points saw them gain ground on Stansted & Little Oakley directrly above them, with several more matches than them to play.

Full-Time: Athletic Newham 1 – 0 Buckhurst Hill

In summary, this was a battle befit for an end of season run-in match, with neither side bossing the match completely & as a result chances were fairly limited. Newham had enough chances to ake the points safe but will be content with a hard-earned three points to keen their run going (& bearing in mind their forthcoming, hectic end to the campaign), while Buckhurst’s winless run extends to nine matches now. They had some good moments here, but in the end they didn’t quite test Newham custodian Wilkinson Boateng enough here.

There were some good performances here, beginning with victors Newham. We start with a mention for the hard-working Abdul Shobowale, who made several good runs down the channels and showed some good passing and movement. Forward Jailson Seidi contributed well and his pace, energy and movement made it tricky for the opposition defence. Lastly, centre-back Chris Nguidjol had a good game, making several important interceptions and also showing good positioning as well.

For Buckhurst, centre-back Alfie Harris shone in the visiting defence, making good clearances and stifling a quick Newham forward line on a number of occasions. Right-back Cameron Weekes also had a good game too, being a good presence in the air, as well as passing the ball well, out of defence at times. Finally, a word for forward Ezekiel Bademosi who put a good shift in for his team, keeping the Newham defence alert with his pace and direct running.

Teams

Athletic Newham | Manager: Chris Davis | Assistants: Timothy Tesuosu & Ray Bartlett |

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Wilkinson Boateng (GK), 7 Jeff Idemudia, 4 Christopher Nguidjol, 12 Michael Adu, 3 Louis Hiobi, 15 Anderson Baro, 8 Andy Greenslade, 16 Abdul Shobowale, 9 Jailson Seidi (19 Cliff Akurang 88′), 17 Richard Kone, 10 Joel Appiah (Capt) (18 Simon Bamidele 90’+3)

Goal-scorer: Richard Kone [pen 72′]

Booked: Kone, Nguidjol, Idemudia, Seidi | Subs Not Used: Sathiyananthan, Martin & Goumou

Buckhurst Hill | Manager: Mark Williams | Assistant: Jonny Fowell

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Emmanuel Olajide (GK), 2 Cameron Weekes, 4 Alfie Harris, 5 Daniel Smith, 3 Bradleigh Rowland, 6 Jake Moss, 8 Harry Markatis (Capt), 7 Sam Sollosi (12 Sonny Shilling 73′), 10 George Johnson (14 James Deaney 60′), 9 Ezekiel Bademosi (15 Oliver Williams 73′), 11 Nathan Sollosi

Booked: Smith | Subs Not Used: Tyrrell

Referee: Royan Campbell
Asstistants: Abdel Hamid Zekri & Abdel Wahid Touileb

S22-23 Match Report: Romford 3 – 4 Barking (Fri 24 Feb) [ESL 22-23 25.2.23]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Mayesbrook Park 3G

Attendance: 135

2022-23 Season: Match 42

Friday 24 February 2023 – 7.45pm KO

Romford: Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks

Barking: Yellow Shirts, Shorts, & Socks

Harry Baker (left) on the ball for Barking [Image by Scott W]

Barking emerge with a narrow win in a pulsating Mayesbrook derby

Romford 3 – 4 Barking

Match Report by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Photos by Bill Badger [@BillBadger1976] & Scott W

The season returned to the Essex Senior for this Friday night match between Romford and Barking in the Mayesbrook derby. Romford are aiming for a top 10 finish at least, given the hectic close to the season they will have after their FA Vase run earlier this term. Boro Manager Steve Butterworth fielded Matt Cafer in goal, with a defence comprised of full-backs Jamie Hursit & Danny Hurford, with centre-backs Anthony Furlong & Scott Doe. The central midfield featured Kris Newby, skipper Adalberto Pinto and Praise Ogbebor, and the forward was led by recent recruit Hassan Nalbant, supported by George Cox & Charlie Morris. Barking had Harvey Simson between the posts, with a defence of Harry Baker, Ergis Kastrati, Kyrell Palmer & captain Eljay Worrell. Jess Norey & Ronaldo Kapica were the central midfield, with Sam Shaban & George Okoye on the flanks. Luke Hirst was the focal point in attack, supported by Ahmed Abdulla. Jeff Sears took the team here with Rob O’Brien as his assistant, as the Blues were looking to fortify their place in the top eight with a win.

Romford full-back Danny Hurford [#3] lays ball off, marked by Barking’s George Okoye [Image by Scott W]

Barking did their chances of getting the points no harm whatsoever by making the most of a sloppy opening five minutes by Boro. In the first minute, Barking led after Luke Hurst made the most of a defensive error to lob over the covering defender and find the net. Then, four minutes later a fine assist by Sam Shaban allowed Hirst to slot home comfortably past Romford goalkeeper Matt Cafer and in no time, the Blues had a two-goal lead. Barking were bossing it in possession for the majority of the first half, but on 22 minutes, the enterprising winger Charlie Morris gos past his marker and put in a good cross from the left flank, which only just evaded the run of Praise Ogbebor, a reminder that the Blues had to keep their focus.

It was a warning they didn’t really heed, as Romford gradually had more ball time in the last 15 minutes, with Morris, Ogbebor, George Cox and forward Hassan Nalbant stretching Jeff Sears’ team defensively, even though Barking were up to the task, assisted by full-back Harry Baker, centre-back Ergis Kastrati and good handling skills of goalkeeper Harvey Simson. That was until 39 minutes when Nalbant decided to launch an unstoppable strike from 25 yards out which fizzed past Simson in a flash & found the top right corner, much to the delight of the Romford contingent. Steve Butterworth’s side really pounced on the oppurtunity to level the match before half-time, as centre-back Scott Doe headed over the crossbar, shortly before that Ogbebor had a header cleared off the goal-line as Barking were grateful to hear the half-time whistle.

Half-Time: Romford 1 – 2 Barking

Romford’s Hassan Nalbant is tackled as team-mate Ogbebor & Barking’s Worrell look on [Image by Bill B]

That fortune for the Blues barely lasted a minute after the restart though as a decent ball tracked the run of the fired-up Nalbant who duly struck low past Simson for his second goal here to level a match that earlier on seemed rather difficult for them to get back into. That was really only the start of the drama, in what was a splendid second half of football for the neutral. Barking re-took the lead on 50 minutes, thanks to a superb strike from central midfielder Ronaldo Kapica, which found the top corner, giving Cafer no chance. To their credit, Romford responded as Jamie Hursit’s cross found Morris but the latter’s strike was just off-target. Praise Ogbebor was also in the action as his strike was blocked by a combination of a defender and a tip over by Simson.

Romford did make their decent spell count as they made it three-three as a set-piece was bundled in at the far post by centre-back Anthony Furlong. That made three goals since the restart & the pace wasn’t showing any sign of stopping. Just past the hour mark, Romford stopper Cafer made a decent save to deny Shaban’s header. The next turning point was on 64 minutes, with his defence higher up the pitch, Cafer advanced out of his area and couldn’t clear into the sidelines, allowing Luke Hirst to regain possession & slotted home with aplomb to give Barking the lead for the third time.

Romford stopper Matt Cafer in action [Image by Bill B]

Romford were then restricted to ten men five minutes after that, as skipper Adalberto PInto was dismissed for a tough challenge. That did understandably affect the Boro but they admirably still pushed on in search of another leveller. Barking kept going themselves and it was hard to argue that they didn’t deserve the points, but they did make it hard for themselves at times. Credit also has to go to Romford for their determination to make the team in yellow tonight word hard for their win.

Full-Time: Romford 3 – 4 Barking

This match was one of the more memorable games this season, because of the goals, the drama & the relentless nature of it. Barking were comfortable for most of the first half but lapses of concentration allowed Romford to pile pressure on either side of half-time. Must give credit to Boro though for their contribution to a great match, which they started poorly but grew in influence as the game wore on. Barking weathered the storm well & looked lively throughout the game, as they were indebted to the cool finishing of Luke Hurst with his treble & also, they made the most of of defensive errors from the ‘home’ side here to eventually claim the points.

There were some good performances to note as ever. For victors Barking, hat-trick hero Luke Hirst was a thorn in the side of Boro all game, well suported by the likes of Shaban, Okoye and Abdulla. Hirst’s pace was tough to deal with but not as hard to stop as his cool finishing. Sam Shaban was also very good at times down the left channel, coming inside & got a good assist for Hirst’s second goal. Jess Norey had a good game, being an energetic presence in central midfield, while I thought Harry Baker was good at right-back, as he was an real presence on the deck & aerially as well.

For Romford, forward Hassan Nalbant was unfortunate to be on the losing side, scori g two good goals, the first of which was a super strike. His presence in the air & generally grew as the match went on, and showed decent passing too. Charlie Morris was a good threat as well down the left side, putting in a number of decent crosses & he was their best outlet for much of the match. Support forward George Cox also played his part in rallying his team after the start they had, showing good movement and neat passing. Finally, Scott Doe typified the attitude from the defence who had to work hard to avoid being out of the game before the interval.

Thanks to both teams for a match that will live a fair while in the memory.

Teams

Romford | Manager: Steve Butterworth | Assistant: Dan Spinks

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Matt Cafer (GK), 2 Jamie Hursit (17 Stephen Toussaint 87′) , 3 Danny Hurford (16 Bleron Ademi 62′), 5 Anthony Furlong, 6 Scott Doe, 4 Kris Newby (12 Tyrese Sibanda 70′) , 8 Adalberto Pinto (Capt), 7 Praise Ogbebor (14 Jacob Wiggins 70′) , 9 Hassan Nalbant, 10 George Cox, 11 Charlie Morris

Goal-scorers: Hassan Nalbant [39′ & 46′], Anthony Furlong [57′]

Booked: Cox | Sent Off: Pinto [69′] | Sub Not Used: Glenister

Barking | Stand-in Manager: Jeff Sears | Assistant: Rob O’Brien

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Harvey Simson (GK), 2 Kyrell Palmer, 3 Eljay Worrell (Capt), 5 Harry Baker, 4 Jess Norey, 6 Ergis Kastrati, 7 George Okoye, 8 Ronaldo Kapica (15 Ronaldo Dariri 84′) , 9 Luke Hirst, 10 Ahmed Abdulla (17 Alessandro Wisdom 75′), 11 Sam Shaban

Goal-scorers: Luke Hirst [1′, 5′ & 64′], Ronaldo Kapica [50′]

Booked: Palmer | Subs Not Used: Leach, Tshilumba, Charfi

Referee: Michael Iddenden-Smith
Asstistants: Ray Parmenter & Zeki Bedri Karayaka

S22-23 Match Report: Rayleigh Town 5 – 1 Canning Town (Sat 18 Feb) [EOFL 22-23 19.2.23]

Essex Olympian League – Premier Division

Venue: Thames Road (Concord Rangers FC)

Attendance: 25 (Est)

2022-23 Season: Match 41

Saturday 18th February 2022 – 2pm KO

Rayleigh: Navy Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts & Socks

Canning: White & Blue Shirts, White Shorts & Socks

Strong performance gives Rayleigh the win over Canning Town

Rayleigh Town 5 – 1 Canning Town

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

This weekend’s match was still in the Intermediate divisions, but featured two sides that are not only hungry for goals but also looking to finish the season strongly. Rayleigh Town welcomed Canning Town to Thames Road in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division. Rayleigh are keen to plant themselves in that second spot at least by the time May arrives, while Canning are looking to stay in a congested mid-table battle for a top-six finish. Del Lamont stood in for boss Paul Higgins here, and named stalwart Mark Brown in goal, with a three-man central defence of Jack Long, Sonny Coutts & Jack Chatterway, with wing-backs William Vile & Charlie Seaden pushing forward. Alfie Larkin, skipper George Vile & George Aston comprised the hosts’ central midfield, with Philip Anunwa and Harry Talbot leading the forward line. Canning Town fielded Josh Taylor in goal, with a defence of full-backs Stephen Ikumelo & Aidan Bailey with centre-backs Tom Vaughan & skipper Matt Betts. Their central midfield had Pourya Fazlollahi and Bron Pattanawanitkitkul, joined by Jack Williamson & Lewis Belcher on the flanks. Loanee Jake Frost joined Billy Gipp in attack for Lee Wilson’s team.

Jack Long [#17 left], looking to track the run of Harry Talbot [#7] for Rayleigh early on

In some games (particularly in this winter period), it takes some time for the momentum to build. That certainly wasn’t the case here as the hosts broke the deadlock after only four minutes. A in-swinging set-piece by skipper George Vile found the rising Jack Long who cushioned his header well and found the net, past visiting stopper Josh Taylor. However, Canning are not an easy side to keep quiet and they responded merely five minutes later. A foolhardy challenge in the area saw referee Phil Miles point to the penalty spot. Full-back Stephen Ikumelo stepped up and duly blasted the ball into the net to level things up. That goal came moments after Canning gave the hosts a warning as forward Jake Frost did well down the left flank, before finding strike partner Billy Gipp, who fired just wide of home custodian Mark Brown’s far post.

Referee Miles was involved again on 18 minutes, as good play by Philip Anunwa found the run of midfielder George Aston before he was felled by the goalkeeper’s challenge, and again Miles pointed to the 12-yard spot. Goalkeeper Josh Taylor redeemed himself though immediately as he superbly parried George Vile’s penalty onto the crossbar. In all fairness, as the half went on Rayleigh were definitely finding their rhythm. Forward Anunwa was holding the ball up well and winning a fair number of aerial battles too as the visiting defence were being unsettled by the rapid Rayleigh forward moves.

Charlie Seaden [#2, right] looking to get into the right-side channel for Rayleigh

On 26 minutes, Anunwa was involved again as his well-directed lob was parried away by Taylor, but into the path of wing-back Charlie Seaden who was unable to convert the rebound, allowing a relieved Taylor to gather. The visitors’ relief didn’t last long though as the team in Navy Blue extended their lead barely three minutes later. A fine low free-kick by George Vile evaded the grasp of Taylor and cannoned in off the left-sided post to make it three-one to the promotion-chasing hosts.

Rayleigh were sensing a chance to further extend their lead and they duly did so before the break. Ten minutes before the break, they made it four as a superb cross by Seaden found forward Harry Talbot who directed a powerful header which gave Taylor no chance and then a slightly wind-assisted corner by George Vile crept in at the near post, despite Taylor & a defender’s best attempts at clearing it – which made it four-one.

Half-Time: Rayleigh Town 4 – 1 Canning Town

After the break, Canning were still keen to keep the ball on the deck. Frost & Gipp both made decent runs, but they still couldn’t unduly test Rayleigh goalie Mark Brown. The hosts made it five on 61 minutes through another spot-kick, George Vile this time did convert from 12 yards to complete another fine treble and add to another influential performance.

To their credit, Canning were still keen to get themselves in back into the contest midway through the half,regardless of the scoreline, but as they pushed high in an attack-minded formation, they left gaps in defence, allowing Talbot to break past the last defender & custodian Taylor but in doing so he went down the right channel, which allowed Taylor to rush back and get in position to deny Talbot’s eventual goal-bound effort.

Late in the game, Harry Talbot testing the visiting defence & poised to strike

As the contest pushed towards its conclusion, both sides looked to attack, further endorsing the good spirit in which this match was played. The hosts had chances through Anunwa whose effort was well-blocked by Taylor, before central midfidler George Aston fired not far wide of the goal frame. Canning nearly got another goal in added time, with centre forward Jake Frost connecting well with his strike which fizzed just past Brown’s far post.

Full-Time: Rayleigh Town 5 – 1 Canning Town

In summary, Rayleigh Town had more than enough chances to deserve the victory today, however some kudos has to be given to Canning Town’s keen approach play & they carried some threat at times going forward themselves. Unfortunately for Lee Wilson’s team, by the time they found their rhythm they were well behind on the score-sheet.

There were several fine performances from the Rayleigh side today. Starting with one of the key players in this team, central midfielder George Vile who not only notched a treble, but also grabbed an assist and sprayed some good passes forward as well, well done to him. Sonny Coutts also had an important role at centre-back here, winning most of the aerial duels as well as making some good interceptions. Wing-back Charlie Seaden put in several dangerous crosses from the right flank, one of which superbly found Talbot for his goal. Seaden also showed decent movement as well. Lastly, a mention for advanced midfielder George Aston whose influence grew as the game went on, made good passes and retained the ball well under pressure as well.

For Canning Town, central midfielder Bron Pattanawanitkitkul showed a lot of good dribbling skills, made good passes and showed a high work rate as well to provide some impetus for his team’s forward moves which were promising at times. Forward Billy Gipp also contributed to his team’s pace in attack, also having a few strikes on goal which were not far off-target. Full-back Stephen Ikumelo was influential at the back, making several good tackles & showing decent positioning, as well as encouraging his team-mates as the game went on. Lastly, a mention for tireless winger Jack Williamson, who kept pushing down the right flank well and recycled possession well at times, as well as putting in some good crosses and showing good energy levels.

Teams

Rayleigh Town | Stand-in Manager: Del Lamont |

Starting XI: 1 Mark Brown (GK), 2 Charlie Seaden, 17 Jack Long, 6 Sonny Coutts, 3 Jack Chattaway, 11 William Vile, 8 George Vile (Capt), 4 Alfie Larkin, 10 George Aston, 7 Harry Talbot, 9 Philip Anunwa

Goal-scorers: Jack Long [4′], George Vile [29′, 39′ & pen 61′ ], Harry Talbot [35′]

Subs On (Time): 14 Sonny Woodward [51′], 15 Lewis Robson [51′]

Booked: Larkin | Subs Not Used: Baldry, Baxter

Canning Town | Manager: Lee Wilson | Assistants: Jay Dyer & Paul Newson

Starting XI: 1 Josh Taylor (GK), 3 Stephen Ikumelo, 5 Tom Vaughan, 4 Matt Betts (Capt), 2 Aiden Bailey, 8 Pourya Fazlollahi, 6 Bron Pattanawanitkitkul, 7 Jack Williamson, 9 Jake Frost, 10 Billy Gipp, 11 Lewis Belcher

Goal-scorer: Stephen Ikumelo [pen 9′]

Subs On (Time): 12 Nicolas Basoa [46′, replaced Vaughan], 15 Napat Pattanawanitkitkul [57′, replaced Fazlollahi], 14 George Turner [59′]

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Dyer, Wilson

Referee: Phil Miles
Assistants: Guy Pell-Ilderton & Kieran Evans

S22-23 Match Report: Ilford 0 – 0 West Essex (Sat 28 Jan) [ESL 22-23 28.1.23]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Cricklefield

Attendance: TBA

2022-23 Season: Match 37

Saturday 28th January 2023 – 2pm KO

Ilford: Blue & White Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

West: Yellow & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks

Hard-fought battle sees West held at Ilford

Ilford 0 – 0 West Essex

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

The Saturday match this weekend saw a return to Cricklefield for an interesting local derby between Ilford and West Essex. Both sides wanted the points for different reasons, with the Foxes looking to get into the top ten and West looking to remain in the top six. Richard Ponsford fielded Tim Pitman in goal, with a defence comprised of Paul Cox & Henry Fisher plus centre-backs Tobi James & Jake Chadwick. The midfield was marshalled by skipper Mitchell McCabe with Mwetsi Matangi alongside him, with Josh Boxall & Mo Kargbo down the channels. Caleb Adomako-Mensah and Joe Lilly led the attack here. West have brought a couple of players into the squad in recent weeks, with loanee Dren Hoti deputising for the unwell Arthur LeBlond in goal, and a backline of Emanuel Wazola, Tala Lo Seye, Mitchell Arthur and Joel Lamb. Their energetic midfield had captain Reece Clarke, Saliu Lo Seye and Oliseh Okuguni in its ranks. David Bell led the attack, with support from Cameron Gray and Zak Oliver.

The early stages of this match saw the visitors start quite well, as their astute passing game did test the levels of focus of their hosts. Forward David Bell and midfielder Oliseh Okuguni had early half-chances that were wide of Tim Pitman’s goal. Ilford were finding it tricky to keep the ball but they still had one decent glimpse at goal as forward Caleb Adomako-Mensah saw a close-range effort fizz wide of the left-side post. As we entered the last 15 minutes of the first half, the Foxes did have arguably their best phase of the game up to this point, with only determined defending by the Stags preventing them from testing goalkeeper Dren Hoti.

Ilford boss Richard Ponsford watches on, early in first half

West Essex were creating promising moments, led by the enterprising running of support forward Zak Oliver, who was breaking down the right flank well, although his crosses was cleared by a stubborn central defence, led by Ilford’s Jake Chadwick. One of those Oliver crosses was well-angled in toards the far post, which Bell got across to well but could only loft his effort over the crossbar.

Half-Time: Ilford 0 – 0 West Essex

The Stags did have the better of the first half which was pretty hard-going for both teams. However, besides a glimmer at goal from captain Reece Clarke, West were spending more time defending in the early stages after the break. This was particularly the case on the hour as a good run by support forward Joshua Boxall down the left side ended with a good ball into the six yard box, which found Adomako-Mensah who timed his header well and was unfortunate as said header cannoned back off the under-side of the crossbar and back out. Bell also had another decent sight of goal but couldn’t direct his strike, allowing Pitman to gather fairly comfortably.

West winger Zak Oliver gets past Ilf’s Henry Fisher

My gut instinct was starting to sense that the stalemate could prevail here, although Ilford were keen to get down the channels, with substitutes Harry Rawlins and Delphin Moorat keen to evade the Stags midfield, who themselves battled well. There was two more chances of note as we entered the last ten minutes. First, substitute Moyo Ajibade did well to break down the right channel, putting a good ball into the box, which fellow replacement Callum Bloss latched on to but his strike sailed wide of the left-sided post. And then with mere moments left, Foxes skipper Mitchell McCabe struck a low-crisp effort which came back off the near post with Hoti beaten.

In the end though, the draw was a decent point for the Foxes who gathered their eighth shut-out of the season, which is good reward for a squad adapting to Senior football this term. West will be disappointed that they couldn’t convert their chances but they also showed parts of their development as a team in the last 12 months – specifically that they are often a tough side to beat.

Full-Time: Ilford 0 – 0 West Essex

So in the end, it was a battling if scrappy contest which neither side could edge. Even so, there was a lot to applaud from both sides as they will be pleased with elements of their respective displays here.

For West, the stand-out performers here were led by support forward Zak Oliver who made several good runs down the right flank, and included some good passing & pace as well. Full-back Emanuel Wazola also had a fine game, particularly in the second half as the hosts were getting more lively in attack, with Wazola making some good interceptions under pressure and used the ball well too. Centre-back Tala Lo Seye also put in a very good defensive display, making it hard for the opposition to create clear-cut chances. Finally, a word for dependable skipper Reece Clarke who put in a high-energy display in both defence & supporting the attack.

Ilford had a number of good individual performances here also, with full-back Henry Fisher putting in a very good performance, utilising possession well and making several important tackles to stifle a decent West forward line. Centre forward Caleb Adomako-Mensah also had a good game, showing decent pace & movement. He could count himself unlucky to not get on the score-sheet. Support forward Josh Boxall put in a number of good runs and passes, particularly after the break. While captain Mitchell McCabe also put in a hard shift for his team, becoming more influential in the last half hour.

I’d like to wish both teams a good remainder of the season.

Ilford | Manager: Richard Ponsford | Assistant: Mark Lilly

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Tim Pitman (GK), 2 Paul Cox (16 Delphin Moorat 13′), 3 Henry Fisher, 5 Tobi James, 6 Jake Chadwick, 4 Mwetsi Matangi (14 Ozzie Nyahunda 46′), 8 Mitchell McCabe (Capt), 7 Mo Kargbo, 10 Joe Lilly (12 Harry Rawlins 66′), 9 Caleb Adomako-Mensah (15 Luke Pike 76′), 11 Joshua Boxall

Booked: James | Sub Not Used: Fresneda

West Essex | Manager: Kwame Kwateng | Assistant: George Kars

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Dren Hoti (GK) , 6 Emanuel Wazola, 15 Tala Lo Seye, 25 Mitchell Arthur, 3 Joel Lamb (10 Callum Bloss 59′), 14 Reece Clarke (Capt), 17 Saliu Lo Seye (22 Timmy Moncur 73′), 8 Oliseh Okuguni, 19 Zak Oliver (18 Moyo Ajibade 70′), 20 David Bell (21 Mohamud Kaudeer 78′), 11 Cameron Gray

Sin-Bin: Okuguni [90’+2] | Subs Not Used: None

Referee: Dumitru Vasile
Assistants: Karl Dunnage & Adam Schroder

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 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 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 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 13 – Sat 13 Nov) [EAL 21-22 15.11.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on Saturday 13 November. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 13 November

FENTON CUP

The Remembrance Weekend Fenton Cup action saw probably the biggest shock of the season so far as Division One’s RCXI put in a memorable performance to beat Senior Division opposition, Tower United, in a 6 – 2 scoreline. Abubakar Maxamed scored ttwice for Tower but RC went through with Michael Temitayo netting a hat-trick. Oluwaseun Koya, Sammy Anjorin and Jide Lewis also scored to complete an excellent win to send them into the quarter finals. Also into the hat for the quarter finals are DTFC as they came through a close battle with their fellow Senior Division front-runners, Woodford East, at Hackney Marshes. It took just one goal to separate the sides on the day and that came from the boot of Stanley Green who ensured his team kept their cup run going, winning 1 – 0.

There was some entertainment at Leyton County Ground where Lymore Gardens and FC Baresi met for an all-Senior Division clash in the first round. Lymore had raced into a lead with two Andre Rashford goals and a Rio Brown effort. But a Paul Benfield hat-trick sparked a Baresi fight back to make it 3 – 3 and take the game to a penalty shootout. Lymore held their nerve to win an epic encounter 8 – 7.

In the other game played in the Cup, Division One’s high-flyers Belfry made the trip to Walthamstow to take on Premier Division’s Crookz United for a place in the second round. Despite a Warren James goal for the visitors, Crookz made their higher league placing count and secured a 4 – 1 win thanks to strikes by Khalid Madey, Anselmo Gomes, Kevin Osei and Abdouaziz Jeng, going through to the next round.

FENTON TROPHY

There were two all-Division Two clashes in the weekend’s Fenton Trophy action where Royal Forest overcame a side placed six points ahead of them in the shape of Emerson & Upminster Reserves, defeating their top half opponents in a 4 – 1 win. Josh Owers scored twice for Forest with Frank Carver and Harry Killick netting the others to head into the quarter finals and overturn a solitary Tobi Onafeko goal for Emerson.

Joining Forest in the last eight of the competition are Old Esthameians who faced a Ryan Under 23s side sitting a few places below them in the standings but constructed a seven goal thriller between them at Wadham Lodge. Old E’s came through a close game with a narrow 4 – 3 to book their place in the last eight.

SENIOR DIVISION

There was a change at the top of the Senior Division table once again on Saturday with Chadwell Heath Spartans taking full advantage of the previous top two being in cup action as they edged a close game at home to CSM London. Two Jack Evans goals overcame a Ramone Senior effort for the visitors to give Spartans a 2 – 1 win. There was an important three points for Blue Marlin in the race to avoid the drop as they saw the visit of fellow strugglers Rapid Chingford to Fairlop Oak. Scott Campbell struck a brace and Lewis Forman netted off the bench to edge a close game 3 – 2. That saw Marlin move up a place to twelfth, just one point shy of safety.

The final game in the division was a real thriller as previously point-less Chigwell Town were on the road with a visit to FC Petrocub seeking to address that situation. The two teams battled their way to a 3 – 3 draw by full-time with Harry Tew-Robinson scoring twice and Joe Creasey once for Town to secure their first point of the campaign.

PREMIER DIVISION

The Frenford A express train is really beginning to motor at the top of the Premier Division and they now lead the way by nine points after putting ten goals past All Prospects in a 10 – 1 result. Damilola Olaiya has been in fine scoring form and he struck a hat-trick with Daniel Francis, Malachi Hercules and Isimia Iguisi scoring twice each and Keenan Gravillis once to earn another win.

Athletic Newham Under 23s are one of a number of sides who do have games in hand on the leaders to cut the deficit and they’re now up to third in the standings following a solid 2 – 0 win at home against bottom of the table London Park City. Goals from Amilcar Abrantes and Nathaniel Adjei saw Newham move to eleven points having just been beaten once in the league this term. Moving second, North East Lions’ first half of the season has been a little up and down but they did get back to winning ways with a important 1 – 0 win away at Dagenham United. Adnan Miah was the scorer of that only goal of the game to give Lions a fourth league win while sending United to just a second league defeat this term.

Two of the other sides in the top half, Eastside and Wapping, met in the division’s final fixture with the teams beginning the day just a point apart. A close game saw the sides finish level at 2 – 2, preserving Wapping’s advantage over ‘Side for the time being. Junior Mandeng-Fotabong and Basekou Gassama scored for Eastside here, with Jordan Mills-Smith and Kamrul Ahmed efforts on target for Wapping to help side secure a point.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Cowley Community put themselves top of the table, jumping above their previous top two who were both in cup action, earning a sixth league win in seven this season in a 5 – 2 win against Francis Luke. Jose da Silva netted twice for the visitors but Cowley goals from Kyle Cargill (2), Inarhu Martin, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright were enough to take the points. Newham Wanderers have moved into the top half and onto nine points as their endeavours were successful on Saturday, defeating an in-form Wanstead side 4 – 2 in a local derby match. Malam Injai scored a hat-trick and Joao Cruz struck the other to render Wanstead efforts in reply as just consolation.

That scoreline was mirrored not too far away as Forest Green were the hosts to a Something From Nothing side with the latter starting the day a place below their opponents. But that had all changed by full-time as SFN won 4 – 2 courtesy of two Khai Bailey goals plus efforts from Thomas Bergmann and Micah Innocent. Mickel Smith and Darren Gillings struck in reply for Green.

And two further sides who swapped places in the table were Renegade and Barkingside A as the former increased their league wins tally to two with a 2 – 0 home victory against ‘Side at the Marshes. Nana Baah and Alwi Salah goals were the difference to the home side as they moved up to seventh on the back of this victory.

DIVISION TWO

The game of the day in Division Two was the battle of the top two as Rainham Working Mens Club went out with the hopes of cutting the lead on Fairlop Rovers at the top. But things didn’t quite pan out that way as Harry Oliver and Dylan Scutt goals were enough to see Rovers win 2 – 1, despite a Nathan Wilson strike for the hosts, extending the leaders’ advantage to nine points. Unitey are now third in the table and just goal difference keeps them out of the promotion places after a comprehensive 6 – 1 win against Loughton Lions in a local derby. Taylor McLaughlin was on targets for Lions but a Bubintende Masadi hat-trick and singles from Eddy Litambolo, Ahmed Dousa and Matthew Surry confirmed victory for the hosts.

It was also a good afternoon’s work for St Francis who opened their points and wins account at just the second attempt, defeating winless Newbury East at Oaks Park High School in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Theo Jacobs-Aaron and Ross Basunda goals were the difference on the day between the teams as Saints moved up a place to eleventh, just a point from safety with plenty of games in hand. Mohammed Janneh responded for Newbury here.

DIVISION THREE

The gap at the top of Division Three remains at just two points after leaders Royal Forest Reserves kept up their perfect record with another win against Buckhurst Way, defeating their opponents 4 – 0 at Bancroft Rugby Club. Sereign Lette-Jallow struck twice alongside goals from Tom Alexander and Richard Grove. And just a couple of points back, FC Baresi Under 23s kept up the pressure on the leaders with their fifth win of the season as they returned home from Old Barkabbeyans Reserves with all three points in a 3 – 0 win. Kii Jean-Baptiste was the man in form on the day and he scored all three goals for Baresi on a memorable afternoon.

The in-form Melbourne Sports are up to third place with five league wins of their own this term, coming from behind twice in the game against Glendale to win 6 – 2 in one of the league’s oldest derby matches. Two Dave Hennessey goals had given Glendale a lead at the break but a superb second half performance from the Mels broke their opponents’ resistance to take the win.

Together United’s sparkling form has seen them climb as high as sixth in the standings now and they made it four wins from five on Saturday with a 5 – 2 against Lymore Gardens Reserves at Hainault Rec, despite Omani Green’s goal. Utd’s scorers were led by a double from Stanley Kweya with strikes by Carnell Marcel, Issac Clarke and Fifi Banin & the result sees Together go level on points with fourth-placed Old Barks and just four off the promotion pace with a game in hand.

It was a good afternoon for ASA also as they put six goals past their opponents, Flyers Under 23s, as the sides met at Hackney Marshes. Jubayed Miah scored a hat-trick for his side adding to efforts from Saigeethan Senthan, Mithurn Vijayarajah and Ramanan Selvarasa to confirm a solid 6 – 2 victory for the eighth placed side. Joshua Adu and Kai Eaton replied for Flyers in this match.

DIVISION FOUR

After a couple of winless afternoons for Chingford Harriers, they returned to form on Saturday with a solid victory at Emerson & Upminster A, defeating the mid-table side 2 – 1 to go two points clear at the top. Darlington Ojo’s form in front of goal continued and Cedric Onchuru grabbed the other with Ritchie Weeks coming off the bench to net Emerson’s consolation effort.

Sporting Pillars are third in the table and with games in hand as they added to their points tally with a win against Avondale Rangers on Saturday, winning 9 – 3. Daniel Gutierrez scored four and Rayan Allam three with Ousmany Dibaga and Gavin Afriyie finishing things off. Jake Clarke, Chris Harper and Blaijan Kitufueni all netted in reply for Rangers.

The Reserves of Dagenham United are in some fine form at present and sit fourth on the back of their most recent success, a 2 – 1 home victory against West Essex Under 23s at Castle Green. Cain Dash scored twice to set up his side for a winning performance, overcoming Javen Cole’s goal from the visitors. With results around them going in their favour, Flyers Under 21s excellent recent form has now seen them move into the top half, moving fifth after a terrific 4 – 0 win against Newham Royals at King Georges. Bradley Maycock struck twice with Harry Cossington and Jack Atherton goals completing the scoresheet on the day.

Fixtures – Saturday November 20th (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

Chigwell Town v Blue Marlin | London Marathon Sports Ground

FC Baresi v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Britannia Sports Ground, Walthamstow

FC Petrocub v Lymore Gardens | Noak Hill 3G

Leyton Royal v Tower Utd | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

Rapid Chingford v CSM London | Lakeside Sports Ground

EAL Premier Division

All Prospects v Eastside | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

London Park City v Dagenham Utd | Seven Kings Sch 3G

North East Lions v Crookz Utd | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow

Wapping v Frenford A | Victoria Park, E9

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 8- Sat 9 Oct) [EAL 21-22 11.10.21]

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 some Cup competitions as well from Saturday 9 October. 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 Round-up- Saturday 9 October

SENIOR DIVISION

Just five points separate the top five sides in the Senior Division as the chasing pack took advantage of the leaders being out of action. Woodford East moved to within two points of Chadwell Heath Spartans after they returned to winning ways on the back of a terrific 7 – 0 home win against Leyton Royal in Hackney. Frank Glock and Lucio Uare both scored twice here with Will Letchford , Ben Smith and Adam Tabbani goals rounding off a win.

Jolof Sports remain the only side with a perfect record in the division as they extended their perfect start to four games, still being yet to concede a goal also. They were 4 – 0 victors on Saturday with a home victory against Blue Marlin in East Ham. Mody Gaye, Papa Ndiaye, Bogdan Ursica and Jeremias Visi all netted to move within four points of the leaders.

The other side in the top flight yet to experience defeat are DT FC and the Harlow-based side romped into a 4 – 1 half time lead away to Chigwell Town through goals from Jake Kissiedu, Stanley Green and Billy Golledge & an OG. But Town fought back hard through Ellis Morgan, Harry Tew-Robinson and Wesley Adeyemi goals though their efforts were not quite enough, going down 4 – 3.

It was a big afternoon for Tower United who moved themselves away from relegation worries following a shock away win as they returned home with three points from their trip to the County Ground against Lymore Gardens. Abdi Jama, Kayis Mohamed and Yaqub Haji were the goal scorers to edge the contest 3 – 2, a crucial result affecting both ends of the table.

Another five goal thriller was witnessed down at the Lakeside Sports Ground where Rapid Chingford were the hosts, taking on FC Petrocub, the sides both occupying places in the bottom half. An in-form FC Petrocub side though were the winners on the day, earning a 3 – 2 win to leap above their opponents and up to ninth.

In the final game in the Senior Division, there was a crucial point earned by CSM London who took their tally to four for the season thus far as they held sixth-placed Kit Out London to a 1 – 1 draw in Beckton. Daniel Muamba came off the bench to score an equaliser for Kit Out after CSM thought they had won the game late on via Ramone Senior’s goal, the sides eventually settling for a share of the spoils.

PREMIER DIVISION

North East Lions have closed the gap on the leaders to just three points in the Premier Division after the Walthamstow based side returned home with all three points from their trip to All Prospects in Hainault. Lions were 5 – 1 winners as Mikael Martin netted two with one apiece from Lorenc Hoxha, Adnan Miah and Louis Blake.

Wapping remain in the hunt for promotion as they picked up an important third win of the campaign so far, coming away with all three points with victory in Seven Kings against London Park City. Wapping goals from Sabiq Khan, Mohammed Asrar, Joel Brown and Shamsun Noor were the difference between the sides, helping their team win it 4 – 2.

There was another big win for undefeated Dagenham United who moved up to fourth in the table following a 6 – 1 home win on Saturday against Eastside at Castle Green. Charlie Fiander came off the bench to score twice for Chris Mascall’s side with Jay Fenton, Shaquille Mathurin, Iaia Jau and Victor Mendes efforts also on the scoresheet to give United their second win in three.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Wanstead have found some form in recent weeks and have moved into the top half of the table on the back of a terrific 8 – 3 win on Saturday as they travelled to Leyton to take on Forest Green. Zoltan Balogh and Edson Lami were on fire with four and three goals respectively, Robert Clarke netting the other secure a first league win of the campaign.

The day’s other action in the third tier came from Beckton where Kwanzas London Sport were in action for the second time this season with Renegade their visitors on the day. Renegade have made an indifferent start in the league but were able to secure all three points on Saturday, winning 3 – 1 as goals from Fernandez Kogneman, Praise The Lord Masasu and Vincent Follea confirmed the points.

DIVISION TWO

There were two goal filled contests in Division Two where Unitey moved up to fourth place in the standings, coming through a ten goal thriller in a 6 – 4 scoreline at home to Royal Forest. Mohammed Abaker scored a hat-trick and Gaeton Mukoko also netted to give the hosts a crucial victory, their third of the season. Forest goals came courtesy of Thomas Osmond, Joe Owers, Charlie Palline and Joe Meader.

The other game of the day saw Redbridge Community pick up a big win, their second of the season. Redbridge were 7 – 2 victors at home to bottom of the table Newbury East as Jayke Welch and Tevini French both scored twice, adding to further goals from Dean Cole, Dylan Broadley and debutant Akilijo Bullio.

DIVISION THREE

There is a change at the top in Division Three where Royal Forest Reserves have become the new leaders on goal difference as they recorded a third league win of the season with a 4 – 1 victory at home against Terin. Tom Alexander scored twice with Sereign Lette-Jallow and Josh Trainor goals, cancelling out a Fahad Abdallah effort from the visitors.

Lymore Gardens Reserves join Forest at the top on nine points, though from a game more, after they saw off the efforts of Melbourne Sports on the very next pitch. Garden, who have made a terrific start to the new season, will be more than pleased with their efforts thus far, recording a 6 – 2 win on Saturday to trail at the top by just goal difference.

The movement at the top was made possible after previous leaders, FC Baresi Under 23s, saw their perfect start to the season reach a conclusion as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw against ASA in Walthamstow. Harrez Aliane struck for the hosts but an ASA leveller from Ramanan Selvarasa off the bench levelled up the game.

Together United bounced back well from defeat in their opening game of the season last time out as they defeated a high flying Buckhurst Way side in Walthamstow, coming out on the right side of a 6 – 3 win. Andrei Rizea netted twice and Myles Croxford once for Way but a four goal Stanley Kweya performance plus two from Remel Green proved enough in the end.

It was also an important afternoon’s work from Romford based Flyers Under 23s as were up against visitors Harlow Inter on Saturday seeking to open their points account for the new season. And that was exactly what they did, completing a 2 – 1 win at King George’s thanks to goals from Kai Eaton and Muhammed Waqas to move them up to eleventh in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

Things remain tight at the top in Division Four with Chingford Harriers ahead of their closest rivals on goal difference, aided by their win over the weekend at home against Flyers Under 21s. Harrier goals from Alex Diner, Jake Kemp, Edwin Jabbari and Jemel Richards were the difference with their side cruising to a 4 – 1 win.

The other side sitting well placed for a promotion push are Fairlop Rovers Reserves as their good start to the season continued on Saturday with a home victory against Newham & Havering Borough at Redbridge Sports Centre. Rovers edged a close game by the odd goal, 3 – 2 victors to make it four wins from five this season.

West Essex Under 23s will also be pleased with the start to their season and moved third over the weekend with a narrow win on the road, taking maximum points from their trip to Emerson & Upminster A. Tyler Huggett and Tashan Diamond struck for the hosts but West goals from Charles Jeans, Javen Cole and Ciaran Farrell-Christian were sufficient to earn their side a 3 – 2 win.

The biggest win of the day came from Forest Row where hosts, Collier Row A, made it two wins from three this season with a 9 – 3 home victory against Avondale Rangers. That saw Row move their points tally to nine for the season and shifting up to fourth in the standings in the process.

COUNTY CUP

It was a busy county cup weekend with action across three competitions. In the Essex Junior Cup, there were progressions for our clubs in both ties with Crookz United earning a terrific 6 – 0 home win against Harold Wood Athletic A. Crookz will now travel to Barleylands in Billericay in the next round to take on Hashtag United Development, from the Essex Olympian League’s Division Three.

In the other tie played, it was an all EAL affair in Hainault where Oakside played host to fellow Premier Division side Frenford A. The visitors continued their league form into this competition, completing a 5 – 2 win to confirm a trip to Ramsey & Mistley Reserves in the next round of the competition.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, seven of the eight ties saw our sides progress on with Something From Nothing the biggest winners of the day, the Division One side putting in a solid performance to defeat Dagenham United Reserves 7 – 0 and set up a home tie against Chingford Athletic A in November.

The biggest shock of the day came from Hainault where Division Two leaders, Fairlop Rovers, put an end to Ilford Reserves’ run in the competition, defeating the Division One high-flyers in a 4 – 2 scoreline. They will now travel to an as yet unidentified Mid Essex League side in the third round.

There were three 5 – 2 scorelines in the round and Francis Luke produced what might be construed as a shock as the winless side ended Barkingside A’s perfect start to the season at the Marshes to set up a home game against Brentwood Athletic Reserves in round three.

There was a near miss for Rainham Working Mens Club in Hainault as the Division Two high-flyers were held to a 1 – 1 draw by Division Three Glendale at ninety minutes and it needed the extra time period to eventually separate the teams with the Workies running out 5 – 2 in the end.

The third 5 – 2 result came from Barking Abbey School where Old Barkabbeyans Reserves hosted Ryan Under 23s and it was Division Two side Ryan who made the move into the next round, avoiding any kind of slip up to book a trip to Benfleet Reserves next month.

Belfry are also into the hat for round for the third round as they came through an all-EAL tie at home to RCXI, winning the tie 3 – 1 on the day. They now head up the A12 next month to face Great Baddow in the next round of the competition.

The finalists in this competition from the 2019/20 campaign, Cowley Community extended their form in this competition to another round after defeating FHN Athletic 2 – 0 in Newbury Park on Saturday. They will now take on Rainham Working Mens Club in the third round.

The day’s only reverse against an outside club came at Hendersons’ where Emerson & Upminster Reserves saw their run in the competition come to an end with a narrow 3-2 defeat, going down 3 – 2 against Harold Hill Reserves.

Two of our clubs made their inaugural appearances in the London Senior Trophy over the weekend with FC Baresi renewing old acquaintances with a trip to Middlesex League side, Indian Gymkhana. After the sides battled to a 2 – 2 draw at full-time, Baresi were eventually knocked out on spot-kicks, losing 4 – 3 in the shootout.

In the other Trophy tie played involving our clubs, Athletic Newham Under 23s came up against a side expected to go far in this competition, going down 6 – 3 to Barking Under 23s at Mayesbrook Park to end EAL involvement in the competition.