Preview: Essex Senior League (Fri 16/Sat 17 August) [ESL 19/20 15.8.19]

Still from Hashtag Utd v S Manor on August 7th (Image: Scott W)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) – ESL Writer & Grassroots Football Show Contributor

Hello all and welcome to another of my weekly Preview pieces for the 2019-20 Essex Senior League campaign. After a frenetic two weeks of ESL & FA Cup matches which involved replays for a few of our sides, the league programme to take centre stage, hot on the heels of the Replays that two of our sides had in midweek.

 

Friday 9th August – 7.45pm KO

 

Woodford Town v West Essex   | the Harlow Arena

The weekend kicks off with Woodford back in action just 48 hours after their battle with White Ensign in the FA Cup Extra Prelim Round Replay which went to extra-time on Wednesday night. They face a West Essex who also went out of the FA Cup this week so both teams may feel they have to ‘get back in the saddle’ with a league triumph. If both sides play near their best, this could be another corker of a match given both teams’ attacking nature. Have to go with my gut instinct which says a narrow West win, purely because they’ve had three more days to recover from their last match than their hosts.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

Saturday 10th August – 3pm KO

 

Enfield    v   Cockfosters  | Woodside

Our look at the Saturday action begins at Woodside as Enfield welcome Cockfosters. The E’s haven’t had the best week with a loss in their long trip to Fairford Town last weekend in the Cup before getting narrowly beaten by Hoddesdon in midweek, also at home. Their only win in their opening three has come at home though, ten days ago at home to Stansted so there are signs they could make their new home a fortress, which you sense boss Matt Hanning & co will want to do. Cockfosters may be ‘riding high’ after progression in the FA Cup with a win over Eastern Senior League South side Leyton Athletic last weekend, which was followed by a super comeback to draw at home to Ilford in midweek. Player-boss Ryan Wade scored twice in that latter match and I can see this one perhaps being a draw as well.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2

 

Hadley  v  Sporting Bengal Utd   | Brickfield Lane

The Bricks return to ‘home comforts’ after a good win over ESL side Redbridge in the FA Cup last weekend. Anthony Clark’s team have scored ten goals in their three matches in League & Cup thus far so that is a record they will want to keep adding to at this early stage of the season. Bengal were overpowered by Walthamstow in the Cup last weekend and will seek to avoid a repeat here. Imrul Gazi’s side are not one to under-estimate though in my view they will need to improve defensively to get anything out of this away-day. Home win for me.

Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1

 

Ilford  v  Hoddesdon Town  | Cricklefield

Ilford are at home once again as they welcome the Lilywhites to Cricklefield. Morgan LaForce’s Foxes have had a mixed week at best. Last weekend wasn’t a happy one as they exited the FA Cup with a home loss to Eastern Senior League South side Harwich & Parkeston. That said, their midweek exploits was better as they battled to an entertaining draw at Cockfosters, which was their first points of the campaign. Hoddesdon have had a brighter week with a good win over Brantham Athletic in the FA Cup before a good away performance in the win at Enfield on Wednesday night. If Simon Riddle’s side keep stern in defence then it could be an away win.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

Redbridge   v   Hashtag Utd  | Oakside

The Motormen entertain Hashtag Utd at Oakside. Micky Wetherall’s side played their part in their recent two matches, before succumbing to successive defeats at Hadley and Takeley in the FA Cup and league respectively in the past week, despite four goals in those two games. Jay Devereux’s Hashtag outfit will be buoyed after a late five-goal flourish in a hefty win over Tower Hamlets in midweek at Chadfields. This is a tricky one to call as both sides have the firepower to score goals though will narrowly go with ‘the Tags’.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 3

 

Sawbridgeworth Town  v  Tower Hamlets  | Crofters

Sawbo welcome Hamlets to Crofters. These two sides had many battles last term though since then both have had rather extensive squad changes and their recent results suggest that those changes will take time to settle. Sawbridgeworth went out of the Cup with a home loss to Step 6 side Halstead Town last weekend though did score in that match. Hamlets did triumph in the Cup last weekend with a battling win over Selsey at Mile End though had a chastening end to their match at Hashtag in midweek. Manager Damien Briggs will want to get that out result out of his team’s systems. Instinct says a narrow win for the hosts.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Takeley  v  Saffron Walden Town  | Station Road

Takeley face Saffron Walden in an early-season belter at Station Road. Marc Das’ side has started the season in a spritely fashion and backed that up in the last week with wins in League & Cup. First, a good victory at Crawley Green in the Cup last weekend was followed by a hard-fought win at Redbridge in the league in midweek. Forward Bryn Thorpe has notched five goals in all competitions already though this match represents arguably their toughest test yet. Walden also progressed in the FA Cup with a narrow win over Baldock Town last weekend and you do sense their forward line will click into goal-scoring touch sooner or later. Takeley powered to a good win in this fixture last season so Jason Maher’s team may have that in their minds too. Draw in my view.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2

 

Walthamstow  v  Stansted       | Wadham Lodge Stadium

Finally this weekend, another potential corker awaits as ‘Stow entertain Stansted at Wadham Lodge. Ryan Maxwell’s side have started the season as they mean to go on, in regards to goal-scoring. They progressed in the Cup with a big win over Sporting Bengal last weekend though following that match, it was revealed that promising forward Samrai Gebrai has departed for Step 3 Canvey Island. Stansted had a hiccup last Sunday as they crashed out to Eastern Senior League South side Barkingside in the Cup as they seek to settle following minor squad changes recently. This may be closer than some think though hard to go against another home triumph.

Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1

 

That’s all for this edition of the ESL preview blogs. Check back on Sunday/Monday  when I’ll have the round-up of what happened in this weekend’s matches of the 2019 – 20 Essex Senior League season. Thanks for reading.

Match Report: Hadley 5 – 0 Enfield (Sat 3rd Aug) [ESL 19/20 3.8.19]

Essex Senior League

Venue: Brickfield Lane

Attendance: 91

2019 – 20 Season: Match 7

Saturday 3rd August 2019 – 3pm KO

Hadley: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Enfield: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks

 

Hadley get off to a bright start with win over Enfield

Hadley 5 – 0 Enfield

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

So, here we are again. Another new season begins, my fourth season writing about the Essex Senior League and we started with a trip to a new ground as ESL newcomers Hadley entertained Enfield at Brickfield Lane. Anthony Clark’s side had a really good season last time out in the Spartans South Midlands League and they looked to get their season off in fine style. Matt Hanning’s Enfield won here in the FA Vase last season so were hoping for more of the same. Ex-Barkingside captain Paul Wright skippered the Bricks side while Michael Salako made his debut for the E’s after signing for the club from Isthmian North newcomers Hullbridge Sports on a month’s loan.

The hosts started quite strongly with target-man Peter Rosemin heading wide barely two minutes into the match. They also showed a fair amount of attacking intent, with some decent passing and a clear outlet in lively winger Solomon Ofori. By contrast, Enfield were holding their own defensively with Joe Pattison sitting deep at times in front of rugged centre-backs Josh Woodcock and Jacob Dixon, breaking up moves as the amount of clear-cut chances in the early stages were few and far between.

When Matt Hanning’s side did go forward, talisman Ben Bradbury was often at the heart of the play, though despite the odd probing run by forward Michael Salako down the channels, there was little end product to test a miserly home backline. Enfield goalkeeper Lewis Hawley had to be alert to deny a rising effort by Ofori five minutes before the break. As the interval was fast approaching, Salako found himself in on goal but his strike lacked power which assisted Hadley stopper Luke Ward in making a comfortable save. Late pressure at the end of the half saw home full-back Bradley Marriott head wide from a corner.

We had reached the break and although Enfield had done fairly well to hold level, on another day they may have been behind. Still, you sensed a goal was coming…

 

Half-Time: Hadley 0 – 0 Enfield

What we didn’t know at the time as the second-half began was just how contrasting the second period ended up being. Only a minute into the half, the E’s conceded a penalty after a foul in the area. Alfie Bartram stepped up and duly coverted with a crisp finish into the right corner, past Hawley. Two minutes later, the penalty conceded ‘count’ was two as Ofori was felled in the penalty box after another probing run. Bartram stepped up once again, and buried it into the opposite corner, once again getting the better of ‘keeper Hawley to make it two goals for him and his team.

As you’d expect, the hosts had their ‘tails up’ by this point and after midfielder Cameron Ferguson had a 20-yard strike on goal, there was more pain to come for the over-worked E’s defence. Ten minutes into the half, after some good approach play, Rosemin played in Bartram who stroked home from close range to complete a ten-minute treble. The onslaught continued as just after the hour, Bricks centre-back Sam Lyon’s header cannoned off the crossbar. Hadley made it four with 63 minutes on the watch as Bartram turned provider, knocking in an unselfish pass for Ofori to pass the ball home into an unguarded net.

Minutes later, a rare defensive lapse from the hosts gave the visitors a glimmer of hope as Ward was beaten to the ball in the air, though Salako’s looping effort from the edge of the 18-yard box evaded the defence and sailed just over the woodwork. Moments after Ofori had spurned a chance after seizing an awful back-pass from the E’s defence, the Bricks did make it five six minutes from time. Two substitutes combined as Luke Jupp’s pass found Ned Clarke and after taking a touch to bypass his marker, he lashed home well to complete a fine win for the home side.

Full-Time: Hadley 5 – 0 Enfield

 

All in all, Hadley more than deserved their win, although the manner of the second-half performance will disappoint Enfield boss Hanning and his coaching staff. They were prone to conceding goals in some matches last term and they will want that to be stemmed quickly this time around. They will have better days than what they had today. In my opinion, midfielder Joe Pattison, left-back Ted Buchanan and creative midfielder Ben Bradbury did well today, with substitute James Mays showing hints of his ability on-the-ball too.

For the hosts, lone front man Peter Rosemin did an admirable job of giving the opposition a headache, though Alfie Bartram and Solomon Ofori stood out for them, as did centre-back Wright in marshalling the defence. If they can keep this level of performance up, they could be in for a good season. Finally, I have to note the friendly and warm welcome the club officials extended so my thanks to them for that. Things like that do not go unnoticed. Hope you have an enjoyable season. Thanks to Olly, Steve, Chris & the people behind the bar. My best wishes also extend to Enfield for the coming season.

Teams

Hadley   | Manager: Anthony Clark

Luke Ward (GK), Bradley Marriott, Andrew White, Paul Wright (Capt), Sam Lyon, Stephen O’Hara, Solomon Ofori, Cameron Ferguson (Nnamdi Harold-Egole 68’), Peter Rosemin (Ned Clarke 57’), Shaz Anwar, Alfie Bartram (Luke Jupp 73’)

Goal-scorers: Alfie Bartram [46’ (Pen), 48’ (Pen) & 55’], Solomon Ofori [63’] & Ned Clarke [84’]

Subs Not Used: Casey, Hammond

Enfield    | Manager: Matt Hanning

Lewis Hawley (GK), Charlie Cobb, Ted Buchanan (Kevin Bondjanga 80’), Joe Johnson, Josh Woodcock, Jacob Dixon, Joe Pattison, Dean Wallace (Luc Harpon 59’), Joseph Jones (James Mays 59’), Michael Salako, Ben Bradbury (Capt)

Sub Not Used: Lleweyn-Reid

Referee: Steven Walsh

Preview: Essex Senior League Matchday 1 (Sat 3rd Aug) (ESL 19/20 1.8.19)

Hullbridge won the ESL last term, who will get their hands on the trophy in April? (Image: SW)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) – ESL Writer & Grassroots Football Show Contributor

Hello all and welcome to the first of a new season of weekly Preview pieces for the 2019-20 Essex Senior League campaign. The opening day sees everyone except Hashtag Utd in action and two of the fancied sides at home. Two of the new clubs in Cockfosters and Hadley are also face their debut in the division with intriguing opposition.  Here are my thoughts on the nine matches this weekend.

Saturday 3rd August – 3pm KO

 

Clapton  v  Hoddesdon Town   | Old Spotted Dog

It’s the beginning of a new era for the management at Clapton as Glen Kendall takes charge for the first competitive match as the Tons welcome the Lilywhites to the Old Spotted Dog. Previous incumbent Jon Fowell did well in his near three-season reign in East London, though this is no easy initiation, given Hoddesdon’s very decent defensive record last term which was the joint fourth-best with Takeley.

Though as they say, the new season is a ‘new book’ to be written and I can see this one being a draw.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 1

 

Hadley  v  Enfield   |  Brickfield Lane

Hadley enter the ESL fray with a home encounter with Enfield, who finished last term in mid-table. The ‘Bricks’ as they are known, are managed by Anthony Clark and riding high after a 3rd-place finish in their last season in Spartan South Midlands league, prior to their transfer to the ESL. Included in their stats from last term is the small fact that they had the joint-best defence alongside champions Biggleswade.

The first question some may pose is how they will adapt to the rigours of the Essex Senior League and facing an E’s side who will know they have to improve defensively this season will be a good opener. Matt Hanning remains in charge of Enfield though they have moved ground to share at Bishop’s Stortford’s Woodside this season.

I’m hoping to attend this match and it could be a gooden. Have to go with a home win.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Ilford  v  Stansted  | Cricklefield

The Foxes start another new campaign with a new management team, led by ex-Leyton Athletic boss Morgan LaForce. His brief you suspect is to match or better last season’s 10th place finish, which constituted a very respectable season on-the-pitch.

They entertain Stansted, a side who have also seen a change in the dugout. Last season’s co-boss Marc Benterman has headed off to Witham Town though that role has been filled pretty much by ex-Sawbridgeworth Town stalwart John Watters. The Airportmen lost out by five points to champions Hullbridge in the league but after being triumphant in both the Gordon Brasted Trophy and Errington Challenge Cup Finals, you trying telling them it wasn’t a really good season!!

Stand-out goalkeeper Charlie Turner may have moved on though most of the squad remains from last season, and they will be aiming for another strong campaign. Away win in my view.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 3

 

Redbridge   v   St Margaretsbury  | Oakside

Meanwhile, Redbridge welcome ‘Bury to Oakside on the opening day. Micky Wetherall’s team will be looking to harness the strong end to last season they had to get their 12th-place finish after their woes in the first half of the campaign. St Margs had their own tough spell last term, though under new boss Jon Fowell, they will hope for another decent campaign. My gut says there might be goals in this one and therefore I’m plumping for a narrow away win.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

Saffron Walden Town  v  West Essex  | Catons Lane

In their own opening match of the campaign, much-fancied Saffron Walden face the Stags at Catons Lane. Jason Maher’s side have recruited well over the summer and will want to ‘lay down a marker’ in the opening month of the season you feel.

That said, West won this exact fixture in February and they begin their season with a series of league away matches, due to the pitch issues at landlords Barking , where they play. This match on paper sounds a tough assignment for Kwame Kwateng’s side so early on so in that respect, will head for a home win here.

Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1

 

Sawbridgeworth Town   v  Woodford Town   | Crofters

At Crofters, Sawbridgeworth begin their new era under former Reserve team boss Lee Mackman, with Woodford Town being the visitors. From what we hear on the grapevine, there have been squad changes at Sawbo and it’ll be interesting to see how quickly they find their rhythm.

Woodford may have lost skipper & centre-back Jack Grosvenor to Walthamstow though the bulk of their promising squad remain and on the back of an impressive 6th place last term, if Dee Safer’s team keep that ‘winning habit’ they could be in for another strong campaign. Away win here for me.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

Southend Manor  v  Sporting Bengal Utd     | Southchurch Park

Sporting Bengal begin their season with a trip to Southchurch Park to face Manor. Another ‘new dawn’ is starting at the Southend-based side though manager Adam Peek will have learned much from a tough campaign last term you suspect.

Imrul Gazi’s side is broadly the same as last season though influential skipper Freddy Tandon moved on during the close season, signing for Eastern Senior League South side Frenford. Their last two campaigns in the league have both broken club records in terms of points gained and this match could be a tough battle to start for both teams. Draw for me.

Scott’s Prediction:  1 – 1

 

Takeley  v  Cockfosters  | Station Road

Takeley entertain new ESL outfit Cockfosters at Station Road. Forward Reece Barrett has returned to the club, where he will be joined by stalwart goalkeeper Ronnie Yates and midfielder Mitchell Das once again. Cockfosters recruited former St Margaretsbury assistant Tony Faulkner in the summer alongside Ryan Wade and Nick Mountford. The North London side only just kept their Step 5 status in the Spartan South Midlands league last term and we’ll see how long it takes for them to adapt to the ESL.

Home win, in my view.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Walthamstow  v  Tower Hamlets       | Wadham Lodge Stadium

Finally, one of the ESL ‘Title contenders’ in Walthamstow face Tower Hamlets at Wadham Lodge. ‘Stow have added the likes of Ryan Reed and Jamie Bennett to what was on paper at least a strong squad from April. Importantly, prolific forward Dwade James remains their focal point for goals.

By contrast, Tower Hamlets’ squad are in the middle of a rebuild after they saw boss AJ Ashinike depart to join former mentor Allan Fenn at Fisher FC. The Mile End side may take time to settle into the season though here they may well face a ‘Stow side hungry to get off to a strong start. Have to say home win.

Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 0

That’s all for the opening day’s preview. Check back on Sunday when I’ll have the round-up of what happened at the start of the 2019 – 20 Essex Senior League season. Thanks for reading.

Round-up: Essex Senior League (Sat 13 Apr) [ESL 14.4.19]

Still from Redbridge v Stansted this weekend

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Senior League round-up. With the season rapidly concluding, the last of these pieces for this season will be in two weeks’ time. This day was still quite big for two clubs at the bottom of the table.

Sat 13 April

Enfield 4 – 2 Clapton  | Harlow Arena | Att: 67

The E’s came from behind to overcome the Tons at the Harlow Arena. In-form Giovanni Palmer put the visitors ahead on 18 minutes. Either side of the break, young Leyton Orient loanee Ernold Haxhiu struck, first levelling on 32 minutes before putting his side in front with 63 minutes on the watch. Luke Thomas netted nine minutes later to increase the home side’s lead before Palmer added to his growing reputation as a marksman by making it 3 – 2 wiith 12 minutes left. Joe Pattison made the points safe for Matt Hanning’s side two minutes from time, who now rise to 11th.

Ilford  0 – 3  Hullbridge Sports | Cricklefield | Att: 53

Hullbridge soured to a very decent win over Ilford at Cricklefield. Midfield dynamo Emmanuel Okunka opened the scoring only three minutes in. The Foxes were a man down after Steve Sylvester accrued two bookings and they were made to pay as first, Nathan Scarborough struck six minutes into the second-half before in added-time, Luke Hornsley grabbed a third for his side. Darren manning’s side know they have to win at home to Stanway on the final day to secure a much-desired ESL title and play in Botik league Division North for the first time next term.

Leyton Athletic  0 – 3  Takeley  | Wadham Lodge | Att: 38

Takeley secured a good three points at Wadham Lodge, which also ensured Ath will finish bottom of the Essex Senior League this term. Nick Barrett [19′] got the opener for Marc Das’ side, before Bryn Thorpe got his fifth goal in two matches ten minutes before half-time. Barrett got his second of the game three minutes before the break which rounded out the scoring here. Ath’s inability to win games has seriously impinged their quest to remain in Step 5, with only three wins all campaign. It looks very likely they will be relegated to the Eastern Senior League South next term, with the question now being is any other side going to join them, which will ultimately be decided by the FA.

Redbridge   0 – 4  Stansted | Oakside | Att: 70

Stansted showed their desire and superior finishing to win well at a decent Redbridge side. Goals from Jack Mitchell [9′], Jack West [41′ & 90’+1] and Paul Clayton [83′] saw off their hosts, who had to play the last half-hour with ten men following Daniel Smith’s dismissal. The Airportmen must win at Leyton to have any chance of winning the title in two weeks’ time. I attended this match and my report is here:  https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/04/13/match-report-redbridge-0-4-stansted-sat-13-apr-esl/

Saffron Walden Town  3 – 2  Southend Manor  | Catons Lane | Att: 203

Walden rode out a late comeback from Manor to grab all three points. Walden struck on 11 eleven minutes through full-back Spike Bell. Seven minutes after the break, Bell got his second of the afternoon before Matt Frew made it three on 59 minutes. Manor did fight back well in the latter stages as arguably their stand-out player this term Mo Kargbo netted a late brace [85′ & 89′] to make it a nervy end for Jason Maher’s team. Walden stay fourth and will finish third if they better Walthamstow’s result on the last day which would still constitute a good campaign. Manor’s first loss in five games means they stay fifth-bottom.

St Margaretsbury   0 – 0  Sawbridgeworth Town | The Rec | Att: 44

These two out-of-form sides scrapped to a stalemate at the Rec. St Margs did end a four-match losing streak here though are could still be regarded as ‘under-dogs’ for the upcoming Gordon Brasted Final on Easter Monday. Sawbridgeworth ended a five-match losing run here with this point though they remain in the bottom three.

Stanway Rovers  0 – 0  West Essex | Hawthorns | Att: 61

These two bottom-half sides battled in a goal-less stalemate in what the visitors described as a ‘end-of-seaon affair’ at the Hawthorns. Stanway are somewhat limping their way towards the end of their campaign with only two wins in their last 11 games while West are finishing in a decent run with four wins in their last nine matches though it is likely the Stags will finish just outside the top-ten.

Peter Butcher Trophy: Semi-Final

Hoddesdon Town  1 – 2  Barkingside Res | Lowfield | Att: 127

Barkingside Reserves continued their fine campaign as they defeated another Essex Senior League side to reach the PBT final. Reserve Division top-scorer Carl Patten broke the deadlock on 56 minutes though that lead only lasted seven minutes before Lilywhites winger Connor Bolton levelled. Late drama followed though as Darren Seymour got the winner for the visitors wth six minutes left.