Season 2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Senior Lge Cup (Wk 1 – Sat 5 Sept) [EOFL 20-21 6.9.20]

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer

Hello and welcome back to the first of new season of round-up’s looking at the Essex Olympian League divisions for the Season 2020-21. In this opening piece, we look at the League & Senior Cup action. Thanks as ever to the clubs and you, my readers for continuing to show interest in these pieces. Best wishes to all players, managers & officials at every Olympian League side, wish you a good campaign.

Saturday 5th September 2020 

EOFL Crest

EOFL Premier Division

As ever, we begin with the top-tier of the Olympian League. Buckhurst Hill got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3 – 0 success over Kelvedon Hatch at Roding Lane. Suleyman Zuhdu started off another season for Mark Williams’s team in a strong fashion with a hat-trick in this one. Also among the day’s winners were Basildon Town who had goals from Anthony Aylett and Graham Harrison to thank for a 2 – 0 win at Hutton. Billy Cove’s Bishop’s Stortford Swifts edged a predictably hard-fought encounter with Old Southendian at Garon Park, ending up with a 1 – 0 victory, thanks to ex-Sawbridgeworth & Walthamstow forward Oliver Fortune’s goal.

Elsewhere, Sungate also started their season strongly at home, defeating Shenfield AFC 3 – 1 at Ilford Wanderers Rugby Club. Petrit Elbi, Billy Wells and Ekundayo Oduwole were all on the score-sheet for Bobby Port’s side. Rayleigh Town also showed their intent by beating Harold Wood Athletic 3 – 1 at London Road. George Vile gave the hosts a fifth-minute lead, before John Bradley levelled for Ath before the interval. However, further goals from Harry Talbot and Vile himself, securing his brace meant that Town started the season in good touch, much to the delight of boss Paul Higgins.

In the other action on the opening day, Springfield were held to a 2 – 2 by Leigh Ramblers. Denzel Adebiyi and Jordan Denyer struck for Dan Williams’ side, though strikes by Justin Hazell and Ryan Lowe meant that Colin Wall’s side left Arun Close with a share of the spoils. Catholic Utd also had to settle for a point as they twice came from behind to draw 2 – 2 with Canning Town at the Len Forge Centre. Ted Buchanan and Ronnie Hobbrough got the goals for Stuart Marshall’s side there.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

In the only Division One game this weekend due to Cup action, Old Chelmsfordians defeated Rayleigh Town Res 2 – 1 at Lawford Lane. Into Division Two now and only two matches were played on the season’s opening bow. Beacon Hill Rovers edged to a 3 – 2 success over Old Southendian Res in visiting gaffer Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s first match in charge.  

Also, last season’s unbeaten side Leigh Town ground out another three points with a 1 – 0 triumph at Harold Wood Athletic Res, thanks to Dan Driscoll who got the solitary goal.

EOFL Senior League Cup 

Beginning our round-up of the Senior Cup action with a focus on seven of the eleven matches that took place, two sides managed to notch ten goals each in their games. First, Ongar Town put away Laindon Orient 10 – 0 at Marhams Close to advance to the next round. Aaron Blair led the way with a treble, while Harry Rawlins, Mitchell McCabe and Josh Boxall all added braces themselves, and Ayo Awoskinka also found the net as Neil Blackburn’s Laindon side were comprehensively outdone.

Elsewhere, Galleywood from Division One demolished Division Five side Old Barkbbeyans 10 – 2, with Sam Donn and Jamie Lockwood also nabbing doubles in this one. Jack Chatterway, Luke Osborne, Tyler Tredgett, Max Orrin, Jamie Ricks & C raig Skipper were also among the hefty ensemble cast of scorers for Mark O’Sullivan’s side. To their credit, Barkabbeyans got two goals themselves through Dre Ferlisi and Murad Miah. Ramsden Scotia advanced without a ball being struck as they had a Home walkover over FC Hamlets. Manford Way also progressed with a fine 4 – 0 over the new Hashtag Utd Development side at Barleylands Road. Ex-Essex Senior player Liam Burgess grabbed a treble, with Olajide Yusuff also notching for Trevor Grace’s new side.

Ryan also secured their passage to the next round with a 2 – 0 win over AS Rawreth. Former Roydon duo Scout Bown and Lewis Watson were on target for Declan Murphy’s side. ACD Utd also won through, with a 2 – 1 success at Shoebury Town, with that man Michael Wade again the match-winner, scoring both goals for ACD there. Lakeside Utd also won on their debut, sending Division One Snaresbrook crashing out as Utd won 3 – 0, thanks to strikes by David Alele, Damilola Olusanya and Daniel Demain.

A new era began at Epping Town as a crowd of over a hundred saw them beat Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ 2 – 0 at Epping Rugby Club. Charlie Pollard and Chris Gormley go the goals for Stuart Hoskins’ team. In other action, Rochford Town got a rare away win, defeating Wakering Sports 2 – 1 at Cupid’s. Collier Row also went through, edging past Toby with a 1 – 0 win, while a much-changed Runwell Sports side won 3 – 2 at Division Two Corinthians.

EOFL Division Three

Finally for the round-up section this week, Basildon Town Res got their Division Three campaign off to a flyer with a 5 – 2 win over Buckhurst Hill Res at Basildon Sports Club. Brandon Hubbard and Genit Abazi got the strikes for the visitors but a brace from Tommy Green plus added strikes by Scott Cooper, Toby Warren and replacement Nathan Fisher sealed the win for Lee Wilgoose’s side. Also in the other match, Toby Ressies picked a fine 3 – 0 home win over Leigh Town Res with Peter Spicer, Tom Biddis and Graham Knight getting the match-altering goals in Newbury Park.

EOFL Division Four

Chingford Athletic Res  1 – 0 Galleywood Res   | Town Mead [3G]

Shenfield AFC Res  0 – 2  Old Chelmsfordians Res   | The Drive, Warley

EOFL Senior Five

Collier Row Res  7 – 3  Epping Town Res   | Forest Row Centre (Pitch #2)

Herongate Athletic Res  2 – 5  Shoebury Town Res   | St Clere’s Sch [3G]

Roydon  3 – 2  AS Rawreth Res   | Roydon Playing Fields

Runwell Sports Res  1 – 2  Springfield Res  | St Luke’s Park

Advertisement

Season 2020-21 Constitution: Essex Olympian League Divisions Preview [EOFL 30.7.20]

 

Compiled by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

EOFL Crest

Hello everyone and welcome to the another of my articles previewing the 2020-21 season, ahead of the start of a very unique pre-season. In this piece we’ll have a look at the Constitutions for all six Essex Olympian League (EOFL) divisions (the Premier Division sits at Step 7 & is a ‘NLS Feeder League’). These listings could still be subject to alteration in due course, but is compiled from known information. Thanks to the EOFL for the info used, you can find out more on their website – eofl.co.uk

Finally, if there is any info that is inaccurate, could I ask clubs to DM me on Twitter and I will amend, thank you. Every effort has been made to keep it up to date.

Key

(NEW) = New Side for 2020/21 Season

* Taken Voluntary Relegation (one division lower)

^ = Name TBC (Given May & Baker have entered a side in the Essex Senior Reserve Division)

 

Premier Division – Senior Two (Top three Tiers of Olympian League) Constitution

Premier Division

The EOFL top-tier is a rarity in this it is untouched by club movements in 2020-21. Prior to the rapid shut-down caused by Covid-19, Sungate led the table, six points ahead of Leigh Ramblers. The Belfairs Park side saw manager Wayne Seal depart during the close season, I’d like to wish him well in his new role as a assistant boss to Dave Forbes at Frenford this term. Reigning champions Buckhurst Hill finished third last term but were denied the chance to play out their remaining twelve games to go for the title. Better news for Mark Williams’ side came this week as the club received permission by Epping Forest District Council to put in floodlights, a hundred-seater stand and a similar sized standing area at their Roding Lane ground, as they seek to finally get themselves up to Step 6 in the near future.

Elsewhere, managerial changes also took place at four other clubs with former Basildon Utd & Walthamstow forward Marcus Bowers returning to Basildon Town as player-manager. Also, ex-Southend Manor boss Stuart Marshall coming in at Catholic Utd who will also look to challenge at the higher reaches of what this writer believes will be a highly-charged and competitive division this term.  Harold Wood Athletic are also in a transition period as long-standing gaffer Kris Taylor stepped aside to a new role ‘Club Manager’. Also, Matt Singh has been appointed as first team boss at Hutton, after taking charge of the Reserves last season (in Division Three). I’d like to wish all four managers well in their new role.

It goes without saying that Basildon Town, Hutton & Harold Wood Athletic will all be looking for better campaigns than last as they all ended up in the bottom three back in March.

 

EOFL Senior One & Two

Senior One is largely unaltered from last term as well, with one notable exception. In what is an unusual turn of events, Lakeside (Firsts) decided to fold at the end of the season, despite a fourth-place finish. There will be more to come on that below in Senior Three. Two known changes also in the dugout for Senior One clubs as ex-Epping Town goalkeeper Trevor Grace was appointed as boss at Manford Way shortly after the season’s premature closing. Also, with former boss Jason Emery concentrating on his role as Chairman at Runwell Sports, Jason Plom has been appointed as his successor as manager. I’d like to wish both well in their new roles.

Staying with Runwell Sports, they are another club which has laid big plans for the future, with the opening of a new academy and work starting later this year on a new clubhouse, changing rooms and importantly, a new 3G playing surface, following the likes of Frenford, Bowers & Pitsea and Old Southendian who have all gone down that route.

Chingford Athletic, Old Chelmsfordians and Ongar Town will once again be looking to be in the top four though again, it could again be a hard-fought division. Into Senior Two, and whilst the clubs competing in it are unchanged, Leigh Town, Beacon Hill Rovers, Old Southendian Reserves and Corinthians will once again look to replicate their top-four finishes from last term. It was in a way a ‘surprise’ division, but in the sense of the quality of football being much better than you might have thought. Old Southendian Reserves will have a new gaffer as well, with Ben Manley stepping down, being replaced by last season’s skipper Oliver Tatton-Bennett as they begin their first full campaign on their 3G surface at Garon Park. Ryan and Rochford Town were fortunate perhaps to avoid the drop to Senior Three and will want a better campaign this term as well.

 

EOFL Senior Three – Five constitution

Round-up – EOFL Senior Three to Five

First, in Senior Three there are two new sides and one side exiting. The side that have withdrawn is White Ensign Reserves who have elected to move to the Essex Senior Reserve Division, following the lead of Frenford Reserves who departed for the same division the season previous. The new sides are a re-imagining of Lakeside Reserves from last term, being rebranded as Lakeside Utd who I understand will remain at the Lakeside Sports Ground 3G where they played last term. Also, Manford Way Reserves have returned after an inactive spell and will compete alongside last season’s top three of ACD Utd, Wakebury and Corinthians Reserves.

Next, in Senior Four, there are three new sides with Sungate Reserves who come up from the Essex Alliance League Division Two last term, but they have previously played in the EOFL in years gone by. The other new side is a re-brand of sorts as it was announced at the end of last season that Forest Glade, who finished fifth last term, would join the Hashtag Utd family of sides, and will compete under the moniker of Hashtag Utd Development this term.

Finally, in Senior Five, there are two sides who will face the likes of Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Reserves, Springfield Reserves and Collier Row’s second-side. AS Rawreth’s Reserve side is restored after a spell out and will compete in the sixth-tier from September. Epping Town also field a reserve side in the sixth-tier so we wish them well as the club continues its rebuilding at Stonards Hill. Lastly, in a cruel twist, last season’s Senior Four table-toppers Roydon have effectively dropped a division, due to their reserve side folding in the summer, who did compete in this division last season, earning a decent mid-table finish.

That’s all from this Preview piece, coming up soon will be a look at the draws for the EOFL Senior League Cup and Reserve League Cup which the Olympian League Committee will run this season. Thanks for reading.

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division One [EOFL SR 19/20 27.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the fifth piece of a mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA.

In this edition, I look back at the EOFL Division One campaign, rounded out with an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goal-scorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I won’t shirk, I’ll get the apology in now that I didn’t see any EOFL Division One matches live, but I will try to treat it the same as the other divisions that I did see matches in (Premier, Div Two & Div Three) this season.

EOFL Division One  (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. At the top of the standings at this point was Chingford Athletic, who continued their terrific progress up the EOFL divisions following promotion from Division Two last term. Dave Richbell’s side won fourteen of their 17 matches to end up on an impressive 43 points. In doing so, they had the best home record, winning eight of their ten matches at Town Mead [3G] and had the second-best goal-scoring record, striking the net 48 times (at a Goals per game average (Or GpG) of 2.82). The only sides to beat them this term were Old Chelmsfordians and Lakeside and the fact they had two entrants in the top five of the goal-scoring charts (see below) means they will again look for elevation next term you feel. All in all, another good campaign that chairman Lee Bowers can reflect on with pride.

In second spot were Old Chelmsfordians, six points further back on 37 points from their seventeen matches played. All season they have been a tough side to breakdown, having the fourth-best defence conceding twenty goals and are the top-scorers in the division, having plundered 54 goals (a GpG of 3.17) and to cap it off, the Chelmsford-based side also had the second-best home record, winning seven of their nine matches at Lawford Lane. Matthew Crick also topped the goal-scoring charts with 15 league goals this term. Ongar Town were third on 31 points from only eleven matches, having been blighted by weather and being in Cup action as well, particularly the Essex Premier Cup. Even so, they won ten of their matches, scoring 36 and conceding only nine times – the best in the division. They were unbeaten at their Fyfield Village Hall home as well, winning six of their seven matches there. Had the season continued, the East London side may well have caught the leaders though they can still be more than satisfied with a fine season.

Lakeside finished in fourth place, having accrued 29 points from their fifteen matches. Not bad going at all for the promoted side. It is one of those statistical quirks that six of their nine wins this season came away from their Lakeside Sports Ground 3G home. Plus, their goal-scoring and defensive records sit in mid-table, with them having the sixth-highest scoring record with 31 (GpG of 2.06) and having shelled 22 goals, the sixth-best in Division One. Highly-rated forward Drew Klessa-Smith was again their top league goal-scorer with eight goals and they can look forward to another good campaign next term. Another side in the Chelmsford area finished fifth, in Galleywood. They got 24 points from their fifteen outings, though they won six of those and only lost three times. In an interesting stat twist, they were the lowest scorers of anyone in the top seven sides (with 23 strikes this term), whilst also having the fifth-best defensive record with 20 goals conceded. Going from that, they are a tough side to defeat and will look to maintain that going into the next campaign.

A point further back in sixth were Rayleigh Town Reserves, under the leadership initially of Lee Bunn and Dan Williams before the latter’s departure meant Bunn took sole charge in the last couple of months or so. They improved on a bottom-two finish in 2018/19, having won seven of their 13 matches to end up on 23 points. They were not a dull side to follow, having struck the net thirty-five times (at a GpG of 3.18) but also shelled 30 goals themselves and it was perhaps the latter that hindered them from achieving a top-four finish, though it’s worth noting they did have matches in hand on most of their rivals. The Town second-side also were unbeaten in their last five matches so they will be optimistic that they will have a decent season again next time around. They were six points clear of Shoebury Town in seventh, who ended a mixed season to put it mildly with seventeen points from 18 matches. They only won three matches, though they did also draw a league-high of eight matches as well. The mixed theme continues as Shoebury struck 38 times this term (a GpG of 2.11), only to concede 49 goals at the other end, the third-worst in the division. On a better note, star forward Dominic Binns again was their highest goal-getter, grabbing eleven goals this season so congratulations to him. Plaudits also go to Mitchell Odd and Matthew Smith, the other two Town players in the top goal-scorers chart this term with six goals apiece.

Next in the standings were another club affected by weather and Cup action in FC Hamlets, who got 15 points from their eleven matches, after a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player. On a happier note, Ashley King’s side had the second-best record defensively, only shelling twelve goals in their league season, as well as another fine in the London Junior Cup, which saw them make the Final once again. It is impossible to leave out a mention for the 2018-19 Division One Top goal-scorer Charlie Heatley, who added a further ten goals this term. Respect to you Charlie. I would also like to wish departing player-boss Ashley King well as social media reports indicate he will move on in the summer. Snaresbrook are two points behind their fellow East London side in ninth, having reached thirteen points from their ten matches, as the weather heavily impacted their fortunes. Their management will probably look to the point that they scored nineteen goals in their matches this term, the second-most goal-shy this term. Ramsden Scotia are a point further back in tenth spot, having been deducted two points as well. They finished fifth in the previous season though the Billiericay-based side had more problems going forward this term, scoring eighteen goals in their 15 games (GpG of 1.20) – the lowest in the division. Their top-scorer Jamie Auvache (6 goals) deserves a mention too for preventing a worse outcome there.

Into the bottom four now and Manford Way had another hard campaign following relegation from the Premier Division in 2018-19. They finished in eleventh spot with 11 points from their fifteen matches (after being deducted two points). Unfortunately, their biggest headache this term was at the back as they conceded forty-eight goals (average of 3.20 a match) which is the fourth highest this league term. Top-scorer Joe Lovell got six of the twenty-two league goals they did strike though they will look to improve next term. In twelfth place is Herongate Athletic, who gained three points as a result of an opposition error to end on eleven points from their15 matches. Goalscoring wasn’t a particular issue for them, having scored twenty-six goals (the highest number of all the bottom six clubs) though their troubles were in defence, having conceded fifty-three times which was the division’s joint-worst record this season. Two wins all campaign really lends itself to the feeling they will want to improve next term. Below them are Runwell Sports in 13th after a very hard campaign for outgoing manager Jason Emery, who will concentrate on being Chairman next season. Sports grabbed ten points from their 14 matches though in fairness, they did show glimpses of improving form both in the league and in Cups in the second part of the season. They may have got themselves higher in the standings given the big number of matches they had to play and in another anomaly, they only conceded 26 goals, the best defensive record of the bottom six sides.

Finally, Toby prop up the table in last place, having gained seven points in their 18 matches. One win all season (which was against rivals Herongate Athletic in early February) almost tells the tale sadly for the previous season’s Div Two runners-up which saw them promoted, and also conceding 53 goals did hamper their aspirations to evade the bottom two. Wish them well next campaign.

 

EOFL Division One – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Matthew Crick	Old Chelmsfordians	15	16
2	Alex Gordon	Chingford Athletic	14	15
=3	Aaron Blair	Ongar Town	11	11
	Lee Lashley	Chingford Athletic	11	10
	Dominic Binns	Shoebury Town	11 (1 pen)	12
6	Charlie Heatley	FC Hamlets	10	11
7	Rodney Wilson	Rayleigh Town Res	9	10
=8	Max Johnson	Old Chelmsfordians	8	14
	Drew Klessa-Smith	Lakeside	8	14
10	Joshua Boxall	Ongar Town	7	8
=11	Martin Mixture	Old Chelmsfordians	6	4
	Mitchell Odd	Shoebury Town	6	6
	Luke Quinton	Lakeside	6	6
	Joe Lovell	Manford Way	6	9
	Joe Lilly	Ongar Town	6	9
	Jamie Auvache	Ramsden Scotia	6	10
	Matthew Smith	Shoebury Town	6	13

 

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Division One (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
=1	Benjamin Britton	Toby	17	0	17
	Matthew Crick	Old Chelmsfordians	16	1	17
=3	Aaron Clark	Shoebury Town	16	0	16
	Joe Peters	Old Chelmsfordians	16	0	16
=5	Alex Gordon	Chingford Athletic	15	0	15
	Sean O’Sullivan	Toby	15	0	15
	Max Johnson	Old Chelmsfordians	14	1	15
	Drew Klessa-Smith	Lakeside	14	1	15
=9	Liam Aston	Lakeside	14	0	14
	Ollie Pettit	Lakeside	14	0	14
	Sam Pettit	Lakeside	14	0	14
	Samuel Pollard	Old Chelmsfordians	14	0	14
	Liam Saunders	Old Chelmsfordians	14	0	14
	William Strutt	Lakeside	14	0	14
=15	Charlie Adams	Runwell Sports	13	0	13

Round-up: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 7 Mar) [EOFL 19/20 8.3.20]

Archive Image: Corinthians v Rochford Town in EOFL D2 last month 

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s review of Essex Olympian League action on Saturday 7 March. The weather continued to blight fixtures though there were still a lot of big matches in League & Cups that took place. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Crest

Essex Olympian League – Saturday 7 March

Premier Division

In the Premier Division, Sungate picked up a narrow 1 – 0 win at Rayleigh Town to extend their lead at the summit to six points. Buckhurst Hill can still catch them if they win five of the eight matches they have in hand on the ‘Gate. Rayleigh remain in seventh spot. Meanwhile, Kelvedon Hatch rose to fifth place after a 3 – 2 win over Harold Wood Athletic in a match moved to Frances Bardsley Academy 3G in Romford. Calvin Poku, Theo Ola and Joe Gregory all netted for Hatch, with Rob Whitnell and Jack Brown-Sykes scoring for Ath, who remain bottom, five points adrift of the top ten.

Shenfield AFC also secured a much-needed three points with a fine 5 – 2 win at mid-table Springfield. Ben Carroll grabbed a treble here, with Samuel Lock and Alex Tredgett also notching for AFC to send them up to 11th spot, four points clear of the bottom two.

Match OFF: Basildon Town  P – P  Leigh Ramblers   |

 

Senior Division One

In Senior One, FC Hamlets won 2 – 0 at bottom side Toby through goals from Charlie Heatley and Jack Patten to secure their fifth league win this term, having played only 11 matches, due to postponements & Cup ties. Ashley King’s side rise to seventh spot and still have an outside chance of securing a top-four finish.

Lakeside edged to a 1 – 0 success over Runwell Sports with Jody Reynolds getting the only goal to go five points clear in fourth. Runwell remain in the bottom three. Also, Galleywood also won away from home, 2 – 0 at Ramsden Scotia thanks to strikes by Matthew Buckingham and replacement Jamie Rick, which sent ‘Wood up to fifth. Ramsden have lost three on-the-spin and remain in tenth.

 

Matches OFF:
Manford Way  P – P Rayleigh Town Res   |

Shoebury Town P – P   Herongate Athletic |

Snaresbrook  P – P  Old Chelmsfordians |

 

Senior League Cup

In the one EOFL Senior Cup Quarter-Final tie, Catholic Utd edged to a 1 – 0 win over fellow Premier side Hutton at the Len Salmon Stadium. Jay Nash got the only goal to see the Super Hoops through to the last four.

Essex Premier Cup: Semi-Finals

In the one Essex Premier up Semi-Final that did take place at Roding Valley Sch 3G, Premier side Buckhurst Hill edged past impressive Senior One side Chingford Athletic on penalties after a pulsating 3 – 3 score-line after extra-time. Sam Sollosi netted twice for Mark Williams’ side in normal time, before Fenti Falola netted in extra time though Chingford showed their warrior spirit with Alex Gordon netting a double of his own which was added to by Gary Murray. Hill won the ensuing shoot-out 5 – 4 though this battle adds fuel to the thought that Dave Richbell’s side will be a Premier Division side next term. Congrats to both teams though it is Hill who make it through to the Final to defend their title at Billericay Town’s New Lodge on Wednesday April 11th.

Match OFF: Leigh Town  P – P  Ongar Town  | New Date: Sat March 14th

 

Senior Division Two

Two matches survived in Senior Two, as Beacon Hill Rovers went back up to second spot with a 3 – 1 home win over Wakering Sports in the early kick-off, moved to Plume Sch in Maldon. Nathan Ruggles, Ade Adeyemi and a late Stephen Bennett spot-kick saw Rovers to a fifth straight win and are seven points off leaders Leigh Town. Corinthians also endorsed their promotion chances with a 4 – 2 win at May & Baker Res. Alfie Knight, Ollie Brickwood, John Bolton-Smith and Dan Cooksley all netted for Chris Stoneham’s side who went above their opponents into fourth place. Ryan Leavens and Ricardo Teixeira struck for Jimmy Donald’s team though their own aspirations of elevation took a dent here as they have five matches left to play.

Match OFF: Laindon Orient  P – P  Epping Town

 

Senior Division Three

Finally for the round-up section in Senior Three, Wakebury failed to gain ground on leaders ACD Utd as they were held 0 – 0 by Toby Res at Shoebury Park. It looks increasingly likely that Corinthians Res are the biggest threat for the title though the Berries will still want to secure a top-two finish for the best chance of promotion. Elsewhere, Lakeside Res got their third win in their last five with an important 3 – 1 win at Collier Row. This win sent ‘Side up to ninth, four points clear of the bottom two and handed Row a setback in their focus for a top-three finish.

Also, Corinthians Res handed White Ensign Res another heavy loss as Terry Rose’s side won 6 – 0 at Stambridge Memorial Ground. It was an ensemble cast of scorers with Steve Solarin, Max Hall, Ashley Webb, Ryan Woodley, George Penfold and Taner Dagyaran all on target as the hosts remain third and cut the deficit to leaders ACD to six points with three matches in hand on them. Ensign’s second side have three matches left to get out of the bottom two, they sit second-bottom and are three points away from Basildon Town Ressies.

Matches OFF:

Buckhurst Hill Res  P – P  Hutton Res   |

Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  P – P Basildon Town Res |

 

Senior Division Four results

Canning Town Res  1 – 1  Roydon

Forest Glade  P – P  Catholic Utd Res

Galleywood Res   P – P  Wakering Sports Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  2 – 4  Chingford Athletic Development

Ongar Town Res  P – P  Laindon Orient Res

Shenfield AFC Res  0 – 2  Leytonstone Utd

 

Senior Division Five results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  4 – 0  Shoebury Town Res

Herongate Athletic Res  P – P  Collier Row Res

Roydon Res  2 – 2 Springfield Res

Runwell Sports Res  1 – 0  Newbury Forest Res

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 29 Feb) [EOFL 19/20 1.3.20]

Image from OS 4 – 1 Basildon Town (Image by Scott)

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Review of Essex Olympian League action from Saturday 29 February. A lot of matches were stifled by weather but there were important wins in the matches that did take place. Thanks for reading.

 

Essex Olympian League – Saturday 29 February

Premier Division

In the top-tier, Catholic Utd were held 2 – 2 by a revitalized Bishop’s Stortford Swifts side in an early kick-off at Len Salmon Stadium. Eamon Pyne and Bryn Thorpe got the goals for Billy Cove’s side as they rise up to 9th. , five points off the bottom. Finally, in the match I attended at Garon Park 3G, Old Southendian put in a fine display with a 4 – 1 win over Basildon Town. Ed Gould, Riley Oliver, Luke Moloney and Matt Wilson all struck for Connor Lane’s team, with replacement Barv Walkuaika getting a late consolation for Gareth Cleverly’s side. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/03/01/match-report-old-southendian-4-1-basildon-town-sat-29th-feb-eofl/

 

Matches OFF:

Springfield  P – P  Leigh Ramblers  |

Sungate  P – P  Kelvedon Hatch |

 

 

Senior Division One

Into Senior One now and the highlight of the day saw Toby defeat fellow strugglers Herongate Athletic 3 – 1 in Newbury Park. A brace from Larry Asare and one from Marc Porter-Brown saw the hosts to their first win this season and reduce the gap to Herongate to just a single point. Herongate have lost seven on-the-reel now. Elsewhere, Ongar Town won 1 – 0 at Lakeside in their top-four clash at Lakeside Sports Ground 3G. Joe Lilly got the decisive goal as they continued their unbeaten run for the 3rd-placed side and they went five points clear of their opponents here in 4th.

Matches OFF:

Chingford Athletic  P – P  Old Chelmsfordians  | (Flooded 3G pitch)

Manford Way  P – P  Galleywood   |

Ramsden Scotia P – P  Shoebury Town  |

Rayleigh Town Res  P – P  FC Hamlets  |

Snaresbrook  P – P  Runwell Sports  |

 

 

Anagram Records Trophy

In the surviving Anagram Records Trophy Quarter-Final, Buckhurst Hill made it to the last four with a powerful 5 – 2 victory over fellow Olympian League Premier side Rayleigh Town at Roding Valley Sch 3G. Suley Zuhdu got a first-half treble to lead the way, with Sam Sollosi and Tyler Dolan also scoring here for Mark Williams’ side. Town responded after the break but ultimately had too much to do. Fellow Non-League blogger Pete Dudley was there & here is his report: pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2020/03/buckhurst-hill-5-rayleigh-town-2.html

 

Match OFF: Sandridge Rovers  P – P  Hutton

 

Essex Junior Cup

Collier Row  3 – 1  FC Clacton Res   | Forest Row Centre

Hutton Res  3 – 1  Bowers & Pitsea U23  | Billericay Sch 3G

 

 

Senior Division Two

Only one match survived in Division Two, and that was moved to 3G. Leaders Leigh Town edged to a 1 – 0 win over Epping Town in a battling affair. Harry Payne got the only goal for Jack Pearman’s side who have racked up nine straight wins and also extended their lead at the top to seven points. Epping’s new-look side fought hard and remain 7th.

 

Matches OFF:
AS Rawreth  P – P  Wakering Sports  |

Harold Wood Athletic Res  P – P  Old Southendian Res  |

May & Baker Res  P – P  Beacon Hill Rovers  |
Rochford Town  P – P  Corinthians |

Ryan  P – P  Laindon Orient  |

 

Senior Division Three (All Matches OFF)

Basildon Town Res  P – P  Lakeside Res  |

Buckhurst Hill Res  P – P  Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  |
Corinthians Res  P – P  ACD Utd  |

Leigh Town Res P – P  White Ensign Res |

 

Senior Division Four

Given that Division Three was wiped out because of the weather, we have a one-off round-up of Division Four. Leaders Roydon maintained their unbeaten streak this term with a 4 – 2 win at Catholic Utd Res, played at the Len Forge Centre 3G. Lewis Page struck a treble, to which Lewis Watson added the other goal to see their side three points clear at the summit. Utd’s Ressies remain in mid-table. Laindon Orient Res won 2 – 0 over Shenfield AFC Res in an early kick-off moved to St Martins Sch 3G. Tommy Wolfe and Carlos Dias got the goals to see Laindon’s second-side go up to 8th place. AFC’s Reserve side remain second-bottom, three points ahead of Canning Town’s second-team.

Matches OFF: Galleywood Res   P – P  Old Chelmsfordians Res

Ongar Town Res  P – P  Forest Glade

Wakering Sports Res  P – P  Leytonstone Utd

 

Senior Division Five (All Matches OFF)

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  P – P  Springfield Res

Herongate Athletic Res  P – P  Old Barkabbeyans

Newbury Forest Res  P – P  Roydon Res

Runwell Sports Res  P – P  Shoebury Town Res

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 22 Feb) [EOFL 19/20 23.2.20]

Acrchive – OS v Sungate last month 

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s round-up of Essex Olympian League action from Saturday 22 February. A few matches fell to the weather but with the aid of 3G pitches, most teams were in action as the promotion & relegation battles intensify. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Crest

Essex Olympian League – Saturday 22 February
Premier Division

It was a day of mixed results for the top four in the Premier as Bishop’s Stortford Swifts new dawn continued as they defeated leaders Sungate 3 – 1 at Silver Leys. A brace from Jayden Hocking-Rising and one from fellow new recruit Matt Gill saw Billy Cove’s side up to tenth, four points clear of the bottom two. The ‘Gate saw their lead at the summit cut to three points as second-placed Leigh Ramblers won their local derby with Old Southendian 3 – 0 at Belfairs Park. Andrew Webster got a double here with Matt Allum getting the other goal as the Rams made it five wins from their last six outings. OS drop one to ninth, still too close for comfort to the bottom two.

Rayleigh Town powered to a 7 – 1 win at Basildon Town in one of a number of matches moved to 3G pitches this weekend with this one took place at Hannakins Farm Community Centre. Doubles for Paul Morris & George Vile were added to by Charlie Seaden, Bailey Moss and debutant Neil Richmond as Paul Higgins’ side sit 7th, five points off the top four with a huge 13 league matches remaining, thanks to recent postponements. Sam Green got a scant consolation for Bas who also have matches to make up, ditto Rayleigh. In their bottom-of-the-table clash in Beckton, Canning Town were held 1 – 1 by bottom side Harold Wood Athletic, with Reece Baker getting the goal for the visitors here.

Also, Buckhurst Hill defeated Springfield 4 – 0 in a match moved to St John’s 3G in Epping to advance to third spot, nine points behind the leaders with at least seven matches in hand on the top two.

Match OFF: Kelvedon Hatch  P – P  Shenfield AFC

 

Senior Division One

Now into Senior One, and Chingford Athletic continued their quest for the title as they defeated strugglers Toby 2 – 0 at Town Mead. Goals from Sam Coe and Luke Dimond were enough to give the hosts their third straight win. Toby are now four points adrift at the foot of the table. Old Chelmsfordians remain seven points off the leaders as they narrowly defeated Ramsden Scotia 1 – 0. Lakeside lost ground on the top three as Snaresbrook won their match 3 – 1. Jazreel David, Mitchell Collymore and Jermaine Purchas got the goals for ‘Brook as they went up to ninth and are one of three sides who have only played ten matches thus far. Ollie Pettit struck for ‘Side here.

Rayleigh Town Res rise to fifth after a 2 – 1 win over Shoebury Town in their match, moved to Beauchamps Sch. Rodney Wilson and Adam Bessadi strikes extended the unbeaten run for Lee Bunn’s side to five matches. Shoebury remain seventh after failing to win in their last six. FC Hamlets came back to hold Galleywood 1 – 1 at Hackney Marshes. Billy Kinchlea put ‘Wood ahead before player-boss Ashley King levelled as both sides remain in mid-table.

 

Match OFF: Runwell Sports P – P  Herongate Athletic   |

 

Essex Premier Cup – Grays Athletic Res  1 – 3  Ongar Town |

Ongar make it to the all-EOFL Semi-Finals

 

Senior Division Two

In Senior Two, with leaders Leigh Town not in action, Old Suthendian Res retained second spot with a 3 – 0 win over Rochford Town at Garon Park. Luke Stillwell, Ben Franklin and Jack Pagett all scored to give Ben Manley’s side a healthy win, despite Thomas Magerison’s dismissal reducing them to ten men. OS Ressies were further boosted last week as they were handed an additional two points as an opposition side fielded an ineligible player in a drawn match with OS late last year. Beacon Hill Rovers remain third after a battling 1 – 0 win at Harold Wood Athletic Res in the late game at Noak Hill. Ade Adeyemi got the goal as Rovers made it four wins on-the-bounce. Ath’s Ressies remain ninth, eight points adrift of Wakering Sports just above them, who also got a narrow win, 3 – 2 over AS Rawreth at Cupid’s. Ben Aston, Scott Clark and Mitchell Gleeson netted for Sports here over the fellow strugglers AS, who remain second-bottom.

Finally, Corinthians won 3 – 1 at a new-look Epping Town side, with Jake Hodder, Leo Clarke and Ollie Brickwood all on target for Chris Stoneham’s side, who go back up to fourth. They are eight points off Old Southendian Ressies, with four matches in hand on them. Town have lost four of their last five but perhaps their target now is stability in this division ahead of next term.

Match OFF: Laindon Orient  P – P  Leigh Town   |

 

Senior Division Three

In Senior Division Three, ACD Utd are five points clear at the top after a 3 – 1 win at Toby Res. Player-manager Michael Wade got another double here to reach 15 league goals this season. Paul Mangan got the other goal though there was another milestone moment for the EOFL newcomers. Shaun Farrow and Connor Lambert both reached 100 appearances for ACD so congrats go to them. Connor Walk’s wind-assisted corner got the reply for Toby’s second-side though they slide to fifth.

Elsewhere, Corinthians Res edged to a 3 – 2 triumph over Lakeside Res at Stambridge. Max Hall’s hat-trick here takes him to 19 league goals, above Wakebury’s Charlie Little in the race for the ‘Golden Boot’ in this division. Harry Davison got both goals for Lakeside’s second team here though they remain third-bottom while Terry Rose’s side cut the gap to second-placed Wakebury to four points and they also have four matches in hand on the top two. Also, Hutton Res grabbed a 6 – 3 win over Basildon Town Res at Billericay School. Sean O’Callaghan led the way with a treble here, wit Stephen Judge, Conor O’Regan and George Wickings also on target as they go up to sixth. Jamie Miller’s double and Nicholas Bowers accounted for Town’s goals though they remain ninth.

Finally,  Collier Row went back up to fourth after a 5 – 3 win over Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ in the midday kick-off at the James Hornsby Centre 3G. Joshua Boswell, Will Bray and George Mole all scored for Sports though remain bottom, six points behind local rivals White Ensign Res.

 

Matches OFF:

Buckhurst Hill Res  P – P  Wakebury   |

Leigh Town Res  P – P  White Ensign Res   |

 

Senior Division Four

Canning Town Res  0 – 1  Leytonstone Utd 

Catholic Utd Res  2 – 1 Wakering Sports Res

Galleywood Res  1 – 2  Forest Glade

Shenfield AFC Res  2 – 0  Old Chelmsfordians Res

 

Senior Division Five

Collier Row Res  2 – 0 Wakering Sports Dev
Herongate Athletic Res  P – P  Runwell Sports Res

Roydon Res  4 – 2  Leigh Ramblers Res

Shoebury Town Res  3 – 3  Old Barkabbeyans

Springfield Res  1  – 3  Newbury Forest Res

Preview: Essex Olympian League (Sat 22 Feb) [EOFL 19/20 19.2.20]

Image from Corinthians 3 – 1 Rochford T (From last weekend)

 

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s preview of Essex Olympian League action, the fixture list from the top four divisions, plus a Senior Division Four and Senior Five this weekend – Saturday 22 February. Please note that the fixtures are subject to postponement given the continuing weather (TBC indicates fixture may be moved), though matches on 3G pitches are more likely to be played. Thanks for reading.

 

EOFL Crest

Essex Olympian League Fixtures – Saturday 22 February (2pm KO unless stated)

Premier Division

Basildon Town  v  Rayleigh Town | Moved to Hannakins Farm Community Centre [3G]

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts  v  Sungate | Silver Leys

Buckhurst Hill  v  Springfield  |   Roding Lane (TBC)

Canning Town  v  Harold Wood Athletic | West Ham Community Ground [3G]

Kelvedon Hatch  v  Shenfield AFC   | New Hall

Leigh Ramblers  v  Old Southendian | Belfairs Park

 

Senior Division One

Chingford Athletic  v  Toby    | Town Mead [3G]

FC Hamlets  v  Galleywood  | Hackney Marshes (Pitch 2)

Lakeside  v  Snaresbrook   | Lakeside Sports Ground [3G]  (2.30pm KO)

Old Chelmsfordians  v  Ramsden Scotia  | Lawford Lane

Rayleigh Town Res  v  Shoebury Town  | Moved to Beauchamps Sch [3G]

Runwell Sports v  Herongate Athleic   | St Luke’s Park

 

Essex Premier Cup – Grays Athletic Res  v  Ongar Town | Lakeside Sports Ground (1.30pm KO)

 

Senior Division Two

Epping Town  v  Corinthians    | Stonards Hill

Harold Wood Athletic Res v Beacon Hill Rovers | Moved to Noak Hill Sports Complex [3G], Romford (4pm KO)

Laindon Orient  v  Leigh Town   | Ford’s (Basildon) (TBC)

Old Southendian Res  v  Rochford Town   | Garon Park [3G] (2.30pm KO)

Wakering Sports  v  AS Rawreth   | Cupid’s CC

 

Senior Division Three

Buckhurst Hill Res  v  Wakebury   |  Roding Lane (Pitch 2) (TBC)

Corinthians Res  v  Lakeside Res  | Stambridge Memorial Ground

Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  v  Collier Row  | Lower Road (TBC)

Hutton Res  v  Basildon Town Res   | Polo Fields (TBC)

Leigh Town Res  v  White Ensign Res   | John Burrows Rec Ground

Toby Res  v  ACD Utd  | Ford’s (Newbury Park)

 

Senior Division Four

Canning Town Res  v  Leytonstone Utd 

Catholic Utd Res  v  Wakering Sports Res

Galleywood Res  v  Forest Glade

Shenfield AFC Res  v  Old Chelmsfordians Res

 

Senior Division Five

Collier Row Res  v  Wakering Sports Dev
Herongate Athletic Res  v  Runwell Sports Res

Roydon Res  v  Leigh Ramblers Res

Shoebury Town Res  v  Old Barkabbeyans

Springfield Res  v  Newbury Forest Res

 

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 15 Feb) (EOFL 19/20 16.2.20)

Image from Corinthians 3 – 1 Rochford Town (Sat 15 Feb)

 

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League round-up, tracking the action from a weather-affected programme on Saturday 15th February in League action and one Senior League Cup tie. Thanks for reading.

 

Essex Olympian League – Saturday 15 February

Premier Division

In the Premier Division, there were surprises aplenty in the five matches that did take place. Basildon Town got a much-needed win as they defeated leaders Sungate 2 – 1 at Ilford Wanderers Rugby club. Jamie Bradbourn and James O’Brien got the crucial goals as Gareth Cleverly’s side ended a three-match losing run to rise up to 10th. The ‘Gate’s nine-match unbeaten run ended here though they still remain six points clear at the summit.

Meanwhile, Leigh Ramblers got their fifth win in their last seven matches by securing a 3 – 1 victory over Springfield at Belfairs Park. Rick Alabaster, Alfie Lindfield and Justin Hazell netted for Wayne Seal’s side as they strengthened their position in second. Buckhurst Hill put another dent in Catholic Utd’s title challenge as they won 4 – 1 at the Len Salmon Stadium. Braces for Nathan Sollosi and Fenti Falola did the damage to outweigh Harley Kee’s penalty for the Super Hoops. Hill rise back to fourth place in the standings, just six points off second spot with a number of matches in hand on the top three.

At the bottom, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts began their new era with a fine 4 – 2 win against Kelvedon Hatch at Silver Leys. Oliver Fortune, Bryn Thorpe, Danny Palmer and replacement Sipho Mtyanda all struck for Billy Cove’s new team and although Calvin Poku & Joe Gregory responded for Kelvedon, it was the Swifts who ended a six-match winless streak here to move off the bottom into 12th. Hatch drop to sixth, nine points above the bottom two. In the battle of the strugglers, Old Southendian got a huge 4 – 1 triumph over Harold Wood Athletic in a game moved to the Frances Bardsley Academy 3G, given the Harold Wood Park continues to be unavailable. Nick Henesy, Elliot Hemmings, Ed Gould and Ryan Stillwell all netted to move Connor Lane’s side up to seventh, though with the bottom half still so tight, they are still only five points above bottom side Harold Wood and have played more games than most. Chris Muir struck for Ath here though they are winless in their last four matches now.

 

Match OFF: Hutton  P – P  Shenfield AFC  |

 

EOFL Senior League Cup

In the one EOFL Senior Cup tie, Premier side Rayleigh Town showed what they can achieve by dismantling Senior One strugglers Toby 6 – 2 at Beauchamps Sch 3G. Bailey Moss grabbed a treble, with Paul Morris, Harry Talbot and substitute Teddy Rumsey all scoring too as Paul Higgins’ side made it through to the next round.
London Junior Cup Semi-Final

Also in their London Junior Cup Semi-Final, FC Hamlets made it to another Final with a 3 – 1 win over UCC Diaspora at Mabley Green. Player-boss Ashley King got a brace here with Charlie Heatley netting the other to ensure they will play at Haringey Borough’s Coles Park on Friday 17th April. Congratulations to all at the club on making another appearance in the Final.

Senior ONE

In Senior One,  only two matches survived the weather as Old Chelmsfordians maintained their place in second with a 3 – 1 win over Shoebury Town at Lawford Lane. Shoebury remain seventh, three points behind Galleywood who drew 1 – 1 with Runwell Sports. Max Orrin got the goal for the hosts though they haven’t won in their last four matches, while Runwell rise one place to 11th on goal difference.

 

Matches OFF:
Manford Way  P – P  Chingford Athletic  |

Ramsden Scotia  P – P  Rayleigh Town Res  |

Snaresbrook  P – P  Herongate Athletic |

 

 

Senior TWO

Senior Two was also heavily affected by the rain as only two of the five set matches were played. One of those ended up being scrapped as Leigh Town got a home walkover over struggling Ryan, who were unable to make the fixture. Town extend their lead at the summit to seven points and now need six wins from their last eight matches at present to secure the title. Ryan remain bottom, eight points off their nearest rivals, with only four matches left to play.

Also, Corinthians were made to work hard before claiming a 3 – 1 win over local rivals Rochford Town in the match I attended at Stambridge Memorial Ground. John Bolton-Smith got a double here for the hosts, with Jake Hodder getting the other goal in a wind-affected tussle. Jack Power got a well-taken consolation goal for Town, though they remain third-bottom. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/02/16/match-report-corinthians-3-1-rochford-town-sat-15-feb-eofl/

 

Matches OFF:

AS Rawreth  P – P  Wakering Sports   |

Beacon Hill Rovers  P – P  Old Southendian Res  |

Laindon Orient  P – P  May & Baker Res  |

 

Senior Division Three

Finally for the round-up section, in Senior Three, ACD Utd went top of the division with a 3 – 0 success over Buckhurst Hill Res at Westlands. Player-boss Michael Wade, Connor Lambert and Shaun Farrow struck for Utd as they made it eleven matches unbeaten and are now two points ahead of Wakebury, with a further match in hand. However, both of the top two sides can still be caught by Corinthians Ressies who sit 3rd & Collier Row in fifth as they both have a number of matches in hand.

Elsewhere, Basildon Town Res defeated Toby Res  1 – 0 in a match moved to the Hannakins Farm Community Centre 3G. This win lifts Town to ninth, while also damaging Toby’s second-side’s promotion aspirations. Also, Leigh Town Res got a  2 – 1 success at Lakeside Res to head up to sixth spot though they are eight points off the top four.

Match OFF: Collier Row  P – P  Hutton Res  |

 

Senior Division Four Results

Catholic Utd Res 5 – 2  Ongar Town Res

Chingford Athletic Dev  2 – 2  Canning Town Res

Leytonstone Utd  P – P  Laindon Orient Res

Roydon  P – P Galleywood Res

Wakering Sports Res  1 – 0  Forest Glade

 

Senior Division Five Results

Herongate Athletic Res  4 – 1 Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res

Newbury Forest Res  P – P  Old Barkabbeyans

Roydon Res  P – P  Leigh Ramblers Res

Runwell Sports Res  P – P  Collier Row Res

Wakering Sports Dev  4 – 1  Shoebury Town Res

 

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 8th Feb) [EOFL 19/20 9.2.20]

Image from OS 2 – 3 Sungate [Image: Scott W]

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League round-up, tracking the action on Saturday 8th February in League action and one Senior League Cup tie. Thanks for reading.

Saturday 8 February

Premier Division

In the Premier Division, Sungate lead the division by nine points after a 3 – 2 win at Old Southendian. OS led at the break thanks to goals by Riley Oliver and Daniel Flack, though after the interval, a brace from Jonathan Ogunsanya and one from Danny Lopes turned the tide and ensured they left with the points. I watched this match and here’s my look at it: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/match-report-old-southendian-2-3-sungate-sat-8th-feb-eofl/

Meanwhile, it was a bad day for three of the ‘Gate’s rivals. Leigh Ramblers ere the only one of the top five before the weekend who won, as they defeated fellow title-chasers Buckhurst Hill 2 – 0, thanks to strikes by Andrew Webster and Pat Cannon. Wayne Seal’s side rise to second after their fourth win in their last six matches. Hill lost for the first time since the opening day f the campaign though still have seven matches in hand on the leaders, though they have 15 points to make up. Kelvedon Hatch rose to fifth after a fine 3 – 1 win over Catholic Utd to achieve a third straight win. Canning Town also won 3 – 1, at home to Springfield to get their third win in their last five matches to rise to seventh spot. The pressure is still on for them to accrue points though given they have five matches remaining this term.

Also, in their bottom of the table clash, Shenfield AFC edged to a 3 – 2 triumph over Harold Wood Athletic. Ben Absolon, Ben Carroll and Mitchell Day all scored for Shenfield with an OG and one from Adam Farley accounting for Ath’s goals. Shenfield rise up to 10th spot, while Harold Wood remain second-bottom.

Match OFF: Hutton P – P  Bishop’s Stortford Swifts |

 

Senior Lge Cup

In the one Senior League Cup tie this weekend, Division Four side Roydon pulled off a surprise 5 – 2 win over Premier Division side Basildon Town at Paringdon Sports Club. Braces from Lewis Watson and Sam Bentley were added to by Mo Benzid as the hosts went through to the next round. Keith King and Tommy Green struck for Town but they exited on a ‘bad day at the office’ for Gareth Cleverly’s side.

 

Senior ONE

Moving into Senior One now and leaders Chingford Athletic extended their lead at the summit to nine points with a 4 – 1 away win at Toby. Goals from Sam Coe, Garry Murray plus substitutes Trevor Harding and Lee Lashley got Dave Richbell’s side their eighth win in their last ten games. At the bottom, Snaresbrook rose to 11th spot with a fine 4 – 1 success at Ramsden Scotia. Drew Barbier, Nana Boachie, Daniel Walsh and Eric Kelly were all on target for ‘Brook who got their third win in nine matches this term.

Meanwhile, Ongar Town maintained their unbeaten run this term with a 3 – 1 win over Runwell Sports. Aaron Blair, Harry Rawlins and Jack Zielinski all hit the net for Town, with Joe Olley getting the goal for Runwell. Town rise to third place and still have matches in hand on the top two. Sports drop to third-bottom. FC Hamlets got the stat of the day though with a 7 – 1 win at out-of-form Herongate Athletic. Charlie Heatley got six goals himself for Hamlets, with Roy Hallowell getting a goal on his debut as Hamlets rise to 8th place, though have only played nine matches. Old Chelmsfordians were held 1 – 1 by Galleywood though remain second, while Lakeside drew 2 – 2 with Shoebury Town. Charlie Ashpole and Drew Klessa-Smith netted for ‘Side though they fell to fourth while Town remain seventh.

Match OFF: Rayleigh Town Res  P – P  Manford Way

 

Senior TWO

In Senior Two, two of the five set matches were played. Leigh Town were given a tough test before coming through to win 3 – 2 against Old Southendian Res at John Burrows Rec. Shane Cooper’s double & one from Sam Irvine were enough to outweigh strikes by Luke Stillwell and Daniel Dowd and remain unbeaten this term. Ben Manley’s side also suffered a setback as skipper Oliver Tatton-Bennett suffered a suspected broken collarbone in this contest, we wish him well in his recovery.

Elsewhere, AS Rawreth got a good 3 – 0 over fellow strugglers Ryan at the Warren. Louis Hill, Rhys Willson and Bradley Pike all netted as the hosts grabbed their second win this term. Five straight defeats means Ryan remain bottom of the standings.

 

Matches OFF: Corinthians P – P  Harold Wood Athletic Res   |

Laindon Orient  P – P  Beacon Hill Rovers   |

Wakering Sports  P – P  May & Baker Res   |

 

Senior Division Three

Into Senior Three, and with leaders Wakebury not in action, ACD Utd cut their lead at the summit to one point with a 1 – 0 win over Hutton Res at Westlands. Paul Mangan got the only goal here as ACD are now unbeaten in ten matches. Corinthians Res also won, 3 – 2 at Buckhurst Hill Res to remain third. Steve Solarin, George Brown and replacement Max Hall all scored for Terry Rose’s side. Hill’s Ressies stay 7th. Collier Row also won this weekend, 2 – 0 against Basildon Town Res in a match moved to Robert Clack 3G in Dagenham. Row fortify fifth spot after their eighth win this term.

Finally, Toby Res remained fourth as they won 2 – 1 at White Ensign Res, with the latter staying second-bottom, seven points off the top eight.

Match OFF: Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  P – P  Lakeside Res

 

Senior Division Four

Canning Town Res  0 – 4  Wakering Sports Res

Chingford Athletic Dev  6 – 1  Laindon Orient Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  3 – 3  Forest Glade

Ongar Town Res  1 – 1   Leytonstone Utd

Shenfield AFC Res  2 – 3  Catholic Utd Res

 

Senior Division Five

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  3 – 0  Collier Row Res

Runwell Sports Res  1 – 0  Leigh Ramblers Res

Shoebury Town Res  P – P  Newbury Forest Res

Springfield Res  2 – 0  Old Barkabbeyans
Wakering Sports Dev  P – P Roydon Res

Round-up : Essex Olympian League (Sat 1 Feb) (EOFL 19/20 2.2.20)

 

Image from Leigh Town 2 – 0 Corinthians (in EPC) yesterday {Image: Scott W]

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League round-up, tracking the action on Saturday 1st February in League & Cups. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Crest

Saturday 1 February

Premier Division

Starting off as we do with the top-tier, leaders Sungate retained their eight-point cushion with a battling 1 – 0 home win over Canning Town in what was their sixth win in their last seven games. Catholic Utd edged their local derby with Leigh Ramblers 2 – 1 with Harley Kee getting both goals, the second from the penalty spot. Ryan Lowe struck for Ramblers as they drop to third, with Catholic overhauling them into second spot after a morale-boosting win. Kelvedon Hatch got a fine 4 – 3 success at Basildon Town with the returning Theo Ola getting a brace for Hatch, along with Calvin Poku and replacement Joe Gregory also netting. Jamie Bradbourn got a double of his own for Town, with James O’Brien also chipping in. Kelvedon rise to sixth while Basildon drop to 11th.

In the battle of two of the sides battling to avoid the drop, Old Southendian were held 1 – 1 by Harold Wood Athletic in the day’s late kick-off at Garon Park 3G. Brad Foley struck for Ath as they limped off the bottom to 12th spot, although they are unbeaten in their last three matches. OS levelled through Ryan Stillwell’s goal and rise up to eighth though are still only three points above the bottom two. Finally, Springfield got a narrow 3 – 2 win at home to Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Recent signing Bryn Thorpe got both goals for Swifts after coming off the bench though this result means they drop to the foot of the table. Springfield go up to fourth after this win.

Match OFF: Rayleigh Town P – P  Shenfield AFC (Due to Waterlogged pitch)

Cups

There were also four Cup ties across two Cup competitions this weekend. Firstly, Olympian Premier side Hutton defeated Senior One side FC Hamlets 2 – 1 in a match moved to Woodlands School 3G in Basildon. George Nash and Lewis Scott strikes sent the hosts through, and although John Gilroy netted for hard-working FCH, they went out.

In the three Essex Premier Cup Quarter-Finals that took place, Chingford Athletic went through after defeating Essex & Suffolk Border League (or ESBL) Premier side West Bergholt  on penalties, following a 2 – 2 draw at Town Mead. Gary Murray and Luke Dimond struck for Dave Richbell’s side in normal play and they won the shoot-out 7 – 6 to make the Semi-Finals. Leigh Town won their all-Olympian League Div Two battle with Corinthians 2 – 0 in the match I attended at a muddy John Burrows Rec. Substitutes Sam Gillmore and Shane Cooper got the decisive goals to win a highly-charged contest. If you’d like more of this match, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/02/01/match-report-leigh-town-2-0-corinthians-sat-1st-feb-epc/

Lastly, Buckhurst Hill powered to a 6 – 1 triumph over ESBL Premier side Gas Recreation at Roding Lane. The games are mounting up in League & Cups for the defending Premier Cup champions as they are seeking to win this title for a third consecutive season.

Senior ONE

In Senior One, Ramsden Scotia won 4 – 1 at fellow mid-table side Manford Way. Jamie Auvache stroke twice for Scotia, plus Antony Driscoll and Kurt King also on target as they went up to ninth spot. Lakeside also got the three points, as they won 4 – 1 at home to Galleywood. Drew Klessa-Smith nabbed another treble in this one with Luke Quinton also scoring, ‘Side are unbeaten in five matches now as they also are five points adrift of Old Chelmsfordians who remain second after a thumping 7 – 0 win over Toby at Lawford Lane. Toby were further blighted by player availability problems, and apparently could only field nine players to start though respect to those who all took the field.

Meanwhile, Ongar Town retained their unbeaten run this term, with a 4 – 1 win over Herongate Athletic in a match moved to St John’s 3G in Epping. Town remain handily-placed in third spot, 12 points behind leaders Chingford Athletic with six matches in hand on them. Rayleigh Town Res won 4 – 1 at Shoebury Town to go back up to fifth place with Shoebury remaining in seventh.

Match OFF: Runwell Sports  P – P  Snaresbrook | (Due to a waterlogged pitch)

Senior TWO

In a depleted Senior Two programme, Laindon Orient won 2 – 0 at in-form May & Baker Res with Ashley Blackburn and Carlos Dias netting in first-half for Neil Blackburn’s team, who made it five wins in succession here to remain in 5th, with matches in hand on all but one of the sides above them. M & B’s second side had their own six-match winning run ended here though remain fourth in the standings, although they are vulnerable to being caught up as they have played a few more matches. Also, Rochford Town got a crucial win away from home as they won 3 – 2 at fellow strugglers Ryan and in the process, brought a seven-match losing run to a close.

Matches OFF:

Beacon Hill Rovers  P – P  Wakering Sports  (Due to a waterlogged pitch)

Epping Town  P – P  AS Rawreth   | (Due to issues at Epping)

Harold Wood Athletic Res  P – P  Old Southendian Res |(Due to a waterlogged pitch)

Senior Division Three

In another weather-affected match list in Senior Three, Wakebury had to overcome a bout of illness among the squad and got a very late leveller as they drew 2 – 2 at fellow promotion challengers ACD Utd. Player-boss Michael Wade and Frankie Markham netted for the Romford-based side, while Harry Kateley and Chris Gore’s late free-kick salvaged a point for the South Essex side, who had to field boss Matt Cardy in defence and assistant boss Dan Blewett also came off the bench to play as a forward. Well, never dull in Non-League….

Seriously though, ACD remain second, three points off their opposition here with three matches in hand. Wakebury remain top though with just four matches remaining this term, they will have to aim to get as close to the 50-point mark as possible to win the division, you feel. You must credit both sides for how they’ve done in their first season in the Olympian League, so well done all.

Meanwhile, Toby Res got a much-needed win, 5 – 2 over mid-table side Buckhurst Hill Res in Newbury Park. Marc Porter-Brown was among the goals again with a treble here, with Chris Cox and birthday boy Luis Ruiz also netted as their side into fourth spot and end a four-match losing trough. Tim Strike and Rhys Davies got Hill’s goals as they remain 7th. Also, Basildon Town Res won 2 – 0 at fellow strugglers White Ensign Res to overhaul them in the table. Jake Bridgeman and Shaun Watkins were the goal-getters here to grab Town’s third win this season.

 

Matches OFF (Due to Waterlogged pitches):
Collier Row  P – P  Lakeside Res   |

Corinthians Res  P – P  Hutton Res   |

Senior Division Four Results

Forest Glade  1 – 5  Roydon

Galleywood Res  1 – 3  Canning Town Res
Laindon Orient Res P – P  Shenfield AFC Res

Leytonstone Utd  P – P  Old Chelmsfordians Res |

Ongar Town Res  2 – 1  Chingford Athletic Development

Wakering Sports Res  3 – 3  Catholic Utd Res

Senior Division Five Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  1 – 0  Newbury Forest Res

Herongate Athletic Res  3 – 0  Leigh Ramblers Res
Old Barkabbeyans 3 – 2  Runwell Sports Res
Roydon Res  0 – 2  Collier Row Res
Shoebury Town Res  P – P  Springfield Res