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

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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.

2019-20 Season – Club In-Focus: Wakebury FC [EOFL 2019/20 I-F 29.4.20]

Still from Wakebury v Corinthians Res (EOFL D3 11.1.20)

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome the first of a possible series of blogs which clubs themselves give their thoughts on the 2019-20 season and their favourite moments, favourite matches and more. First up is Essex Olympian League Division Three side Wakebury, who joined the EOFL last summer, after a spell in the Southend Combination League.

In this piece, manager Matt Cardy and assistant boss Dan Blewett (MC & DB) and club captain Chris Gore (CG) giving a players’ viewpoint, shed some light on how they felt the season went. My thanks to Matt, Dan & Chris for their time, you call find the club on Twitter: @Wakebury_FC

Wakebury emblem (Image: Wakebury FC/Twitter)

 

• Going into your first Essex Olympian League season at Division Three level, how did you feel the side would cope with the opposition?

MC & DB: Looking back and reflecting now, we are really pleased with the progress we made through the season. We stepped up to most challenges put in front of us. The players bought in to how we want to do things and as the season went on we felt we was getting better all the time. Joining the EOFL was a big step for a club of our size and we was aware we would be “punching above our weight” and be underdogs in the majority of games so to be sitting in a promotion spot at the close of play is really pleasing and we are glad to have achieved the clubs’ highest-ever finish in this fashion. This level of progress motivates us more to get better and improve all aspects of the club.

 

• What was the favourite match of the season and why?

MC & DB: We’re going to go a bit ‘outside the box’ on this one. It was Basildon Town Reserves (away) in our first-ever EOFL league game. We won the game 3 -1 after going 1- 0 down to a penalty in the first half (which is still a mind-blowing decision thinking about it now!) we had made a big effort in the summer to bring in better characters to make us mentally stronger, this was a test of that in the first game and we was able to turn it around in style and win the game, this set us up for the rest of the season as we demonstrated how much character we have on a number of occasions.

CG: For me personally, my favourite match of the season came away at ACD Utd – we went into the game with 12 available players, 2 – 0 down inside the first 10 minutes, then an injury put us down to 11, which included the manager & assistant! We managed to come back and grab a point with a last-minute free-kick. It was a great performance with all factors considered.

 

• What was your best performance away from Shoebury Park this season?

MC & DB: Toby Reserves (away). Although we lost the game, this was 100% the turning point in our season. We all came away feeling hard done by and this brought the group closer together and saw us go on unbeaten. We played with 10 men for 35 minutes and battled against a top side heroically at times. This was our last defeat of the season and really got us moving in the right direction.

CG:  Our best away performance would be away at Leigh Town Reserves. Having lost to them a couple of weeks before and after suffering a couple of defeats we came into the game under pressure as we wanted to challenge at the top. We completely dominated the game from start to finish and came away with a 3 – 1 win.

 

• What was your best performance at Shoebury Park this season?

MC & DB: Corinthians Reserves would be a stand-out home performance. We had billed it to the players as the ‘game of the season’. Make or break. I could feel it changing just before we went out for kick-off that the players were in the right frame of mind. We had really created a squad that wanted to step up and be involved in these pressure moments. We went 1 – 0 down just after half time and in our first season in charge, we would have collapsed. But this group used that goal as extra motivation to perform. We went on to win 3 – 1 and it was a great show of character and determination. We were proud of the players following that performance.

CG: Our best home performance would be against Corinthians Reserves. We knew going into the game that if we wanted to challenge for the league title we needed to win this game. I felt we was under pressure as a side and even more so going 1 – 0 down just after half-time. We managed to come back and win 3 – 1 which showed the amount of character we have as a side.

 

 

• On or off-the-pitch, what was your most memorable moment from this season?

MC & DB: Generally speaking, we would say how we grew as side the longer the season went on. When you have an idea in your head of how you want your team to play and be, we really made some big strides this season to working towards that. Off-the-pitch, the players became a tight-knit group, the best group since we began four years ago. We built a side of not only good players but good people – that’s why we have had a good season.

CG:  Back to the away game at ACD, to steal a point with a depleted side and with the free-kick being the last kick of the game. The celebrations after the goal showed how much it meant to everyone. To go away from home with the side we had out on the day, it meant a huge amount to everyone.

 

• Were there any low points of the campaign for you?

MC & DB: Home defeats. We lost two league games at home and both times we under-performed. Looking back, that is the only frustration of the season. We don’t like losing. Especially in games where we should be winning. The week following a defeat always seems to drag on a little bit more and you are just counting down to the next Saturday to hopefully right the wrongs of any defeat.

CG:  Lowest point would Toby Reserves (away) back in November. Probably our first big game of the season, after taking an early lead we had goal wrongly disallowed. After dominating we were hit with a ‘sucker-punch’ to make it 1-1 at half time. Early in the 2^nd half we was reduced to 10 men and battled on a muddy pitch until the last minute when was beaten by a penalty. That day we showed so much character, and that was our last defeat of the season and was a real turning point.

 

• Looking forward to 2020/21 season (whenever it starts), what are the aspirations for the club?

MC & DB:  We hope to rewarded how we feel we should be after a fantastic debut season in the EOFL. We hope the relevant people see sense and reward all sides across the divisions for their hard work. We are ambitious and will always strive to improve all aspects of what we do. From our coaching to how we deliver information to the players in preparation for matches, this period of lockdown has given us great chance to evolve how we work and we can’t wait to put some new strategies and practices in place for next season.

 

• Finally, any other exciting news for the future you’d like to share?

MC & DB: We have announced the launch of a new youth set-up. Wakebury Youth is a new strand of the club and something we believe is vital to having a long-lasting, stable football club. Football Clubs are all about young people so it will be great to see some young players coming over and represent the club. This being said, we are looking out for any coaches or volunteers that want to help and get involved in Wakebury Youth, so if anyone is reading this and wants to get involved do get in touch, we’d love to hear from you! This is an exciting time and we continue to grow on and off-the-pitch.

End

 

My particular thanks to Matt Cardy, Chairman of Wakebury for setting this piece up & I wish the club well going into next season. If you’d like to contact the club, a reminder that you can find them @Wakebury_FC on Twitter or by email at wakeburyfc@gmail.com

If your club (at Essex Olympian level for the moment) would be interested in sharing your thoughts on your 2019/20 season then please DM me on Twitter. Thank you. Hope you enjoyed the article & stay safe.

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division Three [EOFL SR 19/20 23.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

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

In this piece, I look back at Essex Olympian League Division Three, including an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goalscorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I was fortunate enough to attend a few Division Three matches this term so they may be referenced to as well here.

 

EOFL Division Three  (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 that point, ACD Utd held the top spot with 43 points from 18 matches. This record included thirteen wins and only the one loss, which was away at rivals Wakebury in late October. Michael Wade’s side were also the best side defensively in this division this term with only 19 goals conceded all league campaign, not bad for their first campaign as an Olympian League side. Fellow newcomers Wakebury were four points adrift in second place, with twelve wins from their 19 matches this term. Matt Cardy & Dan Blewett’s side were the most entertaining side this term with 56 goals scored, at an average of 2.95 Goals per game (GpG). The Shoebury-based side were not as proficient in defence and that may have cost them the top spot but both Wakebury & ACD have a lot to be proud of this season.

Wakebury v Corinthians Res (Sat 11 January ’20)

Another image from Wakebury v Corinthians Res (11.1.20)

Another promoted side ended up being third in Corinthians Reserves. Terry Rose & Ben Adams’ team had an impressive twelve wins from their 15 matches, with only two losses, at home to Buckhurst Hill Ressies and away at Wakebury, which I was pleased to watch in-person. On a better note, they are the second-best goal-scorers this term with 51 goals (but in fewer matches than the Berries so the GpG is 3.40). A sturdy defence as well may have seen them climb into the top two, had the season continued. The next two sides ended in close formation in fourth & fifth respectively. Firstly, Toby Reserves were fourth on 29 points, with nine wins from their 18 matches. They were also fourth in the ‘Entertainers’ listing, with a substantial number of their 40 goals this season coming from forwards Marc ‘The Flea’ Porter-Brown and Luis Ruiz. In fifth place are Collier Row with 28 points from fourteen matches, which included an impressive nine wins for you guessed it, another promoted side (from Div Five in 2018/19). What is also noteworthy is that Row have the third-most miserly defence this term as well with 25 goals conceded, so plaudits to them on that.

Image from White Ensign Res v Hutton Res (visitors in yellow – from 14.12.19)

Another still from White Ensign Res v Hutton Res (14.12.19)

Another side I saw this term in Hutton Reserves finished in sixth spot, having played the least amount of matches this term (13), ending up with 21 points. Matt Singh’s side grabbed seven wins this term, though as a caveat, six of those wins were at home. The other win was at White Ensign Reserves in mid-December, which happened to be the game I watched them in. Factor in an impressive goal-scoring record of 35 strikes (a GpG of 2.69) this season and again, they also have grounds for optimism next season. Leigh Town Reserves and Buckhurst Hill Reserves finished in seventh and eighth spot respectively. Leigh’s second-side, under the leadership of Robert Hutchings-Spiller ended up with 20 points from their 14 matches played. Unlike their first team in the division above, Town’s defence was breached 33 times this term as they won six and lost six of their matches this season. Hill’s second-team were two points behind them in eighth spot with 18 points from their fourteen games. Again, their defence was their ‘Achilles heel’, shipping 35 goals at an average of 2.50 per game.

Into the bottom four now, with Lakeside Reserves ending up ninth on 14 points from their 17 matches. All four of their wins this term came in their last nine matches as the latter half of the campaign saw them evade the dreaded bottom two. It was that poor start to the campaign (they didn’t win in their first ten matches) that contributed to them having the second-worst defensive record, conceding 48 times. Basildon Town Reserves finished tenth with 13 points from 15 matches. A difficult campaign at both ends of the pitch was highlighted by them having the third-weakest side in terms of goal-scoring, having scored 23 times and also conceding 41 goals, the fourth-worst in the division. Even so, their four wins this term matches the win count combined for the bottom two sides this term.

Still from White Ensign Res v Hullbridge ‘A’ (2nd Nov 19)

White Ensign Reserves were 11th, with three wins chalking up the bulk of their ten points gained this term. Manager Jack Caten has had it hard this term, as his side conceded 53 times in their 18 matches, the worst in the division. That said, they continue the club’s tradition of playing at the Len Forge Centre [3G] which is good to see. Finally, another new side in Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ ended up propping up the table, with one win all season – away at rivals Lakeside Reserves. It was a rare great day for Jason Mole’s side, as they scored four points all season and conceded forty-six  goals in their 15 matches this term. I saw the bottom two duke out a 1 – draw in November (image above) at the Len Forge.

EOFL Division Three – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Max Hall	Corinthians Res	18	14
2	Charlie Little	Wakebury	17	10
3	Ed Hart	Collier Row	16	13
=4	Sean O’Callaghan	Hutton Res	15	9
	Michael Wade	ACD Utd	15	11
6	Marc Porter-Brown	Toby Res	14	14
=7	Harry Davison	Lakeside Res	9	10
	Harry Kateley	Wakebury	9	17
	Luis Ruiz	Toby Res	9	17
	Ben Munday	Wakebury	8 (+1 pen)	14
=11	Chris Pope	Leigh Town Res	7	12
	Alex Hubbard	Leigh Town Res	7	14
=13	Tommy Fraine	Buckhurst Hill Res	6	9
	George Wickings	Hutton Res	6	10
	Grant Cumming	Basildon Town Res	6	11
	Landry Gogoa	Buckhurst Hill Res	6	11
	Luke Smith	Corinthians Res	6	13
	Samuel Payne	ACD Utd	6	14
	Ashley Webb	Corinthians Res	6	14

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

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
1	Liam Jarrett	Wakebury	19	0	19
=2	Jamie Alexandrou	ACD Utd	17	1	18
	Harry Kateley	Wakebury	17	1	18
=4	Ben Perry	Wakebury	17	0	17
	Luis Ruiz	Toby Res	17	0	17
	Ollie Williams	ACD Utd	17	0	17
=7	Daniel Buglione	Wakebury	16	1	17
	Dominic Cooper	Toby Res	16	1	17
	Chris Gore	Wakebury	16	1	17
=10	Yaw Danso	White Ensign Res	16	0	16
	Archie Matthews	White Ensign Res	16	0	16
	Mason Oakley	ACD Utd	16	0	16
	Matthew Thompson	Lakeside Res	16	0	16

 

Preview: Essex Olympian League & Senior Cup (Sat 14 Mar) [EOFL 19/20 13.3.20]

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s preview of Essex Olympian League action on Saturday 14 March. Weather continues to pose a risk to fixtures, those denoted (TBC) are most liable to be moved in my view. Thanks for reading.

 

Essex Olympian League – Saturday 14 March (2.30pm KOs unless stated)

Premier Division

Basildon Town  v  Springfield   | Basildon Sports Club (TBC)

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts  v  Harold Wood Athletic   | Silver Leys

Buckhurst Hill  v  Old Southendian   | Roding Lane (TBC)

Leigh Ramblers  v  Kelvedon Hatch   | Belfairs Park

Shenfield AFC  v  Catholic Utd   | St Martins Sch [3G]

 

Senior Division One

Chingford Athletic  v  Runwell Sports  | Town Mead [3G]

Herongate Athletic  v  Lakeside   | Billericay Road
Manford Way  v  FC Hamlets   | London Marathon Sports Ground (TBC)

Shoebury Town  v  Ramsden Scotia | Cupid’s CC (TBC)

Snaresbrook  v  Galleywood | Nutters Field (TBC)

 

Anagram Records Trophy –  Sandridge Rovers  v  Hutton  (2pm KO)

 

Senior League Cup (2.15pm KO)

Rayleigh Town  v  Old Chelmsfordians   | London Road (TBC)

Essex Premier Cup: Semi-Final

Leigh Town  v  Ongar Town  | John Burrows Rec Ground

 

Senior Division Two

AS Rawreth  v  Rochford Town  | The Warren

Harold Wood Athletic Res  v  Corinthians | Moved to Frances Bardsley [3G] (3pm KO)

Laindon Orient  v  Beacon Hill Rovers  | Ford’s (Basildon) (TBC)

Ryan  v  Epping Town   | Wadham Lodge (Intermediate Grass Pitch)

Wakering Sports  v  May & Baker Res  | Cupid’s CC (TBC)

 

Senior Division Three

Buckhurst Hill Res  v  ACD Utd   | Roding Lane (pitch 2) (TBC)

Lakeside Res  v  Toby Res  | Lakeside Sports Ground [3G]

Leigh Town Res  v  Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ | Waterside Farm Leisure Centre [3G] (2.15 pm KO)

White Ensign Res  v  Collier Row   | Len Forge Centre [3G]

 

Senior Division Four

Galleywood Res  v  Roydon

Leytonstone Utd  v  Catholic Utd Res

 

Senior Division Five

Newbury Forest Res  v  Runwell Sports Res

Old Barkabbeyans  v  Wakering Sports Dev

Shoebury Town Res  v  Springfield Res

 

EOFL Reserve League Cup  (2.15pm KOs)

Collier Row Res  v  Rayleigh Town Res

Corinthians Res  v  Shenfield AFC Res

Hutton Res  v  Old Chelmsfordians Res | Moved to Billericay Sch 3G

 

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

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