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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Match Summary: Corinthians 4 – 3 Wakebury (Tues 25 Aug) [PSF 20/21 26.8.20]

Pre-Season Friendly

Venue: Stambridge Memorial Ground

Season 2020-21: Match 3

Tuesday 25th August 2020 – 7.30pm KO

Corinthians: Sky Blue & White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts

Wakebury: Yellow Shirts, Royal Blue Shorts

 

Stambridge pitch pre-match [Image: Scott W]

 

Corinthians edge to the win in an enticing pre-season win over battling Wakebury

Corinthians 4 – 3  Wakebury

 

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

With some parts of normality returning after a hugely challenging last five months, my third pre-season match of season 2020-21 saw me return to Stambridge Memorial Ground to see two good Olympian League teams in Corinthians and Wakebury. Safety measures were in place for both spectators and players alike, with both sides having players unavailable. Joining us for this match was my GFS colleague Pete Dudley along with a few ground-hoppers, which is always nice to see.

The weather was definitely going to play its part in this match with the swirling wind making its presence felt in the first half and with two attack-minded sides, that was going to add to an exciting game. We weren’t disappointed on the latter front as chances came about in the early stages, with a decent visiting attack forcing a good save by home custodian Ethan Lemmon.  Moments later, a breezy team move on the part of the hosts ended with a neat finish by forward Jake Lang to break the deadlock with nine minutes on the watch.

To their credit, the Berries did keep to their attacking ethos, having some good attacks down the flanks and keeping the home defence alert However, their finishing wasn’t clinical enough at this point to make an immediate impact. Meanwhile, at the other end Corinthians also had chances as their rapid supporting forwards were posing a challenge to the opposition defence, though again they also couldn’t make the most of their opportunities.

Still from Corinthians 4 – 3 Wakebury PSF

A free-kick down the left-side channel for the hosts presented a good opportunity with three minutes to play before the break. Midfielder Luke Owen’s delivery evaded the visiting defenders and attacking full-back Bill Wilton was on hand to force it over the line from barely a yard out. The visitors were two goals down at the break, though young forward Harry Kateley had a couple of chances himself to negate the deficit.

Half-Time: Corinthians  2 – 0  Wakebury

Corinthians in possession building an attack in PSF win over Wakebury

As the darkness approached, so did the threatening clouds as the second half got underway. Again, we didn’t have to wait long for more goals as two minutes into the half, Ben Munday (who scored nine league goals last season) hammered home an absolute thunder-bolt of a strike past Lemmon into the net to halve the hosts’ advantage. As we passed the hour mark, the hosts were getting revved up again and after missing at least two good chances, Lang got his second of the evening on 62 minutes with a well-placed curling finish from twenty-odd yards out to make it 3 – 1 to the hosts.

Once again the visitors responded in short shrift as a accurate free-kick from Munday made it a brace for him as well and kept Wakebury in the match. The hosts are a tough side to match though when they are ‘in the mood’ for goals though and restored their two-goal cushion with twenty minutes remaining through a deft lobbed finish from Jake Hodder – who notched eight times in the league last term, with only a certain Nathan Dewberry scoring more league goals for the club last season.

The action didn’t end there as Billy Bonham-Dare pulled another goal back barely two minutes later for the visitors, who stuck to their task well and that will please the management team of Matt Cardy and Dan Blewett. Unfortunately the driving rain rather influenced the latter stages of this entertaining game and although the hosts got the win, both sides have reason to be happy with their exploits here.

Full-Time: Corinthians  4 – 3  Wakebury

Goal-scorers (Corinthians): Jake Lang [9’ & 62’], Bill Wilton [42’], Jake Hodder [70’]

Goal-scorers (Wakebury): Ben Munday [47’ & 65’], Billy Bonham-Dare [72’]

Referee: Adekola Adeyemi

 

Still from Corinthians 4 – 3 Wakebury PSF (6)

To close, Corinthians showed once again they are a side fill of goals and enterprising play which will set them up well for the coming season, having kept the vast majority of their squad from last term. A note also for Wakebury who fought their way back into the match very well, despite the worsening conditions in the second half.

These sides compete in Essex Olympian League Division Two (Corinthians) and Division Three (Wakebury) and tonight’s game in a good indication for how these sides will approach their respective divisions. Personal opinion here but I wouldn’t be surprised if both sides are aiming for elevation this term.  Finally, it was good to catch with the management from both sides and I wish them both well for the season ahead.

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 2019-20 – Club In-Focus: Old Southendian Reserves [EOFL 19/20 I-F 28.5.20]

OS emblem (Image: OS/Twitter)

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the latest of my ‘Club In-Focus’ blog series, where we ask Clubs how they felt their 2019-20 season went. This time around, it’s the turn of EOFL Division Two side Old Southendian Reserves, who play on the 3G at Garon Park, which opened this season. I caught up with Manager Ben Manley (BM), his assistant (and brother) David Manley (DM) and last season’s captain Olly Tatton-Bennett (OTB), representing the players’ viewpoint.

My thanks to all for their time and thanks for reading. You can find the team on Twitter: @OSFCReserves

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res [EOFL D2 7.12.20]

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res EOFL D2 7.12.19

 

Going into the Essex Olympian League season at Division Two level after winning Division Three the previous season, how did you feel the side would cope with the opposition? 

BM: To be honest a lot of teams came up with us from Division 3 which we had won the previous season so our aim was to secure a 3rd consecutive promotion.

DM: We’ve also played teams in leagues above us in cup games over the last couple of years and generally faired pretty well against them. We also have a lot of quality and depth in the squad so another promotion was always the goal.

What was the favourite match of the season and why? 

BM: I would probably say Corinthians away which you yourself attended Scott. I thought we played some great football that day coupled with a lot of grit and determination which is what our side is all about and we also scored some great goals. I also really enjoyed Barnston away. It was our first game in the Essex Premier Cup having won the Essex Junior Cup the previous season. We had several players out that day and I even had to start in goal! We came from behind a couple of times and were really up against it but ended up winning on penalties with some heroics from our goalkeeper George Dugdale after drawing 3 – 3 aet.

DM: I’d agree with the cup game Ben mentions as that was an epic battle of two teams going for it. I wasn’t at the Corinthians win but the home game against them where we scored an equaliser in the last minute was great and we actually had a chance in the last seconds to win the game which would have topped everything else!

What was your best performance away from Garon Park this season?

BM: Along with the game at Corinthians, probably Epping away although we did end up drawing. We were unfortunate to play them twice towards the beginning of the season when they were very strong. They had already turned us over at our place and had won all their games up until playing them away. We played them off the park that day, squandered a lot of chances and as always happens when you can’t put a team to bed, we conceded a last minute equaliser!

DM: Yep, this was by far the best football we played on a nice big pitch.

What was your best performance at Garon Park this season?

BM: I would have to say our home game against Beacon Hill Rovers. Up until that point, I think they’d only lost once and we really needed to win to keep us fighting at the top end of the table. It was a real battle but we fight hard and scored some fantastic goals including a worldy from top scorer Molsy (Greg Molford), a free kick from Tatts (Oliver Tatton-Bennett) and 18 year old Lewis Telling scoring with his first touch for the club!

 

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

DM: I actually think one of the great memories personally was when the final whistle went in our first game of the season against Wakering Sports. We’d put a lot of effort into our pre season and knew it was so important to get off to a good start.  It was a really tough game but getting that first win as new managers was a great feeling!

OTB: Personally a moment that sticks out for me is actually Andy Cable hammering home right near the end of the game to bring us back to 3-3 against May & Baker Reserves. It was raining heavily at Garons and I think we had been behind three times in the game before pulling it back again to level up. Typical gritty performance but really showed our commitment!

 

Were there any low points of the campaign for you? 

BM: Losing at home to Epping 5-1 was a horrible day for me. I think we got our tactics wrong that day and didn’t really turn up but I learned a hell of a lot from that defeat and I think it really helped me improve for the rest of the season. Tatts breaking his collarbone was also a particular low point for me as he’d been having such a fantastic season, grabbing games by the scruff of the neck and I know the rest of the team really fed off him throughout.

DM: Agree with the Epping result…I was away at the time but hearing we’d lost did put a huge downer on the weekend!

OTB: Definitely breaking my collarbone!

Besides yourselves, which team do you believe played the best Football in your division this season?

BM: I think our division was extremely strong and a lot of teams wouldn’t be out of place in the Essex Olympian Premier division as can be seen by some of the results in the Essex Premier Cup. Epping were strong both times we played them as were Chris Stoneham’s Corinthians. I thought Laindon Orient were also very good when we played them and we were very fortunate to get a point from that game and of course Leigh Town had a fantastic season and are great at finding a way at getting a result. We always seem to have cracking games against them.

DM: I agree, Corinthians and Leigh Town are very similar to us in terms of their playing styles, and like us they play with a bit of bite about them so it always makes for a great game against us.

How important is it that the EOFL matches are covered by amateur media, particularly with focus elsewhere on other divisions higher up the Non-League pyramid? 

BM: The job you do along with others is so important. We play at a really good standard with players and management having to travel quite far at times and most of us paying for the privilege! There is also so much hard work and volunteering that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t always see, so I think it’s great that we get the kind of recognition and coverage that you give. I know everyone at the club really appreciates it as well.

Ben, you’ve indicated you’ll be stepping aside as Old Southendian Reserves boss in the summer, what are your favourite moments from your tenure as manager of this team?

BM: I think generally watching the lads buy into and implement the subtle changes we’d made to the system was great to see. Some of the team goals we scored as a direct result were superb. Generally speaking as well, seeing some of the youngsters come through and improve in confidence week in week out, particularly Lewis Caplin and Nick Skinner, was one of the most rewarding parts of managing last season.

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

BM: We’ve made our links with Southendian Youth more official which is an exciting time for the club and it gives their players a real path into men’s football as we’ve already seen some of their guys such as Lewis Caplin make the step up. Aside from that, we have Olly (Tatts) and David along with Josh Bambury taking the team forward next season and I know they have very ambitious plans for next season! I’m very much looking forward to supporting them and seeing how far they can go.

End

If your club (at Essex Olympian, Essex Senior or Eastern Senior League South levels) would be interested in sharing your thoughts on your 2019/20 season then please DM me on Twitter. Thank you

 

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division Two [EOFL SR 19/20 26.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the third piece 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 a very competitive Essex Olympian League Division Two 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 managed to watch a few Division Two matches this term so they may be mentioned here.

 

EOFL Division Two  (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. Leigh Town were deservedly top of the standings at the cut-off point, as they garnered an impressive 43 points from 15 matches, in which they were not beaten. Unsurprisingly, they had a good defence, the second-best in the division (conceded on average less than a goal a game) whilst also being pretty handy in attack, scoring 44 goals (as an average of 2.93 goals per game or GpG). Jack Pearman’s side were also a good Cup side as I saw them defeat fellow Div Two side Corinthians in the Essex Premier Cup at John Burrows Recreation Ground at the start of February. It’s a credit to both teams that you wouldn’t have thought you were watching two third-tier Olympian sides, such was the passion, energy & physicality on display.

Still from Leigh Town v Corinthians [EPC QF 1.2.20]

Leigh Town v Corinthians still 1.2.20 EPC QF [Image by Scott W]

Still from Leigh T v Corinthians EPC QF [Image by Scott W]

Back to the League, and in second spot was Beacon Hill Rovers, having racked up 36 points from their 15 matches. Rovers had the second-best record at home this term with six wins from their seven matches there, along with having the third-best defensive record, being breached seventeen times. Their two top-goalscorers in Adebolu Adeyemi and Stephen Bennett both hit ten goals as well so credit goes where it’s due. Both clubs will be aiming for another successful campaign next term and if they can keep their squads together, you wouldn’t bet against them doing it either. The next two sides are quite local to me. In third place are Old Southendian Reserves, under the management of Ben Manley. Ten wins in 17 matches isn’t bad going for a second-side that won the Division Three title the previous campaign. Factor in a very decent end to the season with six wins in their last eight matches and having the fourth-best defence this season and it is certainly one to look back on with some fondness. I also have to note the fine performance they put in to win at Corinthians, back in December. To call it ‘determined’ would be an understatement.

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res [EOFL D2 7.12.20]

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res EOFL D2 7.12.19

Just behind OS Ressies in fourth were Corinthians, who were promoted two divisions, having won Division Four in 2018/19. Chris Stoneham’s youthful, attack-minded side are a delight to watch when they are on-song, no two ways about that. They had ten wins from their fourteen matches to make it to 31 points in all, though could have got in the top three had the season continued. There are two stats that can’t be taken off them though, firstly that they were the divisional top-scorers with 54 goals (a GpG of 3.71 – some going in any league). Secondly, Nathan Dewberry ended up the division’s top goal-getter with 16 goals though to many in the local Non-League scene that won’t come as a surprise, given his pedigree. Even so, respect to you Nathan and to your team-mates on a good season.

The parched pitch at Stambridge – Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

Another image from Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

Into mid-table now, and May & Baker Reserves ended up being in fifth place. Jimmy Donald’s side had a fine end to the campaign which pushed them up the mid-table places somewhat, and acquired 28 points from 17 matches (though they benefitted from getting three points as an opposition side had fielded an ineligible player in late August). The side certainly has its place in the club pathway, with the first team now competing in Step 6 (Eastern Senior League South) and they struck the net 48 times in all, the second-best in the division. They were also not a dull side to watch as they also conceded fourty-four times and the main downer on their season you have to say is that pourous defence. That being said, the main thing for this team is development you feel and they will look for another strong campaign in 2020/21 I believe.

Laindon Orient were two points behind them in sixth, despite only playing twelve matches due to being hindered by the incessant rain (remember that?) before the season’s premature end. Neil Blackburn’s side still won eight of their matches and can be proud of their defensive record, only letting in eleven goals all league season. They may be another side to watch out for next season. Epping Town finished in seventh spot after having a difficult end to the campaign. That has been well-publicised elsewhere and with a new set-up, they ensured they saw out the campaign with 20 points from their 16 matches. Even though in the early stages of the campaign they were in the top four and looking menacing, you also can’t help but feel that the best thing right now is that they have a new management team under ex-Bishop Stortford Swifts’ boss Stuart Hoskins and they exist to go again next term.

Wakering Sports are in eighth, a point behind on 19 points from their sixteen matches. Overall, Mitchell Gleeson’s side had a solid if unspectacular season though they can build on the record on scoring 37 goals this term (a GpG of 2.31) which was the sixth-best this term. They finished well-clear of the bottom four as Harold Wood Athletic Reserves were eight points adrift on 11 points in ninth spot, after navigating a tough campaign. Defensively-speaking, they were decent though their issues were at the offensive end, striking the net only 18 times, the divisions’ worst this term. It must be said that had the campaign continued, they may have gone up a place or two but they will look for a better campaign next time out.

Corinthians v Rochford Town still EOFL D2 15.2.20

In tenth place, Rochford Town had another campaign of strife, getting nine points from their 18 matches. Goal-scoring was an issue for John Smith & James Cooper’s side, making the net bulge 21 times though having seen them in February, they struck me as a hard-working, committed side under the captaincy of Freddie Pettitt. As was the case in recent seasons though, their defence is their undoing to an extent, with sixty goals conceded, a record only the two sides below them were worse at. Promoted AS Rawreth also struggled, finishing 11th (second-bottom) by virtue of an inferior goal difference, also on nine points from 16 games. They had the joint-weakest goal=scoring record with 20 goals, and hotshot Louis Hill got nine of those goals himself so plaudits to him. They will hope for a better campaign at the back, as they shelled 63 goals (average per game of 3.94) which arguably knackered their season right there. And finally, recent strugglers Ryan also had another very tough season, finishing bottom on one point from 18 matches. It’s worth noting that they lost five points during the season for fielding an ineligible player & being unable to play a fixture but even so, it’s been a sobering season for the East London side. They conceded sixty-five goals this term and they will hope the talent from their promising junior sides will one day play for the first-team.

EOFL Division Two – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Nathan Dewberry	Corinthians	16	10
=2	Adebolu Adeyemi	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	10
	Stephen Bennett	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	12
=4	Ashley Blackburn	Laindon Orient	9	10
	Max Jones	Leigh Town	9	10
	Louis Hill	AS Rawreth	9	13
7	Jake Hodder	Corinthians	8	11
=8	Alex Paraskeva	Epping Town	7	8
	Shane Cooper	Leigh Town	7	10
	Mohammed Sesay	Wakering Sports	7	11
=11	Gabriel Odili	May & Baker Res	6	2
	Ben Franklin	Old Southendian Res	6	8
	John Bolton-Smith	Corinthians	6	11
	Leo Clarke	Corinthians	6	12
	Greg Molford	Old Southendian Res	6	12
	Glen Warwick	Epping Town	6	12
	Oliver Taton-Bennett	Old Southendian Res	6	13
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	6	16

 

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

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
=1	Jacob Hubble	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Freddie Pettitt	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	16	0	16
=4	Danny Pallett	Wakering Sports	15	1	16
	Luke Stillwell	Old Southendian Res	15	0	15
=6	Harry Ford	Rochford Town	14	1	15
	Ethan Bird	AS Rawreth	14	0	14
	Callum Burns-Green	Wakering Sports	14	0	14
	George Dugdale	Old Southendian Res	14	0	14
	Jack Power	Rochford Town	14	0	14
	Lewis Sherwood	Beacon Hill Rovers	14	0	14
	Adam Smith	Leigh Town	14	0	14
=13	Mitchell Gleeson	Wakering Sports	13	2	15
	Akeem Matthews	Ryan	13	1	14
	Luke Owen	Corinthians	13	1	14
	Matt Welsh	Rochford Town	13	1	14

 

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

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