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

 

 

Match Report: Corinthians 3 – 1 Rochford Town (Sat 15 Feb) [EOFL 19/20 16.2.20]

EOFL Crest

Essex Olympian League – Senior Division Two

Venue: Stambridge Memorial Ground

2019 – 20 Season: Match 58

Saturday 15th February 2020 – 2.00pm KO

Corinthians: Sky Blue & White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Rochford Town: Red & Yellow Striped Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

 

Corinthians get important win over local rivals Rochford at wind-swept Stambridge

Corinthians 3 – 1  Rochford Town

 

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

On the weekend that ‘Storm Dennis’ heavily reduced the local action across the Non-League divisions, I made the return trip to Stambridge to see this EOFL Senior Two tussle between local rivals Corinthians and Rochford Town. Chris Stoneham’s hosts welcomed Nathan Warren back in goal, with a back four of George Fulcher, Brad Smith, Sammy Ayres and skipper Alfie Knight. The attack-minded Nathan Dewberry and John Bolton-Smith were supported by wingers Bill Wilton and Jake Hodder. Leo Clarke, Ollie Brickwood and Jordan Stoneham completed a depleted bench, with the likes of Dan Cooksley, Ethan Lemmon and Theo Cannon all unavailable here.

Rochford named Elliott Pattison between the posts, with Jack Clarke and Josh Ledger in central defence, skipper Freddie Pettitt on the right flank and a front two of Jordan Ginty and Josh Fryer, with top scorer Tommy Dominguez alongside the likes of Harry Ford and Joe Lovett on the bench.

Even when I got to the ground, it was quite clear that the hosts had done well to get the game on as the rain drifted in to join the blustery wind close to kick-off. It was also one of those afternoons where you could understand those involved wouldn’t be so keen to play or watch so fair play. In the early stages of the contest, both sides were looking decent going forward as the hosts were going into the wind. Rochford forwards Jordan Ginty and Josh Fryer were linking up well on the counter-attack in the early minutes, though it was Corinthians who has the first sighters of goal as first, Nathan Dewberry’s free-kick dribbled wide of the far post and soon after from a corner, Jake Hodder’s prodded effort was just gathered by visiting custodian Elliott Pattison. The hosts had their fair share of possession at this stage but with the conditions affecting long-range passing, they just needed that bit more composure which they later found.

On 18 minutes, energetic forward John Bolton-Smith fired another effort off-target for the hosts and then a couple of minutes later, another free-kick in a promising position was curled in by Dewberry though Pattison did well to palm away  from the danger zone. Town were conceding a few set-pieces at this point and from Matt Burrell’s corner, Corinthians were adamant that the ball had wafted over the goal-line though it wasn’t given. This seemed to charge up the hosts as midway through the half, they took he lead. A good run into midfield by centre-back Alfie Knight ended by feeding a neat through ball to Hodder who only had Pattison to defeat and his low finish got the better of the Rochford stopper.

Corinthians doubled their advantage only a few minutes later as fine curling finish by Bolton-Smith found the top corner from inside the area. Just past the half-hour, Rochford did have a rare surge forward which saw skipper Freddie Pettitt put in a good centre, though the home defence stood firm to clear their lines. Pattison was called into action again for Rochford soon after, as another good pass by Knight found Bolton-Smith though the latter’s header was clawed away by the Town goalkeeper as it was heading in under the crossbar. The hosts kept the pressure on as from a Luke Owen corner, Pattison palmed the ball away for another set-piece. From that very corner, Bolton-Smith’s in-swinging delivery got caught up in a gust and trickled past everyone into the net, past an unfortunate Pattison to make it comfortable for the Stambridge-based side.

Just shy of the interval, a rasping 20-yard drive by Rochford midfielder Rinor Zeqiri fizzed wide of Nathan Warren’s goal though for the most part, the home side deserved their lead.

Half-Time: Corinthians  3 – 0  Rochford Town

You have to credit Rochford for their response after the break, despite the declining conditions. Three minutes after the re-start, Town forward Josh Fryer was well found in the area though with only Warren to bypass, the home glovesman did well to deny Fryer with a firm one-handed save. In what was a slighter quieter second-half overall, Owen had a decent strike saved by Pattison nine minutes into the half. As we entered the last twenty minutes, Town forward Jordan Ginty’s well-struck strike powered wide of the right-side post, a reminder that the visitors were not ‘downing tools’.

Moments afterward at the other end, a searing cross by Dewberry was inch-perfect for Bolton-Smith though he couldn’t get the direction on it as it went over the goal frame. Dewberry also gave us a small reminder of his fancy footwork as well to get past his marker before angling a tame effort wide. Town did get a goal back as a good ball found onrushing midfielder Jack Power and he tucked home well past Warren with twelve minutes remaining. And then late on, substitute Jordan Stoneham was played in, one-n-one with Pattison though the Town ‘keeper did well to deny him to crown off a good personal display.

Full-Time: Corinthians  3 – 1  Rochford Town

In summary, Corinthians showed enough purpose and had more than enough chances to deserve the points, though to be fair, Rochford were also decent at times going forward, although they were at risk of getting overloaded in defence, thanks to the hosts’ passing and movement, not to mention the finishing too.

In terms of stand-out performances, for Corinthians, I felt centre-back Alfie Knight had a strong game, not only doing his defensive duties but also making surging runs forward into midfield and also got an assist for the first goal too. Forward John Bolton-Smith and winger Jake Hodder also did well, stretching the Rochford defence as well as getting all three home goals between them, while full-back George Fulcher also showed good energy and purpose at both ends of the pitch.

For Rochford, forward Josh Fryer put in a combative display and kept the home back-line busy at times with skipper Freddie Pettitt being a useful creative outlet as well as putting in a hard-working display in both boxes. Goalkeeper Elliott Pattison also did well with decent handling in the tough conditions & also produced some good saves too, plus midfielder Jack Power also made a good contribution, along with his goal.

Finally, my thanks as ever to the hosts for their welcome; they are a credit to themselves and the Olympian League. I’d also like to note that it is good seeing Rochford in action again, as they are my local club. I wish both clubs well for the remainder of this hugely interesting Division Two campaign.

 

Teams

Corinthians    | Manager: Chris Stoneham

Starting XI: 1 Nathan Warren (GK), 2 George Fulcher, 3 Brad Smith, 4 Sammy Ayres, 5 Luke Owen, 6 Alfie Knight (Capt), 7 Bill Wilton, 8 Matt Burrell, 11 Jake Hodder, 9 John Bolton-Smith, 20 Nathan Dewberry

Goal-scorers: Jake Hodder [22’], John Bolton-Smith [25’ & 38’]

Subs On: 12 Leo Clarke [57’], 14 Ollie Brickwood [67’], 15 Jordan Stoneham [67’]

 

Rochford Town  | Stand-in Manager: James Cooper

Starting XI: 1 Elliott Pattison (GK), 2 Jacob Hubble, 3 Alex Gray, 4 Rinor Zeqiri, 5 Jack Clarke, 6 Josh Ledger, 7 Freddie Pettitt (Capt), 8 Jack Power, 9 Jordan Ginty, 10 Josh Fryer, 11 Matt Welsh

Goal-scorer: Jack Power [78’]

Subs On: 12 Harry Ford, 15 Tommy Dominguez, 13 Joe Lovett

Booked: Fryer  | Subs Not Used: Browne, Holyland

Referee: Stuart Nixon

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

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

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

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

Saturday 8 February

Premier Division

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

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

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

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

 

Senior Lge Cup

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

 

Senior ONE

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

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

Match OFF: Rayleigh Town Res  P – P  Manford Way

 

Senior TWO

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

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

 

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

Laindon Orient  P – P  Beacon Hill Rovers   |

Wakering Sports  P – P  May & Baker Res   |

 

Senior Division Three

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

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

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

 

Senior Division Four

Canning Town Res  0 – 4  Wakering Sports Res

Chingford Athletic Dev  6 – 1  Laindon Orient Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  3 – 3  Forest Glade

Ongar Town Res  1 – 1   Leytonstone Utd

Shenfield AFC Res  2 – 3  Catholic Utd Res

 

Senior Division Five

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

Runwell Sports Res  1 – 0  Leigh Ramblers Res

Shoebury Town Res  P – P  Newbury Forest Res

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

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

 

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

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

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

EOFL Crest

Saturday 1 February

Premier Division

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

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

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

Cups

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

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

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

Senior ONE

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

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

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

Senior TWO

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

Matches OFF:

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

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

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

Senior Division Three

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

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

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

 

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

Corinthians Res  P – P  Hutton Res   |

Senior Division Four Results

Forest Glade  1 – 5  Roydon

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

Leytonstone Utd  P – P  Old Chelmsfordians Res |

Ongar Town Res  2 – 1  Chingford Athletic Development

Wakering Sports Res  3 – 3  Catholic Utd Res

Senior Division Five Results

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

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

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 25 Jan) (EOFL 19/20 26.1.20)

Image from OS 4 – 0 Catholic Utd on Sat 25 Jan [Image: Scott W]

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League round-up, looking at all the action from Saturday 25th January. There were battles at both ends of the Premier Division as well as big games in the divisions below that.

EOFL Crest

Saturday 25 January

Premier Division

As we usually do, we start in the top-tier. In their top of the table showdown, Buckhurst Hill were held to a goalless draw by rivals Sungate, in a match seen my Non-League Correspondent ‘DW’. His video clips are available via his Twitter feed sat @essexfootie. Also, Leigh Ramblers  got a fine 4 – 1 win at struggling Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Charlie Portway netted for Swifts though that was outdone by goals for the Rams by Andrew Webster, Ryan Lowe , Pat Cannon and Dan Williams wich in turn secured the visitors their fourth win in their last games and rise to second spot, six points off leaders Sungate. Shenfield AFC also grabbed a hugely-important triumph as they won 4 – 1 at Canning Town. Alex Tredgett’s brace led the strugglers on the path to victory, with Ben Caroll and Samuel Lock also on target to send them up two places to 12th. Canning stay in eighth spot but only have seven matches remaining to play this season and they are only three points clear of the bottom.

Finally for the Premier, in the match I attended at Garon Park, Old Southendian got a big 4 – 0 win over title challengers Catholic Utd. Nick Henesy struck twice, with Nico Dubouchet and Ryan Stillwell’s also on target as OS ended a a four-match winless run in some style to rise to 10th. The ‘Super Hoops’ have lost their last three matches now and drop to 3rd and are vulnerable by the sides immediately below them in Buckhurst Hill, Springfield and Rayleigh Town who all have matches in hand on Dan Trenkel’s side. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/01/25/match-report-old-southendian-4-0-catholic-utd-sat-25th-jan-eofl/

Matches OFF: Harold Wood Athletic  P – P  Springfield   |

Kelvedon Hatch P – P  Hutton   |

 

Cups

EOFL Senior League Cup –  Rayleigh Town  P – P  Toby   | (Waterlogged pitch)

Essex Premier Cup: Basildon Town  1 – 4  West Bergholt  |

 

Essex Junior Cup Results

Collier Row  6 – 1  Wakering Sports Res   |

Hutton Res  2 – 1  Shoebury Town ‘A’   |

 

EOFL Senior ONE

In Senior One, FC Hamlets defeated fellow mid-table side Shoebury Town 2 – 0, thanks to goals from John Gilroy and Charlie Heatley to move up to ninth, though Ashley King’s side have still only played eight matches in the league thus far, so a busy next three months or so beckons. Leaders Chingford Athletic won again, 3 – 0 at top five side Galleywood, thanks to a treble by Lee Lashley. Dave Richbell’s side lead the division by ten points, though their rivals all have a number of matches in hand on them. Old Chelmsfordians remain second after a thumping 6 – 1 success over Herongate Athletic at Lawford Lane. Ongar Town rise to third after a fine 4 – 0 home win over Manford Way which preserves their unbeaten record this term.

 

Matches OFF: Lakeside P – P  Runwell Sports  | 

Snaresbrook  P – P  Ramsden Scotia  |

 

EOFL Senior TWO

In what was a mixed day for the top five in Senior Two, leaders Leigh Town were untroubled as they won 3 – 1 at home to Harold Wood Athletic Res at John Burrows Rec. Harry Payne, Daniel Driscoll and Brodie Horne all struck to give Jack Pearman’s side a sixth consecutive league triumph and go three points clear at the summit. May & Baker Res defeated fellow high-flyers Old Southendian Res as Jmmy Donald’s side came out 2 – 1 winners. Michael Agha and Darren Seymour strikes overturned David Stubbs’ strike for the OS side and went five points clear in 4th. Ben Manley’s OS side saw their eleven-match unbeaten streak end here though they remain 2nd, a point clear of Beacon Hill Rovers, who impressively won 3 – 2 at rivals Corinthians. A George Davis double and one from Adefunbi Adeyemi was enough to secure Rovers a sixth win in their last seven matches to stay 3rd. Chris Stoneham’s side drop to seventh though do have matches in hand to compensate for their dip in form of late.

Wakering Sports also won, 2 – 0 at home to out-of-form Epping Town. Ryan Gregory and Ben Rowe strikes were enough to give Sports a second win in their last seven outings. Epping remain fifth on goal difference after a frustrating afternoon. Laindon Orient are level on points with Town in sixth following a 6 – 0 win at home to beleaguered Ryan. Skipper James Shadwell got a treble with Carlos Dias, Jordan Walsh and Ashley Blackburn also on the score-sheet in a resounding win for Neil Blackburn’s team.

Match OFF: AS Rawreth  P – P  Rochford Town   |

 

Senior Division Three

An explosive day of Senior Three action saw 37 goals scored in just five matches. Wakebury remain four oints clear at the summit after a 4 – 2 triumph at White Ensign Res. Charlie Little got another brace for Matt Cardy’s side, with Liam Jarrett and Harry Kateley also on the scorer’s sheet to make it four straight wins though with five matches remaining to play, the onus will soon turn to their rivals as they seek to gain ground on the EOFL newcomers. ACD Utd still lead the chasing pack in second place, after an enthralling 6 – 4 win over Basildon Town Res at Westlands. Player-boss Michael Wade got a treble here, with Connor Lambert also netting twice and Sam Payne also chipping in. Grant Cumming hit two for Bas, with Ryan Morgan and Lewis Wynne also on target though they remain second-bottom.

Corinthians Res also got back to winning ways with a narrow 4 – 3 win at bottom side Hullbridge Sports ‘A’. Max Hall’s hat-trick and one from Ashley Webb was enough to outdo home goals from William Bray, Tom Ranger and replacement Joseph Darby and remain third, six points ahead of Collier Row. Lakeside Res got their third win in their last four games with a 4 – 2 success at mid-table Toby Res. Salem Said got a brace, with Brandon Booty’s spot-kick and Damilola Olusanya also contributing. Toby’s second-side responded through Dean Maguchu and Marc Porter-Brown strikes though it is four losses on-the-bounce for them as they stay fifth, 11 points adrift of ACD in second.

Also, Buckhurst Hill Res rose to seventh with a 5 – 3 victory over fellow mid-table side Leigh Town Res. Tommy Fraine grabbed a treble to keep up his impressive form in front of goal, with Landry Gogoa also netting for the Hill second-side.

 

Senior Division Four Results

Canning Town Res   1  – 4   Old Chelmsfordians Res   |

Chingford Athletic Development  0 – 1  Forest Glade   |

Leytonstone Utd  2 – 0  Galleywood Res |

Ongar Town Res  P – P Shenfield AFC Res |

Roydon  9 – 1  Laindon Orient Res |

Senior Division Five Results

Herongate Athletic Res  P – P  Shoebury Town Res

Leigh Ramblers Res  2 – 0  Roydon Res

Old Barkabbeyans 4 – 3  Collier Row Res

Runwell Sports Res  2 – 0  Springfield Res

Wakering Sports Development  0 – 1  Newbury Forest Res

 

Preview: Essex Olympian League (Sat 25 Jan) [EOFL 19/20 22.1.20]

EOFL Crest

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League fixture list, for Saturday 25th January. There are battles at both ends of the Premier Division, as sides look to move clear at the summit and move away from the ever-tightening bottom half of the standings.

Saturday 25 January (2.00pm KO’s unless stated)

Premier Division

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts  v  Leigh Ramblers  | Silver Leys

Buckhurst Hill  v  Sungate  | Roding Lane  (TBC)

Canning Town  v  Shenfield AFC      | West Ham Community Ground [3G]

Harold Wood Athletic  v  Springfield   | Harold Wood Park  (TBC)

Kelvedon Hatch  v  Hutton   |  New Hall 

Old Southendian  v  Catholic Utd  | Garon Park [3G]  (2.30pm KO)

 

Cups

Senior League Cup –  Rayleigh Town  v  Toby   | London Road (1.30pm KO)

 

Essex Premier Cup: Basildon Town  v  West Bergholt  | Basildon Sports Club (1.30pm KO)

 

Essex Junior Cup (1.30pm KOs)
Collier Row  v  Wakering Sports Res   | Forest Row Centre

Hutton Res  v  Shoebury Town ‘A’   | Polo Fields

 

Senior ONE

FC Hamlets   v  Shoebury Town   | Hackney Marshes (Pitch 2)

Galleywood  v  Chingford Athletic   | Clarkes Field

Lakeside  v  Runwell Sports  |  Lakeside Sports Ground [3G]

Old Chelmsfordians  v  Herongate Athletic   | Lawford Lane

Ongar Town  v  Manford Way   | Moved to Melbourne Park [3G], Chelmsford

Snaresbrook  v  Ramsden Scotia  | Nutters Field

 

 

Senior TWO

AS Rawreth  v  Rochford Town   | The Warren

Corinthians  v  Beacon Hill Rovers  | Stambridge Memorial Ground

Laindon Orient  v  Ryan | Ford’s (Basildon)

Leigh Town  v  Harold Wood Athletic Res   | John Burrows Recreation Ground

May & Baker Res  v  Old Southendian Res  | May & Baker FC

Wakering Sports  v  Epping Town   | Cupid’s CC

Senior Division Three

ACD Utd  v  Basildon Town Res  | Westlands

Buckhurst Hill Res  v  Leigh Town Res   | Roding Lane (Pitch 2)

Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  v  Corinthians Res    | Lower Road

Toby Res  v  Lakeside Res   |  Ford’s  (Newbury Park)

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

 

Senior Division Four

Canning Town Res   v   Old Chelmsfordians Res   |

Chingford Athletic Development  v  Forest Glade   |

Leytonstone Utd  v  Galleywood Res |

Ongar Town Res  v  Shenfield AFC Res |

Roydon  v  Laindon Orient Res | (1.30pm KO)

Senior Division Five

Herongate Athletic Res  v  Shoebury Town Res

Leigh Ramblers Res  v  Roydon Res

Old Barkabbeyans  v  Collier Row Res

Runwell Sports Res  v  Springfield Res

Wakering Sports Development  v  Newbury Forest Res

Match Report: Corinthians 1 – 3 Old Southendian Res (Sat 7th Dec) [EOFL 19/20 7.12.19]

EOFL Crest

Essex Olympian League – Senior Division Two

Venue: Stambridge Memorial Ground

2019 – 20 Season: Match 44

Saturday 7th December 2019 – 2.00pm KO

Corinthians: Sky Blue & White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Old Southendian Res: Green Shirts, Black Shorts, Green Socks

 

OS Ressies battle hard to claim big win at Corinthians

Corinthians 1 – 3 Old Southendian Reserves

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

This weekend’s match saw me divert back to the Essex Olympian League ‘arena’ as two of the top six sides in Senior Division Two faced each other in Corinthans and Old Southendian Reserves at the Stambridge Memorial Ground. Both sides were in good form in recent weeks, with only one loss each thus far this term. Chris Stoneham’s hosts named a front three of Jake Hodder, John Bolton-Smith and Nathan Dewberry with Nathan Warren between the sticks and Alfie Knight skippering the side. Bill Wilton and Theo Cannon were among the options on the home bench. They were without Connor Summerhill, Jake Lang and Ollie Brickwood here. The ‘Old Boys’ second-side had regular stopper George Dugdale in goal, a back four of Ryan Kelly, Andrew Cable, Thomas Smith and Thomas Margerison. Greg Molford and Ben Franklin led their attack with Lewis Caplin, David Stubbs and Thomas Adams making up their substitutes’ bench.

As we got started, it was clear that the pitch was in good nick considering the recent rain though was still a little slippery. Chances were not hard to come by in the opening minutes of the match as forward Nathan Dewberry could have added to his glistening goal-tally a minute into the contest though prodded wide of the far post. Seconds later, OS skipper Oliver Tatton-Bennett caught a home defender in possession and his lay-off found forward Greg Molford in a good position though he also shot wide of Nathan Warren’s goal.

At the other end, visiting goalkeeper George Dugdale was called into action just a few minutes in to deny midfielder Luke Owen’s strike though as we got into the second third of the half, the visitors found another gear. Ben Manley’s team found their rhythm going forward even if they didn’t quite have the finishing to match it as winger Jack Dagget twice failed to bypass Warren and early replacement David Stubbs’s near-post effort was blocked at close range.

As the half entered its final five minutes, you sensed this one could not remain a stalemate for long. The hosts kept pushing for that opening goal as Dewberry’s initial effort on goal was blocked, only for a follow-up effort by way of an acrobatic John Bolton-Smith overhead kick to slither wide of the left-side post. Old Southendian Reserves responded at the other end as Stubbs raced clear though when one-on-one with Warren, the ‘keeper pulled off a smart save to deny him. The drama didn’t end there as seconds before the interval, a corner from the far side was powerfully headed in by Ben Franklin to give the visitors a timely lead, despite it being wafer-thin at this point.

Half-Time: Corinthians 0 – 1 Old Southendian Res

We could have had four or five goals by this point on another day and both sides continued to attack after the break. Corinthians were being frustrated by gritty, uncompromising defending by the visitors who certainly put their bodies on the line at times too. Soon after the break, efforts from midfielder Matt Burrell and Dewberry couldn’t evade Dugdale in the OS goal and on the counter, the visitors could have extended their lead as supporting forward Andrew Turner made another telling run down the middle though Franklin was unable to follow-up as he lamped his strike over the goal frame. Nine minutes into the half, the pace of the game was steadily rising as on the counter-attack themselves, home forward Jake Hodder was picked out well by Dewberry, only for Hodder to fire wide from about twenty yards out.

As we passed the hour mark, it was still anyone’s game though that altered a tad on 64 minutes, with Old Southendian opening up the hosts’ defence which allowed Franklin to power in a firm strike past Warren from about 18 yards to double their advantage. This time however, the hosts responded immediately as Dewberry did add to his growing goal-tally this term as his lofted strike went over Dugdale and high into the net, barely a minute later. The hosts pushed for that important leveller though somehow and combination of the woodwork and Dugdale denied both Dewberry and Hodder in quick succession.

Realising the threat, OS carved out a neat move involving Stubbs and Tatton-Bennett led to the onrushing Turner’s good strike being well-saved by Warren. As it turned out, that move was a pre-cursor as with twelve minutes remaining, Warren came out of his goal-line to distract a visiting forward from firing at goal but crucially, OS retained possession and Tatton-Bennett, wide out on the left side of the box fizzed home from an acute angle right into the corner, much to the delight of his team-mates. With moments remaining, Hodder fired over from substitute Theo Cannon’s free-kick though in the end, it was a hard-fought victory for Ben Manley’s ‘Greens’ here at Stambridge, which sends them up to 3rd, above their opponents here though Corinthians do have two matches in hand.

Full-Time: Corinthians  1 – 3  Old Southendian Res

Difficult though it is to sum up this really tough battle, in the end the hosts were not at their fluent best here. Why that was the case will differ on your point of view, though you can’t deny that the ‘Old Boys’ really did put a heck of a shift in to frustrate Corinthians in their quest to build momentum with their rapid, free-flowing attacking game. For Ben Manley’s visitors, skipper Oliver Tattton-Bennett had another good game, with support forward Andrew Turner really being hard for the home defence to track, coming in deep from midfield. Thomas Margerison was a rock at the back & a threat from long throw-ins for the visitors too, with Ben Franklin also giving the hosts a headache in defence as well as his two goals here.

For Corinthians, forwards Jake Hodder, John Bolton-Smith and the ever-wily Nathan Dewberry did give the opposition more than a few nervous moments. As a side, they contributed heavily to what was an enthralling match despite not making the most of their chances, particularly in the first half. You have to credit both sides for their energy levels and desire to triumph as well here.

Finally, my thanks to the hosts for their welcome, and I wish both clubs well for the remainder of what is turning out to be a fascinating Division Two campaign.

Teams

Corinthians    | Manager: Chris Stoneham

Starting XI: 1 Nathan Warren (GK), 2 Ethan Lemmon, 3 Brad Smith, 4 Sammy Ayres, 5 Luke Owen, 6 Alfie Knight (Capt), 7 Leo Clarke, 8 Matt Burrell,  11 Jake Hodder, 9 John Bolton-Smith, 20 Nathan Dewberry

Goal-scorer: Nathan Dewberry [65’]

Subs On: 14 Bill Wilton, 16 George Fulcher, 17 Theo Cannon & 12 Dan Cooksley

Booked: Bolton-Smith, Dewberry

 

Old Southendian Res  | Manager: Ben Manley

Starting XI: 1 George Dugdale, 2 Ryan Kelly, 3 Andrew Cable, 4 Thomas Smith, 17 Thomas Margerison, 6 Andrew Turner, 7 Daniel Dowd, 8 Oliver Tatton-Bennett (Capt), 9 Greg Molford, 10 Ben Franklin, 11 Jack Dagget

Goal-scorers: Ben Franklin [ 45’+2 & 64’], Oliver Tatton-Bennett [78’]

Subs On: David Stubbs, Lewis Caplin, Thomas Adams | Booked: Stubbs

Referee: Samuel Laidler