S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 4 Mar) [EOFL 22-23 6.3.23]

Action still from Catholic Utd v Toby in midweek

Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Olympian League column, tracking the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 4 March, as the top three all won in the top-tier, plus Sungate & Toby progressed in the Senior Cup.

EOFL Cups

In the two Senior Cup ties this weekend, Toby sealed their progress with a 5 – 1 victory at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Albert Perry netted twice for Mark Jones’ side, with Rhys Willson, Harry Barham & Tom Roser also on target as they made the last four. They are joined by Sungate, who needed a spot-kicks to get past second-tier side Old Chelmsfordians after a 1 – 1 daw at Lawford Lane. Bobby Port’s team won the ensuing penalties 7 – 6 to go through. In the Denny King Cup, Shoebury Town showed no lack of determination as they had two late goals from Jack Woodham to thank for a 2 – 1 victory over Beacon Hill Rovers at Ekco Sports Club. Rounding out the Cup section this week is three games in the Reserve Trophy. Harold Wood Athletic Res went through, winning 4 – 3 on penalties after a 2 – 2 draw against Toby Res at Nursery Sports Ground. Substitutes Josh Portway & Derek Hawtin for Ath forced the resulting shoot-out. They are joined in the next round by Old Chelmsfordians Res, who won 3 – 2 at Sungate Res and Runwell Sports Res, who edged past Canning Town Res 1 – 0 at St Luke’s Park.

EOFL Premier Division

There was one midweek match this week, as Catholic Utd again caught up on their fixtures, as they defeated Toby 3 – 0 at Southchurch Park, in a match I attended. Liam Oliver’s first-half treble was enough to seal the points for Simon Thomas’ side. For more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/03/02/s22-23-match-report-catholic-utd-3-0-toby-tues-28-feb-eofl/

Onto the weekend Premier action now, and Hutton got back to winning ways with a slender 1 – 0 success at Leigh Ramblers. Connor Hammond got another important goal to keep Matt Singh’s side top by seven points. The chasing pack both won though, as Catholic Utd backed up their earlier midweek win with a 2 – 0 triumph at Springfield. James Warder & Liam Oliver both scored to keep the Essex Bhoys in second place, a point clear of Rayleigh Town, who in turn defeated Kelvedon Hatch 3 – 1 at Thames Road. James Nottage netted for Hatch, but goals from Harry Talbot, Ben Baxter & Lewis Robson secured the win for Paul Higgins’ side.

Meanwhile, Old Southendian remain fifth after an impressive 3 – 0 win at Shenfield AFC. Mattias Tonking’s brace of spot-kicks was added to by Callum Ludlaim’s goal to seal another win for Altan Ali’s team. Runwell Sports sit sixth with several matches in hand after their 3 – 0 victory at strugglers Galleywood. Charlie Little, Gianni Frankis & Oliver Williamson all netted for Robert Hodgson’s team, in what could still be a memorable season for them.


EOFL Divisions One & Two

There were two games in Division One this week, both games involving the chasing pack. Epping Town grabbed a much-needed three points with a 2 – 1 win at home to ACD Utd. Billy Wren netted for Utd here but two goals for Chris Gormley saw Stuart Hoskins’ team remain third and with a four-point lead over Manford Way, who claimed the points thanks to a 3 – 0 success over Herongate Athletic. David Alele, Siddy Clarkson & Charlie Parish all scored here for Manford.

Moving into Division Two now, and we begin with an important win for Rayleigh Town Res, who got past Hutton Res 2 – 1 at London Road to head out of the bottom two. Goals from Byron Down and Adam Wright were enough to seal the win for Dave Barker’s team. Hashtag Utd Development also bagged the points after a 1 – 0 success over May & Baker at Barleylands. Matthew Gauci’s goal was enough to see Denis Simpson’s team back up into third but they are five points adrift of Wakering Sports Res, who demolished Old Southendian Res 8 – 2 at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga again led the scorers for the hosts, with four goals here & he was assisted by Adem Beji’s double plus strikes from Alex Jenkins & Oliver Greene to see Sports reduce the arrears to leaders Shoebury to four points.

Lastly, Catholic Utd Res defeated AS Rawreth 3 – 0, in a rare Ressie game played at the Len Forge. Daniel Williams, Finlay Grant & replacement Matt Creevy all scored to give Eamonn Kearney’s side a win which takes them up to sixth.


EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

In Division Three, Leigh Town Res moved into second place after a 1 – 0 win over Chingford Athletic Res. Chris Pope got the decisive goal in this one. They are now three points clear of Pitsea Athletic after they lost 1 – 2 at Hullbridge Sports Res. Paul Morris & Nicholas Sherlock got the goals to see Hullbridge level on points with their opponents. Springfield Res won 3 – 1 at Buckhurst Hill U23, with Tristan Ofori-Sampong & substitutes Liam England & Jacob Brewer all on target to give them a third consecutive win & helps them up to sixth. Olaobajuwon Olagbaju got the reply for Buckhurst there.

In Division Four, promotion-chasing Leigh Ramblers Res had two late goals to thank for a superb 2 – 0 win at leaders Roydon. Substitutes Ethan Nunn & Taylor Stewart both scored to keep the gap to second spot at three points, with several more matches to play. Roydon’s title charge took a dent and their lead drops to three points. Herongate Athletic Res reside in second spot now after they powered past Leytonstone Utd 6 – 1 at Billericay Road. Ryan Creed had a debut to remember as he struck four goals here. Byron Brackett & Habeeb Apatira also netted to more than secure the points.  Ongar Town also bagged a terrific win, 5 – 0 at Pitsea Athletic Res. Tommy Smith netted twice, with Mason White, Ethan Hook & replacement Adoreke Oke all adding to the scoresheet in a win which keeps them sixth. The last game in this division saw Shenfield AFC Res defeated Galleywood Res 3 – 1, to take them eight points clear in seventh spot.

In Division Five, Wakebury Res got a superb 5 – 3 victory over leaders Manford Way Res at Shoebury Park. Connor Lane netted four goals for Joe Creak’s side & an OG sealed the win. George Green netted two for Manford & Callum Thomas added another but their lead stays at two points, wiith a match in hand. Basildon Town A have all but secured at least fifth spot after they won 3 – 1 at Shoebury Town Res. Donnel Kujinga, Shawn Banks & replacement Luke Soley all scored here, to give the Bas’ third side lingering hope of a top-two spot as they have two matches in hand on their closest rivals.

The other result this weekend saw Collier Row Res convincingly win 9 – 1 at AS Rawreth Res, to keep themselves in fourth.

End

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S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 28 Jan) [EOFL 22-23 30.1.23]

Archive image – Runwell Sports v Shenfield AFC from earlier this term

Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer

Hello & welcome to the another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 28 January, as the weekend’s action was for the most part restored following the restrictive weather conditions in the ladt month.

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier, Hutton retained their 14 point lead at the summit, following a 5 – 1 victory at Galleywood. Substitute Matthew Price netted twice here, with Luke Ricketts, Joshua Seal & Connor Hammond also scoring for Matt Singh’s side. Ronnie Edwards replied for ‘Wood, who remain three points adrift at the bottom. Rayleigh Town produced a terrific display in an 8 – 0 success over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at Thames Road. There were trebles for Jack Long and George Vile, along with strikes for William Vile and substitute Lewis Robson to give Town a much-needed win, given the race for second spot in gathering pace. They went back into second after Toby defeated Leigh Ramblers 2 – 0 at the Nursery Sports Ground. Sonny Leeks’ brace confirmed a big win for Mark Jones’ side, which takes them five points clear of the bottom two.

Elsewhere, Old Southendian are up to fourth spot following a fine 5 – 1 victory over Kelvedon Hatch at Garon Park 3G. Callum Ludlaim had arguably his best day this season, scoring a fine treble, with Mitchell Ali & Nico Dubouchet also scoring for Altar Ali’s side. Joe Newson netted reply after coming off the bench for Darren Hunt’s side, who drop to 11th. Catholic Utd had a battling 2 – 1 victory at Canning Town, with Joe O’Kane & Louie Hay goals sending them sixth, with several games in hand on most of the teams around them. Shenfield AFC remain ninth after a 3 – 0 victory at Springfield, with Jack Maleary, Ben Absolon & Ben Carroll all scoring for AFC. Springfield boss Allan Fenn has also elected to step down, and I wish him well for the future.

Finally, Runwell Sports stay eighth after an excellent 4 – 2 success at Sungate. James Dalton netted two goals for Rob Hodgson’s side, with Gianni Frankis & Owen Barratt adding further goals. Runwell are now ten points clear of the bottom two, as they seek to have a second consecutive campaign at Step 7.

EOFL Divisions One, Two & Three

Division One this week saw some key results. First, Epping Town battled hard before securing a 5 – 3 victory over Herongate Athletic at Billericay Road. Joe Rickett’s superb treble was added to by goals from Scout Bown & Abdul Kamara as Stuart Hoskins’ side remained three points clear in second. Alfie Yeend scored twice for Ath, with Thomas Lambourne also scoring. Old Chelmsfordians remain third at this juncture, following a 2 – 1 win at home to Beacon Hill Rovers, with Jack Walker netting for Rovers. Manford Way also got an important victory, 2 – 1 at home to Corinthians. Dawid Potoczek & replacement Harry Davison both scored for Colin Dobson’s team, who go up to sixth, while their opponents lost ground on the top three.

Into Division Two now and the stand-out result saw Catholic Utd Res defeat Hashtag Utd Development 3 – 1 at St Thomas More Sch. James Warder’s brace & a goal for Daniel Williams secured a win that takes them four points clear of the bottom two. Hashtag’s youth side lost ground on the top two and are also vulnerable to being caught by Harold Wood Athletic Res, who have matches in hand. Leaders Shoebury Town are now seven points clear, following a comeback 4 – 2 win at Wakebury. Finlay Dorrell & Louis Yuille both netted for Matt Cardy’s team but a double for Jack Woodham plus goals for Mechack-Kisoka Asuka & Enoch Gyimah secured Town’s 10th win this term. Finally for this division, Rayleigh Town Res also notched an important 5 – 0 success at home to AS Rawreth.


Now into Division Three, Basildon Town Res emerged with a terrific 8 – 0 win at Corinthians Res, with Louis Hill scoring a hat-trick, added to by Jamie Bradbourn’s brace and one each for Keith King, Daniel Okah and replacement Harry Johnson. Town remain eight points clear at the summit now. Buckhurst Hill U23 also got the three points, with a 3 – 1 victory over Pitsea Athletic at Roding Lane. Harvey Woods struck twice for Darren Gosnell’s team, plus Joe Marjason’s additional goal which secured the win which takes them above Pitsea & into fourth. Elsewhere, Chingford Athletic Res narrowly defeated Springfield Res 3 – 2 at Town Mead 3G. Conor Medhurst’s double & Luke Dimond’s strike outdid goals by Liam England & replacement Adam Jackson for the visitors. Finally, Leigh Town Res got a 2 – 1 win over Toby Res at John Burrows Rec, with Chris Pope and Spencer Izatt the scorers for Josh Burrage’s side, who rise to second spot.

EOFL Divisions Four & Five

Moving into Division Four, and Leigh Ramblers Res grabbed a convincing 7 – 0 triumph at home to Galleywood Res. Charlie Batchelor notched twice for the Rams second-side, with Joe Howson (pen), Luis Bracci, Dominic North, Ethan Nunn & substitute Cameron Jarvis all also scoring here. That result takes them up to fourth & strengthens their chances of being in the promotion race. Ongar Town also won this week, with a 2 – 0 success over Herongate Athletic Res at Marks Hall. Jude Collins & Mason White both netted for Tony West’s team. Also, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res drew 1 – 1 with Roydon at Silver Leys. Matthew Allen netted for Swifts, and Connor Riddoch replied for Roydon. The visitors there dropped to second by virtue of Collier Row’s Walkover win over Pitsea Athletic Res, which takes Row two points clear but they have played three games more.

In Division Five, Basildon Town A went back up to fifth after a 6 – 0 victory against Shoebury Town Res. Donnel Kujinga led the scorers with a fine treble, with Jamie Miller scoring two & replacement Bradley Pike also notching in this win which takes them up to fifth. Also, Manford Way Res extended their lead to seven points at the summit after a 7 – 2 win at Canning Town Res.

Cups

There were three Cup matches this week. Firstly, in the EOFL Reserve Cup, Hutton Res prevailed with a 4 – 1 victory over Runwell Sports Res at Polo Fields. Rodney Wilson, Luke Haydon & substitutes Thomas Price & Ronnie Richardson-Cook got the goals for the hosts there. In the Reserve Trophy, Sungate Res progressed with a 4 – 2 success at AS Rawreth Res. Justin Burrell & Bradley Giles got the goals in reply for the AS side.

Finally, Wakering Sports powered to a 5 – 0 victory over Leytonstone Utd at Cupid’s, in the Denny King Cup. Ryan Curtis & Paul Wines both netted doubles here for Sports, with Mekhi Weekes adding the other goal there.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 21 Jan) [EOFL 22-23 23.1.23]

Woodford East v Hutton image from this weekend [Image by Scott W]

Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer

Hello & welcome to the another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 21 January, as the weekend’s action was again reduced because of the frosty weather.

EOFL Premier Division & Division Three action was postponed this week.

EOFL Divisions One and Two

Division One only saw one match as Harold Wood Athletic got a important 5 – 0 victory over bottom side Wakering Sports. James Pottle netted twice here for John Field’s team, with Zach Holding, Perry Robinson & Louis Bazely’s spot-kick accounting for the other goals. The win takes Ath seven points clear at the top, with Corinthians the most likely rivals once they have played the four games they have in hand on Ath.

Into Division Two now and the only match here saw May & Baker draw 2 – 2 with Harold Wood Athletic Res at home. Matthew Harris & replacement Josh Portway netted for the visitors but they lost the chance to go back up to third here.


EOFL Divisions Four & Five

It’s straight into Division Four now, and Herongate Athletic Res are three points clear in third after a narrow 1 – 0 victory over Leigh Ramblers Res. John Hanrahan’s penalty proved decisive as Ath retained their chances of overhauling second-placed Collier Row, given they have three extra games to play, compared to Row. Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res rose to fourth after a conclusive 4 – 0 triumph at strugglers Leytonstone Utd. The cast of Archie Gerard, Henry Harnack, Matthew Allen & Jordan Trott were all on target for Swifts there. Finally in this division, Shenfield AFC Res defeated Wakering Sports A 4 – 0 at St Martin’s 3G. Mason Everitt, Kyle Constable, Lewis Dalley & Alec Roeper all scored to fortify AFC’s sixth place.

In Division Five, Collier Row Res are up to second after a 2 – 1 win at Sungate Res, with Raheem Bravo and Nicholas George the scorers for Row there. In the other match, Runwell Sports Res are five points clear in fourth after a 2 – 0 success at Wakebury Res. Harry Ford and Daniel Hobbs scored for Sports as they secured their sixth win this term.


Cups

Starting the Cup round-up with the Essex Premier Cup Quarter-Finals, and Wakering Sports Res‘ dream run continues after a superb 5 – 1 victory over Toby at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga once again contributed hugely in big games with a hat-trick here, and Eben Rowledge & Charlie Smith also scoring. Jamie Simpkins replied for Toby but they bowed out – their focus is now on EOFL Premier survival. Rayleigh Town renewed their rivalry with Catholic Utd and Town prevailed 3 – 2 at Len Forge 3G. Harry Talbot scored twice for Paul Higgins’ side here, with Jack Long also scoring. Joe O’Kane had earlier given Utd the lead, and Aaron Baldwin netted a late second but they exited the Premier Cup.

Elsewhere, Shenfield AFC were made to battle hard for a 2 – 1 win at EOFL Division One side Corinthians. John Bolton-Smith’s spot-kick gave the hosts the lead but Ben Carroll & Elliott Thompson strikes turned the tide and saw AFC progress to the last four. Also, in the match I attended this week, Woodford East produced a superb comeback to defeat Hutton 4 – 2 at Mabley Green 3G. The Reds led by two goals at the break, through Lewis Scott & David Johnson. But a roaring response by East saw strikes by Harry Robinson, Matt Stacey, Billy Barr & Ben Smith saw the Essex Alliance side prevail. If you’d like more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/01/21/s22-23-match-report-woodford-east-4-2-hutton-sat-21-jan-epcqf/

Now into the EOFL Senior Cup games, Old Southendian progressed with a 4 – 1 success over Leigh Ramblers at Belfairs Park. Mattias Tonking netted two goals for Altan Ali’s team, while Mitchell Ali & Connor Burrows strikes secured a fine win. Canning Town also went through as they won another penalty shoot-out 5 – 4 after a 1 – 1 stalemate at Runwell Sports. Oliver Williamson netted for Runwell there.

The solitary Reserve Cup match this weekend saw Galleywood Res go through after a 3 – 1 victory at Shoebury Town Res. Alfie Hooper’s fine treble secured a good win for the visitors at the Ekco Sports Club.

Lastly this week, in the EOFL Denny King Cup, Epping Town had a Conor Corrigan goal to thank for a 1 – 0 win at home to Chingford Athletic Res. Shoebury Town also went through after a 4 – 1 win at home to Buckhurst Hill U23. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka scored another two goals here, with Aaron Marshall & an OG accounting for the other goals.

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 7 Jan) [EOFL 22-23 9.1.23]

Archive Image – OS v Rayleigh Town from last month

Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer

Hello & Happy New Year to the readers of this column. Welcome to the first edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up series in 2023. This week, we look at the action in all divisions from Saturday 7 January, plus the Cup ties this week.


EOFL Premier Division

Firstly in the top-tier, Hutton extended their seemingly unassailable lead at the top to 14 points after a 5 – 0 victory at Springfield. David Johnson netted twice here for Matt Singh’s side, with Jude Keeling, Tom Stephens and substitute Connor Hammond also netting here. The hosts remain second bottom, two points adrift of Toby. Sungate are in third on goal difference, despite being held to a goal-less draw by Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Leigh Ramblers are up to fourth after a gritty 1 – 0 victory at home to Runwell Sports at Belfairs. Scott Clark again got a crucial goal for Mark Hunter’s team.

Meanwhile, Catholic Utd started the calendar year with a 4 – 1 triumph at home to Kelvedon Hatch at the Len Forge 3G. James Burt scored for Hatch, but a team effort turned the tide as Franklin Craik, Aaron Baldwin, Tom Kearney and replacement Harrison Day all scored to keep Simon Thomas’ side in sixth, but are only two points adrift of Sungate in third. Shenfield AFC also picked up a big home win, as they triumphed 4 – 0 over Galleywood at St Martin’s Sch 3G. Jack Maleary, Ben Absolon, Jack Panons & Ben Carroll all netted here to send them three points clear in ninth, with matches in hand over most of the teams around them. ‘Wood’s tough season continues, as they are five points adrift of exiting the bottom two. Finally, Old Southendian got back to winning ways in some style as they won 6 – 0 at home to Toby at Garon Park, which sent them up to fifth on goal difference in what is a very tight chasing pack.


EOFL Divisions One & Two

Division One only saw three matches this week because of the weather but Epping Town got a huge 6 – 1 victory over strugglers Wakering Sports. Scout Bown netted four goals here for Stuart Hoskins’ team, to take his season’s league goal tally to 16. Edirin Eghwrudje and Abdul Kamara also scored here to add to the visitors’ pain and reduce leaders Harold Wood Athletic’s lead at the summit to four points. Beacon Hill Rovers also got a cucial victory, defeating Herongate Athletic 3 – 2 at Wickham Bishops. Bertie Whymark took his goal tally to seven this term with a double here, with William Strutt also netting for the hosts. Manford Way also drew 1 – 1 with Old Chelmsfordians, with Daniel Demain coming off the bench to score for the hosts there, with the point gained seeing them up to seventh in the table.

Into Division Two, there were some big results for the top four sides. Leaders Shoebury Town are four points clear at the top after an important 3 – 0 victory over Hashtag Utd Development, who dropped to third. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka scored another two goals to take his league goal tally to 13 this term. Substitute Enoch Gyimah added the other goal for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side here. Wakering Sports Res are up to second spot after a 5 – 0 win against AS Rawreth at Cupid’s. May & Baker‘s Olympian side had to battle hard before completing a 4 – 3 victory at Catholic Utd Res, in a match moved to Waterside Farm Centre on Canvey. Carl Patten struck twice for Josh Lowbridge & Antony McDonald’s side, with Darren Seymour and Alfie Horan also scoring for the visitors there, who stay sixth but are only four points behind Wakering Sports Res in second, which endorses how tight the top half of the table is.

Elsewhere, Hutton Res moved up to eighth following a big 3 – 2 win at Wakebury. Thomas Price, Billy Chilcott and Ronnie Richardson-Cook all netted here for the visitors. Finlay Dorrell & Ben Perry responded for Matt Cardy’s team here but they lost ground on the top two. The other result saw Old Southendian Res win 4 – 2 at Rayleigh Town Res.


EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

In Division Three, Basildon Town Res are eight points clear at the summit after a 2 – 1 victory over local rivals Pitsea Athletic Res. Jamie Bradbourn’s brace sealed the points for the hosts, overturning Ath’s goal by substitute Carlos Dias. Ath fell to their first defeat this term & dropped to fourth. Hullbridge Sports Res are up to second after a comprehensive 8 – 0 victory at strugglers Corinthians Res. Jay Knight, Harry Mole and substitute George Mole all got doubles here, with Joe Tuskin and Joseph Gray strikes adding further gloss to the score-line.

Leigh Town Res are now third after a 5 – 2 success at home to Springfield Res at John Burrows Rec. Chris Pope netted twice here for Town, with Jack Pearman, Steve Birnie and Joshua Dalton all on target to render Liam England & William Roe goals for Springfield as consolation goals. Chingford Athletic Res grabbed a 4 – 1 victory at Old Chelmsfordians Res, with the ensemble cast of Luke Dimond, Bilel Benyoucef, George Miller and replacement Conor Medhurst all scoring for Ath.

Moving into Division Four, and Leigh Ramblers Res gained ground on second-placed Collier Row with a 1 – 0 victory at Forest Row. Luis Bracci got the decisive goal there, to raise his side up to third in the table. In the only other game in the division, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res were held 1 – 1 by Ongar Town at Silver Leys. Matthew Allen scored for Swifts, with Benjamin Adams responding for Ongar. Swifts drop to fifth, while Ongar are in eighth.

Finally for the League action this week, In Division Five the leaders are Manford Way Res, who won 4 – 1 at AS Rawreth Res. Callum Thomas, Luke Bennett, Charlie Ewing & Rakim Janneh all netted to extend their lead at the top to five points. Justin Burrell got the solitary goal back for the Rawreth team, who are three points adrift at the bottom. Wakebury Res moved into second spot following a 3 – 1 triumph over Basildon Town A at Shoebury Park. Ross Barnes’ treble saw Joe Creak’s side to their seventh win this term. Jamie Miller got the reply for Bas, who are now in sixth.

Elsewhere, Runwell Sports Res are up to fourth after they won 1 – 0 at home to Sungate Res. Daniel Hobbs got the only goal there at St Luke’s Park. The other result saw Shoebury Town Res draw 1 – 1 with Collier Row A at the Ekco Sports Club (Pitch 2).

In the Cup action this weekend, Canning Town emerged with a 4 – 3 win on penalties in the Senior League Cup after drawing 1 – 1 with Division One side Harold Hill in the early kick-off at Noak Hill 3G.

In the one match in the Reserve League Cup, Herongate Athletic Res got a morale-boosting 2 – 1 victory over Harold Wood Athletic Res, thanks to goals from Kemston Allen and replacement Jasper Stuckey. Josh Portway got the reply for Harold Wood’s Ressie side there but they exited the Cup here.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 3 Dec) [EOFL 22-23 5.12.22]


Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer

Hello & welcome to the first edition in December of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions from Saturday 3 December, and we begin with the Cup competitions this weekend.

Essex Premier Cup – Round Four

This week we begin with the Essex Premier Cup fourth round. Premier Division side Toby defeated Essex Alliance League Senior side Kit Out London 3 – 0 at Nursery Sports Ground. Callum Mann, Jake Jones & Luis Ruiz all netted to seal progression to the last eight for Mark Jones’ side. Fellow top-tier side Rayleigh Town also went through after a 3 – 0 victory at Division One side Beacon Hill Rovers. Harry Talbot netted twice for Paul Higgins’ side here, with Jack Long again on target to seal the win. EOFL Prem leaders Hutton had a battle before winning 3 – 2  against Border League side Dunmow Town at Hannakins Farm, after extra time. Will Marlowe, Rodney Wilson & replacement David Johnson got the crucial goals there for the Reds. There was a win for Shenfield AFC in their local derby with Harold Wood Athletic, as another double for Ben Absolon secured a 2 – 1 win for AFC, with Zach Holding getting the solitary goal for the second-tier side.

Meanwhile, there was a real battle at Stambridge Memorial Ground which saw Division One side Corinthians narrowly defeat Premier side Leigh Ramblers 4 — 3. Bailey Moss’ treble & a goal for Bill Wilton secured an excellent victory for Chris Stoneham’s team, outdoing strikes for the Rams by Tom Franks, George Moxon and Matthew Brinklow. The lowest-ranked EOFL side in the competition – Division Two’s Wakering Sports Res , produced an excellent display to secure a 3 – 2 success against Essex Alliance League Senior Division side Chadwell Heath Spartans at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga scored another two goals, and substitute Oliver Greene also netted for Sports. Joe Butcher & Jon Evans goals for the Spartans made it tight but it was a tough afternoon for Aaron Hunwicks’ side.

Finally, Catholic Utd put in a good performance to defeat Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier side Colne Athletic 5 – 2 at the Len Forge 3G, in the match I attended on Saturday. A brace for Aaron Baldwin added to goals by Louie Hay, Franklin Craik & a James Warder spot-kick to see the Super Hoops through & make it seven Olympian League sides in the quarter-finals this term, thus continuing the dominance by EOFL sides in recent years, in this competition. 

If you’d like more on the win for Catholic Utd. my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/s22-23-match-report-catholic-utd-5-2-colne-athletic-sat-3-dec-epc/



EOFL Reserve League Cup

Two matches to note in the Ressie League Cup. Firstly, Collier Row Res produced a fine performance to win 4 – 0 at Old Southendian Res, with Aloisio Dos Santos netting twice, along with goals from Charlie Quant & Ryan Costello to ensure the win for Mark Lee’s side. Leigh Ramblers Res joined them in the next round after a narrow 1 – 0 win in their derby with Leigh Town Res at Belfairs. Luis Bracci got the winning penalty with five minutes left to seal the tie.


EOFL Premier Division & Division One

In the top-tier this week, there was two vital wins for teams in the bottom three. Firstly, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts gained ground on the teams above them with a 5 – 0 triumph over Galleywood at Silver Leys. Mitchell Burr’s fine treble was added to by goals for Valter Simao & Edward Atkinson-Purse to ensure a fine win and leave ‘Wood three points adrift at the bottom. Springfield also got an important 2 – 1 victory at Runwell Sports, with Lewis Chapman & an OG ensuring Allan Fenn’s side got the win. Finally, Sungate had a Solomon Asomah strike to thank for a 1 – 0 win over Old Southendian which sees them rise to second spot.

In Division One, Epping Town cut the deficit to leaders Harold Wood Athletic to seven points after a 5 – 2 victory at home to Harold Hill. Chris Gormley let the way with a superb hat-trick, with goals from Abdul Kamara & Scout Bown adding to Hill’s pain. Old Chelmsfordians moved back up to third after a 6 – 1 win at home to ACD Utd, and Manford Way went up to seventh spot after a comprehensive 4 – 0 success at home to winless Wakering Sports. Daniel Demain, David Alele, James Dobson & an OG secured a good win for Colin Dobson’s team.  


EOFL Divisions Two, Three, Four & Five

In Division Two, with leaders Shoebury Town not in action, the chasing pack all got important wins. Hashtag Utd Development remain second after a enthralling 8 – 1 victory at Rayleigh Town Res. Jay Knight got a fine treble, with an ensemble cast of Thomas Matthew, Josh Jarvis, Tony Stevens, Matthew Gauci & Tommy Green all grabbing a goal each for Denis Simpson’s team. Harold Wood Athletic Res are two points behind in third spot after a battling 3 – 2 win away at Hutton Res. Kieron Moynihan, Max London & Matthew Harris all scored for Steve Hubbard’s side there. Thomas Price & Ronnie Richardson-Cook both scored for the hosts there at Polo Fields.

Meanwhile, Wakebury are up to fourth after a 2 – 0 victory over third-bottom Catholic Utd Res at Cupid’s. Finlay Dorrell & Jordan Farrell both netted for Matt Cardy’s side there. And last but not least in this division, May & Baker EOFL secured another fine win with a 6 – 3 triumph over AS Rawreth. Jack O’Connor led the way for the hosts with a double, while Carl Patten, Kane Messenger, Darren Seymour & Alfie Horan all netted too to ensure they are eight points clear in sixth place. Billy Brown’s double & a goal from substitute Hamoud Salum accounted for the Rawreth goals here.


In Division Three, Basildon Town Res remain seven points clear at the summit after a fine 5 – 0 triumph at Springfield Res. Jamie Bradbourn’s double, allied with goals for Antony Aylett, Joe Fogarty & substitute Ashley Drury ensured the points went back with the visitors. Second-placed Pitsea Athletic look the most likely side to be able to catch the leaders, but had to settle for a narrow 1 – 0 home win against Buckhurst Hill U23. Hullbridge Sports Res lost ground on the top two after losing 1 – 3 to Old Chelmsfordians Res, who remain in seventh.

Moving into Division Four now, unbeaten leaders Roydon retained their three-point lead after a 4 – 0 win against Shenfield AFC Res at Roydon Rec. Nader Benzid, Connor Riddoch, Rene Pivarnik & Mike Hayes all scored for Nigel Jordon’s team in that game. Collier Row are eight points clear in second after a 3 – 1 victory over Leytonstone Utd in the ‘Forest Row derby’. Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res went three points clear in fifth spot after a 3 – 1 win at Herongate Athletic Res. Matthew Allen got a fine double here, with Archie Gerard also on target for the Swifts side. Finally, Galleywood Res defeated Ongar Town 2 – 0 at Slades Lane, with Ebenezer Fasoranti & Aryan Tathgar goals giving them only their second league win this term & also saw them rise out of the bottom two.

In Division Five, we have new leaders after Manford Way Res won 5 – 0 in their top-two clash at Basildon Town A. There were doubles for Luke Bennett & Callum Thomas, as well as a goal for George Green as Manford went two points clear at the summit. Wakebury Res also won as they defeated Sungate Res 5 – 1 at Shoebury Park.Liam Dunne & Riley Oliver both scored twice for Joe Creak’s side, with Charlie Canning’s goal sealing their fourth straight victory and a rise to third spot, three points behind Basildon Town A. In the other game, Canning Town Res got a comfortable 4 – 0 success over Runwell Sports Res to fortify their position in sixth.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 5 Nov) [EOFL 22-23 7.11.22]

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

Hello & welcome to the round-up from the action in the Essex Olympian League. This week on Saturday 5 November, we look at the action in all divisions, plus an extra section on Senior League Cup games this weekend. Image below taken by Peter D, used with thanks.

Image from Harold Hill v Waering Sports [Image by Peter D]

EOFL Premier Division

Firstly in the top-tier, Kelvedon Hatch got a good 2 – 0 victory at Leigh Ramblers, with Drew Klessa-Smith and Reece Simpson the scorers for Darren Hunt’s side. Other results in the division were Canning Town’s 5 – 0 win over Galleywood, Old Southendian’s fine 3 – 1 success at Catholic Utd and Sungate getting another way win with a 2 – 0 victory at Shenfield AFC.


EOFL Divisions One & Two

The second tier saw plenty of goals & a few surprises. First up there was no shock at Henderson’s though but Harold Hill did have to come from behind to defeat Wakering Sports 4 – 1. Ryan Curtis had given Sports an early lead, but a double from Jack Suters, plus goals from Ashley Blackburn and Joel Sampson swiveled the match in Hill’s favour, which sees Billy Cove’s team rise up to sixth spot. If you’d like more on this match, my erstwhile Non-League colleague Peter D was there & his report is viewable here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/11/harold-hill-4-wakering-sports-1.html

Elsewhere, Epping Town got an important 4 – 2 victory over Beacon Hill Rovers to leap yp to second. Substitute Scout Bown nabbed a fine treble along with a Chris Gormley goal to see Stuart Hoskins’ side to the points. ACD Utd were also triumphant following a 2 – 1 win at home to Herongate Athletic at Westlands. Harry Payne & Jacob Dingli both netted for Michael Wade’s side, with this win taking them up to third. Old Chelmsfordians got a big 4 – 1 success at fellow top five side Corinthians while Manford Way drew 2 – 2 with leaders Harold Wood Athletic, with James Pottle & Leroy Griffiths both netting for Ath there.

In Division Two this week, Shoebury Town went top of the table with six wins from six after a 3 – 2 win at Hashtag Utd Development at Barleylands. Kian Bradshaw, Luke Jackson & Aaron Marshall got the goals for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side as they kept up their terrific start to the season. Harold Wood Athletic Res are third after a 4 – 0 home win over Rayleigh Town Res. Joe Eldridge’s brace allied with strikes by Chris Dixon & Freddy Shepherd secured the points there while Wakebury are now fourth after a 3 – 1 victory at Hutton Res. Will Wheeler, Finlay Dorrell & Mark Frostick all netted for Matt Cardy’s team there as they notched their fifth win this term. David Johnson replied for the Reds’ second-side. In the other game, AS Rawreth got a rare away win, prevailing 1 – 0 at Old Southendian Res at Garon Park 3G to lift them into mid-table.


EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

Into Division Three now, Buckhurst Hill U23 got back on form  with a 2 – 0 victory at Old Chelmsfordians Res, thanks largely to a double from Jacob Samber Richards for Darren Gosnell’s side. Hill stay fifth after this win. Hullbridge‘s Ressie side won 3 – 1 at Toby Res thanks to a Jay Knight double & one from Joe Tuskin, which takes them up to second. Basildon Town Res are still two points clear after a big win in a fantastic game, 7 – 4 at Chingford Athletic Res, while Springfield Res also won, 3 – 1 at home to Leigh Town Res.

In Division Four, Roydon are now three points clear at the summit following a 6 – 0 success at home to struggling Leytonstone Utd. Nader Benzid scored twice here, with the supporting cast of Mike Hayes, Connor Riddoch, Connor Presland & OG rounding out the scorers as Roydon remain unbeaten this term. Leigh Ramblers Res won 1 – 0 at Galleywood Res to go up to fourth, while in the other game, Pitsea Athletic Res drew 4 – 4 with Shenfield AFC Res.

Finally in the only match in Division Five, Runwell Sports Res got back to winning ways with a 3 – 1 triumph at Sungate Res in East London. The result puts Runwell’s second side back to second while the Sungate side are winless so far this term.

EOFL Senior League Cup

There were just the two matches in the Senior League Cup this weekend. Firstly, Rayleigh Town went through uin a rare first-team game this term back at London Road. Town defeated May & Baker EOFL 5 – 2, with George Vile and Phil Anunwa both netting two goals each, with other goal coming from Sonny Woodward. Alfie Horan and Frankie Worboyes got the goals for M & B there. In the other tie, top-tier Hutton had a scare before overcoming Division Four side Collier Row 3 – 2 at Forest Row.


Essex Junior Trophy Results

Ashingdon Res 2 – 3 Basildon Town A

Collier Row A 0 – 1 Manford Way Res

and Collier Row Res 4 – 0 Harold Hill Res

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 3 Sept) [EOFL 22/23 4.9.22]

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

Hello & welcome to the round-up from the fourth week of action in the Essex Olympian League season. This week on Saturday 3 September, we look at the action in the top four divisions in-focus, with a round-up from Divisions Four & Five.paigns here. 

Action still from OS v Canning Town (Image by Scott W)

EOFL Premier Division

The Premier Division begins with a fabulous 6 – 1 win for Rayleigh Town at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Paul Higgins’ team have continued their good early season form with this big win, which saw Harry Talbot and Jack Long both score two goals each, with substitutes Sonny Woodward and Lewis Robson also finding the net. Replacement Alfie Bowen got a consolation goal for Swifts here. Catholic Utd also got a big win, despatching Galleywood 5 – 0 at the Len Forge. Aaron Baldwin & Franklin Craik both scored braces for Simon Thomas’ side, with Matt Wilson also notching to give the ‘Super Hoops’ their third consecutive win.

Also, Leigh Ramblers got a important 1 – 0 victory at Shenfield AFC, with Scott Clark getting the decisive goal for Mark Hunter’s team. At Chadfields, Hutton were held to a goal-less draw by Runwell Sports but Matt Singh’s side remain top because of their unbeaten record. Kelvedon Hatch were held 2 – 2 by Sungate at New Hall with Charlie Nichols and replacement Joe Cull getting the goals for Darren Hunt’s team.

In the match I saw live on Saturday, Canning Town made the most of a strong first-half as they won 4 – 3 at Old Southendian. Nabil Musah’s fine hat-trick allied with Napat Pattanawanitkitkul’s goal was enough to edge them to their third win of the campaign after OS came back strongly in second half through goals from Ed Gould, Jordan Faulkner and a pearler from Callum Ludlaim. If you’d like more on this game, my report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/09/03/s22-23-match-report-old-southendian-3-4-canning-town-sat-3-sept-eofl/


EOFL Division One

In Division One, ACD Utd continued their decent season with a good 3 – 2 trimuph at Beacon Hill Rovers. Samuel Payne, Jamie Alexandrou and Shaun Goddard netted for Michael Wade’s side, but had to deal with a Rovers comeback which saw Lewis Sherwood and Bertie Whymark reply for the home side there. Epping Town got a superb 5 – 0 win at Wakering Sports, with Chris Gormley and Abdul Kamara both getting two goals apiece, while Joe Rickett contributed the other goal to add to Sports’ pain at Cupid’s Country Club.

In the other action in the division, Harold Hill defeated Herongate Athletic 2 – 1 at Noak Hill, while Corinthians were held 2 – 2 by Harold Wood Athletic. Bailey Moss got both goals for the hosts with James Pottle’s goal and another Billy Gray spot-kick giving John Field’s team a share of the points at Stambridge Memorial Ground, Ath also remain top.


EOFL Divisions Two & Three

In Division Two, Shoebury Town began their campaign with a 2 – 1 victory at Harold Wood Athletic Res. Kian Bradshaw & Dominic Walton got the goals for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side, though Charlie Portway did get an added-time reply for Wood at Harold Wood Rec. Hutton Res also triumphed this weekend, as goals from David Johnson and Jonathan Hillard saw them to a 2 – 0 win at AS Rawreth to join a chorus of four teams on six points at the summit.

Hashtag Utd Development were also in action and got a important 2 – 1 success over Wakebury at Barleylands. Chandler Wray got both goals in the first half for the Tags’ youth side to render Harry Kateley’s goal in response a consolation for Matt Cardy’s team. In the other match in Division Two, Wakering Sports Res narrowly defeated May & Baker EOFL 3 – 2 at Cupid’s to continue their decent start to the season.

Moving now into Division Three, Basildon Town Res got a 2 – 1 victory at Toby Res, with Joshua Hales scoring both goals at the Nursery Sports Ground. Pitsea Athletic lead the table at this very early stage after a 4 – 0 win at home to Corinthians Res at Basildon Sports Club. The ensemble cast of scorers fir the hosts were Precious Aminu, Kwadwo Asante, Emmanuel Ampaabeng and substitute Joshua Ledger.

Also, Collier Row got a 2 – 0 success at Leytonstone Utd in the ‘Forest Row derby’. Buckhurst Hill U23 are still unbeaten after three matches and reside in second spot after drawing 1 – 1 with Leigh Town Res at Roding Lane. Substitute Divine Ngonye netted for Buckhurst’s developmental side there.

Lastly in Division Three, Springfield Res were held to an entertaining 3 – 3 draw with Hullbridge Sports Res at Chelmer Valley School. Jay Knight got two goals for Jason Mole’s side, plus Harry Mole also netted but it was not enough to get the points.


EOFL Divisions Four & Five results

Division Four

Galleywood Res 3 – 4 Herongate Ath Res

Roydon 3 – 1 Ongar Town,

Shenfield AFC Res 2 – 0 Pitsea Athletic Res,

Wakering Sports A 1 – 4 Leigh Ramblers Res


Division Five

Collier Row Res 1 – 2 Canning Town Res,

Epping Town Res 0 – 8 Manford Way Res, 

Runwell Sports Res 4 – 0 Wakebury Res,

and Sungate Res 3 – 5 Basildon Town A

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 20 Aug) [EOFL 22/23 22.8.22]

EOFL logo

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

Hello & welcome to the round-up from the second week of action in the Essex Olympian League for the 2022-23 season. This week, we look at the action in all six divisions, as some teams began their campaigns here.


EOFL Premier Division

As usual we begin with the top-tier, and Rayleigh Town got a fine 4 – 0 victory over Toby at Concord Rangers’  Thames Road. Harry Talbot got a fine treble with George Vile’s penalty securing the points. Leigh Ramblers began their 125th Anniversary season with a good 3 – 2 win in their local derby at Old Southendian. Tom Franks got a brace while stalwart Ryan Lowe got the other goal. Mattias Tonking and Jack Lelliott both notched for OS there.

The two other matches were narrow wins for the home side. Firstly, Catholic Utd defeated Canning Town 1 – 0 at Len Forge, with Louis Robinson the goal-getter. Also at Chadfields, Hutton had a goal from substitute Jude Keeling to thank for a 1 – 0 win against Kelvedon Hatch.

EOFL Division One

In Division One, Corinthians made it two wins from two as they hammered Leigh Town 9 – 0 at Stambridge. Bill Wilton got four goals for the hosts, with Jake Hodder, Max Jones, Bailey Moss and Connor Summerhill also on target, along with an OG. Beacon Hill Rovers edged to a 2 – 1 success over Wakering Sports, with Bertie Whymark and a penalty from Jack Walker enough to seal the three points. Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic made it two wins from two games with a 3 – 2 triumph over Herongate Athletic at Harold Wood Park. James Pottle, Zach Holding and Billy Gray’s penalty were enough to overhaul Ath goals from Matthew Keiller and Callum Palmer.

In the other action, Epping Town bagged a 4 – 2 win over Old Chelmsfordians, with Abdul Kamara scoring twice for Epping along with one goal each for Scout Bown and Chris Gormley. Also, Harold Hill drew 4 – 4 with Manford Way in their first meeting in this division. The scorers for Hill were lack by Jack Suters’ brace and one apiece for Connor Donnelly and Jack Stevenson.


EOFL Divisions Two & Three

Into Division Two now, and Harold Wood Athletic Res also won at home, with a 2 – 1 success over Wakebury. James Jenkins and Ollie Portway goals were enough for them. Harry Kateley got the goal for Matt Cardy’s team. Elsewhere, Hashtag Utd Development were held 1 – 1 at home to Catholic Utd Res. Substitute Chandler Wray netted for the hosts with Dominic O’Kane scoring for Utd’s second-side.

The other results in the division were AS Rawreth’s 3 – 1 triumph over Old Southendian Res, and Wakering Sports Res defeated Hutton Res 5 – 2 at Cupid’s.

Moving onto Division Three, Hullbridge Sports Res got a 4 – 2 win over local rivals Corinthians Res at Lower Road. There were doubles for Jay Knight and Joe Tuskin for the hosts to outdo strikes by Chevon Bryan and Agelos Alla for the visitors. Buckhurst Hill U23s had strikes by Cameron Lyttle and Louie Cooper to thank for a 2 – 1 win at Basildon Town Res. Tyler Fowles got the goal back for Town there.

Also, Pitsea Athletic edged to a 2 – 1 win over Leigh Town Res with Precious Aminu and replacement Reece Stone seeing Ath to victory. Springfield Res won 3 – 1 at Toby Res, with Liam England scoring all three goals for the Chelmsford-based side there.

EOFL Divisions Four & Five

There were two games each in Divisions Four and Five. Firstly, in Division Four there was a fine away win for Pitsea Athletic Res as they won 4 – 2 at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res. Lewis Brown scored two, plus Rinor Zeqiri and substitute Jay Seeley-Hanson were also on target. Ewan Rockell and Lewis Wake got consolation goals for Swifts. Shenfield AFC Res also won away from home, winning 2 – 1 at Collier Row. Ross Riding and replacement Paul Constable Jr both netted for AFC there, with Jack Bird also scoring after coming off the bench.

Division Five there was a good start to Miki Hood’s tenure as Shoebury Town Res boss as his side won 3 – 2 at Collier Row Res, at the Forest Row Centre. Substitute Kyle McAlindon scored twice, with Chadrack Kisoka also netting. Charlie Quant and Harry Potts both struck for Row’s second team but they fell to defeat. Also, Runwell Sports Res were held 2 – 2 by Manford Way Res at St Luke’s Park.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 13 Aug) [EOFL 22/23 14.8.22]

EOFL logo

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

Hello & welcome to the return of the Essex Olympian League round-up articles for the 2022-23 season. I will endeavour to compile these as often as I can during the season, though just as an advance notice that they may not be done weekly. This week, we look the action in all six divisions, as the new EOFL season began in earnest.

Match still from Corinthians 3 – 1 ACD Utd [Image by Scott W]

EOFL Premier Division

As usual we begin with the top-tier, and in a season of change which includes two new names to the division (Toby & Runwell Sports) and a few clubs moving into ground-shares at Senior grounds, we start with Hutton‘s 2 – 1 victory over Rayleigh Town at Tilbury’s Chadfields. Stalwarts Will Marlowe and Stephen Judge got the important goals there as Matt Singh’s side began their new era well. Catholic Utd also began their new season well with an impressive 5 – 1 success at newcomers Toby. Aaron Baldwin started his season with a treble, with substitutes Harrison Day and Liam Oliver also notching at Toby’s new venue – the Nursery Sports Ground in Ramsden Heath.

Elsewhhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts grabbed a 2 – 0 triumph over Sungate at Silver Leys. Jamie Dicker and William Morris secured the points for the home team there. Old Southendian also started with a win as they defeated Springfield 2 – 1 at Garon Park 3G. Nico Dubouchet and Jack Lelliott scored one goal each for Altan Ali’s team to overturn Arinze Ossai’s goal for Francesco Zabotti’s team. Other results on the day were Runwell Sports’ 1 – 1 draw with Galleywood and Canning Town‘s 3 – 1 success over Shenfield AFC.

EOFL Division One

In Division One, Harold Wood Athletic began life in the second-tier with a fine 4 – 0 victory over Old Chelmsfordians. Matt Donovan, Billy Gray, Zach Holding and Max Shepherd were the ensemble cast of scorers to give John Field’s new side the points. Harold Hill also began their season under new management with a win, as they defeated Leigh Town 2 – 0 at Noak Hill. James Odhiamba and Troy Tizard-Cleghorn got the goals for Billy Cove’s new team.

In the match I watched live this weekend to mark the new Intermediate season, Corinthians were made to work hard before earning a 3 – 1 victory over divisional newcomers ACD Utd at Stambridge. Bailey Moss netted twice and Bill Wilton added the other goal for Chris Stoneham’s team, after Samuel Payne had earlier given ACD the advantage. If you’d like more on this game, my full report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/08/13/s22-23-match-report-corinthians-3-1-acd-utd-sat-13-aug

Finally in this division, Epping Town started their campaign strongly with a 5 – 2 victory at Beacon Hill Rovers. Sacha Canning and Jack Walker got the goals for Rovers but ultimately, Stuart Hoskins’ side were too strong on the day.

EOFL Divisions Two & Three

Moving into Division Two now and in the two games that took place, both were won by the visiting side. Wakebury began their season with a gutsy 2 – 1 triumph at Wakering Sports Res at Cupid’s. Ben Rowe and Will Wheeler got the telling goals to give Matt Cardy’s side the points. Harold Wood Athletic Res got a narrow 1 – 0 success at newcomers Hashtag Utd Development, with Thomas Butler getting the only goal on the half-hour.

Only one match began the term in Division Three, and it ended in a draw. Basildon Town Res fought hard but were held 2 – 2 by Old Chelmsfordians Res at Basildon Sports Club. Rodney Wilson and Joshua Hales got the goals for the hosts there.


EOFL Divisions Four & Five

Roydon began their new season in Division Four with a superb 4 – 1 victory at Wakering Sports A on the second pitch at Cupid’s. Connor Riddoch scored twice here, with Max Pike and Connor Presland also netting for the visitors. In the other game, Collier Row began life in the fifth-tier with a comfortable 3 – 0 win against visitors Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res.

Just the one match in Division Five this week, which saw Collier Row Res launch their season with an excellent 7 – 1 win over newcomers Manford Way Res at Forest Row Centre.

End

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 9 Apr) [EOFL 21/22 11.4.22]

Archive Image – Wakering Sports v Runwell Sports last month in D1

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 9 April. The focus this week is on the League action and the additional sections on Divisions Four & Five remain in place with their campaigns coming to a conclusion. Thank you for reading.

Essex Olympian Lge – Saturday 9 April


EOFL Premier Division, Divisions One & Two

In the Premier Division, Leigh Ramblers got a key 2 – 1 win over relegation rivals Canning Town to keep them four points clear of the bottom three. Nathan Dewberry got both goals for Mark Hunter’s team. The Rams open the midweek matches in the EOFL this week with the visit of Springfield to Belfairs. Kelvedon Hatch deepened Harold Wood Athletic’s concerns of the drop as Hatch won 4 – 1 at New Hall. Drew Klessa-Smith got another two goals to take his tally to 17 this term, which was allied with strikes by substitutes Tom Johnson & Darren Jiro to give Darren Hunt’s side the points. Tim Hinds-Addow also got a goal for Ath after coming off the bench. Galleywood are still requiring points after they lost to Hutton 2- 1 at Slades Lane. The ever-dependable duo of Brad Freeman and Will Marlowe both netted for Matt Singh’s side as they kept pace with the top three above them. Matthew Crick replied for ‘Wood though they have seven matches to overhaul Leigh Ramblers and Springfield directly above them.

At the summit, Basildon Town got a 2 – 0 triumph over Catholic Utd with Jamie Bradbourn and Ryan Scougall’s fine free-kick proving enough to give Marcus Bowers’ side the points and reduce the gap to the top two to just one point with at least one match more to play. Utd remain sixth with Sungate their main rivals for that spot after they comfortably defeated Springfield 6 – 0 in NE London. Finally, Rayleigh Town maintained their good form with a 4 – 0 away win at Shenfield AFC. Harry Talbot is the division’s top-scorer now with 19 goals this term after a double here. Liam Oliver and Jack Long also netted for Paul Higgins’ team as they for the moment went top, above Ongar on goal difference, having played a game more.

News: It was announced this week that Basildon Town are leaving their current tenancy at Basildon Utd, with Marcus Bowers’ side having agreed to ground-share at Step 3 team East Thurrock Utd next season.


In Division One, there was a shift in the dynamics in the promotion race as Epping Town defeated second-placed Toby 4 – 3 at Epping UC Rugby Club. Stuart Hoskins’ side put in a big display to ensure a mid-table finish thanks to Joe Rickett’s 10th league goal this term, plus strikes from Callum Turner, Chris Gormley and Conor Corrigan. Mark Jones’ team replied through goals from Albert Perry, Nick Walk and Jake Jones but they ended their season here in the knowledge that if Wakering Sports win by six goals in their last game, the latter side will be promoted.

Toby’s loss also confirmed Runwell Sports as Champions of the Division, so again congrats to Rob Hodgson, all his management team and the squad. Wakering Sports did their part on Saturday as they had three second-half goals to thank for a 3 – 0 victory at Corinthians. The substitutes made the difference here as two goals for Mohammed Sesay and one from Callum Burns-Green were enough to claim the win. Finally, Leigh Town drew 2 – 2 with Beacon Hill Rovers at John Burrows Rec, which means both sides will likely need to avoid defeat in their last game to avoid a bottom-two finish.


Moving into Division Two now, leaders ACD Utd fell to only their third loss of the season as Manford Way won 1 – 0 at Westlands. James Dobson got the vital goal for Manford as they stayed three points adrift of second-placed Harold Hill. ACD need four points from their last two games to complete the job with yet another title. Harold Hill stay second after a 3 – 0 triumph over Old Southendian Res at Noak Hill – it is most likely that one win in their last two matches will confirm promotion as they have a superior goal difference to the teams below them.

Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic Res held Wakebury to a 3 – 3 draw at Harold Wood Park. Ben Rowe got two goals here while Josh Portway also scored for Steve Hubbard’s team, who are pretty much safe from the bottom two now. Harry Kateley, Kofi Gyamfi and Ibrahim Kagbanda all scored in reply for Matt Cardy’s side but it seems most likely they will finish fourth after a fine debut campaign at this level.  

Also, Shoebury Town ended their season with a positive 3 – 1 win over Rochford Town at Cupid’s. Garry Johnson’s side sit fifth with aspirations of a better season next term with their youthful squad. Rochford will likely finish bottom, with only one match left to play later this month – at Wakebury. Finally, Rayleigh Town Res defeated Hutton Res 3 – 1 at London Road, which means Town could finish seventh and Hutton’s second-side still needing points from their remaining two games to avoid a bottom-two finish.


EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

Into Division Three, Toby Res went up to sixth after a 2 – 0 victory over Hullbridge Res in the early kick-off in Newbury Park. Oliver Dingli went joint-top in the lead goal-scorers charts with 23 league goals after a brace here for the hosts, congrats to Ollie on another fine season. ‘Bridge will finish no better than eighth this season after this loss. In the other result, Wakering Sports Res got a hard-fought 3 – 2 win at Leigh Town Res which takes them top of the table, in a tight promotion race.

Moving into Division Four, Springfield Res had a super 7 – 0 success at home to Sungate Dev to put them five points clear in second spot. The Sungate side need at least five points from their last five matches to avoid a bottom-two finish. Also in the relegation battle are Leytonstone Utd, who ended their campaign with a 2 – 2 draw with Shenfield AFC Res. The draw means that Utd will have to await other results as both Galleywood Res & Sungate Development have several matches left to play.

In Division Five, Collier Row Res ended their season with a fine 3 – 1 win at Snaresbrook Res, with Nicholas George, Harry Potts and Raheem Bravo all on target to ensure they will finish the campaign no worse than seventh. Snaresbrook have one match left to play and can finish sixth with a win. Also, Herongate Athletic Res drew 0 – 0 with Pitsea Athletic Res at Billericay Road, which means that the PItsea side will finish third and Herongate fourth, as they both have one match remaining.


EOFL Cups

EOFL Reserve Lge Cup

Hashtag Utd Dev  2 – 3  Buckhurst Hill U23


EOFL Res Lge Trophy

Ongar Town Res  p2 – 2 Catholic Utd Res  (Ongar won 5 – 4 on pens)

Thanks again for reading.