2017/18 FA Cup Prelim Round: Results round-up

Written by Scott W (Twitter: ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to a special round-up of some of the results from this weekend’s FA Cup Prelim Round ties, specifically involving Essex Senior League & Bostik Division Clubs. The winners of each receive £1,925 in prize money & a place in the First Qualifying Round of the competition.

Saturday 19th August

AFC Hornchurch  2 – 0 Brentwood Town   

Venue: Bridge Avenue   Attendance: 309

The Urchins progressed to the next round, defeating fellow Bostik North side Brentwood at Bridge Avenue. Both goals came in the second half from Hornchurch striker Ross Wall (64’ & 84’). Craig Shipman’s side will have to wait another season for a potential FA Cup adventure.

AFC Sudbury 4 – 0 Aveley

Venue: Wardale Williams Stadium   Attendance: 174

Sudbury comfortably defeated fellow Bostik North side Aveley at the Wardale Williams Stadium. The Yellows took the lead through Julian Smith with 27 minutes on the watch. Three minutes before the break, Adam Mills doubled the home side’s advantage. After the break, two goals in ten minutes from Dave Cowley (60’) and Alfie Carroll (69’) sealed the win for Jamie Godbold’s side.

Barking 0 – 0 Saffron Walden Town

Venue: Mayesbrook Park    Attendance: 76

Barking held Thurlow Nunn Premier side Saffron Walden Town at Mayesbrook Park. This stalemate means that both sides will have to do it all again at Catons Lane in midweek.

Bowers & Pitsea 0 – 2 Haringey Borough

Venue: Len Salmon Stadium    Attendance: 174

Haringey overcame Bowers at the Len Salmon. The visitors led on 67 minutes as former Bowers player Ayron Coley struck, soon after coming off the bench. Borough made their progression into the next round safe with moments left as fellow substitute Ashley McDonald grabbed their second.

Bury Town 1 – 2  Tilbury

Venue: Ram Meadow    Attendance: 233

Tilbury fought off a late fightback from Bury Town to make it into the hat for the next round at Ram Meadow. Tilbury led after the quarter-hour through Adam Vyse before just past the hour mark, fellow striker Luke Hornsley doubled their lead. Darren Mills pulled one back for Town with 21 minutes remaining.

Canvey Island 0 – 2  Witham Town

Venue: Park Lane    Attendance: 224

Witham Town produced a good away-day win to defeat Canvey at Park Lane. Tyler Corlett put the visitors ahead on 21 minutes. Substitute Sam Ashford secured the win late on for Adam Flint’s men.

Clapton 2 – 0 Norwich Utd  

Venue: Old Spotted Dog   Attendance: 122

Clapton secured their passage into the next round by defeating Bostik North side Norwich Utd at the Old Spotted Dog. Substitute Raphael Duyile put the Tons ahead three minutes before the break. After the interval, Ikem Odeh sealed an important win twenty mnutes from time for Jon Fowell’s men.

Dereham Town 3 – 0  Corby Town

Venue: Aldiss Park    Attendance: 164

Bostik North side Dereham grabbed a good win at home to Corby Town. After only three minutes, Daniel Beaumont put the Magpies ahead. Dereham sealed the win with two goals in the last ten minutes courtesy of Ashley Jarvis and Beaumount grabbing his brace. Credit has to go to Corby goalkeeper Paul Bostock who played in this match aged 47 – best wishes to him.

Grays Athletic 2 – 0 Redbridge

Venue: Parkside   Attendance: 174

Grays defeated ESL side Redbridge on the 3G at Parkside. Sully Zuhdu gave the hosts the lead seven minutes before the break. Then, just six minutes after the re-start, Joao Carlos doubled the lead and ensured Jamie Stuart’s side are in the next round.

Great Yarmouth Town 1 – 0 Basildon Utd

Venue: Sandown Road    Attendance: 163

Great Yarmouth grabbed a late winner to knock out ESL side Basildon Utd in a tightly-contested match at Sandown Road. Substitute Lee Roots grabbed the winner eight minutes from time to seal the hosts’ passage into the next round.

Haverhill Rovers 1 – 1 Heybridge Swifts

Venue: The New Croft    Attendance: 188

This hard-fought encounter ended in a draw. Heybridge were reduced to ten men after just 15 minutes as defender Ryan Henshaw saw red. Swifts took the lead just three minutes later though, as Sam Bantick struck. Rovers recovered after the break though to seal a replay as Jordan Palmer scored 12 minutes from time. The replay will be played at Scraley Road in midweek.

Hertford Town 4 – 1   Hadleigh Utd

Venue: Hertingfordbury Park   Attendance: 260

Bostik North newcomers defeated Thurlow Nunn Premier side Hadleigh at Hertingfordbury Park. Hertford led after just two minutes through Daniel Bond. Jason Beck doubled the lead just before the break. Hadleigh pulled one back from the spot, thanks to Ben Elliott’s penalty on the hour. Hertford pushed on though as Bond got his second nine minutes later. Substitute Charlie Ruff grabbed a fourth for Town on 74 minutes, soon after coming on.

Ilford 1 – 1 Haverhill Borough

Venue: Cricklefield   Attendance: 82

Ilford were held by Thurlow Nunn Premier side Borough at Cricklefield. Khadean Campbell gave the Foxes the lead ten minutes before the break with a curling 20-yard strike. Borough were level only eight minutes later though as Sam Hawley struck. Ilford had to see out the last 17 minutes with ten men but they held on for a replay at New Croft 3G in midweek.

Long Melford 1 – 2 FC Romania

Venue: Stoneylands    Attendance: 84

FC Romania secured their place in the next round with a good win at Stoneylands. Sergiu Pitaru gave FCR the lead with 26 minutes on the clock, before Toby Cleaver doubled the lead eight minutes before the break. Melford raised their game in the second half, and grabbed a goal back six minutes from time though substitute Nathan Rowe. The visitors held on though for a good win.

Maldon & Tiptree 5 – 1 Waltham Abbey

Venue: Park Drive   Attendance: 73

Maldon knocked out fellow Bostik North side Abbey at Park Drive. The home side took the lead on the quarter-hour through Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe. Only two minutes later, Chris Millar made it two. Macauley Joynes pulled one back for the Abbotts seven minutes before the break. After the break, Kieraan Bailey restored the Jammers’ two-goal cushion on 55 minutes, before Ogedi-Uzokwe grabbed his second two minutes later. Ryan Gondoh added a fifth from a super free-kick to seal a good win for Kevin Horlock’s men.

Newmarket Town 1 – 2 Ware

Venue: Ridgeons Stadium   Attendance: 100

Ware secured a good away-day win at Newmarket to make the next round. Yannick Kamanan put Kem Kemal’s side ahead after only five minutes. A Jack Watson penalty levelled things for the home side, before Kamanan struck again 12 minutes into the second half to grab the win for the Blues.

Potters Bar Town 4 – 1 West Essex

Venue: Pakex Stadium      Attendance: 121

Potters Bar recovered from faling behind to record a good win over ESL side West Essex at the Pakex Stadium. Michael Mignot gave the visitors the lead six minutes before the break. George Nicholas levelled for the Scholars almost immediately, before Eoin Casey put the hosts ahead on 52 minutes. Steve Brown grabbed a third mid-way into the second half, before Casey sealed the win with his second with twenty minutes left.

Soham Town Rangers 3 – 2 Cogenhoe Utd

Venue: Julius Martin Lane   Attendance: 123

Soham edged to an important win over Cogenhoe Utd. Two goals in a four-minutes spell saw Soham take the advantage through Daniel Buddle (36’) and Matt Allan (39’). After the break, the visitors pulled one back through Matt Long levelled thanks to Ryan Dove. Soham’s Callum Russell grabbed the winner with 15 minutes remaining.

Southend Manor 2 – 3 Gorleston

Venue: Southchurch Park   Attendance: 64

Manor narrowly lost out to Thurlow Nunn Premier side Gorleston at Southchurch Park. Manor took the lead through Michael Hopkins two minutes after the break. Jack Garrod levelled for the visitors on 58 minutes, before taking the lead five minutes later through Connor Deeks’s penalty. Stuart Marshall’s side were reduced to ten men as winger Alfie Lindfield was sent off. Manor fought back though and levelled through defender Daniel Okah’s over-head kick. The hosts probably thought they’d done enough for a replay though Gorleston’s Garrod grabbed his second in injury-time to seal the win for Ricci Butler’s side.

Stowmarket Town 1 – 1 Romford

Venue: Humber Doucy Lane

Romford held Stowmarket Town at Humber Doucey Lane. The home side took the lead through Andrew Wood four minutes before the break. Paul Martin’s side levelled on 53 minutes through Jonathon Adebayo to get back in the match and the sides couldn’t be separated so it’ll be a replay at Ship Lane in midweek.

Tower Hamlets 0 – 4 Takeley

Venue: Mile End Stadium    Atendance: 55

Takeley saw off ESL rivals Tower Hamlets to make it through to the First Qualifying Round for the first time. Mitchell Das put the visitors ahead after six minutes, before George Wappett increased the advantage eight minutes later. Bryn Thorpe added a third though it may have been an OG. Stuart Zanone sealed a good win for his side with three minutes remaining.

Sunday 20th August

St Margaretsbury 2  –  2 Hullbridge Sports

Venue: The Recreation Ground

Hullbridge fought back to deny St Margaretsbury and take the tie to a replay. Hullbridge took the lead through Sam Dulieu’s free-kick after only four minutes. St Margetsbury levelled through captain Ryan Wade’s penalty on 54 minutes. The hosts then took the lead with twenty minutes remaining as Wade struck again from the penalty spot. Hullbridge secured a replay with a last-gasp leveller from substitute Ronnie Pallett. The replay will be held at Lower Road in midweek.

The First Qualifying Round takes place on the weekend of September 2nd/3rd. Thank you for reading.

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2017-18 FA Cup Preliminary Round: Preview

Written by Peter D & Scott W

This weekend sees ten ESL sides compete in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round. The winners of each tie are awarded £1,925 and will make the First Qualifying Round of this year’s competition. Here are Peter and Scott’s thoughts on the upcoming ties:-

Saturday 19th August (3pm KO’s)

Clapton v Norwich Utd      Venue: Old Spotted Dog Stadium

Peter: The Tons welcome Bostik North side Norwich United to The Old Spotted Dog for what could be a potential ‘cupset’ here as the Tons are more than useful whilst the visitors sit bottom of their league after two defeats from two, however they will surely be a tough test for the home side still although I feel if you factor the travel and unfamiliar surroundings for the visitors, this may count against them and I can see the hosts pulling off a shock here.

Pete’s Prediction: 2-0

Scott: Jon Fowell’s Tons welcome Isthmian North Norwich Utd to the Old Spotted Dog. Clapton have been inconsistent form-wise in league & cup so far though Norwich will be looking for a morale-boosting win though Steve Eastaugh’s men will need to be ‘on-the-ball’ as their hosts may well fancy this one.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Grays Athletic  v  Redbridge    Venue: Parkside

Peter: Parkside hosts Bostik North Grays against Redbridge and the visitors come into this cup-tie off form after two straight defeats without scoring in the league.  Grays have won one and lost one so far in the Bostik North however they should have enough I feel to see off the Motormen here.

Pete’s Prediction: 2 – 0

Scott: Jamie Stuart’s side welcome ESL side Redbridge to Parkside. Grays will see this as a winnable tie though will be conscious of the Motormen’s forward line which could make this one a tricky match. For Redbridge, it’ll be interesting how they perform after a largely inconsistent start to the ESL, and the new artificial pitch at Parkside might also be a factor in this one.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

 

Great Yarmouth Town  v  Basildon Utd     Venue: Sandown Road

Peter: The Bees travel to the Norfolk coast to take on Great Yarmouth Town full of confidence after a more than decent start to their campaign.  Basildon saw off Walsham-le-Willows in the last round and come up against a Yarmouth side who lost 4-1 at Godmanchester Rovers in midweek.  However, the hosts did thrash Diss Town 5-0 at home in the last round so can score goals so this will prove a tough test for Marc Harrison’s side.  I feel the fact that Basildon are staying in the area Friday evening will help their preparation even more and this will help see them to a marvellous victory I feel.

Pete’s Prediction: 1 – 3

Scott: Basildon make the long trip to Norfolk to take on ECL Premier Great Yarmouth Town at Sandown Road. The hosts are currently mid-table in their division, having played two matches. Basildon have started their ESL campaign well, and it’ll be interesting to see what effect their preparation for the match will have.

Scott’s Prediction: 0 – 1

 

Ilford v Haverhill Borough       Venue: Cricklefield

Peter: Ilford hosts Thurlow Nunn Haverhill Borough hoping they can bounce back from their midweek loss at Burnham Ramblers although they can look towards the visitors’ league form this season which is played three, lost three, however Borough’s only win this season came in the FA Cup at Enfield 1893 so Ilford should be mindful of this.  But I can see the Foxes getting the result here.

Pete’s Prediction: 1 – 0

Scott: Ilford welcome ECL Premier side Haverhill Borough to Cricklefield. Ilford’s start to the ESL has been inconsistent though they will want to respond well following their loss in midweek. In contrast, Borough have lost all three of their matches so far in the ECL Premier though they did knock out Enfield 1893 in the last round of the FA Cup.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 0

 

Long Melford  v  FC Romania        Venue: Stoneylands

Peter: Hosts Melford have only picked up one point from three league games however their only win was against Hackney Wick although they were lucky to win that one.  FC Romania on the other hand have won all their league games so far although needed a replay to defeat Waltham Forest in the last round. Despite the hosts having home advantage I still believe the visitors will have too much for the Suffolk side.

Pete’s Prediction: 0 – 3

Scott: FC Romania travel to the Suffolk/Essex border to take on Long Melford at Stoneylands after knocking out Waltham Forest in their EPR replay in midweek. Long Melford haven’t won yet in the ECL Premier though they did knock out ESL newcomers Hackney Wick in the last round. Given the firepower they have in their side, FCR could very well prevail here.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

Potters Bar Town  v  West Essex     Venue: Pakex Stadium

Peter:  West Essex’s terrific away record so far this season will be put under immense pressure as they travel to take on Bostik North side Potters Bar Town.  The hosts have started the season well, winning both their games so far and averaging two goals a game in the process, and having home advantage as well I feel they will probably have just much for the high-flying ESL outfit.

Pete’s Prediction: 2 – 1

Scott: An intriguing tie sees Isthmian North newcomers Potters Bar take on ESL side West Essex at the Pakex Stadium. Both sides have started their respective seasons well. West Essex will be looking to get to the First Qualifying Round in their first-ever FA Cup campaign which would be a fabulous achievement, should they prevail here. Potters Bar will be looking to continue the ‘winning habit’ and being at home may give them an edge.

Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 2

 

Southend Manor v Gorleston         Venue: Southchurch Park

Peter: Manor welcome another Norfolk side to Southchurch Park after they defeated Wroxham there in the last round, however in Gorleston the challenge proves even tougher as the Thurlow Nunn side have won four of their five competitive outings so far, scoring fifteen times in the process, with their only defeat coming against big-spending Stowmarket Town last time out.  Manor have had a steady start to the campaign but are finding goals hard to come by and this was a problem in defeat to ESL leaders Takeley in midweek when they rued missed opportunities in defeat. This will be a tight contest however I see the Norfolk side progressing in this one.

Pete’s Prediction: 0 – 2

Scott: Manor welcome ECL Premier side Gorleston in another interesting tie at Southchurch Park. Manor edged out the visitors’ divisional rivals Wroxham in the last round, though with Gorleston starting their league season well, this may be a sterner test for Stuart Marshall’s side.

Scott’s Prediction:  0 – 1

 

Tower Hamlets v Takeley               Venue: Mile End Stadium

Peter: Hamlets are a far tougher nut to crack this season and they will give Takeley a game – no doubt about that, however the hosts struggled to beat a poor FC Broxbourne Borough side in the last round and are yet to record a league win.  Takeley on the other hand, have won all five competitive games this season although their midweek win against Manor was a tad fortunate, but they will surely have too much for Hamlets in the end and will progress I feel.

Pete’s Prediction: 1 – 3

Scott: Hamlets welcome ESL early high-flyers Takeley to Mile End. Although Hamlets haven’t won in the ESL yet this term, they do look a stronger outfit compared to last season, though Takeley are unbeaten in all competitions thus far and will take some stopping here.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 3

 

Sunday 20th August

St Margaretsbury   v  Hullbridge Sports     Venue: Stanstead Abbotts

Peter: The Sunday game sees Hullbridge travel to Hertfordshire to take on Spartan South Midlands side St Margaretsbury.  The hosts have lost both their league games so far and sit bottom on goals conceded whilst Sports have picked up two wins in all competitions this season including a 5-1 hammering of Ipswich Wanderers in the last round.  St Margaretsbury’s only win came against Burnham Ramblers in the last round when they fought back from 2-1 down to win in stoppage time and they hope to repeat that feat against another ESL side.  However I feel Sports will have just enough to see off the hosts.

Pete’s Prediction: 1 – 2

Scott: On Sunday, Hullbridge travel to Stanstead Abbotts following their impressive win over Ipswich Wanderers in the last round. St Margetsbury edged out Hullbridge’s ESL compatriots Burnham in the last round and will be in for another tough one here. Hullbridge have found some form of late, particularly in front of goal and if that continues here they may have the edge.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

As always, my thanks to Peter for his contribution to these Preview pieces.

You can follow Peter on Twitter: @ped1980 and on his website featuring regular results round-ups & match reports at http://www.leaguewebsite.co.uk/unofficialesl/ 

You can follow Scott W on Twitter: @ScottMHC14

Match Report: Barkingside 0 – 4 Stowmarket Town (FAC EPR)

The FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round

Venue: Cricklefield

Attendance: 215

2017-18 Season – Match 10

Date: Sunday 6th August 2017 2pm KO

 Barkingside : Sky Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts, Navy Blue Socks

Stowmarket Town : Gold & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

 

Scott W reporting (Follow me on Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a pleasant Sunday afternoon, Essex Senior League side Barkingside welcomed Thurlow Nunn Premier side Stowmarket Town to Cricklefield on the final day of this season’s FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round ties.

The hosts had what proved to be one of their best chances with only two minutes on the clock as forward Michael Ogboin was one-on-one with Stowmarket ‘keeper Craig Brand though his strike was just over the bar. The visitors soon responded. In the following twenty minutes, Town had numerous chances to open their account though efforts on goal from midfielder Jack Baker, winger Dan Cunningham and forwards Andrew Wood & George Bugg were all well-saved by the over-worked home goalkeeper Will Hunt.

Stowmarket did eventually take the lead seven minutes from the break, as the impressive full-back Ethan Clarke fizzed across a left-wing cross which was met by Wood, who slotted home past Hunt into the left corner. The visitors pushed for a second goal though Barkingside managed to keep the arrears to one at the break.

Half-Time: Barkingside 0 – 1 Stowmarket Town

The second half began in a similarly frenetic way, with Stowmarket forward Wood having another strike on goal saved by Hunt. The hosts then had a chance to level though forward Jerome Martelli blazed over the bar after being played in by Ogboin. Town spurned two more chances as the hour mark approached, though on 61 minutes they extended their lead as Bugg prodded home from a corner.

‘Side had one of their more decent spells in the match just after that goal though Ex-Southend Manor & Clapton winger Aundre Spencer’s shot went side of the right-side post whilst in a good position. Stowmarket did recover and pushed hard though in the last 15 minutes. The home side had a warning with twelve minutes left as they were indebted to a combination of their defence and Hunt as they cleared off the goal-line. Town did eventually wrap up the win though in the last six minutes as first, Ethan Clarke scored with a good deep looping header into the right corner, after being fed by a good ball in by full-back Ollie Brown. Wood then grabbed his second from the spot, blasted into the top-right corner.

Full-Time:  Barkingside 0 – 4  Stowmarket Town

Wood 38’, 87 (pen)’

Bugg 61’, E Clarke 84’

To be fair, Stowmarket more than deserved the win and played very well, they were good on-the-ball & were a hard-working outfit. As for Barkingside, it’s hard not to mention that this is a virtually new squad so it will take time for consistency to come, though today they didn’t really have the ball enough to create the chances that the likes of Ogboin would make the most of. I must also mention goalkeeper Will Hunt, who made numerous saves to keep his side in the match at times.

Best wishes to Stowmarket who host Romford in the next round. Commiserations to Barkingside, who will now focus elsewhere, starting with a home ESL match against Stansted on Saturday (12th August).

Teams:
Barkingside Manager: Michael Walther	Stowmarket Town Manager: Rick Andrews
1  Will Hunt  (GK)	1  Craig Brand  (GK)
2  Michael Bottone	2  Ollie Brown
3  Mike Sherwood	3  Anton Clarke
4  Euan Taylor-Reid	4  Ethan Clarke
5  Paul Shaves (C)	5  Phil Weavers
6  Jamie Pooley   (Subbed 53’)	6  Jemel Fox
7  Aundre Spencer	7  Dan Cunningham  (C)
8  Bradley Joseph	8  Jack Baker      (Subbed 62’)
9  Michael Ogboin     (Subbed 72’)	9  Andrew Wood
10  Jerome Martelli   (Subbed 53’)	10  George Bugg      (Subbed 79’)
11  Joe Newbold	11  Remi Garrett    (Subbed 72’)
Substitutes:
12  Jason Fontaine  (On 72’)	14  Angelo Harrop   (On 62’)
14  Mendez Gomez Formoso	15  Jon Carver
15  Eamon Payne	16  Ryan Yallop        (On 79’)
16 Tony Cookey	17  Billy Clark           (On 72’)
18  Matteus Santos    (On 53’)	18  Paul Mosgrove
19  Reece Hewitt       (On 53’)
20  Jayden Mitchell-Brown
Referee:	Michael Mackey
Assistant Referees:	David Behling Grant Mathias
Booked: None	Booked: Garrett

 

Match Report: Southend Manor 1 – 0 Wroxham (FA Cup EPR)

The FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round

Venue: Southchurch Park

2017-18 Season – Match 9

Date: Saturday 5th August 2017 3pm KO

Southend Manor : Yellow Shirts, Yellow Shorts, Black Socks

Wroxham : White Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Scott W reporting (Follow me on Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

The FA Cup. It is many things to many people. It is the oldest domestic cup competition. It is arguably a lifeline to those ‘smaller’ clubs up & down the country. And perhaps it is a beacon that multi-million pound player transfers don’t really matter.

So, on the first day of this season’s FA Cup, Southend Manor welcomed Thurlow Nunn Premier side Wroxham to Southchurch Park. The match began well with both sides having early opportunities to strike first. The Yachtsmen’s midfielder Harley Black sent a free-kick just wide of the top corner in the first minute. For Manor, forward Bayley Newell had an effort tipped wide for a corner by visiting ‘keeper Will Viner.

Manor had another good chance on 20 minutes when midfielder Callum Jex shot from point-blank range though Viner pulled off a good save. The visitors had two more decent chances soon after as winger Adam Smith struck an effort over the bar, before on the on the half-hour, forward Ross Gilfedder somehow contrived to nod a free-header over the bar from Robbie Sweeney’s left-wing cross.

Half-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 0 Wroxham

Wroxham did edge the first half in my view, though the second half began in quite a low-key way. Mid-way into the second half, Sweeney had a header saved by the dependable Manor ‘stopper Klinton Makayabo.

Manor then had two further chances to open the scoring on the 70 minute mark though winger Alfie Lindfield and Newell both couldn’t find the target. Moments later, the visitors had two really good chances. First, substitute Pete Wilshire found himself one-on-one with Makayabo but the ‘keeper stood tall and saved well. Then defender Shaun Taylor’s shot trickled across the face of goal and hit the bar before two further blocks on the line prevented the scorers being troubled.

With 15 minutes remaining, Wroxham winger Black powered a great strike from 25-yards in at goal, it struck a post. At this point, the visitors may have been thinking that the goal was coming.

It wasn’t to be though as just as we were thinking that a replay at Trafford Park would be needed, with two minutes or regulation time remaining, Newell popped up in the area after a good cross from the left by winger Finley Dopson and blasted a low effort past Viner into the left corner for his first FA Cup goal.

Full-Time: Southend Manor 1 – 0 Wroxham

Newell 88’

The result was tough on Wroxham who certainly had their moments in the match. I wish them well as they look to recover from last season’s struggles. As for Manor, they too had decent spells though perhaps were not at their best today, with ‘keeper Klinton Makayabo & the back four in front of him defending stoutly at times though the Yachtsmen forwards’ pace and trickery did give them a headache or two.

Southend Manor host Gorleston in the next round on Saturday August 19th.

Teams:
Southend Manor Manager: Stuart Marshall	Wroxham Joint-Managers: Ross Potter & Tom Parke
1  Klinton Makayabo  (GK)	1  Will Viner  (GK)
2  Robbie Norris  (C)	2  Shaun Taylor
3  Shay Kelly	3  Sam Bryant      (Subbed 65’)
4  Joe Skeels	4  Mark Shadrack
5  Daniel Okah	5  Michael Sommerfield
6  Scott Keys	6  Tom Matthews  (C)
7  Daryl Cooper   (Subbed 35’)	7  Adam Smith      (Subbed 57’)
8  Callum Jex	8  Joe Manning     (Subbed 50’)
9  Michael Hopkins     (Subbed 85’)	9  Ross Gilfedder
10  Bayley Newell	10  Robbie Sweeney
11  Alfie Lindfield      (Subbed 78’)	11  Harley Black
Substitutes:
12  Lee Scott	12  Myron Abodunde   (On 65’)
14  Mitchell Keen	14  Ben Fowkes     (On 50’)
15  Ryan Kelland       (On 85’)	15  Pete Wiltshire        (On 57’)
16  Finley Dopson    (On 78’)	16  George MacRae (GK)
17  Harry Hatt           (On 35’)	17  Dayton Swatman
18  Dominic Locke
21  James Good
Referee:	David Moreno-Rojas
Booked: Lindfield	Booked: Shadrack, Sommerfield, Matthews

2017- 18 Season Predictions: FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

Written by Peter D & Scott W

FA Cup fever returns as Essex Senior League sides are in action this weekend. The winners of each tie are awarded £1,500 which could make some difference in itself, below is a preview of each tie involving those sides in the Extra Preliminary Round of the competition:-

Saturday 5th August (3pm KO’s)

Enfield 1893 v Haverhill Borough       Venue: The Harlow Arena

Peter: Hosts Enfield will want to bounce back from their 3-0 loss at FC Romania in their first competitive outing although the score-line was harsh on the Harlow-based side.  Visitors Haverhill Borough have yet to start their league season so this will be their first competitive game of the campaign.  Gonna go for a home win in this one.

Peter’s Prediction: 3-1

Scott: Enfield welcome Haverhill to the 3G pitch of the Harlow Arena. The hosts will no doubt look to re-group following their loss in midweek. They may well have better fortune at home this time around though Haverhill will look to start their season well after promotion last term.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

FC Broxbourne Borough v Tower Hamlets       Venue: Goffs Lane

Peter: Tower Hamlets visit SSML One side FC Broxbourne Borough looking for their first competitive win of the season after a narrow loss and draw in their first two league outings.  Hosts Broxbourne are a step below the ESL and haven’t played a competitive game as yet and I fancy the Mile End side to take a win here.

Peter’s Prediction:  0-2

Scott: Tower Hamlets travel to Broxbourne Borough in this intriguing cup-tie. The hosts finished bottom of SSML Premier last term and with this being Hamlets third match in league & cup this week, I can see this one being a tight contest. Hamlets though have been ‘knocking on the door’ of a win though in those previous two matches and they may get that win here.

Scott’s Prediction: 0 – 1

FC Clacton v Clapton                                          Venue: Rush Green Bowl

Peter: Hosts FC Clacton have drawn one and lost one in the league so far his campaign, the loss being a 6-0 home defeat, whilst The Tons lost on the opening day of their season; however they thumped Ilford at Cricklefield in midweek to get their campaign back on track.  I feel the ESL will prevail here too.

Peter’s Prediction: 0-3

Scott: Clapton travel to north-east Essex on the back of that win in midweek. I have no doubt that the visitors here will be looking to progress in the competition here and in doing so banishing the result in their last away match last weekend.

Scott’s Prediction: 0 – 2

FC Romania v Waltham Forest                    Venue: Theobalds Lane

Peter: The hosts have won their opening two games without conceding whilst visitors Forest have drawn one and lost one so far this season.  Should be a decent game this one but I’m gonna plump for an entertaining home win.

Peter’s Prediction:  4-2

Scott:  FCR have started the season well though Forest are not a side that you’d discount easily given how they play. If the visitors have a good day at the back, then I can see Romania being made to work hard for the result here.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

Framlingham Town v Wadham Lodge       Venue: Badlingham Road

Peter: Hosts Framlingham ply their trade in the Thurlow Nunn Division One, a step below the ESL, although they are yet to begin their league season.  Lodge have played two league games so far, both at home, and lost them both so may see this cup game as a welcome break from league football, and this is also Lodge’s first ever FA Cup contest.  I reckon this could end a draw and a replay back in Walthamstow.

Peter’s Prediction: 1-1

Scott: Lodge make their FA Cup bow with a long trip to Framlingham, just west of Saxmundham in Suffolk. Although they lost in midweek, James Falaise & Kevin Lucas’ side did score twice in that match and if they keep that up, they may get that priceless first win of the campaign. Mel Aldis’s side have seen the cup ‘in the flesh’ this week and will also want to put in a good performance in what could be another tight contest.

Scott’s Prediction: 0 – 1

Hackney Wick v Long Melford      Venue: Old Spotted Dog Stadium

Peter: Wick enter the FA Cup for the very first time and welcome Thurlow Nunn Premier side Long Melford to the Old Spotted Dog.  Wick have begun their first ESL campaign with a win and a draw whilst Long Melford have drawn their opening game in the league.  Feel Wick may just edge this one.

Peter’s Prediction: 2-1

Scott: Hackney Wick make their debut in the competition on what could be an emotional day for the club. Long Melford make the trip from Suffolk and I believe this will be tight match which could well end honours even.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 1

Hadleigh Utd v Sporting Bengal Utd          Venue: Mill Field, Duke St

Peter: A 2-0 opening day loss at Takeley was followed by an impressive 2-2 draw at West Essex for Sporting Bengal United and they travel to Suffolk to take on Hadleigh United who are yet to play a competitive game this campaign.  Sporting made history in reaching the 1st Qualifying Round last season and I feel they may grab a draw in this one and take the Thurlow Nunn Premier side back to Mile End for a replay.

Peter’s Prediction: 2-2

Scott: Bengal travel to Suffolk looking to maintain some form following that draw in midweek. Hadleigh will be a tough side to beat and with this being the visitors’ third match in a week, I can see this being a keenly-contested draw.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 1

Hullbridge Sports v Ipswich Wanderers                  Venue: Lower Road

Peter: Sports haven’t had the best of starts to this campaign, taking just one point from their opening two games, and they come up against Ipswich Wanderers who drew their opening game in the Thurlow Nunn Premier. Wanderers have good cup pedigree over recent years, as do Hullbridge, however I have a feeling that the Suffolk side will prevail.

Peter’s Prediction:  1-2

Scott: Hullbridge have their third home match in a week here as they welcome Ipswich Wanderers to Lower Road. The hosts are a difficult side to beat, though having had two tough league matches in quick succession, I feel the visitors will have the edge here.

Scott’s Prediction: 0 – 1

Ilford v Woodbridge Town                            Venue: Cricklefield

Peter: The Foxes have had a mixed start to their season, winning 5-0 on the opening day before falling to a 4-1 home defeat in midweek.  Suffolk side Woodbridge have begun their season in the Thurlow Nunn One with two wins from two, and 6-1 home win followed by a 7-3 away win, so they will come to Cricklefield full of confidence.  However with Ilford being at home and being a step above I feel they will take the win.

Peter’s Prediction: 3-2

Scott: Ilford welcome Woodbridge to Cricklefield. Both sides have been involved in high-scoring matches recently though Ilford might well be fired-up after their loss in midweek. Allan Fenn’s side are still in a transition phase of sorts though if they start this tie well, I can see them advancing to the next round.

Scott’s Prediction: 3 – 1

Newmarket Town v Great Wakering Rovers       Venue: Cricket Field Road

Peter: Wakering face a tough away trip to Newmarket Town off the back of a 2-1 home loss in midweek.  They did however win their opening fixture 2-0 last weekend so will look to find that form when they take on Newmarket Town who themselves are yet to play a league game this season.  Feel the ESL side will be knocked out here though.

Peter’s Prediction: 2-0

Scott: Iain O’Connell’s side make the long trip to Newmarket searching for some impetus to take back into the ESL. Though with their hosts yet to get their league campaign underway, I reckon Rovers could battle hard to earn a replay at Burroughs Park.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 1

Redbridge v Stansted                                         Venue: Oakside

Peter: The Motormen have had two entertaining encounters at Oakside so far this season and they welcome another ESL side to their home in the shape of Stansted in the FA Cup.  Stansted have won one lost one so far this campaign although this will be a tough assignment for the Airportmen and I think the hosts will progress.

Peter’s Prediction: 3-1

Scott: Stansted travel to Oakside to take on Ricky Eaton’s Redbridge. You do get the feeling that the new-look Redbridge side will gel at some point and this may be the day. If Stansted start well though, this could be some match.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1 

Sawbridgeworth Town v West Essex              Venue: Crofters End

Peter: This is a repeat of the opening day fixture of the season and saw the visitors win 3-1.  Both sides have drawn their second games and come into this one with hope they can progress to the next round.  However you rarely get the same result again when two sides play each other so quickly afterwards so therefore home win is the call.

Peter’s Prediction:  3-2

Scott: Both sides have their third match in a week here though they will also revved-up be as Sawbridgeworth will look to progress into the next round. West Essex make their debut in the FA Cup so regardless of the result it will be a special day for Kwame Kwateng’s team. I reckon this one will come down to purely who plays the better ‘on the day’ and can see this tie needing a replay.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 2

Southend Manor v Wroxham                         Venue: Southchurch Park

Peter: Manor welcome Wroxham to Southchurch Park having battled to a hard earned win at local rivals Hullbridge in midweek.  Wroxham, relegated from the Isthmian League last season, have drawn their opening encounter in the Thurlow Nunn Premier. Reckon this could end a draw and a replay in Norfolk.

Peter’s Prediction: 1-1

Scott: This is a fascinating tie at Southchurch Park. Manor showed glimpses of their potential in their battling win at Hullbridge in midweek and will be looking to progress here in front of what could be a decent crowd. Wroxham will undoubtedly be looking to move on from last season’s struggles and a cup run would certainly aid that. Stuart Marshall’s side will be searching for consistency and I think bearing in mind it’s a long trip for the visitors, Manor may edge it.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

Takeley v Wivenhoe Town                                    Venue: Station Road

Peter: Hosts Takeley have begun the season with two wins from two and are full of confidence going into this encounter with Thurlow Nunn Premier side Wivenhoe Town, who are yet to begin their season.  The hosts have won two at home already this season and I feel they will make it three from three in this one.

Peter’s Prediction: 3-0

Scott: Takeley have started the season well with new signing Stuart Zanone already among the goals. Marc Das’ side will look to continue the ‘winning habit’ at Station Road as they welcome Wivenhoe Town. I can see the ‘Takeley juggernaut’ continuing here.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 0

Walsham-le-Willows v Basildon Utd

Peter: The Bees face a tough challenge as they travel to take on Walsham-le-Willows and with the Thurlow Nunn Premier side having won 6-0 away on the opening day and then getting a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Wanderers in midweek they will fancy their chances here.  However Basildon began their season with a 2-0 win over Clapton so will take confidence from this no doubt.  Got a feeling the hosts will prevail though.

Peter’s Prediction:  1-0

Scott: Basildon make the trip to Walsham-le-Willows, just north of Stowmarket, Suffolk. Walsham will be a stern test for Marc Harrison’s side though the fact that Basildon have had a week to prepare for this match might be in their favour.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

Sunday 6th August

Barkingside v Stowmarket Town  (2pm KO)     Venue: Cricklefield

Peter: ‘Side’s only competitive match this season saw them record a magnificent victory at Great Wakering Rovers in midweek, whilst Stowmarket Town have yet to get their Thurlow Nunn Premier campaign underway.  Gonna plump for a home win here.

Peter’s Prediction: 2-0

Scott: Barkingside welcome Stowmarket to Cricklefield in what is the hosts’ second Sunday match at this stage of the competition in successive seasons. ‘Side laid down a marker with a good win at Wakering in midweek and will look to add to that here. It might be a hard-fought contest though I reckon it’ll be a win for Michael Walther’s side.

Scott’s Prediction: 2 – 1

St Margaretsbury v Burnham Ramblers   (3pm KO)

Peter: Both sides will want to put recent defeats behind them and progress in the FA Cup, the hosts’ only competitive outing saw them lose 8-2 at Colney Heath in the Herts Charity Shield whilst Ramblers have lost their opening two league games after a poor pre-season.  I think the hosts will probably prevail here.

Peter’s Prediction: 2-0

Scott: Burnham travel to St Margaretsbury after a tough week in the league. I reckon both sides will keep it tight for long periods. The visitors may grab a draw which may be the nudge they need going forward.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 1

 

We wish all clubs well as they begin their FA Cup campaign.

You can follow Peter on Twitter: @ped1980 and on his website featuring results round-ups & match reports at http://www.leaguewebsite.co.uk/unofficialesl/

Also, you can follow Scott W on Twitter: @ScottMHC14 

Also, you can follow the ‘umbrella’ that is the Grassroots Football Show on Twitter at @ELRFootball & also online at elrgfs.blogspot.co.uk