FC Petrocub – survivor16b

2022-23 Double Match Summary: Essex Alliance Finals Day (Sat 20 May) [EAL 22-23 22.5.23]

Essex Alliance League – Finals Day #2

Venue: Victoria Road, Dagenham

2022-23 Season: Matches 65 & 66

Match Summaries & Photos by Scott W [@TwitterMHC14]

Double Issue: Goals reign on EAL Finals Day at a sunny Victoria Road

Part 1: Renegade’s goal glut sees them claim the D1 Cup

Atholl 1 – 6 Renegade

Saturday 20 May 2023 – 2pm KO | Att: 130 (Est) | EAL Division One Cup Final

Welcome to this special ‘double issue’ blog looking at the Essex Alliance League Finals Day, taking in both the Division One Cup & Senior Division Cup Finals, held at Victoria Road. First up was the afternoon match, interestingly between two of the bottom three sides in the league: Atholl and Renegade.

This match began with a rather open-ended foray, which the Renegade side edged. However, it was Atholl who took the lead after just eight minutes thanks to a neat low strike by Charlie Thompson. The team in orange were finding it increasingly difficult to rebuff the directness and pace of player-boss Okwute Izuchukwu’s side, as the likes of forward Deimar Cardoso and Nana Baah were loading the channels and getting round the Atholl defence. Wellington Ismael fired off-target early on after getting past his marker well. It was little surprise on the quarter-hour when Renegade levelled the tie, as Nigel Seidu’s fine free-kick found the top corner of the net. That goal emboldened them and Renegade continued to be rapid going forward, and before Atholl could settle from conceding, they were behind four minutes later. From a set-piece, Cardoso made the most of stuttering marking to nip in and guide his header into the net, past goalkeeper James Gibson.

To their credit, Atholl were battling hard defensively & were led well by skipper Frankie Williams. Renegade did get a third goal before the break, but this one had a degree of fortune about it. Thompson had the unfortunate statistic of scoring at both ends after his attempted defensive clearance only dribbled into the net. Scoring goals in clusters is often the mark of a good side and Renegade made it four, two minutes before the break. The impressive Cardoso utilised his pace again to good effect before his good, low strike found the net. Atholl were finding it hard to retain the ball at times and that inhibited their efforts to push forward and test a decent opposition backline.

Half-Time: Atholl 1 – 4 Renegade

After the break, Renegade were quite unrelenting in putting pressure on an over-worked Atholl backline. Atholl goalkeeper Gibson did made a fine double save just before the hour, first denying a decent effort by Nana Baah before also doing well to save a follow-up effort by Ismael seconds later. Just as Atholl were starting to build some impetus, Renegade netted another goal with twenty minutes left as Seidu netted with another low strike to make five-one. You had to respect the spirit of the Atholl side as forward Ralph Vincent’s header came off the crossbar with fourteen minutes to play. In fairness though, Renegade were the stronger team here and scored a late sixth goal, thanks to substitute Aamir Salah.

Full-Time: Atholl 1 – 6 Renegade

Renegade deserved their Cup triumph here as they were more than useful going forward & retained the ball better as well, making it tough for their opponents. There were some stand-out performers for Renegade , beginning with forward Deimar Cardoso who really led the attack well, making good runs down the channels, and some neat passes & generally gave the Atholl backline little respite. Centre-back Okwute Izuchukwu led his defence well, and also kept his team going as well. Lastly, midfielder Shivaan Naido put in a hard-working shift as well to link the midfield and attack too. For Atholl, skipper Frankie Williams made a number of good interceptions to keep his team in the tie, particularly in the first half. Charlie Thompson & Ralph Vincent also put in hard-working performances as well, with Thompson showihg good composure in taking his oppurtunity to score.

Atholl Goal-Scorer: Charlie Thompson [8′]

Renegade Goal-scorers: Nigel Seidu [15′ & 70′], Deimar Cardoso [19′ & 43′], OG [40′], Aamir Salah [88′]

Cucos makes another forward run late on for Petrocub

Part 2: Petrocub’s pace & clinical finishing seals impressive win over Woodford East

FC Petrocub 4 – 1 Woodford East

Saturday 20 May 2023 – 6pm KO | Att: 450 (Est) | EAL Senior Division Cup Final

The second match saw two top-five sides in the Senior Division contest the divisional Cup in the early evening kick-off at Victoria Road, as FC Petrocub took on Woodford East. This match got underway in a spirited way with Woodford edging it in the early moments, as forward Callum Maltese’s effort came off the crossbar, before Petrocub custodian Alexandru Daraban parried the ball away well following a good searing run by Lucio uare down the left side. Petrocub did respond strongly as East found it tough to retain the ball as the Moldovan side made the most of a defensive error by East to open the scoring on eleven minutes. A good run by Ion Spinu ended with a fierce drive which bypassed East goalkeeper Jozsef Kuzsef & found the net, much to the delight of the Petrocub contingent behind the goal.

As the half went on, Petrocub made several good forward runs which tested the morale & grit of the Woodford backline. Midfielder Gritcan Dumitru fired a decent effort off-target from eighteen yards out, just past the half-hour. East were finding it tough to recycle possession at this point to get into the opposition half & it was little surprise when they conceded again, ten minutes before the interval. Gheorghe Cucos did well to hold off his marker & slotted the ball calmly into the net.

Halil Hassan’s side did push back before the break, with forward Connor Brathwaite’s strike forcing a good save out of Daraban. East were starting to find their rhythm and the question was at the break was whether Petrocub could maintain their tempo and work rate, which was impressive in the first half.

Half-Time: FC Petrocub 2 – 0 Woodford East

After the break, the tension gradually rose. Three minutes after the restart, Woodford had a good chance from Maltese’s set-piece which found Lucio Uare & his header needed the intervention of Daraban to tip the ball over for another corner. Petrocub sensed the potential danger and should have been three goals ahead just short of the hour as another good run by Spinu ended with a neat ball through to Cucos who only had Kuzsel to beat but Cucos’strike was tame & Kuzsef was happy to gather.

The Petrocub fans were really adding to the atmosphere here, and it may well have lifted their side to maintain their levels. Woodford East are known for their guile and they stayed in the contest going into the latter stages, and halved their arrears with seven minutes left, through Uare’s good header which beat Daraban & went high into the net. Understandably, East pushed forward seeking that telling equaliser but Petrocub showed their quality on the counter-attack adding two late goals in added time.

Just into added time, Spinu was well-placed to score after Kuzsef’s initial save from Valentin Gurgurov’strike to grab his second before Gurgurov did find the net moments later with a cool finish to seal the trajectory of the Cup, with the joyous Petrocub fans ready to celebrate at the opposite end. Congratulations to FC Petrocub on a really good performance here, these two sides will face each other again in the Fenton Cup Final next weekend, at New Lodge.

Full-time: FC Petrocub 4 – 1 Woodford East

In fairness, Petrocub showed a lot of hunger & pace which was tough for East to defend against. Whilst it was true that Woodford’s defensive errors were costly, the incisive passing and good finishing were enough to see Adrian Pascanu’s side to their second Cup triumph this term, after winning the London Senior Cup. Woodford will be disappointed by their start to the game, they couldn’t test the rigid Petrocub defence enough during the course of this Final.

In terms of stand-out performers, Petrocub forwards Ion Spinu and Gheorghe Cucos were rapid, also showcasing good inter-link play and passing, as well as cool finishing in an impressive display. Centre-back Vitalii Chiriac was a calming presence as well, marshalling his defence well & stifling good runs by the East forwards down the channels. Finally, Valeriu Gurgurov also pushed down the flanks well & in the latter stages was a good threat down on the counter-attack, also taking his goal well.

For Woodford, credit has to go to forwards Callum Maltese & Lucio Uare. Maltese ran his heart out all game, being the consistent one making darting runs in the centre to give his team-mates an option, while Uare also made a number of superb runs down the channel, made good passes & took his goal well late on. Captain Frank Glock also did a good job defensively alongside Billy Barr, as they rebuffed a number of overloading runs by the fleet-footed Petrocub forwards. Finally, full-back Kai Law had a decent game as well, defensively and also made some good passes forward as well.

FC Petrocub | Manager: Adrian Pascanu

Starting XI (Subs): 88 Alexandru Daraban (GK), 33 Dorin Sirbu, 4 Gheorghe Hadirca, 5 Vitalii Chiriac (Capt), 34 Lilian Puscasu, 18 Gritcan Dumitru (87 Valentin Siciov 80′), 20 Gheorghe Belibov (17 Cristi Ilie 65′), 10 Nicolai Cotruta (89 Nicolae Gutu 61′), 16 Gheorghe Cucos (29 Sergiu Demcioglo 77′) , 15 Ion Spinu, 11 Valeriu Gurgurov

Goal-Scorers: Ion Spinu [11′ & 90’+1], Gheorghe Cucos [35′], Valeriu Gurgurov [90’+3]

Final Substitute: 23 Ion Bojii [90′]

Woodford East | Manager: Halil Hassan | Assistant: Gary Wotton

Starting XI: 20 Jozsef Kuzsef (GK), 2 Kai Law, 9 Billy Barr, 8 Frank Glock (Capt), 12 Ecclesiaste Kipa, 21 Sonny Feltwell, 14 William Letchford, 22 Harry Carter,, 18 Lucio Uare, 7 Connor Brathwaite, 11 Callum Maltese

Goal-Scorer: Lucio Uare [83′]

Subs ON (Time): 17 Andrew Rowe [46′], 3 Eren Mehmet [61′, replaced Law], 15 Tom Osmond [73′, replaced Braithwaite]

Referee: Craig Wood
Assistant: Lanray Alapafujah & Craig Herbert
Fourth Official: David Leeks

That closes out this ‘double’ issue blog article, I’d like to thank the Essex Alliance League for their welcome on this Finals day. Credit also to all four sides that gave it their all to make it a really good day’s action.

Guest Blog 22/23: Essex Alliance Lge & Cups (Sat 8 Oct) [EAL 22-23 10.10.22]

Hello and welcome to the ninth week of the season in the Essex Alliance League, as well as action in the Essex Premier Cup in which EAL sides represent the League in the inter-divisional competition. My thanks in advance to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With Introduction & additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 10 October

FENTON CUP

The Fenton Cup action continued on Saturday and FC Baresi continued their excellent league form into the cup competition with a comprehensive 10 – 1 victory away at Premier Division side, Barkingside Under 23s. Tyreece Robinson scored a hat-trick for Baresi with Raymond Poku and Paul Benfield both scoring twice. Nicola Rapacchiani, Korede Da Silva and Umaru Kabia netted the others, Leo Gaspar scored the ‘Side consolation.

FENTON TROPHY

The Under 23s of FC Baresi followed the lead of their first team counterparts as they also ran in double figures in the Trophy competition, defeating Avondale Rangers in a 12 – 2 scoreline. Adam Friend and Jake Clarke both scored for Rangers but four Hamza Hafesji goals in reply for the hosts, plus goals from David Poirier (2), Zaahir Patel (2), Marco Perkola, Abbas Osman, Junior Ouattara and Adam Patel were plenty enough to secure their place in the next round. In the day’s other tie in the competition, it was an in-form Ilford Reserves side who played host to Division Four’s Collier Row Wheels, both sides having made decent starts in their respective competitions. But the Foxes avoided any kind of slip up with a 4 – 0 home win to put themselves through to the next round.

SENIOR DIVISION

With cup football top of the agenda for many this week, Sporting Hackney took full advantage to move to within two points of the leading sides as they returned home from Rapid Chingford with all three points in a 6 – 1 success. Tyler Springer and Percival Winter both bagged a brace with Joel Akuwudike and Richard Balogun goals rendering Andrei Boga’s effort as just consolation. FC Petrocub also took the chance to shut the gap on the sides above them as the fifth placed side put a 6 – 1 win of their own on the board with a terrific performance away at mid-table Walthamstow Reserves at Wadham Lodge. Ion Spinu came off the bench to score a hat-trick, adding to goals from Nicolai Gutu, Vasilica-Cristinel Ilie and Nicolai Cotruta.

It was a hat-trick of away wins in the division when Brimsdown ran out victors at Fairlop Oak against Blue Marlin, the Hertfordshire based side cruising to a 5 – 1 success to take maximum points back home with them. Cory Rose & Jason Rice both notched twice for Brimsdown with Sterlange Nzeza also scoring to secure the win which saw Brimsdown move up to sixth in the standings as they continue their quest for an immediate return to senior football.

PREMIER DIVISION EAST

Four sides remain with a perfect record at the top end of the Premier Division East standings with Fairlop Rovers top on goal difference following their 6-1 success on Saturday, beating Freetown 6 – 1 to make it three from three. Donald Adaakwah scored the ‘Town goal but his efforts proved in vain as his side remain in the hunt for their first points.

Chingford Athletic’s strong start has seen them make it three wins from three in the league also as they beat a struggling Wapping side 5-1 at Castle Green to stay in touch with the leaders. Harry Rouse scored a hat-trick with Mario-Angelino Lipetz and Dylan Scutt goals carrying them to victory, Juber Ahmed the scorer for the hosts with their consolation. Sitting third but only by the virtue of goal difference, RCXI are also on nine points and put their third league win on the board on Saturday with victory in the Newbury Park derby as they beat Cowley Community 3-1 with Ayo Matthews scoring twice and Daniel Williams once. Rajpal Bumbra scored the Cowley goal in reply, the visitors remaining in mid-table.

Waltham Abbey A bounced back well from defeat last time out to move fifth in the standings after recording a second win in three, beating London Park City 2 – 1 at Seven Kings School over the weekend. Alexandru Gheorghe scored for City but it was the Abbey who ran out winners by the odd goal in the end to extend their decent start.

PREMIER DIVISION WEST

There are new leaders in the West division as North East Lions took full advantage of results around them to move top by a point following an away victory against G7 in east London. A goal apiece from Jae Smith and Alex Zambrano off the bench done the damage as Lions were 2 – 0 winners on the day to put themselves top. That outcome was made possible after CSM London put their second successive league win on the board, defeating the previous leaders, AEK London, over at Mabley Green. Ali Jalo & Tay Chambers got the goals for CSM here. After three wins on the bounce last month, October has been tough for AEK so far with a draw last weekend followed by a 2 – 0 defeat to CSM this weekend.

Priory Park Rangers are another side to take full advantage of the matters around them as the Marshes based outfit recorded a third win to remain unbeaten, defeating Soul in a 6-2 scoreline to move second. Shepdherd Ndlovu has led the way so far for his side this season and he scored four more, adding to strikes from Ali Salama and Deri Fnu. Another side to make strong progress on Saturday were Wanstead who travelled to East Ham on Saturday to face Athletic Newham Under 23s and returned with their first maximum point haul in the league this season, winning 3 – 0. That result saw the visitors leap up to sixth place in the standings and just two points behind the side above them.

DIVISION ONE

There are some big battles ahead in Division One where at least two sides are making waves at the top, Unitey presently leading the way on goal difference after they put five goals past Atholl without reply on Saturday to record a 5 – 0 win. Devontae Young, Chris Tshimanga, Bubintende Masadi and Akhlad Miah all netted for their side to keep their top form going. Newham Wanderers are treading heel to heel with their rivals at the top and came through a stern test away at Forest Green to take home all three points. Wanderers were 3-0 winners, making it three wins from three with Addae Paponette, Robertson Morais and Manuel Sanuo all netting for the visitors.

Sitting three points further back, Redbridge Community’s first home game of the season saw the visit of Old Esthameians make the short journey to Mayfield but it was the hosts who made the most of their homecoming, earning themselves a 6 – 1 win on the day. Frankie Francis led the way with two goals for the victors, Jahsial Weekes, Michael Kiflezgji, Akiljo Balliu & Merrill Appiah also were on target. That was Redbridge’s second win of the season, moving third with six points.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, it’s as you were at the top end of the table with Snaresbrook making it four wins from four, returning home from Chadwell Heath Spartans Reserves with all three points in a 3 – 0 success at Hainault Rec. George Bacon, Ife Ogunbayo and Chris Huggins were the men on target to ensure the continuation of their perfect start. Rainham Phoenix have risen back up to second spot and trail the leaders by three points as they took maximum points from their trip to Old Barkabbeyans on Saturday. The Billys, Humphries and Broadbridge, were both on the scoresheet, Sean Tormey scoring the other as Rainham won the game 3 – 0.

It was a good afternoon for St Francis who got their first win of the season over the weekend as they took three points in their clash with Barking Potters at Castle Green, moving up to fifth with an 8 – 2 win. Teyon Weston was the hero scoring four while Ahmed Zaghloul scored twice and one each from Godwill Kumpana and Aley Khaled finished things off for the Saints.

DIVISION THREE

Newbury East remain the leaders at the top of Division Three, staying a point clear following the weekend’s efforts as they defeated Melbourne Sports at Oaks Park in a 6-2 scoreline. That saw East record a fourth league success of the season, along with their draw, to remain as one of two unbeaten sides in the division. The other unbeaten side are Chingford Harriers who trail by a point but have a game in hand on the leaders following their strong win against another top half side, Jolof Sports Reserves. Andrew Bowring and Grant Coy were the scorers for Harriers as they overcame their east London rivals to win the game 2 – 1.

Promoted Dagenham United Reserves are up into third spot as they leapt above their weekend opponents, Flyers Under 21s, in a heavily congested middle area of the table. Lewis Bennett and Isa Khan both scored twice with Peter Runham accredited with the other as their United side won 5 – 0 at King Georges. Just behind Dagenham sit Frenford A who are now up to fourth after a successful home performance against Romford Under 21s at The Drive which saw them win 5 – 1. Two Kyran Chiedozie goals plus efforts from James Rowlatt, Adam Andrade and Kishawn James done the damage with Eugenio Balde netting the Romford reply.

Buckhurst Way returned to winning league form on Saturday with a solid home performance in a home victory against Football Club of Riverside. Way were 4 – 0 winners at Bancrofts as George Martin, Tom Richardson, Dolapo Gbadamosi and Myles Croxford all struck with goals to see their side move up to sixth in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

Inter London have closed the gap at the top to just three points following the weekend’s results as they made a successful trip to league leaders, West Essex Under 23s, returning home with all three points in a 3 – 1 success. Ace Soyemi, Nasser Salum and Fahad Abdallah scored the Inter goals to overcome a Ciaran Farrell-Christian strike for West. Results around them also allowed Romford Under 19s to move in touch with the sides above them, recording a 3-1 away win of their own, defeating Fairlop Rovers Reserves at Fairlop Oak. Abel Woldergiorgis scored twice with Oskar Plusa also on the scoresheet to make it two wins from three for Romford.

There was a ten goal thriller in the six-pointer affecting the bottom end of the table where two winless sides, Newham & Havering Borough and Old Esthameians Reserves, met in Rainham. An incredible game eventually saw Old E’s walk away with the points as they won 6 – 4 on the day to pick up their first win of the season, moving off the bottom of the table in the process. The division’s remaining game saw second placed London APSA Under 23s at home to their Flyers Under 23 counterparts in Barkingside, the sides going into the game with three points between them. That gap remained by full-time as neither side could trouble the scorers, the game ending in a 0-0 scoreless draw to take a point each.

COUNTY CUP

There was tremendous success for the league in the county cup competitions, starting with the London Senior Trophy where Jolof Sports faced a difficult first round tie against higher league opposition, facing Thurlow Nunn League side Tower Hamlets at Mile End Stadium. With the game ending level 1 – 1, it was Jolof who took the honours, winning the shootout 4-3 to go through.

It was also a winning start in the competition for Crookz United who were also on the road with a trip to Redbridge Reserves of the Essex Senior League Reserve Division Two. But Crookz were in fine goal scoring form and recorded a thumping 6 – 0 away win to book a spot in round two.

In the BBC Essex Premier Cup, all bar one tie went the way Essex Alliance League sides with last season’s finalists, Woodford East, overcoming a tricky first round trip to the coast, coming away 3 – 2 winners at Old Southendian to ensure their safe passage to round two. The longest trip was made by Chadwell Heath Spartans who travelled up the A12 to Essex & Suffolk Border League opponents, Tiptree Heath. A seven goal thriller went the way of Spartans as they edged through 4 – 3 and now face an even longer trip to West Bergholt next month!

There was more away day success for Frenford Development who made the trip down the A406 to Beckton to face Essex Olympian League side, Canning Town. A close game ensued between two sides similarly placed in their respective leagues but it was Frenford who went through, winning 3-2 on the day.

Completing a quarter of away wins for EAL sides, Dagenham United had a fruitful trip to West Thurrock where they took an Essex Senior League side Grays Athletic Reserves in a later kick-off. The Dagenham side came through by the odd goal, winning 2 – 1 to book a place in round three.

Extra-time was needed at May & Baker EC Reserves where the hosts were facing up to Thurlow Nunn visitors in the form of Halstead Town Reserves. With the game level at full-time, the extra thirty minutes saw Jimmy Donald’s side to win 4 – 2 and secure passage into the next round.

The only loss of the round came in the game at Fairlop Oak where it took an extra thirty minutes to eventually separate Oakside from Harold Wood Athletic, the visitors winning the game 2 – 1 in extra time to progress on.

In the AFA Intermediate Cup, the league had representation in the form of Lymore Gardens Reserves who faced a trip to south east London to face West Wickham 3rds. In a game of five goals, Lymore returned empty handed as their interest in the competition ended following a 3-2 defeat.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance Lge (Sat 24 Sept) [EAL 22-23 26.9.22]

Hello and welcome to the round-up of the action in the Essex Alliance League, from Saturday 17 September which includes the EAL action & representatives in the Essex Premier Cup.

My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 24 September

SENIOR DIVISION

The final week of September action saw a busy schedule which began in midweek with two big results affecting matters in the top half. Woodford East were in good form as they secured all three points with a home success against Chadwell Heath Spartans at The Hive. Billy Barr, Frank Glock, Matthew Stacey, Harry Robinson and Lucio Uare all netted to cancel out Spartan goals from Peter Adeleye and Joseph Butcher in a 5 – 2 East victory. Up at Wormley Playing Fields, Brimsdown were action with a home clash against visitors Oakside with four points separating the sides going into the game under the lights. A closely fought game was settled by one moment in the game Olalekan Ayeketi fired in a strike from distance to hand his Brimsdown side a crucial 1-0 success to keep them in touch.

The Friday night action was an exhilarating affair as Blue Marlin shocked league high fliers, Lymore Gardens, by racing into a 3-0 lead on the night. Garden then fought back to level but Blue Marlin scored a fourth to lead once again before the hosts incredibly netted twice to eventually win a thriller 5 – 4. George Dwobeng scored two with Gaston Mendy, Andre Rashford and Adam Tebbani also on the scoresheet for Lymore, a result which saw them move clear at the top. That lead was short lived however as FC Baresi moved back level on points and top on goal difference as they picked up a superb win in a local derby contest against Walthamstow Reserves at Wadham Lodge. Paul Benfield has been in good form and he struck four goals on the day, adding to efforts from Raymond Poku and Tyreece Robertson in a comprehensive 6 – 0 success.

Jolof Sports’ start to the season has seen them climb to fourth after six games, despite a slightly indifferent start. They now sit three points off the leaders after a solid victory at fellow contenders, Brimsdown in Wormley. Goals from Bogdan Ursica and from substitute Ahma Seye were enough on the day for the east London based side to record a 2-1 win. The hosts responded through Napier Brown’s goal here. It’s now five games unbeaten for Sporting Hackney following their lateral move this season and they put another 4 -1 success on the board this weekend, repeating last week’s feat, this time seeing off the efforts of May & Baker EC Reserves at Barking & Dagenham College. Tyler Springer, Karim Bukleb, Liam O’Hara and Ross Murphy were on the scoresheet to render Aaron Blake’s goal as just consolation.

FC Petrocub’s first win of the calendar month saw them move to four wins for the season on Saturday as they entertained Dagenham United at Noak Hill. The hosts bounced back well from a heavy defeat in their last outing to win the game 2-0, moving up to fifth place and just four points off the pace at the top. After three winless games at the start of the campaign, Frenford Development have reversed their fortunes with three successive wins now as they returned home from Lakeside once again with all three points, defeating Chadwell Heath Spartans 3 – 1. Elie Fanga struck for Spartans but that proved insufficient as Tiwa Osifuwa, Carlos Barahona and Joel Opara goals proved enough for Frenford.

Following Frenford up the table are Kit Out London who made the trip to Walthamstow on Saturday to take on Crookz United at Peter May, three points between the sides going into the game. That was extended to six by full time however as Huge Amaral, Alex Solomon, Mirko Zanco and David Rista goals carried Kit Out through to a 4 – 2 win and home with all three points. Over in Hainault, two of the sides in action from midweek continued their respective fortunes with visitors Woodford East following up their big win in midweek with another this time out against Oakside. Lorrell Dawkins scored twice off the bench with William Letchford, Harry Robinson, Callum Maltese and Lucio Uare goals seeing their East side win comfortably 6 – 0.

PREMIER DIVISION (WEST)

It’s been a terrific start for AEK London in the second tier as they made it three wins from three so far in the league but they did face a stern task on Saturday, edging a close game against G7 to secure maximum points. AEK were the scorers of the only goal of the game, winning 1 – 0 to stay clear at the top by a couple of points. Fellow new side, Priory Park Rangers, are the side giving chase at the moment and sit second edging a very close game against third placed North East Lions. Shane Thomas and Nester Boansi netted for the Lions but an unbeaten Priory Park side had just enough to scored three of their own to win this top of the table battle 3-2.

After defeat in their opening game, Leyton City bounced back in terrific fashion with a Jahvarn Steward inspired performance as he netted six goals in a 10-3 success against Tower United. Adam Rowe scored twice with Benjamin Matengulu and Mateus Furieri netting the others to overcome two Abdi Mohamed goals and an Abdullah Jama goal. In the East Ham derby game, co-tenants Athletic Newham Under 23s and London Cranes renewed their battles from last season in a closely fought contest at Flanders on Saturday afternoon. It was just a single goal to separate these sides and Oscar Innocent was guilty of that important moment, netting for London Cranes to make it two wins from three for the visitors.

DIVISION ONE

Newham Wanderers are Division One’s early leaders in the third tier as they picked up win number two at the weekend, returning from Parmiters with all three points following a 3 – 2 success against Atholl. Goals from Ismail Assoufi, Robertson Morais and Mahein Zaman were the difference to edge the game and continue their perfect start. Over in Newbury Park, Old Esthameians reversed their fortunes from their opening day defeat to pick up a first win of the season, defeating Renegade 4-2 to move into the top half. Deimar Cardoso scored twice in his first appearance for the visitors but those goals were in vain as Old E’s four goal haul took them to the win.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, it’s Snaresbrook who are setting the pace at the top and made it three wins on the bounce on Saturday though faced a challenge from a winless Barking Potters side so far. ‘Brook were 4-1 winners though as Scott Hill, George Bacon, Sean Ashman and Emile Kwame goals put them on the road to success once again. Old Barkabbeyans were on cloud nine following a huge 9 – 1 away win against Lymore Gardens Reserves, coming out on top following a terrific performance. Michael Ryder’s early season goal form saw him add a hat-trick, Josh Robinson and Dre Ferlisi both scoring twice with Fabio Balde and Robbie Osborne netting the others to earn maximum points for their side, moving third in the process. Warren Isoka’s goal was little consolation as the Lymore second-side was well-beaten.

It was a day for bounce back wins as another of the division’s sides, FC Baresi Under 23s, improved from their opening travails to beat Royal Forest in a 4-3 scoreline on Saturday. Hamza Hafesji scored twice with Junior Ouattara and Joshua Adu both netting to help last season’s double winners to their first win of the new campaign. Forest’s goals came via Joe Meader’s double and Frank Carver. And it was a similar storyline for Woodford East Reserves who produced a terrific performance to end Rainham Phoenix’s perfect start so far, winning 3 – 1 at the Marshes. Sam Springall scored for Rainham but his goal proved just consolation as Harry Carter, Owen McKelvey and Will Osmond all found the back of the net for the Peacocks to earn a first victory of the season.

DIVISION THREE

Things are tight at the top of Division Three where Newbury East hold a single point lead over the chasing pack following a very close game against Romford Under 21s. A Junior Milla hat-trick set them on their way with Mohammed Hussain and Sehraan Hussain goals taking them to a 5 – 3 win against a Romford side making their debut in the competition. It’s two wins from two for promoted Chingford Harriers this season, another impressive outing, particularly in the second half, seeing them take maximum points in a 4-0 win at home to Melbourne Sports. Daniel Taylor, Grant Coy, Seun Lasile and Gerard O’Hara all scored for Harriers to continue their perfect start to the season.

Just outside of the promotion places on goal difference are Jolof Sports Reserves who took their winning record to two from two themselves, beating Buckhurst Way in a 5-2 home success. Derek Adu and Ronald Asante both scored twice with Noah Chesmain notching the other to give their Jolof side the best possible start. Despite an opening defeat, Frenford A have got their first points on the board after a good win at home on Saturday against Dagenham United Reserves at The Drive. Ricky Brown and Isa Khan both notched for United but those efforts were superseded by Frenford goals from Reece Morley, Isima Iguisi, Adam Andrade and Kishawn James in a 5-2 win.

Flyers Under 21s are also on the board with a first success following promotion to Division Three, bouncing back well from their initial reverse to secure a win this time out, beating Football Club of Riverside 1-0 over at King George’s. That result saw them shootout up to the cusp of the top half while their opposition remain in search of their first points.

DIVISION FOUR

Three sides share top spot in Division Four where present leaders, Collier Row Wheels, suffered a first reverse of the season at the hands of Inter London, themselves picking up a first win of the season to go against the form guide. Fahad Abdullah scored twice and Okey Obialo once to set Inter on their way, overcoming two Luke Woodgate goals in the process in a 3 – 2 scoreline. That result enabled West Essex Under 23s to go level, trailing just by goal difference, after they made it two wins from two with a high scoring success against Avondale Rangers. Javen Cole scored a hat-trick with Gabriel Morlova and Franky Okoko also notching in a 5-3 win, overcoming Rangers goals from Jake Clarke, Joe Powell and Phillip Heinen.

London APSA Under 23s have also accrued six points from their opening fixtures and that was aided by a terrific 5-2 home win on Saturday against Romford Under 19s in Barkingside. Reda El Ghaibouz continued his scoring form with a four goal haul, David Gokou-Siakouri netting the other to hand APSA all three points. Emerson & Upminster Reserves put their first three point haul on the board, responding well to defeat in their first game to take a win this time away at Newham & Havering Borough. Courtney Linton netted for Borough but Emerson goals from Gordon Archie, Tyler Huggett and Billy Warner saw the points head back with the visitors in a 3-1 scoreline.

The league was completed over at Fairlop Oak where the reserves of Fairlop Rovers and Old Esthameians met with the hosts producing a strong performance in their first outing of the year. Fairlop were 6 – 1 winners on the day to shoot straight into the top half of the table, sitting fourth, while Old E’s continue their quest for points.

COUNTY CUP

There were some great results for EAL clubs in the county cup competitions over the weekend with Division One side Ilford Reserves producing a cup shock to knock out Premier Division’s Freetown from the Essex Junior Cup. The young Foxes were 7-0 winners to take their place in the next round where they now face Collier Row. Waltham Abbey A also produced a solid display as they took out Mid Essex League top flight opposition in the form of Blackmore to make the second round. The Abbotts were 3-1 winners on their travels, booking a trip up to Sheering in the next round of the competition.

There was also a cup shock at Wanstead Flats where Division One side Something From Nothing were up against it with the visit of last season’s double winners, Belfry. A close game saw SFN produce a terrific display and ultimately came out on the right side of a 3-2 win to knock out their higher league opposition. It was also a good for Aveley Under 23s who started their cup quest with a home fixture against Emerson & Upminster, coming through that local derby with a win under their belts, the Millers winning 4-2 to set up a home clash against Unitey next month.

Cowley Community, last season’s Trophy finalists, kept their county cup form in good shape following elevation to the Cup and came through narrow winners in an all-EAL derby fixture, beating London Park City 2 – 1 at Fords to progress to a home tie against Leytonstone United.

Another all-EAL tie at Fords saw hosts RC XI up against fellow Premier Division level side CSM London. It was a triumph for the “West” side in the game as CSM London completed a 3 – 1 win and will now face a local derby in the next round with a trip to London Cranes. Barkingside Under 23s complete the action in the first round and it will be a day they might want to forget as their participation came to an end at home against EOFL side Collier Row at Nutter Lane. Row were solid 6 – 0 winners to end ‘Side participation and progress forwards themselves.

In the day’s only Essex Junior Trophy action, Collier Row Reserves completed a Row double against EAL sides as they ended Glendale’s participation in the competition for another season, defeating the Dales in a 4-0 win at Fairlop Oak.

The London Junior Cup action saw a clean sweep for our league sides with Unitey producing a cup giant killing as the Division One side hosted and defeated an out of sorts Wapping side to put them name into the hat for the next round, winning 5 – 2 on the day. Soul are into the hat for the second round but had to overcome a tough battle with fellow east London side Adamant to secure their place, coming through in a shootout victory after the game had ended 3-3 at full-time.

It was a similar story for Rapid Chingford as the Senior Division side were taken all the way by Premier Division Wanstead with that game also ending in a 3-3 scoreline. Rapid held their nerve to book their place in the next round, winning the penalty shootout. The final game of the day saw a win for Division One’s Forest Green in yet another all-EAL fixture, the hosts seeing off St Francis from Division Two over in Leyton to make their own progress through, 5-2 the winning scoreline for Green on the day.

End

Guest Blog 22/23: Essex Alliance Lge (Wed 24-Sat 27 Aug) [EAL 22/23 30.8.22]

Hello and welcome to the third week season in the Essex Alliance League, as the Senior Division continued last weekend, with the other divisions due to start next month. My thanks in advance to the EAL’s Rob Parker, as ever.. Thank you for reading

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With Introduction & additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Wednesday 25 – Saturday 27 August

Frenford Dev v Spartans from Thurs night (Image by Scott W)

SENIOR DIVISION

Another busy week in the Essex Alliance League saw three fixtures in midweek where, firstly, FC Baresi moved to the top of the standings on Wednesday night as they took on fellow unbeaten side Oakside in their game at Wodson Park. Jahvid Irish struck for ‘Side but a quintet of goals from Tyreece Robertson, Edson Lami, Munnir Saad, Paul Benfield and Raymond Poku gave Baresi a 5 – 1 success.

Some rare Thursday night action took place at The Drive where Chadwell Heath Spartans secured their first win of the campaign against Frenford Development in a terrific contest. A terrific Jamie Pooley goal and Samir Aboulainaf effort gave Spartans a 2-0 lead at the break before a wonderful Wisley Baltazar goal from range brought Frenford back in it, only for Daniel Wheeler to net late on and make it 3-1 to the visitors. Non-League writer Scott W was there here’s his report: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/08/26/s22-23-match-report-frenford-dev-1-3-chadwell-heath-spartans-thurs-25-aug-eal/

On Friday night, it was a great night for Lymore Gardens under the lights of Coles Park as they peppered the Kit Out London goal to record an 8 – 0 success and remain unbeaten. Tyrique Peters, Andre Rashford and Adam Tebbani all scored twice each with Inarhu Martin and George Dwobeng goals giving their side the points in comprehensive fashion.

Saturday’s action saw FC Petrocub go top of the table after four games as they took maximum points from their home game against Oakside in Noak Hill. The hosts were 4 – 0 winners on the day to make it three wins from four from their solid start to the season. Just behind the leaders, by a single point, Brimsdown sit second after their opening four games, remaining unbeaten too as they recorded an opening 2 – 0 victory against Crookz United in their first competitive home match at Wormley Playing Fields. Jacob Wint scored twice, netting both of this sides’ goals as they recorded win number two this season.

Walthamstow Reserves also remain unbeaten after three games as their second win of the season was wrapped up with a hard fought 3 – 2 win at Wadham Lodge, defeating winless Rapid Chingford in the process. Dragos Aenasoaie scored both of the Rapid goals but his efforts were in vain as ‘Stow goals from Elijah Grant (2) & Callum Malcolm saw them prevail.

After a difficult start, Jolof Sports have recorded their first win of the new season as they came through in a 1 – 0 success in their away trip to Lakeside for Chadwell Heath Spartans’ first outing at their new home ground. Abdou Sow netted the only goal of the game during the second half to secure three points for his side. Over at Barking & Dagenham College, the division’s two draw specialists so far, Dagenham United and Sporting Hackney, ended their clash level at 2 – 2 with Cain Dash’s brace equalled by Parrots’ strikes from Richard Balogun and Ross Murphy. That confirmed United’s fourth successive draw and their opponent’s second.

Guest Blog 22/23: Essex Alliance League (Sat 13 Aug) [EAL 22/23 15.8.22]

Hello and welcome to the new season in the Essex Alliance League, as the Senior Division (top-tier) started last weekend. The interesting bit of information is that the EAL have extended their top division to encompass 17 clubs now, with Brimsdown coming down from Eastern Senior South. There are four promoted sides from last term’s Premier division – Frenford Development, Oakside, Crookz Utd & Dagenham Utd. Also joining the top tier are May & Baker Res & Walthamstow Res, who both competed in the Essex Senior Reserve League last term.

My thanks in avance to the EAL’s Rob Parker for allowing me to post this round-up. Thank you for reading

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With Introduction & additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 13 August

SENIOR DIVISION

The new Essex Alliance League season is underway with the Senior Division’s earliest start seeing eight fixtures on a scorching opening weekend of action.

On Friday night, FC Petrocub made a terrific start to their season against one of the bookies’ contenders for the title as they defeated Jolof Sports at Mayesbrook Park in a 5 – 0 scoreline. They were ahead early with two penalties and didn’t relinquish that position to win comprehensively to top the table on night one.

Over at Coles Park, Lymore Gardens’ first game at their new home ground saw them in action in front of a big crowd, Crookz United the first to visit in their maiden game at this level. Abdouaziz Jeng put United ahead early in the game to lead at the break but a George Dwobeng effort in the second half from Garden meant they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

The most emphatic result came at Wodson Park where FC Baresi’s tenure at Ware saw them rattle ten goals past Blue Marlin on the opening weekend. Tyreece Robertson scored a hat-trick, Ali Shikheey and Paul Benfield netted a brace each with Korede Da Silva, Raymond Poku and Edson Lami all netting in an emphatic 10 – 1 success.

The goals were also flying in over at Noak Hill 3G where Kit Out London and May & Baker Reserves repeated their draw from pre-season though this time a 3-3 scoreline. Darius Egualeonan had a first game to remember as his hat-trick gave Bakers a share of the points following their maiden voyage in the competition. Kit Out responded through two goals by Alex Solomon and one from Rio Mudlar-Hedley

Two of last season’s title chasers, Chadwell Heath Spartans and Woodford East, faced each other in their first game of the season at Chigwell Hall and there was little between the sides as just one goal was enough to separate the teams by full-time. East’s Ben Smith was the man to make the difference on the day as his goal gave Woodford a 1 – 0 success.

Oakside’s first game in the top flight saw them face a tricky trip to West Thurrock as they took on Rapid Chingford at Lakeside in scorching conditions. A five goal thriller was ensued between the sides as ‘Side’s secured their first win in a 3-2 success to give them the best possible start to their season.

Over at Wadham Lodge, two of the division’s new entrants met as Walthamstow Reserves opened their campaign with the visit of last season’s Premier Division champions, Frenford Development. A close game was settled by Elijah Grant’s decisive strike to give Walthamstow a 1-0 success.

The final game saw another new ground in use in the league as Barking & Dagenham College saw hosts Dagenham United in action for the first time in the Senior Division with a tough looking opening day clash against relegated Brimsdown who moved down from step six last season. A close game saw the sides finish at 1-1 with Fredericus Cunningham netting for Dagenham for their goal.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 33 – Sat 16 Apr) [EAL 21-22 19.4.22]

Action Still from Woodford East 0 – 2 Sungate in EPC Final on Wed 13 April [Image by Scott W]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 16 April. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 16 April

COUNTY CUP

Wednesday night saw the much-anticipated conclusion of the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup competition where Woodford East were representing the league in the final against Sungate at Billericay Town’s New Lodge ground. Woodford had the best of the first half chances, shading the half. Sungate were much improved in the second period and took a lead with a great strike on the hour mark by George Johnson, holding onto their lead well and then netting a deserved second thanks to substitute Arif Mustapha just before the end as ‘Gate won 2-0 to lift the cup. East can hold their heads high after a wonderful run in the competition and not looking out of place in the final.

If you’ like more on this match, NonLeague writers Scott W & Pete Dudley were both in attendance, here are their reports

Scott: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/14/s21-22-match-report-woodford-east-0-2-sungate-epc-final-wed-13-apr/

Pete: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/sungate-2-woodford-east-0.html

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

There was further midweek action on Wednesday night as Lymore Gardens took on Chigwell Town in the quarter finals of the cup at Cricklefields. Lymore were in fine form and secured their place in the last four with a 4 – 0 winning performance, Richie Dorcas, Dylan Roberts and Alex Coster all getting on the score-sheet as they await the winner from the other last eight tie.

DIVISION ONE CUP

It was semi-final Saturday in the Division One Cup competition over the weekend as both games took place simultaneously, the first seeing Barkingside A looking to overcome indifferent league form in a local derby game against Wanstead. A seven goal thriller saw Ali Rajim score two and James Blewitt one for ‘Side but their efforts proved not quite enough as Wanstead responded through a Edson Lami treble & one from Segio Lourenco to win 4 – 3 and take their place in the final.

In the other semi-final, over in Dagenham, it was a battle between league champions Belfry and RCXI for the right to take on Wanstead in the final in May and this one also so a close game. But Belfry goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne were the difference in the end between the sides as the hosts won 2 – 0 to keep hopes alive of a league and cup double.

SENIOR DIVISION

A huge week in the Senior Division title race has seen DTFC put one hand on the coveted silverware after they produced a winning performance in a crucial trip to Chadwell Heath Spartans. A late, late goal was the only difference between the sides as Kazim Bishop netted that all important effort to win the game 1 – 0, moving them four points clear of the chasing pack. A win this Wednesday evening will be enough to see DT lift the crown.

The importance of that goal was emphasised even further as news came in from Noak Hill where Woodford East were in town to take on FC Petrocub, the Essex and London cup finalists meeting in a crucial league encounter. Connor Brathwaite found the back of the net for Woodford but Petrocub were in fine form ahead of their big occasion and netted twice to win the game 2 – 1, putting a huge dent in the title race.

Jolof Sports have moved up to fourth spot in the table with four games to go, leaping above Lymore Gardens following a hard fought 2 – 1 win away at Chigwell Town on Saturday afternoon. Joshua Kweifio-Okai and Papa Ndiaye both struck for Jolof with Ryan Gurry scoring the Town goal in reply as the hosts walked away with the points.

An important point was earned by Tower United in their battle to avoid the drop into the Premier Division as they took a share of the spoils in an exciting 3 – 3 draw away at Rapid Chingford over at Lakeside. Abdullah Jama scored a hat-trick in a fine performance but Sorin Tudose, Andrei Boga and Vlad Bucur goals ensured the hosts took a share of the spoils.

PREMIER DIVISION

The race for promotion into the National League System continues to hot up in the Premier Division with a key game on Saturday seeing Oakside taking on Crookz United in Collier Row. With games in hand, both sides still retain hopes of a top three finish but had to settle for a point each as the game finished in a 1 – 1 draw, keeping them fourth and fifth respectively.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, there was just the one game also as Cowley Community made the trip to east London to take on Kwanzas London Sport, the former knowing they still remain favourites for the runners-up position. But they didn’t get everything their own way and had to settle for a 1 – 1 draw with Anthony Conteh scoring for Cowley. They sit just a point outside of the promotion places with two games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

The title race is reaching a conclusion in Division Two as Fairlop Rovers moved to the cusp of silverware following a solid victory over the weekend, beating Newbury East 5 – 1 in Hainault. Sehraan Hussain struck for the visitors but Rovers scored five of their own, meaning they can win the league with a double header success next weekend. That outcome was made possible following an exhilarating game in Rainham where Redbridge Community secured a terrific three point haul with a 5 – 3 win against cup finalists, Rainham Working Mens Club. Sean Tormey scored twice and Cameron Shakes once but their efforts were not enough as Redbridge ran in five goals of their own to take the points.

There was another huge result at the bottom of the table where St Francis moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, picking up a fifth league win following a 3 – 0 away win at Fords against Old Esthameians. Skye Salmon, Martin Valkov and Abdullah Azizi were the Saints scorers for a vital points haul.

The division’s other game was another goal-filled encounter as Loughton Lions and Royal Forest met in Debden for a local derby game between two sides who know each other well. The sides shared six goals with the game ending in a 3 – 3 scoreline with Joe Meader netting twice for Forest & Joe Owers got the other goal. Lions moved to eleventh with four games left in their campaign while Royal Forest look comfortable in ninth.

DIVISION THREE

The huge game in Division Three saw FC Baresi Under 23s and Old Barkabbeyans Reserves battle it out for pole position in the race for the title. Old Barks started their final game with a four point advantage but an FC Baresi 6 – 4 success saw the latter put one hand on the trophy, now needing one victory from their last three games. Jay Elliott scored a hat-trick and Michael Ryder one for Old Barks with Joshua Adu (2), Maamoon Khan, Harrez Aliane, Zach Aliane and Hamza Shire all netting in reply.

Fourth placed Lymore Gardens Reserves gave themselves a great opportunity of holding on to that position come the end of the season as their second to last game of the campaign saw them secure a 4 – 1 win at Royal Forest Reserves in Hainault. Richard Grove scored for the hosts but four Garden goals courtesy of Warren Isoka, Rob Small, Tafari Miller and Raheem Sinclair were more than enough to take the points.

Together United are another side in with a shout of a top four finish this season as their penultimate league game saw them pick up all three points with an away success against Flyers Under 23s at King Georges. A 4-0 win was enough to add win number ten to their solid record this campaign and move to within two points of fourth spot.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 29 – Sat 19 Mar) [EAL 21-22 21.3.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 19 March. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 19 March

COUNTY CUP

It was another great afternoon in outside competitions for our clubs as FC Petrocub returned to the London Junior Cup final for the second time in successive seasons with a 2 – 1 win away at Yorxeter on Saturday. Many congratulations to Adrian and his team who, I’m sure, will want to go one better than last year and lift the trophy. They take on London Hibernian in the showpiece final on Friday 29^th April at Haringey Borough FC.

FENTON CUP

Another side just a game away from a showpiece final of their own is Frenford A who have made the draw for the semi-final of the Fenton Cup with a terrific away victory, defeating Crookz United 4 – 1 to book their place. Goals from Callum Alexander, Tiwa Owifuwa, Isima Iguisi and Omotola Oyerokun were enough to confirm a home semi final against top flight side, Rapid Chingford in coming weeks.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

The Senior Division Cup action also continued at the weekend with Tower United looking to cause a surprise as they entertained leaders DTFC at Mabley Green. In an extremely close game, it took just a single goal to separate the sides and that moment went to Bailey Hossack of DTFC who netted to put his side through 1 – 0 into the semi-finals.

DIVISION ONE CUP

A similarly close Division One Cup quarter-final was witnessed over in Wanstead where a local derby game saw Something From Nothing make the short trip to Barkingside A with both sides looking to continue cup quests. A tight game ended 2 – 2 with Josh Rowe and Sebastian Ramirez scoring for the hosts meaning a dreaded shootout was required and it was hosts ‘Side held their nerve in that, going through 7 – 6 to now face Wanstead in the last four.

DIVISION TWO CUP

Three out of four semi-final places are now secured in the Division Two Cup where Rainham Working Mens Club booked themselves into another semi-final after a solid 3 – 1 victory away at Redbridge Community at Castle Green. Nathan Wilson scored twice and Josh Perry grabbed the other to put their side into a last four place against Loughton Lions.

It was a tense affair in the other quarter final where Unitey were the visitors to Hainault to take on Fairlop Rovers with the sides combining to produce a 1 – 1 draw at full-time as Harry Rouse netted for Rovers and Peter Spencer struck for Unitey. Despite a recent shootout success for Rovers, it was Unitey this time who held their nerve to win it 3 – 2 and progress on.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was quarter finals day for two of Division Four’s leading clubs as Chingford Harriers took on Fairlop Rovers Reserves at Peter May, going in search of a semi-final spot against Emerson & Upminster A. With the sides finishing locked at 1 – 1 at full-time, Gerard O’Hara netting for the hosts, a third shootout of the day was required and Harriers held their nerve to win it 4 – 3 from the spot to put them into the semi-finals.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results affecting both ends of the Senior Division table, firstly as Jolof Sports lost ground on the sides above as they fell to defeat against third placed Lymore Gardens in their clash in Leyton. Ryo Brown and Tyrique Peters both struck for Lymore to see them walk away 2 – 1 victors and move third in the standings. At the other end of the table, Chigwell Town’s late quest to avoid the drop got a massive boost with an away victory against fellow strugglers Blue Marlin in the Hainault derby match. A goal apiece from Phorell Brooke and Harry Tew-Robinson were enough to edge them to a 2 – 1 win, taking them off of the bottom for the first time in a while and just three points adrift of safety with seven games to go.

The other top flight game also saw plenty of entertainment as FC Baresi and Kit Out London combined for a nine goal thriller at the Britannia, the hosts coming out 5 – 4 winners by full-time. Bashir Ali struck a hat-trick and Ali Shikheey scored twice with Marlon Ortiz netting a hat-trick in reply for Kit Out and Rio Mudhar-Hedley once, those efforts proving in vain in the end.

PREMIER DIVISION

Wapping missed the chance to go top of the table at the weekend as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw away at Oakside to keep them sitting second in the standings with a game to go. Andy Adomakoh struck for the hosts but Wapping were able to score one of their own as the sides settled for a share of the spoils by full-time. The other game came from East Ham where London Cranes were the hosts and up against a North East Lions side playing their final league game of the campaign. Cranes started the day six points adrift of their opponents but they had cut that to three by full-time as Mathius Sendawula scored to help his side win 2 – 1, despite a Taylor Mitchell goal for the visitors.

DIVISION ONE

The headline game in Division One came from Newbury Park where the top two, Cowley Community and Belfry, faced off once again, the former knowing that a win was the only outcome that would put significant pressure on the leaders. But a dramatic last few minutes put paid to their efforts as Belfry scored late on to win it 3 – 1 with Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Kieran James netting. That result enabled a couple of sides to close the gap on the promotion places with Ilford Reserves surge up the table continuing on the back of a solid victory away at Kwanzas London Sport where they were 3 – 0 winners. Rhys Clements, Abdul Cheraitia and Joseph Sulola all got on the scoresheet to keep their side placed for a promotion push.

Fourth placed RCXI are similarly well placed to pounce on any slip ups by sides above as they made no mistake with their win against Forest Green, winning 6 – 0 on the road to take the points home with them. Daniel Williams and Michael Temitayo both scored twice with Tosin Blacky and Oluwaseun Koya also finding the back of the net. Over at the Marshes, a close game between Francis Luke and Newham Wanderers saw the sides separated by just a single goal, despite Wanderers holding an eighteen point advantage over their opponents. But it was Wanderers who strolled away with three points with Mahein Zaman netting that only goal to win it 1 – 0.

DIVISION TWO

The Division Two matches both saw goal-filled contests with Ryan Under 23s adding to their points tally with a three-point haul in Hainault against FHN Athletic. Ryan were 4 – 2 winners on the day, completing an eighth league win of the season and moving level on points with their opponents in the process too. The other game in the division saw a combined seven goals as Loughton Lions were the visitors to Royal Forest for a local IG10 derby fixture. The two teams started the day just three points apart but that was increased to six by full-time as Royal Forest won the game 5 – 2 to pick up win number seven this season.

DIVISION THREE

FC Baresi Under 23s have returned to the top of the table in Division Three as they took full advantage of the previous leaders being out of action to move top themselves, with a game in hand, after a 5 – 3 win at home against Melbourne Sports. Zach Aliane was in fine form, striking a hat-trick with Joshua Adu and Tayyab Mahmood also on target to keep them in pole position.

It’s as you were in the middle of the table as Together United remained fifth with a 4 – 1 home win at the weekend as they beat ASA at Peter May. That victory puts them just a point behind the Mels with a game in hand, that being Together’s ninth league success of the season following elevation over the summer. Lymore Gardens Reserves remain level on points with Together but with an inferior goal difference though they did boost that somewhat with a solid win against second bottom Flyers Under 23s on Saturday, winning 5 – 2 at King George’s in Romford to confirm a ninth win of their own.

Over in Hainault, bottom of the table Terin will be pleased with their efforts as they secured just their second ever win, defeating Glendale at Fairlop Oak with a late goal. The Dales will rue a host of missed chances before being punished to the fullest extent, Okey Obialo following up on a defensive error to net the only goal of the game in a 1-0 scoreline.

DIVISION FOUR

There was a huge twist in the race for the title in Division Four on Saturday as Dagenham United Reserves pulled off a huge win, defeating second placed Sporting Pillars 3 – 2 at Castle Green to put the race back into Harrier hands. Dagenham’s win was their eighth of the season which leaves Sporting a point off the top with two games left to play in what is sure to be a dramatic conclusion. Cup finalists, Flyers Under 21s, kept their strong momentum push going with a 2-1 away win against Newham & Havering Borough at the weekend, retaining their hold on fourth spot going into the last couple of fixtures. Jake Atherton and Luke Foster both came off the bench to score with Alexander Gerada striking the Borough goal in reply.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 28 – Sat 12 Mar) [EAL 21-22 15.3.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 12 March. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 12 March

FENTON CUP

The penultimate semi final place was up for grabs on Saturday as Division One’s RCXI made a tough looking trip to top flight Jolof Sports, the holders of the trophy. A seven-goal thriller was produced by the two sides with Jolof made to go all the way before coming out 4 – 3 victors as Abib Diop, Serigne Samb, Papa Ndiaye and Bogdan Ursica all netted to book a home semi final versus DTFC. Oluwaseun Koya scored all three RC XI goals in reply.

FENTON TROPHY

It was semi-finals day in the Fenton Trophy competition as the first ever finalists were confirmed following two tight games. Over in Hainault, Fairlop Rovers entertained Rainham Working Mens Club as the two sides battled to a 1 – 1 draw at full-time, Nick Tormey the Workies goalscorer. But it was Rovers who held their nerve in the shootout, winning 4 – 3 on spot-kicks to confirm their first final!

A couple of miles away in Newbury Park, there was another all-Division Two battle as Old Esthameians hosted Unitey in their own semi-final as both sides took their part in a five-goal thriller. Devontae Young and Ahmed Dousa scored for Unitey but two Neil Robinson strikes and a Nelson Goncalves goal were enough to secure a 3 – 2 win for Old E’s and through to their second cup final with the league.

DIVISION TWO CUP

In the Division Two Cup, it was quarter finals day for two clubs as an improving Loughton Lions side took to the field to face FHN Athletic. And despite Lions having an eleven league point deficit, they were comfortable winners in this tie, winning it 5 – 2 to book a home semi-final against either Redbridge Community or Rainham Working Mens Club.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

Another semi-final was completed in the Division Four Cup which saw Flyers Under 21s make the long trip to east London to take on title favourites Sporting Pillars at Ive Farm. An expectedly tight game was produced but it was fourth placed Flyers who took the accolades, with goals from Bradley Maycock and Alex Grant overcoming a goal from the experienced Chris Rowlatt to win 2 – 1.

SENIOR DIVISION

In the Senior Division, it remains tight at the top with just a three-point gap between the leaders as DT FC ensured they remained top with another high scoring victory on Saturday against Tower United. Alex Paraskeva bagged himself a hat-trick with Robbie Farrell and Harry Watkins goals giving the hosts a 5 – 1 win. Michael Brown was the Tower scorer for their consolation effort. Second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans maintained the pressure on the leaders with a victory of their own, taking home all three points from their trip to Chigwell Town in a 2-0 scoreline. Elie Fanga and Harry Payne both got on the scoresheet to keep Spartans within three points reach and with that all important battle between the top two to come.

Woodford East are still well within reach themselves but will need to convert games in hand to victories as they continue their quest on multiple fronts. They were able to pick up another three points with a tight 2 – 1 win against Blue Marlin as Frank Glock and Billy Barr both netted to secure a tenth league win of the season. Ronaldo Lleshi got the goal for Marlin. In the big Noak Hill derby, Kit Out London were in action as the hosts, taking on their co-tenants London Cup semi-finalists FC Petrocub. Ahead of that big match next weekend, it was FC Petrocub who walked away with the points on Saturday, winning the game 3 – 1 to earn an eighth league win and keeping them comfortably placed in sixth.

At the other end of the table, a crucial battle between two sides eager to stay in the division saw Rapid Chingford in town to take on CSM London, both needing the points. An entertaining game finished 3 – 2 to Rapid as Andrei Boga’s brace and a Vlad Bucur goal were enough to overcome CSM goals from Plamedi Kinkela and Abdi Karim.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A have moved a step closer to confirming their place in the Senior Division following a solid 3 – 0 win at the weekend against fellow promotion contenders Crookz United at The Drive. Daniel Francis, Damilola Olaiya and Joel Opara all netted in a win means they are now one victory away from completing at least a top three finish and three further victories will be enough for the title outright. The closer contenders for the title appear to be Oakside presently who are catching up on games and moved to within twelve points of the top of the table with three games in hand after they picked up a terrific home win, beating Dagenham United 5 – 1 in Hainault. Charlie Fiander got on the Dagenham scoresheet but his efforts proved in vain.

Wapping remain just two points off the lead but from two games more than their rivals, having picked up their tenth league win of the season on Saturday, beating London Cranes 3 – 1 in East Ham. Muhammad Mikaeel, Jordon Mills-Smith and Shamsun Noor were the Wapping scorers as they kept their hopes alive. In the bottom half, London Park City kept their slim hopes alive of remaining in the second tier as they picked up a valuable point against North East Lions in a 1 – 1 draw. Nester Boansi struck the Lions goal but City also struck to ensure they shared the points. City will know that other results will have to go their way to avoid the drop this season.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry are now just a couple of wins away from confirming at least promotion after they racked up win number fourteen with a big 7 – 1 home victory against Something From Nothing at May & Bakers. Kieran James’ fine form continued with a hat-trick for his side with Ryan O’Connell netting two, the scoresheet completed by goals from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne. Khai Bailey struck the SFN consolation goal in reply.

The two are set to meet next weekend with Cowley Community warming up for that clash with a strong performance of their own on Saturday, defeating Renegade 3 – 0 at Hackney Marshes. Elias Tackie, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright all found the back of the net for the county cup finalists to ensure they remain in touch with their rivals at the top. Ilford Reserves have been in a good vain of form in recent weeks and are now up to third in the standings after they defeated Forest Green 4 – 0 in their home clash on Saturday. A pair of braces from Rhys Clements and Serghei Scupoi were the difference between the sides as the Foxes maintained their outside hopes of promotion with five games to go.

Fifth placed Wanstead will still have a say in that battle after they returned to winning ways over the weekend with a 5 – 3 home win against Francis Luke at the Flats. Jahvarn Steward scored twice and Kennerly Cassius once for Luke but two Edson Lami goals and efforts from Jake Nicolas, Mohamed Solaimani and Zoltan Balogh proved enough to earn their team some valuable points.

Also at the Flats, a local derby game saw Barkingside A making the short trip to face Newham Wanderers with the teams starting the game ten points apart. That was extended to thirteen as Wanderers won 4 – 0 though two goals from Mahein Zaman and singles from Robertson Morais and Michael Sarpong, leaving ‘Side still in danger of relegation.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Redbridge Community put a serious dent in Emerson & Upminster Reserves’ promotion push as the eighth placed side defeated their visitors in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Reece Stringer got himself on the Emerson scoresheet but his effort wasn’t enough as the hosts completed their sixth league win of the season.

It was the battle of the bottom two in the division’s other contest and what a game it was as St Francis and Newbury East both led at various stages of their game at the Flats. Eventually, the two had to settle on a point apiece in a 4 – 4 draw. Francesco Di Giovanni scored twice while Aenayat Nesari and Lewis Goulbourne scored the others to give Saints a point.

DIVISION THREE

The big game of the day in Division Three came from Hainault where it was first versus second as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves strived to hold onto top spot in their game against Royal Forest Reserves. And it was the league leaders who walked away the happier of the sides as goals from Daniel Margiotta, Mitchell Day and Mehdi Ahorbi were enough to take a 3 – 0 win home with them. That result enabled FC Baresi Under 23s to move into second spot as they made the trip to Hackney to face ASA at the Marshes. A close game saw the promotion favourites secure a 2 – 1 victory, a goal apiece from Daniel Adutwum and Harrez Aliane the difference between the sides to confirm a vital three points in their quest for the title. Atif Haider got the solitary reply for ASA.

Two of the sides in mid-table, Together United and Lymore Gardens Reserves, met in Leyton with the sides starting the game level on points. And that was exactly the way it ended with the sides finishing level at 2 – 2 to share the spoils. Richie Dorcas and Warren Isoka were the scorers for the hosts while Together remain one position higher on goal difference. Buckhurst Way have moved to within four points of that mid-table cluster of clubs, albeit from two games more, after they earned win number seven on Saturday with a 3 – 1 away victory at Glendale over in Hainault. They led 1-0 at the break and extended that to three early in the second half before Matt King’s first goal for Glendale made it interesting but Way held firm to take home the points.

The game between bottom of the table Terin and Flyers Under 23s saw the latter go into the game knowing they had to secure at least a point to remain, mathematically, in the race to avoid the drop. Neither side were able to make a breakthrough in ninety minutes as the game ended in a goalless draw. Flyers must now win all of their remaining games and hope for a sizeable goal difference swing.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four came from Rainham where Newham & Havering Borough were in action with a home game against West Essex Under 23s, the latter’s final game of their debut campaign. West ended the season in fine style, winning the game 5 – 1 to record a fifth league win. George Sadler-Stephens scored twice while Aytan Cohen, Javen Cole and Joel Hart all netted too.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 26 – Sat 26 Feb) [EAL 21-22 28.2.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 26 February. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 26 February

COUNTY CUP

As the winter months of the season came to a close, it was a memorable afternoon under brighter skies for Cowley Community, who dramatically came from behind in their semi-final to defeat Brentwood Athletic Reserves once again, repeating their feats of exactly two years ago and reaching the final of this season’s Essex Junior Trophy. Elias Tackie and Inarhu Rodriguez Martin both struck to send their team into another county final which they hope, this time, will finally see them kick a ball. They now face former EAL side Haver Town Reserves at Heybridge Swifts on Friday 1^st April. Many congratulations to all involved at Cowley on reaching this stage of the competition!

It was also a good afternoon’s work in the London Junior Cup competition as last year’s finalists, FC Petrocub, put themselves just one performance away from a return to that same stage, returning home from their epic trip south of the river with another win under their belts, defeating Old Plymouthians 2 – 0. They now head to Wimbledon-based Yorxeter in three weeks time for their semi-final clash.

FENTON CUP

Back on the domestic cup front, it was quarter final action facing two of our clubs as Division One’s Barkingside A were looking to repeat their efforts of the previous stage, facing another Senior Division opponent this time around in the form of Rapid Chingford. It was the higher placed side who walked away with a spot in the semis as Sorin Tudose struck twice, adding to efforts from Federico Ardei and Andrei Boga as Rapid won it 4 – 0.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

The quarter final action extended down into the Senior Division Cup competition also where the first of the last eight ties saw FC Baresi make the trip to the Marshes to face Woodford East. And it was East who warmed up in positive fashion for their county cup semi final by winning this tie 3 – 0. Adam Tabbani, Frank Glock and Liam Adams were all on the scoresheet to send their team through.

DIVISION TWO CUP

There were two first round clashes in the Division Two Cup competition where struggling St Francis found themselves in a terrific position early in their tie against title challengers Fairlop Rovers. The Saints were 2 – 0 up thanks to goals from Lewis Goulbourne and Theo Jacobs-Aaron before a Rovers fightback saw them level and then go into the lead themselves, eventually winning the tie narrowly 3 – 2. They now host Unitey in the last eight shortly.

The goals were flying in over in the Rainham where Royal Forest were the visitors to face Rainham Working Mens Club. Cameron Shakes scored a hat-trick for the Workies with Tyrell Phillips, Charlie Perry and Odo Osei-Tutu goals wrapping up a 6 – 1 home win to send their side to Redbridge Community in the quarter finals.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results in the Senior Division action over the weekend too as the title race was opened right up following a terrific victory for Jolof Sports in their home game against DTFC in East Ham. The hosts were 2 – 1 winners on the day as Abib Diop and Joshua Kweifio-Okai goals cancelled out an Alex Paraskeva effort to give their side a ninth win of the campaign. Over in Chigwell, that result was equally as big for Chadwell Heath Spartans but only if they could convert their efforts into three points against a struggling Tower United side. In a tight affair, it was finally decided by a single goals as Tom Callagher’s effort earned Spartans a vitally important 1 – 0 win to see them move level on points at the top of the standings.

The highest scorers of the day in the division were Kit Out London who came from behind at half time against CSM London to earn themselves a 7 – 3 victory at Noak Hill. Goals from Prince Esanbor, Zakaria Ahmed and Kamran Khan had put CSM into a 3-2 lead at the break but a Kit Out hat-trick from Marlon Ortiz plus goals from Aourid Ismael, Marios Lazaris, Yasin Zougui and debutant Salim won it. Over at Leyton County Ground, Lymore Gardens remain third in the table as they came through their home clash against bottom of the table Chigwell Town in a 2 – 0 scoreline, picking up an eleventh league win in the process. Tyrique Peters and Dylan Roberts were the Gardens scorers, eventually prevailing against a Town side desperate for points in their bid to stay in the division.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A are now just a couple of wins away from confirming a promotion place in the Premier Division and took a big leap towards that following a hugely important 2 – 1 win on Saturday against local rivals Oakside at the Jack Carter. Wisley Baltazar found the back of the net for the leaders as they moved to eleven wins for the campaign.

One of the other big challengers for honours are Crookz United and their game on Saturday saw them visit London Cranes in East Ham, a game which turned into a five-goal thriller. Two Abdouaziz Jeng goals and an Anthony Folkes effort proved vital for United as they edged the contest 3 – 2 to keep themselves well in the mix. A key battle down at the bottom end of the table on Saturday saw London Park City in action at home against Athletic Newham Under 23s with the hosts knowing they need to expand their points tally to avoid the dreaded drop. But Athletic Newham won this key battle 3 – 2, thanks to a double from Bryan Henry and an additional goal from Rodney Botuli, moving themselves up a place to sixth in the process.

DIVISION ONE

There were exhilarating contests in Division One this weekend where we start the round-up from the game between a struggling Francis Luke side and Kwanzas London Sport at the Marshes. The sides combined to produce a very rare fifteen goal thriller with Kwanzas ultimately edging the game 8 – 7. Francis Luke’s Jahvarn Steward, who incredibly scored all seven goals for his side, will wonder how he ended up on the losing side. The league leaders were involved in an epic battle of their own, part of a twelve-goal contest against fifth-placed Wanstead in their clash at May & Bakers. The sides went toe-to-toe in trading blows before Belfry eventually pulled away to win this classic contest 8 – 4. Solomon Ogunwomoju struck a hat-trick, Jamie Redington and Kieran James scoring twice, and Gabriel Ogunwomoju once to maintain their position as the highest ranked unbeaten side in the county.

A relatively quiet game in the scoring stakes saw Something From Nothing make the trip to Hainault at the weekend to face an in-form Ilford Reserves side, jostling for league points in the mid-table mix. SFN started the day four points adrift of their opponents but two Temi Alaka goals cancelled out an Adam Motara effort for the Foxes as they won 2 – 1 to move to within a single point. A similarly close game saw two of the sides battling it out to steer clear of relegation difficulties go head-to-head with ninth placed Renegades playing host to tenth placed Forest Green. Praise The Lord Masasu grabbed a goal for the hosts but Green were able to level it up at 1 – 1 to ensure the teams took a share of the spoils.

DIVISION TWO

Emerson & Upminster Reserves have put themselves in with a big shout of promotion this season in Division Two after they took on and defeated fellow promotion chasing Old Esthameians on Saturday, winning the game 4-1 at Hall Lane. Reece Stringer scored twice with Ben Lamb and Jamie Fox goals completing an important win for the hosts. There was a big result for Ryan Under 23s who reversed their fortunes against Loughton Lions in the space of one week, bouncing back from last week’s defeat to see off the Lions in a 5 – 1 scoreline in Debden. That saw Ryan scoop a sixth league win of the season and move up a place to seventh in the standings, giving themselves a nice buffer on the teams below.

Bottom of the table Newbury East have certainly not given up on their chances of staying up but are running out of time to do so as they picked up another league point on Saturday with a 1 – 1 draw against Redbridge Community at Hainault Rec. Habeeb Gayle scored his side’s goal but Redbridge scored one of their own to ensure they moved up a place to ninth.

DIVISION THREE

It’s all change once again at the top of Division Three after Old Barkabbeyans Reserves returned to the summit, for the time being at least, following a hard fought 5 – 3 win against Flyers Under 23s. Fabio Balde netted a hat-trick with Mitchell Day and Geovany Cruz goals taking the visitors over the line ahead of a big game next week against their closest rivals. Third placed Royal Forest Reserves will be hoping for a draw in that top of the table game next weekend to bring them back into the frame and they ensured they will be there or thereabouts with a bounceback win on Saturday, defeating ASA 1 – 0 at Fairlop Oak. Will Asenso scored that only goal of the game to net his team a crucial win in the promotion race.

One pitch further over at Fairlop Oak, there was a real game of two halves involving two mid-table outfits as Lymore Gardens Reserves raced into an early 3 – 0 lead against Glendale through goals from Ryan Sylvester, Omani Green and Warren Isoka. But the Dales stepped it up in the second period with Zack Clark’s long distance effort finding the top corner and Joshua Adeojo striking too but it proved not enough as Lymore won 3-2 to confirm an eighth league win. In the division’s final game, two further sides locked in mid-table saw Together United make the trip to Bancroft Rugby Club to take on Buckhurst Way, the sides starting just three points apart. But by full-time, Together had extended that lead to six points as they walked away with a 2 – 1 win on the day, despite a Tom Richardson goal for Way.

DIVISION FOUR

In day’s sole Division Four action came from Rainham where Newham & Havering Borough were in home action with a clash against Avondale Rangers, starting the day level on points in mid-table. Borough goals from Andrew Elie and Reece Victory were equalled by goals from Mark Hayden and James Whitbread in an eventual 2 – 2 draw, ending the day back where they had started, level on points once again.

Fixtures – Saturday 5th March (Season Run-in begins)

EAL Senior Division

Blue Marlin v FC Petrocub | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

FC Baresi v DT FC | at Lakeside Sports Ground (2.30pm KO)

Lymore Gardens v CSM London | Leyton County Ground

EAL Premier Division

Crookz Utd v North East Lions | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow

Dagenham Utd v Athletic Newham U23 | Castle Green Leisure Centre, Dagenham

Oakside v London Cranes | Fairlop Oak

Wapping v London Park City | Victoria Park, E9

and in Essex Premier Cup Semi-Final: Clapton CFC v Woodford East | Wadham Lodge (2pm KO)

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 20 – Sat 15 Jan) [EAL 21-22 17.1.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League and Cup competitions as well from the first matchday of the New Year on Saturday 15 January 2022. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 15 January 2022

DIVISION ONE CUP

The weekend saw a continuation of the Division One Cup action with the line-up for the quarter finals now complete. Tenth placed Barkingside A are into the hat for the last eight, coming away 3 – 1 winners from their trip to Hackney where they faced Francis Luke. Josh Rowe scored twice and Mohamed Sheikhnor once for ‘Side, Kennerly Cassius netting the Luke goal in reply.

Title favourites, Belfry are also safely through to the quarter finals as they beat the traffic and their opponents to run out 5 – 1 winners away at Kwanzas London Sport over in Beckton. Kieran James has been in good form this season and he scored twice, adding to goals from Luke Macdonald, Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Ryan O’Connell.

The third of the cup ties came from Hainault where Ilford Reserves were in action at London Marathon, facing up to an eleventh placed Forest Green side, those two sides separated by three points going into the game. It proved a tight game with just one goal, scored by the Foxes’ Mario-Angelino Lipetz, accounting for a 1 – 0 Ilford victory.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

There was just one tie completed in the Division Four Cup competition as a local derby saw Chingford Harriers make the short trip to face West Essex Under 23s. And the unbeaten league leaders were the happier side, earning a 4 – 2 win through goals from Gerard O’Hara, William Akins, Darlington Ojo and Edwin Jabbari. Deshaun Johnson and Javen Cole both struck for West in consolation.

League Action – SENIOR DIVISION

DT FC remain top of the Senior Division following the weekend’s results, coming through a well contested game away at Leyton Royal with maximum points to secure themselves a 4 – 2 win. Alex Paraskeva scored twice here for Billy Cove’s new side, with Billy Golledge and Kevin Bondjanga also on target for the Harlow based side. They remain unbeaten and take their points tally to thirty-five, four clear of the chasing pack. Moving up to second in the table, Chadwell Heath Spartans kept their hat in the mix for a title tilt, moving four points behind the leaders with a narrow 3 – 2 win away at CSM London. Meer Ishanzadeh and Spencer Forte both got on the CSM scoresheet but their efforts proved ultimately in vain as Harry Payne struck twice in reply and Bradley Downes also netted to take the win for their side.

FC Petroclub have moved level with fourth placed Woodford East following their seventh league success of the season on Saturday as they took their points tally to twenty five for the season with a 3 – 1 win at home against Tower United. Hamsa Hassan struck for Tower but his goal wasn’t enough as they remain in difficulty, eight points adrift of safety. Sixth placed Jolof Sports had a tough fixture ahead of them on Saturday with the visit of FC Baresi to East Ham in their quest for the title. They followed up their defeat last weekend with just a draw this time around as Paul Benfield netted for the visitors on an eventual 1 – 1 draw. Jolof now sit six points behind the sides around them with five games in hand.

Kit Out London closed the gap in the middle of the table to just a point as they saw off the threat of bottom of the table Chigwell Town at London Marathon. Amalraj Kakumanu, Marioz Lazaris, Ayoub Billouche and Keyshawn Greenaway all found the back of the net as Kit Out won the game 4 – 0 to move away from the relegation places. Over at Lakeside, hosts Rapid Chingford were in action, hosting Blue Marlin with both sides still in a dangerous position near the bottom end of the table. A close game saw the points shared with the match finishing level at 1 – 1. Darwin Romero continued his Rapid scoring streak and Ni Acquaye grabbed the Marlin goal in reply to take something from the game.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A returned to the top of the table over the weekend as they edged a close game away at bottom side London Park City, winning 1 – 0 in Seven Kings. Nesar Torkamani scored the only goal of a tight game to move them back to the top on goal difference, earning a ninth league win of the season in the process. There was a shock result involving second placed Dagenham United who slipped to a 2 – 1 defeat in their away visit to ninth placed London Cranes, putting a dent in their title challenge. Moses Kazibwe scored twice for Cranes with Dante Vincent responding for United, giving Cranes a vital three points in their quest to avoid the drop.

Third placed Crookz United have positioned themselves ready to pounce and put in a spirited performance in defeating All Prospects 11 – 0 at Fairlop Oak. Abdouaziz Jeng scored four goals himself here, Anselmo Gomes bagged a hat-trick, Daniel Gbadeyan a brace, with Kevin Osei and Ousama Bousba goals finishing it off convincingly. Wapping sit just a couple of points further back in the table after the weekend’s round of results as they picked up an impressive 3 – 0 home win against Athletic Newham Under 23s to scoop a sixth win of the season. Jordon Mills-Smith was in fine form yet again, scoring twice, with Muhammad Mikaeel striking the other goal. North East Lions inflicted a first league defeat of the season on visitors Oakside, the Walthamstow based side finding a bit of good form in early 2022 to stay in the top half. Lorenc Hoxha and Joseph Goodall both found the back of the net in a solid 2 – 0 win, giving them a sixth league win of the campaign.

DIVISION ONE

There was plenty of drama in Division One where two games ended in exciting 3 – 3 draws involving sides at the top. Top of the table RCXI were held to such a scoreline in their home game against fourth placed Wanstead as Oluwaseun Koya, Michael Temitayo and Ayo Matthews struck for the leaders. But Wanstead took a point as Suhaib Abeid, Dan Gardner and Zoltan Balogh efforts levelled the game. Second placed Cowley Community were also involved in a six goal thriller of their own as they faced local rivals, Something From Nothing, over at the Flats. This one also finished 3 – 3 as Thomas Bergmann (2) and Temi Alaka strikes for SFN were countered by Cowley goals from Elvis Sheta, Michael Taylor and, of course, Chris Wright.

There was one winning scoreline in the division and that saw somewhat of a shock as Renegade’s positive spell of form was rewarded with a 2 – 1 win at home to Newham Wanderers, moving them up four places to eighth. Manuel Sanuo struck for Wanderers but goals from Foday Jaiteh and Kane Knight ensured the Renegade side got the points.

DIVISION TWO

Unitey remain top of Division Two and they continued their good run of form in the last few weeks but securing their tenth league win of the season, defeating St Francis 4 – 1 to reach the thirty point mark. Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa both scored twice to extend their respective scoring records with Leo Eleftheriou scoring Saints’ sole effort. Third placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves lost a little ground in the race for promotion as they were held to a draw against sixth placed FHN Athletic in the their game in Upminster. Ross Braybrooke got on the Emerson scoresheet to ensure they took a point in a 1 – 1 draw, keeping them well placed. Kieran Mckoy levelled for FHN here.

Old Esthameians made up a little ground with the side above, closing to within a point of Emerson with two games in hand over them, courtesy of a 4 – 2 win at home against Rainham Working Mens Club. Joshua Iyen struck both goals for the Workies but his efforts were not enough as the Newbury Park based hosts ran out winners. There were some crucial wins for teams in the bottom half as Loughton Lions moved 9 points clear of danger after they defeated Newbury East at Oaks Park, edging the game 2 – 1 to make it three wins for the season. Harrison Andrews and Jordan French scored the all important goals, Mohammed Janneh’s effort accounting for East’s consolation.

An equally important result was achieved by Royal Forest who went into their away game against Redbridge Community trailing their opponents by a point in the table. But a 3 – 2 Forest win ensured they leapfrogged their opponents into eighth. Joshua Kane, Joe Owers and Frank Carver all netted for the Trees confirming win number four.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves remain top of the Division Three table but they had a battle on their hands against bottom side Terin, eventually coming through to win 3 – 1 in Barking. Fahad Abdallah scored for the visitors but host goals from Fabio Balde, Geovany Cruz and Rexheinaldo Dauti ensured the points went their way. Royal Forest Reserves have jumped into second place on goal difference following the weekend’s results, coming through a comfortable 4 – 1 win at home against Flyers Under 23s in Hainault. Tom Alexander was in great scoring form, netting a hat-trick, with Will Asenso striking the other to render Mohammad Miah’s goal as just consolation.

Moving up to third, Lymore Gardens Reserves kept themselves well in the mix for the promotion race with an eighth league win of the season as they beat Buckhurst Way 5 – 1 at the County Ground in Leyton. Omani Green netted twice for the hosts here, with further strikes coming thanks to Ryan Sylvester and Alexander Oludairo. That saw the hosts to twenty five points, just two off the top albeit having played more games than their rivals. Tom Glattback responded for Buckhurst here. The division’s second unbeaten side are FC Baresi Under 23s and they faced a trip to Glendale, flying out of the blocks to establish a 6 – 1 half time lead with Joshua Adu scoring a hat-trick, Zach Aliane, Hamza Hafesji and Kii Jean-Baptiste also netting. The Dales did improve as the game went on with it eventually finishing 6-3. Maryis Shamku, Valter Correia and Seyi Agboola all netted in reply for the Dales.

The division’s final game saw fifth meet seventh with Melbourne Sports the visitors to take on Together United at Peter May in Walthamstow. The two sides were well matched and ended up taking a point apiece, the game ending 2 – 2. Fifi Banin and Stanley Kweya scored for Utd here. With games in hand, both teams remain well in the mix for a promotion tilt in the second half of the campaign.

DIVISION FOUR

There were a shed load of goals in Division Four where Fairlop Rovers Reserves re-established their promotion challenge with a solid home victory against an in-form Flyers Under 21s. A 3 – 2 win for Rovers, their seventh of the season, saw them jump up four places in a really tightly contested top end of the table. Billy Ling and Sam Maydell goals accounted for the Flyers’ strikes. Goals were the order of the day over in Dagenham too where Newham & Havering Borough were facing Dagenham United Reserves once again after their success the last time out. But this time the teams couldn’t be separated with the game ending 3 – 3 at full time, both sides dropping down the table a place or two as a result. Courtney Linton scored twice for Borough here, with Andrew Elie also netting The goals for Utd’s second-side were scpred by Cain Dash, Mamadou Soumare and Imad Khan.

Saving the best for last, a nine goal thriller rounds off the action as Avondale Rangers made the trip over to Upminster to face an Emerson & Upminster A side who were locked on the same points starting the day. A terrific 5 – 4 win for Rangers saw them move clear with Jake Clarke (2), Phillip Heinen, Chris Harper and Blaijan Kitufueni all scoring. Philip Cresswell, Robert McKnight, Ryan Whitton and Tashan Diamond scored the Emerson goals in reply.

COUNTY CUP

There was BBC Essex Premier Cup action for Woodford East with a second trip to Braintree to complete their fourth round tie against Dunmow Town after last weekend’s postponement. A real battle saw Dunmow Town eventual prevail from the tie in a 3 – 1 scoreline.