Frenford A – survivor16b

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 36 – Sat 7 May) [EAL 21-22 10.5.22]

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 on Saturday 7 May. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up also includes a mention of Monday night’s solitary match in Senior Divsion. 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 7 May

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

The full line-up for this season’s Premier Division Cup is now known as the second semi-final was completed on Saturday where London Park City were in action once again, taking on London Cranes in Seven Kings. A close game saw the sides finish level at 1-1 at full-time, sending the game to another shootout. After a penalties victory last weekend, it was London Park City who once again prevailed, winning 3 – 2 to send their side to a maiden final, facing Wapping later in the month.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the Division Three Cup, the first of the semi-finals took place which saw ASA attempting to stand in the way of champions FC Baresi Under 23s as the latter sought the opportunity of a league and cup double. A terrific game saw ASA lead through strikes by Mithurn Vijayarajah & Panushanth Kulenthiran before a Baresi fightback led by goals from Maamoon Khan and Zach Aliane took the game to penalties. In the shootout, it was the champions who progressed to their first final, winning 4 – 2 to send their side to Dagenham & Redbridge!

SENIOR DIVISION

Some huge games in the Senior Division took place over the weekend which saw Chigwell Town, a side who had been in the relegation zone almost the entirety of the season, pull off a massive win, defeating Tower United 3 – 2 to stay in the league. Harry Tew-Robinson was the hero with a hat-trick which ensured his side stayed up by the narrowest of margins. Abdullah Jama’s double was not enough for Tower who finished bottom & will most likely be relegated.

It was also a great day for Blue Marlin who knew they had to get a win against London Cup finalists FC Petrocub in order to give themselves a chance of beating the drop. And a win was exactly what Blue Marlin delivered, beating their mid-table opponents in a 2 – 0 scoreline, thanks to strikes by Macauley Harrington & Ni Acquaye and moved out of the relegation zone and confirm their senior status for another season.

Over in Beckton, those results meant that CSM London had no choice but to win their game to stay in the league but were facing a Woodford East side with just as much in the game for them as they strove for runners-up spot. Eli Brown scored for CSM but East goals from Billy Barr, Andrew Rowe, Ben Smith and Reece Beaumont meant their side took the honours in a 4 – 1 win, keeping their hopes of top two alive going into Monday’s match.

Cup finalists, Rapid Chingford, warmed up for their huge occasion in the coming fortnight with a terrific win in their last game of the season, defeating Jolof Sports in a 1 – 0 scoreline over at Mayfield Leisure Centre. A single Tita Daniel goal was enough for the Fenton Cup finalists to take the points, confirming an eighth placed finish in the process.

On Monday night, Jolof Sports recovered from their narrow loss 48 hours earlier by recording a superb 5 – 0 victory over Woodford East in their match, held at Mayesbrook Park 3G. This result means that East finish the league campaign in third spot but Halil Hassan’s side are still involved in two Cup competitions so they have a chance of endoing their first season at Step 7 in a memorable way.

PREMIER DIVISION

The penultimate game of the Premier Division season saw Frenford A the hosts to fifth placed Wapping, the latter looking for a confidence boost ahead of their own cup final in a couple of weeks time. A closely fought battle eventually went in favour of the champions as Frenford won the game 4 – 2 to ensure they completed a terrific campaign in some style ahead of their debut top flight season. Joel Opara and Wisley Baltazar both netted two goals each to confirm a memorable day.

DIVISION ONE

Division One’s action was wrapped up on Saturday as Belfry went out knowing that three points would see them achieve something quite special. But standing in their way were a side who will have been pleased with their own efforts this year and RCXI raced into a 3 – 0 lead through goals two goals from Ayo Matthews and a Sammy Anjorin goal. Two Kieran James responses wasn’t enough as RCXI sent the champions to just their first defeat, in the very last game of the season.

All eyes were then on the big game at the Marshes where Cowley Community went into their battle against Francis Luke knowing they needed the points to ensure themselves of the runners-up position. They delivered exactly what they needed, winning the game 3 – 1 as two Elias Tackie strikes and a Michael Taylor goal promoted their club into the Premier Division for next season!

DIVISION TWO

It’s congratulations to Fairlop Rovers who were confirmed as Division Two champions on Saturday as their opponents could not raise a side for the remaining fixture. A tremendous achievement for the club as they continue their rise through the divisions. Well done to Dylan and all of the Rovers players on their success!

Following that outcome, the battle was then on for the runners-up spot which saw Rainham Working Mens Club needing to secure a win against Royal Forest to take second place. And that was exactly what they managed to do as Connor Kain scored twice and Sean Tormey once to give the Workies a 3 – 2 win, confirming promotion to Division One. Well done to everyone involved!

In the battle to avoid the drop in Division Two, a key six pointer saw St Francis taking on Loughton Lions at Robert Clack, the Saints knowing they needed to secure a win to keep things in their favour. But the Lions were able to secure a valuable point for their side in a 3 – 3 draw, despite two Omar Hafid goals and a Peter Luvualu effort for Saints. Lions now need just two points to beat the drop.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 32 – Sat 9 Apr) [EAL 21-22 11.4.22]

Image from Woodford East v Chadwell Heath Spartans [Image by Scott W]

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 9 April

DIVISION TWO CUP

The first half of the line-up for the Division Two Cup Final is now confirmed after the weekend’s action as Rainham Working Mens Club made up for their other semi defeat to go through to this final with a 1 – 0 win away at Loughton Lions at Debden Park. The only goal of the game was scored by Charlie Perry whose goal took Rainham through to their fourth final with the competition.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the Division Three Cup quarter-final, the third of four semi-finalists was confirmed in as two of the division’s top sides, Royal Forest Reserves and FC Baresi Under 23s, met in Hainault for a place in the last four. The visitors, Baresi, were in good form once again as they rattled in a 5 – 1 victory with Joshua Adu scoring three alongside Harrez Aliane and Kii Jean-Baptiste scoring one apiece, overcoming a Will Asenso goal from the hosts.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was semi-final day for two clubs in the Division Four Cup competition where Chingford Harriers were the hosts to an Emerson & Upminster A side with both sides keen on a cup final appearance. A close game finished 1 – 1 with Darnell Lamothe netting for Harriers and Carl Holroyd for Emerson in reply. A dreaded shootout was needed to separate the sides and it was Harriers who won that 4 – 3 to take their place in the final next month.

SENIOR DIVISION

The last week has seen some big results in the Senior Division with Wednesday night’s action having seen Woodford East secure all three points from a trip to Cricklefields where they were facing Lymore Gardens. Adam Tabbani and Connor Brathwaite both scored twice for East with Gracia Muhemba and Teriq Roberts goals accounting for the Garden consolations in a 4 – 2 East success. NonLeague writer Peter Dudley was among those in attendance and here’s his report: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/lymore-gardens-2-woodford-east-4.html

On Saturday, the leadership of the division changed hands once again with DT FC taking advantage of results around them to go a point clear with a game in hand, coming out 4 – 1 winners away at Tower United. Alex Paraskeva scored twice with Izaih Antoine and Robbie Farrell grabbing the other goals to move back to the summit with three games to play. Just a few hundred yards away at the Marshes, another huge game saw Chadwell Heath Spartans in town to face hosts Woodford East. First-half Woodford goals from Callum Maltese and Connor Brathwaite proved pivotal in a 2 – 1 victory for them, despite an Aaron Hunwicks effort for Spartans, as East brought themselves very much into an intriguing three-way title race.

The Non-League writing duo of Scott W and Pete Dudley were both at this match, you can view their respective reports on the game here:

Scott W: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/s21-22-match-report-woodford-east-2-1-chadwell-heath-spartans-sat-9-apr-eal/

Peter D: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/woodford-east-2-chadwell-heath-spartans.html

Elsewhere in the Senior division, Blue Marlin’s late’s charge to safety is underway as they pulled off a terrific 3 – 1 success at home to fourth placed Lymore Gardens to give them a great chance of beating the drop. Macauley Harrington, Ni Acquaye and Scott Campbell all found the back of the net to help their side pick up some vital points, moving three clear of the side beneath them.

CSM London’s penultimate game of the season saw them take on FC Baresi, the game switched to Beckton. Bradley Soares’ effort had appeared to be enough to hand CSM a vital points haul of their own but for a late FC Baresi leveller to take the gloss off the performance somewhat, earning them a point in a 1 – 1 draw. CSM now sit five points above the relegation places with one last fixture to come.

In Hainault, Chigwell Town were in action against Rapid Chingford knowing that they desperately needed points on the board to move closer to safety but ended up on the wrong end of a five goal thriller as Rapid took all three points in a 3 – 2 success. Joe Creasey and Harry Tew-Robinson struck for Town but two Darwin Romero goals and a Tita Daniel goal sent the points home with the visitors. The division’s remaining game saw two sides comfortably in mid-table meet with seventh placed Kit Out London travelling to East Ham to take on fifth placed Jolof Sports. Papa Ndiaye scored twice for Jolof, a feat matched by Marlon Ortiz of Kit Out as the teams finished level at 2 – 2 to add a further point to each other’s tallies, Jolof remaining eleven points clear of their opponents.

PREMIER DIVISION

Following their recent confirmation of promotion, it’s now fully party time for Frenford A who wrapped up the league title outright with a 2 – 1 away success in their penultimate game of the season. London Cranes were the side on the wrong end of the result, Wisley Baltazar scoring both of the goals to put the gloss on a very fine season for the Ilford based side who will move up to Step 7 with confidence.

DIVISION ONE

Ilford Reserves’ late promotion charge continued on Saturday as they were able to take maximum points against Cowley Community, though the latter do still have plenty of games in hand to change that situation. The Foxes secured a 5 – 2 win as Luke Newbury-Neale scored two and one each from Rhys Clements, Rio Clements and Joseph Sulola, Chris Wright bagging both goals in reply for Cowley. Fifth placed Wanstead ensured they stayed in touch with the promotion matters with two games left to play, picking up all three points in their game against Renegades at the weekend, the latter’s final game of the campaign. A 4 – 2 success for Wanstead thanks to strikes from Zoltan Balogh, Jake Nicolas, Suhaib Abeid and Dan Gardner as they consolidated a top half finish with their tenth win of the campaign while Renegades must now wait to see if they can avoid the drop.

Something From Nothing also sit in a top half position with a couple of games to go as they won a local derby fixture against Forest Green in a 5 – 3 scoreline. That confirmed SFN’s eighth league success of their maiden season in Saturday football and know that one more win will be enough to finish sixth. Forest Green’s season is now over as they also keep an eye on events below them. Third placed RC XI will go into their last two games knowing that promotion is still a possibility but lost the chance to take full advantage of slips around them as they were only able to take a point from their twentieth game of the season, held by seventh placed Newham Wanderers. The sides went into the game with an eleven point gap but that remained the same as the game finished 2 – 2. Stephen Duberry and Michael Temitayo both scored for RC in this one.

A much improved campaign for Kwanzas London Sport is reaching a conclusion and the seventh placed side were up against relegation threatened Barkingside A at the weekend. ‘Side goals from Ebenezer Gyamerah and Jeffrey Osei kept them in the game but Kwanzas edged it by full-time to take a 3 – 2 win meaning they can finish no lower than eighth now.

DIVISION TWO

The race to avoid the drop in Division Two is really hotting up after the weekend’s results as St Francis had a day to remember, taking maximum points from a double header against third placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves. They edged the first contest 4 – 3, overcoming a Tobi Onafeko hat-trick with two from Abdullah Azizi and one each for Martin Valkov and Soumen Nandi. Game two saw Saints record an emphatic 6 – 1 success with Theo Jacobs-Aaron netting a hat-trick, Skye Salmon scoring two and Soumen Nandi rounding off a great day. They now sit just two points from safety with five games to play.

Over in Loughton, second placed Unitey were another leading side to drop points against lower opposition as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw against Ryan Under 23s who continued their late season charge with a point in their final game of the campaign. Bubintende Masadi scored both of the Unitey goals to keep his side in with a chance of a top two finish with one game to go.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves are the first side to confirm promotion from Division Three this season as they collected the points they needed from their penultimate game, defeating Together United in a comprehensive 8 – 2 scoreline. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick, Geovany Cruz and Jay Elliott both scored two with Mitchell Day finishing it off ahead of a possible title play-off game next weekend. The day’s other game was of equal entertainment as an in-form Buckhurst Way saw the visit of Terin to Bancrofts on Saturday. The hosts trailed 4-2 going into the latter stages of the game through Terin doubles from Alex Thomas and Jabir Malik, along with a Fahad Abdallah single. But they found a “Way” to take a point with the game finishing 5 – 5 incredibly.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four, the final game in the division this season saw Sporting Pillars go into their clash at Avondale Rangers knowing that a point or more would be enough to seal the title. Jake Clarke and Phillip Heinan netted for Rangers but those efforts were not enough to prevent Sporting winning the game 6 – 2, sealing the league title in the process. Congratulations to all involved with the team on their achievement!

End

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 31 – Sat 2 Apr) [EAL 21-22 4.4.22]

Chadwell Heath Spartans about to grab another goal this weekend [Image Credit: CH Spartans/ @ABridgeTooFar16]

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 2 April. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading. Image used is thanks to CH Spartans / @ABridgeTooFar16, Used with thanks.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 2 April

COUNTY CUP FINAL

The Essex Saturday Junior Trophy reached its conclusion on Friday evening at Heybridge Swifts where Cowley Community represented the league against Mid Essex side, Haver Town Reserves. Cowley started strongly but failed to convert early chances, enabling Haver to get a foothold in the game and took a solid 3 – 0 lead into the break, thanks to goals from Harry Andreetti (2) and Luke Dallison’s opener. Cowley started strongly again in the second half and cut the deficit down to just one with efforts from Wright and Taylor, leaving around twenty minutes to go. But Haver responded well to those setbacks and comfortably held on to win the game 3 – 2, despite the valiant efforts of Cowley.

DIVISION TWO CUP

The line-up for the Division Two Cup semi-finals was completed on Saturday afternoon as Emerson & Upminster Reserves took their place in the last four after winning 4 – 1 at Old Esthameians. Billy Biggs was in great form, netting a hat-trick for his side, while Tobi Onafeko also struck to put the Upminster side just ninety minutes away from a possible final. They now face Unitey in the semi-final.

DIVISION THREE CUP

There were two ties in the Division Three Cup where a shock was seen in the first round game between hosts Melbourne Sports and Buckhurst Way in Hainault. Despite an eight point gap in between the sides in the table, it was Way who progressed on to the quarter-finals, winning 6 – 1 to book a trip to Old Barkabbeyans Reserves in the last eight. There was also a big shock in the quarter-final tie completed over the weekend as sixth placed Together United were eliminated from the competition on the back of a defeat to ninth placed ASA, despite the latter being fourteen points and three places behind their opponents. A 0 – 0 draw saw the sides finish level at ninety minutes before ASA held their nerve to win the shootout 7-6.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were big wins for all of the top ranked Senior clubs ahead of a crucial run of games for all sides, Chadwell Heath Spartans remaining top of the standings by two points as they put seven goals past FC Petrocub in Chigwell. Elie Fanga scored twice coupled with further strikes from Tom Callagher, Harry Payne, Samir Aboulainaf and manager Aaron Hunwicks to complete that 7 – 0 success. DT FC sit just behind Spartans with a game in hand as they completed a solid victory of their own with a 5 – 0 home win against Chigwell Town at the Harlow Arena. Billy Jones, Cory Ugbomah, Alex Paraskeva, Izaih Antoine and Jacob Melford all found the back of the net for the hosts to ensure they remain the side with everything in their hands.

Third placed Lymore Gardens also racked up another win, making it twelve for the season with a 3 – 0 home success at the County Ground against CSM London. Dylan Roberts, Andre Rashford and Gracia Muhemba were the men to notch for Garden to keep them well in the mix at the business end of the league table. Sitting just a point further back from Garden are Woodford East who can still make a major impact on the title race with a busy April ahead and they started their month with a 5 – 0 win against Rapid Chingford at Lakeside. Two Connor Brathwaite goals plus one each from Matthew Stacey, Adam Tabbani and Jack Smith helped East to a comfortable winning scoreline with seven league games still to go.

Jolof Sports still sit fifth and made it ten league wins for the season on Saturday as they ran out 3 – 1 home winners against bottom of the table Tower United at Flanders. A goal apiece from Joshua Kweifio-Okai, Khadim Mbacke and Papa Ndiaye were enough for the hosts to take the points home with them and keep Tower trailing safety by three points. A huge game in the context of the relegation fight took place at Fairlop Oak where eleventh placed Blue Marlin were in home action against eighth placed Kit Out London knowing how vital points are for both clubs. A five goal thriller saw Kit Out edge the game 3 – 2, Lewis Jacobs scoring twice and Yasin Zougui once to all but seal their place in the top flight one again while Marlin’s place remains in the balance.

PREMIER DIVISION

Top of the table Frenford A will be celebrating as they confirmed promotion to the Senior Division on Saturday with results going their way and their own success earning a 3 – 0 home win against local rivals London Park City. Isima Iguisi scored a brace and Joel Opara netted the other to confirm their ascent to the top flight while a win in their next game will ensure they go up as champions. Oakside are now the only side that can catch the leaders mathematically and they faced a tough London Cranes side at Fairlop Oak in the sunshine on Saturday knowing they had to win to keep up the pressure. And a win was what they walked away with, defeating Cranes 1 – 0 to make it nine victories for the season, with four games left to play in their chase for promotion.

An entertaining game at Peter May rounds off the Premier Division action where Athletic Newham Under 23s were the visitors to Walthamstow to take on a promotion chasing Crookz United side, the latter knowing that victory was vital if they were to challenge for top spot. But the sides had to settle for a point apiece as the game ended in a 3 – 3 draw.

DIVISION ONE

It was a glorious afternoon for Belfry who took the Division One title in dramatic fashion on Saturday coming from 3-1 down in their first game against Newham Wanderers to win it 4 – 3 late on, sealing the title. Solomon Ogunwomoju struck twice with Lewis Warren and Kieran James scoring the others to seal the points they needed. In game two, a rather more sedate affair saw a narrow win once again as Ryan O’Connell scored the only goal of the game for Belfry to win 1 – 0.

The focus now turns to the race for promotion where Ilford Reserves saw their quest put in doubt, going down to a 2 – 1 away defeat against Something From Nothing at the Flats. The Foxes remain second with two games to go but games in hand for others may well cost them while SFN were able to move into the top half on the back of that result and others around them.RC XI have thrown themselves back into the promotion mix, moving up to third at the weekend as they defeated eighth placed Kwanzas London Sport over at Belhus Park. Tobi Alabi, Michael Temitayo and Tosin Blacky goals were enough to seal the points in a 3 – 0 win, the hosts’ eleventh success of their maiden season.

Wanstead have all but assured themselves of a top half finish in their first season as a club after they recorded a solid 2 – 0 home win in their game against Forest Green at the Flats on Saturday. Their ninth of the season while taking their points tally to thirty-one for the season. Eleventh placed Barkingside A have given themselves the best chance of avoid the drop this season as they took a vital three points against fellow relegation threatened Renegades in Wanstead. Side were 3 – 1 winners at Nutter Lane, recording win number four and moving to within six points of their opponents with five games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

It’s Fairlop Rovers who remain top of the pile in Division Two entering the penultimate month of the season and they will have been pleased with their efforts on Saturday, defeating rivals Loughton Lions in a 5 – 1 scoreline in Hainault. Sam Beaman opened the scoring, setting the platform for Harry Oliver and Logan Simmonds to both score twice in a big victory. Second placed Unitey remain the closest to Rovers but with just two games to go, following a thumping 6 – 0 away win in Hainault on Saturday, defeating FHN Athletic. Unitey goals from Matthew Surry, Nathan Lupumba, Romario Christian, Matthew Pitchford, Mohammed Abaker and Ahmed Dousa were plenty enough to earn their side the points.

An incredible game at Wanstead Flats saw St Francis and Ryan Under 23s combined for an eleven-goal thriller with attacks certainly dominating an open game. It was the visitors who ultimately prevailed in this incredible game, Ryan winning it 6 – 5 to move into the top half of the table for the first time this season, in their penultimate game of the campaign. Michael Bryan and Kemar Bello both netted twice for Ryan here, with Mekhi Charles-Armstrong & Adam Sodimu also scoring. Skye Salmon got two goals for St Francis, with their other scorers being Omar Hafid, Peter Luvualu and Theo Jacobs-Aaron.

The goals were also flying in down at Roding Valley where hosts Royal Forest were in home action against Newbury East. While not yet mathematically certain of survival, Forest have all but done enough now you feel to stave off the drop as they won the game 4 – 0 to record win number eight for the season.

DIVISION FOUR

The penultimate game of the Division Four season took place over the weekend where Avondale Rangers were the hosts to a Dagenham United Reserves side in Loughton with Rangers holding a vital say in the title race. Chris Harper scored for Rangers with Josh Michaels netting for Dagenham in a 1 – 1 draw, with next week’s fixture between Rangers and Sporting Pillars deciding the destination of the league title.

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 24 – Sat 12 Feb) [EAL 21-22 14.1.22]

Image from Chadwell Heath Spartans v Lymore Gardens [Image by Peter D]

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 February. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading. Photo by Peter Dudley [@ped1980], used with thanks.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 12 February

FENTON CUP

The season’s quarter final line up in the Fenton Cup is now complete with Jolof Sports becoming the eighth team to qualify as they came through a tough home encounter against FC Petrocub in East Ham. The holders, Jolof, were narrow 1 – 0 winners to book another home game, this time against Division One high-flyers RCXI in the coming weeks.

FENTON TROPHY

The day’s Fenton Trophy action saw another quarter final tie completed with two of Division Two’s sides meeting at Wanstead Flats as St Francis played host to Rainham Working Mens Club. A close game saw the sides finish level at 2 – 2 by full-time with Nick and Sean Tormey goal for the Workies equalled by Saints goals from Bora Alici and Skye Salmon. Rainham held their nerve in a 4-2 shootout win to go through to the semi finals.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

The Division Four Cup also saw quarter final action as Newham Royals were up against Flyers Under 21s with the two sides battling for a place in the last four. But it was the Romford based Flyers side who were imperious on the day as Bradley Maycock scored twice, with Sam Maydell, Max Wellard and Jamie Randall efforts completing a 5 – 0 win to send their side through.

SENIOR DIVISION

Another round of close games were witnessed in the Senior Division where DTFC came through a thriller against Rapid Chingford with their bottom half opponents playing their part in a nine-goal game. Andrei Boga scored a hat-trick and Bogdan Galan also netted to give their Rapid side hope but DT FC were able to maintain their lead at the top to win it 5 – 4 through goals from Stanley Green (2), Bailey Hossack, Billy Golledge and Robbie Farrell.

Second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans remain four points adrift of the leaders with a key battle between those sides still to come as they came from behind to take a win against previously third placed Lymore Gardens in Chigwell. Ryo Brown scored for Lymore but two late Harry Payne goals were the difference to win the game 2 – 1 in Spartans’ favour. My good friend Pete Dudley was there watching this one & his report is here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/02/chadwell-heath-spartans-2-lymore.html 

Woodford East took advantage of that result also to shift up a place to third and with games in hand but had a tough battle of their own against an improving Chigwell Town side in Hainault, East eventually prevailing in a 3 – 2 scoreline. Billy Barr, Connor Brathwaite and Liam Adams all struck to render Town goals from Mark Howe and Harry Tew-Robinson as just consolation. Completing the action from the top flight, FC Baresi were in good form on Saturday as they returned home with East Ham with all three points in a 4 – 1 scoreline against CSM London. Plamedi Kinkela notched for CSM but Baresi goals in reply from Raymond Pok (2), Tyreece Robertson and Abdisamad Mohamed were more than enough.

PREMIER DIVISION

There were some big results affecting the sides at the top of the Premier Division in the race to Step 7 for next season with Frenford A earning their eleventh win of the season with a 3 – 1 win away at North East Lions on Saturday. Callum Alexander, Keenan Gravillis and Damilola Olaiya scored for the league leaders with Andriano Lawson striking in reply for Lions with their consolation effort. It was also second versus third with Dagenham United travelling west to take on Wapping in Hackney knowing only a win would do to stay in the race for the title. A win was what they walked away with, putting a difficult run behind them to win 4 – 1. Dante Vincent struck twice, Charlie Fiander and Shaquille Mathurin also netting to render a Jordon Mills-Smith effort as just consolation for the hosts.

Another of the season’s promotion contenders, Oakside, had an away trip before them as they travelled down the A406 to East Ham to face London Cranes. The sides were well matched with a 1 – 1 draw the end result as the sides settle for a share of the spoils, that point being enough to move ‘Side into the top five. Luke Caston grabbed the visitor’s goal with Isa Mwebe bagging for Cranes.

DIVISION ONE

It was a busy day in Division One with all twelve sides in league action and Belfry put in their usual winning performance to remain the county’s highest placed side with a perfect record. They were 6 – 1 winners against Forest Green with Warren James netting two and further strikes from Dan Osborne, Kieron James, Sam Paterson and Solomon Ogunwomoju completing the victory.

Cowley Community went into their clash at the weekend against Barkingside A with two huge games head of them and done the job to confirm a tenth league win prior to those clashes, winning the game 2-1. Chris Wright and Lekan Bakare were the men on target for the Newbury Park based side to pick up that win ahead to two season defining fixtures. James Blewitt got the solitary reply for the visitors. RCXI remain well placed to sweep up should either of the top two slip up in their remaining games and sit just one point outside of the promotion zone after a terrific 1 – 0 win against another of their promotion contenders, Wanstead. Jide Lewis got the only goal there to give his side a ninth league of a sterling first campaign in the competition.

Another side in a good run of form are Ilford Reserves who made it eight wins from fourteen this season on Saturday with a big 7 – 2 victory against bottom of the table Francis Luke over at the Marshes. Ramar Roberts scored two goals for the hosts but Foxes efforts from Joshua Graham, Luke Newbury-Neale, Mario-Angelino Lipetz, Jack Newbury-Neale, Joseph Sulola, Serghei Scupoi and Ollie Miracco gave their side another win.

There was also an impressive victory for the boys at Kwanzas London Sport who moved up a place above their opponents, Renegade, after completing a 4 – 1 win at the Marshes to steer well clear of relegation worries, despite a Nana Baah goal for the hosts. That was Kwanzas’ fifth league win this season which gives them an eight point lead over the sides in the relegation zone. The Wanstead Flats derby match ends the round-up from the third tier as Something From Nothing were in home action against local rivals Newham Wanderers. The sides started just two points apart and remained that way by full-time as they settled for a point apiece in an eventual 1 – 1 draw which keeps both sides solidly placed in mid-table.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Unitey have moved into a three point lead at the top of the table as they came through a tough game against promotion contenders, FHN Athletic, edging the contest 3 – 2 to scoop an eleventh league win. Matthew Pitchford, Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa all found the back of their net to help their side take maximum points. There was an important result at the other end of the table too where Redbridge Community steered themselves clear of the imminent danger of relegation by picking up three points in a 2 – 1 win against Loughton Lions who are now just one point ahead of Redbridge. Dylan Broadley scored both of the goals to give his side the best chance of avoiding the drop.

DIVISION THREE

The picture at the top of the Division Three table is looking a little different after the weekend’s results as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves remain a point clear at the top following a 4 – 1 away win against Lymore Gardens Reserves in Leyton. Michael Ryder drove in a couple of goals with efforts from Robbie Osborne and Mitchell Day completing the scoring for the leaders.

It was second versus third in the division’s other big game where FC Baresi Under 23s were the visitors to take on Royal Forest Reserves in a hotly contested game at Fairlop Oak. The Trees led 2 – 0 early on through Will Casasola and Will Asenso but Baresi battled back and took victory with crucial strikes from Kii Jean-Baptiste, Joshua Adu and Joshua Matusa winning the game 3 – 2.

Melbourne Sports are up to fourth, taking advantage of results around them to close the gap on the leading clubs after picking up a solid 6 – 2 win from their trip to Newbury Park to take on Terin. Suheil Shekh and keeper Francis Hastings were accredited with the Terin goals but the Mels struck back with a Scott Duke treble, a brace from Ryan Lincoln and one from James Chamberlain to take the points. Sitting just inside the top half, Together United followed up their impressive win last weekend with another this time out as they defeated Glendale at Fairlop Oak in a tight game. Together led 2 – 0 early, capitalising on individual errors before Roland Farkas’ first Glendale goal pulled them back in it. The Dales fought hard to nick an equaliser and went close but the visitor’s defence hung on.

Buckhurst Way are also on the cusp of the top half once again as they responded well to their recent defeat to take all three points from their fixture against Flyers Under 23s at Bancroft Rugby Club. They were 3 – 1 victors in that game to sit just goal difference from a place in the top six with five games of their season left.

DIVISION FOUR

The battle for the Division Four is on a knife edge following the weekend’s results which saw Fairlop Rovers Reserves move to the summit following a second win in succession against Chingford Harriers who moved down to third on the back of their 2 – 0 defeat. Rovers’ tenth league win sees them go a point clear with three games left to go.

Sporting Pillars are lurking with intent in second with mathematics in their favour now as their ninth league success on Saturday saw them to within one point of the summit, coming away 7 – 1 winners against West Essex Under 23s, with the ensemble cast being led by doubles for Gavin Afriyie and David Dagun, with Rajai Millwood, Daniel Gutierrez and Yanis Allam also finding the net. With two games in hand on the leaders, they can now move top if they were to win those games in hand so everything still to play for.

Fixtures – Saturday 19 February (top tier only)

EAL Senior Division

Blue Marlin v Chigwell Town | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

Chadwell Heath Spartans v Woodford East | Chigwell Hall

FC Baresi v CSM London | Britannia Sports Ground, Walthamstow

Kit Out London v Jolof Sports | Noak Hill [3G]

Tower Utd v Lymore Gardens | Mabley Green [3G]

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 22 – Sat 29 Jan) [EAL 21-22 1.2.22]

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 29 January. 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 29 January

FENTON CUP

The penultimate name was placed in the hat for the quarter finals of the Fenton Cup and it saw a big derby match between two rivals as Rapid Chingford were the visitors to Hainault to take on Leyton Royal. Despite Royal holding a small advantage in the league, it was Rapid who put themselves into the last eight, winning 2 – 0 courtesy of goals from Darwin Romero and Andrei Boga. They will face Barkingside A in the next round in February.

FENTON TROPHY

The Fenton Trophy quarter finals also saw a game between two big rivals, just a few pitches away, as Division Two’s Fairlop Rovers and Loughton Lions both produced enigmatic performances in front of a sizeable crowd. The two sides couldn’t be separated in ninety minutes with the game ending 2 – 2, with Jake Roberts & Tom Ratican netting for Lions. And it was Lions who pulled off a big of a shock win in the shootout, overcoming a fifteen point deficit to win it 3-2 from the spot. They head on into the semi finals of the competition.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

In the first round of the Senior Division Cup, there was a five goal thriller in the game over at the County Ground where Lymore Gardens were hosts to a Blue Marlin side looking for improved cup form. A close game was edged by the hosts with Ryo Brown, Gracia Muhemba and Andre Rashford goals seeing their side win 3 – 2 to make the quarter finals. Ni Acquaye’s brace was not enough prevent the visitors exiting here.

DIVISION THREE CUP

The cup excitement extended to the day’s Division Three Cup tie too as Glendale played host to Lymore Gardens Reserves at Fairlop Oak. An entertaining game saw Lymore lead three times through goals from Eugene Goumou (2), Daniel Crowie and Omani Green. But the Dales fought back on each occasion to force spotkick as Attila Szabo (2), Valter Correia and Mohammed Gueye efforts made it 4 – 4. Glendale prevailed 5 – 4 in the shootout to book their place in the quarters.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results at the summit of the Senior Division as Woodford East kept their hat in the ring for the league title with a key victory against DTFC at the Marshes. A goal apiece from Frank Glock and William Letchford for East ended DT’s long unbeaten record with Mickey Mesmin’s effort proving just consolation in a 2 – 1 scoreline, though they do remain top. Jolof Sports also had an afternoon to remember with a crucial win of their own over a title rival as they defeated Chadwell Heath Spartans in a 5 – 1 scoreline at Flanders. Meer Ishanzadeh netted his first Spartans goal but Papa Ndiaye was in fine form for the hosts, scoring a hat-trick, to go with goals from Fode Diakhite and Yan Manzan.

There were some fine victories for the division’s two bottom sides as they continued their quest to avoid the drop with Chigwell Town taking home the points against CSM London in a 4 – 1 win, dragging their opponents back into the dogfight. Ross Chimes scored twice with further efforts from Mark Howe and Lewis McGillicuddy taking them home. Jayden Mitchell-Brown grabbed the CSM goal in reply but his efforts proved in vain. It was victory also for second bottom Tower United who picked up a critical third league win of the season with victory at home against mid-table Kit Out London in a 3 – 0 scoreline. Abdi Mohamed netted twice and Abubakar Maxamed scored the other for the Mabley Green based side as they put themselves to within four points of safety.

PREMIER DIVISION

It was the battle of the top two in the Premier Division on Saturday with Dagenham United making the trip to Ilford to take on leaders, Frenford A, in a huge game for those title chasing sides. And it will be the leaders who walked away the happier of the teams as they earned themselves a 3 – 0 win through goals from Joel Opara (2) and Carlos Barahona to open up a three point gap at the top. Third placed Wapping ensured they moved to within a point of the second place after they came through a potentially tricky game against an in-form North East Lions side who sit just a couple of places below. A close game was settled by the odd goal with Wapping goals from Kamrul Ahmed and Muhammad Mikaeel overcoming Shane Thomas’ goal for Lions in a 2 – 1 scoreline.

With games in hand over the top three, Crookz United sit just outside the promotion places presently but kept their excellent run going with a thumping 6 – 1 away win against London Park City at Seven Kings High School. A terrific five goal performance from Abdouaziz Jeng was the difference, Stephane Trah scoring the other to make it eight league wins for United. Sixth placed Oakside were also in scintillating form on Saturday with a big away victory in their local derby game against co-tenants All Prospects at Fairlop Oak, putting them to the sword in a 10 – 0 scoreline. Luke Caston scored four for ‘Side, Mohammed Hassan added two with Freddie Anderson, Jed Ofori, Andy Adomakoh and Kieren Huddart goals completing a comfortable win.

London Cranes have moved themselves into mid-table after picking up a home win on Saturday against ground neighbours, Athletic Newham Under 23s. They were 2 – 0 victors to make it five wins for the season with Arafat Lubega the man on target for both goals to move his side up two places in the standings to seventh.

DIVISION ONE

Belfry have returned to the top of Division One on the back of the weekend’s results, scooping a big 11 – 2 home win against Forest Green to top the table on goal difference. Kieran James was in super form, scoring four for the hosts, Ryan O’Connell and Gabriel Ogunwomoju bagging twice each, with Lewis Prainer, Luke MacDonald and Daniel Osborne finishing things off. That change at the top also came about after second and third met in another big game at Fords where Cowley Community were looking to make up ground against RCXI who themselves have been in good form. And it was county cup semi-finalists, Cowley, who assured themselves of another crucial victory with Michael Taylor and Chris Wright scoring for them in a 2 – 0 win.

There were some important wins for the mid-table sides as Newham Wanderers pushed themselves up into sixth place in the standings after edging a close game away at Barkingside A. Goals from Amir Gurji, Malam Injai and Robertson Morais were the difference for Wanderers as they won the game 3-2, ‘Side remaining in the bottom two as a result. Just a point behind Newham, Ilford Reserves put a fifth win of the season on the board at the weekend with a solid 2 – 0 home win against Renegade over at London Marathon. Goals by Joseph Sulola and Mario Lipetz forThe Foxes kept them in the mid-table mix, taking their points tally to fifteen while Renegade stay tenth with eleven points from their fourteen games so far.

Just a couple of points further back sits Kwanzas London Sport who started the day six points behind their opponents, Something From Nothing, as those teams met at the Flats. But by full-time, Kwanzas had reduced that deficit to just three points as they beat their top-half opponents by the odd goal in a 2 – 1 victory, Antonio Semedo coming off the bench to score twice. A dramatic high-scoring draw rounds off the division’s action which saw Francis Luke take on high-flying Wanstead at the Marshes on Saturday. The sides combined to produce six goals as Luke took home a crucial point against their lofty opposition with Louison Kamba, Ramar Roberts and Adam Rowe all netting for them in a 3 – 3 scoreline.

DIVISION TWO

Old Esthameians are the new leaders on Division Two following the weekend’s results as they took advantage of the situation to record a big 5 – 1 home win against one of the other promotion contenders, FHN Athletic. That was E’s tenth league win of the campaign and puts them top on goal difference with games in hand too.

The division’s only other win on the day was earned by Royal Forest who continued their journey away from relegation difficulties with an away victory against St Francis at Wanstead Flats. Forest were 5 – 2 winners on the day to take their wins tally to five with still nine games for them to play this term. Forest’s goals came from Joe Meader (2), Joe Owers, Charlie Palline and Joshua Kane. The other three games all ended in draws with previously top of the table Unitey being held to what looked to be an entertaining 4 – 4 draw against tenth placed Redbridge Community, that being a vitally important point for the relegation threatened side. Bubintende Masadi was once again in fine form, scoring a hat-trick for Unitey, though it proved not quite enough to force victory.

Two more of the top half sides were up against each other over in Upminster where Emerson & Upminster Reserves saw the visit of Rainham Working Mens Club, the sides proving well matched in the game. A Tobi Onafeko effort for Emerson was equalled by Joshua Iyen’s strike for Rainham to ensure both teams walked away with a point in a 1 – 1 draw. Over at Hainault Rec, there was a crucial game for hosts Newbury East who were searching for some improved league form against eighth placed Ryan Under 23s. The sides started the day twelve points apart and that was how it remained by full-time with the game ending 2 – 2, Abdurahman Hassan and George Montgomery both netting for East.

DIVISION THREE

Royal Forest Reserves have hit the top in Division Three as they took advantage of results around them to move clear on just goal difference, beating Melbourne Sports at Fairlop in a big game for both clubs. Luc Harpon struck for the Mels but Trees responded with efforts from Dodou Lette, Tom Alexander and Will Asenso to win the game 3 – 1. Just a point behind the leaders, FC Baresi Under 23s had a battle on their hands on Saturday as they came from behind to earn a crucial win with a 4 – 2 victory against Together United in a local derby match. Baresi goals from Zach Aliane, Daniel Adutwum, Marco Perkola and Leo Siki eventually enabled their side to win the game and remain unbeaten as a result.

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves missed the chance to stay top of the table after they dropped points from their trip to seventh placed Buckhurst Way at Bancroft Rugby Club. Kacper Kasprzycki and Robbie Osborne both got on the Old Barks scoresheet but Liam Wallis and Tom Richardson notched for the hosts to ensure they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Over at Oaks Park High School, hosts Terin were looking to recreate their performance from their first win last week but faced the challenge of mid-table ASA. And it was the visitors who came through the game in relative comfort, winning 5 – 2 with Jubayed Miah scoring twice, Ramanan Selvarasa, David Rigby and Irfan Bahadur also netting. Edmund Adade and Ali Mohammed were the Terin scorers in reply.

DIVISION FOUR

There were some huge results at the top of Division Four on Saturday with Flyers Under 21s moving to within two points of the leaders as they defeated top of the table Chingford Harriers in a big 4 – 1 scoreline. Dave Birchnall struck for Harriers but Flyers goals for Bradley McPharlane, Sam Maydell, Jamie Randall and Paul Garrett-Hammond mean this race goes on. Sporting Pillars were the other side to benefit from that first result as they closed the gap on the top two to just two points, with games in hand, to ensure they remain firmly in control of their destiny. They were comprehensive 8 – 2 winners against Dagenham United Reserves, Rayan Allam scoring four for this side along with braces from Emanuel Jacob and Daniel Gutierrez. Cain Dash scored twice in reply for the visitors.

Third placed Fairlop Rovers Reserves missed the chance to cut the gap on the promotion places themselves as they slipped to defeat against an in-form Emerson & Upminster A who built upon their recent cup success by adding a 4 -3 league victory here. Tyler Huggett scored twice and Martin Gray put the gloss on the result to move their side seventh. In the battle of the two sides at the wrong end of the table, there was a rare but important success for Newham Royals who made up one of their games in hand with victory at home against West Essex Under 23s. Matthew Horan scored for West but his goal was just consolation in the end as Royals won 2 – 1 to make it three wins for the season.

COUNTY CUP

Last year’s London Junior Cup finalists, FC Petrocub, are just two performances away from recreating that feat as they came through a tough away day trip to south London to take on Chelsea Rovers on Saturday. But they returned home buoyed by a 3 – 0 winning performance to set up a last eight tie away once again versus Old Plymouthians.

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.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 17 – Sat 11 Dec) [EAL 21-22 13.11.21]

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 Fenton Cup on Saturday 11 December. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Also includes the Fixtures set for Saturday 18th December in the top two divisions, the last action of 2021 in the EAL before the Festive break. 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- Sat 11 December

FENTON CUP

There was just the one cup tie played involving our clubs and it produced one of the shocks of the season as Division One’s Barkingside A overcame a two division deficit to send Senior side Chadwell Heath Spartans out of the competition. The teams couldn’t be separated during the game with the match finishing 0 – 0. It was ‘Side who then held their nerve from the spot to win the shootout 4 – 3, bagging a place in the quarter-finals.

SENIOR DIVISION

The Senior Division has new leaders approaching the midway point in the season as DTFC’s unbeaten start continued with a 3 – 1 win on the road, beating Blue Marlin to move a point clear of the chasing pack. Billy Golledge scored twice to continue his form with Kieran Hipgrave netting the other to see the Harlow based side move top for the first time this season. Triston Foster responded for Marlin but they remain third-bottom. Lymore Gardens sit just two points behind the leaders, albeit from more games, and they made it a double this season over rivals FC Baresi, earning a 1 – 0 win at the County Ground on Saturday afternoon. Andre Rashford scored the only goal of a close game to earn an eighth win of a solid campaign thus far.

Moving up to fifth place are Leyton Royal who are in a rich vein of form themselves presently and made it six wins for the season from eleven, coming out 3 – 2 winners from their trip to Hackney to face Tower United. That result saw them remain healthily placed in the top half while Tower United remain five points adrift from safety at the foot of the table. That scoreline was reflected over in Noak Hill where CSM London were the visitors to take on FC Petrocub with the two teams starting the day just two points apart in the race to avoid the drop. By full-time however, FC Petrocub had picked up a fourth league victory, winning 3 – 2 despite a goal apiece from Achina Esekiel and Leon Barnard.

The two remaining games saw a pair of draws, firstly as Woodford East and Kit Out London shared the spoils in a 2 – 2 draw at the Marshes which saw East drop a spot in the race for the title. Frank Glock and Andrew Rowe netted for the hosts with Marlon Ortiz and Mario Iazaris striking in reply for Kit Out as they took a vital point. The final game came from Lakeside where Rapid Chingford were at home against Jolof Sports, six points separating those teams as they started the match. And that was how it remained by full time as neither side could find the back of the net in a rare 0 – 0 draw, a result which really doesn’t help either team’s respective causes.

PREMIER DIVISION

In the Premier Division, there was no change at the top of the table where Frenford A made it to twenty five points for the season with a big 6 – 0 win on the day against mid-table Eastside over in Walthamstow. Frenford’s scorers were led by a treble for Keenan Gravillis alongside strikes by Damilola Olaiya, Rafay Khan and Wisley Baltazar. That was an eighth league win for the promotion hopefuls and kept them three points clear of the chasing pack. That pack is headed by Dagenham United who remain well in the mix after they picked up a hard fought 2 – 0 victory at home against London Park City at Castle Green to make it seven wins for the season. Fabio Cunha and David Olanipekun both netted for the hosts to ensure they kept apace at the top of the table.

Crookz United’s form has been very consistent and they sit fourth having only suffered a single reverse in the league so far this season and that record was extended with a home win on Saturday against London Cranes. Muhammad Mutesasira netted for the visitors but his efforts proved not quite enough as Anselmo Gomes, Khalid Madey and Luke Stewart goals handed United a 3 – 1 win. It was a good weekend for the Athletic Newham club as a whole and the Under 23s followed their first team’s lead in picking up an important win, running out 4 – 0 victors from their home game against North East Lions over at Flanders. Christopher Barbosa netted twice for the U23’s here, with further goals by James Runham and Leon Hasani which enabled Newham to jump up a place to seventh, moving above their opponents in the standings.

DIVISION ONE

There were some big results in the race for the title in Division One which remains led by RCXI by two points after they edged a close game against Forest Green, eventually winning 2 – 1 at Belhus Park. Michael Temitayo and Abimbola Ojo both struck the back of the net to give their side a vital three points. The local derby fixture from the Flats saw fourth placed Wanstead take on previously second placed Cowley Community with both sides knowing that a win was vital to continue their quests. And it was the lower placed Wanstead side who ran out winners, sending Cowley to a 3-2 defeat as Zoltan Balogh scored twice and Jake Nicolas once.

And those results ensured that Belfry remain in pole position assuming they take advantage of their games in hand after they made it seven wins in seven to continue their perfect start in the league. They were 4-1 winners at home to Renegade in Dagenham to sit just two points behind the leaders with four games in hand. There was a tremendous performance by Ilford Reserves who closed the gap on the sides above after a terrific 6-1 win on the road on Saturday, defeating Newham Wanderers. Robertson Morais scored for Newham but two Abdul Cheratia goals plus strikes from Jack Newbury-Neale, Mario Lipetz, Joseph Sulola and Raymond Obe ensure the points headed Ilford’s way.

The division’s final game was a real six-pointer at the bottom end of the table as Francis Luke made the trip to Beckton to take on Kwanzas London Sport with both sides knowing the value of a victory. An entertaining game saw the sides combine for eight goals with Kwanzas walking away with a 5-3 win under their belts, Ramar Robert, Lemuel Da Silva and Kennerly Cassius striking the Luke consolation goals.

DIVISION TWO

The big result in Division Two came from Loughton where Fairlop Rovers’ perfect start to the season came to an abrupt end as they were beaten by now second placed Unitey, the sides now level on points at the top. Mohammed Abaker, David Otley and Bubintende Masadi scored the Unitey goals to edge the clash in a 3-2 scoreline. Two of the mid-table sides met as fifth placed Rainham Working Mens Club entertained sixth placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves. The sides started level on points and it was therefore perhaps unsurprising that they could not be separated on the day with the game ending 1-1. Matt Humphreys scored the hosts with Ross Braybrooke notching the Emerson’s effort.

Two sides were able to move away from imminent danger firstly as Ryan Under 23s picked up all three points with a terrific home win against an in-form FHN Athletic side who suffered just a second league defeat. Ryan were 2-1 winners on the day to move level on the points with the side above and further away from relegation worries. There was also a big result for Loughton Lions who moved away from danger themselves with a vital home win against Redbridge Community, coming out on the right side of a 5-4 nine goal thriller. Tom Osmond was the hero with four goals, Owen McKelvey scoring the other to earn the win. Akiljo Balliu scored a hat-trick in reply and Melanijus Butkus one but their efforts proved in vain.

DIVISION THREE

There’s no change at the top of the Division Three standings where FC Baresi Under 23s continue to lead the way by a couple of points after a solid 4-1 win away at their Flyers counterparts. Zach Aliane scored twice along with Mak Delkic and Hamza Hafesji also netting to render a Joshua Adu strike as just consolation for the hosts. With two games in hand, Royal Forest Reserves remain the likeliest threat to the present leaders and they made light work of their trip to ASA, returning home from their trip to Hackney with all three points in a 5-0 scoreline. That result game the Trees a seventh league win in eight this year, remaining unbeaten also heading towards the festive break.

Melbourne Sports’ resurgence in form in the last few weeks has positioned them just outside of the promotion places on goal difference and they extended their form with a 5-2 home victory on Saturday against Together United over at Fairlop Oak. That was the seventh Mels win of the campaign as they reached the twenty-two points mark. Sitting just a point further back, Old Barkabbeyans Reserves kept themselves in the mix with another win under their belts but they had a real battle on their hands as they edged a nine goal thriller against Harlow Inter. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick with Klodian Meta and Jay Elliott goals rounding off an important 5-4 win for the visitors.

Glendale are up into seventh place, jumping up a couple of places after a third straight win, coming from behind to beat Terin 6 – 2 at Oaks Park High School. Suheil Shekh and Fahad Abdallah goals had given the strugglers a 2-0 early lead but Mouhamed Gueye was in great form with a hat-trick, alongside further Dales goals from Valter Correia, Maryis Shamku and Attila Szabo.

DIVISION FOUR

Dagenham United Reserves took advantage of results around them to cut the gap at the top of the table as they ran out 5-1 winners at home against Newham Royals at Castle Green. Cain Dash scored a hat-trick with Allim Jalloh and Mamdou Soumare efforts making up the remainder of the scoresheet to move United into the top two.

That outcome was made possible as Sporting Pillars made the trip to Chingford Harriers for their return fixture, both sides dropping points in their battles for promotion as they settled for a very rare 0-0 scoreline, both sides unable to breach the defences. That saw Chingford remain unbeaten in the league while Sporting extended their short winless run to three games.

The final game came from Loughton where an in-form Avondale Rangers side were looking to add to their points tally as they faced up to a West Essex Under 23s side. And West will have been the happier of the sides as four Javen Cole goals saw them win 5-3, leaping above Rangers in the process. James Whitbread and Phillip Heinen both struck for Avondale with their consolation efforts.

Fixtures – Saturday December 18th (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

Chigwell Town P – P Chadwell Heath Spartans |

CSM London v Tower Utd | West Ham Community Ground 3G, Beckton

FC Baresi v FC Petrocub | Britannia Sports Ground, Walthamstow

Jolof Sports P – P DT FC |

Jolof Sports v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Flanders Playing Fields, East Ham

Kit Out London v Rapid Chingford | Noak Hill 3G

Leyton Royal v Woodford East | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

EAL Premier Division

All Prospects v Dagenham Utd | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

London Cranes v Oakside | Flanders Playing Fields

London Park City P – P Crookz Utd |