Preview: Gordon Brasted Trophy & FA Cup Prelim Round (ESL Sides) (Sat 24th Aug) (ESL 19/20 22.8.19)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) – ESL Writer & Grassroots Football Show Contributor

Hello all and welcome to an extended preview piece looking at the two Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy ties this weekend, plus a wealth of FA Cup Preliminary Round matches involving Essex Senior League sides. We’ll also be listing the remaining Eastern Senior League South fixtures as well this weekend.

Enjoy your weekend whoever you are watching. Thanks for reading.  Love Non-League!

 

Gordon Brasted Trophy Saturday 24rd August – 3pm KO

 

Clapton  v  Sporting Bengal Utd   | Moved to Oakside  (Redbridge FC)

The Tons face Sporting Bengal for the second time this month, in a match again moved to Oakside in the Gordon Brasted Trophy First Round. Glen Kendall’s team won on that occasion in the league though have been inactive in terms of competitive action due to continuing off-field issues. Bengal by contrast have had a mixed week with defeat at Hadley last weekend being followed by a hard-fought win at Sawbridgeworth in midweek. I’m going go for a narrow away win here.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

Ilford  v  Southend Manor   |  Cricklefield

The other tie in the GBT this weekend sees the Foxes welcome Manor to Cricklefield. You would believe that both of these teams would like a cup run this term, though the Foxes will have to rally after a hard-fought win over Tower Hamlets in midweek. Manor have had a week off and that may hold them in good stead here. My gut instinct says that Manor have more momentum with them at this stage of the season and therefore they will be the side to progress.

Scott’s Prediction: 1 – 2

 

The FA Cup Prelim Round – Sat 24 August

 

Cockfosters  v  Coggeshall Town   | Chalk Lane

The first of our featured FA Cup ties sees the ESL’s Cockfosters welcome Isthmian North side Coggeshall to Chalk Lane. The hosts have certainly not been goal-shy, scoring eight goals in their four league matches to date. That said, they have also conceded as many goals too so you feel they will have to raise their game defensively to increase their chances of an upset against a side unbeaten, albeit early in their league campaign.

I also feel it fitting to mention that the hosts will want to put in a good performance in memory of long-serving player & secretary Graham Bint, who sadly passed away this week. My thoughts & respects to his family & all at Cockfosters FC.

 

Hadley  v  Hoddesdon Town   | Brickfield Lane

It’s an all-ESL battle at Brickfield Lane as Hadley welcome local rivals Hoddesdon. Anthony Clark’s side beat Redbridge in the last round while Hoddesdon knocked out Brantham Athletic. The hosts are yet to lose at home in all competitions and that may prove to be the slight edge they need in what could be a tight battle. The Lilywhites defeated Ilford last weekend and are looking to continue their own good start to the season here.

 

Saffron Walden Town  v  Maldon & Tiptree  | Catons Lane

Walden entertain Isthmian North side Maldon at Catons Lane. Jason Maher’s side knocked out Baldock Town in the last round before going on to defeat Takeley (away) and Stansted (home) in the last week. They will be another side who will fancy a run in the FA Cup though face a Maldon side who have scored five league goals already this term. This one could be a cracking encounter.

 

Takeley  v  White Ensign  | Station Road

Ensign continue their maiden FA Cup voyage with a trip to ESL pace-setters Takeley, who knocked out Crawley Green in the last round. Ensign showed a lot of guts in their replay win over Woodford and they will need that to overpower Marc Das’ side here. Brett Munyard & Mark Healy’s side unsurprisingly rested a few in their Essex Senior Cup loss at home to Holland in midweek and this tie could be another stonker.

 

Tower Hamlets  v  Horsham      |  Mile End Stadium

Hamlets have a formidable task on their hands as they welcome Isthmian Premier Division (Step 3) side Horsham to Mile End. Damien Briggs’ side won well at Sawbridgeworth last weekend before succumbing to a late defeat at Ilford in midweek. Horsham won well at Enfield Town last weekend in their division and you’d be very surprised to see anything except an away win.. though the FA Cup does have its ‘magic dust’ and some could be sprinkled here…

 

Walthamstow  v  Great Wakering Rovers    | Wadham Lodge Stadium

Finally in the Cup action, Isthmian North side Great Wakering travel to Wadham Lodge to face Walthamstow. ‘Stow defeated Stansted last weekend in the ESl while Wakering defeated Tilbury at Burroughs Park in the Isthmian North. If Steve Butterworth’s side are not on-song, they could get a bit of a ‘rude awakening’ here though six goals in their recent two league matches sets them up well. This one could be a battle though you would still expect the Step 4 visitors to triumph.

 

Eastern Senior League South Fixtures (23/24 August)

Friday 23 Aug: Brightlingsea Regent Res  v  Frenford   | North Road

Sat 24 Aug: Benfleet  v  Lopes Tavares   | Park Lane

Burnham Ramblers v Wivenhoe Town    |  Leslie Field

Coggeshall Utd  v  Newbury Forest   |  West Street

Holland  v  Leyton Athletic   | Dulwich Road

 

 

 

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Match Report: Stansted 1 – 0 St Margaretsbury (Mon 22 Apr) [GBT Final 22.4.19]

Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy Final

Venue: Leslie Field (Burnham Ramblers FC)

Attendance: 148

2018-19 Season – Match 73

Monday 22nd April 2019  – 3.15pm KO

Stansted: Royal Blue Shirt, Royal Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

St Margaretsbury: Red & Black Hooped Shirts, Black Shorts, Red & Black Socks

Stansted club badge

St Margaretsbury club logo

Both sides pre-match

Stansted emerge with the Gordon Brasted Trophy after a hard-fought win over ‘Bury

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a glorious day weather-wise at Burnham Ramblers’ Leslie Field, this year’s Gordon Brasted Trophy Final pitted high-flyers Stansted against mid-table St Margaretsbury in the first season in the Essex Senior League. There was a sub-plot for both sides as the Airportmen still have a chance of promotion on the last day of the season while ‘Bury have had a mass squad turnover to contend with and thus looked rather more inexperienced compared to the squad that got them to this Final. Stansted named this season;s leading Clean Sheet holder Charlie Turner in goal, with left-back Billy Coyne as skipper and a front four of Callum Ibe, Jack West, Jordan Palmer and Jack Mitchell. Carl Mullings and midfielder Moses Carvalho were among the substitutes.

St Margs are under the caretaker management of Tony Wild and their full-backs were Tom Hayden and Taylor Wild with Daniel Palmer and Chris Cordana-Soanes at the centre of defence, Mason Todd led the line with skipper Tom Cowell in support along with Enzo Periera and Evvan Brown on the flanks. Kane Garwood and Jayden Mitchell-Brown were among their bench.

The match was delayed by 15 minutes due to a bad accident en route to Burnham but in the opening minutes of the contest it was the Airportmen who had the first sighter of goal with anchor midfielder Paul Clayton knocking a lobbed effort wide of the far post. Paul Pittuck & Marc Benterman’s side broke the deadlock on six minutes as full-back Billy Coyne’s corner curled dangerously into the area, evading everyone in a congested penalty box before nestling into the far corner. St Margaretsbury’s first sight of goal came from skipper Tom Cowell’s 35 yard pot-shot which sailed harmlessly wide.

Stansted winger Callum Ibe was again a good outlet for his team, stretching the ‘Bury defence with his pace and trickery. Right on the quarter-hour mark, attacking midfielder Ollie Bell’s pass found Ibe who lobbed over opposition goalkeeper Cameron Bailey and the woodwork, though he was straining to meet the ball. Tony Wild’s team didn’t have much in the way of forays forward though midfielder Glenn Nightingale’s drive kept Stansted stopper Charlie Turner alert. The ‘Bury defence were finding it hard to handle the Airportmen’s combined physicality and pace and thus conceded more chances through a few errors.

Seven minutes before the interval, Coyne send a lofted ball into the danger area, and forward Jack West headed against the crossbar from close range, though the assistant’s flag spared him any grief for not finding the target. With the break approaching, the ‘Blue Brazil’ had a goal chalked off for off-side as another telling Coyne set-piece was parried by Bailey though Clayton was first in to stroke the ball in. So, with only one goal seperating the sides, St Margs had a sniff at goal a minute before half-time as tricky winger Enzo Periera’s free-kick angled in to the six-yard line where Turner gathered under pressure.

Half-Time: Stansted 1 – 0  St Margaretsbury

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Airportmen started the second period with renewed vigour. Winger Jack Mitchell and forward Jack West had efforts which couldn’t find the target, before a Coyne cross from the left was punched away well by Bailey, who had found crosses awkward at times earlier on. Ibe continued to pose problems down the right as he and forward West had efforts denied by Bailey, the former of those two a good effort by Ibe from the edge of the penallty area. St Margs right-back Tom Hayden made a few crucial interceptions, denying Ibe another shot at goal just shy of the hour before Mitchell skewed a drive wide.

As we made our way into the last twenty minutes, ‘Bury substitute Kane Garwood turned well on the edge of the box before drawing a save out of Stansted ‘keeper Turner. The Airportmen were straining to put the match to bed, though forward Jordan Palmer struck straight at Bailey when well-placed to at least test the St Margaretsbury custodian. After arguably their best period of play going forward in the match, in which we saw shades of how St Margs ping the ball around, led by the energetic Periera and Nightingale in central midfield, Stansted squandered more oppurtunities as first, good build-up play by substitutes Moses Carvalho and Carl Mullings ended up with the latter’s ball in which Ibe headed down though Bailey saved again, this time with his feet.

After Cowell had miraculously cleared a stray header from a team-mate off the goal-line, Ibe showed his talents again dribbling his way past two defenders before scuffing a shot wide with only Bailey to bypass. In added time with the nerves rising, Carvalho sent a decent free-kick just over for Stansted while moments later a set-piece from deep by Nightingale found substitute Jayden Mitchell-Brown who could only head over the woodwork.

And with that chance, referee Paul Stratton blew up for time with the boys in blue celebrating a hard-earned victory.

Full-time: Stansted 1 – 0  St Margaretsbury

So, the statistics will read that Stansted are the victors and they had more than enough chances to seal a much more comprehensive success here. Credit though has to go to this youthful ‘Bury side who kept things as tight as they could and showed some enterprise going forward as well at times, although their final ball wasn’t quite there to create a number of stonewall chances that they needed. Nonetheless, both sides will be proud of their efforts in a match which perhaps promised more than it actually delivered.

‘Blue Brazil’ players celebrate with their supporters…

Referee Stratton recieves his momento, with his colleagues to follow..

St Margs players recieve their medals post-match

Stansted players recieve their medals, sporting the shirt remembering Pittuck Sr

In a really commendable gesture post-match but prior to the Trophy presentation, the Stansted players & managers donned a shirt in memory of co-manager Paul Pittuck’s father Keith who sadly died ten years ago today. Some synergy there on what will undoubtedly be an emotional day for a manager that has more than played his part in Stansted’s revival this term. You have to feel happy for Stansted’s hard-working committee as well who will savour this triumph. They will have a shot at a cup double in the Errington Cup Final against West Essex at Bishop’s Stortford FC on Monday May 6th.

Stansted players celebrate

Stansted  | Co-Managers: Paul Pittuck & Marc Benterman

Charlie Turner (GK), Jamie Bennett, Billy Coyne (Capt), Sam West, Joe Clark (Carl Mullings 70′), Paul Clayton, Callum Ibe, Ollie Bell (Moses Carvalho 73′), Jack West, Jordan Palmer, Jack Mitchell (James Turvey 85′)

Goal-scorer: Billy Coyne [6′]

Booked: Clark     | Subs Not Used: Tyrell, Buffin

St Margaretsbury  | Caretaker Manager: Tony Wild

Cameron Bailey (GK), Tom Hayden (Archie Roberts 84′), Taylor Wild, Reece Vicary (Jayden Mitchell-Brown 74′), Daniel Palmer, Chris Cordana-Soanes, Enzo Periera, Glenn Nightingale, Mason Todd, Tom Cowell (Capt), Evvan Brown (Kane Garwood 63′)

Booked: Hayden     | Subs Not Used: Shaves, Read

Referee: Paul Stratton
Assistant Referees: Nicholas Hodges & Callum Dorling
Fourth Official: Steve Marr

Match Report: Walthamstow 3 – 0 Leyton Athletic (Sat 10th Nov) [GBT QF 10.11.18]

Gordon Brasted Trophy 2018-19: Quarter-Final

Attendance: 57

2018-19 Season – Match 32

Saturday 10th November 2018  – 3pm KO

Walthamstow: Royal Blue Shirts, Blue Shoorts,  Blue Socks

Leyton Athletic: Maroon Shirts, Maroon Shorts, Maroon Socks

Walthamstow club logo

‘Stow overcome Leyton and the weather to make it into the GBT Semi-Finals

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) 

Players, Officials & Management observe the two-minutes silence for Rememberance Sunday. Lest we forget.

On a weekend of exclusively ESL Cup action with the Pete Butcher Trophy making its debut in the schedule, I went to Wadham Lodge to see this Gordon Brasted Trophy Quarter-Final tie. Walthamstow named a very strong starting XI, with James Peagram and Christian Owusu being the front two, Rheo Josephs on the left and the evergreen Lee Flynn at full-back. Leyton had a blow to contend with this week as forward Dwade James left the club to join…. Walthamstow, though he was ineligable for this match. For them, James Scammell continued in goal, with Eli Benoit once again skippering the side and Luwayne Greenwood the focal point in attack.

This match began with the hosts on the front foot, though the main issue was finding the final ball to bypass the three-man Ath central defence. Winger Rheo Josephs was having some joy down the ‘Stow left flank with his pace and crossing and on 19 minutes, Josephs had a sight of goal after being played in by forward James Peagram, though the former’s shot from a narrow angle was taken by Ath goalie James Scammell. On the cusp of the half-hour mark, fellow home forward Christian Owusu also struck wide.

It must be said though that both teams had to contend with a deluge of rain and to add to that, a hefty hailstorm as well. Leyton did show their game at times and looked pretty rapid on the counter-attack though they did also get the wrong side of the assistant referee’s flag on a few occasions. Ryan Maxwell’s side did keep the pressure on as just after the half-hour, Josephs again broke down the left channel, beating the on-rushing Scammell to the ball though couldn’t find the telling centre  to make the most of it in that attack.

As it happened, only a minute later the hosts took the lead as a peach of a free-kick from midfielder Robbie Martin curled right into the danger zone and Peagram headed in cooly. Ath had barely settled back into play when ‘Stow doubled their advantage as midfielder Matt Brinklow unleashed a sublime dipping shot which evaded Scammell’s grasp and then crept under the crossbar. One for the Brinklow ‘play-book’ there I suspect.

Half-Time: Walthamstow  2 – 0 Leyton Athletic

After the break, the rain continued to pour down making playing conditions ever more tricky with the ball holding into the pitch and the like. The hosts effectively sealed the contest five minutes after the interval as from Martin’s pass, Peagram struck home his second of the afternoon.

In the last half hour, Leyton did keep going and tried to keep their rapid passing game going despite the torrid conditions. Skipper Eli Benoit as ever tried to drive his team on by making powerful runs forward though in fairness, home custodian James Harkin didn’t have much to do besides cutting out crosses and the like. ‘Stow at the other end had two good chances to add to the score-line though substitute Joe Benjamin, on debut got ahead of the tiring Ath defence thouh chipped wide and moments later, Peagram’s audacious 40-yard lob hit a post with Scammell beaten. Scammell did well with minues remaining to deny a 20-yard bolt from ‘Stow full-back Ross Pope and in almost the last action of the game, Harkin denied attacking midfielder Mario Gjini’s effort.

All in all, a good win for the hosts who were the better side today. Congrats to Walthamstow and best wishes to Leyton Athletic for the remainder of the season.

Full-Time: Walthamstow   3 – 0  Leyton Athletic

Walthamstow  | Player/Manager: Ryan Maxwell

James Harkin (GK), Ross Pope, Lee Flynn, Reece Conway (Emmanuel Dasho 74′), Craig Pope (Capt), Jack Leachman, Matt Brinklow, Robbie Martin (Gus Douglas 82′), James Peagram, Christian Owusu, Rheo Josephs (Joe Benjamin 50′)

Goal-scorers: James Peagram [35′, 50′], Matt Brinklow [38′]

Booked: Conway, Martin   | Subs Not Used: Gebrai, Edwards (GK)

Leyton Athletic    | Manager: Glen Kendall

James Scammell (GK), Jayesh Gohil (Jonathon Klug 46′), D’Neil Bryan, Jason Brown, Eli Benoit (Capt), Cory Rider, Misha Djemaili (Emmauel Oluwole 56′), Dujan Foster (Francesco Cicconi 56′), Luwayne Greenwood, Mario Gjini, Lance Ledgister

Booked: Oluwole, Brown     |  Subs Not Used: Jinadu, Walsh (GK)

Match Report: Takeley 1 – 3 Stanway Rovers (Tues 2nd Oct 18) [GBT R2 3.10.18]

Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy – Round 2

Venue: Station Road

Attendance: TBC

2018-19 Season – Match 18

Tuesday 2nd October 2018  – 7.45pm KO

Takeley :  Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Stanway Rovers : Amber Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

 

Takeley emblem

Stanway emblem

 

Stanway outclass Takeley to record a fine win and advance in the GB Trophy

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: ScottMHC14)

This Gordon Brasted Trophy Second Round tie saw Takeley, who have been in the final in the last two seasons, face Stanway Rovers at Station Road. The hosts fielded a changed side though still had commanding goalkeeper Ronnie Yates between the sticks, Bryn Thorpe and Frank Oatham in central defence and skipper Jason Todd supporting the front two. Stanway named a strong side with wingers Lewis Stantiall and Marley Andrews supporting the front two of Callum Griff and Toby Blanche, with Teddy Nesbitt skippering the side as ever.

In what was a slightly quiet start to the match, Stanway had a sighter at goal on seven minutes as forward Toby Blanche sent a low drive from 20 yards wide of Ronnie Yates’ goal. Olly Miles was proving to be the biggest threat from the hosts and his free-kick on nine minutes needed the intervention of visiting stopper Lewis Hawley who parried it wide of the post. Further free-kicks from Olly Miles and Bryn Thorpe in the first half-hour failed to beat Hawley though you felt the visitors needed to curb such oppurtunities to score.

Marley Andrews showed what he was capable of with his pace and crossing which game the home defence something to think about though it was a ball in from fellow winger Lewis Stantiall which was a headed on at the back post to Blanche who snuck in to slot home from close range just past the half-hour. That lead barely lasted a minute though before the hosts were awarded a spot-kick, which Olly Miles duly struck home without any fuss. The hosts had a goal chalked off for off-side minutes later and were happy to see Stantiall’s free-kick slide just over the bar moments before the break.

 

 

Half-Time: Takeley    1 – 1   Stanway Rovers

The visitors made a (presumably enforced) change at half-time with Max Brassington replacing Harry Seal at centre-back though they also emerged with a renewed determination and moments after midfielder Jeff Hogan blasted over the bar, the speedy winger that is Andrews was left alone at the back post to grab a tap-in to restore Stanway’s lead with 52 minutes on the watch. Hawley was called into action again bang on the hour with a good save from Josh Sykes’ powerful effort.

The hosts unsurprisingly poured forward, bringing on the ‘big guns’ of Mitch Das, Stuart Zanone and Charlie Cole for the last half-hour or so. Andrews sent a drive wide of the post as there were gaps appearing in the home defence as they chased the game though the Rovers defence remained stout and resilent. At the other end, Blanche was well-stopped by a last-ditch tackle which prevented a shot on goal.

Rovers sealed the tie late on as Lewis Stantiall struck, getting the better of Yates when one-on-one with the Takeley goalkeeper. To be fair, it was a deserved victory for the visitors who showed good energy, pace and no little amount of belief.

Full-Time: Takeley   1 – 3  Stanway Rovers

I would like to thank ESL President Rob E and all at Takeley for their kind welcome and hospitality during the evening.

 

Teams

Takeley      | Manager: Marc Das

Ronnie Yates (GK), Jeff Ageyman (Mitchell Das 56′), Coby Miles, Bryn Thorpe, Frank Oatham, Michael Pardoe, Jason Todd (Capt), Matt Hurley, Josh Sykes (Stuart Zanone 68′), Olly Miles (Charlie Cole 73′), Alex Warman

Goal-scorer: Olly Miles [pen 32′]

Booked: Oatham, C Miles  | Subs Not Used: Wappett, Gulliver

Stanway Rovers  | Manager: Lee Fisher

Lewis Hawley (GK), Romario Dunne, Teddy Nesbitt (Capt), Jeff Hogan, Danny Nesbitt, Harry Seal (Max Brassington 46′), Marley Andrews, Alfie Cleal, Toby Blanche, Callum Griff (Finn O’Reilly 88′), Lewis Stantiall

Goal-scorers: Toby Blanche [31′], Marley Andrews [52′], Lewis Stantiall [86′]

Booked: None  |  Subs Not Used: None