Report In-Brief: Waltham Forest 1 – 3 Woodford Town (2017) (ESL 11.11.17)

Essex Senior League – Ground-Hop Day Match #2

Venue: Kitchener Road

Attendance: 60

2017-18 Season – Match 37

Saturday 11th November 2017 2.30pm KO

Waltham Forest: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Woodford Town (2017): Yellow Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a nice afternoon at Kitchener Road, Waltham Forest took on Woodford Town in the second match of the designated three with altered kick-offs as part of ‘Ground-Hop Day’. Forest announced this week that they are crowd-funding with the objective of preserving the club beyond this season with the club’s 150th anniversary approaching next term.

In the opening twenty minutes of this encounter, Forest did look the stronger of the two sides with recent signing Chid Okonwai leading the line for the hosts. Twice in the opening half, Okonwai forced visiting stopper Nick Wilson into decent saves. As we headed for the half-hour point, the visitors started to move up a gear with a long-range effort being spilled by Forest goalkeeper Mohammed for a corner. Nine minutes before the break, Woodford took the lead as Mohammed saved a initial shot though the ball fell to forward Asher Modeste who made no mistake.

Half-Time: Waltham Forest 0 – 1 Woodford Town (2017)

The second half began well for the visiting side as they doubled their advantage four minutes in with a powerful drive by forward Ethan Kessel. Forest responded on 67 minutes as two substitutes combined with Daniel Medina’s cross finding Joe Creasey who had a tap-in. The joy for the hosts was short-lived though as Kessel got his second of the afternoon for Woodford just two minutes later to seal the points for Dee Safer’s men.

The match faded somewhat after that though Forest’s Fahad Nazor struck a post with 15 minutes to play and Okonwai couldn’t get his name on the score-sheet as his curling effort went over the bar.

Full-Time: Waltham Forest 1 – 3 Woodford Town (2017)

Creasey 67’   |  Modeste 36’, Kessel 49’ & 69’

Teams: Due to Woodford Town’s team-sheet being unavailable, the teams are not listed in this article, my apologies.

Referee: Lukas Wood

Assistant Referees: Michael Iddenden-Smith & Jeremy Mott

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Match Report: Redbridge 3 – 1 Burnham Ramblers (ESL 11.11.17)

Essex Senior League – Ground Hop Day Match #1

Venue: Oakside

Attendance: 106

2017-18 Season – Match 36

Saturday 11th November 2017 12pm KO

Redbridge: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts and Blue Socks

Burnham Ramblers: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Both sides observe a minute’s silence on Armistice Day

Report by Scott W (Twitter:@ScottMHC14)

First up on a special elongated day of Essex Senior League action on ‘Ground-Hop Day’, Redbridge took on Burnham Ramblers at Oakside in the midday kick-off. Redbridge were led in attack by Brian Moses and Sipho Mtyanda, with fellow forward Calvin Poku on the bench as midfielder Shaun Harris and winger Reside Coxi-Sebastfao were unavailable. Burnham fielded Charlee Hughes, Bradley Morgan and debutant Fraser Inns in attack.

The Motormen started well as only three minutes in, centre-back Vinny Murphy’s curled free-kick was tipped over the bar by alert Burnham custodian Joshua Strizovic. The hosts took advantage of this early impetus as on eight minutes winger Joshua Hutchinson’s right-wing cross found target-man Moses and his header sailed into the left corner to open their account for the afternoon.

To be fair to the visitors, they responded quickly as only minutes later, a drive from midfielder Ben Burgess needed the intervention of Redbridge goalkeeper Lewis Greene. Both sides traded chances in the following period of the game, with Moses really pulling his side forward. His cross found strike partner Sipho Mtyanda on 17 minutes though was denied by a great tackle from a visiting defender. Burnham’s Bradley Morgan’s effort was denied on the line by Liam Thomas as they looked to level things up.

This seemed to pep the hosts up as they created further chances, captain Eljay Worrell’s shot was denied well by Strizovic. After the rain we’ve had this week, the pitch was a bit slippy, though it didn’t really perturb either side here. Burnham put a ‘spanner in the works’ of the home half-time team-talk as they levelled two minutes before the break as Morgan’s pinpoint cross from the right was powerfully headed home by Fraser Inns.

Half-Time: Redbridge 1 – 1 Burnham Ramblers

After the break, the hosts continued with push early-doors as Worrell had a goal ruled out for off-side, Mtyanda and Moses both sent efforts wide before the latter was one-on-one with Strizovic though the ‘keeper made another good save on 51 minutes. Burnham were still showing spirit, particularly at the back though their resistance was broken just after the hour as Worrell’s corner found Moses who nodded home from close range.

The hosts brought on fit-again forward Jacob Dingli around this point also and soon after that, he brought another good save out of Strizovic though with five minutes remaining, Dingli’s shot was blocked though fellow substitute Tommie Turner turned the ball home to seal the points. I must give credit to Burnham as their heads did not drop, with Strizovic making three more good saves to keep his team in it late on.

Overall, I would say that the Motormen were ‘in the mood’ today and that showed, though Burnham showed their determined nature once again and definitely played their part in this encounter. I’d like to pass on my best wishes to both clubs and thank Redbridge FC for their hospitality.

Full-Time: Redbridge 3 – 1 Burnham Ramblers

Moses 8′, 63′     |     Inns 43′
Turner 85′

Teams:

Redbridge: Lewis Greene (GK), Courtney Homans, Jonathan Mbamarah, Phillip Brown-Bampoe (Jacob Dingli 62′), Vinny Murphy, Liam Thomas, Joshua Hutchinson (Marcus Carter 85′), Patrick Duggan, Lindisipho Mtyanda (Tommie Turner 65′), Brian Moses, Eljay Worrell (C)

Goal-scorers: Brian Moses [8′ & 63′], Tommie Turner [85′]

Booked: Moses   |  Subs Not Used: Poku

Burnham Ramblers: Joshua Strizovic (GK), Franco Guidi (Julian Bavin 46′), Edison Tereziu (George Kuderovitch 85′), Ben Burgess, Ryan Plom, Scott Plom, Ryan Stillwell (C), William Howard, Bradley Morgan, Fraser Inns, Charlee Hughes

Goal-scorer: Fraser Inns [43′]

Booked: S Plom, Howard, Hughes | Subs Not Used: Green
Referee: Graham Scott

Assistant Referees: Brian Townsend & Trevor Williams

The ESL Ground-hopper’s weekend (8.11.17)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

This coming weekend (Fri 10th & Sat 11th Nov), the Essex Senior League has something of a unique event coming. Among a reduced Saturday fixture list due to the ESL sides in FA Vase action, there are three matches with staggered kick-off times, starting with the 12midday KO: Redbridge v Burnham Ramblers at Oakside, continuing with a 2.30pm KO: Waltham Forest v Woodford Town (2017) at Kitchener Road and finishing with a 5.30pm match at the Old Spotted Dog where Hackney Wick take on Wadham Lodge.

All this is proceeded by a local derby the previous evening at Cricklefield: Barkingside v Clapton. In a league where we do have Friday night matches as well as midweek action, it is rare though to have altered kick-off times on a Saturday. As such, it does rather feel like a special occasion.

For those folks who will do two or three matches on the day, a long day it may be though it is shaping up to be a cracker and I hope it is a beacon or a start of something that could continue as initiatives like this (as well as refreshments/food & admission etc) to encourage fans to ‘join the party’. It is heartening to see that Non-League crowds are on the rise at higher steps (Step 3’s Isthmian Premier for example) so why not at Step 5?

Also, it has to be said that the clubs involved deserve a mention for taking part in this ‘experiment’ & those that have organised it. Thank you.

Check back on Friday for Peter & my usual Preview piece looking at the ties (in ESL & FA Vase involving ESL sides) in more detail but in the mean time, here are the ESL fixtures themselves (3pm unless stated):

Friday 10th November 2017

Barkingside v Clapton | Venue: Cricklefield (7.45pm KO)

Saturday 11th November

Redbridge v Burnham Ramblers |Venue: Oakside (12pm KO)

Waltham Forest v Woodford Town (2017) | Venue: Kitchener Road (2.30pm KO)

Basildon Utd v Southend Manor | Venue: The Hive

Stansted v Sawbridgeworth Town  | Venue: Hargrave Park

West Essex v Ilford | Venue: Mayesbrook Park

Hackney Wick v Wadham Lodge | Venue: Old Spotted Dog  (5.30pm KO)

 

Match Report: Hullbridge Sports 2 – 3 Great Wakering Rovers (ESL 7.11.17)

Essex Senior League

Venue: Lower Road

Attendance: 72

2017-18 Season: Match 35

Tuesday 7th November 2017 7.45pm KO

Hullbridge Sports: Blue & White Striped Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Great Wakering Rovers: Green & White Striped Shirts, Green Shorts, Green Socks

Action from the match (Credit: Peter Dudley)

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a rainy Tuesday evening at Lower Road, Hullbridge Sports welcomed in-form Great Wakering Rovers in another Essex Senior League encounter. For the hosts, Aaron Hunwicks played at right-back, with captain Jimmy Cox being deployed in an unfamiliar holding midfield role, with Ollie Miller leading the line. Wakering kept a fairly settled side with Neil Richmond and Jay Nash leading in attack.

The visitors started the match the stronger of the two sides with forward Jay Nash twice having efforts on goal, the latter being cleared on the line after home goalkeeper Lewis Catling spilled fellow forward Neil Richmond’s initial free-kick. Rovers did take the lead ten minutes in, as Richmond found himself in a good position in the area, Hullbridge defender Sam Taylor failed to clear under pressure and Richmond helped himself to a tap-in. The same player nearly made it two just four minutes later though Catling denied him following a long-ball forward.

Hullbridge were defending for their lives though there was a sense that Rovers would press home their advantage and they did so on 26 minutes when a good right-wing cross found winger Billy Johnson who had a simple header from a couple of yards out into the net. Rovers extended their lead in unfortunate circumstances for the hosts as home defender Angus Poole’s pass back to Catling bobbled on the slippy pitch, over the custodian’s foot and into the left corner. Hullbridge’s attacking moments were few and far between with midfielder Sam Dulieu’s shot drawing a save from visiting goalkeeper Rees Hawkins. In the main, the visitors were pretty dominant at this point.

Half-Time: Hullbridge 0 – 3 Great Wakering

After the break, Iain O’Connell’s men pushed to extend their advantage early on as Catling did well to keep Johnson’s shot nine minutes after the re-start. The hosts’ defence did get a few good blocks in, led by the stoic centre-back pairing of Rob Hodgson and Angus Poole. Sports were battling better since the interval though were still lacking potency up top with forward Ollie Miller not getting a huge degree of service. That said, the forward did his best to stretch the visiting defence, marshalled by skipper Scott Pethers.

The hosts pulled one back with 18 minutes remaining as winger Charlie Buffin’s drive beat Hawkins to make it 1-3. The visitors did have a different look about them in attack since Richmond departed at the break and midfielder Ricky Evans’ drive was just off-target with 11 minutes to play. The hosts pulled closer with two minutes to go as Charlie Buffin grabbed another, though I’m not sure he knew all about it. The hosts rallied as they pushed for a leveller, which seemed improbable at half-time.

Wakering had a chance late in added-time though substitute Chris Bryan brought another good save out of Catling. Wakering had the odd nervy moment to contend with though the most important thing is the three points. Hullbridge will know they can’t keep conceding big deficits and expect to come back though their spirit as ever deserves a mention. As does the introduction of local lad Shawn Coe who came off the bench to make his debut tonight for Hullbridge, having played at the club for over a decade, going through the age groups and reserve side. Best wishes Shawn.

Full-Time: Hullbridge Sports 2 – 3 Great Wakering Rovers

Charlie Buffin 72′ & 88′   |     Richmond 10′, Johnson 26′, Poole OG 34′

 

Teams:

Hullbridge Sports

Lewis Catling (GK), Aaron Hunwicks, Sam Taylor (Shawn Coe 67′), Jimmy Cox (C) (Tom Ranger 72′), Rob Hodgson, Angus Poole, Charlie Buffin, Jamie Buffin (Howard Wright 85′), Ollie Miller, Sam Dulieu, Charlie Gerada

Subs Not Used: Nathan Burrell, Damien Siemienczuk

Booked: Miller

Goal-scorers: Charlie Buffin [72′ & 88′]

 

Great Wakering Rovers

Rees Hawkins (GK), Jason Ring, Louis Robinson (Charlie Seaden 85′), Scott Pethers (C), Oliver Woodhouse, Samuel Carter, Billy Johnson, Ricky Evans, Neil Richmond (Bradley Nobbs 46′), Jay Nash (Chris Bryan 76′), Aaron Russell

Subs Not Used: Jimmy Cook, Finley Dopson

Goal-scorers: Neil Richmond [10′], Billy Johnson [26′], Angus Poole OG [34′]

Report: Tower Hamlets 1 – 0 Burnham Ramblers (ESL 4.11.17)

Essex Senior League

Venue: Mile End Stadium

Attendance: 36

2017-18 Season – Match 34

Saturday 4th November 2017 3pm KO

Tower Hamlets: Orange Shirts, Black Shorts and Black Socks

Burnham Ramblers: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Sky Blue Socks

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a fairly chilly and damp afternoon, I made my way to Mile End Stadium as Tower Hamlets welcomed Burnham Ramblers in another Essex Senior League encounter. The hosts were missing a few players including Kane Wilson and the injured Lee McKnight and Wale Odedoyin though new signings Jerome Martelli and Elias Tackie made the starting XI and substitute’s bench respectively. Burnham were missing the likes of forward Bradley Morgan and Luke Maloney though Charlee Hughes led the line for Lee Hughes’ side.

The pitch had to pass a morning pitch inspection and as things got underway, it was evident that while the pitch was OK, it was still boggy and that did mean players slipped a bit. Hamlets forward Curtis Pond nearly opened the scoring in the first minute after being played in by strike partner Luke With though he couldn’t find the target. Tola Odedoyin won a few good headers at centre-back though after a decent initial spell, the hosts had to deal with a few Burnham attacks, midfielder Bobby Barker and forward Hughes couldn’t test home goalkeeper James Pellin.

Pond and winger Martelli blasted shots wide, the latter having a great chance whilst one-on-one with visiting custodian Joshua Strizovic. Hughes hit the post for Burnham on 26 minutes having beaten Pellin. Tola Odedoyin done his side a favour by making a good last-ditch tackle on Hughes when the Burnham forward was in a good position to ‘pull the trigger’ just shy of the half-hour mark.

Half-Time: Tower Hamlets 0 – 0 Burnham Ramblers

The hosts may have had more of the chances though Burnham could have snuck ahead in the opening half having had some good moments themselves. Hamlets joint-manager AJ Ashinike was firing out instructions from near the stand to keep his side going though as we made our way past the half-way point in the second half, the hosts pushed forward to find that so far elusive goal. Substitute O’Neal Rowe twice tested Strizovic though Burnham thought they’d broken the deadlock 14 minutes from time though Hughes’s goal was ruled out for off-side, much to the consternation of the Burnham dug-out.

That frustration was amplified soon after as Hamlets took the lead with nine minutes remaining. Substitutes Elias Tackie and Rowe combined, with Rowe laying the ball off for Tackie to power his strike into the right corner. Burnham nearly grabbed a last-minute leveller as a free-kick was well-directed though was just over Hughes’ head at the back stick.

Full-Time: Tower Hamlets 1 – 0 Burnham Ramblers

Tackie 81′

Hamlets may have just edged this one on chances created though I really don’t think there was much between the sides. I think it also serves as another pointer that both these sides have improved compared to last season. Congratulations to Hamlets who sit 7th in the table and my best wishes to Burnham as they strive to rise up the table, they are 17th. My thanks also go to Tilia and Adam (T Hamlets) for their hospitality today, it is appreciated.

Teams:
Tower Hamlets

James Pellin (GK), Lamar Earle, John Watson (Inesh Sumithran 67′), Mata Julio, Tola Odedoyin, Jerome Martelli (O’Neal Rowe 67′), Frankie Sinclair (C), Curtis Pond, Antonio Montiero (Elias Tackie 67′), Luke With, Igor Furtado

Subs Not Used: Harry Wright, James Ross

Goalscorer: Elias Tackie (81′)

Burnham Ramblers

Joshua Strizovic (GK), Luke Caston, Grant Webb, Ben Burgess, Alex Karkoski, Bobby Barker, William Howard, Ryan Stillwell (C), Charlee Hughes, Robert Bagnall (George Kuderovitch 84′), Samuel Warwick (Edison Tereziu 73′)

Subs Not Used: Adam French (GK), Andrew Mowforth

Booked: Barker

Referee: Ede Eruero

Assistants: Michael Wingate & Abdel Hemid Zekri

Following The ESL : 2017/18 Season (Part 1: July – October) (31.10.17)

Lower Road pitch (29.7.17)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

As the dawn of the new season approached back in July, Essex Senior League (or ESL) clubs first began the necessary pre-season campaign, ahead of the season proper which began in late July/early August. Two ‘new’ names joined the fray in Hackney Wick [in place of London Bari] and Wodford Town (2017) [replacing Haringey & Waltham] so we were set for a 21-team league season.

Although we didn’t know the specifics at the time, we knew that Promotion & Relegation were going to take on more significance this season. The former has been subject to ground-grading issues recently, while the latter hasn’t been in place at all, in recent times at least.

Among the interesting differences compared to last season [in which Barking seized the chance to win the division and ascend back to the Isthmian League] were players coming down from higher tiers, more teams arguably having ‘budgets’ and some clubs also actively seeking to improve themselves and being aware that the ESL itself was going to get more ‘coverage’. Not by the ‘recognised press’ who were more than likely to have their attention focused elsewhere, but by an increasing group of folks who seemingly prefer Non-League Football, particularly at this level.

So there’s your ‘scene’. Even at the end of last season, I doubt many people would hazard a guess as to who would be the ‘front-runne

rs’ for the ESL title this term. You could not discount ‘surprises’ either, indeed those sorts of teams could quietly build a platform early -doors from which to sustain during what is a long ol’ season.

Said ‘surprises’ did launch themselves ‘out of the blocks’ in the form of Basildon Utd, Sporting Bengal Utd & West Essex in the first couple of months of the season, as they were among the early leaders.

As a certain lanky soul [ie. Me] made his way from match-to-match and read other reports & articles from other good colleagues as the weeks drifted by, it became pretty clear that a) This is going to be one heck of a competitive season , b) not much was going to stay still and c) at times, anyone could throw up the odd ‘surprise result’ into the air. Throw in quite a few chances in the dug-out (managerial) as well and you get the picture.

Two things have grabbed me, one is the unforgiving nature of results. Why? Well, on occasion they don’t quite reflect the actual match you’ve seen. That score-board isn’t about “could haves, would haves and should haves” – it can be cold in that respect. The other thing is the old chestnut: Consistency – easy to say yet hard to accomplish. Factor in the likely changes in matchday squads & starting XIs though injuries, suspensions and unavailability etc and the variables rise.

So at the end of October, who are among the top six in the table? Well, Takeley lead by two points from Basildon Utd with Redbridge, FC Romania, Great Wakering Rovers and Clapton all in hot pursuit. At The bottom, seven clubs are separated by just three points.

It’ll be some battle throughout the division this term. As an independent, I’ll say this: Bring It On!

Thanks for reading.

Hargrave Park pitch (28.10.17)

Match Report: Stansted 0 – 2 Redbridge (ESL) (28.10.17)

Essex Senior League

Venue: Hargrave Park

Attendance: 44

2017-18 Season – Match 33

Saturday 28th October 2017 3pm KO

 Stansted: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Redbridge: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

 

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a fairly serene late autumn’s afternoon, I made my first visit to Hargrave Park as Stansted welcomed Redbridge in another Essex Senior League encounter. The ground might be a bit compact, but it does have a certain charm to it (see images). On to the teams then and Stansted were missing a number of players that were not available, while the Motormen’s Brian Moses and Jonothon Mbamarah were among those missing for the visitors.

In the main, both sides took a bit of a time to settle on the wet outfield. Stansted could have taken the lead five minutes in though winger Nick Brown’s 20-yard curling strike fizzed just wide. The visitors responded as Redbridge winger Joshua Hutchinson’s angled drive was saved by home goalkeeper Tim Pitman. The visitors did need a little while to get their possession game going though when they did get it up top, they kept the Airportmen backline busy, forward Thomas Gogo making a good run which was blocked for a corner just following the quarter-hour. The visitors had to make a change not long after that as centre-half Vinny Murphy was replaced there by Olly Gollard.

As we past the midway point of the first half, the bustling energy of midfielder Shaun Harris and winger Reside Coxi-Sebastfao did start to set some good build-up play up though the end product wasn’t quite there. Stansted reminded them that they were well in this as Brown sent another effort wide. That and fellow winger Ryan Ramsey was having a good tussle at times with Redbridge full-back Courtney Homans at times, Ramsey showing good pace and trickery.

The hosts’ front three of Ramsey, George Smith and Brown were certainly keeping the visiting backline honest. In the latter stages of the half, the visitors did start to dominate though Paul Pittuck’s men were in a typically determined mood, midfielder Jack Folan denying Hutchinson with a good tackle as the latter was poised to strike. The deadlock was broken three minutes before the break as Harris’ angled-drive from just inside the area beat Pitman on its way to the corner. Forward Calvin Poku nearly made it two only a couple of minutes later though he sent his shot wide.

Half-Time: Stansted  0 – 1 Redbridge

The second half began with the hosts having to make two enforced changes in the opening minutes with Brown and skipper Dave Limber going off, replaced by Julian Lloyd and Lewis Riches respectively. The hosts did test visiting custodian Lewis Greene though he was equal to Smith’s effort from a narrow angle on 57 minutes. Both sides pushed in attack, though the visitors were gradually having more of the play with the likes of Coxi-Sebastfao and Hutchinson growing in influence on the game. When Smith limped off with 15 minutes to play, the hosts were down to ten and although you knew they’d graft hard, you also felt it might be an opening for the visitors to make the points safe.

The Motormen did just that eight minutes from the end as Hutchinson slotted past Pitman to double their advantage. In added time, substitute Tommie Turner ‘s shot was well-saved by Pitman though in fairness, the score-line about right as the visitors came away from Hargrave Park with a hard-earned but deserved win. Stansted can hold their heads up high though as they certainly didn’t make it an easy afternoon for Ricky Eaton & Joey May’s side today.

Full-Time:                    Stansted  0 – 2 Redbridge

                    Harris 42’, Hutchinson 82’

Congrats to Redbridge on the win and best wishes to Stansted for the remainder of the season, and thanks to Glyn and the club for their hospitality.

Teams:
Stansted Manager: Paul Pittuck	Redbridge Joint-Managers: Ricky Eaton & Joey May
1  Tim PItman  (GK)	1  Lewis Greene (GK)
2  Jack Isherwood	2  Courtney Homans
3  Jevoy Blair          (Subbed 68’)	3  Eljay Worrell  (C)
4  Chris Moore	4  Shaun Harris
5  David Limber  (C)  (Subbed 48’)	5  Vinny Murphy   (Subbed 19’)
6  Jamie Bennett	6  Liam Thomas
7  Nick Brown       (Subbed 46’)	7  Joshua Hutchinson
8  Jack Folan	8  Patrick Duggan
9  George Smith	9  Calvin Poku         (Subbed 76′)
10  Stef Neilsen	10  Thomas Gogo    (Subbed 67′)
11  Ryan Ramsey	11  Reside Coxi-Sebastfao
Substitutes:
12  Julian Lloyd                  (On 46’)	12  Malaki Toussaint
13  Jay Hocking-Rising      (On 68’)	14  Olly Gollard          (On  19’)
14  Lewis Riches                (On 48’)	15  Lindisipho Mtyanda    (On 76’)
	16  Tommie Turner            (On 67’)
	17  Phil Brown-Bampoe
Referee:	Lukas Wood
Assistant Referees:	James Whittaker Snr Ike Ayesemuate
Booked: Blair, Hocking-Rising	Booked: None

 

 

Match Report: Southend Manor 2 – 2 Enfield 1893 (ESL) (25.10.17)

Essex Senior League

Venue: Southchurch Park

Attendance: 71

2017-18 Season – Match 32

Wednesday 25th October 2017 7.45pm

Southend Manor: Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Enfield 1893: White Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Both sides before KO 

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a nice autumn’s evening at Southchurch Park, Enfield 1893 were the the visitors as they took on Southend Manor in another Essex Senior League encounter.

After a fairly even start to proceedings, Enfield were awarded a spot-kick as the referee adjudged there was a hand-ball in the area on ten minutes. Forward Danny Jones stepped up and duly converted to give the visitors an early advantage. Manor almost responded two minutes later though forward Jacob Cleaver’s shot was saved by visiting ‘stopper Michael Corderoy. The hosts did level on 28 minutes as from Jamie Brown’s corner, full-back Alfie Lindfield snuck in to get a tap-in, beating Corderoy to the ball.

Matt Hanning’s side nearly re-took the lead on the half-hour though forward Carl Mullings had his strike saved by home custodian David Leader. Mullings was giving the home defence something to think about though defender Ross Johnson did well to snuff out the threat on 33 minutes as the ball trickled out for a goal-kick. Enfield did re-take the lead ten minutes before half-time, Jones made a good run and was well-found and the forward passed the ball into the net when one-one-one with Leader to grab his second of the evening.

Manor had a few chances to level before the break though Brown couldn’t find the target and Cleaver’s close-range effort was saved by Corderoy.

Half-Time: Southend Manor 1 – 2  Enfield 1893

The second half began with both sides trading chances, Jones could’ve put the visitors further ahead though couldn’t find the target eight minutes after the interval. Soon after, Manor full-back Robbie Norris blazed his shot over the bar and Lindfield was also denied by Corderoy. Manor felt aggrieved when with twenty minutes or so to play as forward Bayley Newell made a surging run and whilst battling with a visiting defender in the area, went down though the referee did not award a spot-kick, much to the consternation of the home bench.

In the latter stages, both Jones and Mullings missed chances for Enfield to put the game to bed, being denied by Leader. The hosts were running out of time though pushed for an equaliser and got it in the nick of time as substitute Rhys Fatt’s ball into the area was seized on by Newell who slotted home past Corderoy who was unable to keep it out.

Manor maybe deserved the point for their endeavour though Enfield will feel they should have won this match. They looked comfortable at times though they also had enough chances to prevail here.

Full-Time: Southend Manor 2 – 2  Enfield 1893

       Lindfield 28’, Newell 90’ +1  |   Jones (pen) 10’, 35’

Teams:
Southend Manor Manager: Stuart Marshall	Enfield 1893 Manager: Matt Hanning
1  David Leader  (GK)	1  Michael Corderoy  (GK)
2  Robbie Norris     (Subbed 62’)	2  Matt Claxton
3  Alfie Lindfield     (Subbed 75’)	3  Joe Clark
4  Lee Delf  (C)	4  Matt Thoma         (Subbed 33’)
5  Ross Johnson	5  James O’Brien  (C)
6  Jamie Alexandrou	6  Jacob Dixon          (Subbed 72’)
7  Jamie Brown	7  Joe Johnson
8  Charlie Barlow	8  Joe Staunton
9  Jacob Cleaver	9  Danny Jones
10  Bayley Newell	10  Carl Mullings
11  John-Joe Slater   (Subbed 84’)	11  Ben Bradbury     (Subbed 81’)
Substitutes:
12  Scott Keys	12  Abiola Balogun     (On 81’)
14  Rhys Fatt           (On 84’)	14  David Ottley          (On 72’)
15  Ryan Kelland     (On 75’)	15  Tony Da Silva
16  Lee Scott	16  Matt Duberry-Lawrence  (On 33’)
17 Taj Hussain         (On 62’)
Referee:	Chris Cooper
Assistant Referees:	Jeff Stanley Karl Dunnage
Booked: Cleaver, Lindfield

Report: Southend Manor 0 – 3* Redbridge (*A-A after 80 mins) (ESL 7.10.17)

Essex Senior League

Venue: Southchurch Park

2017-18 Season – Match 28

Saturday 7th October 2017 3pm KO

 Southend Manor : Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Redbridge : Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

The Players before KO

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a fairly chilly afternoon at Southchurch Park, Southend Manor welcomed in-form Redbridge in another Essex Senior League encounter on Non-League Day.

The first began with the visitors edging the early-going though 13 minutes in, it was almost bad luck for the visitors as from full-back Lee Scott’s right-wing cross, Manor’s Robbie Norris scuffed his shot at the near post. The visitors did get into their stride somewhat though strikes on goal from front two Brian Moses and Calvin Poku failed to find the target.

The Motormen did take the lead eleven minutes before the break as a long-ball found Poku in space and then one-on-one with Manor goalkeeper Liam Pitts, buried his low strike into the left corner. Redbridge led at the break as Manor couldn’t quite find their rhythm going forward though did battle quite well against the formidable Motormen front four.

Half-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 1  Redbridge

Seven minutes into the second half, Moses’ shot was saved by Pitts, A minute later, Manor forward Bayley Newell’s drive went wide of the left-side post. The vistors extended their lead on 61 minutes as after Moses was involved in the build-up , winger Reside Coxi-Sebastfao struck home from close range. Ten minutes later, Manor substitute Charlie Barlow’s shot called Redbridge goalkeeper Lewis Greene into action though he made the save. Soon after, the visitors were three goals up as after Pitts had denied Moses’ effort, winger Joshua Hutchinson tucked in the re-bound. Newell then tested Greene again with a goal-bound effort which the visiting custodian saved with his foot.

With ten minutes remaining, there was a coming together as Redbridge forward Moses and home goalkeeper Pitts challenged for the ball on the edge of the goalkeeper’s area which left both players down. However, it soon became apparent that the ‘keeper had clearly come off worse for wear and the match was halted while an ambulance was called. I must mention that Moses stayed with the stricken stopper for some time, before and after the paramedic crew arrived. Given the situation, the referee eventually called the match off with ten minutes still to play. Pitts suffered a suspected broken leg. I sincerely wish Liam the very best in his recovery and I am sure the entire Non-League community would also echo that sentiment.

As far as the result goes, the League will ultimately decide whether the result will stand or not, though at present I believe it may stand.

Full-Time*: Southend Manor  0 – 3  Redbridge

Poku 34’

Coxi-Sebastfao 61’,

Hutchinson 72’

 

Teams:
Southend Manor Manager: Stuart Marshall	Redbridge Joint-Managers: Ricky Eaton & Joey May
1  Liam Pitts  (GK)	1  Lewis Greene  (GK)
2  Robbie Norris	2  Courtney Homans
3  Lee Scott                   (Subbed 54’)	3  Billy Golledge
4  Ross Johnson           (Subbed 70’)	4  Shaun Harris
5  Scott Keys  (C)	5  Liam Thomas  (C)
6  Jamie Alexandrou	6  Jonathon Mbamarah
7  Rhys Fatt	7  Joshua Hutchinson
8  Callum Jex	8  Patrick Duggan    (Subbed 67’)
9  Jacob Cleaver	9  Calvin Poku          (Subbed 67’)
10  Bayley Newell	10  Brian Moses
11  Joe Skeels	11  Reside Coxi-Sebastfao
Substitutes:
12  Ryan Kelland        (On 70’)	12  Sam Sheppard
14  Hamid Zamani	14  Lindsipho Mtyanda   (On 67’)
15  Charlie Barlow     (On 54’)	15  Malaki Toussaint       (On 67’)
16  James Coppins	16  Tommie Turner
17  James Good
Referee:	Peter Newman
Assistant Referees:	Nicholas Hodges Martin Green
Booked: Cleaver	Booked: Thomas

 

Match Report: Tower Hamlets 3 – 0 West Essex (ESL 6.10.17)

Essex Senior League

Venue: Mile End Stadium

Attendance: 94

2017-18 Season – Match 27

Friday 6th October 2017 7.45pm KO

Tower Hamlets: Orange Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

West Essex: Red & Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Red Socks

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a fairly calm night at Mile End Stadium, Tower Hamlets welcomed West Essex in a Friday night Essex Senior League encounter. Regarding the teams, Goalkeeper James Pellin made his debut for Hamlets after signing from Southend Manor while for West Essex, Dan Russell continued to deputise in goal for the injured Jack Coker.

The match didn’t start off that lively with few chances coming in the early-going. Fourteen minutes in, a West Essex free-kick by Joe Lefley found centre-back Maamoon Khan though he couldn’t get his shot away on goal. Six minutes later, we had the unusual sight of a fox traversing its way across the pitch. On 24 minutes, Hamlets forward O’Neal Rowe had a good shot saved by West Essex goalkeeper Dan Russell. The remainder of the half saw few real opportunities to break the deadlock though a minute before the break, visiting defender Kofi Appiah’s drive needed a decent save by Hamlets goalkeeper James Pellin to keep it goalless at the interval.

Half-Time: Tower Hamlets 0 – 0  West Essex

The hosts took a few minutes to settle after the break, though ten minutes after the re-start, striker Luke With hit a post from a decent position in the area. The visitors nearly responded a minute later though skipper Tom MacLeod’s header went over the bar from a free-kick. Hamlets did opening the scoring on 59 minutes as hot-shot Curtis Pond made a good surging run and buried a low shot past Russell to give the hosts the lead. Hamlets were unsurprisingly buoyed by their goal and full-back Lamar Earle made another good run though blasted his shot over the bar. The visitors were a man down as Dan Christey was dismissed for two bookable offences midway through the second half. With had another effort on goal saved by Russell’s legs with 66 minutes on the clock though three minutes later Pond was left in space and one-on-one with Russell, again placed a low drive into the corner.

The hosts had the initiative now and nearly increased their lead as Rowe showed good pace and skill to get past Russell in the area though his goal-bound effort was well blocked on the goal-line. Two minutes after coming on as a late substitute, forward Wale Odedoyin found space on the counter-attack and lobbed Russell well to seal the win for Ade Abayomi & AJ Ashinike’s side. To be honest, the visitors did tire after the break though Pellin still had to deny striker Michael Mignot and substitute Isaac Marfo late on.

All in all, the second-half showing from Hamlets won them this match and Curtis Pond laid down another marker in terms of his finishing with two goals though Luke With, O’Neal Rowe and defender John Watson also did well tonight. For West Essex, this won’t be a memorable match as they struggled to give the likes of Mignot and Woodbridge enough service up top. They will have better matches this season though there may be a concern about conceding goals. Best wishes to both clubs.

FT: Tower Hamlets  3 – 0   West Essex

Pond 59’,69’

W. Odedoyin 83’

Teams:
Tower Hamlets Joint Managers: Ade Abayomi & AJ Ashinike	West Essex Manager: Kwame Kwateng (position order)
1  James Pellin  (GK)	1  Dan Russell  (GK)
2  Lamar Earle	5  Nick Walk
3  John Watson	3  Josh Kane
4  Mata Julio	21  Maamoon Khan
5  Tola Odedoyin	16  Kofi Appiah
6  Jerome Anthony	6  Dan Christey
7  Curtis Pond         (Subbed 84’)	4 Tom MacLeod  (C)
8  Frankie Sinclair  (C)	10  Joe Lefley
9  Luke With            (Subbed 81’)	7  Michael Mignot
10  O’Neal Rowe	9  Tom Woodbridge   (Subbed 81’)
11  Kane Wilson     (Subbed 71’)	17  Fatos Zeqiri     (Subbed 62’)
Substitutes:
12  Wale Odedoyin   (On  81’)	11  Cameron Gray     (On 62’)
14  James Ross           (On  84’)	14  Josh French
15  Chaka Barnett      (On 71’)	18  Nick Carroll
17  Alhousman Ndure	24  Isaac Marfo         (On 81’)
18  Montel Williams
Referee:	Reece Pinchback
Assistant Referees:	Alan Moore Erwin Kegyes
Booked: Julio, Pond, T. Odedoyin	Booked: MacLeod
	Sent Off: Christey (2 Bookings)