S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Mon 12 – Wed 14 Oct) [ESL 20-21 15.10.20]

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer

Hello and welcome back to another of my occasional round-up articles looking at the Essex Senior League for the Season 2020-21. This article tracks all the action from the midweek action from Monday 12 October to Wednesday 14 October. Thanks for reading.

My thanks to Matt North  [@MattNorth_] for the photo

ESL crest

 Essex Senior

 Monday 12 October

Hashtag Utd  2 – 0  Woodford Town | Len Salmon Stadium [3G]  | Att: 138

The midweek action started on Monday night as Hashtag got another valuable three points to go level on points with leaders Cockfosters, prior to their match on Wednesday night. An early strike by Samraj Gill gave Jay Devereux’s side the lead, before George Smith got his fifth league goal already this term to confirm a decent win over winless Woodford, who remain four points adrift at the bottom.

Tuesday 13 October

Hoddesdon Town  4 – 2  Walthamstow   | Lowfield |

Hoddesdon fought back from behind to claim a fine win over Walthamstow. It was the visitors who took the lead through a fine header from Jason Beck though the Lilywhites did get back on terms through Frazer John’s close-range finish. Simon Riddle’s side led at the interval thanks to Kardan Campbell’s effort from a set-piece. After the break, Hoddy extended their lead thanks to Ben Quarrington-Carter and Cyrus Babaie to make the points pretty much safe, despite a late goal from Connor Scully for ‘Stow who fell to their third loss in seven games, as they drop to sixth. Hoddesdon go above their opponents into fourth, five points away from the leaders.

Saffron Walden Town  1 – 1  Enfield  | Catons Lane  |  

This gritty encounter ended in a draw at Catons Lane. Walden conceded a spot-kick midway into the half but Enfield’s Olly Miles’ spot-kick was well-denied by commanding goalkeeper James Bransgrove. Eight minutes before the break, centre-back Luke Wilson’s effort was ruled out for a foul on an Enfield player in the build-up. The deadlock was broken eight minutes after the resumption, with Miles successful in striking past Bransgrove to give the E’s the lead. That lead only lasted five minutes though before Gavin Cockman equalised. With no further goals forthcoming, Walden inch up to eighth spot, and Enfield rise to 15th before Wednesday’s action.

Sawbridgeworth Town  1 – 4  Redbridge  | Crofters  |

Redbridge continued their upward curve with a fine win at Sawbridgeworth. Darnell Bromfield netted four minutes before the break for his new side to give the Motormen the lead. Ayub Kadiri [67’] and James Barlow [73’] goals put George Christou’s side in command. Sawbo responded five minutes later but Redbridge secured the points late on through replacement Terry Amoafo as the visitors went into the top half. Sawbo fall below their opponents here into 11th.

Stansted  1 – 3  Sporting Bengal Utd   | Hargrave Park   |

Sporting Bengal recovered from their FA Vase exit on Sunday in some style with a fine comeback win at Stansted. Ryan Ramsay opened the scoring on 24 minutes after a spot-kick was saved by Bengal ‘keeper Luciano Junior. Imrul Gazi’s team responded strongly after the break as a goal from Mahdi Khan and a late brace from substitute Joel Ramos (who has now scored six goals in the league this term) secured a swift turnaround to give Bengal their second league win this term and move up to 13th. The Airportmen fell to only their second loss this term and drop to fifth.

St Margaretsbury  P – P  Southend Manor | The Rec | Match OFF due to Waterlogged pitch

Takeley  5 – 1  Clapton  | Station Road | Att: 49

Takeley added to the Tons’ pain defensively with a big win at Station Road. A goal-blitz in the first-half through braces from Lewis Deamer [16’ & 29’] and two goals in four minutes for Coby Miles on 37 and 40 minutes all but sealed the game before the half-time team-talks. Matthew Bentley struck again for Clapton three minutes after the break but the hosts held firm after that and replacement Ryan Lynch netted in the final moments to secure the win for Marc Das’ team, who go up to 12th. The Tons remain second-bottom.  

West Essex  0 – 2  Hadley  | Mayesbrook Park [3G]  |

Hadley weathered tricky conditions and a tough trip to Barking with a decent win. Shaz Anwar and substitute Jordan Edwards got the goals to see the Bricks to another three points to keep pace with the leaders as they go up to third spot. The Stags drop to tenth but will be in action again at home on Friday night against Enfield.

Wednesday 14 October 

Ilford  1 – 1  Cockfosters  | Cricklefield |

In the solitary match on Wednesday, Adam Peek’s Ilford side held Cockfosters to a creditable 1 – 1 draw. Right on the quarter-hour mark, it was the Foxes who took the lead through the skilful forward Mo Kargbo, though Ryan Wade maintained his fine goal-scoring run to level for the ‘Fosters on the half-hour. Despite a good performance, the hosts couldn’t break through and had to settle for a point. The result keeps Cockfosters at the summit ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Hashtag this weekend, while Ilford go above Enfield into 15th spot.

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S 2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Senior League Round-up (Fri 25/Sat 26 Sept) [ESL 20-21 27.9.20]

Sawbo v Hashtag image (Image by Matt North)

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer

Hello and welcome back to another of my of round-up’s looking at the Essex Senior League for the Season 2020-21, which will appear here on a semi-regular basis. This piece also includes the results from the Eastern Senior League South action this weekend. Thanks to Matt North (@MattNorth_) for the Image & Thanks to you for reading.

Essex Senior League

Friday 25 September

West Essex  2 – 3  Walthamstow  | Mayesbrook Park [3G]  | Att: 88

Walthamstow fought back to claim a good three points at Mayesbrook Park, in a match which simply exploded into life in the early-goings. West wasted no time in breaking the deadlock as Cameron Gray’s goal gave them the lead after just two minutes. ‘Stow fell further behind as Michael Mignot extended the hosts’ lead four minutes later. However, before the match had passed the quarter-hour mark, the match was levelled as first Callum Ibe [9’] and then Connor Scully strikes had Kwame Kwateng’s side’s lead disappear almost as soon as it had been created.

Jon Clements finished off a pulsating half to give Max Mitchell’s side the lead for the first time ten minutes from the interval and the Stags were unable to level things again so it was ‘Stow who took their second league win this campaign.

Woodford Town  0 – 2  Redbridge  | The Harlow Arena [3G] | Att: 56

The new era at Redbridge gathered momentum as they won 2 – 0 at Woodford Town. Goals from Craig Hall and Terry Amoufo did the business for George Christou’s new side and in doing so they got their first league win this term.

Saturday 26th September

Hadley  1 – 0  Takeley   | Brickfield Lane  | Att: 141

Hadley edged a contest with another strong side in Takeley, with Luke Alfano getting the only goal on 28 minutes as Anthony Clark’s team got their second win of the league season. The Bricks are trying to lay the foundations for another season of superb form at home, while Takeley are yet to win this season.

Hoddesdon Town  5 – 3  Enfield  | Lowfield  | Att: 121

Hoddesdon surged to an important 5 – 3 win over Enfield at Lowfield. The action didn’t take long to get started as the Lilywhites broke the stalemate thanks to Craig Tulley’s goal on ten minutes. The E’s, under the tutelage of interim player-boss Jamie Cureton, levelled the game ten minutes afterwards through Sammy Leonard-Mould’s goal. The sides couldn’t be separated at the interval as Liam Mulligan had given the hosts the advantage again with 35 minutes played. Cureton himself netted five minutes later to make it 2 – 2 at half-time.

However, Hoddesdon made the most of the strong second-half with three goals in thirteen minutes. Mulligan got his second of the match on 63 minutes, before Blue Gallagher [70’] and Aiden Critchley [75’] adding to the visitors’ pain to make it 5 – 2. Alex Warman struck in the last few minutes to lessen the damage but Enfield’s tough start to the campaign continued.

Ilford  1 – 1  Saffron Walden Town  | Cricklefield  | Att: 85

Ilford held Walden to a draw at Cricklefield. Dimitri Christou gave the Foxes the lead four minutes before the break, and held on until well into the second period but the Bloods managed to grab a point as centre-back Luke Wilson struck twelve minutes from time. Adam Peek’s side are showing promise with four points from their opening three matches, while Walden have five points from their first four matches.

Sawbridgeworth Town  2 – 4  Hashtag Utd  | Crofters  | Att: 106

Hashtag had to put their exploits in the Cup competitions to one side as they staged another fine comeback to overwhelm Sawbridgeworth at Crofters. Sawbo opened the scoring after just six minutes through Horace Ormsby’s strike though the Tags responded five minutes later through Joe Gregory. Tom Anderson put the visitors ahead on the half hour though the evident fighting spirit of Lee Mackman’s side in recent weeks showed itself again as Conor Clarke netted from the penalty spot just before the hour to make it 2 – 2.

But, Hashtag are known for finishing games strongly and that showed itself again here as Gregory got his brace with 17 minutes left to give Jay Devereux’s side the lead for the second time and then Harry Honesty sealed the match with five minutes remaining to give the visitors’ their fourth consecutive league win.

Sporting Bengal Utd  0 – 2  Cockfosters   | Mile End  | BCD

Cockfosters retained their 100% winning start to the league season with a decent win over Bengal at Mile End. Carl Mullings got both goals [2’ & 21’] in the first half and held on to that advantage to their fourth win this season. There was no comeback this time for Imrul Gazi’s side as they fell to their first loss in the league since the opening day.

St Margaretsbury  3 – 3  Clapton  | The Rec   | Att: 35

St Mags clawed themselves back into this contest to claim a point against visitors Clapton at the Rec. The Tons started superbly and were three goals ahead at the break, thanks to goals from Ridwan Hussein, an OG and one from Matthew Bentley right on the stroke of half-time. Ray Bartlett’s side responded with some vigour after the break though, as a brace from Kyle Roberts, first on 65 minutes and then from twelve yards with 78 minutes on the watch, got them back into the match. The Tons were unable to hold on as Jake Hayden-Eley struck eight minutes from time to complete a sterling comeback. Both sides have now drawn three of their opening four league matches so they will need wins soon.

Stansted  5 – 0  Southend Manor  | Hargrave Park  | Att: 63

The Airportmen continued their unbeaten league start as they won decisively against Manor at Hargrave Park. First-half goals from Greg Moore [4’] and Michael Salako seven minutes before the break had given Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side the impetus at the interval. Billy Coyne made it three on the hour and Craig Waters’ side simply had no answer to get back into the contest. The ‘Blue Brazil’ turned on the style with late goals by Moore, who got his second of the afternoon with 85 minutes gone and Ryan Ramsay rounded out the scoring two minutes later.

Eastern Senior League South Results

Friday 25th September  –  May & Baker   1 – 1  Harwich & Parkeston  | Parkside [3G]

Saturday 26th September

Benfleet  1 – 1  Holland  | Park Lane

Burnham Ramblers  3 – 1  Brimsdown  | Leslie Field

Frenford  4 – 0  Coggeshall Utd  | The Drive [3G]

Little Oakley  1 – 3  Athletic Newham  | Memorial Stadium

Newbury Forest  2 – 1  Hackney Wick  | Oakside

White Ensign  2 – 1  Barkingside   | Burroughs Park 

Wormley Rovers  1 – 3  Wivenhoe Town  | Wormley Sports Club

Season 2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Fri 4/Sat 5 Sept) [ESL 20-21 6.9.20]

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer

Hello and welcome back to the first of new season of round-up’s looking at the Essex Senior League divisions for the Season 2020-21. This piece also includes the results from the Eastern Senior League South action this weekend. Thanks as ever to the clubs and you, my readers for continuing to show interest in these pieces. Best wishes to all players, managers & officials at all Essex Senior League sides, I wish you all a good campaign.

Essex Senior

   

Friday 4th Sept

West Essex  1 – 1  Takeley   | Mayesbrook Park [3G] |

The weekend’s action kicked off with West Essex’s draw with Takeley, on a famed evening as they opened landlords Barking’s new artificial playing surface.  However, it was the visitors who took the lead through Reece Barrett before Symeon Taylor’s leveller after the interval. All in all, both sides could have won and Stags goalkeeper Jack Coker once again excelled between the posts to give Kwame Kwateng’s side a decent point against tough opposition, only 48 hours after their huge win in the FA Cup in midweek.  

Saturday 5th September

Cockfosters  3 – 1  Hoddesdon Town  | Chalk Lane  |

Into the Saturday action now and Cockfosters started their campaign on a high as they defeated Hoddesdon at Chalk Lane. Rueben Campbell opened the scoring on the quarter-hour for player-manager Ryan Wade’s team. Wade himself struck a free-kick to double the ‘Fosters lead with twenty-five minutes gone, though the Lilywhites did halve the deficit six minutes before the break thanks to Harrison Rookard’s effort. Nine minutes into the second half though, the hosts ended up securing the win thanks to a second goal in two games for new recruit Carl Mullings. It caps quite a week for Cockfosters and they back in action at Chalk Lane, taking on Enfield in midweek.

Enfield  0 – 0  St Margaretsbury   | Woodside  |

Enfield started off their League campaign with a creditable point after their FA Cup exit to Harlow in midweek. St Margs couldn’t breach the E’s defence either and both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils at Woodside.

Hadley  4 – 0  Woodford Town   | Brickfield Lane  |

Hadley started their campaign off with another strong performance to defeat Woodford at Brickfield Lane. Two goals in three minutes from Luke Alfano [25’] and Solomon Ofori [27’] set the tone for a side hungry for goals. Ofori netted again thirteen minutes after the interval and a late defensive mishap opened the path for Jordan Edwards to grab a late fourth for Anthony Clark’s side.

I was at this match, my full report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/09/05/season-2020-21-match-report-hadley-4-0-woodford-town-sat-5-sept/

Hashtag Utd  4 – 0  Ilford  | Len Salmon Stadium [3G]  |

Hashtag got their on-pitch season going in some style with a triumph over Ilford at the Len Salmon Stadium. George Smith’s spot-kick on 25 minutes put Jay Devereux’s side ahead before Toby Aromolaran made it two ten minutes after the break. Late goals from Lee Hursit and Ross Gleed added more gloss onto the score-sheet to get past an Ilford side who battled hard in the first half. Even so, the Tags showed their intent to get back into the upper echelons of the table and challenge for promotion once again.

Redbridge  2 – 2  Saffron Walden Town  | Oakside  |

Saffron Walden didn’t have it all their own way as they twice fought back to claim a draw with Redbridge at Oakside. After the hosts had missed a penalty before the break, James Barlow netted seven minutes after the interval. Former Redbridge star Lewis Francis levelled matters eight minutes later though in a fraught last ten minutes, Barlow struck again [82’] to put Micky Wetherall’s side on course for a surprise win. However, Walden had other ideas as George Pullen’s added-time equaliser ensured a share of the points for Jason Maher’s side.

Southend Manor  2 – 5  Sawbridgeworth Town  | Southchurch Park  |

Sawbridgeworth rode the crest of a wave following their FA Cup herocs in midweek to dismantle Manor at Southchurch Park. Luca Frankis netted twice for Craig Waters’ side but Sawbo overpowered them thanks to a hat-trick from Kieran Amos and goals for Cabham Clarke and Horace Ormsby. With ten goals conceded in two matches in League & Cup, Manor will need to regroup fairly quickly.  

Sporting Bengal Utd  1 – 3  Walthamstow  | Mile End  |

Walthamstow started their season with a hard-fought win at Sporting Bengal. After both sides drew ablank in the first half, ‘Stow’s new-look forward line did the damage as Charncey Dash opened his league account from twelve yards. Fellow new recruit Jon Clements struck to double Max Mitchell’s side’s advantage. Sam Jeremiah also netted to secure the points, though credit also goes to Bengal’s Joel Ramos who lashed home a free-kick to give Imrul Gazi’s side a consolation.

Stansted  2 – 2  Clapton  | Hargrave Park  | Att: 64

Finally this weekend, Clapton came from behind to snatch a draw at Stansted. Moses Carvalho’s firm header put the Airportmen ahead, a lead which stood at the break. But after the interval, substitute Shaun Gittleson got his second goal of the week to level the match. As the tension rose, that stalemate only lasted four minutes before Nick Reynolds put Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side ahead again. The Tons were soon level again though through Ruben Kennedy’s spot-kick and from there, the sides couldn’t be separated.

Eastern Senior League South   

Sat 5th September  Results 

Brimsdown  3 – 2  Harwich & Parkeston  | Chadfields

Burnham Ramblers  0 – 1  Wormley Rovers   | Leslie Field

Coggeshall Utd   1 – 1  Newbury Forest   | West Street

Frenford  3 – 0  Holland   | The Drive [3G]

Hackney Wick  2 – 2  Benfleet   | Spa Road, Witham

Halstead Town  1 – 1  Athletic Newham   | Rosemary Lane

Little Oakley  2 – 1  Barkingside   | Memorial Stadium

White Ensign  3 – 0  Wivenhoe Town   | Burroughs Park

Season 2020-21 Match Report: Hadley 4 – 0 Woodford Town (Sat 5 Sept) [ESL 20-21 5.9.20]

Essex Senior League

Venue: Brickfield Lane

Attendance: 145

Season 2020-21: Match 6

Date: Saturday 5 September 2020 – 3pm KO

Hadley: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Woodford: Royal Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Hadley start the Essex Senior with resounding win over Woodford

Hadley 4 – 0 Woodford Town

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

After a nearly six-month break, it was great to kick off the new Essex Senior season with a trip to Brickfield Lane, as Hadley welcomed Woodford Town. Hadley have kept the nucleus of last season’s squad, which had a large amount of experience and quality. Manager Anthony Clark named a strong side featuring a front three of Solomon Ofori, Jordan Edwards and Shaz Anwar in a supporting role. Evergreen skipper Paul Wright remained at the heart of the defence, alongside stalwarts Sam Edwards  and Alfie Bartram in midfield and left-back respectively, with the likes of Cameron Ferguson, Emmanuel Hammond and Luke Jupp on the bench here.

Woodford seem to have undergone a squad overhaul but still had the known names of James Scammell between the sticks, and skipper Andrea Montovani and Samir Ali in midfield, with new number nine Rigert Rama leading the line here. Among their substitutes was last week’s FA Cup hero Luke Parrott, Frankie Litcheri and Richard Oluwatoyin.

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  Both teams engaging in the “Clap For All” Minute’s applause [Ha v WT ESL 5.9.20]

The game began at a decent pace, with the Bricks clear in their goal to get into the ascendancy early. Hadley had a few early sighters on the target in the first fifteen minutes, with forward Solomon Ofori twice unable to get smart strikes on-target. Home centre-back Bradley Marriott also powerfully headed over the goal frame from a well-directed set-piece as we approached the quarter-hour. Woodford had one early half-chance though forward Rigert Rama was denied a clear strike at goal by the ever-stubborn home backline. Soon after that quarter-hour had passed, Town goalkeeper James Scammell did well to advance and deny Hadley midfielder Luke Alfano a clear-cut strike at goal.

As it turned out, Hadley were not to be denied the lead as on 25 minutes, a well-timed rapid run by Ofori down the right channel got the better of his marker before his centre found Alfano who made no mistake with the finish past Scammell. And before Woodford could re-focus, the hosts doubled their lead two minutes later as Solomon Ofori controlled a long ball forward well before sending a low strike past the over-worked Woodford stopper, into the net. Hadley were playing some really neat football at this point and a move involving attacking full-back Alfie Bartram and Ofori ended with forward Jordan Edwards heading over.

Woodford’s stand-out chance of the half came eight minutes before the interval, with good wing play by skipper Andrea Montovani down the right flank finding Rama though his superb drive was well-tipped over the crossbar by home custodian Luke Ward.  

Half-Time: Hadley  2 – 0  Woodford Town

The hosts had a decent lead at the break, but you still had the feel the match wasn’t over just yet. Two minutes into the second half, a rare blemish by home ‘keeper Ward saw his attempted clearance cannon back off substitute Richard Oluwatoyin and sail narrowly wide of the left-side post. To be fair to Woodford, their energy was there in tracking back defensively in the first part of the half and the sheer pace of the game started to drop a little. Just when you thought the game was fizzling out, Hadley extended their lead  just before the hour mark as again Solomon Ofori was well-picked out before lobbing Scammell well to make three-nil.

As we passed the midway point of the half, a fine lung-busting run by Woodford midfielder Oluwatoyin out of defence into the opposition half was well stopped by home midfielder Teddy Stacey. It was at this point of the match where Woodford had a bit more possession and with it, winger Dimitrios Eapsokostas was causing a problem or two down the left flank with his fleet-footed skill and pace. On 76 minutes, a rare Town corner found centre-back Empochantsif who made a well-judged leap but sent his header wide of goal.   

It wasn’t until the last few minutes that Hadley added further gloss to the score-sheet as a defensive mishap allowed forward Jordan Edwards in on goal and he struck home past Scammell confidently to end a fine performance by the hosts. It would be remiss of me not to mention the Towners fans, who as ever sang and kept singing despite the result not going their way today.

Full-Time: Hadley  4 – 0  Woodford Town

Being earnest, Woodford were just not able to conjure up the performance level they showed in their FA Cup exploits in midweek. But take nothing away from another impressive showing at home by Hadley, echoing the fine start they made in their opening game of last season, thirteen months ago now (Isn’t it good to Non-League Football back!)

On this showing, you’d be a brave soul to predict against the Bricks getting at least a top-four finish in the Essex Senior this term, alongside the likes of Walthamstow, Hashtag Utd and Saffron Walden Town. So in terms of stand-out performers, although Woodford had a ‘tough day at the office’, mentions deserve to go to midfield craftsman Andrea Montovani, centre forward Rigert Rama, centre-back Evangelos Empochantsif and energetic full-back Shaye La Rose.

For Hadley, forward Solomon Ofori will be happy to notch twice here after a fine season last term on the goals front. Fellow forwards Shaz Anwar and Jordan Edwards also deserve a mention for testing the visiting back-line, Edwards himself getting on the score-sheet late on. Lastly, a mention has to go to goalkeeper Luke Ward who made two very good saves on a fairly quiet afternoon for him. Finally, I’d like to wish both clubs the very best for the season ahead.

Teams

Hadley       | Manager: Anthony Clark  | Assistant: Junior Matti

1 Luke Ward (GK), 2 Billy Baird, 3 Alfie Bartram, 4 Paul Wright (Capt), 5 Bradley Marriott, 6 Teddy Stacey, 7 Solomon Ofori (14 Cameron Ferguson 62’), 8 Luke Alfano (17 Edward Davis 80’), 9 Jordan Edwards, 10 Shaz Anwar, 11 Sam Edwards

Goal-scorers: Luke Alfano [25’], Solomon Ofori [27 & 58’], Jordan Edwards [88’]

Subs Not Used: Buraimoh, E Hammond

Woodford Town    | Manager: Dee Safer  | Assistant: Wayne St Louis

1 James Scammell (GK), 2 Harry Barrett, 3 Shaye La Rose, 4 David Ola (15 Zain Morfea 66’), 5 Evangelos Empochantsif, 6 Jack Newbury-Neale (16 Richard Oluwatoyin 46’), 7 Samir Ali, 8 Harry Markatis (18 Frankie Licheri 54’), 9 Rigert Rama, 13 Andrea Montovani (Capt), 11 Dimitrios Eapsokostas

Subs Not Used: Parrott, C St Louis

Referee: Zack Moules

Assistant Referees: Stephen Bainbridge & Peter Jago

Season 2020-21: The FA Cup Extra Prelim Rd (ESL/EaSL Sides) [FAC 2020-21 3.9.20]

Written by Scott W [Twitter: :@ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer

Hello all and welcome to the new season of blogs here, you’ll find blogs on the Essex Senior, Essex Olympian League divisions & maybe a little more besides during the course of the season too.

This initial blog is looking at the local sides that were in action this week, which saw eleven Essex Senior sides progress and one Eastern Senior South side. Thanks for reading.

Monday 31 August

Woodford Town  3 – 1  London Colney   | The Harlow Arena | Attendance: 247

Woodford Town opened the round’s action with a fine comeback victory over London Colney at the Harlow Arena. Scott Knight had given Colney an early advantage though Luke Parrott levelled matters on the half-hour for Town. Rigert Rama then turned the tide in favour of the hosts as the match approached the hour mark, tapping home following a goalkeeping error before sealing the contest thanks to a fine strike by Parrott to seal his brace and cue wild celebrations from the excited Towners faithful. Woodford are rewarded with a trip to Capershotts to face Waltham Abbey in the Prelim Round. 

Tuesday 1st September

Cockfosters  4 – 2  Stanway Rovers   | Chalk Lane   | Att: 221

The ‘Fosters made a miraculous comeback with ten men to overcome Eastern Counties Premier side Stanway at Chalk Lane. Stanway started well and took the lead after four minutes through debutant Dan Gilchrist’s strike. The ESL side responded through George Beattie’s 20th-minute goal but had a double set-back around the half-hour mark as combative midfielder Matt Thomson was dismissed and soon after, Rovers made the most of the man advantage as Harry Thomas bundled the ball over the line after a set-piece. The drama only escalated after the break though as three goals in 15 minutes swung the tie in favour of the hosts. First, new signing Carl Mullings levelled midway through the half after a defensive howler, then player-boss Ryan Wade powered home  a spot-kick mere minutes later. Substitute Rueben Campbell provided the telling fourth goal with eleven minutes left to eventually seal a terrific victory.

Walthamstow  3 – 2  London Lions  | Wadham Lodge | Att: 292 | 

Cockfosters will face Walthamstow in the next round as ‘Stow fought back to deny London Lions progression into the Prelim Round. Max Kyte broke the deadlock for the Lions in the early stages on the contest and although ‘Stow got more threatening in front of goal, it took until after the break for them to level through substitute Michael Osei’s curling drive. Kyle nabbed his second for the visitors soon afterward, but goals from Connor Scully and Charncey Dash [for Peter: Dash! Dash!] sealed the win in front of Walthamstow’s biggest crowd since 1996.                                                   

Hullbridge Sports  0 – 2  Hadley  | Lower Road  | Att: 310

Another bumper crowd at Lower Road saw Hadley shock higher league opposition again with a fine win at Isthmian North side Hullbridge. Second-half strikes by that man Solomon Ofori and a Sam Edwards free-kick handed the impetus to the Bricks. ‘Bridge also had a penalty saved by Hadley ‘keeper Luke Ward which added to a frustrating evening for them on-the-pitch. Hadley will face FC Clacton away on Saturday week.                                     

Stansted  3 – 2  Takeley  | Hargrave Park  | Att: 143

Stansted also had to fight back to secure their passage with a hard-fought win over local rivals Takeley at Hargrave Park. Luckless home skipper Billy Coyne headed into his own net five minutes in, but Jack Mitchell converted a spot-kick on 26 minutes to level things up. Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side then took the ascendency on the score-sheet after the break as Mitchell struck again ten minutes after the break. Ash Siddik notched the Airportmen’s third in the last few minutes to effectively seal the tie. Substitute Samson Adelaja netted for Marc Das’ side deep into added-time but their focus turns now to the league opener at West Essex on Friday night. Meanwhile, the ‘Blue Brazil’ welcome Basildon Utd to Hargrave in the next round of the Cup. 

Saffron Walden Town  4 – 2  Little Oakley  | Catons Lane  | Att: 286

Saffron Walden also progressed to the next round with victory over Eastern Senior League South side Little Oakley in another pulsating tie at Catons Lane. Oakley took the lead through Harry Mann before new signing Alfie Hilton levelled the match for the hosts. Oakley were not to be denied a second through as Jordan Heath made it 2 – 1 to Matt Carmichael’s team. More drama though was in the offing as Lewis Francis made his presence felt on his return to the Bloods in a big way. The forward came off the bench and struck a hat-trick to turn the match in favour of Jason Maher’s side and see them into the next round, in front of another hefty crowd. They face the trip to Welwyn Garden City.

 Sawbridgeworth Town  2 – 1  Romford  | Crofters  | Att: 260

Sawbridgeworth pulled off one of the surprises of the round by knocking out Isthmian North side Romford at Crofters. Goals from Conor Clarke and Kieran Amos did the job on a terrific night for Lee Mackman’s side. Malaki Toussaint got one back for Romford midway through the 2nd half but Sawbo went through welcome fellow ESL side St Margaretsbury In the Prelim Round.

 Clapton  2 – 2  Sporting Bengal Utd  (Bengal won 6 – 5 on pens)

| Terrence MacMillan Stadium

Sporting Bengal edged to the next round on spot-kicks after a two-two draw with Clapton at the Terry Mac. David Tarawali netted to give Imrul Gazi’s side the lead, before Conor Okus equalised for his new club. Bengal re-took the lead soon afterward with Carlos Siegal Hubner slotting home smartly. The Tons forced a penalty shoot-out late on though as Shaun Gittleson once again levelled the match with minutes remaining. It was Bengal who held their nerve in the shoot-out, winning 6 – 5 on spot-kicks here and will travel to Harlow Town in the next round.

Wednesday 2nd Sept

 Park View   1 – 2  Hashtag Utd   | New River Sports Ground

On Wednesday, Hashtag made their debut in the competition at Park View & came from behind to progress. Kleon James had given the hosts a surprise lead, before George Smith equalised with a well-struck penalty. After the interval, recent addition Toby Aromolaran netted from close range to win the match and they will face Felixstowe & Walton Utd from the Isthmian North in the next round. 

West Essex  6  – 3  Crawley Green    | Oakside  | Att: 147

Finally in our focused ten matches, West Essex progressed in a richly entertaining tie as they powered past Spartan South Midlands Premier side Crawley Green at Oakside. Michael Mignot blasted a hat-trick inside the first 30 minutes before Phil Draycott pulled one back for the visitors six minutes before the break. West extended their lead and sealed the tie through Mignot’s fourth soon after the break. Symeon Taylor and Tom Woodbridge then added further strikes as the Stags saw out a big night for them. To their credit, Danny Watson and Tyler Ingham added late goals for Crawley Green but there was no mistaking the performance by Kwame Kwateng’s side, who are rewarded with a trip to New Salamis in the Prelim Round.

Other Results (ESL & EaSL South Sides) – Tues 1 Sept

Brantham Athletic  1 – 1  Benfleet                     (Brantham won 3 – 2 on Pens)   

Tom Watkins                              Ben Foord

Harlow Town                   5 – 1     Enfield   | Harlow Arena  | Att: 260

Christian Adu Gyamfi,                  Hugo Vasconcelos 75’  

Craig Alcock,  

Ahmet Biler,

Hector Mackie                                  

Sam Taylor (OG)

Hoddesdon Town  1 – 2  FC Clacton   |at Ware FC   | Att: 129

 Cyrus Babaie                       Mekhi McKenzie

                                               Charlie Thompson

 Redbridge  0 – 2  Harpenden Town  | Oakside  | Att: 134

                               Mulik Rickman 16’

                                    Harvey Scott 55’

Southend Manor  0 – 5  Ware | Southchurch Park  | Att: 200 |

                                           Leigh Rose 15’

                                           David Kendall 46’ & 60’
                                           Louis Rose 74’

                                           Albert Adu-Donyinah 76’     

Wednesday 2nd Sept  

Baldock Town  2 – 2  St Margaretsbury  (St Mags win 4 – 2 on pens)

Scott Piggott                                          Kyle Roberts (pen)

Josh Furness                                          Jae Partridge

Ilford         1 – 3      Halstead Town  | Cricklefield | Att: 280

Juan Cardona                     Joe Jones

                                          Chris Harris x 2                                           

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Senior League (Part 1 – Top 10) [ESL SR 19/20 5.5.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the first of a two-part blog looking back at the Essex Senior League 2019-20 season, as part of my Non-League ‘Season Review’ series.

In this first part, I look back at the top ten sides in the division from the dry statistics perspective and my own thoughts on seeing them in action during the campaign, followed by the stats on ‘Clean Sheets’ this season. Thanks for reading.

 

Essex Senior League   (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with most Football at or below Step 3 (Isthmian Premier Division in the local area), the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later.

We start off the Top ten rundown at the summit, where Saffron Walden Town led having grabbed sixty-six points from their 29 matches. Jason Maher’s side had another very strong campaign, with a much-admired strike force featuring the likes of Charlie Cole, Nathan Scarborough and highly-rated prospect Tyger Smalls breaking into the team in the second part of the campaign. The ‘Bloods’ hit 69 goals this term (at a Goals per game (GpG) average of 2.38) and had the fourth-best defence in the division (marshalled by the likes of Scott Pethers and club stalwart Spike Bell), conceding twenty-eight times in the league. They have all the hallmarks of a top side, being gritty when they need to be but also having searing pace going forward and can score goals almost at will when I watched them in-person. I also must give a special mention to determined forward Gavin Cockman, who struck sixteen league goals to lead his side in attack and personally he had a superb campaign.

Still from Errington Cup match: Saffron Walden v Cockfosters 28.12.19

Still from Errington Cup: S Walden v Cockfosters 28.12.19

Another still from Hashtag Utd v Redbridge ESL 18.1.20

In second place are Hashtag Utd, who memorably won the Eastern Senior League South in their debut campaign in 2018-19. It was another very positive season for Jay Devereux’s side, having accrued sixty-five points from their 26 matches prior to the season being halted. The ‘Tags’ were the most in-form side in March, with six wins from their most recent eight matches. Overall, they scored sixty-six times (a GpG of 2.54) and conceded 27 goals, the third-best defensive record in the division. Their home record was right up there but it was away from their temporary home of Chadfields that they excelled, winning eleven of their thirteen matches away from home. Striker George Smith was a superb addition to the team, firing home nineteen league goals, but canny signings during the season like centre-back Luke Wilson, goalkeeper Louis Hawes and midfielder Tom Anderson added to their momentum. I saw them in their opening ESL match where they surprisingly lost to Southend Manor, though after that they won their next ten matches on-the-reel. Then in January, an inspired spell after half-time saw them bypass Redbridge and at that point you knew they would take some stopping. For all the hype that follows them around, they are a very promising side and will expect to be right in the tussle for promotion again next season. They are on the move once again, having agreed to ground-share at Bowers & Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium next season, which will only add to the optimism going forward.

 

Walthamstow logo

Walthamstow resided in third place, with new manager Max Mitchell taking the reins in late January. The East Londoners gained sixty-three points from their 26 games, winning twenty of them. They netted seventy-three times (a GpG of 2.81) and yes, Dwade James got 27 of those himself to end up the league’s top scorer for the second season in succession, you also have to applaud the stats at the other end of the pitch. Notably, they shelled only seventeen goals, the league’s best this term (a GpG of 0.65) and custodian James Bransgrove also gathered 16 clean sheets (see below), which speaks for itself. Previous gaffer Ryan Maxwell has to take some credit for assembling the team he did, and therefore was largely responsible for his side losing only one of their twelve away matches this term. I saw them since back in August where they just outshone Stansted and battle to a point at Ilford in late January though with Mitchell settling in well since his appointment, the ‘Waltham Rabble’ will be fired up once again next term for another good season at Wadham Lodge.

 

Hadley crest (Image: Hadley FC)

Still from Takeley v Hadley ESL Oct 19

Next in the table were league newcomers Hadley in fourth. They garnered 57 points from their twenty-six matches and have the esteem of scoring the most goals this term, with eighty strikes (a GpG of 3.07) and letting in only twenty-four goals, the second-best record in the division this term. I saw them back on the opening day where they comfortably defeated Enfield though the best thing I recall about that day was the good atmosphere at the club, not forgetting the intriguing ‘Tennis Ball Challenge’ game which is a rather unique half-time spot of entertainment. I saw them again in October where they had to play well to win at Takeley. Forward Solomon Ofori was arguably their star player this term with eighteen league goals to his name, though I’d also mention Luke Jupp, Cameron Ferguson and Manny Hammond who also were right up there in the goal-scorers chart and for their importance to the team. I doubt I’m the only writer who hopes they remain with the league next season as they certainly played their part in it for the football they played and the good people at the club. They were the only side unbeaten at home, winning 13 of their fourteen matches at Brickfield Lane, with only Saffron Walden Town holding them to a draw in the ESL in January. Finally, who could forget the FA Cup run to the Third Qualifying Round where they lost out at National League South side Havant & Waterlooville in early October.

 

Stansted club badge

Still from Stansted v Clapton ESL 23.11.19

Still from Stansted v Clapton 23.11.19

In fifth spot are Stansted, who got fifty points from their 27 matches this term. A mixed start to the campaign was swiftly nullified from the memory banks during mid-season as they achieved a new club record of twelve straight league wins which shot them up into the top six. They were in good nick towards the ‘end’ of the season as well. Having scored fifty-five goals in all this term (a GpG of 2.04) and their form at Hargrave Park was to be envied, with ten wins from their 14 matches at home. Paul Pittuck and John Watters’ side also made the last 64 of the FA Vase, and had a grand away day at Thurlow Nunn Premier high-flyers Stowmarket Town to show for it. Connor Hammond ended up their top scorer with eleven league goals, though in fairness the goals were well spread out this term. These two canny managers are known for having determined sides and that was certainly the case again this season. I saw them narrowly lose out at Walthamstow early-doors before besting Clapton in November. You wouldn’t be surprised if the Airportmen are competitive once again next season.

 

Takeley were once again in the upper echelons of the table in sixth place, garnering forty-three points from their 24 matches, as the indecent weather in the winter heavily affected their fixtures. Interestingly, their form away from Station Road was slightly better than at home, as Marc Das’ side won seven of their 13 matches away, with only three losses. They struck 46 goals this term, whilst the familiar steely backline remained, conceding thirty-four goals (a GpG of 1.42) – the fifth-best record in the ESL. Bryn Thorpe deserves a mention for being top scorer with nine league goals (15 in all competitions) and stopper Matt Gill also racked up six clean sheets as well. When I saw them back in late October, they were beaten by the better side in Hadley and their form toward the season’s halt wasn’t super with two wins and three losses in their last eight matches though it is a testament to the reputation that Das & co have built that you can’t rule out his side from having a good season, even if they are not the most spectacular.

 

That thought remains with the next club in seventh which was filled by Hoddesdon Town, having won 41 points from their twenty-seven matches. The solid nature of the previous season was maintained, with the Lilywhites conceding 35 times (a GpG of 1.29) and notching a half-century of goals too. Isaac Marfo-Jacobs was their top goal-getter with twelve goals, prior to his departure for Isthmian North side Witham Town. Jordan Halls got six league goals as well to help cover during the latter part of the campaign. Goalkeepers Simon Dent and Aaron Bull got ten clean sheets between them as well and you would feel Simon Riddle’s side are well-placed for another top-half finish at least in 2020/21.

Redbridge club crest

Still from Sporting Bengal v Redbridge ESL 28.9.19

Still from S Manor v Redbridge ESL 5.10.19

Redbridge are next in eighth spot, having recovered from a mid-season lull to notch thirty-eight points from their 25 games. Weather also affected the improving Oakside stadium, though the fact that they scored 57 league goals (a GpG of 2.28) says a lot for manager Micky Wetherall and his coaching staff. They also shelled 56 goals in defence which arguably held them back a bit but you also have to credit the manner of how they play. Their high-scoring draw at Sporting Bengal Utd in late September was one of my matches of the season, just for the attacking intent shown by both sides. Then in early October, they showed a more gritty side as they won at Southend Manor. Finally, a rare Friday night outing at Oakside in early November saw them just lose out to Woodford Town in another highly-competitive game. Incredibly, eight of their 12wins this came on-the-road and overall, I believe Micky will be happy enough with their campaign.

Woodford Town Badge

Image from Redbridge v Woodford Town ESL 8.12.19

Still from Redbridge v Woodford ESL 8.11.19

In ninth place were Woodford Town, after claiming thirty-four points from their 28 matches. Their season could ably be labelled as inconsistent though they did end up finishing well, with four wins from their last eight matches. Remaining at the Harlow Arena this term, they got six wins from their fourteen home games while having their struggles on away days, with four wins and nine losses from their fourteen matches away from home. I saw them lose out at West Essex in September before winning at Redbridge in early November. If they have a more settled squad next term, you would think they will finish higher next term, given they have some talented prospects in the young side. Finally for this part, in tenth spot are Cockfosters, another new side to the division. Ryan Wade’s team gathered thirty-four points also from their 26 matches and ended below Woodford on goals scored. Their Chalk Lane base saw them win six of their twelve matches and going forward, they are an enterprising side to watch, with Billy Healey and Ned Clarke among those impressing. I watched them narrowly defeat West Essex in late October and as some of my peers have said on radio this season, on that occasion they showed how much of a welcoming club they are and they should be congratulated for that. I also saw them make the most of a first-half blitz to win at Southend Manor in November before they ground out a win at Tower Hamlets in early December. All in all, they are a god side to watch and much like Hadley, I hope they remain in the ESL as they have added to the division this term.

Cockfosters Emblem

Image from S Manor v Cockfosters ESL 9.11.19

Image from Cockfosters v West Essex ESL 29.10.19

Still from Cockfosters v West Essex ESL 29.10.19

 

Essex Senior League  – Goalkeepers’ Clean Sheets

(Source: essexseniorleague.co.uk)

		Club/s	Clean Sheets
1	James Bransgrove	Walthamstow	16
=2	Luke Ward	Hadley	13
	Nicholas Eyre	Saffron Walden Town	13
=4	Bradley Robinson	Cockfosters	7
	Tim Pitman	Hashtag Utd	7
=6	Matthew Gill	Takeley	6
	Simon Dent	Hoddesdon Town	6
	Alex Read	Woodford Town	6
9	William Hunt	Clapton	5
	Jack Coker	West Essex	5
=11	Aaron Bull	Hoddesdon Town	4
	Louis Hawes	Hashtag Utd	4
	George Marsh	Stansted	4
	Florent Gislette	Redbridge	4
	Alex Jennings	Enfield	4

Round-up: Essex Senior League (Sat 7 Mar) [ESL 19/20 8.3.20]

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to my semi-regular review of this week’s Essex Senior League action on Saturday 7 March. Weather put paid to two fixtures this weekend as pitches continue to recover from the recent hefty rain.

 

Essex Senior League results – Saturday 7 March

Hadley 7 – 0  West Essex | Brickfield Lane | Att: 86

Hadley inflicted another heavy defeat on the Stags at Brickfield Lane as they continue to chase down the top three. The Bricks held a two-goal lead at half-time as Manny Hammond [35’] and a Yemi Buraimoh strike five minutes later gave them a cushion. After the break, a depleted West side were exposed as Sam Edwards got a quick-fire brace just after the hour mark, before Hammond got his second of the afternoon on 65 minutes to give Anthony Clark’s side a 5 – 0 lead with time remaining in the match. Cameron Ferguson endorsed his growing reputation with a double of his own [75’ & 85’] and complete a super day for Hadley who remain in 4th but are only ten points off leaders Saffron Walden with four matches in hand on them. West’s form is mixed right now after a fine win in midweek, they remain in 10th spot.

 

Saffron Walden Town  1 – 2  Walthamstow  | Catons Lane | Att: 302

This battle at the top of the Essex Senior saw Walthamstow emerge with what could be a priceless win at Catons Lane in front of a crowd of around 300. Connor Scully smashed ‘Stow into an 12th-minute lead and that lead held until the break. A frantic start to the second period started with a leveller for Walden as Julian Simon-Parsons made it three goals in his last two games on 48 minutes. Two minutes later though, Max Mitchell’s side re-took the lead through recent signing Tommy Fletcher and despite seeing forward Callum Ibe sin-binned late on, the gutsy East Londoners made it ten matches unbeaten and are only three points adrift of Walden with four more matches to play. Walden are vulnerable to being overtaken by ‘Stow, Hashtag and Hadley though on paper at least, have a decent recent run-in before hosting Hashtag on the final day next month.

Fellow Non-League blogger Matt North was there & here is his report: mattnorthfootball.wordpress.com/2020/03/07/saffron-walden-town-1-2-walthamstow-fc-esl-19-20-07-03-20/

 

Sawbridgeworth Town  1 – 2 Redbridge   | Crofters | Att: 25

Redbridge recovered from a heavy defeat in midweek to get the win at Crofters over Sawbridgeworth. Strike pair Taylor Tombides and Hassan Nalbant got the goals for the visitors who obtained their fourth win in their last seven matches to remain in eighth spot, seven points ahead of West Essex in tenth. Jake Sleet’s fourth goal of the season gave Sawbo some hope but ultimately they fell to another loss and remain marooned at the foot of the table, 13 points behind nearest rivals Enfield with eight matches to play.

 

Stansted  0 – 0  Enfield  | Hargrave Park  | Att: 52

Enfield put in an improved display to hold Stansted at Hargrave Park. The E’s had a penalty saved by home ‘keeper Jarvis Monk though the Airportmen had chances of their own before ultimately ending a draw. Stansted remain fifth at present, four points clear of Takeley while Matt Hanning’s side inch closer to the sides above them in Tower Hamlets and Southend Manor and have a game or so in hand on both.

 

Tower Hamlets  1 – 1  Ilford  | Mile End | Att: 20

Hamlets showed promise again but could not complete the job as they were pegged back by gritty Ilford at Mile End. Suiabo Balde put Hamlets ahead with his 15th league goal of the campaign on 65 minutes. Jeffrey Cobblah got the Foxes leveller with three minutes remaining to see Jon Fowell’s side to 30 points in 13th spot. Hamlets haven’t won in eleven games now and stay third-bottom on 22 points.

 

Matches OFF (Due to Waterlogged pitches)
Hashtag Utd  P – P St Margaretsbury

Southend Manor P – P Takeley

 

Thanks for reading, they’ll be more blogs on the Essex Senior to come as we approach the run-in with seven weeks to go.

Round-up: Essex Senior League (Fri 7/Sat 8 Feb) [ESL 19/20 9.2.20]

Written by Scott W 

Hello and welcome to another of my semi-regular round-up pieces looking at this weekend’s Essex Senior League action & one Peter Butcher Trophy tie, from Friday 7th February & Saturday 8th February.

Friday 7 January – Peter Butcher Trophy Round Two

Woodford Town 1 – 4  Clapton  | Harlow Arena [3G]  | Att: 45

Clapton continued their recent good form to advance to the next round of the Peter Butcher Trophy with victory at Woodford. Asher Modeste got a brace, which was added to by Nana Boakye-Yiadom and Abdus Salami as Julian Charles’ team got another good win. Kieran Hughes-Mason got the solitary response for Joe Gadsdon & Roy Darbo’s side though their focus will be on the league for the remainder of the season.

Saturday 8 February    –   Essex Senior

Cockfosters 0 – 0 Takeley  | Chalk Lane  | Att: 63

Takeley’s efforts to keep pace with the four were stifled by a Cockfosters who could have pinched all three points in this stalemate at Chalk Lane. Marc Das’ side remain in fifth, unbeaten in their last four matches though other results mean they are being caught by neighbours Stansted just behind them. The ‘Fosters drop to eighth after this result and despite only losing one of their last six outings, they are vulnerable to being caught up by Hoddesdon and West Essex just behind them.

 

Enfield  0 – 2  Hadley   | Woodside | Att: 77

The Bricks produced a good display to attain their second win in their last five with victory at Woodside. Goals by Emmanuel Hammond [43’] and Yemi Buraimoh on 63 minutes were enough for Anthony Clark’s side to get the points at go four points clear in fourth spot. The E’s brought in Hullbridge forward Luke Hornsley on dual terms this week as they remain second-bottom.

Fellow Non-League writer Matt North was at this match and here is the link to his report: https://mattnorthfootball.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/match-report-enfield-vs-hadley-esl-19-20-08-02-20/

Hoddesdon Town  3 – 3  West Essex   | Lowfield | Att: 89

The Lilywhites were held by a youthful West Essex side that fielded four of their Under-18 side in this contest. It was the Stags who took a two-goal lead early-doors as Cameron Gray [9’] and Joel Lamb on the quarter-hour put them in a strong position. Hoddesdon, who saw forward Isaac Marfo-Jacobs depart for Isthmian North side Witham Town this week, responded through recent signing Harry Bushell on 16 minutes. Aaron Ramthor made the score level at 2 – 2 just four minutes later. Harry Andic turned the game in the hosts’ favour eight minutes before the break.

 

After weathering the storm, West did pick up a point in a terrific encounter as target-man Izzy Ogedi-Uzokwe netted ten minutes from time to ensure they’ve only lost one of their last five matches as they remain tenth. Simon Riddle’s side remain a place and fur points above them in ninth.

 

Ilford  2 – 0  Southend Manor  | Cricklefield | Att: 55

The Foxes got the points to move further clear of the bottom four with victory over Manor at Cricklefield. Larry Akanbi got the opener against his former club on 25 minutes. It was another ex-Manor player who ended up sealing the contest as Jordon Fisher netted 15 minutes from time to rise up to 12th spot. Manor remain in 16th spot, just three points ahead of the bottom two.

 

St Margaretsbury  0 – 2  Redbridge   | The Rec | Att: 29

Redbridge got their second straight clean sheet in all competitions with a decent win at struggling St Margaretsbury. Hassan Nalbant put the visitors ahead on 20 minutes, to which Charlie Portway got a second goal [64’] which gave Micky Wetherall’s side the impetus to rise to seventh spot after their seventh win in their last ten league matches. St Mags’ winless stretch now sits at eleven matches as they remain 15th.

Stansted  2 – 1  Saffron Walden Town  | Hargrave Park | Att: 268

The Airportmen made it 11 straight league wins with a fine victory over leaders Saffron Walden Town in the Uttlesford derby. John Clarke put the hosts ahead right on half-time, before Ryan Ramsay made it two just four minutes after the restart. Substitute Nathan Scarborough halved the deficit for the Bloods with 57 minutes played though the ‘Blue Brazil’ held on for a famous win, in front of over 250 fans at Hargrave Park, which sees them reduce the gap to Takeley in fifth to three points with a game in hand. Walden’s impressive 13-match unbeaten run is over as they conceded ground to rivals Walthamstow and Hashtag Utd in the title race.

Walthamstow  4 – 0  Sawbridgeworth Town  | Wadham Lodge | Att: 57

Finally for this weekend, Walthamstow produced a professional display to outmatch Sawbridgeworth at Wadham Lodge. Lewis Francis got the ball rolling with another brace [23’ & 36’] and as ever, Dwade James also got on the score-sheet on 38 minutes for his 25th league goal this season. New signing Michael Toner added a powerful strike for the fourth goal ten minutes from time as ‘Stow got their fifth win in their last six to leapfrog Hashtag Utd into second place, just two points behind leaders Saffron Walden with two matches in hand on the Bloods. The hard run goes on for Sawbo, as they remain bottom after nine straight defeats.

Round-up: Essex Senior League (Sat 14 Dec) [ESL 19/20 16.12.19]

Archive Image: Stansted v Clapton last month [Image: Scott W]

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer

Hello & welcome to this week’s Essex Senior Round-up, on a truncated weekend of action on Saturday 14 December, thanks largely to the incessant rain we’ve had recently. Thanks for reading. Wishing a Merry Christmas & a very happy 2020 to all the readers of this column.

Hadley  2 – 1  Hashtag Utd  | Brickfield Lane | Att: 197

Hadley struck late to complete a comeback win over Hashtag at Brickfield Lane. George Smith put the visitors ahead after just three minutes though Anthony Clark’s team levelled matters through Cameron Ferguson’s goal on 63 minutes. Sam Edwards’ free kick four minutes from time turned the tide completely and gave Hadley the points to go back into fourth spot. A rare loss for the Tags meant they fell to third place, given the impact of other results.

 

Ilford  2 – 1  Sawbridgeworth Town   | Cricklefield  | Att: 45

Ilford emerged with a very useful three points from this bottom-half battle at Cricklefield. The Foxes broke the deadlock just two minutes in thanks to Anastasius Antoniou though were pegged back two minutes before the break as Sawbo’s Louis Mackman levelled things up. Andre Embalo’s goal seven minutes prior to the end was the difference as it turned out as Jonny Fowell’s side, who sit 12th and are unbeaten in four matches. Sawbridgeworth’s unfortunate run goes on, remaining bottom and seven points adrift of nearest rivals Clapton.

Saffron Walden Town  1 – 0  St Margaretsbury | Catons Lane | Att: 206

Walden came out of a battle with St Margaretsbury with a narrow win at Catons Lane. Ollie Fortune got the only goal on his debut midway through the second half to make it five consecutive wins for Jason Maher’s side who are top of the standings by two points. St Margs’ blip goes on and are winless in their last four games, residing in 11th place as one of three teams on 21 points.

 

Sporting Bengal Utd  0 – 2  Walthamstow   | Mile End | Att: 45

Walthamstow negotiated a tricky trip to Mile End with victory over Sporting Bengal. A brace from Dwade James was enough to give ‘Stow a third straight success though credit has to go to a battling Bengal side who made things tough at times for Ryan Maxwell’s promotion-chasers. Stow rise to second now, two points shy of Saffron Walden and Bengal fall to 14th.

 

Matches Postponed:

Redbridge  P – P Hoddesdon Town

Southend Manor  P – P  Woodford Town

Stansted  P – P  West Essex

Takeley  P – P  Enfield

Round-up: Essex Senior League (Sat 30 Nov) [ESL 19/20 1.12.19]

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Senior round-up, here on my blog. This week we had eight matches, starting with one on Friday night. Thanks for reading.

Friday 29 November

Woodford Town  1 – 1  Ilford    | Harlow Arena [3G] | Att: 87

Woodford were denied a confidence-boosting win late on by Ilford at the Harlow Arena on Friday night. Lauric Diakiesse put the hosts ahead though with the fog drifting down overhead, a late penalty from Ali Al-Nashi gave Jonny Fowell’s side the points against ten-man Towners, who had former Ilf player Morgan Seaman dismissed. Ross Weare’s side drop to tenth after four games without a win, while Ilford stay 14th.

Saturday 30 November

Enfield   0 – 0  Clapton   | Woodside   | Att: 57

The battle of these two strugglers ended up being an uninspiring draw at Woodside. The E’s were unable to break down the Tons despite the visitors being down to ten men though looking on the positive side, it is a rare clean sheet for both teams. Enfield remain 16th and their winless run extends to seven matches. Clapton remain second-bottom and haven’t won in five matches themselves now.

 

Hadley  3 – 1  St Margaretsbury   | Brickfield Lane  | Att: 74

Hadley continued their irrepressible form at Brickfield Lane as they defeated St Margaretsbury. Goals from Alfie Bartram, Manny Hammond and Shaz Anwar did the business here for Anthony Clark’s side as they grabbed their ninth consecutive success to push them up to third in the standings. St Margs got their goal thanks to Wisley Baltazar though it’s one win in their last five matches now as they fall to 11th.

 

Saffron Walden Town  3 – 2  Takeley | Catons Lane | Att: 248

This big tussle of two of the top four sides ended with Saffron Walden coming from behind to grab an important three points at Catons Lane in front of a bumper crowd. Charncey Dash gave Marc Das’ side the lead from 12 yards only two minutes in, though top marksman Charlie Cole levelled things up ten minutes before the interval. George Pullen put Jason Maher’s side ahead on 61 minutes before club stalwart Spike Bell got the crucial third eleven minutes later. Lewis Deamer responded swiftly for the visitors two minutes later though it was to be Walden’s day as they rise to 2nd with a five-match unbeaten streak. Takeley’s six-match unbeaten stretch may be over but they are right in contention now, just four points off leaders Hashtag.

 

Southend Manor  1 – 1 Sawbridgeworth Town  | Southchurch Park | Att: 38

In the other crunch battle at the bottom of the table, Manor were held by Sawbridgeworth. Jordan Chambers’ spot-kick two minutes into the second half gave Manor an advantage, though Jake Skeet’s rasping drive twelve minutes later ended up ensuring Sawbo left with a share of the spoils. I attended this match, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/12/01/match-report-southend-manor-1-1-sawbridgeworth-town-sat-30th-nov-esl/

 

Sporting Bengal Utd  1 – 1  Hoddesdon Town   |Mile End |  Att: 20

Hoddesdon denied Bengal another three points with a late leveller at Mile End. Curtley McIntosh struck again for the hosts after just two minutes as they started in the ascendency. However, Isaac Marfo-Jacobs stepped up again for Simon Riddle’s side with the equaliser ten minutes from time to make it only one loss in their last six matches for Hoddesdon. Imrul Gazi’s side stay 13th, seven points clear of the bottom two.

 

Walthamstow  0 – 1  Hashtag Utd  | Wadham Lodge | Att: 185

Leaders Hashtag overcame a stern test at Wadham Lodge as they defeated Walthamstow late on. After dealing with heavy pressure in a physical battle, Joshua Osude’s strike in injury-time gave Jay Devereux’s side a third straight win and keep their lead to two points over Saffron Walden. Stow’s second loss this term (both have come narrowly at home) means they fall to fourth though they are one of three teams on 35 points (Hadley and Takeley being the other sides).

 

West Essex  0 – 1  Redbridge   | Mayesbrook Park | Att: 23

Finally in the Essex Senior this weekend, Redbridge emerged as narrow winners in another battle at Mayesbrook Park. Tom Harvey’s 77th-minute strike handed Micky Wetherall’s team their third league win on-the-bounce to lift themselves to ninth. West’s tough patch continues as their winless run extends to seven. They drop to 12th.

 

Also, in the FA Vase Third Round, Stowmarket Town ended Stansted’s hopes this season as Stow won 4 – 0 with Matt Blake, Josh Mayhew, Dean Bowditch and Luke Read all scored to overwhelm the Airportmen in front of over 400 fans, a record attendance at Greens Meadow.