Harold Wood Athletic – survivor16b

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & EJC (Sat 25 Sept) [EOFL 21/22 27.9.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 25 September. This weekend saw some hard-fought contests and some stellar results too. This week, the focus is on the top three divisions with results from Divisions Three, Four & Five and the Essex Junior Cup involving EOFL sides.

Many thanks for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

In the Premier Division, Harold Wood Athletic leapt out of the bottom two with a hard-fought 1 – 0 win at Leigh Ramblers, with stalwart Matt Donovan getting the solitary goal for Gary Willis’ side at Belfairs Park. Shenfield AFC are in top ten after a superb 5 – 3 win at Old Southendian. Ben Carroll, Mitchell Day, Charlie Heatley, Samuel Lock and Alex Tredgett all netted one each for the visitors. Mitchell Ali, Sam Jones and Ed Gould all responded for Altan Ali’s team but they go into next week’s local derby with Catholic Utd needing a better result.

Meanwhile, Basildon Town are up to third after a tough 3 – 2 win at Kelvedon Hatch, with Graham Harrison notching all three goals for Marcus Bowers’ side at New Hall. Hutton continued their good form with a 3 – 0 home success over Canning Town at Polo Fields, with Will Marlowe, Jude Keeling and substitute Jonathon Hilliard all scoring for Matt Singh’s side. And in the top two clash at London Road, Ongar Town emerged with a 4 – 1 victory over previous leaders Rayleigh Town. Josh Boxall netted twice, with Frank Goodall and Harry Rawlins also on target for Richard Ponsford’s side, in the match I attended this week. If you’d like more on it, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/09/25/s21-22-match-report-rayleigh-town-1-4-ongar-town-sat-25-sept-eofl/

Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts were held by Springfield 4 – 4 in an entertaining match at Silver Leys. Mitchell May struck twice for Dan Williams’ visitors, with Harrison Elles and replacement Andrew Morgan also on target for them. And Sungate consigned Catholic Utd to another defeat, winning 3 – 1 in East London to go up to fourth.

EOFL Division One

Moving now into Division One, and Herongate Athletic were held 0 – 0 by a decent Toby side at Billericay Road, but both sides remain in the top six. Wakering Sports are the new leaders as they made it five wins from six games after a 1 – 0 success at home to Beacon Hill Rovers. Ben Burrows got the only goal for Mitchell Gleeson’s new-look side. Leigh Town also continued their rise up the standings, with a hard-fought 3 – 2 home win over Snaresbrook. Strikes by Sam Irvine, Mark Frostick and Lewis Lawrence saw Jack Pearman’s side get the win.

Elsewhere, Corinthians got arguably the result of their season so far with a 4 – 3 win at Chingford Athletic. Scout Bown scored twice for Ath, with Nickal-David Luzolo also netted for Declan Murphy’s side but a double from substitute Bailey Moss plus goals for John Bolton-Smith and Jake Hodder gave the visitors the points to move up to fifth spot. Finally for this division, Old Chelmsfordians drew 2 – 2 with Epping Town, with Callum Turner and George Spillane scoring for Stuart Hoskins’ side.

EOFL Division Two

In Division Two, ACD Utd are the leaders with a 100% record from their first five games after a 5 – 4 victory over Old Southendian Res at Westlands. Jacob Dingli grabbed another double, with Michael Wade, Shaun Goddard and Ollie Williams all joining him on the score-sheet. Harold Hill are second on goal difference only after a fine 3 – 0 win over AS Rawreth at Noak Hill. Jack Suters, Peter Tyler and Thomas Dunning strikes were enough to keep a three-point lead over third-placed Wakebury, who triumphed 5 – 2 over Hutton Res. William Wheeler notched an excellent treble, with Chris Gore and Max Hall also on target for Matt Cardy’s side. Lewis Hall and Owen Chesney responded for Bill Stratford’s side who are yet to win this term.

Harold Wood Athletic Reserves got their second win this season, with a 3 – 0 victory over Rayleigh Town Res. Kieron Moynihan got two goals for the hosts, with Ben Rowe also on target for Steve Hubbard’s side as they went up into mid-table. Elsewhere, Manford Way went into fourth spot with a 5 – 2 success over May & Baker A. Samuel Oramadike led the way with a treble, with Daniel Demain and Kenneth Amaning also netting for Colin Dobson’s team. Finally, Rochford Town held Shoebury Town to a 1 – 1 draw at the Rochford Rec.

EOFL Division Three

Catholic Utd Res 6 – 1 Hullbridge Res

Essex Junior Cup Results

AS Rawreth Res 6 – 0 Rochford Town Res

Basildon Town Res 5 – 7 Hashtag Utd Dev.

Bowers & Pitsea U23 3 – 1 Southend Manor Dev.

Buckhurst Hill U23 H – W Old Chigwellians Res

Collier Row Res 0 – 4 Oakside

Corinthians Res 1 – 2 Wakering Sports A

Debden 6 – 1 Shenfield AFC Res

Galleywood Res 3 – 2 Chingford Athletic Res

Old Barkabbeyans 8 – 0 All Prospects

Ongar Town Res H – W South Woodham Ferrers

Pitsea Athletic Res 3 – 7 Wakering Sports Res

Snaresbrook Res 2 – 5 Collier Row

South Essex Utd 9 – 3 Wakebury Res

Toby Res 3 – 5 Sungate Dev.

League – EOFL Division Four

Roydon 3 – 0 Leytonstone Utd

Springfield Res 5 – 5 Old Chelmsfordians Res

EOFL Division Five

Epping Town Res 1 – 5 Leigh Ramblers Res

Runwell Sports Res 4 – 1 Herongate Athletic Res

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 22 May) [EOFL 20/21 23.5.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking the action in week ten of the ‘mini-season’ in the Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 22nd May, plus a mention of the action in midweek as the champions were confirmed in the Premier Division. As ever, the focus is on the top four divisions despite several matches being uncontested this week.

EOFL Premier Division

In the Premier Division, Basildon Town secured second place after a 3 – 1 triumph at home to Old Southendian. Strikes from player-boss Marcus Bowers, Grant Cumming and replacement Michael Clark were enough to earn a good tangible reward for the change of fortunes under Bowers this term. Basildon Town have also announced this week that they will ground-share at Gardiners Close with Step 4 side Basildon Utd next season, ahead of the heavily-rumoured new ground that Utd will build in the near future. Os will likely finish the season bottom but with relegation looking most unlikely, they will have some room to re-build ahead of what will be a tough division next term.

Elsewhere, Springfield got their second win in their last four with a 2 – 1 success at Rayleigh Town. A Shaun Gittleson power strike was not enough for the hosts to avoid defeat here. Dan Williams’ visiting side have secured a tenth-placed finish after this win. That is the case as Shenfield AFC lost their final game of the season, as Harold Wood Athletic won 2 – 1 at St Martins Sch 3G. Strikes from Max Shepherd and Tom Ward secured a second consecutive away win for Alex Goldstone’s team and a win in their final match next weekend could see them sneak into the top six.

Also, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts came from behind to draw 1 – 1 with Catholic Utd at Silver Leys. Aaron Baldwin put the visitors ahead on the hour, but substitute Gabriel Odili’s third league goal in his spell at the club ensured the points were shared. The Hoops have finished their season now and they remain third, but the form Billy Cove’s side has shown since the restart continues – they are nine league games unbeaten now.

Sungate’s match with Kelvedon Hatch was uncontested and the ‘Gate got the points, with Hatch also unable to compete next week too.

Finally, Buckhurst Hill were given a scare before securing a 4 – 3 success at Hutton. A brace from Max Nicholson plus goals by Tyler Dolan and Jack Griggs were enough to give Mark Williams’ side the points but the hosts responded through Josh Brocklebank and a brace from substitute Ben Stanton made it a nervy end for the Champions, who were presented with the Trophy shortly after the match, which I had a chance to see first-hand as I was at this match & my in-depth report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/05/22/s-20-21-match-report-hutton-3-4-buckhurst-hill-sat-22-may/

Hill can pass the fifty-point mark with a win at Sungate next weekend, whereas Hutton need to defeat Springfield to at least secure fifth spot.

Buckhurst Hill celebrate their Premier Division title win [Image: Scott W]

EOFL Division One

Moving now into Division One, with two matches uncontested (see listing at end of this section), the action was restricted to two matches this weekend. Firstly, Toby got a fine 2 – 0 win at Chingford Athletic to go up to fifth in the table after their third win in a row. Chingford drop to ninth and a rebuilding job awaits in the summer though full respect to Chairman Lee Bowers who has stepped in as manager for the last several weeks. Also, Manford Way defeated Herongate Athletic 4 – 0 at Jo Richardson Sch to give them hope of overhauling rivals Galleywood to secure the runners-up spot next weekend. Charlie Heatley scored twice here after coming off the bench, with James Clarke and Tyrone Scarlett also netting for Trevor Grace’s side. Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore was there & here’s his look at the game: https://footballreview.net/match-report-manford-way-4-0-herongate-athletic/

Next weekend, Manford have to win in the reverse match at Herongate whilst Galleywood have to win at champions Ongar Town. Intriguingly poised I’m sure you’ll agree.

Uncontested:

Ramsden Scotia H – W Snaresbrook | Home Walkover
Ongar Tn H – W Rayleigh Tn Res | Home Walkover

EOFL Division Two

Division Two is also not all ‘said & done’ either in terms of the promotion spots. That being said, Champions Leigh Town endorsed their growing reputation with a 5 – 1 win away at Ryan in Leigh’s farewell match of the season. Jack Pearman’s side remain third in the conventional table, though have won the title thanks to their superior PPG ratio. Ryan have two matches left and maximum points from those matches will see them pinch eighth spot.

Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic Res gathered a third win in succession with a 1 – 0 triumph at Laindon Orient. James Pottle got the only goal from twelve yards as their campaign ended on a high at Markhams Chase. Laindon must win next weekend to have any chance of pinching fifth spot but all in all, it’s been a decent season for Neil Blackburn’s side.

Beacon Hill Rovers are still in the box seat for the crucial runners-up position in the division after a nerve-jangling 4 – 3 win over May & Baker A at Wickham Bishops Sports Ground. Strikes from Bradley Morgan, Josh Perry, George Davis and player-boss Stephen Bennett were enough to secure a fourth win in five matches. Their job next week is simple, win against Wakering Sports and the job is done. Bakers were in the game for long periods through a brace from Tolouwa Dada and one from Jeese Martin ultimately wasn’t enough and they need four points from their last two matches to have any chance of a top-ten finish.

Finally, Wakering Sports secured a top-five finish with a 2 – 0 win over AS Rawreth at Cupid’s. Aaron Clark and Ben Rowe goals made it six wins in their last seven matches for Mitchell Gleeson’s side. This result also makes sure Rawreth will finish bottom of the standings.

As far the promotion picture stands, Epping Town have a chance of overhauling Beacon Hill if the latter fail to win, but Stuart Hoskins’ side also have to defeat Corinthians at home on the final day after they got another three points without playing, as did the Stambridge side.

Uncontested matches:

Corinthians H – W Rochford Town | Home Walkover

Epping Tn H – W Old Southendian Res | Home Walkover

EOFL Division Three

Finally for this week, in Division Three ACD Utd cemented their position as Champions with a walkover win against Toby Res. The race for second is somewhat more complex, as Hutton Res played twice this week again. Firstly, on Thursday night they edged to a 4 – 3 win over Hullbridge A at a very windy Lower Road. Matthew Price struck twice for Bill Stratford’s side here, with Thomas Price and Jack Shaw also on target to make Joe Ives’ fine treble for Hullbridge semi-redundant with regards to the points.

Then on Saturday, the Hutton second-side were held 4 – 4 by Basildon Town Ressies at Basildon Sports Club in the late kick-off. Jack Shaw struck another treble to take his tally to nineteen league goals this term, with James Gardner also netting. But Town responded through the ensemble cast of Keith King, Garron Leatherbarrow, Tom Clayton and replacement Jamie Simpkins to gain a point which means they will finish at least sixth.

The knock-on effect of the above now means that Manford Way Res can secure the runners-up spot with another win next weekend after they won 2 – 1 at Lakeside Utd in the lunchtime kick-off this weekend. David Hornsby took his tally to 24 this term with another brace here, in a match that Aaron also watched – his report is here: https://footballreview.net/match-report-lakeside-united-1-2-manford-way-reserves/

Daniel Stokes responded for Lakeside but this defeat means they will finish the season in eighth spot. In the other matches, Hullbridge A defeated Collier Row 2 – 1 while Wakebury secured a top-four finish with a 3 – 1 success at Buckhurst Hill Res, with Charlie Little’s 15th league goal of the campaign plus Jack Smith and Billy Bonham-Dare goals were enough for Matt Cardy’s team to secure the win

EOFL Division Four Results

Laindon Orient Res 0 – 3 Shenfield AFC Res | Peagsus Club

Wakering Sports Res 1 – 1 Galleywood Res | Cupid’s CC (Pitch 1)

Uncontested:
Sungate Res H – W Leytonstone Utd | Home Walkover

EOFL Division Five Results

AS Rawreth Res 0 – 10 Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res | The Warren

Springfield Res 1 – 0 Leigh Ramblers Res | Arun Park

Uncontested:
Epping Town Res H – W Shoebury Town Res | Home Walkover

Herongate Athletic Res A – W Roydon | Away Walkover

Runwell Sports Res A – W Collier Row Res | Away Walkover

Wakering Sports A H – W Newbury Forest Res | Home Walkover

Thank you for reading, the final edition of this season’s EOFL Round-up will be available in about ten days time to round out the campaign. It’s been a pleasure to write about the Essex Olympian League this term once again and my thanks to all the clubs, managers & players that have assisted these articles this season.

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 15 May) [EOFL 20/21 16.5.21]

Still from Hutton (in red) v Leigh Ramblers [Image: Trev Robinson P’graphy]

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

Hello all and welcome to a mammoth edition of my round-up articles, looking the action in week nine of the ‘mini-season’ in the Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 15th May. I’ve also included what I can about the action in Divisions Four & Five this week plus there are updated tables for each division. Lead image courtesy of Trev Robinson Photography [@fitinaflash1]. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

In the Premier Division, the main news from midweek was Buckhurst Hill were confirmed champions after Shenfield AFC withdrew from their midweek contest. Hill got another three points as opponents Old Southendian were unable to compete. Many congrats to manager Mark Williams and his impressive squad who are approaching fifty league goals scored this term.

Catholic Utd went back up to third spot after a 4 – 2 win against Shenfield AFC at the Len Forge. Brad Rowland, Aaron Baldwin, Teejay Chiororo and Luke Trice all scored for Simon Thomas’ team in that one. They are three points behind second-placed Basildon Town as they were held 1 – 1 by improving Springfield at Arun Park. Marcus Bowers netted for Town who have still had a mightily impressive season. Substitute Jake Clarke replied for Dan Williams’side.. Hutton got back to winning ways with a 3 – 2 triumph over Leigh Ramblers in what was the latter’s final game of the campaign. Brad Freeman, Will Marlowe & John hilliard all netted for Matt Singh’s team who have a top five finish back in their sights with two home matches left, they’re only against Buckhurst Hill and Springfield. Good test though Mr Singh, wouldn’t you agree? George Moxon and replacement Billy Carter responded for Ronnie Bridges’team.

Meanwhile, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts kept up their unbeaten league run with a 2 – 2 draw against spirited Canning Town at Silver Leys. Chris Lockwood and Kurt Smith netted for Billy Cove’s team here but they drop one to fourth. Fellow writer Aaron Moore was there & here’s his view on the match: https://footballreview.net/match-report-bishops-stortford-swifts-2-2-canning-town/

Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic got a decent 2 – 0 success at Kelvedon Hatch, with Matthew Donovan and a Josh Steel free-kick enough to see Alex Goldstone’s team to victory. Rayleigh Town also won again, 2 – 1 at Sungate with club stalwarts Bailey Moss and Paul Morris both netting for Paul Higgins’ side. They remain in ninth but are five points clear of Springfield in 10th.

Here’s the updated Premier Division table…

EOFL Division One

With Ongar Town out of action, Galleywood had to keep winning to keep their slim hopes of the title alive. They did just that, defeating bottom side Shoebury Town 4 – 0 at Melbourne Park in Chelmsford. A double from replacement Ben Smith, plus goals for Harry Bond and Sean Barry were enough to keep their four-point cushion in second-place. The chasing pack also all did their bit as they chase that second promotion spot, with Runwell Sports defeating Ramsden Scotia 2 – 1 at St Luke’s Park.

Manford Way also triumphed with a 4 – 1 win at Rayleigh Town Res. The ensemble cast of scorers included James Clarke, Glen Warwick and substitutes Tyrone Scarlett & Tyler Le Poidevin. Trevor Grace’s side notched their fifth win in their last eight matches and are five points clear in fourth spot. Town remain second-bottom. Toby also grabbed an impressive 6 – 1 success over Old Chelmsfordians in Newbury Park to rise up to fifth in the table. Ben Picton netted a fine hat-trick, supplanted by strikes from Rhys Willson (pen), Chris Rowland and Tolu Dina. Ryan Fleming netted for the OC’s but its five matches without a win for them now.

Lastly, Herongate Athletic and Snaresbrook had a quick turnaround in their two matches this week. Firstly, Snaresbrook defeated Herongate 4 – 2 at Riverside Sch in Barking on Tuesday night. Drew Barbier struck twice in this match with an OG also present. Joseph Fogarty and Elliott Thompson replied for Ath in this defeat but Athletic got some payback at the weekend as they won 2 – 1 against ‘Brook thanks to strikes from Brandon Kelly and substitute Jack Holloway in their home game on Saturday to go up to tenth. Snaresbrook drop down to sixth.

Here’s the updated Division One table…

EOFL Division Two

The Points per Game (PPG) rationale has rather confused things in Division Two. Champions Leigh Town were not in action, and in the conventional standings, they were overhauled by the teams chasing a second promotion spot. Beacon Hill Rovers got another important three points by defeating Ryan 4 – 2. They went ‘top’ of the table, and Epping Town are a point behind them in ‘second’ after their 3 – 1 victory over May & Baker A at Epping UC Rugby Club. Strikes from Sam Law, Joe Rickett (his 15th league goal of the season) and substitute Chris Gormley were enough to keep Stuart Hoskins’ side well in the reckoning for that valuable promotion spot. Wakering Sports also hold slim hopes as well after a 4 – 2 win over nine-man Corinthians at Cupid’s. A treble from Meschack Kisoka and a Ben Rowe strike truly ended the Stambridge side’s declining hopes of elevation and will be instead be aiming for a top-four finish after three straight losses have hit them hard in recent weeks. Wakering’s fifth win in their last six means they are in principal position capitalize if Beacon Hill & Epping slip up in a nerve-jangling last two weeks of the season.

Elsewhere, Laindon Orient hammered AS Rawreth 7 – 1 at Markhams Chase as they are also looking to finish strongly. Oliver Dingli netted a treble on his return for Neil Blackburn’s side, with James Shadwell scored twice to take his goal tally to six in the league. Joshua Chadwick and substitute Matthew Gibson all netted to take them up to fifth. Rawreth now have to win both of their remaining matches to stave off finishing at the foot of the table. Harold Wood Athletic Res also won this week, 4 – 1 at Rochford Town thanks to doubles from Warren Taylor and Derek Hawtin. This win sees them rise up to eighth spot.

Here’s the updated Division Two table…

EOFL Division Three

In the only division really still to be decided, Hutton Res are now the new leaders after another two wins this week. Firstly, they triumphed 5 – 1 away at Collier Row on Wednesday night, with a treble from top-scorer Jack Shaw, an OG and a pearler from Matthew Price securing the points. Hutton’s second side then kept the lead after an impressive 5 – 2 win at Corinthians Res at Stambridge on Saturday. Carl Dutton continued his fine form with a treble to lead the way, whilst Stewart Biggue and Tom Price also scored for the visitors. Bill Stratford’s side are a point clear of ACD Utd who are still in pole position in the PPG stakes for promotion & the title after a 3 – 1 win against Buckhurst Hill Res at Westlands. Paul Mangan, Charlie Munns and Mason Oakley saw Michael Wade’s team to a crucial three points.

With Manford Way Res not in action this week, Wakebury saw their faint hopes of promotion more of less fizzle out after losing 3 – 2 at Hullbridge Sports A on Thursday night. Charlie Cox scored twice for the Hullbridge youth side, with Edward Hawney also on target. Goals from Robbie Norris and replacement Harry Kateley were not enough to prevent Matt Cardy’s side a loss they could ill afford to really stay in the promotion hunt. The Berries recovered though on Saturday with a fine 3 – 2 win at Collier Row. Chris Gore’s spot-kick, an OG and one from Charlie Little’s 14th league goal this term saw the visitors to a morale-boosting win to strengthen their position in fourth.

Hullbridge A were also in action on Saturday, as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw by Basildon Town Res. Mark Squibb struck for the Town second-side, with Joseph Darby firing in his seventh league goal this term to keep his side in sixth, a point behind their opponents here. Finally for Div Three, Lakeside Utd all but secured eighth spot with a 5 – 2 success over Toby Res. Ryan Kenyon’s double plus strikes from David Alele, Brandon Booty and Kemari Hypolite’s spot-kick ensured Ben Crouch’s team got the points. Toby’s Ressies remain second-bottom.

Here’s the updated Division Three table…

EOFL Division Four

This week, we’re including the action in Divisions Four & Five. In Division Four, Catholic Utd Res secured the Division Four title with a 6 – 1 win over Wakering Sports Res in Westcliff. Tom Harding’s side gathered their 13th win in fourteen matches in some style, thanks to doubles from Franklin Craik (who has now scored 16 league goals this term) and Joe O’Kane plus one goal each for Mark Baptist and James Warder. This game saw Dan Trenkel make an incredible 801st career appearance and also confirmed another rare statistic – Mark Baptist has won promotion from Divisions One through & including Division Four as well as winning the Premier Division. Some stat that is too, thanks to the club’s Twitter for that. Congrats to the squad & the coaching team on their achievement this weekend.

In other action in the division, Chingford Athletic Res powered past Shenfield AFC Res 8 – 2 at Town Mead to see them rise to fourth spot. The visitors remain second-bottom after three wins from their fourteen outings. Hashtag Utd Development are a win away from probable elevation after a 2 – 1 win at Laindon Orient Res. Matthew Gauci and Kai Warren’s 14th league goal of the season secured the points for the visitors here. Wakering Sports Res could still deny them via PPG I believe if they get maximum points from their two games and Hashtag slip up in their last game at home to Ongar Town Ressies next weekend.

Other Result:

Sungate Res H – W Old Chelmsfordians Res | Home Walkover

Here’s the updated Division Four table…

EOFL Division Five

In Division Five, Springfield Res got the result with the biggest ramifications as their 3 – 1 victory over promotion rivals Collier Row Res meant they secured the runners-up spot via PPG. Another brace from Liam England plus an Antonious Simon-Parson goal was enough to give the hosts their tenth win this season. Elsewhere, in the second game of a double-header at Silver Leys, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res struck late to defeat Roydon 3 – 2. A brace from Oliver Fortune and one from Chris Jennings was enough to overhaul strikes from Mohamed Benzid and Olu Olaniyan to go above their opponents into fourth on goal difference.

Non-League colleague Aaron Moore was there & here’s his report: footballreview.net/match-report-bishops-stortford-swifts-reserves-3-2-roydon/

Finally for the action that did take place, Old Barkabbeyans secured a 6 – 1 trimuph over Epping Town Res at Barking Abbey Sch. Jordan Mullings and Michael Ryder both notched twice, with replacement Jerome Morris and an OG accounting for the other goals. Charlie Parker’s goal was scant consolation for the Town side who remain in ninth spot.

Other Results:

AS Rawreth Res H – W Herongate Athletic Res | Home Walkover

Shoebury Town Res A – W Leigh Ramblers Res | Away Walkover

Wakering Sports A H – W Runwell Sports Res | Home Walkover

Here’s the Division Five standings…

Thank you for reading, there will be two more round-ups this season before the close season break.

S20-21 Match Report: Rayleigh Town 2 – 1 Harold Wood Athletic (Sat 8 May) [EOFL 20-1 9.5.21]

Essex Olympian League – Premier Division

Venue: London Road

2020-21 Season: Match 34

Saturday 8th May 2021 – 2.30pm KO

Rayleigh: Navy Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts, Navy Blue Socks

Harold Wood: Claret & Sky Blue Shirts, Claret Shorts, Sky Blue Socks

Rayleigh dig deep to grab a hard-fought win at London Road

Rayleigh Town 2 – 1 Harold Wood Athletic

Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

The seccond match of the double-header day at London Road on Saturday 8th May saw Harold Wood Athletic visit to face Rayleigh Town in the Essex Olympian League Premier Division. Paul Higgins’ side knew they needed a better performance than last week in their loss to Leigh Ramblers but fielded a strong starting eleven here. Mark Brown retained his place in goal, with wing-backs Charlie Seaden and Harry Higgins supporting forwards Bailey Moss and Ruari McIntyre, with George Neller breaking from midfield. Ben Baxter and Alfie Larkin were the hosts’ options from the sidelines here. Harold Wood fielded a back four of Jacob Roberts, Jack Baines, James Ishmail and Matthew Donovan. Their forward line was led by experienced striker Robert Whitnell, with Josh Steel and Max Shepherd supporting him. Ben Dosad and Jack Sykes-Brown were among the bench for Alex Goldstone’s side.

The swirling wind was still harsh enough to really affect proceedings here and the hosts had the first chance of note as a fierce strike from tricky support forward George Neller forced visiting goalkeeper Steven Reynolds into a reaction save with two minutes played. Minutes later, Reynolds was called into action again as Town wing-back Charlie Seaden made a good run down the right channel before firing a strike from a narrow angle though the ‘keeper was up to it. Those warnings were not heeded by the visitors but you have to say they were a little unlucky as Rayleigh took the lead on eight minutes as a floated corner from skipper George Vile caught the wind and swirled straight into the far corner, evading everyone. Athletic were frustrating their dug-out a bit as it took them longer to settle and found Town centre-back Jack Long in good form, making a couple of good interceptions early on.

On 19 minutes, a good set-piece by Vile found Long but his finish unluckily hit a post and the visitors had a minor let-off. And that moment was to be telling at this stage of the game as with 23 minutes gone, good work from Max Shepherd ended with home custodian Mark Brown bringing him down which saw a caution for him and a spot-kick for Harold Wood. Designated penalty-taker Robert Whitnell stepped up and confidently struck home to level the score. Town were perhaps guilty of forcing the game too much in the next ten minutes or so as they were caught off-side on a few occasions, as the match got a bit scrappy but at the same time, there was no lack of effort by either side as both sides perhaps realised the importance of the points here.

Town had perhaps the one half-chance of note before the break as from another Vile set-piece, forward Bailey Moss’ header was deflected out of danger. Rayleigh were showing spirit in droves but couldn’t find that final pass which unlocks defences and therefore, it was even-stevens going into the interval.

Half-Time: Rayleigh Town 1 – 1 Harold Wood Athletic

Rayleigh’s Paul Morris shielding the ball in his own half [Image: Scott W]

As we began the opening phase of the second period, Harold Wood utilised their long throws and from one of those, Shepherd couldn’t quite get enough purchase on his strike to make it a difficult gather for Brown. Ath defender Matthew Donovan was again showing his commanding style of defending, though his side were nearly behind on fifty minutes as Town forward Ruari McIntyre evaded the visiting defence though unfortunately couldn’t find the right pass into forward Bailey Moss on that occasion. However, the physical Rayleigh forward did make a telling contribution with fifty-seven minutes gone as after another good move involving Seaden down the Town right flank, with Reynolds making a good save from Seaden’s strike, the following corner saw Moss force the ball over the line to give Rayleigh the lead for the second time.

Athletic needed to build momentum and possession and they did respond well. Just past the hour, midfielder Dan Johnson fired wide to remind the hosts they had a lot of work to get through to win this tie. Brown showed good handing again in the tricky conditions to deny Whitnell’s crisp strike and then tipping over another good effort from the impressive Shepherd. Rayleigh did exactly what they had to, they put bodies on the line and cleared their lines, despite the odd nervy moment.

Brown’s afternoon got better for him as he pulled off another smart save with fifteen minutes remaining, as a good strike by substitute Jack Sykes-Brown forced the Town goalkeeper into a good save low on the ground. Ultimately though, Rayleigh held on to claim a much-coveted win in this hard-fought encounter.

Full-Time: Rayleigh Town 2 – 1 Harold Wood Athletic

In summarising this match, Rayleigh boss Paul Higgins will be happy, not only with the result but with the energy and grit in the performance of his side today. Harold Wood were a threat today but they were denied a number of times by solid defending and pace on the copunter-attack as well. For the visitors, they will likely be disappointed that they didn’t gain a firmer foothold on the game after their leveller before the half-hour mark. All in all, it was the right result as you had to admire the sheer effort expended by the hosts to garner the three points.

I can only begin the ‘stand-out’ performers with Rayleigh skipper George Vile who showed exactl why he is highly-thought of here at the club. His sheer energy, tenacity in the tackle and work rate drove his team on and made it tricky at times for Ath to build attacks in midfield. Other worthy mentions in my view have to go to goalkeeper Mark Brown who again performed well, showing good handling skills in the choppy winds and a few good saves as well. Right wing-back Charlie Seaden also had a strong afternoon, charging down the flank with purpose and also showed good passing too. Finally, centre-back Jack Long had a good afternoon in a tough central defensive trio alongside Patrick Mills and Will Baldry. For the visitors, right-back Jacob Roberts stood out for me, showing his rapid pace down the flank and also doing his defensive duties well. Forward Max Shepherd was also a near constant threat to the home backline and was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet today. Midfielder Dan Johnson and centre-back Matthew Donovan also put in good, rugged performances today too as they looked to get their side going from the back.

The win sees Rayleigh up to ninth spot, and they are a point behind Harold Wood in eighth spot. Both sides have three matches remaining as they look to secure a mid-table finish. Best wishes to both teams for the rest of the campaign.

If you’d like to look at the rest of the weekend’s action in the Olympian divisions, my round-up is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/05/09/s20-21-round-ups-essex-olympian-league-sat-8-may-eofl/

Teams

Rayleigh Town | Manager: Paul Higgins | Assistant: Del Lamon

Starting XI: 1 Mark Brown (GK), 2 Charlie Seaden, 3 Harry Higgins, 4 Will Baldry, 15 Patrick Mills, 16 Jack Long, 8 George Vile (Capt), 11 George Neller, 6 Paul Morris, 9 Bailey Moss, 10 Ruari McIntyre

Goal-scorers: George Vile [8′], Bailey Moss [57′]

Booked: Higgins, Brown | Subs Not Used: Baxter, Larkin

Harold Wood Athletic | Manager: Alex Goldstone | Assistants: Joe Benson & Stuart Williams

Starting XI: 1 Steven Reynolds (GK), 2 Jacob Roberts, 3 Jack Baines, 4 James Ishmail, 5 Connor Goldstone, 6 Matthew Donovan, 7 John Bradley, 18 Dan Johnson, 9 Robert Whitnell (Capt), 10 Josh Steel, 16 Max Shepherd

Goal-scorer: Robert Whitnell [pen 23′]

Subs On: 12 Jack Sykes-Brown [58′], 15 Harvey Cooper [80′], 8 Ben Dosad [80′]

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Benson, Williams

Referee: Matthew Pointer
Assistants: Adekola Adeyemi & Philip Clarke

S 20-21 Match Report: Buckhurst Hill 5 – 0 Harold Wood Athletic (Sat 24 April) [EOFL 20-21 24.4.21]

Essex Olympian League – Premier Division

Venue: Roding Lane (Stadium Pitch)

2020-21 Season: Match 28

Saturday 24th April 2021 – 2.30pm KO

Buckhurst Hill: Blue & Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Red & Black Socks

Harold Wood: Sky Blue & White Shirts, Sky Blue Shorts, Sky Blue Socks

Sam Sollosi (B Hill) striking a free-kick (Image: Scott W)

Buckhurst seal fifth consecutive League win at Roding Lane

Buckhurst Hill 5 – 0 Harold Wood Athletic

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

The weekend’s Non-League adventure took me to Roding Lane for a first visit since the facilities have been upgraded (last summer). This Essex Olympian League Premier Division match saw Buckhurst Hill having to face a tricky test in Harold Wood Athletic, managed by ex-Barkingside boss Alex Goldstone. The hosts had to do without top goal-scorer Suleyman Zuhdu as well who was unavailable. Tyler Dolan led the forward line here, with the Sollosi brothers, Nathan & Sam being his chief support. Josh Banfield skippered the side, alongside Jack Griggs in central midfield. Harold Wood were also missing several players from their squad, which severely restricted their substitute options, but could still field rugged centre-back Matthew Donovan, alongside James Ishmail in central defence. Support from the flanks came from wingers Jack Sykes-Brown and Chris Denham, with skipper Rob Whitnell and Josh Steel in attack.

In great conditions for Sport, the match got going with both sides looking to wrestle the momentum and therefore it was a little bit of a cagey, slow-burn start. One thing was clear, Buckhurst left-sided pair Liam Foster and Nathan Sollosi were getting some joy over-loading on that side, finding space but in the early-going at least, the chances on goal did not arise. Indeed it was the visitors who tested the alertness levels of home custodian Daniel Blockley on seven minutes, as Blockley superbly tipped over a sweet curling free-kick from experienced forward Robert Whitnell which was heading for the top corner. You may not be surprised to read that Jill continued with their patient build-up play and kept faith with their attack-minded ethos. It nearly paid dividends with 17 minutes on the clock as another good weaving run by the tricky winger Sam Sollosi fed forward Tyler Dolan though his glimmer at goal ended sailing over the goal frame.

Visiting goalkeeper Steven Reynolds was in action again four minutes later as a good Hill attack ended with a curling strike from Foster which Reynolds did well to gather. At the other end, Wood’s forays forward were becoming a little less frequent by this stage, though a powerful free-kick by winger Jack Sykes-Brown was well gathered by Blockley. Moments after Dolan had a decent header denied by Reynolds, it would be the home side who broke the deadlock. Athletic could not clear their lines sharply enough and a fine strike from 25 yards by central midfielder Jack Cripps sailed in low into the corner past Reynolds for a fine opening goal. Hill finished the half strongly as well as five minutes before the break, a free-kick from twenty yards out was curled over the woodwork by Sam Sollosi but that was another warning for the visitors.

Unfortunately, Alex Goldstone’s were unable to see out the last few minutes of the half as on 42 minutes, winger Nathan Sollosi came into possession and fired a low drive which just evaded Reynolds and found the far corner. Two clinical strikes were the difference at the interval but in fairness, it was Mark Williams’ side who more than shaded both the possession stats and keenness to create opportunities.

Half-Time: Buckhurst Hill 2 – 0 Harold Wood Athletic

After the interval, Buckhurst continued with their passing game, out from defence with centre-back Henry Day particularly keen to set the tone and the pace of attacking moves. Another decent move involving captain Josh Banfield and Day ended up with Sam Sollosi not getting enough venom on his goal-bound effort which gave Reynolds ample chance to gather comfortably. Just after the fifty-minute mark, it was a four-minute spell which effectively ended the contest. Firstly on 51 minutes, a Buckhurst counter-attack saw Dolan in goal with only Reynolds to bypass and the forward calmly struck home with a low strike into the left-side corner to make his side three-nil up. Merely four minutes after that, Dolan was again presented with a clear run at goal and again he buried it with an opportunistic finish as the spirits of the visiting side were starting to ebb away.

To be fair to Harold Wood even though they did struggle to create enough chances to consistently test home ‘keeper Blockley, they did still venture forward. Midway through the half, a good effort from Sykes-Brown found Blockley ever-alert and showing good positional awareness to gather well. The hosts brought on a number of replacements in the latter stages, including full-back Brad Gayer and forwards Zachary Davidson & Fehinti Falola but it was fair to say the tempo of the game was slowing but Hill were still keen to improve their goal difference.

With four minutes left, Sam Sollosi found himself one-on-one with Reynolds but the stopper managed to fumble the ball wide for a corner. He wasn’t so fortunate moments later as Falola had to score from close range, but Reynolds denied his first effort but it was to no avail as Falola was able to turn in the rebound to seal a good afternoon’s work for the defending champions, who remain five points clear at the summit with above five weeks of the ‘mini-season’ remaining.

Full-Time: Buckhurst Hill 5 – 0 Harold Wood Athletic

In summary, Buckhurst were too strong and fluid in their attacking moves for Harold Wood to cope with, and the hosts have done that to many sides in the last few seasons. The lack of options off the bench also made it more awkward for Alex Goldstone’s side, who had to name both his assistants on the bench today. Before kick-off, you’d be tempted to think that without talisman Suleyman Zuhdu and with ‘guest’ forward Callum Ibe limping out of the warm-up with a groin niggle, it may not have been their day but before the hour was reached, Hill more or less sealed the game thanks to the sheer depth of their squad and their attacking ethos.

In terms of stand-out performances, Buckhurst may have another promising forward joining a long line of contemporaries in Tyler Dolan, who deserved his two goals and led the line well with both the Sollosi brothers in support. Nathan Sollosi in particular showed good awareness down the left channel and a good passing range. He also linked up well with wing-back Liam Foster, who also had a fine afternoon showing good energy levels, willingness to run in behind the opposition full-back and a good cross or two along with it. Centre-back Henry Day also marshalled the backline well and even drove forward on a few lung-busting runs forward in possession too.

For Harold Wood, winger Jack-Sykes-Brown showed the most impetus going forward and kept going pretty much all match and his runs and passing showed he could be one to watch. Centre-back Matthew Donovan was his usual miserly self in defence and broke up a few promising Hill attacks and kept his side going on-pitch too. Forward Robert Whitnell also merits a mention as despite not receiving the array of service he’d like, he still made a few good runs and battled on in his characteristic way to try and give his side a glimmer of hope but it wasn’t to be today.

If you’d like to view the week’s Olympian League round-up, you can do so here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/04/25/s20-21-round-ups-essex-olympian-league-sat-24-april/

I’d also like to thank the hosts, in particular Buckhurst boss Mark Williams who is a great advocate of the Olympian League as well as supportive of the likes of myself & my Non-League media colleagues. If Buckhurst do get promoted in the summer, they will be missed, on-pitch & off it too.

Teams

Buckhurst Hill | Manager: Mark Williams

Starting XI: 1 Daniel Blockley (GK), 2 Alfie Harris, 3 Liam Foster, 4 Henry Day, 5 Max Nicholson, 6 Jack Griggs, 7 Sam Sollosi, 8 Joshua Banfield (Capt), 15 Louis Wynter, 10 Tyler Dolan, 11 Nathan Sollosi

Subs On: 12 Bradley Gayer [57’], 18 Daniel Whitehead [57’], 17 Zachary Davidson [67’], 16 Fehinti Falola [79’]

Goal-scorers: Jack Griggs [31’], Nathan Sollosi [42’], Tyler Dolan [51’ & 55’], Fehinti Falola [89’]

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Ibe

Harold Wood Athletic | Manager: Alex Goldstone

Starting XI: 1 Steven Reynolds (GK), 2 Jacob Roberts, 3 Jack Baines, 4 James Ishmail, 5 Ben Dosad, 6 Matthew Donovan, 7 Jack Sykes-Brown, 8 Dan Johnson, 9 Robert Whitnell (Capt), 14 Josh Steel, 11 Chris Denham

Subs On: 15 Max Sheppard [23’]

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Benson, S Williams

Referee: Kevin Nicholson

Assistant Referees: Keith Gold & Margarit Tsekov

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 10 April) [EOFL 20/21 11.4.21]

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

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking back on the action in the Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 10th April, with some super score-lines occurring & a tale of sportsmanship as well. As ever, our focus here is on the top four divisions, though there is a mention of the game covered by a Non-League colleague in Division Five this week. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

In this week’s top-tier action, Basildon Town were held 1 – 1 at Sungate, with replacement Jimmy Markham getting the important goal for player-boss Marcus Bowers’ team. Sungate levelled thanks to Lee Samways’ strike but drop to eighth after this result, while Town also lost ground by virtue of Buckhurst Hill’s comfortable 4 – 0 success over Hutton at Roding Lane. Captain Suleyman Zuhdu grabbed another double here to take his goal tally to 17 for the season. Nathan Sollosi and Tyler Dolan also netted to give Mark Williams’ side a two-point lead at the summit. Hutton’s fine form comes to a halt and they dropped one place to fourth. That was because Catholic Utd stunned Rayleigh Town 7 – 0 at London Road with Brad Rowland netting a treble, Aaron Baldwin a brace plus Tom Kearney and replacement Rhys Fatt notching in completing a big win for Stuart Marshall’s side to go into third spot on goal difference. Rayleigh’s tricky season continues and they are looking over their shoulder in second-bottom.

Elsewhere, Old Southendian grabbed a super 5 – 3 away win at Canning Town, thanks to a treble from midfielder Mitchell Ali and strikes from Craig Paton and Sam Adcock. OS’ first away win in five games his term sees them gain big ground on the five sides immediately above them. Canning fall to eleventh place, due to Kelvedon Hatch rising up to ninth spot thanks to a 2 – 1 victory over Springfield at New Hall. Kyle Asante and Lewis Young were the goal-scoring heroes for Steve Mann’s side. Springfield responded through substitute Jake Clarke but still drop below their opponents here to tenth spot.

Also in this division, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts maintained their good start to this ‘mini-season’ with a 3 – 1 triumph at Shenfield AFC. A brace from Kurt Smith and one for Kieran Southgate was enough to send Billy Cove’s side hurtling up to seventh in the table, five points adrift of the top four. And Harold Wood Athletic also continued their good form with a narrow 1 – 0 win over Leigh Ramblers at Harold Wood Park. Club stalwart John Bradley got the only goal of the game here for Alex Goldstone’s team.

EOFL Division One

This week in Division One, Toby rose to seventh spot, thanks to a 4 – 3 win over Galleywood in Newbury Park. Rhys Willson netted twice for the East Londoners, with Luis Ruiz and Louis Hill also on target on his debut. Galleywood fell to fourth spot as Old Chelmsfordians leapfrogged them into third place, as they won 4 – 0 at Ramsden Scotia. Martin Mixture, Joe Kemp, Samuel Adams and Paul Tiffen all netted for the OC’s. Ramsden sit in eighth spot, three points clear of the bottom three.

Also, Chingford Athletic got another positive result with a 1 – 1 draw at fellow strugglers Herongate Athletic. Michael Mignot got his second goal in as many weeks here as Lee Bowers’ side continue to look upwards. Runwell Sports got a comfortable 3 – 0 win over Rayleigh Town Res at St Luke’s Park which keeps the gap to leaders Ongar to three points.

Ongar Town themselves were involved in a game with a story this weekend, with Richard Ponsford’s side recording a big 15 – 0 triumph over Shoebury Town. The mass array of scorers were led by substitute Jack Zielinski’s treble, doubles for leading scorer Aaron Blair, Mitchell McCabe, Oswald Nyahunda and replacement Conner Jones plus one each for Joe Lilly, Eamon Payne, Harry Rawlins and Billy Reed. However, that wasn’t the aforementioned story. The story was that strugglers Shoebury did not concede the game before kick-off after several departures in the week and the South Essex side stood up for themselves & the league, which earned the leaders’ respect & acclaim on the final whistle. Something which I believe deserves noting here also, so credit to Shoebury.

In other action, Snaresbrook also pulled off a huge win, defeating Manford Way 3 – 1 at the London Marathon Sports Ground. Daniel Tesfay’s brace along with Ife Ogunbayo’s strike was enough to Rob Caine’s side further impetus as they are in sixth place in the standings, only four points away from the top four. Connor Hammond’s goal wasn’t enough for Manford in this game and they are only above their opponents here on goal difference now in fifth.

EOFL Division Two

In the third-tier, we have new leaders as Leigh Town are once again the team to catch, as they won 5 – 2 over Ryan at the John Burrows Recreation Ground. Brodie Horne notched twice in this match, along with further strikes by Daniel Driscoll, Rhys Mosedale and Lewis Lawrence. Jack Pearman’s side are two points clear at the top with games in hand on their nearest rivals. Corinthians celebrated a welcome return to form, defeating previous leaders Beacon Hill Rovers 2 – 0 at the Stambridge Memorial Ground to gain ground on the top three.

Meanwhile, Wakering Sports were back on winning form as they won 3 – 2 at home to Laindon Orient. Goals from Aaron Clark, Meschack Kisoka and Mo Sesay saw Mitchell Gleeson’s side to the points & cement their position in sixth. Laindon got on the scorer’s sheet thanks to a brace from James Shadwell but they ended the game with ten men and are now three points off the leaders & are vulnerable to being caught by Corinthians & Epping Town. Epping remain fifth after a important 5 – 0 win at strugglers May & Baker ‘A’. Callum Turner’s double got Stuart Hoskins’ side well on the way to victory, with goals from Graeme Turner, Joe Rickett and Charlie Pollard adding further gloss to the score-line.

Elsewhere, Rochford Town got a surprise 3 – 2 victory at Old Southendian Res as Harry Ford, Matt Welsh and Alex Gray all scored for James Cooper’s side. Dave Stubbs and Tom Judge responded for Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s side but it was Rochford who got the points which sent them rising up the standings to eighth spot. Also, Harold Wood Athletic Res grabbed a narrow 1 – 0 win at AS Rawreth, thanks to Ola James’ goal.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, ACD Utd recovered from defeat last week to remain two points clear at the summit, thanks to a 3 – 1 win over Lakeside Utd in the early game of the day at Westlands. Player-boss Michael Wade scored yet another double here to take his goal tally to 19 in the league this term, with Ollie Williams also on the score-sheet for ACD. Also, skipper Mason Oakley made his 100th appearance for the club in this match so congrats to him. Lakeside drop to seventh in the table after this result.

Buckhurst Hill Res got the points by virtue of a home Walkover against Corinthians Res, who are yet to win away from Stambridge this term. Hill’s second-side reside in ninth spot, one place above their opposition. Basildon Town Res had to grind out a

1 – 0 win at home to Toby Res, with Scott Cooper grabbing the decisive goal to send them up to sixth spot. Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ got a good three points in defeating winless Leigh Town Res 3 – 0 at the side pitch at Lower Road. Joseph Darby opened the scoring with substitutes Josh Boswell and Bryce Odea also notching as they fortified fifth spot with this result.

Elsewhere, Manford Way Res kept the pressure on leaders ACD with a 4 – 1 win at Hutton Res. Josh Duah struck twice for the Manford second-side, with top scorer David Hornsby and Fuad Ibrahim also netting. They sit second, three points clear of Wakebury, who scored six goals for the second successive week, emerging with a

6 – 3 win over fellow high-flyers Collier Row at Shoebury Park. Daniel Buglione struck a hat-trick, with Adam Topley netting twice and Billy Bonham-Dare adding another for Matt Cardy’s side. The ‘fly in the ointment’ for the Berries is that their five remaining games are all away from home.

EOFL Division Four Results

Chingford Athletic Res 2 – 3 Sungate Res | Town Mead [3G]

Galleywood Res 0 – 2 Shenfield AFC Res | Clarkes Field

Hashtag Utd Dev. 4 – 1 Canning Town Res | Barleylands Road

Laindon Orient Res 3 – 3 Ongar Town Res | Markhams Chase

Old Chelmsfordians Res 2 – 3 Wakering Sports Res | Lawford Lane

EOFL Senior Five Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 1 – 2 Shoebury Town Res | Silver Leys

Epping Town Res 5 – 3 Old Barkabbeyans | Epping UC Rugby Club

Leigh Ramblers Res 2 – 3 Newbury Forest Res | Belfairs Park

Roydon 1 – 0 Collier Row Res | Roydon Playing Fields

Springfield Res 13 – 0 AS Rawreth Res | Arun Park (Close)

Wakering Sports ‘A’ 3 – 2 Herongate Athletic Res | Cupid’s CC (pitch 2)

Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore [@aaron_moore25] was at Silver Leys to report on Shoebury Town Reserves’ win, here’s his report: https://footballreview.net/match-report-bishops-stortford-swifts-reserves-1-2-shoebury-town-reserves/

That’s all for this week’s EOFL round-up, we’ll be back next week.

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 3 April) [EOFL 20/21 4.4.21]

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

Hello everyone and welcome back to my round-up articles on the Essex Olympian League divisions, which return looking at all the action on Saturday 3rd April, from the top-tier all the way to mentions of Divisions Four & Five. All six divisions were involved in ‘resumption day’ and there were some surprise results, some well-known names turning out for new clubs and plenty of goals!

Thank you for reading. Thanks also to Pete Dudley (@ped1980 on Twitter) for the main image)

EOFL Premier Division

So as ever, we begin with the top division and Basildon Town kept the heat on leaders Buckhurst Hill with a comfortable 3 – 1 triumph over Shenfield AFC at Basildon Sports Club. Player-boss Marcus Bowers opened the scoring for the hosts, with Keith King and Graham Harrison adding to the team’s account after the interval. Alex Tredgett scored the solitary response for Shenfield in this one. The hosts have now scored the second-highest goal tally in the division following this performance. Shenfield remain in 11th place. Buckhurst Hill overcame a scare to grab a hard-fought 2 – 1 win at Springfield to stay ahead of Basildon on goal difference. David Knight put the Chelmsford-based side ahead, but late goals from talisman Suleyman Zuhdu and Jonah Gregory turned the game and sealed another win for Mark Williams’ side.

One bit of club news with Springfield this week, which is that long-time former Enfield boss Matt Hanning has joined Dan Williams’ management team. I would just like to add that I wish Matt well at his new club, it’s nice to see him return in the Olympian League.

Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts returned to action in some style with a 4 – 2 home success over Sungate at Silver Leys. Carlos Flood got the first goal for Billy Cove’s side, which was soon added to by Brett Munyard (more known for his goal-grabbing exploits at White Ensign) plus substitutes Kieran Southgate and Harry Bushell. After this result, Swifts remain eighth but they have reduced the gap to the top six to a mere point. Harold Wood Athletic also produced a surprise as they won 2 – 1 at Catholic Utd, with Josh Steel and Chris Denham the goal-scoring heroes for Alex Goldstone’s team, who remain seventh but are only behind Sungate on goal difference. The ‘Super Hoops’ fell to fifth as other results went against them.

Meanwhile at Belfairs Park, Leigh Ramblers overcame Canning Town 4 – 0 with the ensemble cast of Justin Hazell, Barv Waiwaiku, George Moxon and Rick Alabaster all scoring to see to it that the Rams rise to fourth place in the standings. Canning drop to twelfth spot. Rayleigh Town were held 3 – 3 at Kelvedon Hatch, with Ollie Hanlon netting twice for Paul Higgins’ side, either side of a fine Jack Long strike. Kelvedon’s scorers were Joe Gregory, Joseph Newson and replacement Lewis Young. Rayleigh go up to tenth place in the table, with Kelvedon remaining second-bottom and two points above bottom side Old Southendian.

The latter side mentioned there made the trip to Polo Fields to take on Hutton. Matt Singh’s side started as they left off back in December as they defeated Old Southendian 2 – 1 with goals from Aron Gordon and Tony Shaw enough to push them up to third place, only four points adrift of the top two.

Before we move on, here’s a glimpse of the updated Premier Division table (Source: FA Full-Time)

EOFL Premier Division table (April 4th 2021)

EOFL Division One

Division One returned with a more than spritely twenty goals in the five games played. With Ongar Town unable to play due to a postponement, the chasing pack took centre stage this weekend. Galleywood rose to second spot after a hard-fought 3 – 2 success against Herongate Athletic. Craig Skipper notched twice here for the home side, with Freddie Bartram also on target as ‘Wood cut the deficit to Ongar to just two points. Herongate responded through strikes from Corley Ross and Jonathan Packer. Old Chelmsfordians came away well from their clash with rivals Runwell Sports as they sealed a 3 – 2 triumph at St Luke’s Park. Jared Chambers, Martin Mixture and substitute Dane Nelson all struck for Damien Frost’s side here, while Joe Olley and Daniel Okah struck for Jason Plom’s team. The OC’s remain in fourth place but are only a point away from their opponents today, who drop to third spot.

In other action, Manford Way were made to work hard in a 2 – 0 win over Toby at the London Marathon Sports Ground. Strikes from Liam Burgess and Connor Hammond were enough to see Trevor Grace’s side to their fifth win of the season and close the gap to the top three to just two points. Toby drop one place to eighth. Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore (@aaron_moore25 on Twitter) was at the game & here is his take on it: https://footballreview.net/match-report-manford-way-2-0-toby-fc/

Meanwhile, Snaresbrook started their mini-season off with a fine 4 – 2 victory over bottom side Shoebury Town at Nutters Field. And lastly for the second-tier, Chingford Athletic emerged from their trip to Rayleigh Town Res with a 2 – 0 win, thanks to goals from returning star Michael Mignot and Tom Kavanagh which gave them their second win of the season and saw them rise to 9th spot. Town’s second-side drop one place to second-bottom.

Here’s a glimpse of the updated Division One table:

EOFL Division One table (as of April 4, 2021)

EOFL Division Two

Moving into Division Two now, and Laindon Orient pulled off a fine 3 – 2 victory over leaders Beacon Hill Rovers at Markhams Chase. Goalkeeper Jack Scott opened the scoring for Neil Blackburn’s side from long range, before Ashley Blackburn and Matthew Gibson goals ended up securing a sixth win in ten matches which keeps them in third spot. Leigh Town made the trip to local rivals Corinthians and ground out a 1 – 0 win, thanks to Sam Irvine’s goal. This result keeps Jack Pearman’s side second, only a point behind Beacon Hill with two crucial games in hand. Corinthians lost ground on the top three but remain fourth.

Epping Town are a point further back in fifth spot after a hard-fought 3 – 1 win over strugglers AS Rawreth at Epping Under Clapton Rugby Club. Peter Paoletti, Sam Law and Graeme Turner got the goals for Stuart Hoskins’ side as they kept up their decent form from before the break. Wakering Sports were held 1 – 1 at Rochford Town with Ben Rowe equalising for Mitchell Gleeson’s side but remain in sixth place. Ryan were also held 1 – 1, by Harold Wood Athletic Res at Wadham Lodge, with Warren Taylor the scorer for the visitors in that match, which was enough to elevate them up to tenth in the standings.

Finally in this division, Old Southendian Res emerged from a battle to defeat May & Baker ‘A 2 – 1 at Garon Park. Thomas Adams and Nico Dubouchet goals for Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s side were enough to gain the win which sees them stay seventh but are only four points off the top four at present.

Here’s a glimpse of the updated Division Two table:

EOFL Division Two table (as of April 4, 2021)

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, the small matter of thirty-one goals were scored in just six matches this weekend. Manford Way Res kept up the pressure at the top as they defeated previously unbeaten leaders ACD Utd 3 – 1 at Westlands. Ollie Williams netted for Utd, who had to see out large parts of the game with ten men, and Manford’s second-side made the most of it with Gideon Sengulay-Thomas, David Hornsby & Siddy Clarkson all finding the net to reduce their arrears to ACD to two points. Collier Row remain third on goal difference after a narrow 1 – 0 win at winless Leigh Town Res with Daniel Reeve’s spot-kick the only difference in this one. Meanwhile, Toby Res got only their second win this term with a 3 – 2 triumph at home to Buckhurst Hill Res. Buttrint Lecaj and Arber Durmishi goals were not enough to prevent Hill from succumbing to defeat here & they fell below their opponents here to second-bottom.

Wakebury returned to action with a flourish as they defeated Corinthians Res 6 – 4 at Shoebury Park. Will Wheeler, Daniel Buglione, Charlie Little, loanee Adam Topley, Billy Bonham-Dare and former Southend Manor star Robbie Norris all scored for Matt Cardy’s side here. Corinthians’ second-side made it a pulsating match with Luke Smith, Sonny Woodward’s spot-kick, Charlie Marden and Jamie Milbourn all responding with goals for them. This victory takes the Berries up to fourth, three points away from the top three. My Non-League colleague Peter Dudley was at this match & his report is available here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2021/04/wakebury-6-corinthians-reserves-4.html

Elsewhere, Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ dropped to fifth spot after being held 2 – 2 by Basildon Town Res at Lower Road. Joseph Darby and substitute Josh Boswell netted for the hosts, but strikes by Michael Clark and Jamie Simpkins were enough to claim a point for Richard Bennett’s new side. Finally, Hutton Res rose to seventh in the table after a fine 4 – 3 win at Lakeside Utd. Jack Shaw nabbed a brace for the visitors, with Carl Dutton and Matt Price also on target here. Lakeside remain in sixth, one place and two points better off than their opposition here.

Here’s a glimpse of the updated Division Three table:

EOFL Division Three table (as of April 4, 2021)

EOFL Division Four Results

Canning Town Res 2 – 2 Shenfield AFC Res

Catholic Utd Res 2 – 3 Hashtag Utd Development

Leytonstone Utd 5 – 1 Laindon Orient Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res 0 – 2 Chingford Athletic Res

Ongar Town Res 2 – 6 Sungate Res

Wakering Sports Res A – A Galleywood Res

EOFL Senior Five Results

AS Rawreth Res 1 – 3 Epping Town Res

Herongate Athletic Res 1 – 3 Springfield Res

Newbury Forest Res 10 – 2 Collier Row Res

Old Barkabbeyans 3 – 3 Leigh Ramblers Res (played at Belfairs Park)

Roydon 1 – 0 Runwell Sports Res

Wakering Sports ‘A’ 3 – 1 Shoebury Town Res

That’s all for this week’s round-up, check back next week for the latest action from the Essex Olympian League divisions.

Preview: Essex Olympian League Premier Division Resumption [EOFL 20-21 2.4.21]

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

Hello everyone and welcome to a preview of the opening weekend of the resumption of the 2020-21 Essex Olympian League Premier Division season, looking at the first fixture weekend taking place on the 3rd April, plus a look at who is in the race for the Premier Division title this term, which of course has recently been dominated by the inspired Buckhurst Hill.

As a spectator and writer on Non-League Football, Saturdays in the last four months have been something to adapt to, just another caveat of a thoroughly troubling year.

Alright, we’ll start with a snapshot of the current Premier Division table, courtesy of the re-modelled FA Full-time site. Then we’ll move on to who is in the running for the title & the first three fixtures those runners have to restart their campaign.

EOFL Premier Division table (as of March 2021)

So who is in the running for the Premier Division title?

This is an intriguing question, particularly given the resurgence of a Marcus Bowers-led Basildon Town this season. They sit level on points with leaders Buckhurst Hill who once again have shown they are the yardstick to overcome. Then you also have fellow Essex sides in Catholic Utd and Leigh Ramblers who are had positive ‘first halves’ of the campaign before the suspension of the campaign in December.

Given how they have played in the last season or so, you cannot rule out Sungate who do have games in hand on their opposition which may be played before the end of May, when the season will be brought to an end. It would be remiss not to mention the form of Matt Singh’s Hutton side as well and I doubt many would have put them in the top four in August 2020 but that is every compliment to his playing squad & management team.

Leaders Buckhurst Hill have some tough matches to resume their campaign as they begin with a trip to Springfield this weekend, which is followed by a home tussle with Hutton a week later, and then the battle that most have probably looked forward to for a while – a tough visit of rivals Basildon Town on April 17th.

Second-placed Basildon themselves have a decent run of games, beginning with a home fixture with bottom four side Shenfield AFC on April 3rd, with a trip to Sungate a week later and then the aforementioned possible title ‘six-pointer’ with Buckhurst Hill.

‘Best of the rest’ Catholic Utd in third have two local derbies to resume their tilt at the title, welcoming Harold Wood Athletic to the Len Forge this weekend, followed by a intriguing battle with Rayleigh Town at London Road next time out, and then on April 17th, they also face the trip to East London to face Sungate.

Fourth-placed Hutton cannot be dismissed yet from staging a surprise title challenge, which will be endorsed if they get a result from their opening match with strugglers Old Southendian at Polo Fields. Trips to Buckhurst Hill and Leigh Ramblers follow on consecutive weekends, which will be a test of the side’s mettle.

Leigh Ramblers reside in fifth place at present and some might consider them an outside bet despite having the second-best defence in the division. They begin at home to Canning Town, before a tricky visit to East London to face Harold Wood Athletic and then they welcome Hutton to Belfairs.

Finally, Sungate may be in sixth place but they do have games in hand and the best defensive record, having only conceded four goals in six matches thus far. They face tricky visits to Bishop’s Stortford Swifts and Catholic Utd, with a home match with Basildon Town in the middle of those two away trips on April 10th.

Yes, it may be a tired cliché but I believe the next three weeks will give us an interesting insight into how the last five weeks of the season will shape up.

The following fixtures this weekend are subject to Covid protocols (ie. they could be postponed at short notice) & a reminder that spectators are still barred until at least April 12th.

Saturday 3rd April (2.30pm KOs unless stated)

EOFL Premier Division

Basildon Town v Shenfield AFC | Basildon Sports Club

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts v Sungate | Silver Leys

Catholic Utd v Harold Wood Athletic | Len Forge Centre [3G]

Hutton v Old Southendian | Polo Fields

Kelvedon Hatch v Rayleigh Town | New Hall

Leigh Ramblers v Canning Town | Belfairs Park

Springfield v Buckhurst Hill | Springfield Hall Park

That’s all for this article, thank you for reading & I hope to be able to bring back my round-ups of Olympian League action early next week. I wish each team well.

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Wk 11 – Sat 12 Dec) [EOFL 20-21 13.12.20]

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

Hello and welcome to the return of the Essex Olympian League round-up, here on my blog, looking at the league action from Saturday 12th December plus a round-up of the Essex Premier Cup action. My thanks to Rob Lilley (Offside Photography) for the photo. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

In the only match in the Premier Division this weekend, Hutton got their fifth straight league win with a 3 – 2 success at home to Shenfield AFC. Perry Robinson and Ben Absolon netted for the visitors, but it was their local in-form rivals who got the points thank to Brad Freeman’s double and one from Joshua Seal. Hutton go up to fourth spot and are unbeaten since the opening day of the season, way back in September.

EOFL Division One – no matches this weekend

EOFL Division Two

We had a solitary match in Division Two as well, with Ryan getting a 3 – 1 at May & Baker ‘A’. Joe Holt, Scout Bown and Lewis Page got the goals for the visitors, with Arminas Gricius scoring for ‘Bakers. The win is their first since the opening match of their league season and sees them rise up to eighth spot. The Bakers’ development side are in 10th, four points clear of bottom side AS Rawreth.

EOFL Division Three

There were five matches in Division Three, with ACD Utd making it seven wins from seven matches after a 6 – 0 triumph over Leigh Town Res at Westlands. Michael Wade and Sam Payne both notched braces here, with Connor Lambert & an OG accounting for the other goals. Player-boss Wade reached 15 league goals for the campaign here & his side remain five points clear at the summit.

Nearest challengers Manford Way Res also garnered their way to a big win, 5 – 1 at home to Buckhurst Hill Ressies in a match moved to the Peter May Sports Centre in Wathamstow. David Hornsby plundered four goals here, to take his league tally up to ten this term, with Dominic Esty-Wilkinson the other goal-scorer. Collier Row also defeated Toby Res 2 – 0 to go up to third spot. Hutton Res also got a fine away win with a 2 – 1 success over Wakebury at Shoebury Park. Jack Shaw and Harry Lane both struck for the visitors, with club stalwart Chris Gore netting for Matt Cardy’s side, who drop to fourth.

Finally, Lakeside Utd got a second successive victory at home, winning 2 – 0 over out-of-form Corinthians Res, with Daniel Stokes and Dayo Kayode the heroes for Ben Crounch’s side.

Essex Premier Cup Round-up

The lack of League action was mainly down to a smorgasbord of ties in the Essex Premier Cup. Despite some matches being postponed due to weather, there were still some great results for Olympian League sides. Harold Wood Athletic got another win on the board , winning 2 – 1 at fellow top-tier side Kelvedon Hatch. Rob Whitnell and Connor Hartwell got the goals for Alex Goldstone’s side as they progressed to the next round. Catholic Utd warded off a very spirited performance by hosts Chingford Athletic before winning 4 – 3 at Town Mead. Goals by Luke Trice, Louis Robinson, Rhys Fatt plus an OG edged Stuart Marshall’s side to the win at the Division One side.

Catholic Utd forward Rhys Fatt celebrates his winning goal at Chingford with fellow ford Brad Rowland [Image Credit: Rob Lilley]

Elsewhere, Old Southendian Res had a day to remember with a 5 – 1 triumph at Essex Senior League Reserve side Walthamstow Res. George Borley struck twice for player-boss Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s side. Jack Pagett, Luke Stillwell and Jared Brand all also netted here as the Division Two side went through. Rayleigh Town were also given a scare before getting past Division Two team Epping Town 5 – 3 at Chigwell Sch 3G. Michael Okafor nabbed a brace, with Bailey Moss, Ollie Hanlon and Harry Talbot also on the score-sheet for Paul Higgins’ side. Finally for our focused matches, Ongar Town notched another fine win with a 4 – 2 success at Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier side White Notley. Joe Lilly grabbed two goals, with Frank Goodall and Aaron Blair also on target, with the latter hitting twenty goals in all competitions.

Other Results (Essex Premier Cup):
Barkingside Res 3 – 1 Herongate Athletic (AET)

Beacon Hill Rovers 0 – 3 Saffron Walden Town Res

Canning Town 0 – 4 Springfield

Great Bentley 4 – 2 Corinthians

Hutton H – W Aveley Res

Manford Way H – W Holland Res

Old Southendian 2 – 2 Sungate* (Sungate won 5 – 4 on pens)

Toby 3 – 1 White Ensign Res

Wakering Sports 0 – 2 Buckhurst Hill

Witham Town Res 1 – 2 Old Chelmsfordians

———-

EOFL Division Four Results

Catholic Utd Res 6 – 1 Galleywood Res

Hashtag Utd Dev 4 – 4 Leytonstone Utd

Old Chelmsfordians Res 2 – 2 Canning Town Res

Wakering Sports Res 5 – 4 Chingford Athletic Res

——-

EOFL Division Five Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 5 – 2 Epping Town Res

Runwell Sports Res 4 – 4 Shoebury Town Res

Wakering Sports ‘A’ 2 – 1 Collier Row Res

End

S20-21 Round-up’s: Essex Olympian League (Week 10 – Sat 5 Dec) [EOFL 20-21 6.12.20]

Shenfield AFC on the attack in their match at Leigh Ramblers [Image Credit: Andy Wilkins]

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

Hello and welcome to the return of the Essex Olympian League round-up, here on my blog, looking at the action from Saturday 5th December from the Premier Division all the way to Division Three this week, also including results from Senior Four & Five. My thanks to Andy Wilkins [@wilkins_media] for the match photos used in this article. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

We start our round-up in the Premier Division as ever, and in-form Hutton got their fourth straight win with a 2 – 0 win at joint-leaders Basildon Town. Matt Singh’s side had Will Marlowe and replacement Sean O’Callaghan to thank for the goals which sent player-boss Marcus Bowers’ team to their first loss of the league campaign. With Buckhurst Hill’s game at Rayleigh Town postponed due to standing water on the London Road surface, Catholic Utd lead the chasing pack in third spot after a superb 6 – 0 drubbing of Springfield at the Len Forge. Brad Rowland struck two goals to take his tally to five in the league this term. Rhys Fatt also struck before the interval and the points for Stuart Marshall’s side were confirmed thanks to Aaron Baldwin’s spot-kick plus goals for Thomas Kearney and Simon Thomas. Springfield drop to ninth place as there two big wins for sides previously below them in the table.

Harold Wood Athletic were one of those sides, and went up to seventh after a good 2 – 1 triumph at Canning Town. Chris Denham and Robert Whitnell strikes saw Alex Goldstone’s side to their third win this term. Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also got a vital win, defeating Old Southendian 3 – 0 at Silver Leys. Recent signing Wale Odedoyin grabbed two goals in this game, with Carlos Flood securing the win for Billy Cove’s side who rise to eighth spot.

There was a sobering end to the match at New Hall, as Kelvedon Hatch’s match with Sungate was abandoned after twenty minutes due to serious injury. I’d like to send best wishes to the player concerned. Finally in this division, Leigh Ramblers made it five wins in their last six matches with a comfortable 2 – 0 win over Shenfield AFC, with centre-back Harry Haysom notching another two goals to take his tally to five goals this season.

Leigh Ramblers in possession vs Shenfield AFC [Image Credit: Andy Wilkins]

EOFL Division One

In Division One, the runaway juggernaut that is Ongar Town were held for only the second time this term, as they drew 1 – 1 at Old Chelmsfordians. Richard Ponsford’s side are still three points clear at the summit though and their unbeaten run remains intact. The OC’s remain in fourth spot. Runwell Sports, buoyed by being awarded three points during the enforced break after Snaresbrook were deemed to have fielded an ineligible player in the latter side’s win in October, could not take further strikes towards the top as Runwell lost 3 – 0 at new-look Manford Way. Tyrone Scarlett got a pair of goals here, with David Leech also on the score-sheet for Trevor Grace’s side who go up to fifth spot, three points adrift of the top three.

In third place now is Galleywood, after their fine 3 – 1 win at Chingford Athletic. Thomas Watling, Jamie Ricks and replacement Luke Osborne all netted to render Lee Lashley’s goal for Chingford a consolation. The Town Mead side are five matches without a win now and fell to second-bottom after Rayleigh Town Res won 2 – 1 at basement side Shoebury Town. Kalvin Armstrong and George Vile goals assisted Dave Gipp’s side to only their second league win this term. Finally, Ramsden Scotia won 2 – 0 at Toby in the early kick-off of the day to make their way up to sixth in the latest table.

Match Postponed in Div One: Snaresbrook P – P Herongate Athletic

EOFL Division Two

Moving into Division Two now, and there were big moves in the table from this weekend’s four matches. First up, table-toppers Beacon Hill Rovers grabbed a superb 4 – 1 away win over Old Southendian Res at Garon Park. Henry Ballard struck twice here for the mid-Essex side, with Lewis Sherwood and Ben Jackman also on the score-sheet for a Rovers side that remain four points clear at the summit. Leigh Town also got back to winning ways with a 3 – 0 success at Wakering Sports in Shoebury. Lewis Lawrence, Max Jones and Jack Bruce all struck to put Jack Pearman’s side back up to second place, four points shy of the leaders but with two games in hand for Leigh, the only unbeaten side left in the division.

Elsewhere, Laindon Orient got a huge 1 – 0 win away at previously unbeaten Corinthians, with Matthew Gibson getting the only goal before half-time. Neil Blackburn & Rob Neville’s side went above their opponents here into third spot, though the Stambridge side (like Leigh Town) do have two games extra to play in comparison to Laindon & Beacon Hill. Epping Town moved up to fifth with a comprehensive 6 – 1 triumph at home to Rochford Town with Joe Rickett notching two goals here. The supporting cast of Spike Bell, Callum Turner, David Limber and Graeme Turner added to a great afternoon for Stuart Hoskins’ side.

Matches Postponed in Div Two:
Harold Wood Ath Res P – P Ryan

May & Baker ‘A’ P – P AS Rawreth

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, the weather restricted the action but there were still big results for the top-of-the-table sides. First up, leaders ACD Utd maintained their 100% start with a impressive 3 – 0 win over previously unbeaten Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ at Westlands. Michael Wade resumed his imperious goal-scoring touch this term with another brace here for the hosts, with George Munns also adding a goal to make it thirty goals scored for the team in just six matches. Elsewhere, Manford Way Res won 2 – 1 at fellow high-flyers Wakebury. Charlie Little’s free-kick notched for Matt Cardy’s side but strikes by Jack Barraclough and Fuad Ibrahim made the win possible for the East London-based side and they rose to third, level on points with the Berries.

Also, Lakeside Utd got their third win in their last four games, winning 2 – 1 at home to Collier Row. Harry Davison and Daniel Stokes got the goals to give new player-boss Ben Crouch a win in his first match in charge. Utd move up to sixth spot, while Row fell to fifth in the standings after this result, and they are one of four sides all on 13 points (alongside Wakebury, Manford Way Ressies & Hullbridge ‘A’).

Matches Postponed in Div Three:
Buckhurst Hill Res P – P Corinthians Res

Hutton Res P – P Basildon Town Res

Leigh Town Res P – P Toby Res

EOFL Division Four Results

Catholic Utd Res 4 – 2 Shenfield AFC Res

Laindon Orient Res 3 – 3 Wakering Sports Res

Leytonstone Utd 1 – 0 Canning Town Res

Ongar Town Res 1 – 2 Old Chelmsfordians Res

Sungate Res 3 – 4 Chingford Athletic Res

EOFL Division Five Results

AS Rawreth Res 4 – 3 Collier Row Res

Herongate Athletic Res 4 – 2 Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res

Leigh Ramblers Res 1 – 2 Roydon

Runwell Sports Res 3 – 0 Epping Town Res

Shoebury Town Res 4 – 1 Wakering Sports ‘A’

Springfield Res 1 – 0 Newbury Forest Res

End