Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Premier Division [EOFL SR 19/20 30.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the fifth piece of a mini-series of blog articles looking back at the ‘void’ Season 2019-20, as deemed by the FA.

In this piece, I look back what was a fascinating Essex Olympian League Premier Division campaign, rounded out with an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goal-scorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I was fortunate to see a few of the teams in action live this term.

 

EOFL Premier Division   (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

Still from Old S v Sungate [EOFL PD 8.2.20]

Still from Old S v Sungate [EOFL PD 8.2.20]

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. At the summit were Sungate, who amassed forty-four points from their 22 matches in what was a very good season for the East London-based side. They had the secod-best defensive record, conceding twenty-nine times (at a average per game (or GpG) of 1.32) and also enjoyed the joint-best goal-scoring record, scoring 52 times (GpG of 2.36). I saw them come back to win a really enterprising game at Old Southendian in February and you could certainly see why they were hot in front of-goal and they will hope to carry on the impetus going forward. Leigh Ramblers had a really good campaign, finishing in second spot. Wayne Seal’s team had a strong end to the season, ending up with thirty-eight points from their 22 games played. They won seven of their 11 matches at their Belfairs Park home and were also joint-high goal-scorers with 52 strikes this term. Murmurings indicate that they are looking to build the club going forward and they will be a threat next term you feel. Last season’s champions Buckhurst Hill finished in third, with 32 points gained from only fourteen matches. Postponements and Cup runs perhaps thwarted Mark Williams’ side from a higher finish and you would not have gone against Hill obtaining a top-two finish, had the season gone on for another month. As it was, they still got ten league wins, along with being the division’s fourth-best goal-scorers with 46 strikes (a GpG of 3.28) and held the best defensive record (16 goals shelled) for the second consecutive campaign. Not bad going! Factor in their three entrants in the leading goal-scorers chart (see below) and you start to see why Hill are highly-regarded in the local Non-League scene. Both of their losses this season came in South Essex, at Rayleigh Town and Leigh Ramblers but it does seem they are well-placed for another tilt at success next term.

In fourth place were Catholic Utd, having managed 31 points from their twenty-one matches this term. The ‘Super Hoops’ are based at Bowers & Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium [3G] and grabbed seven wins from their thirteen games there. They scored fifty-one goals (GpG of 2.43) to put them in third in the list of ‘Entertainers’ this term though it was at the other end where the issues were, having shelled 39 goals this season. Their form tailed towards the end of the campaign, and they were uncharacteristic in their loss at Old Southendian in late January, which I watched. Utd have announced that former Southend Manor & Waltham Abbey Reserves boss Stuart Marshall will take the reins next season and it is good to see him back in the game, all the best to him. Kelvedon Hatch made the most of a decent run prior to the cut-off to finish fifth, having got thirty points from their 20 outings. Glen Golby & Steve Willis’ side certainly were not dull to watch, having struck the net forty-one times and conceded 45 times (a GpG of 2.25) this term. I saw them lose out narrowly at Old Southendian in December and you could see why quite a few of their players have played at a higher level, the guile and the craft is there. On that note, Petrit Elbi deserves a mention as their top goal-scorer with eight goals.

Still from Old S v K Hatch [EOFL PD 21.12.19]

Still from Old S v K Hatch [EOFL PD 21.12.19]

Into mid-table now, with Springfield finishing sixth with twenty-eight points from their 20 games played. Nine of them were wins with 44 goals scored, the fifth-best record in the division. Unfortunately, they conceded forty-nine goals as well, the second-worst in the division. Their Arun Close home was the place of six of their wins this term, and they also can champion the league’s top goal-scorer in Dave Wareham who netted fifteen times. Congratulations to him. The club saw a transition as well as stalwart Glen Wilkinson moved upstairs to Director of Football, with former Laindon Orient & Rayleigh Town Reserves co-boss Dan Williams coming in the second half of the season. They seem well set for another promising campaign next term. Rayleigh Town are another club with plans for the future, and they ended up seventh with twenty-five points from their 16 matches. They were hampered by weather & Cup fixtures somewhat though still won eight of their games, having scored thirty-three times and conceded 33 times as well – the fifth-best defensive record. I saw Paul Higgins’ side in action back in August as they defeated Leigh Ramblers, though I must note that like a lot of clubs at this level, they are welcoming and do deserve to increase their fan following as they play decent football as well.

Still from Rayleigh T v Leigh R [EOFL PD 24.8.19]

Still from Rayleigh T v Leigh R [EOFL PD 24.8.19]

In eighth place were a club I saw a few times in the second half of the campaign: Old Southendian. They found a degree of form in that second part of the season to also end on twenty-five points from their 22 matches. An inferior goal difference saw them below their local rivals Rayleigh, but Connor Lane’s team still won seven times, three of which I saw in person. Stats-wise, they struck 38 goals (a GpG of 1.73) and shelled 42 times as well though as is so often the case, the stats don’t tell the whole story. At their best, they do play some good stuff and given the experience they have in abundance in their squad, that isn’t a surprise.  Nick Henesy and Ed Gould both got eight goals apiece and as has been well-publicised, they are another of the clubs to play on artificial 3G at Garon Park.

Still from Old S v Catholic U [EOFL PD 25.1.20]

Still from Old S v Basildon T [EOFL 29.2.20]

 

Another club that saw a managerial change in Bishop’s Stortford Swifts finished ninth. They accrued twenty-three points from their 20 matches and on the face of it, you may call it a very mixed campaign. They scored 35 goals (a GpG of 1.75) and conceded forty-three times but they did get five of their seven wins at Silver Leys this term. Former Epping Town boss Billy Cove came in as manager in February and you sense the club’s focus has been renewed as they picked up two important wins over Kelvedon Hatch and Sungate which staved off immediate relegation worries at that time. I would predict a more positive season to come for the Swifts. Canning Town ended up tenth with twenty-three points coming from the 22 matches they contested. Their defence was the most troublesome area for the Beckton-based team, having conceded 49 times, the joint-second highest in the division. They did finish the season well though, with four wins in their last eight games with the pressure on so that may bode well for the next campaign. Another side who finished strongly sits in eleventh, which is Shenfield AFC, who won Division One in 2018/19. They garnered twenty-two points from their 18 matches, having won four of their last seven matches. That was quite the opposite of their early-season woes, as they didn’t win any of their first six games. It is true that only the bottom three sides had more trouble in front of goal, as AFC netted thirty times in all, though the team were more than decent at the back, shelling 35 goals to gain the sixth-best defensive record in the division. Ben Carroll also deserves to be mentioned as he grabbed nine league goals this term, well done Ben. Basildon Town were just below them in 12th, with 21 points from their fifteen outings. Those points came from their seven league wins, and they struck the net 27 times, the joint-lowest in the division. Couple that with conceding 48 times and you can see why the management would be frustrated to say the least. I saw Town at Old Southendian in late February and to be honest, they played well in patches so that must add to the frustration.

Now to the bottom two, with Hutton ending up 13th having gathered eighteen points from their 14 matches, having been one of many clubs affected by the deluge of rain over the winter. Gary Damrill’s team on five of their matches and although going forward they scored 27 times (joint-lowest with Basildon Town), the promising statistic is that they conceded 32 goals, which was the fourth-strongest defensive record. Quirks of numbers indeed. Top scorer Will Marlowe netted eight times as well so congrats to Will. Finally, Harold Wood Athletic ended a season they would probably like to forget bottom, also on 18 points from the same amount of matches. They finished below Hutton because of a much weaker goal difference, largely due to conceding 53 times. Stalwart boss Kris Taylor moved sideways at season’s end, to be replaced by former Barkingside boss Alex Goldstone and they will certainly want a better season next time out.

To close this part, I’d like to note my belief that the quality of the Premier Division is rising this season. Some may disagree with that and they are welcome to their opinion, I just don’t think it is an accident that players are dropping into Step 7 and on the same note, there are some good managers as well. All in all, it should be a really fascinating division next season, if it isn’t too badly affected by the current world events (No, I’m not saying the ‘C-word here). I hope to watch a few matches in this division again next term.

 

EOFL Premier Division  – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Dave Wareham Jr	Springfield	15	18
=2	Nathan Sollosi	Buckhurst Hill	12	12
	Jake Clarke	Sungate	12	15
=4	Fehinti Falola	Buckhurst Hill	10	8
	Suleyman Zuhdu	Buckhurst Hill	10	11
6	Ben Caroll	Shenfield AFC	9	15
=7	Will Marlowe	Hutton	8	8
	Petrit Elbi	Kelvedon Hatch	8	13
	Nick Henesy	Old Southendian	8	13
	Joe Nathanson	Springfield	8	13
	Aaron Baldwin	Catholic Utd	8	14
	Rhys Fatt	Leigh Ramblers	8	14
	Reece Clarke	Sungate	8	15
	Daniel Williams	Leigh Ramblers	8	16
	Ed Gould	Old Southendian	8	18

 

Finally, here’s the top page of the Leading Appearance Makers in Premier Division  (focus on League Starts)

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
1	Michael Sammut	Catholic Utd	21	0	21
=2	Thomas Kearney	Catholic Utd	20	1	21
	James Smith	Sungate	20	1	21
	Ryan Batchford	Springfield	20	0	20
	Ryan Lowe	Leigh Ramblers	20	0	20
	Rorie McKenzie	Sungate	20	0	20
	Tyron Thomas	Canning Town	20	0	20
=8	Billy Evans	Canning Town	19	1	20
	Reece Still	Bishop’s Stortford Swifts	19	1	20
	Dylan Skinner	Leigh Ramblers	19	0	19
=11	Ed Gould	Old Southendian	18	2	20
	Dave Wareham Jr	Springfield	18	1	19
	Adam Palmer	Bishop’s Stortford Swifts	18	0	18
	Scott Truman	Sungate	18	0	18
	Bradley Vaughan	Catholic Utd	18	0	18
	Matt Wilson	Old Southendian	18	0	18

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 28 Dec) [EOFL 19/20 29.12.19]

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

Hello and welcome to the second of our festive round-up’s of Essex Olympian League action here on my blog. The weekend’s action was again affected by the weather. To see last week’s action (Sat 21 Dec), click here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/12/22/round-up-essex-olympian-league-sat-21-dec-eofl/

 

Saturday 28 December

Premier Division

In the top-tier this weekend, Catholic Utd are the new leaders after another strong home win, 5 – 0 over out-of-form Rayleigh Town. Simon Thomas led the attack with a hat-trick with Thomas Kearney and Brad Vaughan also finding the net in what was Utd’s third consecutive success. Town drop to sixth and have lost four on-the-trot. Leigh Ramblers defeated strugglers Canning Town 3 – 1 at Belfairs, thanks largely to Dan Williams’ brace and one from Rhys Fatt. Wayne Seal’s team remain third while Town drop back to the foot of the table.

Meanwhile, Buckhurst Hill took another important stride towards the top three with a 3 – 1 win over Kelvedon Hatch in a match moved to the 3G pitch at Wadham Lodge. Nathan Sollosi, Sonny Shilling and Fenti Falola all netted before the interval for Mark Williams’ team and Petrit Elbi got one back for player-boss Steve Willis’ side.

There was also some big wins for teams near the bottom as Hutton demolished Basildon Town 8 – 1 at Polo Fields. Replacement Will Marlowe made some impact with four goals for the hosts with James Gardner also getting a brace. Brad Freeman and Jack Holloway also added their names to the scoresheet here as Gary Damrill’s team got their third win in their last five games and rise up to 12th. Town struck through Keith King though fell to an uncharacteristic loss this season and remain in mid-table.

Harold Wood Athletic also got a big 3 – 2 win, away at Springfield. Ath struck through strikes by Ishmael Raymond and replacements Max Shepherd & Jacob Roberts as Kris Taylor’s team got their third win in their last five outings. They sit 11th while Springfield fall to fifth. Old Southendian were held 2 – 2 by Shenfield AFC. Elliot Hemmings and an Ed Gould penalty levelled things for Connor Lane’s side as AFC struck through goals from Luke Williamson and Ben Absolon. OS have only lost one of their last seven now though are still only two points above the bottom two.

 

Match Off: Bishop’s Stortford Swifts  P – P  Sungate  | Silver Leys

 

Senior ONE

 

Old Chelmsfordians 3 – 4  Rayleigh Town Res   | Lawford Lane

Ramsden Scotia  P – P  Ongar Town  | Nursery Sports Ground

Shoebury Town 2 – 1  Runwell Sports   | Cupid’s CC (Pitch 2)

Snaresbrook  P – P  Toby   | Nutters Field

 

Senior TWO

Leigh Town  P – P  May & Baker Res   | John Burrows Rec Ground

Rochford Town  P – P  Corinthians   | Rochford Rec Ground

 

Senior Three

 

In the only match played in Senior Three, Corinthians Res retained their unbeaten record this term with a 3 – 2 home win over Toby Res. Luis Ruiz got both goals for the Toby second-side though strikes by Steve Solarin, Max Hall and Taner Dagyaran were enough to give Terry Rose & Ben Adams’ team a seventh win in eight matches to rise above their opponents into second on goal difference.

 

Senior Four Results

 

Forest Glade  4 – 2  Canning Town Res

Ongar Town Res  P – P  Laindon Orient Res

Wakering Sports Res  2 – 2  Old Chelmsfordians Res

 

Senior Five – Shoebury Town Res  P – P  Newbury Forest Res

 

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 30 November) [EOFL 19/20 1.12.19]

EOFL Crest

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s round-up of Essex Olympian League action from Saturday 30th November. Also includes results from the Anagram Records Trophy & Essex Junior Cup action alongside the top four EOFL divisions and results from Senior Four & Five. Thanks for reading.

 

Saturday 30 November

Premier Division

Four of the five Premier Division fixtures survived the weather, and added to a very tight top of the standings at present as the top four are all separated by only goal difference.  Springfield were held 3 – 3 by Sungate with their immediate rivals Buckhurst Hill and Ratyleigh Town both in Anagram Records Trophy action this weekend. The result means Sungate rise to second, ahead of Springfield in 3rd.

Catholic Utd made a blistering comeback to draw 3 – 3 at home to improving Old Southendian at the Len Forge. Nick Henesy got a brace for OS with Ed Gould the other scorer for Connor Lane’s team, who are now unbeaten in their last five. The ‘Super Hoops’ drop to fifth but are only a point off Hill in top spot, although the latter have games in hand on the other top five sides. Basildon Town got a decent 2 – 0 at strugglers Canning Town with Brodie Horne and Keith King both netting as Bas got their third win in their last four to go sixth.

Harold Wood Athletic also won, 2 – 1 at Leigh Ramblers with Nick Reynolds and Chris Muir on target for Kris Taylor’s side, who rise to tenth after their second straight league win. Kelvedon Hatch’s match with Hutton was postponed due to weather.

Senior Division One

In the three surviving matches in Senior One, Chingford Athletic extended their lead at the summit to seven points after a 6 – 2 victory over ten-man Manford Way. Lee Lashley grabbed a treble here, with Sam Coe, Alex Gordon and Gary Murray all also on target for the Town Mead side. Olajide Yusuff and Josh Hayward struck for Manford who remain in mid-table. Elsewhere, Lakeside swept Toby aside as they won 6 – 3 against the bottom side to strengthen their hold on fifth spot and Shoebury Town got their sixth draw in nine league matches this term as they held FC Hamlets 1 – 1. George Oakley’s spot-kick accounted for the FCH goal at Cupid’s.

 

Matches Postponed:

Ongar Town P – P  Runwell Sports   |

Ramsden Scotia  P – P  Rayleigh Town Res  |

Snaresbrook  P – P   Herongate Athletic   |

 

Anagram Records Trophy round-up

In the three Anagram Records Trophy ties involving EOFL sides, Buckhurst Hill roared into the nxt round with a 6  – 0 win over Olympian Senior One side Galleywood. Max Nicolson struck twice here, as did substitute Fenti Falola, with Nathan Sollosi and Henry Day also on target here for Mark Williams’ team. Rayleigh Town also progressed with a great 3 – 2 away-day win at Tring Corinthians AFC. George Vile, Bailey Moss and Henry Talbot all struck for Paul Higgins’ side. Shenfield AFC are out though after a narrow 1 – 0 loss at Sandridge Rovers.

 

Senior Division Two

Now into Senior Two, Epping Town edged to a 3 – 2 win over spirited strugglers Rochford Town at Stonards Hill. Jayden Hocking-Rising, Alex Paraskeva and Daniel Garfinkle all netted for Billy Cove’s side, though Rochford certainly gave them a headache as Tommy Dominguez continued his fine scoring run of late with a brace. Epping stay fourth, three points off leaders Leigh Town. Old Southendian Reserves also got a fine 3 – 0 win over high-flying Beacon Hill Rovers at Garon Park. Greg Molford, Oliver Tatton-Bennett and replacement Lewis Telling all scored for Ben Manley’s side who got their third win here in their last four games here to solidify fifth spot.

Wakering Sports got the result of the day though as they eased to a 9 – 0 home win over strugglers Ryan. Danny Pallett got a treble while there were doubles for Ben Rowe, Mohammed Sesay and Mitchell Gleeson as Sports went up to eighth.

Postponed Matches:

AS Rawreth  P – P  May & Baker Res |

Harold Wood Athletic Res  P – P  Leigh Town   |

Laindon Orient  P – P  Corinthians   |

 

Senior Division Three

In Senior Three, Wakebury went second with a fine 3 – 1 win at Leigh Town Res. Charlie Little struck twice here with Jack Smith getting the other goal as ‘Bury got their seventh win this term. In the other game this weekend, White Ensign Res edged a battle with fellow strugglers Lakeside Res 3 – 2, with Zach Somerset-Butler notching a brace, and replacement Ayodele Awosika also on target at the Len Forge 3G pitch.

 

Senior League Cup

Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  P – P  Old Chelmsfordians

 

Essex Junior Cup results

Buckhurst Hill Res  P – P  Wakering Sports Res

Corinthians Res  0 – 2  Collier Row

FC Clacton Res  5 – 3  Roydon

Hutton Res  2 – 1  Harold Hill

Shoebury Town ‘A’  P – P  Basildon Town Res

Toby Res  4 – 0  Haver Town

 

Senior Division Four results

Forest Glade  1 – 1  Chingford Athletic Development

Galleywood Res  P – P  Leytonstone Utd

Laindon Orient Res  P – P  Shenfield AFC Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  2 – 2  Catholic Utd Res

Ongar Town Res  3 – 2  Canning Town Res

 

Senior Division Five results

Collier Row Res  1 – 4  Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res

Herongate Athletic Res  1 – 3  Roydon Res

Old Barkabbeyans  3 – 0  Newbury Forest Res

Runwell Sports Res  5 – 0  Wakering Sports ‘A’

Shoebury Town Res  P – P  Springfield Res

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 9 November) [EOFL 19/20 10.11.19]

Archive: Rayleigh T v Leigh R in August (Image: Scott W)

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

Hello and welcome to this week’s round-up of Essex Olympian League action, covering the League action from the Premier Division to Senior Three with results from the various Cups and Senior Four & Five on the weekend of Saturday 9th November. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Crest

Premier Division

In the five matches this weekend in the Premier Division, Rayleigh Town missed a chance to extend their lead at the summit as Harold Wood Athletic returned to form with a 3 – 1 win at London Road. Bradley Foley, Max Shepherd and replacement Joe McBurney all netted for Ath who rise to 12th place. Connor Bridger struck for Rayleigh, who are now five matches without a win. Springfield took advantage of other results to rise to third after a narrow 3 – 2 win at Kelvedon Hatch. Shenfield AFC won 1 – 0 at Leigh Ramblers to rise off the bottom after Saturday’s matches.

Old Southendian defeated Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 3 – 1 at Garon Park to seal their third consecutive league win. Nick Henesy, Craig Paton and Ryan Stillwell all scored here to see them up to tenth, only three points off the Swifts in ninth. Finally, on Friday night, Hutton held Catholic Utd 1 – 1 at the Len Salmon.

 

Senior Division One

Moving into Senior One, with leaders Chingford Athletic getting three points without contesting their match with Ramsden Scotia due to Scotia being unable to field a side, attention turned to their rivals. Ongar Town battled past FC Hamlets  2 – 1 to keep the gap to third to four points. Lakeside stay third after a fine 4 – 1 win at Manford Way. Luke Quinton got another brace here, with Charlie Ashpole and Ollie Pettit also finding the net for the visitors. Manford replied through on-loan forward Olajide Yusuff though they still drop to seventh after this result.

Elsewhere, there was more entertainment in the division as Galleywood rose to fifth after a 5 – 3 win at home to Shoebury Town. The hefty cast of Jack Chatterway, Sam Donn, Tyler Tredgett and replacements Joe Russell and Craig Skipper all scored one each here in a great match for the neutral. Similarly, Rayleigh Town Res edged another thriller to win 4 – 3 at Herongate Athletic. Rodney Wilson led the way for Dan Williams & Lee Bunn’s side with a hat-trick, with James Nottage also on target. They sit sixth now, four points behind Old Chelmsfordians who smashed Snaresbrook 5 – 2 to stay fourth.

Runwell Sports also got their second win this term with a convincing 4 – 0 win at Toby. Caden Vine got two of them, with Charlie Adams and Pearce Clarke also netting here for Jason Emery’s side.

 

EOFL Senior League Cup result

Sungate  1 – 3  Buckhurst Hill   | Ilford Wanderers RFC

 

 

Essex Junior Cup Results

Basildon Town Res  3 – 1 Ongar Town Res

Brentwood Utd  1 – 3  Roydon

Buckhurst Hill Res  1 – 0  Aveley U23

Corinthians Res  7 – 0  Newbury Forest Res

Great Bentley Res  A – A  Lakeside Res

Hutton Res  2 – 0  Galleywood Res

Tiptree Heath Res  0 – 2  Toby Res

Wakebury  3 – 4  Collier Row

Wakering Sports Res  4 – 0  Old Southendian ‘A’

 

Senior Division Two

In Senior Two, the Epping Town juggernaut continues as they won 5 – 0 at May & Baker Res, which sent them top as one of three teams on 19 points. Despite having a reduced squad, a brace from stand-in striker Aaron Holloway, plus one each for Daniel Garfinkle, Alex Paraskeva and George Martin sealed a win. I get the feeling some Non-League nostalgists would have been keen to see manager Billy Cove have a cameo appearance perhaps?

Anyway, away from the nostalgia, Leigh Town also got another win in a hard-fought 1 – 0 triumph over Laindon Orient at John Burrows Recreation Ground with Rhys Mosedale scoring the only goal to see Leigh rise to second. Old Southendian Res also continued their good recent form with a 3 – 1 success at Rochford Town, with Thomas Adams, Greg Molford and Oliver Tatton-Bennett all netting for Ben Manley’s team. They rise to sixth place now, seven points off the top spot.   Also, Ryan were held 3 – 3 by Wakering Sports as the both sides’ struggles to win this term continued.

Finally in this division, AS Rawreth ended a six-match losing run as they defeated fellow strugglers Westhamians 5 – 1 in Fairlop Oak. Louis Hill struck twice with Daniel Hooper, Bradley Pike and Lewis Wynne all also on target for Shane Bird’s side.

Match Postponed:  Harold Wood Athletic Res  P – P  Corinthians

 

Senior Division Three

In the only match this weekend in Senior Three, ACD Utd went up to third spot with a 3 – 0 win at strugglers Hullbridge Sports ‘A’. Michael Wade, Billy Rungay and Ollie Williams all struck to give the EOFL newcomers their fourth win in eight league games thus far. Sports are yet to win this term though they will be heartened that four sides are within three points of them at the bottom of the table.

 

Senior Division Four

Canning Town Res  2 – 4  Chingford Athletic Development

Catholic Utd Res  3 – 2  Shenfield AFC Res

Forest Glade  1 – 2  Leytonstone Utd

Laindon Orient Res  1 – 2  Old Chelmsfordians Res

 

Senior Division Five

Collier Row Res  5 – 1  Shoebury Town Res

Old Barkabbeyans  1 – 4  Herongate Athletic Res

Roydon Res  3 – 1  Runwell Sports Res

Springfield Res  0 – 2  Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res

Wakering Sports ‘A’  0 – 5  Leigh Ramblers Res

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 21 September) [EOFL 19/20 22.9.19]

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

 

Hello and welcome to this week’s round-up of the Essex Olympian League action, which includes matches from the top four divisions, plus the Senior League Cup & Essex Premier Cup action involving EOFL sides on Saturday 21st September. Thanks for reading.

 

Premier Division 

As ever, we start in the Premier Division as Springfield defeated Rayleigh Town 2 – 1 at London Road to end Town’s 100% start to the campaign. Dave Wareham’s brace for the visitors ensured Glen Wilkinson’s side got their fourth straight league win. Danny Hurford got Rayleigh’s goal though their lead at the summit is halved to three points now. Kelvedon Hatch sit third after a 3 – 1 win over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Billy Reynolds, Josh Smith & substitute Alan Taylor got the goals for Hatch here as they sealed a third consecutive league win. Chris Gibbs struck for Swifts though they drop to eighth.

 

Leigh Ramblers picked up a fine 3 – 0 win over Catholic Utd at Belfairs with Rhys Fatt, Sam Montstephens and Ryan Lowe all on the score-sheet for Wayne Seal’s side, who ended a four-match winless run here. The Super Hoops suffered another loss away from home as they stay in mid-table. Buckhurst Hill also maintained their fine recent form, with a 4 – 1 success at Hutton. Two goals from Nathan Sollosi plus one each from Eren Muti and Suley Zuhdu saw Mark Williams side to a third win on-the-spin.

 

Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic got another win with a 3 – 1 triumph at Basildon Town. Matt Donovan, Ishmael Raymond and replacement Joe Stevens all struck for Ath to outdo Keith King’s goal for Bas. Also, Canning Town got their first league win in seven this term as they defeated ten-man Old Southendian 4 – 2 in Beckton.

 

Senior Division One

In Senior One, Chingford Athletic sit second after a 3 – 2 win at Runwell Sports. Ath struck through an OG, Mickey Mesmin and Alex Gordon goals to extend their faultless record this term. Ongar Town are top though on goal difference following a 6 – 1 home win over Rayleigh Town Res. Snaresbrook are third after a 4 – 1 success over Manford Way at Nutters Field while Lakeside had Mason Iley to thank for the only goal in their 1 – 0 win at Ramsden Scotia, they sit fourth.

Galleywood won 2 – 1 at winless Toby to rise to fifth place. Nick Harvey netted for the hosts, though Jack Chatterway and Tyler Tredgett strikes saw Mark O’Sullivan’s team to the win.

 

EOFL Senior League Cup 2019-20

May & Baker Res  3 – 4  Old Chelmsfordians  | May & Baker FC

 

Essex Premier Cup

Barnston  3 – 3  Old Southendian Res  (OS Res won 3 – 2 on penalties)

Beacon Hill Rovers  0 – 3  Waltham Abbey Res

Sungate  0 – 3  Ilford Res

 

Senior Division Two

Into Senior Two now and Leigh Town remain top, thanks to a 7 – 0 win at AS Rawreth. Max Jones got a hat-trick, with Oliver Raker, Jamie Yarworth, George Dansie and Tom McKeon also on target here for Jack Pearman’s team. Two other sides also have 100% records in the division with one of them being Epping Town who dismantled Westhamians 19 – 0 at Stonards Hill. To be fair, the visitors were beset by player availability issues though Billy Cove’s tea were ruthless as Connor Hammond, Alex Paraskeva, Tommie Turner and Taner Dagyaran all hit trebles while Joey May, Joe Killingback, Joe Thomas, Bradley Gayer, Sipho Mtyanda plus substitutes Ryan Folan and Eben Rowledge completed a scorer’s list so deep that it could have been reminiscent of a theatre production. Corinthians also were among the goals as they defeated Wakering Sports 6 – 0 thanks to Nathan Dewberry’s double, plus goals by John Bolton-Smith, Luke Owen, Theo Cannon and Jake Hodder as they also got their third win from three matches. I attended this match and if you’d like more on it, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/09/21/match-report-corinthians-6-0-wakering-sports-21st-sept-eofl/ 

Also, Laindon Orient won 3 – 0 at Harold Wood Athletic Res thanks to strikes by Jasper Read, Ashley Blackburn and an OG to go fourth in the standings. Finally in this division, Rochford Town got a morale-boosting first win of the campaign as they won 4 – 1 at home to Ryan. Harry Ford, Luke Jackson, Alex Jenkins and Harry Maynard strikes saw John Smith’s team to victory.

 

Senior Division Three

With leaders Corinthian Reserves not in action, Collier Row went second with a 4 – 2 triumph over Leigh Town Res at the Forest Row Centre. ACD Utd also have a unblemished winning record after a 3 – 1 win over Toby Res at Westlands. Brad Falco struck twice with Sam Payne also on target for Michael Wade’s side. White Ensign Ressies sit fifth after a comeback 3 – 1 win at Lakeside Res. Harry Davison had put the hosts ahead though Erald Makolli levelled before Kieran Follett struck twice to turn the tide for Jack Caten’s team.

 

Hutton Reserves picked up their first league win of the campaign in some style with a 13 – 3 win at struggling Dagenham Utd. Sean O’Callaghan and substitute Jack Shaw both hit trebles, with Joshua Seal and Josh Sumner getting braces plus Stephen Judge, Conor O’Regan and Adam Player all also on target in a thumping win for the Shenfield-based side. Wakebury also won this weekend, with a 2 – 0 win at fellow newcomers Hullbridge Sports ‘A’. Harry Kateley and replacement Ben Munday got the goals there at Lower Road. Finally, Buckhurst Hill Res defeated Basildon Town’s Ressies 3 – 1 through goals from Keenan Gravillis, Landry Gogoa and substitute Tommy Fraine. Alex Witham pulled one back for Alex Shields’ team though they have yet to win this term.

 

Senior Division Four  (results only)

Catholic Utd Res   4 – 4    Canning Town Res 

Chingford Athletic Dev   3 – 4   Wakering Sports Res 

Leytonstone Utd  1 – 0  Ongar Town Res   |

Old Chelmsfordians Res   1 – 1  Galleywood Res

 

 

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League & Senior Cup (Sat 14 September) [EOFL 19/20 15.9.19]

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

Hello and welcome to this week’s extended round-up of Essex Olympian League action, which includes matches from the top four divisions, plus a round-up/results from the Senior League Cup action and results from Senior Division Four and the Reserve League Cup action this weekend – Saturday 14th September. Thanks for reading.

 

EOFL Premier Division

In this week’s Premier action, Basildon Town got a fine 4 – 2 win at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts with Keith King, Tommy Green, Jimmy Markham and replacement Daley Grant all finding the net. Terrell Hunter got both strikes for Swifts though their three-match winning run ended here. Harold Wood Athletic registered their first win of the new season as they defeated Canning Town 2 – 0. Reiss Kingsley and Robert Whitnell got the goals for Kris Taylor’s side. Kelvedon Hatch also triumphed, defeating Old Southendian 3 – 1. Petrit Elbi struck twice with substitute Reece Morgan also notching for Hatch, while Mattias Tonking netted for OS.

Springfield edged a tight affair with Hutton as a late Ryan Batchford penalty saw them to a 1 – 0 home win. Rayleigh Town made it six league wins from six as they won 3 – 1 at Shenfield AFC. George Vile, Harry Talbot and Bailey Moss goals saw them extend their cushion at the top to six points. Leigh Ramblers drew with Sungate 2 – 2 for the second time this term, with Acer Wake and Justin Hazell netting for Wayne Seal’s side.

 

FA Vase Second Qualifying Round result

Lopes Tavares  3 – 1  Catholic Utd   | Terence MacMillan Stadium

Essex Thames-side Trophy result

Buckhurst Hill 1 – 1 Walthamstow (‘Stow won 3 – 0 on penalties) | Roding Lane

 

 

EOFL Senior Division One (result only)

Toby  1 – 2  Lakeside   | Ford’s Sports Club (Newbury Park – Toby pitch)

 

EOFL Senior League Cup 2019-20

Chingford Athletic advanced in the Senior Cup as they defeated Beacon Hill Rovers 5 – 0 at Town Mead. Mickey Mesmin got a brace, with Eric Kelly, Lee Lashley and Warren Isoka all getting on the scorer’s sheet as Ath continued their strong start to the campaign in all competitions. Leigh Town also progressed with a 2 – 1 success at Ramsden Scotia with Max Jones grabbing both Town goals there.

 

Other Results in Senior League Cup this weekend:

Ongar Town  8 – 1  Snaresbrook  |  Fyfield Village Hall

Runwell Sports  0 – 3  Manford Way   |  Runwell Sports Club

Shoebury Town  6 – 1  Old Barkabbeyans  | Cupid’s Country Club (Pitch 2)

 

Senior Division Two

In Senior Two, Laindon Orient got their second win this term with a 3 – 0 home win over Rochford Town. A brace from Ashley Blackburn and one from Jasper Read saw them to victory there. Westhamians got their first league win in Senior Two with a super 4 – 2 win over Wakering Sports. Substitute John Massala got two, while Monty Hussain and Abel Okoghenu also netted for the hosts. Zac Wheatley and skipper Russell Beck responded for Sports though they have yet to register a point on the board.

Corinthians had a new star to thank for their 5 – 2 win at Ryan as recent signing, former Basildon Utd, Southend Manor & White Ensign forward Nathan Dewberry got all five goals for the visitors at Wadham Lodge. May & Baker Reserves outshone all on the ‘goals count’ as they defeated AS Rawreth 10 – 2.

Finally, Epping Town came away from Garon Park with a fine 5 – 0 win over Old Southendian Reserves, as Alex Paraskeva netted twice, with Bradley Gayer, Glen Warwick and Tommie Turner also getting on the score-sheet. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/09/14/match-report-old-southendian-res-0-5-epping-town-eofl-14-9-19/

 

EOFL Senior Division Three

Into Senior Three now, Corinthians Reserves continued their 100% start to the league campaign with a 4 – 2 win over Wakebury. Max Hall, Luke Smith, Sener Suavi and Ashley Webb all struck for Terry Rose’s team. Oliver Laycock and substitute Daniel Blewett netted in reply for the EOFL newcomers.  White Ensign Res also won this weekend, after a fine 5 – 2 win at Dagenham Utd. Kieran Follett, Joss Pountney, Lewis Brown, another spot-kick from Zach Somerset-Butler and one from fellow substitute Mechack Kisoka-Asuka gave Jack Caten’s team the points.

Collier Row got their second league win with a 4 – 1 triumph over Buckhurst Hill Res at the Forest Row Centre. Also, ACD Utd won 3 – 0 over Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ with Brad Falco, Frank Markham and replacement Michael Wade all on target for the EOFL newcomers.

 

Senior Division Four  (results only)

Canning Town Res  0 – 5  Galleywood Res

Leytonstone Utd  0 – 6  Chingford Athletic Dev

Roydon  4 – 1  Forest Glade

 

Reserve League Cup 2019 – 20  (Results only)

AS Rawreth Res A – W Leigh Town Res   (Leigh Town go through uncontested)

Basildon Town Res   2 – 1  Ongar Town Res

Catholic Utd Res  4 –  0  Leigh Ramblers Res

Herongate Athletic Res  1 – 4  Lakeside Res

Hutton Res  5 – 1 Laindon Orient Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  1 – 0  Harold Wood Athletic Res

Rayleigh Town Res  H – W  Roydon Res (Rayleigh go through uncontested)

Wakering Sports Res  1 – 5  Collier Row Res

 

2019-20 Season Preview: Essex Olympian League Premier Division (EOFL 19/20 PD 27.7.19)

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – EOFL Blogger

Hello and a warm welcome to the first of a mini-series of articles previewing the upcoming 2019-2020 season, division-by-division which in turn starts off my blogs on the Essex Olympian League for another season. We start off with the top tier which has 14 teams in it though with a few new teams entering it thanks to two promotions, following the unfortunate resignation of Great Baddow towards the end of the 2018-19 campaign and Manford Way being relegated after a season of struggle.

 

EOFL Premier Division Constitution (2019-20)

• Basildon Town (P)
• Bishop’s Stortford Swifts
• Buckhurst Hill (C)
• Canning Town
• Catholic Utd
• Harold Wood Athletic
• Hutton
• Kelvedon Hatch
• Leigh Ramblers
• Old Southendian
• Rayleigh Town
• Shenfield AFC (P)
• Springfield
• Sungate

 

After a fine season on all fronts, Buckhurst Hill ran away with the championship last term by 25 points though were ultimately frustrated in their efforts to seek elevation to the Eastern Senior League South (Step 6) so they will once again compete at the top tier of the EOFL. Manager Mark Williams is still in place, and I have little doubt his team will be fired up to defend their title. Last season’s chasing pack of Kelvedon Hatch, Harold Wood Athletic, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts & Catholic Utd will again look to have some say in the matter, all four sides are now recognised names in this division.

Rayleigh Town had a promising mid-table campaign last time out, finishing six points clear in sixth, ahead of Leigh Ramblers. The trio of Hutton, Sungate  & Springfield all finished last term well while Old Southendian and Canning Town will want better campaigns after their bottom-four finish.

Plus, with promoted sides Shenfield AFC and Basildon Town joining the mix as well, it adds to the theory that all-round it could be a stronger division this term. Shenfield won EOFL Senior One after a strong campaign saw them lose only four matches last term. Town return to the top tier after sealing second spot on the final day, with a win over Shenfield at home in front of a hefty crowd.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the division is more hard-fought than last term, I recall how Catholic Utd’s poor start impacted their campaign though new boss Mick Jacobs’ side will compete in the FA Vase this term, as they travel to the Old Spotted Dog to face Essex Senior League side Clapton on the weekend of August 31st in the First Round Qualifying. I wish them well for that momentous occasion.

I shall end this preview with a look at the fixtures for the opening couple of weeks in the EOFL Premier Division. Round-up’s of EOFL action will return hopefully on Sunday August 11th, subject to info I receive.

To all the clubs, managers, players and many others who support them, have a good season all. I look forward to keeping tabs on the action. Best, Scott

First two weekend’s of EOFL Premier Fixtures (subject to change)

Saturday 10th August – 2.30pm KO

Canning Town v Leigh Ramblers   | West Ham Community Grd (3G)

Rayleigh Town v Bishop’s Stortford Swifts  | London Road, Rayleigh

 

Saturday 17th August – 2.30pm KO

Basildon Town v Canning Town  | Basildon Sports Club

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts v Old Southendian  | Silver Leys

Catholic Utd  v  Kelvedon Hatch  | Len Salmon Stadium (3G)

Harold Wood Athletic  v  Leigh Ramblers  | Harold Wood Recreation Ground

Rayleigh Town  v  Buckhurst Hill | London Road, Rayleigh

Shenfield AFC v Springfield   | St Martins Sch (3G)

Sungate  v  Hutton | Ilford Wanderers RFC, Forest Lane