Max Shepherd (#7) pushes forward for Harold Wood in their game this weekend
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & welcome to the last edition of the Essex Olympian League column for the 2022-23 season, looking at the action in all divisions & Cups from the week to Saturday 13 May, at the end of the piece you’ll see the Champions from all six league divisions listed.
EOFL Premier Division
Two matches were played in the top-tier. Galleywood got a morale-boosting 2 – 1 win in their bottom-two clash with Bishop’s Stortford Swifts, held at Melbourne Park 3G. Freddie Bartram & Lee Judd got the goals for the relegated side to outdo Chris Gibbs’ reply for Swifts, who will finish second-bottom. Also, Runwell Sports‘ superb campaign goes on as they defeated Toby 4 – 3 at St Luke’s. Luca Frankis, Charlie Little, Riley Armstrong & James Dalton all netted here for Robert Hodgson’s side. Albert Perry’s brace & Ben Picton’s strike made it tight but Mark Jones’ side have still had a good season.
In Division Two, AS Rawreth ended their season in the best possible way, as the relegated side won 3 – 2 at home to Catholic Utd Res at the Warren. Eamonn Kearney’s team have the Reserve Cup Final in midweek against Wakering Sports Res at Heybridge’s Scraley Road.
In Division Four, Herongate Athletic Res defeated Pitsea Athletic Res 3 – 1 at Basildon Sports Village to fortify fourth spot. Habeeb Apatira, Alex Newton & replacement Kai Redmond all netted to seal the win. Pitsea Res finished eighth.
One other thing to mention, the Senior Cup Final this week was postponed because of the one thing that may be remembered – hefty rain. It has be re-set for May 24th, again at Heybridge’s Scraley Road. …
‘Roll of Honour’ champions by division
Hutton – EOFL Premier Division
Old Chelmsfordians – EOFL Division One
Shoebury Town – EOFL Division Two
Basildon Town Res – EOFL Division Three
Leigh Ramblers Res – EOFL Division Four
Manford Way Res – EOFL Division Five
Many thanks to all those who have read this column this term & to all who shared it as well. Have a good Summer.
Image from Rayleigh Town v Canning Town in EOFL Premier
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 18 February, as the weekend’s action in all six divisions was scattered a bit as the divisions below the top-tier start to reach their conclusion.
EOFL Premier Division
In the Premier, leaders Hutton retained their unbeaten run this term but were held 0 – 0 by in-form hosts Old Southendian at Garon Park 3G. The chasing pack did take full advantage and second-placed Catholic Utd stayed there after a 4 – 0 success against Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at the Len Forge 3G. Aaron Baldwin, Liam Oliver, Tom Elliott & Louie Hay all scored for Simon Thomas’ team, and they are now 11 points adrift of the leaders. Rayleigh Town are a point further back in third after an entertaining 5 – 1 triumph over Canning Town at Thames Road, in the match I attended this weekend. George Vile’s treble & goals for Jack Long and Harry Talbot confirmed an important win. Stephen Ikumelo’s spot-kick had levelling things for Canning early on but they remain sixth. If you’d like more of this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/02/19/s22-23-match-report-rayleigh-town-5-1-canning-town-sat-18-feb-eofl/
Elsewhere, Runwell Sports got a big 2 – 1 success at fellow mid-table side Shenfield AFC. Strikes by James Dalton & Damian Siemienczuk secured the points which took them up to seventh & AFC drop to ninth. Leigh Ramblers are still enjoying a fine season, after a 2 – 0 win at strugglers Galleywood sent them up to fourth. Ryan Lowe & substitute Owen Reynolds got the goals for Mark Hunter’s side at Slades Lane. Springfield also got the first win of manager Matt Cardy’s reign as they battled to a hard-fought 3 – 2 victory at home to Kelvedon Hatch. Teenager Finlay Dorrell’s treble was enough to claim the win and go level on points with Kelvedon. Wayne Semanshia & replacement Charlie Bott got goals for Darren Hunt’s team but they & Bishop’s Stortford Swifts have been dragged back into the relegation scrap. Toby gave themselves a three point cushion from the bottom four after they won 3 – 0 at Sungate.
EOFL Divisions One & Two
In the second-tier this week, the key result was achieved by Old Chelmsfordians as they won 3 – 1 at ACD Utd. Goals from Shane Pritchard, substitute Liam Landers & an OG outdid Ollie Williams’ reply for ACD and launch themselves up to second spot, two points clear of Epping Town in third. Manford Way are up to fourth spot after a tough 2 – 1 win at home to Beacon Hill Rovers. David Alele & Richard Kadima got the goals which keeps them in the race for a top-four finish. Herongate Athletic are up to sixth after a 1 – 0 victory at Wakering Sports, with George Godfrey netting the decisive goal. The result means that Wakering will finish bottom of the 10 active sides in the division (Leigh Town First’s folded earlier in the season).
Into Division Two this week, Hutton Ressies are up to seventh spot after a hard-fought 3 – 2 victory at Harold Wood Athletic Res. Matthew Harris & replacement Josh Portway netted for Ath, but strikes by Rodney Wilson, Chris Skingley and Hector Beta all sent the points the Reds way. Hashtag Utd Development took full advantage of Ath’s slip-up & leapt above them into third with a 3 – 0 triumph over Old Southendian Res at Barleylands. Samuel Pratt was back on the score-sheet with a brace for Denis Simpson’s team, and Tommy Green’s goal secured the points. Finally in Division Two, Shoebury Town extended their lead at the summit to seven points following a comfortable 4 – 0 victory over Rayleigh Town Res at the Ekco Sports Club. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka returned with some style, bagging a treble and Aaron Marshall got the other goal for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s team. Rayleigh’s Ressie side are in a four-team tussle to avoid finishing second-bottom.
EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five
In Division Three, we start with Pitsea Athletic who are still in with a chance of catching the leaders after a 5 – 0 win at Corinthians Res, a result which will likely relegate the later side. Ath had Jason Stanhope, Joshua Oteng, Joseph Berry, Iku Adjarho & substitute Sean Devlin all scored a goal each for them, as they reduced Basildon Town Res’ lead at the summit to eight points as Bas were held to a goalless draw by fourth-placed Leigh Town Res. Springfield Res got an important 4 – 0 victory at rivals Old Chelmsfordians Res, with Liam England’s two penalties were added to by Joshua Hubble & Billy Headland goals. Also, Hullbridge Sports Res drew 4 – 4 with Chingford Athletic Res, in a result which sees Hullbridge in third & Chingford remain sixth.
In Division Four, Herongate Athletic Res were the big movers as they went up to third after a 4 – 2 victory over Collier Row at Billericay Road. The ensemble cast of Habeeb Apatira, Paul Hine, Billy Markham & substitute Kai Redmond’s penalty all netted to send them only four points behind Row, with Ath also having three matches in hand on their opponents here. Roydon maintained their unbeaten season but were still held 1 – 1 at Leytonstone Utd, with Connor Presland on target for the visitors & James Medlock scoring for Leytonstone. Utd do inch closer to their relegation rivals, and Roydon can still be caught by Leigh Ramblers Res, who have three additional matches to play compared to the leaders. Pitsea Athletic Res drew 2 – 2 with Wakering Sports A at Basildon Sporting Village. Aidan Lewis scored twice for Sports’ third-team here, with Sean Chiimba & replacement Ben Austin netting for Athletic. Both sides are not entirely safe from relegation just yet. Lastly, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res have confirmed a top-five finish after they defeated Shenfield AFC Res 4 – 1 at Silver Leys. Matthew Allen netted twice here, with Ewan Rockell & substitute Chris Gibbs also netting.
In Division Five, Runwell Sports Res elevated themselves to second spot after a 3 – 0 success at Shoebury Town Res. Harry Ford, Max Harrington & substitute Jimmy Cox all scored to send Ryan Stoker’s team to the win. Wakebury Res are up to fourth spot, following a 2 – 1 victory over Canning Town Res at Shoebury Park. Luke Abbott & Alec Monk both scored for Joe Creak’s team. Basildon Town A are also in with a glimmer of a chance of a top-two finish after a 2 – 2 draw at Collier Row Res. Donnel Kujinga & Benjamin Farrant both scored for the Town side there, who are fifth but crucially have at least two games in hand on the teams above them.
Cups
There was one Reserve Cup tie this week, which saw Catholic Utd Res progress onwards with a 5 – 1 victory at Leigh Ramblers Res. Adam Sargent netted twice for Utd to lead the way, with Daniel Williams, Dominic O’Kane & substitute Matthew Oni also scoring as the Super Hoops team progressed.
Image from Corinthians v Harold Hill in D1 this weekend
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 11 February, as the weekend’s action in all six divisions was bolstered by Cup ties. Also includes the midweek EOFL Premier game this week at the start of that section.
EOFL Premier Division
We begin with the first of what could be several midweek EOFL matches as the season comes to its run-in. Catholic Utd got a narrow 2 – 1 victory at Old Southendian on Wednesday night at Garon Park 3G. James Warder & Michael Sammut got the important goals to outdo replacement Nico Dubouchet’s reply for OS. The win took Utd up to second after the weekend’s action. For more on this match, check out Peter Dudley’s match report here: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2023/02/old-southendian-1-catholic-united-2.html
In the weekend’s top-tier action, there were some key results at the bottom of the table. None more so than Galleywood‘s narrow 1 – 0 victory over Toby at Slades Lane. Kaiyun Reeves got the decisive goal there to grab their second win this term & go level on points with rivals Springfield, who drew 1 – 1 with Sungate at Arun Park. Lewis Chapman got the hosts’ goal in the opening game of the new era there, under new boss Matt Cardy, formerly of Division Two side Wakebury. Bishop’s Stortford Swifts went up to fourth-bottom with a gritty 1 – 0 win at Kelvedon Hatch. Substitute Harley Merry’s strike saw Swifts go above Hatch in the table but both these sides & Toby are precariously close to the bottom two, which are likely to be the relegation spots in three months’ time.
Elsewhere, Rayleigh Town renewed their rivalry with Old Southendian before coming away with a 3 – 1 success at Thames Road. Nick Henesy netted for OS while Harry Talbot, George Vile’s penalty & an early OG accounted for the hosts’ goals, with the win taking them back up to third, albeit they are 14 points adrift of leaders Hutton. Catholic Utd & Leigh Ramblers look to be their nearest challengers for that coveted second-spot. Finally, Leigh Ramblers drew 1 – 1 with Shenfield AFC. Luke Williamson got AFC’s goal and Andrew Webster netted for the Rams at Belfairs Park
EOFL Divisions One & Two
Division One again saw some big results. We begin with Old Chelmsfordians‘ 4 – 0 victory at home to Wakering Sports. The ensemble cast of Shane Pritchard, Joe Murphy, Ryan Baxter & substitute Billy Duke got the goals which sees the OC’s retain third spot & reduce the deficit to Epping in second to only one point. Manford Way edged a truly marvellous match as they won 6 – 4 at Epping Town. The defeat leaves Town further vulnerable to being caught by both Old Chelms & Corinthians, who battled to an important 3 – 2 victory at home to Harold Hill at Stambridge. Brodie Horne netted two good goals & an early OG proved enough to outweigh goals from Harry Watkins & Troy Tizard-Cleghorn’s spot kick. For much more on this game, here’s my report: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/02/11/s22-23-match-report-corinthians-3-2-harold-hill-sat-11-feb-eofl/
Also, Harold Wood Athletic were held 1 – 1 at ACD Utd. Leroy Griffiths scoed for Wood, with Matthew Taylor levelling the match for Utd. Harold Wood’s lead at the summit inches further to five points now, with four wins likely to be enough to secure the title. ACD remain sixth & are not out of the running for a top-four spot yet.
Into Division Two now, and leaders Shoebury Town remain four points clear at the summit after a fine 3 – 1 victory at May & Baker. Lewis Hunt, Oliver Chew & Timi Tinubu goals sealed their 11th win this term. Wakering Sports Res remain their nearest challengers after a 3 – 0 win at home to Catholic Utd Res. Connor Fardyga again found the target, as did substitutes Eben Rowledge & David Watson to confirm the points.
Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic Res are back up to third spot after a good 3 – 0 triumph over out-of-form AS Rawreth at Harold Wood Rec. Matt Harris, Kieron Moynihan & an OG meant that the Wood side are still in the running for promotion.
EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five
In Division Three, leaders Basildon Town Res extended their lead to ten points after a 4 – 1 win over Springfield Res at Basildon Sports Club. Anthony Aylett notched twice here for the hosts to reach seven league goals this term, while Louis Hill & replacement Ola Ogunjobi also scored to confirm the win. Pitsea Athletic are up to second, following an excellent 4 – 0 success at home to Hullbridge Res. Sean Devlin, Reece Stone, Jason Warner & Joe Berry all got goals there for Trevor Wickens’ side, who are now in prime position for that second promotion spot. In the other game this weekend, Chingford Athletic Res fortified sixth spot with a 6 – 1 triumph over Corinthians Res at Town Mead 3G. Luke Dimond netted a fine treble to reach 12 league goals this campaign thus far, allied with two for Sonny Clarke & one from Jack Smith confirmed the points for Carl Gregory’s side. Corinthians Res need a minimum of three wins from their last five matches to avoid a likely relegation to Division Four.
In Division Four, the top two were not in league action, which allowed Leigh Ramblers Res to retain third spot & reduce the gap to leaders Roydon to six points as they won 2 – 0 at Leytonstone Utd. Joe Howson & Jacob Meads got the goals at Forest Row. Also, Herongate Athletic Res are well-placed in fourth now, after a 4 – 0 success over Wakering Sports A at Billericay Road. Thomas Lambourne & Byron Brackett both scored to get the hosts going before further strikes by replacements Kieron Wilson-Fowler & Joe Coldham secured the points.
Lastly in this division, Ongar Town battled with Galleywood Res to a goal-less draw at Marks Hall Centre. the point sees Ongar rise to sixth and Galleywood remain third from bottom, still needing points to secure their place in this division next term.
In Division Five, Collier Row Res are back in second spot, following a impressive 7 – 3 victory at Wakebury Res. Harry Potts netted five goals himself to double his tally to ten goals this term for the Ressie side. Jake Griffin & Raheem Bravo’s penalty added further ache to the hosts. Joe Creak’s side replied through a brace from Ross Barnes & one from Arry Hardy. The other results saw Shoebury Town Res win 4 – 0 at AS Rawreth Res and Sungate Res triumph 3 – 1 at Canning Town Res.
Cups
We start the Cup action with mentions of the two Senior Cup games. First up, it was predictably tight in the all-Premier Division clash in Beckton as Hutton defeated Canning Town 3 – 2. Lewis Scott & substitutes Will Marlowe & Billy Chilcott got the decisive goals for Matt Singh’s side who may well mark this potentially pivotal season with a Cup Final appearance as well. Joining them in the next round will be Catholic Utd, who won 3 – 0 at Division Two side Hashtag Utd Development. Tom Elliott, Harrison Day and Tom Kearney got the goals for Simon Thomas’ side at Barleylands.
Moving on to the other Cup competitions now. Firstly in the Reserve Cup, and Basildon Town A got an upset on spot-kicks, after drawing 1 – 1 with Division Two side Hutton Res at Polo Fields. Donnel Kujinga again netted for the Division Five side, and they won 5 – 4 on penalties to see them through. There was nearly another upset in the Denny King Cup tie this weekend as Division One side Beacon Hill Rovers also needed penalties to progress, after a 1 – 1 draw at Division Four leaders Roydon. Nader Benzid got the hosts’ goal, with Charles Fitt’s late goal meaning a shoot-out was needed. Rovers won that 4 – 2 but credit does go to Roydon, who are continuing to show they may well be alright, should they complete the job & gain promotion for next term.
We end this week with two ties in the Reserve Trophy. Firstly, Manford Way Res narrowly got the better of Leigh Town Res, as Manford won 3 – 2 to send the Division Three team out. Luke Bennett’s double, allied with Charlie Ewing’s strike outdid strikes by Zack Walker & Spencer Izatt for Leigh to send the Division Five side through. Also, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res also prevailed, following a 2 – 0 victory at home to Shenfield AFC Res, with Matthew Allen & David Falzon strikes securing the win at Silver Leys.
Archive Image – Shoebury Town v AS Rawreth earlier this term
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & welcome to another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 4 February, as the weekend’s action in all six divisions was bolstered by Cup ties.
EOFL Premier Division
In the top-tier, Hutton continue to bolster their chances of the Premier title & promotion, as they defeated Toby 2 – 0 at Chadfields. Stephen Judge & substitute Kyle Linzell goals were enough to see the Reds to 40 points in just 14 matches. Old Southendian are up to second spot after a 3 – 0 win at Leigh Ramblers, securing their third straight League win. Catholic Utd are up third place after securing a comeback 3 – 1 victory over Runwell Sports at the Len Forge. Gianni Frankis’ goal had put Runwell ahead but strikes from Liam Oliver, Aaron Baldwin (on his 100th appearance for the club) & Tom Elliott sealled the win, ahead of a very hectic last three months of the campaign (which sees them still have 15 league games left, starting with a trip Old Southendian in midweek). Shenfield AFC’s decent season continues after they defeated Canning Town 1 – 0 at St Martins 3G. Sam Lock got the only goal there to send them up to eighth spot, while Galleywood battled to a 1 – 1 draw at Kelvedon Hatch. Freddie Bartram got the ‘Wood goal, with Charlie Nichols replying for Darren Hunt’s team. Galleywood still need at least two wins from their upcoming games to draw other teams into the relegation battle.
EOFL Divisions One & Two
Division One saw some potentially big results. First, a mention for strugglers Wakering Sports who battled to their maiden victory this term, as they defeated Manford Way 1- 0, with Nathan Roche scoring the only goal there. Epping Town held promotion rivals Harold Wood Athletic 1 – 1 at home, with Joe Rickett netting for Town & Ben Woolven doing so for Ath, who remain four points clear at the top. Beacon Hill Rovers got an important 2 – 0 success over Corinthians, which sends Hill up to 8th, and dampens the Stambridge-based side’s promotion aspirations, as they stay fourth. Finally, Herongate Athletic are only two points adrift of fourth spot, following a 3 – 0 win at home to Harold Hill. Alfie Yeend, Thomas Lambourne & George Godfrey goals made the most of their chances & notch a fine three points.
Into Division Two, Wakering Sports Res reduced the deficit to leaders Shoebury to four points after a 5 – 2 triumph at Rayleigh Town Res. Substitute Ciaran Sweeney netted twice, with Connor Fardyga, Charlie Smith & Steven Valente also on target for the enterprising Sports side. May & Baker are up to third after a fine 5 – 0 win at AS Rawreth, with Alfie Horan & Kane Messenger notching doubles each, with Jack O’Connor’s fine strike confirming the points. Hutton Res got a battling 1 – 0 victory at Hashtag Utd Development, with Jack Greenwood’s goal enough to push them up to ninth place, a point clear of the bottom two. Lastly, Old Southendian Res drew 1 – 1 with Catholic Utd Res. Both teams are some way off the top six, following that result.
EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five
Moving now to Division Three, the top two were not in action but Buckhurst Hill U23 gained ground on them with a superb 7 – 1 success over Corinthians Res at Roding Lane. Ayomide Ademokun netted a treble, with Harvey Woods adding a brace, plus Jacob Richards & replacement Bailey Allen also netted for Darren Gosnell’s side, who are well-set in third. Pitsea Athletic are only a point below them in fourth after they defeated Chingford Athletic Res 5 – 0. Both of these teams have the most matches to play in the division remaining, at eight each.
In Division Four, Roydon put themselves back in pole position for the title with a 2 – 1 victory over rivals Collier Row. Connor Presland & Ross Bourke both scored for the hosts who went a point clear at the summit, with three matches in hand on nearest rivals Row. Leigh Ramblers Res are also in the promotion shake-up after a fine 4 – 0 win at Shenfield AFC Res. Jacob Meads netted twice for the Rams, with Dominic North & substitute Taylor Stewart also on target at Warley Fields in a win which keeps them third. Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res had a real battle before coming away with a 4 – 3 victory at Galleywood Res. The hosts got goals through Ebenezer Fasoranti, Aryan Tathgar and Ashley Merritt but they were outdone by Matthew Allen’s brace for Swifts, compiled with strikes from Archie Gerard & Jordan Trott to give the visitors another three points and they remain fourth.
Lastly in this division, a big day for Leytonstone Utd as they notched their first win of a tough campaign, winning 3 – 2 against Ongar Town at Forest Row. The trio of James Medlock, Billy Wallace & George Welsh got the crucial Leytonstone goals. Ongar got goals from Jude Collins, and replacement James McLean but it wasn’t enough to prevent Utd from finally savouring a win – they are only four points behind Wakering Sports A & Galleywood Res directly above them.
In Division Five, Basildon Town A edged to a 3 – 2 victory over Collier Row Res at Basildon Sports Club. Donnel Kujinga netted yet another double to further endorse his good season, while Alex Smith got the other goal, the win takes them up to fourth place. Also, Runwell Sports Res are into second place after a resounding 8 – 0 victory at home to AS Rawreth Res.
Cups
We start the Cup action with mentions of the two Senior Cup games. First, Sungate ended Rayleigh Town’s run in the competition as the ‘Gate had a Arif Mustapha goal to thank in their 1 – 0 win. Also, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts were given a stern test before coming through 4 – 3 on spot-kicks, after a 0 – 0 draw at Silver Leys, In the Denny King Cup, ACD Utd progressed with a narrow 1 – 0 victory over Basildon Town Res, with Jamie Alexandrou getting the only goal there.
Moving on into the Reserve Cup, and Herongate Athletic Res triumphed with a 5 – 1 win at Springfield Res. Kemston Allen got a super treble, added to very well by Habeeb Apatira’s double to see the visitors through. Finally, in the Reserve Trophy, Old Chelmsfordians Res progressed with a 3 – 0 victory at home to Pitsea Athletic Res and Harold Wood Athletic Res sailed through with a 4 – 1 success at Wakering Sports A. Max London netted twice for Wood, with Thomas Butler & Kieron Moynihan also on target for them. Carl Sutton replied for Wakering, but their attention focuses now on remaining in Division Four.
Woodford East v Hutton image from this weekend [Image by Scott W]
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & welcome to the another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 21 January, as the weekend’s action was again reduced because of the frosty weather.
EOFL Premier Division & Division Three action was postponed this week.
EOFL Divisions One and Two
Division One only saw one match as Harold Wood Athletic got a important 5 – 0 victory over bottom side Wakering Sports. James Pottle netted twice here for John Field’s team, with Zach Holding, Perry Robinson & Louis Bazely’s spot-kick accounting for the other goals. The win takes Ath seven points clear at the top, with Corinthians the most likely rivals once they have played the four games they have in hand on Ath.
Into Division Two now and the only match here saw May & Baker draw 2 – 2 with Harold Wood Athletic Res at home. Matthew Harris & replacement Josh Portway netted for the visitors but they lost the chance to go back up to third here.
EOFL Divisions Four & Five
It’s straight into Division Four now, and Herongate Athletic Res are three points clear in third after a narrow 1 – 0 victory over Leigh Ramblers Res. John Hanrahan’s penalty proved decisive as Ath retained their chances of overhauling second-placed Collier Row, given they have three extra games to play, compared to Row. Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res rose to fourth after a conclusive 4 – 0 triumph at strugglers Leytonstone Utd. The cast of Archie Gerard, Henry Harnack, Matthew Allen & Jordan Trott were all on target for Swifts there. Finally in this division, Shenfield AFC Res defeated Wakering Sports A 4 – 0 at St Martin’s 3G. Mason Everitt, Kyle Constable, Lewis Dalley & Alec Roeper all scored to fortify AFC’s sixth place.
In Division Five, Collier Row Res are up to second after a 2 – 1 win at Sungate Res, with Raheem Bravo and Nicholas George the scorers for Row there. In the other match, Runwell Sports Res are five points clear in fourth after a 2 – 0 success at Wakebury Res. Harry Ford and Daniel Hobbs scored for Sports as they secured their sixth win this term.
Cups
Starting the Cup round-up with the Essex Premier Cup Quarter-Finals, and Wakering Sports Res‘ dream run continues after a superb 5 – 1 victory over Toby at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga once again contributed hugely in big games with a hat-trick here, and Eben Rowledge & Charlie Smith also scoring. Jamie Simpkins replied for Toby but they bowed out – their focus is now on EOFL Premier survival. Rayleigh Town renewed their rivalry with Catholic Utd and Town prevailed 3 – 2 at Len Forge 3G. Harry Talbot scored twice for Paul Higgins’ side here, with Jack Long also scoring. Joe O’Kane had earlier given Utd the lead, and Aaron Baldwin netted a late second but they exited the Premier Cup.
Elsewhere, Shenfield AFC were made to battle hard for a 2 – 1 win at EOFL Division One side Corinthians. John Bolton-Smith’s spot-kick gave the hosts the lead but Ben Carroll & Elliott Thompson strikes turned the tide and saw AFC progress to the last four. Also, in the match I attended this week, Woodford East produced a superb comeback to defeat Hutton 4 – 2 at Mabley Green 3G. The Reds led by two goals at the break, through Lewis Scott & David Johnson. But a roaring response by East saw strikes by Harry Robinson, Matt Stacey, Billy Barr & Ben Smith saw the Essex Alliance side prevail. If you’d like more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/01/21/s22-23-match-report-woodford-east-4-2-hutton-sat-21-jan-epcqf/
Now into the EOFL Senior Cup games, Old Southendian progressed with a 4 – 1 success over Leigh Ramblers at Belfairs Park. Mattias Tonking netted two goals for Altan Ali’s team, while Mitchell Ali & Connor Burrows strikes secured a fine win. Canning Town also went through as they won another penalty shoot-out 5 – 4 after a 1 – 1 stalemate at Runwell Sports. Oliver Williamson netted for Runwell there.
The solitary Reserve Cup match this weekend saw Galleywood Res go through after a 3 – 1 victory at Shoebury Town Res. Alfie Hooper’s fine treble secured a good win for the visitors at the Ekco Sports Club.
Lastly this week, in the EOFL Denny King Cup, Epping Town had a Conor Corrigan goal to thank for a 1 – 0 win at home to Chingford Athletic Res. Shoebury Town also went through after a 4 – 1 win at home to Buckhurst Hill U23. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka scored another two goals here, with Aaron Marshall & an OG accounting for the other goals.
Archive Image – OS v Rayleigh Town from last month
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello & Happy New Year to the readers of this column. Welcome to the first edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up series in 2023. This week, we look at the action in all divisions from Saturday 7 January, plus the Cup ties this week.
EOFL Premier Division
Firstly in the top-tier, Hutton extended their seemingly unassailable lead at the top to 14 points after a 5 – 0 victory at Springfield. David Johnson netted twice here for Matt Singh’s side, with Jude Keeling, Tom Stephens and substitute Connor Hammond also netting here. The hosts remain second bottom, two points adrift of Toby. Sungate are in third on goal difference, despite being held to a goal-less draw by Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Leigh Ramblers are up to fourth after a gritty 1 – 0 victory at home to Runwell Sports at Belfairs. Scott Clark again got a crucial goal for Mark Hunter’s team.
Meanwhile, Catholic Utd started the calendar year with a 4 – 1 triumph at home to Kelvedon Hatch at the Len Forge 3G. James Burt scored for Hatch, but a team effort turned the tide as Franklin Craik, Aaron Baldwin, Tom Kearney and replacement Harrison Day all scored to keep Simon Thomas’ side in sixth, but are only two points adrift of Sungate in third. Shenfield AFC also picked up a big home win, as they triumphed 4 – 0 over Galleywood at St Martin’s Sch 3G. Jack Maleary, Ben Absolon, Jack Panons & Ben Carroll all netted here to send them three points clear in ninth, with matches in hand over most of the teams around them. ‘Wood’s tough season continues, as they are five points adrift of exiting the bottom two. Finally, Old Southendian got back to winning ways in some style as they won 6 – 0 at home to Toby at Garon Park, which sent them up to fifth on goal difference in what is a very tight chasing pack.
EOFL Divisions One & Two
Division One only saw three matches this week because of the weather but Epping Town got a huge 6 – 1 victory over strugglers Wakering Sports. Scout Bown netted four goals here for Stuart Hoskins’ team, to take his season’s league goal tally to 16. Edirin Eghwrudje and Abdul Kamara also scored here to add to the visitors’ pain and reduce leaders Harold Wood Athletic’s lead at the summit to four points. Beacon Hill Rovers also got a cucial victory, defeating Herongate Athletic 3 – 2 at Wickham Bishops. Bertie Whymark took his goal tally to seven this term with a double here, with William Strutt also netting for the hosts. Manford Way also drew 1 – 1 with Old Chelmsfordians, with Daniel Demain coming off the bench to score for the hosts there, with the point gained seeing them up to seventh in the table.
Into Division Two, there were some big results for the top four sides. Leaders Shoebury Town are four points clear at the top after an important 3 – 0 victory over Hashtag Utd Development, who dropped to third. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka scored another two goals to take his league goal tally to 13 this term. Substitute Enoch Gyimah added the other goal for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side here. Wakering Sports Res are up to second spot after a 5 – 0 win against AS Rawreth at Cupid’s. May & Baker‘s Olympian side had to battle hard before completing a 4 – 3 victory at Catholic Utd Res, in a match moved to Waterside Farm Centre on Canvey. Carl Patten struck twice for Josh Lowbridge & Antony McDonald’s side, with Darren Seymour and Alfie Horan also scoring for the visitors there, who stay sixth but are only four points behind Wakering Sports Res in second, which endorses how tight the top half of the table is.
Elsewhere, Hutton Res moved up to eighth following a big 3 – 2 win at Wakebury. Thomas Price, Billy Chilcott and Ronnie Richardson-Cook all netted here for the visitors. Finlay Dorrell & Ben Perry responded for Matt Cardy’s team here but they lost ground on the top two. The other result saw Old Southendian Res win 4 – 2 at Rayleigh Town Res.
EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five
In Division Three, Basildon Town Res are eight points clear at the summit after a 2 – 1 victory over local rivals Pitsea Athletic Res. Jamie Bradbourn’s brace sealed the points for the hosts, overturning Ath’s goal by substitute Carlos Dias. Ath fell to their first defeat this term & dropped to fourth. Hullbridge Sports Res are up to second after a comprehensive 8 – 0 victory at strugglers Corinthians Res. Jay Knight, Harry Mole and substitute George Mole all got doubles here, with Joe Tuskin and Joseph Gray strikes adding further gloss to the score-line.
Leigh Town Res are now third after a 5 – 2 success at home to Springfield Res at John Burrows Rec. Chris Pope netted twice here for Town, with Jack Pearman, Steve Birnie and Joshua Dalton all on target to render Liam England & William Roe goals for Springfield as consolation goals. Chingford Athletic Res grabbed a 4 – 1 victory at Old Chelmsfordians Res, with the ensemble cast of Luke Dimond, Bilel Benyoucef, George Miller and replacement Conor Medhurst all scoring for Ath.
Moving into Division Four, and Leigh Ramblers Res gained ground on second-placed Collier Row with a 1 – 0 victory at Forest Row. Luis Bracci got the decisive goal there, to raise his side up to third in the table. In the only other game in the division, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res were held 1 – 1 by Ongar Town at Silver Leys. Matthew Allen scored for Swifts, with Benjamin Adams responding for Ongar. Swifts drop to fifth, while Ongar are in eighth.
Finally for the League action this week, In Division Five the leaders are Manford Way Res, who won 4 – 1 at AS Rawreth Res. Callum Thomas, Luke Bennett, Charlie Ewing & Rakim Janneh all netted to extend their lead at the top to five points. Justin Burrell got the solitary goal back for the Rawreth team, who are three points adrift at the bottom. Wakebury Res moved into second spot following a 3 – 1 triumph over Basildon Town A at Shoebury Park. Ross Barnes’ treble saw Joe Creak’s side to their seventh win this term. Jamie Miller got the reply for Bas, who are now in sixth.
Elsewhere, Runwell Sports Res are up to fourth after they won 1 – 0 at home to Sungate Res. Daniel Hobbs got the only goal there at St Luke’s Park. The other result saw Shoebury Town Res draw 1 – 1 with Collier Row A at the Ekco Sports Club (Pitch 2).
In the Cup action this weekend, Canning Town emerged with a 4 – 3 win on penalties in the Senior League Cup after drawing 1 – 1 with Division One side Harold Hill in the early kick-off at Noak Hill 3G.
In the one match in the Reserve League Cup, Herongate Athletic Res got a morale-boosting 2 – 1 victory over Harold Wood Athletic Res, thanks to goals from Kemston Allen and replacement Jasper Stuckey. Josh Portway got the reply for Harold Wood’s Ressie side there but they exited the Cup here.
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello & welcome to the round-up from the action in the Essex Olympian League. This week on Saturday 8 October, we look at the action in all League divisions from Two to Five, plus an extra section on the Essex Premier Cup & the EOFL Reserve League Cup. Thanks as ever to all the regular readers of this column & to all the clubs.
No EOFL Premier Division & Division One action this week
EOFL Divisions Two & Three
We begin this week in Division Two, with a handsome win for Hashtag Utd Dev as they prevailed 12 – 1 at AS Rawreth. Samuel Pratt struck four goals here, with Matthew Gauci notching twice. There was a hefty ensemble of Josh Jarvis, Thomas Matthew, Jay Knight, Chandler Wray, Tommy Green & replacement Jake Smith who all scored as well. Wakebury also got a morale-boosting win, 5 – 2 at Catholic Utd Res. Will Wheeler, Mark Frostick, Ben Morley, Junior Lawrence & substitute Isaac Bello all netted for Matt Cardy’s side in that game. The other result saw Old Southendian Res draw 3 – 3 at May & Baker EOFL.
Moving now into the solitary match in Division Three, as Basildon Town Res got another big win, 7 – 0 at home to Corinthians Res. Harry Payne came off the bench to score a treble, with the supporting cast of Louis Hill, Antony Aylett, Jamie Miller & Billy Hutchinson all scoring too.
EOFL Divisions Four & Five
In Division Four, Roydon got a big 5 – 0 victory over Galleywood Res. Substitute Mike Hayes netted twice for the hosts, with Connor Presland, Lucas Riddoch & fellow replacement Lee Wicks secured the points. Herongate Athletic Res also got the points with a 2 – 0 success at Leytonstone Utd. Kieron Wilson-Fowler & substitute Kai Redmond got the goals there. The other result in the division was Ongar Town’s 3 – 1 victory against Pitsea Athletic Res at Marks Hall.
In Division Five, the top four sides all won. Basildon Town A are still top after a 4 – 0 victory at Canning Town Res. Daniel Kujinga got all four goals for the visitors as they stayed a point clear. Runwell Sports Res are in second place after a 9 – 1 victory over Shoebury Town Res at St Luke’s. Gianni Frankis scored four goals here, with Harry Ford scoring two goals as well as Luke Smith and substitutes James Clarke & Bryce Comer. Manford Way Res are in third after a 5 – 3 success at Sungate Res. Callum Thomas scored two goals for them, with Charlie Webb, Charlie Thomas & Bradley Wilkins all also on target.
Lastly for the League action, Collier Row Res are in fourth spot after a terrific 11 – 1 win over AS Rawreth Res. Jordan Lee & Raheem Bravo both scored trebles for the Romford-based side, with Eric Eze & George Coker netting twice each also, with Ryan Costello also on target.
Essex Premier Cup
In our additional section on the EPC this week, we start with ACD Utd progressing with a 6 – 1 victory over Springfield Res. Alex Bessent netted twice for Michael Wade’s side, with Jacob Dingli, Samuel Payne, Scott Perkins & substitute Connor Lambert all netting on a good day for them. Catholic Utd had a scare before joining ACD as they had extra time to deal with before winning 4 – 2 at Buckhurst Hill U23. Aaron Baldwin & Ben Burrows scored for Utd, with Harry Maslin & Harvey Woods scoring for Hill. Extra-time strikes by Tom Elliott & Adrian Maponga sealed the win for Simon Thomas’ side.
Frenford Development got a fine 3 – 2 win at fellow Step 7 side Canning Town. Edem Tetteh, Isima Iguisi & substitute Sebastian Ramirez goals saw the EAL Senior side through. EOFL Division One side Beacon Hill Rovers made a superb comeback as they won 4 – 3 at Middlesex County Premier side Clapton CFC. Greg Moorse, Fred Taylor & Reggie Nelson goals saw the Tons take the lead, but a treble from Karl Swanborough turned the tables & Bertie Whymark also netted for Rovers. Galleywood also got the win as they defeated Leigh Town Res 4 – 0 at John Burrows Rec. Ben Smith scored a treble with Jamie Lockwood getting the other goal.
Elsewhere, Rayleigh Town also went through following a 3 – 0 victory at Manford Way. George Vile, Jack Long & William Vile got the goals for Paul Higgins’ team. Harold Wood Athletic also won, as Jacob Roberts & Matty Donovan goals saw them to a 2 – 1 win at EAL team Oakside, after extra-time. Old Chelmsfordians defeated fellow EOFL Division One side Harold Hill 3 – 1 , thanks to a brace from Joe Kemp and one goal from Max Johnson. Troy Tizard-Cleghorn responded for Billy Cove’s team.
Meanwhile, Pitsea Athletic won with a 3 – 2 triumph over Hullbridge Sports Res. Kwadwo Asante, Reece Stone & Josh Ledger all netted there at Basildon Sports Club. Toby also booked their place in the next round withh a 2 – 1 success over Shoebury Town. Jamie Simpkins & replacement Oliver Dingli both scored for Mark Jones’ side. Leigh Ramblers also won through after a 3 – 1 triumph at Wakering Sports. Ryan Wyatt scored for Wakering, but goals from Scott Clark, Jack Gardner & an OG secured the win.
Our final two matches start with a excellent game which Alresford Colne Rangers progress with a 5 – 4 victory at Springfield. Josh Gray scored two goals for Rangers, but further goals from Finley Hughes, Sam Hume & Ryan Lewis sealed the win. Strikes by Mason Sprott, Harrison Elles, Cameron Brown & substitute Olle Gentry made it close but interim boss Cameron Scorer’s side went out. Lastly, there was a rare scoreline at St Martins Sch as Shenfield AFC trounced May & Baker Res 21 – 0. Substitute Alex Tredgett led the way with five goals, Jack Shaw & Luke Williamson also scored four goals each. Frankie Fealty & Ben Absolon netted two more goals apiece and the scorers were rounded out by Elliott Thompson, Ben Carroll, Samuel Lock & an OG.
Other Results
Harold Wood Athletic Res 2 – 3 Dedham Old Boys
Hashtag Utd Res 4 – 0 Hutton Res
Herongate Athletic 1 – 4 Barnston
Hutton 1 – 0 Rayleigh Town Res
Oakside 1 – 2 Harold Wood Athletic (AET)
Old Chelmsfordians Res 1 – 4 Colne Athletic
Old Southendian 2 – 3 Woodford East
Wakering Sports Res 2 – 1 Frenford Res
West Bergholt 6 – 1 Toby Res
EOFL Reserve League Cup
In the Ressie League Cup, Leigh Ramblers Res went through after a 3 – 0 victory over Wakering Sports A. Jacob Meads scored twice & Charlie Batchelor got the other goal at Belfairs Park. Also, Wakebury Res also won, getting a surprise 4 – 1 win over EOFL Div Four side Shenfield AFC at Shoebury Park, Ross Barnes netted twice for the hosts, with Luke Abbott and Jamie Oates also on target for Joe Creak’s team. Jack Panons got the solitary reply for AFC’s second team.
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Match Photos by Scott W
Hello & welcome to the round-up from the action in the Essex Olympian League. This week on Saturday 17 September, we look at the action in all six divisions, plus an extra section on the Essex Premier Cup which also got underway once again this weekend. The above image is taken from a fine minute’s silence observed to mark Queen Elizabeth II, at Rayleigh Town v Leigh Ramblers as was the case at all EOFL matches and elsewhere this weekend.
EOFL – Saturday 17 September
Still from Rayleigh Town v Leigh Ramblers this weekend
EOFL Premier Division & Division One
We start this week in the top-tier with Toby‘s 3 – 2 win over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at the Nursery Sports Ground. Jamie Simpkins, Oliver Dingli and Luis Ruiz’s spot-kick were enough to send Mark Jones’ team to victory, overhauling goals from Jordan Robertson and Jack Clarke for Swifts to confirm the points. Hutton had a Stephen Judge goal to thank for a 1 – 0 win over Old Southendian at Chadfields which keeps them top by three points.
In the match I saw myself at Thames Road, Rayleigh Town left it late to secure a comeback 4 – 3 win over Leigh Ramblers in a superb match. Frank Hession-Harris, Will Baldry, Harry Talbot and substitute Philip Anunwa’s strike overturned a brace from Andrew Webster and a stunner from Scott Clark to grab the points. If you’d like more on this match, my report is available here:
Finally in the Premier, Springfield were held 2 – 2 by Canning Town. Emmanuel Etcheri and Arinze Ossai both netted for Franco Zabotti’s side.
In Division One, Harold Wood Athletic continued their fine form with a 5 – 0 victory over Wakering Sports at Cupid’s. James Pottle netted twice again here, with the supporting cast of Leroy Griffiths, Billy Gray and Connor Sheehan all netting for John Field’s team, who are three points clear at the summit. Corinthians sit second after a 4 – 2 success at home to Herongate Athletic. Bailey Moss netted another fine treble here for Chris Stoneham’s team, with Max Jones adding the other after coming off the bench. Both the top two remain unbeaten.
Still in the second-tier, Manford Way got their first win of the new term in some style as they won 5 – 1 at home to Leigh Town. David Alele, Richard Kadima, Dawid Potoczek, Alfie Smith and substitute Samuel Oramadike all scored to secure the win. Zack Walker got the consolation goal in what proved to be boss Antony Lane’s last game in charge, I’d like to wish him well for the future.
EOFL Divisions Two & Three
In the only Division Two match this week, Harold Wood Athletic Res were too strong on this day as they defeated May & Baker EOFL 5 – 2 at Harold Wood Rec. Thomas Butler scored twice here for the hosts, with substitutes Del Hawtin, Lennie Milton-White & Sam Tampkins all netting as well.
In Division Three, Hullbridge Sports Res were a rare side who handed Bickhurst Hill U23 a defeat at home, with Hullbridge winning 3 – 2. Joe Tuskin scored twice for the Sports’ developmental side, and Jay Knight was once again on the score-sheet. Stefanos Ladoukakis and Jack Barnes goals made it tight but ultimately the Buckhurst developmental side fell to defeat. Also, Leigh Town Res were 2 – 0 winners at Old Chelmsfordians Res, with Chris Pope and substitute Nathan Cox on target for Josh Burrage’s side. Lastly in Division Three, Pitsea Athletic were 3 – 1 victors over Springfield Res at Basildon Sports Club. Liam Jeffrey netted twice here, with replacement Carlos Dias adding his name on the score-sheet. Harrison Elles responded for the visitors.
EOFL Divisions Four & Five
Moving into Division Four now, Roydon continued their decent start with a 1 – 0 win away at Shenfield AFC Res. Rene Pivarnik was the hero as they celebrated another welcome win. Leigh Ramblers Res also got a huge win with an 8 – 0 triumph over Ongar Town at Belfairs. Substitute Temi Adebayo struck three goals here, with Luis Bracci adding two goals plus there was one goal each for Taylor Stewart, Matthew Pooley and replacement Cameron Jarvis. Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res also got maximum points with a 4 – 1 win over Galleywood Res at Silver Leys. Substitute Matt Kemp led the charge with two goals, with Henry Harnack and Matthew Allen adding to the visitors’ pain.
Elsewhere in Division Four, Herongate Athletic Res got all three points with a 4 – 0 victory over Pitsea Athletic Res at St Clere’s 3G. Kai Redmond scored twice here, with Kemston Allen and Kieron Wilson-Fowler also finding the net in this good win. The other game saw Collier Row grab a huge 7 – 1 victory over Wakering Sports Res at Forest Row Centre.
In Division Five, Basildon Town A got a big 7 – 0 triumph at AS Rawreth Res, with Harry Payne scoring a treble, Scott Read adding two goals and Rodney Wilson getting the other strike. Wakebury Res also got three points, as they won 2 – 1 at Shoebury Town Res. Tommy Wolfe got both goals for Joe Creak’s team there. The other result saw Runwell Sports Res defeat Epping Town Res 5 – 0 at St Luke’s Park. Benjamin See and substitute Wallace Hoyi both netted twice here, with Alex Gray grabbing the other goal.
Essex Premier Cup R1
So the EPC got underway with the various leagues at Step 7 of the pyramid (Essex Olympian, Essex Alliance, Essex & Suffolk Border etc) facing each other as well as some Reserve sides. We begin our in-focus look at seven matches with Shoebury Town‘s superb 5 – 1 victory over Olympian League local rivals Old Southendian Res. Kyle McAlindon came off the bench to score twice for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s team here, with Kian Bradshaw, Aaron Marshall and Enoch Gyimah also finding the net. Jack Pagett’s goal for the OS side did little to inspire them unfortunately.
In the lunchtime game, Catholic Utd negoiated a tricky trip to Barking U23 as Utd prrevailed 4 – 0 at Mayesbrook Park 3G. Louis Robinson, Franklin Craik, Ben Burrows and James Warder all netted for Simon Thomas’ team as they progressed. Beacon Hill Rovers went through thanks to a 3 – 2 win over Saffron Walden Town Res with Charles Brewer, Ashley Hill and Jack Walker all netting for the victors there. Harold Hill also had a good day, as they defeated fellow Olympian side AS Rawreth 4 – 1. Robbie Farrell, Charles Georgiou, Joe Killingback and Freddie Madle all score to see Billy Cove’s side through.
ACD Utd also went through after despatching Belle Vue SC 4 – 1 at Westlands. Jacob Dingli scored twice here for Michael Wade’s team, with Scott Perkins and an OG accounting for the other goals. Galleywood were made to work hard for their 3 – 2 victory over West Essex Development, with Roman Sparks’ double leading the way and Ben Smith also notching for the hosts there. Lastly for this week, Old Chelmsfordians progressed with a 3 – 1 success over Takeley Res. The trio of Max Johnson, Shane Pritchard and Greg Strong were all on target to see the hosts through. Alfie Nicholls got the solitary reply for the ESL Reserve side.
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello & welcome to the round-up from the fourth week of action in the Essex Olympian League season. This week on Saturday 3 September, we look at the action in the top four divisions in-focus, with a round-up from Divisions Four & Five.paigns here.
Action still from OS v Canning Town (Image by Scott W)
EOFL Premier Division
The Premier Division begins with a fabulous 6 – 1 win for Rayleigh Town at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Paul Higgins’ team have continued their good early season form with this big win, which saw Harry Talbot and Jack Long both score two goals each, with substitutes Sonny Woodward and Lewis Robson also finding the net. Replacement Alfie Bowen got a consolation goal for Swifts here. Catholic Utd also got a big win, despatching Galleywood 5 – 0 at the Len Forge. Aaron Baldwin & Franklin Craik both scored braces for Simon Thomas’ side, with Matt Wilson also notching to give the ‘Super Hoops’ their third consecutive win.
Also, Leigh Ramblers got a important 1 – 0 victory at Shenfield AFC, with Scott Clark getting the decisive goal for Mark Hunter’s team. At Chadfields, Hutton were held to a goal-less draw by Runwell Sports but Matt Singh’s side remain top because of their unbeaten record. Kelvedon Hatch were held 2 – 2 by Sungate at New Hall with Charlie Nichols and replacement Joe Cull getting the goals for Darren Hunt’s team.
In the match I saw live on Saturday, Canning Town made the most of a strong first-half as they won 4 – 3 at Old Southendian. Nabil Musah’s fine hat-trick allied with Napat Pattanawanitkitkul’s goal was enough to edge them to their third win of the campaign after OS came back strongly in second half through goals from Ed Gould, Jordan Faulkner and a pearler from Callum Ludlaim. If you’d like more on this game, my report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/09/03/s22-23-match-report-old-southendian-3-4-canning-town-sat-3-sept-eofl/
EOFL Division One
In Division One, ACD Utd continued their decent season with a good 3 – 2 trimuph at Beacon Hill Rovers. Samuel Payne, Jamie Alexandrou and Shaun Goddard netted for Michael Wade’s side, but had to deal with a Rovers comeback which saw Lewis Sherwood and Bertie Whymark reply for the home side there. Epping Town got a superb 5 – 0 win at Wakering Sports, with Chris Gormley and Abdul Kamara both getting two goals apiece, while Joe Rickett contributed the other goal to add to Sports’ pain at Cupid’s Country Club.
In the other action in the division, Harold Hill defeated Herongate Athletic 2 – 1 at Noak Hill, while Corinthians were held 2 – 2 by Harold Wood Athletic. Bailey Moss got both goals for the hosts with James Pottle’s goal and another Billy Gray spot-kick giving John Field’s team a share of the points at Stambridge Memorial Ground, Ath also remain top.
EOFL Divisions Two & Three
In Division Two, Shoebury Town began their campaign with a 2 – 1 victory at Harold Wood Athletic Res. Kian Bradshaw & Dominic Walton got the goals for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side, though Charlie Portway did get an added-time reply for Wood at Harold Wood Rec. Hutton Res also triumphed this weekend, as goals from David Johnson and Jonathan Hillard saw them to a 2 – 0 win at AS Rawreth to join a chorus of four teams on six points at the summit.
Hashtag Utd Development were also in action and got a important 2 – 1 success over Wakebury at Barleylands. Chandler Wray got both goals in the first half for the Tags’ youth side to render Harry Kateley’s goal in response a consolation for Matt Cardy’s team. In the other match in Division Two, Wakering Sports Res narrowly defeated May & Baker EOFL 3 – 2 at Cupid’s to continue their decent start to the season.
Moving now into Division Three, Basildon Town Res got a 2 – 1 victory at Toby Res, with Joshua Hales scoring both goals at the Nursery Sports Ground. Pitsea Athletic lead the table at this very early stage after a 4 – 0 win at home to Corinthians Res at Basildon Sports Club. The ensemble cast of scorers fir the hosts were Precious Aminu, Kwadwo Asante, Emmanuel Ampaabeng and substitute Joshua Ledger.
Also, Collier Row got a 2 – 0 success at Leytonstone Utd in the ‘Forest Row derby’. Buckhurst Hill U23 are still unbeaten after three matches and reside in second spot after drawing 1 – 1 with Leigh Town Res at Roding Lane. Substitute Divine Ngonye netted for Buckhurst’s developmental side there.
Lastly in Division Three, Springfield Res were held to an entertaining 3 – 3 draw with Hullbridge Sports Res at Chelmer Valley School. Jay Knight got two goals for Jason Mole’s side, plus Harry Mole also netted but it was not enough to get the points.
Image from Wakebury’s (in blue) win over OS Res this weekend
Written by Scott W [@ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello & welcome to the round-up from the third week of action in the Essex Olympian League season. This week on Saturday 27 August, we look at the action in all six divisions, as some teams began their campaigns here. Photo taken by Pete Dudley [@ped1980], used with thanks.
EOFL logo
EOFL Premier Division
In the top-tier, Hutton lead the table after a 2 – 0 victory at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. The Reds have only conceded one goal in their three matches so far, of which they have all won. Galleywood were held 1 – 1 by Kelvedon Hatch at Melbourne Park 3G. Bradley Taylor netted for the hosts, but Chris Denham replied for Hatch as they took a point. Both teams are in mid-table, having yet to win so far this term.
At Chelmer Valley High School, Springfield also drew 1 – 1, with Leigh Ramblers. Replacement Antony Connor got the goal for Franco Zabotti’s team. Other results in the division were Canning Town‘s 2 – 1 win over Sungate in Beckton and Toby got a massive win in their new surroundings in Ramsden Heath, as they prevailed 6 – 2 against Runwell Sports.
EOFL Division One
In Division One, ACD Utd got their first win of the new term with a 3 – 1 success at Herongate Athletic. Frankie Markham netted a super treble in this comeback victory for Michael Wade’s team. Harold Wood Athletic made it three wins from as many games after they defeated Manford Way 1 – 0 at Harold Wood Rec. Sam Tampkins got the decisive goal that saw Ath go top of the early table.
In tbe other games, Old Chelmsfordians had an away day to remember as they won 6 – 1 at Beacon Hill Rovers. Substitutes had a big part to play in the win for OC’s with Billy Duke netting a hat-trick after coming off the bench. Jordan Boden also scored twice and replacement Jonny Waskett also netted for Scott Fleming’s team. Bertie Whymark got the consolation goal for Rovers. And Wakering Sports drew 0 – 0 at home to Leigh Town at Cupid’s, which means both teams are yet to win so far this term.
EOFL Divisions Two & Three
In Division Two, Wakebury leapt to the top of the table with an impressive 7 – 2 success over Old Southendian Res, at their new home of Cupid’s in Shoebury. Harry Kateley netted four goals here for the Berries, with Will Wheeler, Mo Sesay and Tommy Pinkerton all adding further pain on the visitors. Fellow Non-League writer Peter Dudley was there, here is his take on the game: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/08/wakebury-7-old-southendian-reserves-2.html
Elsewhere, Hutton Res defeated May & Baker EOFL 3 – 1 at Polo Fields. David Johnson struck twice for the Hutton second-side in that game. Replacement Benjamin Rose got the other goal too for the hosts. Also, Catholic Utd Res got their first win of 2022-23 as they defeated Rayleigh Town Res 3 – 0 at London Road. Franklin Craik netted twice for the visitors with Ben Burrows also on target there to secure the win.
Moving onto the only game in Division Three, Corinthians Res were held 1 – 1 by Buckhurst Hill U23 at Stambridge. Cameron Lyttle scored again for Darren Gosnell’s team, but Matt Lee’s reply meant that Alan Frost’s team took a point.
EOFL Divisions Four & Five
There were three games each in Divisions Four and Five this week. Firstly, in Division Four there was one big win for Herongate Athletic Res as they won 4 – 0 at Wakering Sports A. Kai Redmond scored two goals for Ath, with Makenna Brooke & Dan Webb joining him on the score-sheet.
Elsewhere, Pitsea Athletic Res achieved a narrow 1 – 0 win over visitors Galleywood Res at Basildon Sports Club, with Rinor Zeqiri getting the crucial goal. Finally, Collier Row were held to a goal-less draw by Roydon at the Forest Row Centre.
In Division Five, Wakebury Res began their campaign with some style with a 7 – 1 victory at AS Rawreth Res. Arry Hardy scored four goaks for Joe Creak’s team at the Warren. Tommy Wolfe added two more goals for the Berries’ second-team, plus Charlie Kernott also got on the score-sheet for the visitors.
Collier Row Res are the leaders of the division after a 3 – 1 triumph over Sungate Res. George Coker, Jordan Lee & Raheem Bravo all netted for the Romford side to secure the points. And finally, Runwell Sports Res drew 3 – 3 with Canning Town Res at St Luke’s Park.
![S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 8 Oct) [EOFL 22-23 10.10.22]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/20220917_140332.jpg?w=1200)
![S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 17 Sept) [EOFL 22-23 19.9.22]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/20220917_145005.jpg?w=1200)
survivor16b 