Jolof Sports – survivor16b

S22-23 Guest Blog: Essex Alliance Lge &Cups (Sat 26 Nov) [EAL 22-23 28.11.22]

Hello and welcome to the return of the Essex Alliance section, as the EAL had its 16th week of competition this week to Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League – Saturday 26 November

FENTON CUP

Saturday saw the final football action of November with two Fenton Cups ties featuring on the fixture list. Second tier London Cranes almost pulled off a shock, leading 2-0 against top flight Chadwell Heath Spartans but the latter fought back well and took a 3 – 2 victory through goals from Aaron Hunwicks, Elie Fanga and Jonathan Evans to head into round two.

Over at Town Mead, Chingford Athletic faced fellow Premier Division high-flyers, RCXI, in their first round tie and a closely fought game saw the two sides finish level at 3 – 3 at the end of ninety minutes with Brandon Dillon scoring twice and Dylan Scutt once for the hosts. And it was Chingford who held their nerve in the shoutout to win it 4-3.

SENIOR DIVISION

A full Senior fixture list began up at Ware with the leaders, FC Baresi, hosting rivals Lymore Gardens in a crucial game. A tight contest was edged by the odd goal by Baresi as Paul Benfield scored both of their goals in a 2 – 1 victory, that result seeing them able to open up a four point gap at the top of the table. Previously second placed Brimsdown went into their game away at FC Petrocub very much as one of the in-form sides but they faced another side who have been cranking up the wins recently. An expectedly close game saw it finish level with the teams sharing the points in a 1 – 1 draw, that result seeing the visitors drop a place to third.

Those scorelines assisted Jolof Sports as they made further progress up the league standings as they climbed into second spot in the table on the back of a winning trip to Rapid Chingford, returning home with all three points in a 3 – 1 success. Andrei Cazacu scored the Rapid goal but Jolof goals in reply from Ndiouga Mara, Alexander Sow and Bogdan Ursica saw the points head home with them.

Fourth placed Sporting Hackney now sit six points off the pace with a game in hand after they came out on the winning side of the Wadham derby game against Walthamstow Reserves. A single goal in the game was all that separated the sides with Henry Gallagher’s strike for the Parrots the difference on the day in a 1 – 0 win.

Woodford East sit fifth after twelve games and remain well in contention for matters above them following an eighth league success of the season, beating Crookz United 6 – 2 at Mabley Green. Connor Brathwaite scored a hat-trick, Ben Smith netted two and William Letchford grabbed the other as they put themselves five points clear of the side below them.

Sitting right in the middle of the table, May & Baker EC Reserves are up to ninth following the weekend’s results, jumping up a place after they came through a local derby game with Dagenham United with all three points, winning 4-0. Oliver Beadle bagged a brace with Darius Egualeonan and Ricardo Teixeira striking the others in a solid performance.

Eighth placed Frenford Development also have a number of games in hand on sides above and they made the first of those pay with a 5 – 2 win at The Drive over the weekend, defeating Oakside in the Redbridge derby. A goal apiece from Louie Handley, Carlos Barahona, Jhon Castillo, Joel Opara and Gabriel Alves were enough for their sides to take a fifth league win of the campaign.

At the other end of the standings, Blue Marlin will be breathing a sigh of relief and will hope the weekend proves a watershed week for them as they picked up a first win of the season in a 5 – 3 victory in Hainault against Kit Out London. Jerrel Watkins netted four goals for Marlin, to which Byama Kondowe added the other goal. Hugo Amaral, Aourid Ismael & Chris Micoli got the goals in reply for Kit Out. The win for Marlin saw them close the gap on the sides above to just a single point though do still sit seven points adrift of safety. The only way is up!

Before we move on to the second-tier, the top goal-scorers are in the Senior Division this term at present are as follows (Source: EAL Website)

Tyreece Robertson [FC Baresi] – 16 goals
Paul Benfield [FC Baresi] – 12 goals
Edson Lami [FC Baresi] – 10 goals
Peter Adeleye [Chadwell Heath Spartans] – 9 goals
Darius Egualeonan [May & Baker Res] – 9 goals

PREMIER DIVISION (EAST)

In Premier Division East, there are new leaders at the top of the table as Underscore United underlined their title credentials with a seventh successive league success, moving two points clear at the top after a 5 – 3 home win against Wapping. Mohammed Ahmed, Donald Adeosun and Yusuf Nasir scored for the visitors but those goals proved in vain despite a hard fought performance.

Fairlop Rovers took advantage of other sides around them being in cup action to move up to third in the standings with a 2-0 home winning performance against Barkingside Under 23s at Fairlop Oak. Jayden Francis and Joseph Head both got on the scoresheet for the promotion chasing outfit as they made it five wins from eight.

There was a big result for London Park City who went into their home game against Aveley Under 23s with a four point deficit to make up on. But by full-time they had slashed that to a single point, sending the Millers to a first defeat of the season as Mohammed Fadil and Alexandru Gheorghe both struck to give them a 2 – 1 win. Aldo Vani netted the Aveley goal in reply.

Fifth placed Waltham Abbey A continued what has been a very decent start in the league so far this season with a big home win on Saturday against Freetown. Harry Lea and Alfie Bruno hat-tricks led the way with Tom Marchant (2), Thomas Daltrey, Charlie Kerswell, Micky Clark and Archie Stojic goals paving the way to an emphatic 12 – 0 win.

PREMIER DIVISION (WEST

Priory Park Rangers have moved top of the Premier Division West division on goal difference as they came out on top in their home clash with Athletic Newham Under 23s at Hackney Marshes on Saturday. Hosts Rangers were 5 – 1 victors on the day to make it seven league wins in ten as they head top of the pile.

Lurking in fourth, CSM London’s games in hand could yet still impact those top spots and they continued their silent assault with a thumping 7 – 0 home win at West Ham Foundation over the weekend, beating Wanstead to move up a place. Chris Anele came off the bench to score twice with Conrad Doggett, Emre Ozuaciksoz, Micail Koulibaly and Luke McElroy also netting.

Leyton City will be pleased with their efforts from Saturday as they finally put a first win on the board with a home victory against G7 in Newbury Park. Jahvarn Steward netting twice off the bench with Liam Kennedy scoring the other in a 3 – 2 win. That result pushes them to within a point of their opponents and also safety.

DIVISION ONE

Top of the table Newham Wanderers ensured they kept their name at the top of the division after coming through a tricky home test against Ilford Reserves at the Flats. Goals from Robertson Morais, Manuel Sanuo and Seco Embalo proved vital in a game they eventually edged by the odd goal in five, 3 – 2 the winning scoreline.

Second placed Redbridge Community could yet move level with the leaders albeit with some goal difference to make up on. They done their best to cut that deficit on Saturday with an away win on the road, beating Atholl in Chingford in a 4 – 2 scoreline to pick up win number seven. Michael Kiflezghi scored two with Frankie Francis and Tevin French netting the others for their side.

Old Esthameians are up a place into third in the standings after they made it four wins from their opening ten league fixtures, coming through a tough home test against bottom of the table Kwanzas London Sport in Newbury Park. Celso Gomes scored twice off the bench for the visitors but his goals were not enough as E’s ran out 3 – 2 victors.

Completing the division’s action was a mid-table game between two sides who started the day on the same points tally, Something From Nothing making the trip to Dagenham to take on Eagles Football. But SFN have some good momentum at the moment and they were able to come out 1-0 winners on the day to move into fifth place in the standings.

DIVISION TWO

With the sides above them not in action, hosts Royal Forest and FC Baresi Under 23s saw their chance to close the gap as those sides met in Loughton. A close game of six goals was eventually edged by FC Baresi who came out 4-2 winners in the game with Mak Delkic, David Poirier, Joshua Adu and Simeon Nelson all scoring in put their side up to third.

Lymore Gardens Reserves and Redbridge Community Reserves started the day level on six points apiece ahead of their game in Hainault but it was the visitors, Lymore, who ended the happier of the sides, winning the game 5-2. That was Lymore’s third win of the season and it saw them leapfrog their opponents into eighth.

DIVISION THREE

The top two sides in Division Three both picked up victories on Saturday with Jolof Sports Reserves coming out on the right side of a five goal thriller against third placed Chingford Harriers to put some distance between their sides. Calvin Dias, James Farmer and debutant Marllen Silva all struck goals for the hosts as they continue their title quest.

Top of the table Newbury East remain four points clear of their closest rivals as they came away winners from their trip to Lakeside to face Football Club of Riverside. Two Rafai Bentick goals off the bench were added to by strikes from Junior Milla and Nuureeni Nuureeni as the leaders put a 4-2 win on the board.

Fourth placed Frenford A and just a point behind the side immediately above them now after they were also winners on the road, beating Dagenham United Reserves 2-1 at Castle Green. Marcus Ursu scored for the hosts but his effort proved just consolation as Frenford scored twice themselves to take the victory.

Glendale came from behind in their away trip to Buckhurst Way to take all three points home with them as they ended up 7-3 winners at Bancroft Rugby Club. First half goals from Dev Choudhury and Josh Adeojo got them level before Dave Hennessey’s wonder strike gave them the lead, Maryis Shamku, Abdulai Ahmed, Muhammad Camara and Ade Adeyemi netting the others.

And it was an away day win also for Romford Under 21s who made a successful trip to Hainault to face Melbourne Sports as they walked away 3-2 winners to confirm win number three this season. A goal apiece from each of Joshua Fage, Eugenio Balde and Edy Da Silveira were just enough for the visitors to edge the contest.

DIVISION FOUR

It was another prolific goal scoring weekend in Division Four where the leaders, Romford Under 19s, continued to fire in front of goal with an 8-5 success in a crazy game against second placed Fairlop Rovers Reserves. Bradley Mott and Sergio Rusu both scored twice with Jakub Bogacki, Casper Salentenik, Alvin Smeraldi and Charlie Howell also netting. Tyler Kirby and Gianluca Halil both netted twice in reply for Fairlop, along with a Matthew Stratton goal.

Collier Row Wheels were able to use that result to close the gap on the sides above as they moved two points outside of the promotion places with a 5-1 win against Avondale Rangers. Tafari Miller’s two goals led the way with Adem Conaty, Jenny Ogundele and Jack Stockdale efforts completing the scoresheet for the visitors.

Emerson & Upminster Reserves secured a second league success for their season with a win on the road away at eighth placed West Essex Under 23s. Despite going into the game trailing their opponents by nine points, a goal each from Byron Cressey, Ryan Conway, Gordon Archie, Tyler Huggett and Ryan Whitton gave Emerson a 5-1 success, Ebraheem Bhoodoo scoring the West goal in reply.

Moving up into seventh place are Flyers Under 23s who join a cluster of clubs on twelve points following a 3-0 home success against Inter London, renewing old rivalries with their opponents from last season. That was Flyers’ fourth league success of the campaign, moving just a point behind Inter London in the table.

Ninth placed Old Esthameians Reserves will be pleased with their afternoon’s performance on Saturday as they secured a second league win with a 2-0 home success against Newham & Havering Borough, the visitors remaining winless so far this season. That win for E’s ensured they remain outside of the bottom two though are still five points adrift of the group above them.

COUNTY CUP

In the Essex Junior Trophy, Division Two’s leading pair both made safe passage through into the quarter finals with Snaresbrook coming away 2-0 winners from their home clash against Collier Row Reserves. Their reward is another home clash as they take on Basildon Town A in January.

Joining Snaresbrook in the quarter finals will be Rainham Phoenix who faced Mid Essex League opposition on Saturday at home with Southminster United the visitors to Harris Academy. Rainham were in fine goalscoring form in a 6-1 winning performance to head into an away quarter final against either Hutton B or Kelvedon Social A.

Chadwell Heath Spartans Reserves’ run in the competition came to an end at the third round stage as they headed out against Olympian opposition, going down 3 – 1 against Basildon Town A in Hainault to see their interest end for the season.

In the London Junior Cup, Soul are into the hat for the fourth round of the competition, the last sixteen stage, as they overcame a potentially tricky tie against another EAL side, Forest Green, over in Leyton. The Premier Division side eventually prevailed in a 2 – 1 scoreline to head through.

On the flip side, Unitey’s run to the last thirty two of the competition finally met it’s end as they were beaten by West End AFA League side Park Stars in their game. A 2 – 1 scoreline in favour of the visitors brought Unitey’s involvement to an end for another season.

In the Middlesex Intermediate Cup, AEK London faced familiar opposition as they met one of their former opponents, Indian Gymkhana, in their first round tie. A close game saw a single goal settle the tie with the visitors the side to benefit, ending AEK’s run in the competition.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance Lge (Sat 24 Sept) [EAL 22-23 26.9.22]

Hello and welcome to the round-up of the action in the Essex Alliance League, from Saturday 17 September which includes the EAL action & representatives in the Essex Premier Cup.

My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 24 September

SENIOR DIVISION

The final week of September action saw a busy schedule which began in midweek with two big results affecting matters in the top half. Woodford East were in good form as they secured all three points with a home success against Chadwell Heath Spartans at The Hive. Billy Barr, Frank Glock, Matthew Stacey, Harry Robinson and Lucio Uare all netted to cancel out Spartan goals from Peter Adeleye and Joseph Butcher in a 5 – 2 East victory. Up at Wormley Playing Fields, Brimsdown were action with a home clash against visitors Oakside with four points separating the sides going into the game under the lights. A closely fought game was settled by one moment in the game Olalekan Ayeketi fired in a strike from distance to hand his Brimsdown side a crucial 1-0 success to keep them in touch.

The Friday night action was an exhilarating affair as Blue Marlin shocked league high fliers, Lymore Gardens, by racing into a 3-0 lead on the night. Garden then fought back to level but Blue Marlin scored a fourth to lead once again before the hosts incredibly netted twice to eventually win a thriller 5 – 4. George Dwobeng scored two with Gaston Mendy, Andre Rashford and Adam Tebbani also on the scoresheet for Lymore, a result which saw them move clear at the top. That lead was short lived however as FC Baresi moved back level on points and top on goal difference as they picked up a superb win in a local derby contest against Walthamstow Reserves at Wadham Lodge. Paul Benfield has been in good form and he struck four goals on the day, adding to efforts from Raymond Poku and Tyreece Robertson in a comprehensive 6 – 0 success.

Jolof Sports’ start to the season has seen them climb to fourth after six games, despite a slightly indifferent start. They now sit three points off the leaders after a solid victory at fellow contenders, Brimsdown in Wormley. Goals from Bogdan Ursica and from substitute Ahma Seye were enough on the day for the east London based side to record a 2-1 win. The hosts responded through Napier Brown’s goal here. It’s now five games unbeaten for Sporting Hackney following their lateral move this season and they put another 4 -1 success on the board this weekend, repeating last week’s feat, this time seeing off the efforts of May & Baker EC Reserves at Barking & Dagenham College. Tyler Springer, Karim Bukleb, Liam O’Hara and Ross Murphy were on the scoresheet to render Aaron Blake’s goal as just consolation.

FC Petrocub’s first win of the calendar month saw them move to four wins for the season on Saturday as they entertained Dagenham United at Noak Hill. The hosts bounced back well from a heavy defeat in their last outing to win the game 2-0, moving up to fifth place and just four points off the pace at the top. After three winless games at the start of the campaign, Frenford Development have reversed their fortunes with three successive wins now as they returned home from Lakeside once again with all three points, defeating Chadwell Heath Spartans 3 – 1. Elie Fanga struck for Spartans but that proved insufficient as Tiwa Osifuwa, Carlos Barahona and Joel Opara goals proved enough for Frenford.

Following Frenford up the table are Kit Out London who made the trip to Walthamstow on Saturday to take on Crookz United at Peter May, three points between the sides going into the game. That was extended to six by full time however as Huge Amaral, Alex Solomon, Mirko Zanco and David Rista goals carried Kit Out through to a 4 – 2 win and home with all three points. Over in Hainault, two of the sides in action from midweek continued their respective fortunes with visitors Woodford East following up their big win in midweek with another this time out against Oakside. Lorrell Dawkins scored twice off the bench with William Letchford, Harry Robinson, Callum Maltese and Lucio Uare goals seeing their East side win comfortably 6 – 0.

PREMIER DIVISION (WEST)

It’s been a terrific start for AEK London in the second tier as they made it three wins from three so far in the league but they did face a stern task on Saturday, edging a close game against G7 to secure maximum points. AEK were the scorers of the only goal of the game, winning 1 – 0 to stay clear at the top by a couple of points. Fellow new side, Priory Park Rangers, are the side giving chase at the moment and sit second edging a very close game against third placed North East Lions. Shane Thomas and Nester Boansi netted for the Lions but an unbeaten Priory Park side had just enough to scored three of their own to win this top of the table battle 3-2.

After defeat in their opening game, Leyton City bounced back in terrific fashion with a Jahvarn Steward inspired performance as he netted six goals in a 10-3 success against Tower United. Adam Rowe scored twice with Benjamin Matengulu and Mateus Furieri netting the others to overcome two Abdi Mohamed goals and an Abdullah Jama goal. In the East Ham derby game, co-tenants Athletic Newham Under 23s and London Cranes renewed their battles from last season in a closely fought contest at Flanders on Saturday afternoon. It was just a single goal to separate these sides and Oscar Innocent was guilty of that important moment, netting for London Cranes to make it two wins from three for the visitors.

DIVISION ONE

Newham Wanderers are Division One’s early leaders in the third tier as they picked up win number two at the weekend, returning from Parmiters with all three points following a 3 – 2 success against Atholl. Goals from Ismail Assoufi, Robertson Morais and Mahein Zaman were the difference to edge the game and continue their perfect start. Over in Newbury Park, Old Esthameians reversed their fortunes from their opening day defeat to pick up a first win of the season, defeating Renegade 4-2 to move into the top half. Deimar Cardoso scored twice in his first appearance for the visitors but those goals were in vain as Old E’s four goal haul took them to the win.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, it’s Snaresbrook who are setting the pace at the top and made it three wins on the bounce on Saturday though faced a challenge from a winless Barking Potters side so far. ‘Brook were 4-1 winners though as Scott Hill, George Bacon, Sean Ashman and Emile Kwame goals put them on the road to success once again. Old Barkabbeyans were on cloud nine following a huge 9 – 1 away win against Lymore Gardens Reserves, coming out on top following a terrific performance. Michael Ryder’s early season goal form saw him add a hat-trick, Josh Robinson and Dre Ferlisi both scoring twice with Fabio Balde and Robbie Osborne netting the others to earn maximum points for their side, moving third in the process. Warren Isoka’s goal was little consolation as the Lymore second-side was well-beaten.

It was a day for bounce back wins as another of the division’s sides, FC Baresi Under 23s, improved from their opening travails to beat Royal Forest in a 4-3 scoreline on Saturday. Hamza Hafesji scored twice with Junior Ouattara and Joshua Adu both netting to help last season’s double winners to their first win of the new campaign. Forest’s goals came via Joe Meader’s double and Frank Carver. And it was a similar storyline for Woodford East Reserves who produced a terrific performance to end Rainham Phoenix’s perfect start so far, winning 3 – 1 at the Marshes. Sam Springall scored for Rainham but his goal proved just consolation as Harry Carter, Owen McKelvey and Will Osmond all found the back of the net for the Peacocks to earn a first victory of the season.

DIVISION THREE

Things are tight at the top of Division Three where Newbury East hold a single point lead over the chasing pack following a very close game against Romford Under 21s. A Junior Milla hat-trick set them on their way with Mohammed Hussain and Sehraan Hussain goals taking them to a 5 – 3 win against a Romford side making their debut in the competition. It’s two wins from two for promoted Chingford Harriers this season, another impressive outing, particularly in the second half, seeing them take maximum points in a 4-0 win at home to Melbourne Sports. Daniel Taylor, Grant Coy, Seun Lasile and Gerard O’Hara all scored for Harriers to continue their perfect start to the season.

Just outside of the promotion places on goal difference are Jolof Sports Reserves who took their winning record to two from two themselves, beating Buckhurst Way in a 5-2 home success. Derek Adu and Ronald Asante both scored twice with Noah Chesmain notching the other to give their Jolof side the best possible start. Despite an opening defeat, Frenford A have got their first points on the board after a good win at home on Saturday against Dagenham United Reserves at The Drive. Ricky Brown and Isa Khan both notched for United but those efforts were superseded by Frenford goals from Reece Morley, Isima Iguisi, Adam Andrade and Kishawn James in a 5-2 win.

Flyers Under 21s are also on the board with a first success following promotion to Division Three, bouncing back well from their initial reverse to secure a win this time out, beating Football Club of Riverside 1-0 over at King George’s. That result saw them shootout up to the cusp of the top half while their opposition remain in search of their first points.

DIVISION FOUR

Three sides share top spot in Division Four where present leaders, Collier Row Wheels, suffered a first reverse of the season at the hands of Inter London, themselves picking up a first win of the season to go against the form guide. Fahad Abdullah scored twice and Okey Obialo once to set Inter on their way, overcoming two Luke Woodgate goals in the process in a 3 – 2 scoreline. That result enabled West Essex Under 23s to go level, trailing just by goal difference, after they made it two wins from two with a high scoring success against Avondale Rangers. Javen Cole scored a hat-trick with Gabriel Morlova and Franky Okoko also notching in a 5-3 win, overcoming Rangers goals from Jake Clarke, Joe Powell and Phillip Heinen.

London APSA Under 23s have also accrued six points from their opening fixtures and that was aided by a terrific 5-2 home win on Saturday against Romford Under 19s in Barkingside. Reda El Ghaibouz continued his scoring form with a four goal haul, David Gokou-Siakouri netting the other to hand APSA all three points. Emerson & Upminster Reserves put their first three point haul on the board, responding well to defeat in their first game to take a win this time away at Newham & Havering Borough. Courtney Linton netted for Borough but Emerson goals from Gordon Archie, Tyler Huggett and Billy Warner saw the points head back with the visitors in a 3-1 scoreline.

The league was completed over at Fairlop Oak where the reserves of Fairlop Rovers and Old Esthameians met with the hosts producing a strong performance in their first outing of the year. Fairlop were 6 – 1 winners on the day to shoot straight into the top half of the table, sitting fourth, while Old E’s continue their quest for points.

COUNTY CUP

There were some great results for EAL clubs in the county cup competitions over the weekend with Division One side Ilford Reserves producing a cup shock to knock out Premier Division’s Freetown from the Essex Junior Cup. The young Foxes were 7-0 winners to take their place in the next round where they now face Collier Row. Waltham Abbey A also produced a solid display as they took out Mid Essex League top flight opposition in the form of Blackmore to make the second round. The Abbotts were 3-1 winners on their travels, booking a trip up to Sheering in the next round of the competition.

There was also a cup shock at Wanstead Flats where Division One side Something From Nothing were up against it with the visit of last season’s double winners, Belfry. A close game saw SFN produce a terrific display and ultimately came out on the right side of a 3-2 win to knock out their higher league opposition. It was also a good for Aveley Under 23s who started their cup quest with a home fixture against Emerson & Upminster, coming through that local derby with a win under their belts, the Millers winning 4-2 to set up a home clash against Unitey next month.

Cowley Community, last season’s Trophy finalists, kept their county cup form in good shape following elevation to the Cup and came through narrow winners in an all-EAL derby fixture, beating London Park City 2 – 1 at Fords to progress to a home tie against Leytonstone United.

Another all-EAL tie at Fords saw hosts RC XI up against fellow Premier Division level side CSM London. It was a triumph for the “West” side in the game as CSM London completed a 3 – 1 win and will now face a local derby in the next round with a trip to London Cranes. Barkingside Under 23s complete the action in the first round and it will be a day they might want to forget as their participation came to an end at home against EOFL side Collier Row at Nutter Lane. Row were solid 6 – 0 winners to end ‘Side participation and progress forwards themselves.

In the day’s only Essex Junior Trophy action, Collier Row Reserves completed a Row double against EAL sides as they ended Glendale’s participation in the competition for another season, defeating the Dales in a 4-0 win at Fairlop Oak.

The London Junior Cup action saw a clean sweep for our league sides with Unitey producing a cup giant killing as the Division One side hosted and defeated an out of sorts Wapping side to put them name into the hat for the next round, winning 5 – 2 on the day. Soul are into the hat for the second round but had to overcome a tough battle with fellow east London side Adamant to secure their place, coming through in a shootout victory after the game had ended 3-3 at full-time.

It was a similar story for Rapid Chingford as the Senior Division side were taken all the way by Premier Division Wanstead with that game also ending in a 3-3 scoreline. Rapid held their nerve to book their place in the next round, winning the penalty shootout. The final game of the day saw a win for Division One’s Forest Green in yet another all-EAL fixture, the hosts seeing off St Francis from Division Two over in Leyton to make their own progress through, 5-2 the winning scoreline for Green on the day.

End

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance Lge (Sat 17 Sept) [EAL 22-23 20.9.22]

Hello and welcome to the round-up of the action in the Essex Alliance League, from Saturday 17 September which includes the EAL action & representatives in the Essex Premier Cup.

My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 17 September

SENIOR DIVISION

Two teams remain locked at the top of the Senior Division table following the weekend’s action with Lymore Gardens going top for a while on Friday night following their home success against a previously unbeaten Brimsdown side at Coles Park. Dylan Roberts, Inarhu Martin and Andre Rashford goals saw their side come from behind to edge the clash 3 – 2.

FC Baresi were able to move top on goal difference following Saturday’s action as they came away with all three points from their trip to Noak Hill where they had beaten FC Petrocub comfortably in a 6 – 1 scoreline. Tyreece Robertson scored a hat-trick to extend his scoring record, adding to goals from Edson Lami, Raymond Poku and Paul Benfield.

Moving up to fourth spot, Jolof Sports have moved up to within three points of the leaders in the division as they recorded a third success of the season, defeating Kit Out London in a close game at Mayesbrook Park. Two Alexander Sow goals and a Modou Jammeh effort put the hosts onto the path of victory, winning the game by the odd goal in a 3-2 success.

Sporting Hackney’s unbeaten start to the campaign continued over the weekend as they came through their home clash against Crookz United with all three points. The Parrots were 4 – 1 winners as Karim Bukleb, Liam O’hara, Joel Akuwudike and Percival Zeutzius all got on the scoresheet to render Olajide Yusuff’s goal as just consolation for Crookz.

Picking up a second win of the season were Chadwell Heath Spartans who returned home from Hainault with all three points as they defeated Oakside 2 – 0 to climb to ninth in the standings. Joseph Butcher and Peter Adeleye were the scorers of the goals for last season’s runners-up as they continued their push up the table.

Over at Lakeside, Rapid Chingford and Frenford Development went into their clash with just four points separating them prior to kick off. But a strong showing from the visitors saw Frenford claim just their second win so far with a 3 – 0 success. Wisley Baltazar scored twice for his side with Reon Murray-Whyte netting the other off the bench to move Frenford up to seven points.

PREMIER DIVISION EAST

Six sides sit on three points at the top of Premier Division East with Aveley Under 23s the side leading the way after their opening clash having defeated fellow debutants Freetown in a 6 – 1 scoreline. Eugene Sagoe scored twice for the young Millers, Finlay Shipp, Kyle Brand, Sola Adebo and Samuel Omoniyi goals finishing things off.

Waltham Abbey A’s introduction to the league saw them pick up three points in their opening performance after they saw off Wapping in a 3 – 1 scoreline at Town Mead. Nathan Lawrence scored twice and Dom Farmer netted the other to make it a winning start, overcoming a Kudus Olowe effort for the visitors.

There was a five goal thriller at Fairlop Oak where promoted Fairlop Rovers entertained fellow promotees Cowley Community. Manasseh Tackie and Ryan Thompson-Cobham were both scorers for Cowley but Rovers goals in reply from Jayden Francis, Ellis Morgan and Elliot Hastings meant that their side picked up a 3 – 2 opening win.

It was a successful day for another of the promoted sides as RC XI took the points back home with them following a win against last season’s cup finalists London Park City. City keeper Buza Vasile struck a rare goal for the visitors but strikes from Tosin Blacky and Tayo Olasanoye were enough to edge the contest in a 2-1 scoreline for RC XI.

PREMIER DIVISION WEST

Two sides lead the way after two rounds of games in the West division where AEK London’s great start continued on Saturday with a 3-1 success at Wadham Lodge against Wanstead. Two Gabriel Souto goals and a Paulo Machado effort saw the leaders pick up a second league win in two to go clear at the top just on goals scored at this early stage.

Just behind the leaders by a solitary goal are North East Lions who replicated their rivals scoreline with a 3-1 win of their own, defeating Athletic Newham Under 23s at Peter May to make it two wins from two. Rweal Azizur scored twice and Jae Smith once for their side, continuing a positive start to the campaign. Isaac Ofuso netted the Newham goal in reply.

It was a good afternoon for Priory Park Rangers who remain unbeaten in the division as Shepherd Ndlovu led the way for his side, incredibly scoring all six goals in their win at home to Leyton City. Rangers were 6-1 winners on the day to take their points tally to four in the league while their opponents look to get off the mark still.

In an east London derby fixture, G7 were the hosts on Saturday to relegated Tower United as the hosts looked to bounce back from their opening defeat a couple of weeks ago. In a game of six goals, it was G7 who prospered, winning 4-2 through strikes from Nawttan Sanca, Joshua Oghagbon, Harrison Paposeco and Musbaudeen Akinosho. Abdisamad Mohamed scored twice in reply but his efforts proved in vain ultimately.

The division’s final game saw a seven goal thriller as London Cranes travelled to Soul for their second game of the season. Two efforts from Kasule Sulaman and one apiece from Moses Kazibwe and Bruno Mwasnje were just enough to give Cranes the points in a 4-3 win in Dagenham. Luke Hillier, Zachary Thomas and Matthew Brady grabbed the Soul consolation efforts.

DIVISION ONE

After two rounds of games in Division One, Something From Nothing are the early leaders as they picked up all three points in their opening match of the new season, defeating promoted Old Esthameians 6 – 0 in Newbury Park. Success Eguzoro, Jamil Gaawo, Cyril Pluche, Derek Adenuga, David Prenga and Micah Innocentall found the back of the net to help their side win comfortably.

Sitting second in the table behind the leaders on goal difference, Unitey were in fine goal scoring form themselves as they secured victory with a home win in Loughton against Renegade. Ozwute Izuchuwku and Wellington Ismael were both on target for the visitors but a pair of Unitey braces from Ishwar Ravi and Ahmed Dousa done the damage with Bubintende Masadi grabbing the other in a 5 – 2 scoreline.

It’s Newham Wanderers sitting third following the weekend’s action, the Wanstead based side picking up maximum points following a home 3 – 0 success against Redbridge Community. Two Mahein Zaman goals and an Amir Gurji strike were the difference on the day to see Wanderers confirm an opening day success.

Forest Green started their new season in a positive fashion after they returned home from Chingford with all three points following a 3 – 1 win against previously unbeaten Atholl at Parmiters. Connor Daniel done the majority of the damage with a double while Andre Emmanuel-De Riggs’ goal competed the scoring for Green as they sit fourth, a couple of points ahead of their opponents.

DIVISION TWO

There are two sides going hammer and tong in the early throws of the new season with Rainham Phoenix sitting top following an 11 – 0 success against newly formed Barking Potters. The Shakes family really mixed it up with Cameron scoring four and Josh two. Sam Springall also netted a hat-trick off the bench with Billy Broadbridge scoring a brace to finish off the performance.

Trailing by just a few goals on goal difference are Snaresbrook who have made a great start of their own, following up an opening day win with a 5 – 0 success this time around, beating Chadwell Heath Spartans Reserves. Alex Gordon scored a hat-trick and Drew Barbier struck two to maintain their perfect start so far.

There was a thirteen goal thriller to complete the day’s action in the division where Old Barkabbeyans were the visitors to Loughton to take on Royal Forest. Forest bounced back well from their opening defeat to win the game 9-4 with Joe Meader (2), Frank Carver, Joe Owers, Jonathan Hick, Charlie Palline, Fifi Banin and Ayodeji Adelekan all netting, despite a terrific four goal Barks performance from Michael Ryder.

DIVISION THREE

In Division Three, Newbury East have moved top of the table on goal difference alone after they earned all three points at home against Frenford A in the latter’s first game. Kishawn James scored the Frenford goal but Chaka Barnett continued his form in front of goal with a double, Sehraan Hussain and Junior Milla netting the others in a 5 – 1 success.

Dagenham United Reserves trail in second by just a few goals as they added a win to their opening day draw, beating debutants Football Club of Riverside down at Lakeside in their first game. Dagenham edged the game by the odd goal, winning 2 – 1 through efforts from Isa Khan and Lewis Bennett. Fayazi Omar-Mohamed struck the Riverside goal in consolation.

It was a good opening day performance from Melbourne Sports who sit third after a first win, beating Flyers Under 21s 4 – 1 down at Fairlop Oak. Jonathan Melia scored twice with Daniel Hughes and Luc Harpon efforts completing the win and meaning that Jack Maydell’s goal was in vain for the visitors.

Over in east London, it was a successful first competitive outing for Jolof Sports Reserves who picked up a win against Glendale over at the Royal Docks. Chris Mosaku and Devendra Choudhary scored for the Dales but efforts from Kosso Toure, Kelechi Dyke, Derek Adu and Ronald Asante for the hosts were enough for them to win 4 – 2.

DIVISION FOUR

It’s two wins from two now for the Division Four leaders, Collier Row Wheels, who picked up a second success following a 4 – 1 win on Saturday against Emerson & Upminster Reserves at Forest Row. Two Farhaan Korimbocus strikes plus goals from Olayemi Mogaji and Jack Stockdale were enough for the win, Zuriel Twum netting the Emerson goal in consolation.

Flyers Under 23s’ first action since the drop from Division Three saw them put in a terrific first performance to secure a win as they defeat Newham & Havering Borough. Ted Watkins scored for Borough but his effort was in vain as Flyers ran out 5 – 1 winners on the day to sit second in the table after the weekend’s action.

It was also a good day for West Essex Under 23s who will be looking to press on in their second season and got off to the best possible start with a solid 4-1 win against Old Esthameians Reserves. Ciaran Farrell-Christian scored twice with Gabriel Morlova and George Sadler-Stephens scoring the other to hand West the win.

London APSA Under 23s have bounced back from their opening day defeat with a solid second performance, beating Inter London 5-1 to record their first three point haul. Reda El Ghaibouz scored a hat-trick for APSA to lead the way, Samuel Reynolds and Sabir Jama scoring the others to get the win. Fahad Abdallah scored the Inter goal in reply as they search for their first points.

COUNTY CUP

In the opening county cup action of the new season, Dagenham United took their place in the next round of the Essex Premier Cup, beating last season’s Junior Cup winners, Catholic United Reserves, 2-1 to head on through. They now face Grays Athletic Reserves in the next round of the competition.

There was a topsy-turvy game at Wadham Lodge where Walthamstow Reserves were in action against Halstead Town Reserves in a game that went all the way to extra time. Following the extra thirty minutes, it was Halstead who left the happier of the sides, edging the game 4 – 3.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, an old rivalry was renewed as Avondale Rangers played host to Durning for a place in the next round. The sides shared five goals with old Ilford & District League side, Durning, taking a 3-2 win to secure their passage into the next round.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League (Sat 3 Sept) [EAL 22/23 5.9.22]

Hello and welcome to the round-up of the action in the Essex Alliance League, as all divisions outside the top-tier began in earnest.

My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With Introduction & additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 3 September

SENIOR DIVISION

The week’s Senior action began on Wednesday night where Woodford East put a second win of the season on the board with a home success against Blue Marlin at Gardiners Close, edging the game by the odd goal. Connor Brathwaite and Will Osmond both found the net, overcoming a Troy Morris goal in response from Blue Marlin in a 2 – 1 scoreline.

The Friday night action came from Mayesbrook Park as May & Baker EC Reserves made the short trip to face Jolof Sports in a local derby. But it was Jolof who raced into a first half lead and, despite a Baker fightback through goals from Oliver Beadle and Brandon Johnson, Jolof held on to win the game 3 – 2, handing their opponents a first defeat of the season.

Things couldn’t be much tighter at the top of the Senior Division after the first month of action with three sides sitting level on points. It’s FC Baresi who sit top on goal difference as their 3 – 0 away win at Dagenham United on Saturday was assured through goals from Edson Lami, Paul Benfield and Tyreece Robertson, extending their unbeaten start.

Sitting second are Lymore Gardens and they had a tough task ahead of them with the visit of Chadwell Heath Spartans to Coles Park, the sides combining for a five goal contest. Aaron Hunwicks and Samir Aboulainaf both struck for Spartans but Gardens goals from Gaston Mendy, Andre Rashford and Bradley Williams meant that the points went the way of the hosts in a 3 – 2 success.

Walthamstow Reserves make up the trio of sides just edging ahead at present as they made it three wins and a draw from four fixtures with a terrific 8 – 0 win against Rapid Chingford at Lakeside. Mekhi Charles-Armstrong led the scorers with a treble, Matthew Walsh got two goals along with Michael Osei, Taylan Gul and Pooya Karami adding one each. That win backed up their previous success in a dramatic late win last weekend, moving them third with ten points so far.

Moving into the top half, Sporting Hackney’s unbeaten start to the campaign has continued as they picked up their first win of the season, defeating Woodford East 4 – 2 at Wadham Lodge. A pair of braces from Joel Akuwudike and Richard Balogun proved enough to cancel out East goals from Billy Barr and Harry Robinson.

Frenford Development will be pleased with their weekend’s efforts as they secured their first points of the season with a hard fought win away at Kit Out London in Noak Hill. Alex Solomon and Krishan Singh strikes were not quite enough to Kit Out with Damilola Olaiya scoring twice for Frenford and Kyron Chiedozie and Gabriel Alves netting the others in a 4 – 2 win.

PREMIER DIVISION EAST

The opening Premier Division action of the season saw two games in the newly restructured East division and Chingford Athletic top the division on their return to the competition, defeating London Park City 3 – 1. Josh Flood, Jack Newbury-Neale and Dylan Scutt goals were the difference in the game as Chingford took all three points.

Over in Newbury Park, Cowley Community’s elevation to the second tier saw them pick up a good win in their first outing, defeating last season’s league cup finalists, Wapping, in a 2-0 success. It was a ‘Taylor made’ win for the hosts as Sean and Michael Taylor both struck one apiece to give their side the win.

PREMIER DIVISION WEST

The action from the West division also got underway with a glut of goals, starting with the early season leaders, AEK London, who got their participation in the competition underway with a 4-1 success at home against London Cranes. Paulo Machado scored a hat-trick with Marlon Nascimento notching the other to render Moses Kazibwe’s effort as just consolation.

There was also a strong win for North East Lions who got their season started with a 3 – 0 success against promoted Wanstead over at Wadham Lodge in the Walthamstow derby match. Charles Akingbade, Ibrahim Gakou and Shane Thomas all found the back of the net for the visitors to give Lions their opening points of the season.

CSM London made winning start in the second tier following their drop over the summer and will have the experienced Fahad Nyanja to thank for their opening day win as he notched twice to help his side to a 3 – 2 win over league debutants, G7. Musa Manneh also found the back of the net for the hosts to help them over the line.

The division’s final game came from Castle Green where Soul’s return to the league saw them up against another new side, Priory Park Rangers. A closely fought battle saw the scores finish level at 1-1 at full-time which meant both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils on the opening day of action.

DIVISION ONE

Division One’s sole surviving game came from Hackney Marshes where Renegade entertained another new entrant to the competition with Atholl in action for the first time. Another close contest saw Mitchell Edmonds net the first Atholl goal in the league but Renegade were also able to net and meant that the teams took home a point each in a 1-1 draw.

DIVISION TWO

The goals were flying in Division Two, beginning with an incredible twelve goal contest at the Marshes where Woodford East Reserves met their reserve counterparts from Chadwell Heath Spartans. Tom Osmond’s hat-trick and single efforts from Tyla Fenlon and Taylor McLaughlin would ordinarily been enough to win but Spartan goals from Leon Kasozi (2), David Johnson, Mehdi Ahorbi, Abraham Ladoja, Thamindi Kahatadeniya and Ibrahim Basri gave their side a 7 – 5 success.

It was also a winning opening day for Rainham Phoenix whose rise from the ashes began in positive fashion with victory against last season’s promoted Division Three champions, FC Baresi Under 23s. Oliver Barracks got himself on the visitor’s scoresheet but Rainham goals in reply from Cameron Shakes, Grant Obeney and Sean Tormey gave their side a 3 – 1 win.

Snaresbrook’s first outing in the competition was certainly a positive one too as they travelled to Loughton to take on Royal Forest in their opening game of the season. The visitors were comfortable 6 – 1 winners on the day to give themselves the early bragging rights at the top of the table.

DIVISION THREE

Promoted Chingford Harriers lead the way after week one of the season in Division Three as they came away from one of the bookies early season favourites, Buckhurst Way, with all three points in a 3 – 1 win. Andrew Bowring, Darnell Lamothe and Grant Coy were all on the scoresheet on the day to ensure Harriers opened their season with maximum points.

The division’s other game came from Dagenham where hosts, Dagenham United Reserves saw their first game in fifth tier as Newbury East headed to Castle Green. The vastly experienced Chaka Barnett struck with both of the East goals but Dagenham were up to the task and ensured they took a point with Jordan Akinpelu and Isa Khan goals earning a 2-2 draw.

DIVISION FOUR

Division Four’s sole action on the opening day came from Dagenham where Collier Row Wheels and London APSA Under 23s were both in action in their first fixtures in the league. It was hosts Row who ended up the happier of the two sides with the substitutes having great effect, Luke Woodgate coming off the bench to score twice, Max Hodgson, Hamoud, Lewis Deacon and Farhaan Korimbocus netting the others in a 6 – 2 win.

Guest Blog 22/23: Essex Alliance Lge (Wed 24-Sat 27 Aug) [EAL 22/23 30.8.22]

Hello and welcome to the third week season in the Essex Alliance League, as the Senior Division continued last weekend, with the other divisions due to start next month. My thanks in advance to the EAL’s Rob Parker, as ever.. Thank you for reading

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With Introduction & additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Wednesday 25 – Saturday 27 August

Frenford Dev v Spartans from Thurs night (Image by Scott W)

SENIOR DIVISION

Another busy week in the Essex Alliance League saw three fixtures in midweek where, firstly, FC Baresi moved to the top of the standings on Wednesday night as they took on fellow unbeaten side Oakside in their game at Wodson Park. Jahvid Irish struck for ‘Side but a quintet of goals from Tyreece Robertson, Edson Lami, Munnir Saad, Paul Benfield and Raymond Poku gave Baresi a 5 – 1 success.

Some rare Thursday night action took place at The Drive where Chadwell Heath Spartans secured their first win of the campaign against Frenford Development in a terrific contest. A terrific Jamie Pooley goal and Samir Aboulainaf effort gave Spartans a 2-0 lead at the break before a wonderful Wisley Baltazar goal from range brought Frenford back in it, only for Daniel Wheeler to net late on and make it 3-1 to the visitors. Non-League writer Scott W was there here’s his report: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/08/26/s22-23-match-report-frenford-dev-1-3-chadwell-heath-spartans-thurs-25-aug-eal/

On Friday night, it was a great night for Lymore Gardens under the lights of Coles Park as they peppered the Kit Out London goal to record an 8 – 0 success and remain unbeaten. Tyrique Peters, Andre Rashford and Adam Tebbani all scored twice each with Inarhu Martin and George Dwobeng goals giving their side the points in comprehensive fashion.

Saturday’s action saw FC Petrocub go top of the table after four games as they took maximum points from their home game against Oakside in Noak Hill. The hosts were 4 – 0 winners on the day to make it three wins from four from their solid start to the season. Just behind the leaders, by a single point, Brimsdown sit second after their opening four games, remaining unbeaten too as they recorded an opening 2 – 0 victory against Crookz United in their first competitive home match at Wormley Playing Fields. Jacob Wint scored twice, netting both of this sides’ goals as they recorded win number two this season.

Walthamstow Reserves also remain unbeaten after three games as their second win of the season was wrapped up with a hard fought 3 – 2 win at Wadham Lodge, defeating winless Rapid Chingford in the process. Dragos Aenasoaie scored both of the Rapid goals but his efforts were in vain as ‘Stow goals from Elijah Grant (2) & Callum Malcolm saw them prevail.

After a difficult start, Jolof Sports have recorded their first win of the new season as they came through in a 1 – 0 success in their away trip to Lakeside for Chadwell Heath Spartans’ first outing at their new home ground. Abdou Sow netted the only goal of the game during the second half to secure three points for his side. Over at Barking & Dagenham College, the division’s two draw specialists so far, Dagenham United and Sporting Hackney, ended their clash level at 2 – 2 with Cain Dash’s brace equalled by Parrots’ strikes from Richard Balogun and Ross Murphy. That confirmed United’s fourth successive draw and their opponent’s second.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 36 – Sat 7 May) [EAL 21-22 10.5.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League on Saturday 7 May. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up also includes a mention of Monday night’s solitary match in Senior Divsion. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 7 May

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

The full line-up for this season’s Premier Division Cup is now known as the second semi-final was completed on Saturday where London Park City were in action once again, taking on London Cranes in Seven Kings. A close game saw the sides finish level at 1-1 at full-time, sending the game to another shootout. After a penalties victory last weekend, it was London Park City who once again prevailed, winning 3 – 2 to send their side to a maiden final, facing Wapping later in the month.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the Division Three Cup, the first of the semi-finals took place which saw ASA attempting to stand in the way of champions FC Baresi Under 23s as the latter sought the opportunity of a league and cup double. A terrific game saw ASA lead through strikes by Mithurn Vijayarajah & Panushanth Kulenthiran before a Baresi fightback led by goals from Maamoon Khan and Zach Aliane took the game to penalties. In the shootout, it was the champions who progressed to their first final, winning 4 – 2 to send their side to Dagenham & Redbridge!

SENIOR DIVISION

Some huge games in the Senior Division took place over the weekend which saw Chigwell Town, a side who had been in the relegation zone almost the entirety of the season, pull off a massive win, defeating Tower United 3 – 2 to stay in the league. Harry Tew-Robinson was the hero with a hat-trick which ensured his side stayed up by the narrowest of margins. Abdullah Jama’s double was not enough for Tower who finished bottom & will most likely be relegated.

It was also a great day for Blue Marlin who knew they had to get a win against London Cup finalists FC Petrocub in order to give themselves a chance of beating the drop. And a win was exactly what Blue Marlin delivered, beating their mid-table opponents in a 2 – 0 scoreline, thanks to strikes by Macauley Harrington & Ni Acquaye and moved out of the relegation zone and confirm their senior status for another season.

Over in Beckton, those results meant that CSM London had no choice but to win their game to stay in the league but were facing a Woodford East side with just as much in the game for them as they strove for runners-up spot. Eli Brown scored for CSM but East goals from Billy Barr, Andrew Rowe, Ben Smith and Reece Beaumont meant their side took the honours in a 4 – 1 win, keeping their hopes of top two alive going into Monday’s match.

Cup finalists, Rapid Chingford, warmed up for their huge occasion in the coming fortnight with a terrific win in their last game of the season, defeating Jolof Sports in a 1 – 0 scoreline over at Mayfield Leisure Centre. A single Tita Daniel goal was enough for the Fenton Cup finalists to take the points, confirming an eighth placed finish in the process.

On Monday night, Jolof Sports recovered from their narrow loss 48 hours earlier by recording a superb 5 – 0 victory over Woodford East in their match, held at Mayesbrook Park 3G. This result means that East finish the league campaign in third spot but Halil Hassan’s side are still involved in two Cup competitions so they have a chance of endoing their first season at Step 7 in a memorable way.

PREMIER DIVISION

The penultimate game of the Premier Division season saw Frenford A the hosts to fifth placed Wapping, the latter looking for a confidence boost ahead of their own cup final in a couple of weeks time. A closely fought battle eventually went in favour of the champions as Frenford won the game 4 – 2 to ensure they completed a terrific campaign in some style ahead of their debut top flight season. Joel Opara and Wisley Baltazar both netted two goals each to confirm a memorable day.

DIVISION ONE

Division One’s action was wrapped up on Saturday as Belfry went out knowing that three points would see them achieve something quite special. But standing in their way were a side who will have been pleased with their own efforts this year and RCXI raced into a 3 – 0 lead through goals two goals from Ayo Matthews and a Sammy Anjorin goal. Two Kieran James responses wasn’t enough as RCXI sent the champions to just their first defeat, in the very last game of the season.

All eyes were then on the big game at the Marshes where Cowley Community went into their battle against Francis Luke knowing they needed the points to ensure themselves of the runners-up position. They delivered exactly what they needed, winning the game 3 – 1 as two Elias Tackie strikes and a Michael Taylor goal promoted their club into the Premier Division for next season!

DIVISION TWO

It’s congratulations to Fairlop Rovers who were confirmed as Division Two champions on Saturday as their opponents could not raise a side for the remaining fixture. A tremendous achievement for the club as they continue their rise through the divisions. Well done to Dylan and all of the Rovers players on their success!

Following that outcome, the battle was then on for the runners-up spot which saw Rainham Working Mens Club needing to secure a win against Royal Forest to take second place. And that was exactly what they managed to do as Connor Kain scored twice and Sean Tormey once to give the Workies a 3 – 2 win, confirming promotion to Division One. Well done to everyone involved!

In the battle to avoid the drop in Division Two, a key six pointer saw St Francis taking on Loughton Lions at Robert Clack, the Saints knowing they needed to secure a win to keep things in their favour. But the Lions were able to secure a valuable point for their side in a 3 – 3 draw, despite two Omar Hafid goals and a Peter Luvualu effort for Saints. Lions now need just two points to beat the drop.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 33 – Sat 16 Apr) [EAL 21-22 19.4.22]

Action Still from Woodford East 0 – 2 Sungate in EPC Final on Wed 13 April [Image by Scott W]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 16 April. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 16 April

COUNTY CUP

Wednesday night saw the much-anticipated conclusion of the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup competition where Woodford East were representing the league in the final against Sungate at Billericay Town’s New Lodge ground. Woodford had the best of the first half chances, shading the half. Sungate were much improved in the second period and took a lead with a great strike on the hour mark by George Johnson, holding onto their lead well and then netting a deserved second thanks to substitute Arif Mustapha just before the end as ‘Gate won 2-0 to lift the cup. East can hold their heads high after a wonderful run in the competition and not looking out of place in the final.

If you’ like more on this match, NonLeague writers Scott W & Pete Dudley were both in attendance, here are their reports

Scott: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/14/s21-22-match-report-woodford-east-0-2-sungate-epc-final-wed-13-apr/

Pete: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/sungate-2-woodford-east-0.html

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

There was further midweek action on Wednesday night as Lymore Gardens took on Chigwell Town in the quarter finals of the cup at Cricklefields. Lymore were in fine form and secured their place in the last four with a 4 – 0 winning performance, Richie Dorcas, Dylan Roberts and Alex Coster all getting on the score-sheet as they await the winner from the other last eight tie.

DIVISION ONE CUP

It was semi-final Saturday in the Division One Cup competition over the weekend as both games took place simultaneously, the first seeing Barkingside A looking to overcome indifferent league form in a local derby game against Wanstead. A seven goal thriller saw Ali Rajim score two and James Blewitt one for ‘Side but their efforts proved not quite enough as Wanstead responded through a Edson Lami treble & one from Segio Lourenco to win 4 – 3 and take their place in the final.

In the other semi-final, over in Dagenham, it was a battle between league champions Belfry and RCXI for the right to take on Wanstead in the final in May and this one also so a close game. But Belfry goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne were the difference in the end between the sides as the hosts won 2 – 0 to keep hopes alive of a league and cup double.

SENIOR DIVISION

A huge week in the Senior Division title race has seen DTFC put one hand on the coveted silverware after they produced a winning performance in a crucial trip to Chadwell Heath Spartans. A late, late goal was the only difference between the sides as Kazim Bishop netted that all important effort to win the game 1 – 0, moving them four points clear of the chasing pack. A win this Wednesday evening will be enough to see DT lift the crown.

The importance of that goal was emphasised even further as news came in from Noak Hill where Woodford East were in town to take on FC Petrocub, the Essex and London cup finalists meeting in a crucial league encounter. Connor Brathwaite found the back of the net for Woodford but Petrocub were in fine form ahead of their big occasion and netted twice to win the game 2 – 1, putting a huge dent in the title race.

Jolof Sports have moved up to fourth spot in the table with four games to go, leaping above Lymore Gardens following a hard fought 2 – 1 win away at Chigwell Town on Saturday afternoon. Joshua Kweifio-Okai and Papa Ndiaye both struck for Jolof with Ryan Gurry scoring the Town goal in reply as the hosts walked away with the points.

An important point was earned by Tower United in their battle to avoid the drop into the Premier Division as they took a share of the spoils in an exciting 3 – 3 draw away at Rapid Chingford over at Lakeside. Abdullah Jama scored a hat-trick in a fine performance but Sorin Tudose, Andrei Boga and Vlad Bucur goals ensured the hosts took a share of the spoils.

PREMIER DIVISION

The race for promotion into the National League System continues to hot up in the Premier Division with a key game on Saturday seeing Oakside taking on Crookz United in Collier Row. With games in hand, both sides still retain hopes of a top three finish but had to settle for a point each as the game finished in a 1 – 1 draw, keeping them fourth and fifth respectively.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, there was just the one game also as Cowley Community made the trip to east London to take on Kwanzas London Sport, the former knowing they still remain favourites for the runners-up position. But they didn’t get everything their own way and had to settle for a 1 – 1 draw with Anthony Conteh scoring for Cowley. They sit just a point outside of the promotion places with two games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

The title race is reaching a conclusion in Division Two as Fairlop Rovers moved to the cusp of silverware following a solid victory over the weekend, beating Newbury East 5 – 1 in Hainault. Sehraan Hussain struck for the visitors but Rovers scored five of their own, meaning they can win the league with a double header success next weekend. That outcome was made possible following an exhilarating game in Rainham where Redbridge Community secured a terrific three point haul with a 5 – 3 win against cup finalists, Rainham Working Mens Club. Sean Tormey scored twice and Cameron Shakes once but their efforts were not enough as Redbridge ran in five goals of their own to take the points.

There was another huge result at the bottom of the table where St Francis moved out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, picking up a fifth league win following a 3 – 0 away win at Fords against Old Esthameians. Skye Salmon, Martin Valkov and Abdullah Azizi were the Saints scorers for a vital points haul.

The division’s other game was another goal-filled encounter as Loughton Lions and Royal Forest met in Debden for a local derby game between two sides who know each other well. The sides shared six goals with the game ending in a 3 – 3 scoreline with Joe Meader netting twice for Forest & Joe Owers got the other goal. Lions moved to eleventh with four games left in their campaign while Royal Forest look comfortable in ninth.

DIVISION THREE

The huge game in Division Three saw FC Baresi Under 23s and Old Barkabbeyans Reserves battle it out for pole position in the race for the title. Old Barks started their final game with a four point advantage but an FC Baresi 6 – 4 success saw the latter put one hand on the trophy, now needing one victory from their last three games. Jay Elliott scored a hat-trick and Michael Ryder one for Old Barks with Joshua Adu (2), Maamoon Khan, Harrez Aliane, Zach Aliane and Hamza Shire all netting in reply.

Fourth placed Lymore Gardens Reserves gave themselves a great opportunity of holding on to that position come the end of the season as their second to last game of the campaign saw them secure a 4 – 1 win at Royal Forest Reserves in Hainault. Richard Grove scored for the hosts but four Garden goals courtesy of Warren Isoka, Rob Small, Tafari Miller and Raheem Sinclair were more than enough to take the points.

Together United are another side in with a shout of a top four finish this season as their penultimate league game saw them pick up all three points with an away success against Flyers Under 23s at King Georges. A 4-0 win was enough to add win number ten to their solid record this campaign and move to within two points of fourth spot.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 31 – Sat 2 Apr) [EAL 21-22 4.4.22]

Chadwell Heath Spartans about to grab another goal this weekend [Image Credit: CH Spartans/ @ABridgeTooFar16]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 2 April. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading. Image used is thanks to CH Spartans / @ABridgeTooFar16, Used with thanks.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 2 April

COUNTY CUP FINAL

The Essex Saturday Junior Trophy reached its conclusion on Friday evening at Heybridge Swifts where Cowley Community represented the league against Mid Essex side, Haver Town Reserves. Cowley started strongly but failed to convert early chances, enabling Haver to get a foothold in the game and took a solid 3 – 0 lead into the break, thanks to goals from Harry Andreetti (2) and Luke Dallison’s opener. Cowley started strongly again in the second half and cut the deficit down to just one with efforts from Wright and Taylor, leaving around twenty minutes to go. But Haver responded well to those setbacks and comfortably held on to win the game 3 – 2, despite the valiant efforts of Cowley.

DIVISION TWO CUP

The line-up for the Division Two Cup semi-finals was completed on Saturday afternoon as Emerson & Upminster Reserves took their place in the last four after winning 4 – 1 at Old Esthameians. Billy Biggs was in great form, netting a hat-trick for his side, while Tobi Onafeko also struck to put the Upminster side just ninety minutes away from a possible final. They now face Unitey in the semi-final.

DIVISION THREE CUP

There were two ties in the Division Three Cup where a shock was seen in the first round game between hosts Melbourne Sports and Buckhurst Way in Hainault. Despite an eight point gap in between the sides in the table, it was Way who progressed on to the quarter-finals, winning 6 – 1 to book a trip to Old Barkabbeyans Reserves in the last eight. There was also a big shock in the quarter-final tie completed over the weekend as sixth placed Together United were eliminated from the competition on the back of a defeat to ninth placed ASA, despite the latter being fourteen points and three places behind their opponents. A 0 – 0 draw saw the sides finish level at ninety minutes before ASA held their nerve to win the shootout 7-6.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were big wins for all of the top ranked Senior clubs ahead of a crucial run of games for all sides, Chadwell Heath Spartans remaining top of the standings by two points as they put seven goals past FC Petrocub in Chigwell. Elie Fanga scored twice coupled with further strikes from Tom Callagher, Harry Payne, Samir Aboulainaf and manager Aaron Hunwicks to complete that 7 – 0 success. DT FC sit just behind Spartans with a game in hand as they completed a solid victory of their own with a 5 – 0 home win against Chigwell Town at the Harlow Arena. Billy Jones, Cory Ugbomah, Alex Paraskeva, Izaih Antoine and Jacob Melford all found the back of the net for the hosts to ensure they remain the side with everything in their hands.

Third placed Lymore Gardens also racked up another win, making it twelve for the season with a 3 – 0 home success at the County Ground against CSM London. Dylan Roberts, Andre Rashford and Gracia Muhemba were the men to notch for Garden to keep them well in the mix at the business end of the league table. Sitting just a point further back from Garden are Woodford East who can still make a major impact on the title race with a busy April ahead and they started their month with a 5 – 0 win against Rapid Chingford at Lakeside. Two Connor Brathwaite goals plus one each from Matthew Stacey, Adam Tabbani and Jack Smith helped East to a comfortable winning scoreline with seven league games still to go.

Jolof Sports still sit fifth and made it ten league wins for the season on Saturday as they ran out 3 – 1 home winners against bottom of the table Tower United at Flanders. A goal apiece from Joshua Kweifio-Okai, Khadim Mbacke and Papa Ndiaye were enough for the hosts to take the points home with them and keep Tower trailing safety by three points. A huge game in the context of the relegation fight took place at Fairlop Oak where eleventh placed Blue Marlin were in home action against eighth placed Kit Out London knowing how vital points are for both clubs. A five goal thriller saw Kit Out edge the game 3 – 2, Lewis Jacobs scoring twice and Yasin Zougui once to all but seal their place in the top flight one again while Marlin’s place remains in the balance.

PREMIER DIVISION

Top of the table Frenford A will be celebrating as they confirmed promotion to the Senior Division on Saturday with results going their way and their own success earning a 3 – 0 home win against local rivals London Park City. Isima Iguisi scored a brace and Joel Opara netted the other to confirm their ascent to the top flight while a win in their next game will ensure they go up as champions. Oakside are now the only side that can catch the leaders mathematically and they faced a tough London Cranes side at Fairlop Oak in the sunshine on Saturday knowing they had to win to keep up the pressure. And a win was what they walked away with, defeating Cranes 1 – 0 to make it nine victories for the season, with four games left to play in their chase for promotion.

An entertaining game at Peter May rounds off the Premier Division action where Athletic Newham Under 23s were the visitors to Walthamstow to take on a promotion chasing Crookz United side, the latter knowing that victory was vital if they were to challenge for top spot. But the sides had to settle for a point apiece as the game ended in a 3 – 3 draw.

DIVISION ONE

It was a glorious afternoon for Belfry who took the Division One title in dramatic fashion on Saturday coming from 3-1 down in their first game against Newham Wanderers to win it 4 – 3 late on, sealing the title. Solomon Ogunwomoju struck twice with Lewis Warren and Kieran James scoring the others to seal the points they needed. In game two, a rather more sedate affair saw a narrow win once again as Ryan O’Connell scored the only goal of the game for Belfry to win 1 – 0.

The focus now turns to the race for promotion where Ilford Reserves saw their quest put in doubt, going down to a 2 – 1 away defeat against Something From Nothing at the Flats. The Foxes remain second with two games to go but games in hand for others may well cost them while SFN were able to move into the top half on the back of that result and others around them.RC XI have thrown themselves back into the promotion mix, moving up to third at the weekend as they defeated eighth placed Kwanzas London Sport over at Belhus Park. Tobi Alabi, Michael Temitayo and Tosin Blacky goals were enough to seal the points in a 3 – 0 win, the hosts’ eleventh success of their maiden season.

Wanstead have all but assured themselves of a top half finish in their first season as a club after they recorded a solid 2 – 0 home win in their game against Forest Green at the Flats on Saturday. Their ninth of the season while taking their points tally to thirty-one for the season. Eleventh placed Barkingside A have given themselves the best chance of avoid the drop this season as they took a vital three points against fellow relegation threatened Renegades in Wanstead. Side were 3 – 1 winners at Nutter Lane, recording win number four and moving to within six points of their opponents with five games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

It’s Fairlop Rovers who remain top of the pile in Division Two entering the penultimate month of the season and they will have been pleased with their efforts on Saturday, defeating rivals Loughton Lions in a 5 – 1 scoreline in Hainault. Sam Beaman opened the scoring, setting the platform for Harry Oliver and Logan Simmonds to both score twice in a big victory. Second placed Unitey remain the closest to Rovers but with just two games to go, following a thumping 6 – 0 away win in Hainault on Saturday, defeating FHN Athletic. Unitey goals from Matthew Surry, Nathan Lupumba, Romario Christian, Matthew Pitchford, Mohammed Abaker and Ahmed Dousa were plenty enough to earn their side the points.

An incredible game at Wanstead Flats saw St Francis and Ryan Under 23s combined for an eleven-goal thriller with attacks certainly dominating an open game. It was the visitors who ultimately prevailed in this incredible game, Ryan winning it 6 – 5 to move into the top half of the table for the first time this season, in their penultimate game of the campaign. Michael Bryan and Kemar Bello both netted twice for Ryan here, with Mekhi Charles-Armstrong & Adam Sodimu also scoring. Skye Salmon got two goals for St Francis, with their other scorers being Omar Hafid, Peter Luvualu and Theo Jacobs-Aaron.

The goals were also flying in down at Roding Valley where hosts Royal Forest were in home action against Newbury East. While not yet mathematically certain of survival, Forest have all but done enough now you feel to stave off the drop as they won the game 4 – 0 to record win number eight for the season.

DIVISION FOUR

The penultimate game of the Division Four season took place over the weekend where Avondale Rangers were the hosts to a Dagenham United Reserves side in Loughton with Rangers holding a vital say in the title race. Chris Harper scored for Rangers with Josh Michaels netting for Dagenham in a 1 – 1 draw, with next week’s fixture between Rangers and Sporting Pillars deciding the destination of the league title.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 30 – Sat 26 Mar) [EAL 21-22 28.3.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 26 March. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 26 March

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

The last weekend of GMT brought the first of the Premier Division Cup semi-finals as an east London derby saw Wapping taking on Crookz United at Victoria Park. Jordon Mills-Smith netted off the bench for Wapping but his efforts were not quite enough as Crookz scored three of their own in the game and record a 3 – 1 triumph to see them book their maiden cup final with the league.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the day’s only other cup tie, in the Division Three Cup competition, hosts FC Baresi Under 23s were in action with a first round tie against Terin at the Britannia. The hosts continued their excellent form to book a last eight tie with a thumping 5 – 0 win as Joshua Adu and Maamoon Khan both scored twice, along with a Marco Perkola effort.

SENIOR DIVISION

Chadwell Heath Spartans have moved two points clear at the top of the Senior Division with four games to go as they came away with all three points from their trip to Hainault defeating Blue Marlin 4 – 0. Harry Payne was the difference between the sides, netting a hat-trick, along with an Elie Fanga goal which saw their side move top on the back of other results around them. That switch at the top came on the back of a draw between the sides placed second and third now as Lymore Gardens took a point as they drew 1 – 1 against DT FC at the County Ground. Tyrique Peters struck for Gardens with their goal but DTFC ensured they took a point which, with their game in hand still, retains their position as the favourites.

Woodford East are continuing to lurk in the background and with games in hand, could still present a huge threat for the silverware, aided by a terrific 5 – 2 victory at the Marshes against Tower United in the Hackney derby. Connor Brathwaite bagged a hat-trick for his side with Callum Maltese and Billy Barr also on the scoresheet with another crucial three point haul. Abdi Jama and Ousman Bangura replied for Tower in that game. At the other end of the table, what a fortnight it’s been for Chigwell Town who put in a huge performance at home to FC Baresi on Saturday to put the quest for safety in their own hands, moving level with eleventh placed Blue Marlin with a 2 – 1 victory. John Lye and Ellis Morgan both got on the score-sheet to keep their hopes of survival well and truly alive.

Over at Noak Hill, Rapid Chingford’s own quest for survival was all but assured at the weekend as they moved up to eighth, eight points clear of the drop zone with plenty still to play after they defeated London Cup finalists, FC Petrocub, in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Andrei Boga and Darwin Romero both scored for Rapid as they returned home with the points. The division’s remaining game was an East Ham derby fixture as Jolof Sports saw the visit of CSM London to their old stomping round of Flanders Playing Fields. A close game was settled by just the single goal and it was Jolof who took the accolades following the reappointment of Danny Brissett in the hot seat, Jolof winning 1 – 0 to maintain their hold of fifth spot.

PREMIER DIVISION

There was an exhilarating game between two of the promotion contenders in the Premier Division where Oakside hosted leaders, Frenford A, over at Fairlop Oak with ‘Side knowing the importance of getting something from the game. The match ended in a six-goal thriller, 3 – 3, with Joel Opara netting two and Isima Iguisi once for Frenford as the teams settled for a point each. In the other game, London Cranes have moved up a place to seventh in the standings after they came away 1 – 0 victors in their home clash against London Park City. Moses Kazibwe was the man to score with that only goal of the game, netting to give his Cranes side their seventh league success of the campaign.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry made sure of at least a promotion place on Saturday with a double header success against Barkingside A over in Dagenham. A 4 – 0 victory in game one saw Kieron James net twice along with efforts from Gabriel and Solomon Ogunwomoju to net their first points. They then followed that up with a narrow 1 – 0 success in the second fixture with Gabriel Ogunwomoju once again on target with the only goal of that game. Success next weekend will see the title heading to Belfry. The goals were flying in over Newbury Park where Cowley Community’s last game before their huge county final saw them take part in a ten-goal thriller against Wanstead. An entertaining game saw Cowley goals from James Allen, George Anthony, Joel McEwan, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright account for their goals but the visitors were on form themselves with five goals to see this finish 5 – 5.

That results enabled Ilford Reserves to take their place in the top two as they came through a close game against fellow promotion hopefuls, RCXI, in their game in Hainault. Joseph Sulola scored twice for the Foxes with RCXI only able to respond with one goal of their own, going down 2 – 1 as Ilford racked up win number twelve. Forest Green have given themselves the best chance of avoiding the drop as they confirmed an important victory against bottom of the table Francis Luke. Green were 6 – 4 winners to move ninth, despite a Jahvarn Steward hat-trick and a Kennerly Cassius effort for the hosts for whom time is running out to beat the drop. The afternoon’s mid-table battle saw Kwanzas London Sport go into their game against Something From Nothing, two points behind their opponents in the race to finish in the top half. But by full-time they had leapt above SFN as they won 4 – 2 to pick up win number seven, moving to twenty-four points, a point clear of their rivals.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Fairlop Rovers have returned to the top of the standings after a few weeks away as they made it a six point Saturday with a double header success against FHN Athletic in the Hainault Derby, They were 2 – 1 winners in game one with Jack Kibblewhite and Logan Simmonds scoring, cancelling out an Aldo Vani strike for the visitors. In game two, another close game was edged by the odd goal with Rovers winning 3 – 2, Kibblewhite scoring twice this time and Sam Beaman once. Terron Fordjoe and Kieran McKoy grabbed the FHN goals in consolation.

Emerson & Upminster Reserves stay in the promotion hunt, sitting second, after they took home three points on Saturday with a 4 – 2 win at Hall Lane against Loughton Lions. Owen McKelvey and Will Osmond both scored for Lions but two Billy Biggs efforts plus goals from Tobi Onafeko and Reece Martin ensured it was their Emerson side taking the spoils. Owen McKelvey and William Osmond got the goals in reply for Loughton in that one. Fifth placed Old Esthameians lost ground on the promotion chase a little as they were held to a 3 – 3 away draw against Newbury East as the two Newbury Park based sides met at Oaks Park High School. Habeeb Gayle scored a hat-trick for an improving East side who took their points tally to five as they will seek further improvement next season. Neil Robinson got two goals in reply for Old E’s plus Nelson Goncalves also netted.

It was a good afternoon for Redbridge Community who took their place in the top half of the table with a double header success in both fixtures against St Francis on Saturday. Redbridge were 3 – 1 winners in the first fixture before following that up with a 5 – 2 success in game two to take their wins tally to eight for the campaign.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves took their place once again at the top of the Division Three standings after an empathetic winning performance at home against ASA, winning 11 – 2. Jay Elliott scored four, Michael Ryder three and one each from Alex Donkor Junior, Josh Robinson, Jerome Morris and Simeon Peter completed a profitable day for them. It was also a good day for Lymore Gardens Reserves who moved up into fourth place in the table as they overtook opponents Melbourne Sports with a 3 – 1 win at Fairlop Oak. Kevin Monteiro, Warren Isoka and Omani Green were the men who found the back of the net with their efforts seeing Lymore record win number ten this season.

Tenth placed Flyers Under 23s made it three wins for the season in their penultimate game as they came from behind to take home the points with a terrific second half performance against Glendale. Josh Adeojo’s solo effort had given the Dales a 1-0 half time lead but capitulation in the second half, coupled with a vastly improved Flyers performance saw the visitors win the game 4 – 2, despite Attila Szabo also netting for the hosts.

On an adjacent pitch, promotion chasing Royal Forest Reserves saw their title hopes all but extinguished as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw against Together United. Together led through Fifi Banin’s strike but a Josh Trainor leveller in stoppage time rescued a point that, mathematically, does keep them in the race but now out of their hands.

DIVISION FOUR

Both of the leading sides in Division Four were in action over the weekend with Sporting Pillars travelling to Romford to face a Flyers Under 21s side who had ended their cup hopes earlier in the month. It was a league clash this time but, once again, there will be disappointment in the visitors camp as Max Wellard’s goal for Flyers meant they took a point, Rayan Allam striking the Sporting goal in a 1 – 1 draw. That result could have been terminal for their league hopes but Chingford Harriers, presently sitting top, had a battle of their own at Peter May with Emerson & Upminster A the visitors ahead of their own cup tie. Neither side was able to find the back of the net as a 0 – 0 draw was recorded at full-time, Harriers therefore maintaining a one point lead with one game to go for both of the top two sides.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 28 – Sat 12 Mar) [EAL 21-22 15.3.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 12 March. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 12 March

FENTON CUP

The penultimate semi final place was up for grabs on Saturday as Division One’s RCXI made a tough looking trip to top flight Jolof Sports, the holders of the trophy. A seven-goal thriller was produced by the two sides with Jolof made to go all the way before coming out 4 – 3 victors as Abib Diop, Serigne Samb, Papa Ndiaye and Bogdan Ursica all netted to book a home semi final versus DTFC. Oluwaseun Koya scored all three RC XI goals in reply.

FENTON TROPHY

It was semi-finals day in the Fenton Trophy competition as the first ever finalists were confirmed following two tight games. Over in Hainault, Fairlop Rovers entertained Rainham Working Mens Club as the two sides battled to a 1 – 1 draw at full-time, Nick Tormey the Workies goalscorer. But it was Rovers who held their nerve in the shootout, winning 4 – 3 on spot-kicks to confirm their first final!

A couple of miles away in Newbury Park, there was another all-Division Two battle as Old Esthameians hosted Unitey in their own semi-final as both sides took their part in a five-goal thriller. Devontae Young and Ahmed Dousa scored for Unitey but two Neil Robinson strikes and a Nelson Goncalves goal were enough to secure a 3 – 2 win for Old E’s and through to their second cup final with the league.

DIVISION TWO CUP

In the Division Two Cup, it was quarter finals day for two clubs as an improving Loughton Lions side took to the field to face FHN Athletic. And despite Lions having an eleven league point deficit, they were comfortable winners in this tie, winning it 5 – 2 to book a home semi-final against either Redbridge Community or Rainham Working Mens Club.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

Another semi-final was completed in the Division Four Cup which saw Flyers Under 21s make the long trip to east London to take on title favourites Sporting Pillars at Ive Farm. An expectedly tight game was produced but it was fourth placed Flyers who took the accolades, with goals from Bradley Maycock and Alex Grant overcoming a goal from the experienced Chris Rowlatt to win 2 – 1.

SENIOR DIVISION

In the Senior Division, it remains tight at the top with just a three-point gap between the leaders as DT FC ensured they remained top with another high scoring victory on Saturday against Tower United. Alex Paraskeva bagged himself a hat-trick with Robbie Farrell and Harry Watkins goals giving the hosts a 5 – 1 win. Michael Brown was the Tower scorer for their consolation effort. Second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans maintained the pressure on the leaders with a victory of their own, taking home all three points from their trip to Chigwell Town in a 2-0 scoreline. Elie Fanga and Harry Payne both got on the scoresheet to keep Spartans within three points reach and with that all important battle between the top two to come.

Woodford East are still well within reach themselves but will need to convert games in hand to victories as they continue their quest on multiple fronts. They were able to pick up another three points with a tight 2 – 1 win against Blue Marlin as Frank Glock and Billy Barr both netted to secure a tenth league win of the season. Ronaldo Lleshi got the goal for Marlin. In the big Noak Hill derby, Kit Out London were in action as the hosts, taking on their co-tenants London Cup semi-finalists FC Petrocub. Ahead of that big match next weekend, it was FC Petrocub who walked away with the points on Saturday, winning the game 3 – 1 to earn an eighth league win and keeping them comfortably placed in sixth.

At the other end of the table, a crucial battle between two sides eager to stay in the division saw Rapid Chingford in town to take on CSM London, both needing the points. An entertaining game finished 3 – 2 to Rapid as Andrei Boga’s brace and a Vlad Bucur goal were enough to overcome CSM goals from Plamedi Kinkela and Abdi Karim.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A have moved a step closer to confirming their place in the Senior Division following a solid 3 – 0 win at the weekend against fellow promotion contenders Crookz United at The Drive. Daniel Francis, Damilola Olaiya and Joel Opara all netted in a win means they are now one victory away from completing at least a top three finish and three further victories will be enough for the title outright. The closer contenders for the title appear to be Oakside presently who are catching up on games and moved to within twelve points of the top of the table with three games in hand after they picked up a terrific home win, beating Dagenham United 5 – 1 in Hainault. Charlie Fiander got on the Dagenham scoresheet but his efforts proved in vain.

Wapping remain just two points off the lead but from two games more than their rivals, having picked up their tenth league win of the season on Saturday, beating London Cranes 3 – 1 in East Ham. Muhammad Mikaeel, Jordon Mills-Smith and Shamsun Noor were the Wapping scorers as they kept their hopes alive. In the bottom half, London Park City kept their slim hopes alive of remaining in the second tier as they picked up a valuable point against North East Lions in a 1 – 1 draw. Nester Boansi struck the Lions goal but City also struck to ensure they shared the points. City will know that other results will have to go their way to avoid the drop this season.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry are now just a couple of wins away from confirming at least promotion after they racked up win number fourteen with a big 7 – 1 home victory against Something From Nothing at May & Bakers. Kieran James’ fine form continued with a hat-trick for his side with Ryan O’Connell netting two, the scoresheet completed by goals from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne. Khai Bailey struck the SFN consolation goal in reply.

The two are set to meet next weekend with Cowley Community warming up for that clash with a strong performance of their own on Saturday, defeating Renegade 3 – 0 at Hackney Marshes. Elias Tackie, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright all found the back of the net for the county cup finalists to ensure they remain in touch with their rivals at the top. Ilford Reserves have been in a good vain of form in recent weeks and are now up to third in the standings after they defeated Forest Green 4 – 0 in their home clash on Saturday. A pair of braces from Rhys Clements and Serghei Scupoi were the difference between the sides as the Foxes maintained their outside hopes of promotion with five games to go.

Fifth placed Wanstead will still have a say in that battle after they returned to winning ways over the weekend with a 5 – 3 home win against Francis Luke at the Flats. Jahvarn Steward scored twice and Kennerly Cassius once for Luke but two Edson Lami goals and efforts from Jake Nicolas, Mohamed Solaimani and Zoltan Balogh proved enough to earn their team some valuable points.

Also at the Flats, a local derby game saw Barkingside A making the short trip to face Newham Wanderers with the teams starting the game ten points apart. That was extended to thirteen as Wanderers won 4 – 0 though two goals from Mahein Zaman and singles from Robertson Morais and Michael Sarpong, leaving ‘Side still in danger of relegation.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Redbridge Community put a serious dent in Emerson & Upminster Reserves’ promotion push as the eighth placed side defeated their visitors in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Reece Stringer got himself on the Emerson scoresheet but his effort wasn’t enough as the hosts completed their sixth league win of the season.

It was the battle of the bottom two in the division’s other contest and what a game it was as St Francis and Newbury East both led at various stages of their game at the Flats. Eventually, the two had to settle on a point apiece in a 4 – 4 draw. Francesco Di Giovanni scored twice while Aenayat Nesari and Lewis Goulbourne scored the others to give Saints a point.

DIVISION THREE

The big game of the day in Division Three came from Hainault where it was first versus second as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves strived to hold onto top spot in their game against Royal Forest Reserves. And it was the league leaders who walked away the happier of the sides as goals from Daniel Margiotta, Mitchell Day and Mehdi Ahorbi were enough to take a 3 – 0 win home with them. That result enabled FC Baresi Under 23s to move into second spot as they made the trip to Hackney to face ASA at the Marshes. A close game saw the promotion favourites secure a 2 – 1 victory, a goal apiece from Daniel Adutwum and Harrez Aliane the difference between the sides to confirm a vital three points in their quest for the title. Atif Haider got the solitary reply for ASA.

Two of the sides in mid-table, Together United and Lymore Gardens Reserves, met in Leyton with the sides starting the game level on points. And that was exactly the way it ended with the sides finishing level at 2 – 2 to share the spoils. Richie Dorcas and Warren Isoka were the scorers for the hosts while Together remain one position higher on goal difference. Buckhurst Way have moved to within four points of that mid-table cluster of clubs, albeit from two games more, after they earned win number seven on Saturday with a 3 – 1 away victory at Glendale over in Hainault. They led 1-0 at the break and extended that to three early in the second half before Matt King’s first goal for Glendale made it interesting but Way held firm to take home the points.

The game between bottom of the table Terin and Flyers Under 23s saw the latter go into the game knowing they had to secure at least a point to remain, mathematically, in the race to avoid the drop. Neither side were able to make a breakthrough in ninety minutes as the game ended in a goalless draw. Flyers must now win all of their remaining games and hope for a sizeable goal difference swing.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four came from Rainham where Newham & Havering Borough were in action with a home game against West Essex Under 23s, the latter’s final game of their debut campaign. West ended the season in fine style, winning the game 5 – 1 to record a fifth league win. George Sadler-Stephens scored twice while Aytan Cohen, Javen Cole and Joel Hart all netted too.