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

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

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

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

EOFL Premier Division 

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

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

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

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

Here’s the updated Premier Division table…

EOFL Division One 

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

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

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

Here’s the updated Division One table…

EOFL Division Two

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

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

Here’s the updated Division Two table…

EOFL Division Three

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

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

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

Here’s the updated Division Three table…

EOFL Division Four    

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

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

Other Result:

Sungate Res   H – W  Old Chelmsfordians Res  | Home Walkover

Here’s the updated Division Four table…

EOFL Division Five  

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

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

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

Other Results:

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

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

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

Here’s the Division Five standings…

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

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S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 17 April) [EOFL 20/21 18.4.21]

Image from Cor 3 – 3 OS Res (EOFL D2 18.4.21)

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

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking at the action in third week of the ‘mini-season’ in the  Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 17th April. As ever, our focus here is on the top four divisions but myself and fellow writers were out watching Olympian League matches this week. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Premier Division 

As ever we start in the Premier Division and in a crucial match between the top two, Buckhurst Hill emerged with a 3 – 0 win at Basildon Town. Talisman Suleyman Zuhdu notched another two goals to make it to 19 goals already this term. Recent recruit Callum Ibe had earlier put Mark Williams’ side ahead with a good piece of opportunism. Hill have now won all six of their home matches and extend their lead at the summit to five points. Catholic Utd could yet challenge the leaders as well after they emerged from a bruising encounter with a 5 – 3 win over Sungate at the Len Forge Centre. Rhys Fatt notched a brace here for Stuart Marshall’s side, with Michael Sammut, Aaron Baldwin & Brad Rowland also netted to overpower goals for the visitors from Petrit Elbi, Jamie Doyle and George Johnson. Utd remain third, seven points away from Buckhurst, while Sungate remain in 8th and even with matches in hand on the sides above them, it’ll take quite a run to break into the top three I feel.

Meanwhile, Rayleigh Town picked up an important 2 – 0 win over Canning Town at London Road which pushes them up to 9th spot and drops their opponents to the foot of the table. Old Southendian rose off the bottom despite being held 1 – 1 by Kelvedon Hatch at Garon Park. Ryan Scott netted for the visitors who drop to eleventh place. That was because Shenfield AFC grabbed only their second away win this term, defeating Harold Wood Athletic  2 – 1 at Harold Wood Park. Josh Steel netted again for the home side, but strikes by Ben Absolon and Joe Heath ensured the victory which sees them rise to tenth. It’s also worth noting that the bottom six are separated by just three points.

Springfield fell to third bottom after sharing a 2 – 2 draw with Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. The hosts were two goals to the good at half-time but late goals from Kurt Smith and Chris Gibbs meant it was Billy Cove’s side who left the happier of the two sides.  

Finally, in the lunchtime kick-off, Leigh Ramblers had a fight hard for a 4 – 3 victory over fellow top five side Hutton at Belfairs Park. Justin Hazell nabbed a brilliant treble, which was added to goal-scoring centre-back Harry Haysom. Matt Singh’s side fought back through a double from Will Marlowe and Mason Hall from the penalty spot. Ramblers replace Hutton in fourth spot but both sides will be looking to surprise the top three in the remaining weeks of the campaign.

EOFL Division One

There were mixed fortunes for the top four in Division One this weekend. Leaders Ongar Town retained their unbeaten record with a 3 – 0 win at second-placed Runwell Sports with Frankie Goodall, Harry Rawlins and Aaron Blair all on target for Richard Ponsford’s side. Ongar extend the lead at the summit to six points now. Manford Way also picked up a great 2 – 0 win at rivals Old Chelmsfordians, with Connor Hammond netting both goals there for Trevor Grace’s side. Manford rise to fourth in the standings while the OC’s first loss in six matches sees them lose ground on leaders Ongar.

Elsewhere, Chingford Athletic continued their rise in the form book with an emphatic 11 – 0 win over struggling Shoebury Town at Town Mead. Michael Mignot again showed the art of finishing by notching five times here, with Sam Coe netting three times also, plus substitute Lee Lashley struck twice and George Miller added the other goal.  Chingford remain ninth but are only six points away from the top four now. Shoebury remain bottom after another hard loss for them this weekend.

In the other action this weekend, in the lunchtime kick-off, Ramsden Scotia nabbed a narrow 1 – 0 win over Galleywood in the match reversed to Clarkes Field. The win keeps Ramsden in eighth while ‘Wood drop to fifth. Rayleigh Town Res got their third win of the season and go up to ninth spot after a 2 – 1 success at Snaresbrook. And Toby had a Rhys Willson goal to thank for a 1 – 0 triumph over second-bottom Herongate Athletic at Ford’s Sports Club in Newbury Park, which takes them up to sixth spot. Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore was watching and his report is available here: https://footballreview.net/match-report-toby-1-0-herongate-athletic/

EOFL Division Two

Moving into Division Two now and Laindon Orient arguably got the result of the weekend with a 5 – 0 victory over Rochford Town at Markhams Chase. Ashley Blackburn led the way with a brace to take his tally to nine goals so far this term. The other scorers were Anthony Hill, Jason Purewal and a well-known name in Non-League circles in Shomari Barnwell. Neil Blackburn’s side go up to second, level on points with leaders Leigh Town. Rochford dop to ninth spot.

The other contender for result of the week was Epping Town’s 2 – 1 win over Leigh Town which ended Town’s hugely impressive 30+ match undefeated streak. Callum Turner got both goals for Stuart Hoskins’ side while Kieran Craine netted for Jack Pearman’s side. Epping go up to fourth in the standings and cannot be discounted in the race for promotion.

Another side who may have a say in the promotion race are fifth-placed Corinthians who were held to a 3 – 3 draw by Old Southendian Reserves at Stambridge Memorial Ground, which I was fortunate to watch first-hand. This was a brilliant, see-saw, end-to-end dramatic encounter filled with attacking football. Jordan Stoneham, Leo Clarke & Damian Siemienczuk all scored for Chris Stoneham’s side. Nico Dubouchet’s brace and a tap-in from Thomas Margerison made sure Josh Bambury’s side left with a deserved point. My in-depth report on this pulsating match is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/04/17/s-20-21-match-report-corinthians-3-3-old-southendian-res-sat-17-april/

Meanwhile, Beacon Hill Rovers are yet to win since the season restarted after they were held 1 – 1 by Harold Wood Athletic Res. Adam Farley got the goal for the Athletic second-side as they fortified ninth spot. Rovers drop to third and are vulnerable to being caught by Epping & Corinthians as the latter two sides have games in hand on Stephen Bennett’s side. Also in this division, Ryan emerged with a 3 – 2 win at home to AS Rawreth which sent Declan Murphy’s side up to eighth place in the table.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, Manford Way Res remain in second place after a comprehensive 5 – 0 win at Buckhurst Hill Res at Roding Lane. Jack Barraclough’s superb hat-trick led the way though David Hornsby stuck for the third successive match to add further gloss to the score-line. The East London side are three points clear of Wakebury in third who clinched a 4 – 1 win away at Leigh Town Reserves. Daniel Buglione scored another double here for Matt Cardy’s side to take his tally to seven goals in the last three matches alone. Harry Kateley and Charlie Little also chipped in to give the Berries a three-point cushion over nearest rivals Collier Row. Row lost 1 – 0 at Basildon Town Res with Nathan Fisher getting the decisive goal for Richard Bennett’s side there for their third win in their last five games and they remain seventh.

ACD Utd were not in action as they got the points, courtesy of home walkover in their match with Corinthians Res, who were unable to field a side. Elsewhere, Lakeside Utd got their first win since the restart with a 3 – 1 home triumph over Hullbridge Sports ‘A’. David Alele notched twice here with Mohamed Bouzeryouh grabbing the other goal to keep them comfortably in eighth spot.

Finally in this division, Hutton Res made it two wins in four days, firstly with a midweek 1 – 0 win over Basildon Town Res at Polo Fields with Keelan O’Donovan getting the goal of that game, watched by myself and Non-League colleague Pete Dudley – his report on that game is here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2021/04/hutton-reserves-1-basildon-town.html

The Hutton second-side followed that up on Saturday with a 2 – 0 win against Toby Res, also at Polo Fields. Conor O’Regan got both goals in that match, which sees them remain in sixth place but are only six points adrift of the top three.   

Finally for this division, some news this week. Leigh Town Reserves boss Robert Hutchings-Spiller has elected to step down at the end of the season, after four years in charge. I’d like to wish ‘Hutch’ well in his future in the game.

EOFL Division Four Results  

Canning Town Res  2 – 5  Old Chelmsfordians Res  | Jo Richardson Sch 

Catholic Utd Res H – W Laindon Orient Res  | Home Walkover

Galleywood Res  2 – 2  Hashtag Utd Dev   | Clarkes Field

Leytonstone Utd 1 – 9  Chingford Athletic Res | Forest Row Centre 

Shenfield AFC Res  1 – 3  Ongar Town Res   | The Drive, Warley

Sungate Res A – W  Wakering Sports Res   | Away Walkover

EOFL Senior Five Results  

AS Rawreth Res A – W  Newbury Forest Res  | Away Walkover

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 4 – 2 Old Barkabbeyans  | Silver Leys |

Roydon  3 – 0 Springfield Res  | Roydon Playing Fields   |

Shoebury Town Res  4 – 0  Runwell Sports Res | Cupid’s CC (pitch 4) |

Wakering Sports ‘A’ 5 – 0 Leigh Ramblers Res  | Cupid’s CC (pitch 2)  |

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

EOFL Logo

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

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

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

EOFL Premier Division                    

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

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


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

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

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

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

EOFL Premier Division table (April 4th 2021)

EOFL Division One

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

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

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

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

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

EOFL Division Two

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

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

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

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

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

EOFL Division Three

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

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

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

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

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

EOFL Division Four Results  

Canning Town Res  2 – 2  Shenfield AFC Res

Catholic Utd Res  2 – 3  Hashtag Utd Development

Leytonstone Utd  5 – 1  Laindon Orient Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res   0 – 2  Chingford Athletic Res

Ongar Town Res  2 – 6  Sungate Res

Wakering Sports Res  A – A  Galleywood Res

EOFL Senior Five Results  

AS Rawreth Res  1 – 3  Epping Town Res

Herongate Athletic Res  1 – 3  Springfield Res

Newbury Forest Res  10 – 2  Collier Row Res

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

Roydon  1 – 0  Runwell Sports Res

Wakering Sports ‘A’ 3 – 1  Shoebury Town Res

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

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

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

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

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

EOFL Premier Division

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

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

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

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

EOFL Division One

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

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

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

EOFL Division Two

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

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

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

May & Baker ‘A’   P – P  AS Rawreth

EOFL Division Three

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

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

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

Hutton Res  P –  P  Basildon Town Res

Leigh Town Res  P – P  Toby Res

EOFL Division Four Results 

Catholic Utd Res  4 – 2 Shenfield AFC Res 

Laindon Orient Res  3 – 3  Wakering Sports Res 

Leytonstone Utd  1 – 0  Canning Town Res 

Ongar Town Res  1 – 2  Old Chelmsfordians Res  

Sungate Res 3 – 4   Chingford Athletic Res    

EOFL Division Five  Results  

AS Rawreth Res 4 – 3 Collier Row Res 

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

Leigh Ramblers Res  1 – 2  Roydon 

Runwell Sports Res  3 – 0  Epping Town Res 

Shoebury Town Res  4 – 1 Wakering Sports ‘A’ 

Springfield Res 1 – 0  Newbury Forest Res  

End 

S2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Wk 9 – Sat 31 Oct) [EOFL 20-21 1.11.20]

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

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up, here on my blog, looking at the action from Saturday 31st October from the Premier Division all the way to Division Three this week, also including results from Senior Four & Five. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Crest

EOFL Premier Division

Despite the awful weather this week, most of the Olympian League programme went ahead. In the top-tier, Buckhurst Hill temporarily went back to the top of the standings after edging a titanic tussle to win 5 – 4 at Harold Wood Athletic. Harold Wood started the better of the sides with Tom Ward and Connor Hartwell goals giving them a 2 – 1 lead, with Alfie Harris initially responding for Hill. Louis Wynter levelled things up for Mark Williams’ side who then found another gear with Suleyman Zuhdu’s 14th league goal of the season and a brace from Reece Tranter putting the high-flyers 5 – 2 up. But any notion that they would canter to victory soon dissolved as Wynter was dismissed for a strong tackle and in the latter stages, Athletic ensured a nervy ending for the visitors through strikes from substitute Jack Sykes and Robert Whitnell. Hill did hold on for an important win which takes them back top on goals scored. Harold Wood fall to tenth spot.

Elsewhere, Catholic Utd are up to third spot after a hard-fought 3 – 1 win over Rayleigh Town in the match I attended this weekend. An early header from Michael Sammut and a brace from livewire Brad Rowland ensured the ‘Super Hoops’ first home win of the season. Bailey Moss got one back for Rayleigh but they drop to 11th spot. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/11/01/s20-21-match-report-catholic-utd-3-1-rayleigh-town-saturday-31st-oct-eofl/

Kelvedon Hatch finally got their first league win this term as they narrow defeated Canning Town 1 – 0 at New Hall. Lewis Young got the crucial goal to ensure his side leaps off the bottom of the table. Canning drop to eighth spot. Leigh Ramblers also got a narrow win, 1 – 0 over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at Belfairs Park, Matt Brinklow with the crucial goal in that contest to see Ronnie Bridges’ side up to fifth. Swifts’ sixth loss this season means they drop to third-bottom. Finally in this division, Springfield got only their second win this campaign, as they defeated Shenfield AFC 2 – 1 at Arun Close. Andy Elgar and Charlie Nicholls got the strikes for Dan Williams’ side as they rise to seventh spot in a congested bottom half of the table. 

EOFL Division One

In Division One, Ongar Town are five points clear at the summit after a fine 4 – 1 win at rivals Galleywood. Frank Goodall’s hat-trick and one for Aaron Blair secured Town’s third consecutive win and reached thirty goals scored already this term. Harry Bond netted Wood’s reply but they dropped to fourth place. Runwell Sports had a Daniel Okah goal to thank for a 1 – 0 win over Shoebury Town as they went second. Shoebury drop to the bottom of the table as Rayleigh Town Res got a 2 – 2 draw at Herongate Athletic with Pat Mills and Robbie Allen goals helped Dave Gip’ side claim a point at St Clere’s. Herongate drop to ninth place.

Elsewhere, Ramsden Scotia held Chingford Athletic to a 1 – 1 draw at Town Mead, with Jamie Auvache netting for Scotia in this one. Chingford’s tricky start continues as they remain tenth, seven points adrift of the top five. Also, Old Chelmsfordians powered to a 7 – 2 win over Toby at Lawford Lane to go up to third spot, ahead of Galleywood and Snaresbrook on goal difference.

EOFL Division Two

Things are getting tight at the summit in Division Two. Beacon Hill Rovers remain top after a 3 – 2 win over Epping Town. Callum Turner and another goal-scoring cameo from substitute Dave Limber accounted for the Epping goals but Rovers scored three of their own to go two points clear at the summit. With Leigh Town’s match at Ryan postponed, Corinthians had a chance to go into a second spot, which they did after a tough 3 – 1 win at home to May & Baker ‘A’ at Stambridge Memorial Ground. Strikes by John Bolton-Smith, Ollie Brickwood and Sammy Ayres were enough to give Chris Stoneham’s side their fifth win this term.

Also, Laindon Orient are up to fourth spot after a hard-fought 1 – 0 win at Rochford Town. Ashley Blackburn got his sixth league goal this term to help his side to the win which keeps Rochford in 8th spot. Orient went above Wakering Sports as the Shoebury-based side lost 2 – 1 at home to Harold Wood Athletic Res. Del Hawtin and Tommy Harber goals sealed their first win of the league campaign and go level on points with May & Baker ‘A’ and Ryan above them. Ben Rowe netted for Sports in this one. Old Southendian Res also got a big 5 – 1 win over struggling AS Rawreth at Garon Park, which keeps them seventh, five points away from the top four.

EOFL Division Three

Finally this week in the round-up section, in Division Three this weekend the top three sides all won. The leaders are still ACD Utd after their hard-fought 4 – 3 win at Manford Way Res. David Hornsby netted another double to reach ten league goals this term for Manford’s second-side who drop to fifth, who also had an OG to thank for their other goal. But, ACD are known for scoring bundles and they made it 27 goals in just five league games thanks to Michael Wade’s double (he is now on 13 league goals this term) and strikes by Billy Wren and Paul Mangan. Wakebury remain the nearest challengers, two points adrift in second after they won 3 – 1 at Hutton Res. The cast of William Wheeler, Charlie Little and replacement Harry Kateley did the job for Matt Cardy’s side. Hutton’s Reserve side remain third-bottom.

The turnaround at Hullbridge ‘A’ this term continued as they won 3 – 2 at bottom side Leigh Town Res Joe Ives got a brace to make it three matches in a row he’s netted in, with Harry Boswell also scoring to put the Lower Road development side in third and are one of only two sides that are unbeaten in this division, alongside ACD Utd. Collier Row went up to fourth after a hard-fought 2 – 1 win at Toby Res, who remain second from bottom. Lastly, Basildon Town Res got a fine 4 – 2 win at Lakeside Utd to go up to sixth with Michael Clark getting another double here to reach five league goals this term, with Sam Marsh also notching twice here. David Alele and Harry Davison’s 5th league goal this season accounted for Lakeside’s goals, but they slide down to 8th spot.

EOFL Reserve League Cup Result

Ongar Town Res  2 – 3  Wakering Sports Res

EOFL Division Four Results

Catholic Utd Res  5 – 1  Chingford Athletic Res

Leytonstone Utd 0 – 6  Galleywood Res

Shenfield AFC Res  3 – 1  Canning Town Res

EOFL Division Five  Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  6 – 4  Herongate Athletic Res

Old Barkabbeyans 0 – 0  Runwell Sports Res

S2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Wk 8 – Sat 24 Oct) [EOFL 20-21 25.10.20]

Image from Hutton 4 – 0 Bishop’s S Swifts [Credit: @fitinaflash]

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

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up, here on my blog, looking at the action from Saturday 24th October from the Premier Division all the way to Division Three this week, also including results from Senior Four & Five. My thanks to @fitinaflash and Pete Dudley (@ped1980) for the photos. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

As ever, we begin in the Premier Division and we have new leaders. Basildon Town kept up their perfect record this term with a narrow 1 – 0 win over highly-rated Leigh Ramblers at Basildon Sports Club. Keith King got the only goal to give player-boss Marcus Bowers’ side a three-point lead at the summit. Buckhurst Hill are in second after a rare loss, 2 – 1 at Canning Town, with strikes by Jack Williamson and Harry Rixon meaning the latter side moving up to seventh after this fine result. Even another goal from Suleyman Zuhdu wasn’t enough for Hill to avoid defeat. Also, in-form Hutton got another win, defeating Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 4 – 0 at Polo Fields, A brace for Stephen Judge plus goals for Will Marlowe and Tony Shaw saw Matt Singh’s side up to fourth, with Swifts down to eleventh.

Elsewhere, Catholic Utd are up to fifth spot following a comfortable 3 – 0 triumph over bottom side Kelvedon Hatch at New Hall. Goals from Brad Rowland, Aaron Baldwin and Harley Kee were enough to see Stuart Marshall’s side to a decent win. Rayleigh Town also got a ‘W’ this week as they narrowly beat Sungate 1 – 0 at London Road, with Dan Regan’s early goal enough for the win for Paul Higgins’ side. The ‘Gate remain third but are still five points adrift of Hill in second. Also among the winners this week were Shenfield AFC who got a very respectable 3 – 0 win over Old Southendian at St Martins Sch [3G]. Perry Robinson, Sam Lock and Liam Snellin were the goal-scorers here at AFC went up to eighth whole OS drop to second-bottom. Finally for the top-tier, Springfield were held 2 – 2 by improving Harold Wood Athletic at Arun Close. George Rose and Jack Browne-Sykes netted for Alex Goldstone’s side who inch up to ninth spot with goals from Jake Clarke and Denzel Adebiyi giving Dan Williams’ side a point – they are in 12th spot.

EOFL Senior League Cup Result

May & Baker ‘A’  6 – 1  Newbury Forest Res

EOFL Division One

In Division One, the leaders are still unbeaten Ongar Town after they negotiated a tough test by winning 3 – 1 at Chingford Athletic. Joe Lilly, Aaron Blair and a cracker from Eamon Payne secured the win for Richard Ponsford’s side, who are now four points clear at the summit. Their nearest challengers are now Galleywood after they edged to a hard-fought 3 – 2 win over Rayleigh Town Res at Clarkes Field. Harry Bond and Lewis Rose were among the scorers for the hosts, with Harry Barham and Kalvin Armstrong responding for Dave Gipp’s side who drop to the foot of the table. That was because Shoebury Town got their first win this term with a 2 – 1 success over high-flyers Snaresbrook at Cupid’s. Ife Ogunbayo’s fourth league goal this term was not enough to prevent the East London side dropping to third on goal difference.

Also, Runwell Sports were held 1 – 1 by fellow top-five side Toby at St Luke’s Park. Joe Olley struck for the hosts, while Rhys Willson got the goal for the visitors. Both sides are well-placed for an assault on the top three at this point. Elsewhere, Ramsden Scotia got a second successive win over Herongate Athletic, winning 3 – 2 at the Nursery Sports Ground. Scotia’s goals came through a brace from Ryan McDonach and one from substitute Max Fernee. Harley Benn and Ben Warren both netted for Ath, but they drop to ninth spot. Finally, Old Chelmsfordians are seventh after a 2 – 1 win at Manford Way, despite Tyrone Scarlett netting for Trevor Grace’s side. 

EOFL Division Two

Into Division Two and Beacon Hill Rovers have taken the top spot after a 4 – 0 success at Harold Wood Athletic Res. Bradley Morgan netted twice here to climb to eight league goals this season, plus Lewis Sherwood and George Davis also struck to complete another splendid afternoon for Steve Bennett’s side. Corinthians rose to third spot after a tough 2 – 1 win at local rivals Rochford Town, with Nathan Dewberry also netting his eighth league goal this term, alongside a John Bolton-Smith goal to see Chris Stoneham’s side to the win.

Also, Leigh Town continue to fight hard for points as they held Old Southendian Res to a 0 – 0 draw at John Burrows Recreation Ground though they drop to second. It’s worth noting that Town haven’t been beaten in the league since April 2019 I believe. Some record that. Epping Town climbed into sixth place after a blistering 6 – 1 win at home to Ryan. Chris Gormley netted twice here, with Michael Moore, Joe Rudkin, Peter Paoletti and Joe Rickett also on target for Stuart Hoskins’ side. Ryan remain tenth. Finally, Laindon Orient got their biggest league win of the season, defeating AS Rawreth 5 – 1 at the Warren. Ashley Blackburn got two goals to reach five in total this season, with Jason Jones, Matthew Gibson and Carlos Dias also contributing to Neil Blackburn’s side remaining fifth, four points off the leaders.

Image from Wakebury 2 – 3 ACD Utd [Credit: Pete Dudley]

EOFL Division Three

We also have new leaders in Division Three as ACD Utd won their top-of-the-table clash, winning 3 – 2 at Wakebury. Player-manager Michael Wade grabbed another treble to make it to eleven league goals already this term for ACD, and while Billy Bonham-Dare and Chris Gore’s late spot-kick gave Matt Cardy’s side hope, it was the visitors who retain their 100% winning record and go top of the standings by two points. Non-League colleague Pete Dudley was at this game & his report is here: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2020/10/wakebury-2-acd-united-3.html

Elsewhere, Hutton Res got their first win in the league with a fine 4 – 2 win at fellow strugglers Toby Res in Newbury Park. The Shenfield-based side rose above their opponents into tenth spot. Justin Clarke and Junior Bammeke netted for the hosts in this one but it’s still no wins since their opening match now. Lakeside Utd leapt into mid-table after triumphing over Leigh Town Res 5 – 3 in an entertaining game at the Lakeside Sports Ground [3G]. Aaron Tyler, Christian Seymour and Callum Stone all netted for Rob Hutchings-Spiller’s side but their winless run went on thanks to Harry Davison’s four-goal haul for Lakeside, assisted by Brandon Booty’s strike. 

Hullbridge ‘A’ continued their fine season with a 4 – 2 success over Buckhurst Hill Res at Lower Road. The cast of Joe Ives, George Mole, Harry Mole and replacement Charlie Cox all netted to stay third and are only one of two unbeaten sides in the division. Manford Way Res are behind on goal difference alone in fourth after despatching Corinthians Res 4 – 1 at Stambridge. David Hornsby struck another two goals here to take him on to eight league goals this season, with Shaun Goddard and Jake Muller also on target. Sonny Woodward got the reply for Russell Saggers’ side.

Finally for this division, Collier Row are also on ten points with Hullbridge and Manford after a 3 – 2 win over Basildon Town Res at Robert Clack [3G]. Town fall to eighth.

EOFL Division Four Results

Canning Town Res  1 – 1  Leytonstone Utd

Hashtag Utd Development  4 – 3  Chingford Athletic Res

Laindon Orient Res  1 – 2 Galleywood Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  1 – 4 Ongar Town Res

Sungate Res  1 – 6  Catholic Utd Res

Wakering Sports Res  8 – 1  Shenfield AFC Res

EOFL Division Five  Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  3 – 1  Springfield Res

Collier Row Res  4 – 1  AS Rawreth Res

Herongate Athletic Res  2 – 1  Runwell Sports Res

Leigh Ramblers Res  3 – 4  Old Barkabbeyans

Roydon 3 – 0  Epping Town Res

Match OFF: Shoebury Town Res  P – P  Wakering Sports Dev (Due to Waterlogged pitch)

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Wk 6 – Sat 10 Oct) [EOFL 20-21 11.10.20]

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

Hello and welcome to another packed edition of the round-up of the Essex Olympian League, here on my blog, from Saturday 10th October from the Premier Division all the way to Division Three this week, with results from Divisions Four & Five and sections on the Senior &Reserve League Cup and the Essex Junior Cup ties this weekend. Thank you to Pete Dudley (@ped1980) for the additional photo. Thanks to you for reading.

Image from OS 0 – 2 LR (Sat 10 Oct – image: Scott W)

Essex Olympian League – Saturday 10 October

EOFL Premier Division

As ever, we begin in the Premier Division, with one match called off on Friday due to ‘health concerns’ so Kelvedon Hatch v Rayleigh Town will be rescheduled. Five matches did take place and leading the standings are Basildon Town on goal difference after Marcus Bowers’ side made it five wins from five matches as they won 4 – 1 at Shenfield AFC. Graham Harrison’s hat-trick set the visitors on a great course and Benjamin Smith’s goal secured another super day for the visitors. Shenfield drop down to ninth place after this result. Buckhurst Hill are also on 15 points from five matches after a brilliant 5 – 0 win over Catholic Utd at Roding Lane. A brace from Tyler Dolan plus strikes from skipper Suleyman Zuhdu, substitute Zachary Davidson and Josh Banfield made sure of the points for mark Williams’ side.

My Non-League colleague Pete Dudley was at this game and if you’d like more on it, his report is here: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2020/10/buckhurst-hill-5-catholic-united-0.html/

Elsewhere, at the match Scott attended this week, Leigh Ramblers won their second consecutive local derby as they won 2 – 0 at Old Southendian. A double from centre-back Harry Haysom made the difference for the well-organised Rams, who move up to fourth place. OS fall to tenth after their third loss this term. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/10/10/s20-21-match-report-old-southendian-0-2-leigh-ramblers-sat-10th-oct-eofl/   

Also, Sungate remain third after defeating Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 3 – 0 at home. Swifts’ tough run goes on after a fourth straight defeat. Hutton also got their first win this term, winning 2 – 1 at Harold Wood Athletic thanks to goals from George Wickings and Will Marlowe. The result moves them up to sixth place. Robert Whitnell netted for Ath but their quest for consistency continues, sitting in 12th spot.

EOFL Senior League Cup Results

Canning Town  4 – 0  Ramsden Scotia

Ongar Town  5 – 1  Ryan

EOFL Reserve League Cup

One match in the Reserve Cup saw Catholic Utd Res convincingly win 7 – 0 at Herongate Athletic Ressies which took place at St Clere’s in Stanford-le-Hope. Frankin Craik netted another four goals as he pushes for a recall to the first team, with James Warder, Tom Elliott and Joe Keville also on target as they progressed to the next round.

EOFL Division One

Returning to the League now with Division One action and Snaresbrook lead the division after a fine 2 – 1 win at Runwell Sports. A cracker from 35 yards by Ife Ogunbayo put Rob Caine’s side ahead. Max Catherall also netted for the visitors who are two points clear at the summit. After Sports had a spot-kick saved, Jon Atmore replied for Jason Plom’s side but they still fell to their first league loss this term and drop to fourth place. Manford Way are up to third place after their 2 – 0 success at Toby, with Kieran Smih and Dexter Stuart the goal-scorers for Trevor Grace’s team. Toby are still in a respectable fifth place. In sixth place are Galleywood after a superb 4 – 1 away-day win at Shoebury Town. Replacement Max Orrin notched twice, with Matthew Buckingham and Thomas Watling also on the score-sheet.

Elsewhere, Rayleigh Town Res got their first win in the league this term as they defeated Herongate Athletic 3 – 1 at London Road. Dean Hazleton, Tommy Dominguez and Ebe Djan all scored for Dave Gipp’s side as they go up to tenth. Herongate are eighth, one of three sides on six points in a tight mid-table area. Finally, Old Chelmsfordians won 2 – 1 at Chingford Athletic despite Luke Dimond scoring for the Town Mead side.  

EOFL Division Two

Now moving into Division Two, Leigh Town lead the standings by two points after a fine 3 – 1 win over Beacon Hill Rovers at John Burrows Recreation Ground. Sam Gillmore, Sam Irvine and James Roberts were the goal-scorers for Jack Pearman’s side as they remain unbeaten. They also benefitted from being awarded two extra points after Rochford Town were found to have fielded an ineligible player in their draw in late September.

Rochford also had a painful defeat at home as they lost 3 – 2 to ten-man Old Southendian Res at Rochford Recreation Ground. The OS second-side saw goalkeeper Chris Leonard dismissed, and won the game thanks to goals from Nico Dubouchet, Lewis Bickford and Luke Stillwell. Wakering Sports are in fourth place after a narrow 1 – 0 win at the newly-renamed May & Baker ‘A’ (see end of this section for news on that). Ryan Gregory got the only goal for the Shoebury-based side here. Laindon Orient are a point behind them in fifth place after they got a hard-fought 3 – 2 win over Epping Town in a match moved to the Eversley Leisure Centre in Pitsea. Former Walthamstow & Saffron Walden player Lewis Francis turned out for Neil Blackburn’s side and got their opening goal, to which Sam Moore and Anthony Hill added to obtain the three points. Epping fall to sixth after their first league defeat of the campaign.    

Lastly for this division, Corinthians got a 2 – 1 victory over Harold Wood Athletic Res at Stambridge which means Chris Stoneham’s side go up to second spot.

Re: May & Baker ‘A’, the Essex County FA recently ordered them to revert to the previous name of ‘A’ as there is already a Reserve side in the Essex Senior Reserve Division.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, Wakebury are the new leaders following a 7 – 2 victory over bottom side Leigh Town Reserves at Shoebury Park. Defences in this division will be alerted to the fact that the returning Charlie Little nabbed four goals in this match, with an OG, Chris Gore and Shaun Lewis-Evans accounting for the other goals as Matt Cardy’s side remain unbeaten. Collier Row drop to second place after being held 3 – 3 away to Manford Way Res, with Daniel Reeve notching a treble for Row in this one. Shaun Goddard and David Hornsby were among the scorers for the Manford second-side.  

In the two other matches in this division, Lakeside Utd got their first win of the league season as strikes by Carl Prendergast and David Alele saw them to a 2 – 0 triumph at Basildon Town Res.  Also, Hutton Res drew 3 – 3 with Corinthians Res with both sides yet to win this term and in the bottom three.

EOFL Division Four Results

Canning Town Res  1 – 3  Ongar Town Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  2 – 1  Laindon Orient Res

EOFL Division Five Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  4 – 4  Wakering Sports Dev

Old Barkabbeyans  7 – 0  Newbury Forest Res

Essex Junior Cup Results

ACD Utd  5 – 3  Sungate Res       

AS Rawreth Res  2 – 0  Hashtag Utd Development

Epping Town Res  3 – 2  Shenfield AFC Res

Galleywood Res  2 – 1  Old Chigwellians Res

Leigh Ramblers Res  3 – 3  Leigh Town ‘A’ (Town won 4 – 3 on pens)

Leytonstone Utd  4 – 1  All Prospects

Lymore Gardens  3 – 1  Collier Row Res

Roydon  2 – 4  Brentwood Utd

Sandon Royals  3 – 2  Buckhurst Hill Res

Springfield Res  2 – 4  Waltham Abbey Res

Wakering Sports Res  5 – 2  Hullbridge Sports ‘A’

West Essex Res  4 – 0  Toby Res

Writtle  1 – 0  Chingford Athletic Res

S2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Wk 4 – Sat 26 Sept) [EOFL 20-21 28.9.20]

Image from Corinthians v Epping Town (Div Two, 26.9.20)

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up, here on my blog, looking at the action from Saturday 26 September from the Premier Division all the way to Division Three, plus Results from Divisions Four & Five. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Premier Division                   

In the Premier Division, Basildon Town lead the table on goal difference after a 2 – 1 success at Canning Town in Beckton. Anthony Aylett and Grant Cumming got the goals for Marcus Bowers’ side who are only one of two sides with a 100% record thus far. Dominic Lewis responded for Canning here.

The other side is Buckhurst Hill who had to fight hard to defeat Rayleigh Town 2 – 1 at Roding Lane. Suleyman Zuhdu gave the hosts the advantage a minute before half-time. However, Paul Higgins’ half-time team-talk must have stirred the visitors as Jack Long struck a minute after the restart to level the game. And with a draw coming ever-closer to fruition, Nathan Sollosi netted three minutes from time to give Mark Williams’ side an important victory. Catholic Utd also won this week, with an impressive 3 – 0 triumph at Springfield. Second-half strikes by Aaron Baldwin, Luke Trice and Simon Thomas were enough to maintain the unbeaten start for Stuart Marshall’s side.

Two sides who got their first wins this season both won 1 – 0 away from home. Leigh Ramblers won by that score-line at winless Kelvedon Hatch, with substitute Billy Carter getting his first goal for the Rams in this win. Shenfield AFC also won 1 – 0 at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts, with Liam Snellin the goal-scoring hero for the visitors. Hutton did enough to hold Sungate to a goal-less stalemate at Polo Fields to end the visitors winning start to the season.

Finally, Old Southendian powered to a fine 5 – 1 win over Harold Wood Athletic at Garon Park. Manager Connor Lane had to play at centre-back though would have been delighted to witness the game first-hand as a brace from Mitchell Ali and strikes by Craig Paton, Sam Adcock and James Oates pushed OS to their first league win this term in some style. Dan Johnson got Harold Wood’s consolation here but their tough start to the league season continues.

EOFL Division One

In Division One, Ongar Town maintained their terrific start with a 6 – 0 win at home to Snaresbrook. Aaron Blair got another treble here, with Joshua Boxall getting two and Joe Lilly also chipped in.  This result means they have three wins from three and the only other side to achieve that thus far is Runwell Sports who edged an incredible game at Lawford Lane, where they defeated Old Chelmsfordians 6 – 5, with Martin Llewellyn & ex-Hullbridge player Daniel Okah both getting doubles. Ryan Scougall and replacement Ben Christie also netted for Jason Plom’s side.

Elsewhere, Manford Way are in third after winning 4 – 3 at Ramsden Scotia. Substitute Ryan McDonach struck twice for Ramsden, with Alex Bessant also netting but Trevor Grace’s side kept their winning start going as a brace from Kieran Smith and goals by James Odhiamba and Harry Main sent them to the three points. Toby got another good win, defeating Chingford Athletic 3 – 2 in Newbury Park. Dean Maguchu, Luis Ruiz and Chris Rowland all scored for the hosts as Chingford’s tough start to the campaign continued.

Also, Galleywood got their first win this season as they won 2 – 0 at Rayleigh Town Res. Sam Donn and replacement Lewis Rose got the goals for the Chelmsford-based side to send them up to mid-table. Finally for this division, Herongate Athletic got their second league win with a 4 – 2 success at Shoebury Town. Jack Sparrow, Ben Warren, Jonathan Packer and an OG accounted for the visitors’ goals.

EOFL Division Two

Now we move into Division Two, and Leigh Town lost their 100% record as they drew 2 – 2 at local rivals Rochford Town. Jack Pearman’s side struck through James Roberts and Tom Byford but Rochford got another point here to remain unbeaten. Beacon Hill Rovers  won 2 – 0 at Wakering Sports to leap up to top spot. Also, Laindon Orient got their first league win as they won 3 – 0 away to bottom side Harold Wood Athletic Res. Oliver Dingli, Ashley Blackburn and replacement Carlos Dias got the goals for Neil Blackburn’s side as they went into sixth place.   

May & Baker Res also got a first league won as they won 3 – 1 at AS Rawreth. And in the game I was at this weekend, Corinthians drew 2 – 2 with Epping Town at Stambridge in a game both sides could have won. Leo Clarke and Nathan Dewberry goals put Chris Stoneham’s side two-up at the break but Town responded quickly through a penalty from Joe Rickett and a well-taken strike by player-assistant boss Dave Limber. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/09/26/s20-21-match-report-corinthians-2-2-epping-t-sat-26-sept-eofl/     

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, ACD Utd are heading the standings after a comprehensive 7 – 0 triumph at Basildon Town Reserves. Player-boss Michael Wade helped himself to five of the goals himself, with Brad Falco and Connor Lambert joining him on the score-sheet. Town’s second-side lost their 100% start and drop to fourth after this result. Collier Row are the nearest rivals after a 4 – 2 win over Corinthians Res at the Forest Row Centre. Braces for Michael Coughlan and Daniel Reeve assisted the Romford-based side to a fine victory. Buckhurst Hill Ressies are third after a 4 – 1 success over Toby Res with Casey Lockhart, Jake Law and Jehmal Taylor among their goal-getters.

Elsewhere, Wakebury won 2 – 0 against Lakeside Utd at Shoebury Park. Goals from Billy Bonham-Dare and Daniel Buglione saw Matt Cardy’s side into mid-table while Utd are without a point from their three league games thus far. Also, Manford Way Res won 2 – 0 over Hutton Res and had a David Hornsby double to thank for their opening win of the league season.

EOFL Division Four Results  

Canning Town Res  1 – 8   Wakering Sports Res

Catholic Utd Res  5 – 0  Ongar Town Res

Chingford Athletic Res  3 – 1  Leytonstone Utd

Hashtag Utd Dev.  3 – 2   Shenfield AFC Res 

Laindon Orient Res  3 – 2  Old Chelmsfordians Res

Sungate Res 2  – 2  Galleywood Res

EOFL Division Five Results  

Collier Row Res  2 – 0  Springfield Res

Epping Town Res  1 – 0  Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res

Leigh Ramblers Res  1 – 4  Wakering Sports Dev.

Roydon  0 – 4  Newbury Forest Res

Runwell Sports Res  4 – 2  AS Rawreth Res

Shoebury Town Res  5 – 1   Old Barkabbeyans

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Olympian League Division Two [EOFL SR 19/20 26.4.20]

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

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

In this piece, I look back at a very competitive Essex Olympian League Division Two campaign, rounded out with an array of statistics compiled from the EOFL FA Full-Time website including top goal-scorers & top appearance makers in the League fixtures. I managed to watch a few Division Two matches this term so they may be mentioned here.

 

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

As with all the EOFL divisions, the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later. Leigh Town were deservedly top of the standings at the cut-off point, as they garnered an impressive 43 points from 15 matches, in which they were not beaten. Unsurprisingly, they had a good defence, the second-best in the division (conceded on average less than a goal a game) whilst also being pretty handy in attack, scoring 44 goals (as an average of 2.93 goals per game or GpG). Jack Pearman’s side were also a good Cup side as I saw them defeat fellow Div Two side Corinthians in the Essex Premier Cup at John Burrows Recreation Ground at the start of February. It’s a credit to both teams that you wouldn’t have thought you were watching two third-tier Olympian sides, such was the passion, energy & physicality on display.

Still from Leigh Town v Corinthians [EPC QF 1.2.20]

Leigh Town v Corinthians still 1.2.20 EPC QF [Image by Scott W]

Still from Leigh T v Corinthians EPC QF [Image by Scott W]

Back to the League, and in second spot was Beacon Hill Rovers, having racked up 36 points from their 15 matches. Rovers had the second-best record at home this term with six wins from their seven matches there, along with having the third-best defensive record, being breached seventeen times. Their two top-goalscorers in Adebolu Adeyemi and Stephen Bennett both hit ten goals as well so credit goes where it’s due. Both clubs will be aiming for another successful campaign next term and if they can keep their squads together, you wouldn’t bet against them doing it either. The next two sides are quite local to me. In third place are Old Southendian Reserves, under the management of Ben Manley. Ten wins in 17 matches isn’t bad going for a second-side that won the Division Three title the previous campaign. Factor in a very decent end to the season with six wins in their last eight matches and having the fourth-best defence this season and it is certainly one to look back on with some fondness. I also have to note the fine performance they put in to win at Corinthians, back in December. To call it ‘determined’ would be an understatement.

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res [EOFL D2 7.12.20]

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res EOFL D2 7.12.19

Just behind OS Ressies in fourth were Corinthians, who were promoted two divisions, having won Division Four in 2018/19. Chris Stoneham’s youthful, attack-minded side are a delight to watch when they are on-song, no two ways about that. They had ten wins from their fourteen matches to make it to 31 points in all, though could have got in the top three had the season continued. There are two stats that can’t be taken off them though, firstly that they were the divisional top-scorers with 54 goals (a GpG of 3.71 – some going in any league). Secondly, Nathan Dewberry ended up the division’s top goal-getter with 16 goals though to many in the local Non-League scene that won’t come as a surprise, given his pedigree. Even so, respect to you Nathan and to your team-mates on a good season.

The parched pitch at Stambridge – Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

Another image from Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

Into mid-table now, and May & Baker Reserves ended up being in fifth place. Jimmy Donald’s side had a fine end to the campaign which pushed them up the mid-table places somewhat, and acquired 28 points from 17 matches (though they benefitted from getting three points as an opposition side had fielded an ineligible player in late August). The side certainly has its place in the club pathway, with the first team now competing in Step 6 (Eastern Senior League South) and they struck the net 48 times in all, the second-best in the division. They were also not a dull side to watch as they also conceded fourty-four times and the main downer on their season you have to say is that pourous defence. That being said, the main thing for this team is development you feel and they will look for another strong campaign in 2020/21 I believe.

Laindon Orient were two points behind them in sixth, despite only playing twelve matches due to being hindered by the incessant rain (remember that?) before the season’s premature end. Neil Blackburn’s side still won eight of their matches and can be proud of their defensive record, only letting in eleven goals all league season. They may be another side to watch out for next season. Epping Town finished in seventh spot after having a difficult end to the campaign. That has been well-publicised elsewhere and with a new set-up, they ensured they saw out the campaign with 20 points from their 16 matches. Even though in the early stages of the campaign they were in the top four and looking menacing, you also can’t help but feel that the best thing right now is that they have a new management team under ex-Bishop Stortford Swifts’ boss Stuart Hoskins and they exist to go again next term.

Wakering Sports are in eighth, a point behind on 19 points from their sixteen matches. Overall, Mitchell Gleeson’s side had a solid if unspectacular season though they can build on the record on scoring 37 goals this term (a GpG of 2.31) which was the sixth-best this term. They finished well-clear of the bottom four as Harold Wood Athletic Reserves were eight points adrift on 11 points in ninth spot, after navigating a tough campaign. Defensively-speaking, they were decent though their issues were at the offensive end, striking the net only 18 times, the divisions’ worst this term. It must be said that had the campaign continued, they may have gone up a place or two but they will look for a better campaign next time out.

Corinthians v Rochford Town still EOFL D2 15.2.20

In tenth place, Rochford Town had another campaign of strife, getting nine points from their 18 matches. Goal-scoring was an issue for John Smith & James Cooper’s side, making the net bulge 21 times though having seen them in February, they struck me as a hard-working, committed side under the captaincy of Freddie Pettitt. As was the case in recent seasons though, their defence is their undoing to an extent, with sixty goals conceded, a record only the two sides below them were worse at. Promoted AS Rawreth also struggled, finishing 11th (second-bottom) by virtue of an inferior goal difference, also on nine points from 16 games. They had the joint-weakest goal=scoring record with 20 goals, and hotshot Louis Hill got nine of those goals himself so plaudits to him. They will hope for a better campaign at the back, as they shelled 63 goals (average per game of 3.94) which arguably knackered their season right there. And finally, recent strugglers Ryan also had another very tough season, finishing bottom on one point from 18 matches. It’s worth noting that they lost five points during the season for fielding an ineligible player & being unable to play a fixture but even so, it’s been a sobering season for the East London side. They conceded sixty-five goals this term and they will hope the talent from their promising junior sides will one day play for the first-team.

EOFL Division Two – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts
1	Nathan Dewberry	Corinthians	16	10
=2	Adebolu Adeyemi	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	10
	Stephen Bennett	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	12
=4	Ashley Blackburn	Laindon Orient	9	10
	Max Jones	Leigh Town	9	10
	Louis Hill	AS Rawreth	9	13
7	Jake Hodder	Corinthians	8	11
=8	Alex Paraskeva	Epping Town	7	8
	Shane Cooper	Leigh Town	7	10
	Mohammed Sesay	Wakering Sports	7	11
=11	Gabriel Odili	May & Baker Res	6	2
	Ben Franklin	Old Southendian Res	6	8
	John Bolton-Smith	Corinthians	6	11
	Leo Clarke	Corinthians	6	12
	Greg Molford	Old Southendian Res	6	12
	Glen Warwick	Epping Town	6	12
	Oliver Taton-Bennett	Old Southendian Res	6	13
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	6	16

 

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

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total
=1	Jacob Hubble	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Freddie Pettitt	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	16	0	16
=4	Danny Pallett	Wakering Sports	15	1	16
	Luke Stillwell	Old Southendian Res	15	0	15
=6	Harry Ford	Rochford Town	14	1	15
	Ethan Bird	AS Rawreth	14	0	14
	Callum Burns-Green	Wakering Sports	14	0	14
	George Dugdale	Old Southendian Res	14	0	14
	Jack Power	Rochford Town	14	0	14
	Lewis Sherwood	Beacon Hill Rovers	14	0	14
	Adam Smith	Leigh Town	14	0	14
=13	Mitchell Gleeson	Wakering Sports	13	2	15
	Akeem Matthews	Ryan	13	1	14
	Luke Owen	Corinthians	13	1	14
	Matt Welsh	Rochford Town	13	1	14

 

Round-up : Essex Olympian League (Sat 1 Feb) (EOFL 19/20 2.2.20)

 

Image from Leigh Town 2 – 0 Corinthians (in EPC) yesterday {Image: Scott W]

Written by Scott W   [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League round-up, tracking the action on Saturday 1st February in League & Cups. Thanks for reading.

EOFL Crest

Saturday 1 February

Premier Division

Starting off as we do with the top-tier, leaders Sungate retained their eight-point cushion with a battling 1 – 0 home win over Canning Town in what was their sixth win in their last seven games. Catholic Utd edged their local derby with Leigh Ramblers 2 – 1 with Harley Kee getting both goals, the second from the penalty spot. Ryan Lowe struck for Ramblers as they drop to third, with Catholic overhauling them into second spot after a morale-boosting win. Kelvedon Hatch got a fine 4 – 3 success at Basildon Town with the returning Theo Ola getting a brace for Hatch, along with Calvin Poku and replacement Joe Gregory also netting. Jamie Bradbourn got a double of his own for Town, with James O’Brien also chipping in. Kelvedon rise to sixth while Basildon drop to 11th.

In the battle of two of the sides battling to avoid the drop, Old Southendian were held 1 – 1 by Harold Wood Athletic in the day’s late kick-off at Garon Park 3G. Brad Foley struck for Ath as they limped off the bottom to 12th spot, although they are unbeaten in their last three matches. OS levelled through Ryan Stillwell’s goal and rise up to eighth though are still only three points above the bottom two. Finally, Springfield got a narrow 3 – 2 win at home to Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Recent signing Bryn Thorpe got both goals for Swifts after coming off the bench though this result means they drop to the foot of the table. Springfield go up to fourth after this win.

Match OFF: Rayleigh Town P – P  Shenfield AFC (Due to Waterlogged pitch)

Cups

There were also four Cup ties across two Cup competitions this weekend. Firstly, Olympian Premier side Hutton defeated Senior One side FC Hamlets 2 – 1 in a match moved to Woodlands School 3G in Basildon. George Nash and Lewis Scott strikes sent the hosts through, and although John Gilroy netted for hard-working FCH, they went out.

In the three Essex Premier Cup Quarter-Finals that took place, Chingford Athletic went through after defeating Essex & Suffolk Border League (or ESBL) Premier side West Bergholt  on penalties, following a 2 – 2 draw at Town Mead. Gary Murray and Luke Dimond struck for Dave Richbell’s side in normal play and they won the shoot-out 7 – 6 to make the Semi-Finals. Leigh Town won their all-Olympian League Div Two battle with Corinthians 2 – 0 in the match I attended at a muddy John Burrows Rec. Substitutes Sam Gillmore and Shane Cooper got the decisive goals to win a highly-charged contest. If you’d like more of this match, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/02/01/match-report-leigh-town-2-0-corinthians-sat-1st-feb-epc/

Lastly, Buckhurst Hill powered to a 6 – 1 triumph over ESBL Premier side Gas Recreation at Roding Lane. The games are mounting up in League & Cups for the defending Premier Cup champions as they are seeking to win this title for a third consecutive season.

Senior ONE

In Senior One, Ramsden Scotia won 4 – 1 at fellow mid-table side Manford Way. Jamie Auvache stroke twice for Scotia, plus Antony Driscoll and Kurt King also on target as they went up to ninth spot. Lakeside also got the three points, as they won 4 – 1 at home to Galleywood. Drew Klessa-Smith nabbed another treble in this one with Luke Quinton also scoring, ‘Side are unbeaten in five matches now as they also are five points adrift of Old Chelmsfordians who remain second after a thumping 7 – 0 win over Toby at Lawford Lane. Toby were further blighted by player availability problems, and apparently could only field nine players to start though respect to those who all took the field.

Meanwhile, Ongar Town retained their unbeaten run this term, with a 4 – 1 win over Herongate Athletic in a match moved to St John’s 3G in Epping. Town remain handily-placed in third spot, 12 points behind leaders Chingford Athletic with six matches in hand on them. Rayleigh Town Res won 4 – 1 at Shoebury Town to go back up to fifth place with Shoebury remaining in seventh.

Match OFF: Runwell Sports  P – P  Snaresbrook | (Due to a waterlogged pitch)

Senior TWO

In a depleted Senior Two programme, Laindon Orient won 2 – 0 at in-form May & Baker Res with Ashley Blackburn and Carlos Dias netting in first-half for Neil Blackburn’s team, who made it five wins in succession here to remain in 5th, with matches in hand on all but one of the sides above them. M & B’s second side had their own six-match winning run ended here though remain fourth in the standings, although they are vulnerable to being caught up as they have played a few more matches. Also, Rochford Town got a crucial win away from home as they won 3 – 2 at fellow strugglers Ryan and in the process, brought a seven-match losing run to a close.

Matches OFF:

Beacon Hill Rovers  P – P  Wakering Sports  (Due to a waterlogged pitch)

Epping Town  P – P  AS Rawreth   | (Due to issues at Epping)

Harold Wood Athletic Res  P – P  Old Southendian Res |(Due to a waterlogged pitch)

Senior Division Three

In another weather-affected match list in Senior Three, Wakebury had to overcome a bout of illness among the squad and got a very late leveller as they drew 2 – 2 at fellow promotion challengers ACD Utd. Player-boss Michael Wade and Frankie Markham netted for the Romford-based side, while Harry Kateley and Chris Gore’s late free-kick salvaged a point for the South Essex side, who had to field boss Matt Cardy in defence and assistant boss Dan Blewett also came off the bench to play as a forward. Well, never dull in Non-League….

Seriously though, ACD remain second, three points off their opposition here with three matches in hand. Wakebury remain top though with just four matches remaining this term, they will have to aim to get as close to the 50-point mark as possible to win the division, you feel. You must credit both sides for how they’ve done in their first season in the Olympian League, so well done all.

Meanwhile, Toby Res got a much-needed win, 5 – 2 over mid-table side Buckhurst Hill Res in Newbury Park. Marc Porter-Brown was among the goals again with a treble here, with Chris Cox and birthday boy Luis Ruiz also netted as their side into fourth spot and end a four-match losing trough. Tim Strike and Rhys Davies got Hill’s goals as they remain 7th. Also, Basildon Town Res won 2 – 0 at fellow strugglers White Ensign Res to overhaul them in the table. Jake Bridgeman and Shaun Watkins were the goal-getters here to grab Town’s third win this season.

 

Matches OFF (Due to Waterlogged pitches):
Collier Row  P – P  Lakeside Res   |

Corinthians Res  P – P  Hutton Res   |

Senior Division Four Results

Forest Glade  1 – 5  Roydon

Galleywood Res  1 – 3  Canning Town Res
Laindon Orient Res P – P  Shenfield AFC Res

Leytonstone Utd  P – P  Old Chelmsfordians Res |

Ongar Town Res  2 – 1  Chingford Athletic Development

Wakering Sports Res  3 – 3  Catholic Utd Res

Senior Division Five Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  1 – 0  Newbury Forest Res

Herongate Athletic Res  3 – 0  Leigh Ramblers Res
Old Barkabbeyans 3 – 2  Runwell Sports Res
Roydon Res  0 – 2  Collier Row Res
Shoebury Town Res  P – P  Springfield Res