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 & Cups (Wk 11 – Sat 12 Dec) [EOFL 20-21 13.12.20]

EOFL crest [Credit: EOFL/Twitter]

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

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

EOFL Premier Division

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

EOFL Division One  – no matches this weekend

EOFL Division Two

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

EOFL Division Three

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

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

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

Essex Premier Cup Round-up

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

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

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

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

Beacon Hill Rovers  0 – 3  Saffron Walden Town Res

Canning Town  0 – 4  Springfield

Great Bentley  4 – 2  Corinthians

Hutton  H – W Aveley Res

Manford Way  H – W  Holland Res

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

Toby  3 – 1  White Ensign Res

Wakering Sports  0 – 2  Buckhurst Hill

Witham Town Res  1 – 2 Old Chelmsfordians

———-

EOFL Division Four Results

Catholic Utd Res  6 – 1  Galleywood Res

Hashtag Utd Dev  4 – 4  Leytonstone Utd

Old Chelmsfordians Res  2 – 2  Canning Town Res

Wakering Sports Res  5 – 4  Chingford Athletic Res

——-

EOFL Division Five  Results

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

Runwell Sports Res  4 – 4 Shoebury Town Res

Wakering Sports ‘A’ 2 – 1 Collier Row Res

End

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

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

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

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

EOFL Premier Division

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

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

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

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

EOFL Division One

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

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

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

EOFL Division Two

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

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

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

May & Baker ‘A’   P – P  AS Rawreth

EOFL Division Three

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

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

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

Hutton Res  P –  P  Basildon Town Res

Leigh Town Res  P – P  Toby Res

EOFL Division Four Results 

Catholic Utd Res  4 – 2 Shenfield AFC Res 

Laindon Orient Res  3 – 3  Wakering Sports Res 

Leytonstone Utd  1 – 0  Canning Town Res 

Ongar Town Res  1 – 2  Old Chelmsfordians Res  

Sungate Res 3 – 4   Chingford Athletic Res    

EOFL Division Five  Results  

AS Rawreth Res 4 – 3 Collier Row Res 

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

Leigh Ramblers Res  1 – 2  Roydon 

Runwell Sports Res  3 – 0  Epping Town Res 

Shoebury Town Res  4 – 1 Wakering Sports ‘A’ 

Springfield Res 1 – 0  Newbury Forest Res  

End 

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

Season 2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Senior Lge Cup (Wk 1 – Sat 5 Sept) [EOFL 20-21 6.9.20]

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

Hello and welcome back to the first of new season of round-up’s looking at the Essex Olympian League divisions for the Season 2020-21. In this opening piece, we look at the League & Senior Cup action. Thanks as ever to the clubs and you, my readers for continuing to show interest in these pieces. Best wishes to all players, managers & officials at every Olympian League side, wish you a good campaign.

Saturday 5th September 2020 

EOFL Crest

EOFL Premier Division

As ever, we begin with the top-tier of the Olympian League. Buckhurst Hill got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3 – 0 success over Kelvedon Hatch at Roding Lane. Suleyman Zuhdu started off another season for Mark Williams’s team in a strong fashion with a hat-trick in this one. Also among the day’s winners were Basildon Town who had goals from Anthony Aylett and Graham Harrison to thank for a 2 – 0 win at Hutton. Billy Cove’s Bishop’s Stortford Swifts edged a predictably hard-fought encounter with Old Southendian at Garon Park, ending up with a 1 – 0 victory, thanks to ex-Sawbridgeworth & Walthamstow forward Oliver Fortune’s goal.

Elsewhere, Sungate also started their season strongly at home, defeating Shenfield AFC 3 – 1 at Ilford Wanderers Rugby Club. Petrit Elbi, Billy Wells and Ekundayo Oduwole were all on the score-sheet for Bobby Port’s side. Rayleigh Town also showed their intent by beating Harold Wood Athletic 3 – 1 at London Road. George Vile gave the hosts a fifth-minute lead, before John Bradley levelled for Ath before the interval. However, further goals from Harry Talbot and Vile himself, securing his brace meant that Town started the season in good touch, much to the delight of boss Paul Higgins.

In the other action on the opening day, Springfield were held to a 2 – 2 by Leigh Ramblers. Denzel Adebiyi and Jordan Denyer struck for Dan Williams’ side, though strikes by Justin Hazell and Ryan Lowe meant that Colin Wall’s side left Arun Close with a share of the spoils. Catholic Utd also had to settle for a point as they twice came from behind to draw 2 – 2 with Canning Town at the Len Forge Centre. Ted Buchanan and Ronnie Hobbrough got the goals for Stuart Marshall’s side there.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

In the only Division One game this weekend due to Cup action, Old Chelmsfordians defeated Rayleigh Town Res 2 – 1 at Lawford Lane. Into Division Two now and only two matches were played on the season’s opening bow. Beacon Hill Rovers edged to a 3 – 2 success over Old Southendian Res in visiting gaffer Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s first match in charge.  

Also, last season’s unbeaten side Leigh Town ground out another three points with a 1 – 0 triumph at Harold Wood Athletic Res, thanks to Dan Driscoll who got the solitary goal.

EOFL Senior League Cup 

Beginning our round-up of the Senior Cup action with a focus on seven of the eleven matches that took place, two sides managed to notch ten goals each in their games. First, Ongar Town put away Laindon Orient 10 – 0 at Marhams Close to advance to the next round. Aaron Blair led the way with a treble, while Harry Rawlins, Mitchell McCabe and Josh Boxall all added braces themselves, and Ayo Awoskinka also found the net as Neil Blackburn’s Laindon side were comprehensively outdone.

Elsewhere, Galleywood from Division One demolished Division Five side Old Barkbbeyans 10 – 2, with Sam Donn and Jamie Lockwood also nabbing doubles in this one. Jack Chatterway, Luke Osborne, Tyler Tredgett, Max Orrin, Jamie Ricks & C raig Skipper were also among the hefty ensemble cast of scorers for Mark O’Sullivan’s side. To their credit, Barkabbeyans got two goals themselves through Dre Ferlisi and Murad Miah. Ramsden Scotia advanced without a ball being struck as they had a Home walkover over FC Hamlets. Manford Way also progressed with a fine 4 – 0 over the new Hashtag Utd Development side at Barleylands Road. Ex-Essex Senior player Liam Burgess grabbed a treble, with Olajide Yusuff also notching for Trevor Grace’s new side.

Ryan also secured their passage to the next round with a 2 – 0 win over AS Rawreth. Former Roydon duo Scout Bown and Lewis Watson were on target for Declan Murphy’s side. ACD Utd also won through, with a 2 – 1 success at Shoebury Town, with that man Michael Wade again the match-winner, scoring both goals for ACD there. Lakeside Utd also won on their debut, sending Division One Snaresbrook crashing out as Utd won 3 – 0, thanks to strikes by David Alele, Damilola Olusanya and Daniel Demain.

A new era began at Epping Town as a crowd of over a hundred saw them beat Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ 2 – 0 at Epping Rugby Club. Charlie Pollard and Chris Gormley go the goals for Stuart Hoskins’ team. In other action, Rochford Town got a rare away win, defeating Wakering Sports 2 – 1 at Cupid’s. Collier Row also went through, edging past Toby with a 1 – 0 win, while a much-changed Runwell Sports side won 3 – 2 at Division Two Corinthians.

EOFL Division Three

Finally for the round-up section this week, Basildon Town Res got their Division Three campaign off to a flyer with a 5 – 2 win over Buckhurst Hill Res at Basildon Sports Club. Brandon Hubbard and Genit Abazi got the strikes for the visitors but a brace from Tommy Green plus added strikes by Scott Cooper, Toby Warren and replacement Nathan Fisher sealed the win for Lee Wilgoose’s side. Also in the other match, Toby Ressies picked a fine 3 – 0 home win over Leigh Town Res with Peter Spicer, Tom Biddis and Graham Knight getting the match-altering goals in Newbury Park.

EOFL Division Four

Chingford Athletic Res  1 – 0 Galleywood Res   | Town Mead [3G]

Shenfield AFC Res  0 – 2  Old Chelmsfordians Res   | The Drive, Warley

EOFL Senior Five

Collier Row Res  7 – 3  Epping Town Res   | Forest Row Centre (Pitch #2)

Herongate Athletic Res  2 – 5  Shoebury Town Res   | St Clere’s Sch [3G]

Roydon  3 – 2  AS Rawreth Res   | Roydon Playing Fields

Runwell Sports Res  1 – 2  Springfield Res  | St Luke’s Park