Tag: Leigh Town

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 15 Jan) [EOFL 21/22 17.1.22]

Image from Basildon Town v Hutton in Essex Premier Cup [Image by Peter D]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 15 January. This week, the league action returned for the majority of teams, in addition to a smattering of matches in several Cup competitions. This week’s round-up includes a section on the Senior League Cup & EOFL Division Four. Main image supplied courtesy of Pete Dudley [Twitter: @ped1980]

Essex Olympian League Round-up – Saturday 15 January

EOFL Premier Division & Division One

In the top-tier, with most of the top seven sides in Cup action, Rayleigh Town went back up to third spot with a 2 – 1 success at home to Shenfield AFC. Liam Oliver’s strike and a spot-kick from Harry Talbot was enough to overpower Perry Robinson’s goal for AFC and get the points. Kelvedon Hatch narrowly defeated Springfield 1 – 0 at New Hall, with Chris Denham’s solitary strike enough to send Darren Hunt’s team up to fourth spot.

Also in the Premier Division, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts went up to eighth in the table with a 3 – 1 home win against strugglers Canning Town at Silver Leys. Lawrence Healey’s double and Sam Chaney’s 12th league goal this term was enough for Craig Glashan’s side here. In Division One, Runwell Sports increased their lead tat the top to six points with a 2 – 0 win at fellow top four side Toby. Oliver Quick and substitute Luca Frankis got the goals to give Rob Hodgson’s side their tenth win of the season.

Meanwhile, Corinthians rose to third spot after a hugely important 5 – 3 triumph at Epping Town. Bailey Moss netted four goals here to take his tally to 21 in the league this term, with Cameron Glover also finding the net. Snaresbrook gained ground on Epping in the bottom four after a 2 – 1 win at home to Herongate Athletic.

EOFL Senior League Cup

There was another six matches in the Senior Cup this week, with ACD Utd more than securing their spot in the next round with a 14 – 0 triumph over Rochford Town at Westlands. There were no less than three hat-tricks for the hosts, from Shaun Goddard, Warren Taylor and from substitute Jacob Dingli. Samuel Payne added a pair, with strikes by Charlie Munns, Shaun Farrow & an OG completing a crushing victory for Greg Knock’s side. Galleywood also progressed with a 4 – 2 success at local rivals Old Chelmsfordians, with the ensemble cast of Freddie Bartram, Thomas Watling, Ben Smith and replacement Matthew Buckingham all on target in a good win at Lawford Lane.

Elsewhere, Wakering Sports prevailed with a 3 – 1 win against Manford Way at Cupid’s. Joseph Barton and substitutes Alfie Fossett & Mohammed Sesay all netted for Mitchell Gleeson’s team, outweighing a strike in response for Manford by David Alele. Catholic Utd won the battle of the Premier Division sides at the Len Forge, as they narrowly defeated Ongar Town 3 – 2. The other two matches played went all the way to spot-kicks. First, Sungate edged an epic penalty shoot-out after they drew 3 – 3 with Old Southendian. The East London side won the shoot-out 13 – 12 to get through to the next stage. At John Burrows Recreation Ground, Leigh Town won the 12-yard contest 4 – 3 after a goalless draw with Harold Wood Athletic. And Chingford Athletic went through via a walkover as Beacon Hill Rovers were unable to contest their fixture.

Essex Premier Cup – Last 16

The last remaining match in the EPC Last 16 saw Basildon Town launch another stirring comeback to win 2 – 1 at home to Hutton at Basildon Sports Club. An OG gave Matt Singh’s side the advantage, though a brace from the ever goal-hungry player-boss Marcus Bowers meant that Town made the quarter-finals. If you’d like more on this match, Pete Dudley’s report is available here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/01/basildon-town-2-hutton-1.html  

EOFL Divisions Two & Three

Moving back into the League action in Division Two, Old Southendian Res moved up to fourth place with a 3 – 1 win over May & Baker A in the late kick-off at Garon Park. Thomas Margerison, Oliver Tatton-Bennett and Sean Simmonett all scored for Josh Bambury’s team here. Also, Shoebury Town got a 2 – 1 success at Harold Wood Athletic Res, with player-boss Garry Johnson and replacement Kyle McAlindon netting at the Robert Clack Sch 3G. This win keeps them in sixth spot.

In Division Three, Wakering Sports Res strengthened their hold on third place with a 5 – 1 triumph at Collier Row. Connor Fardyga got another double to reach 18 league goals this term, with David Watson reaching 15 league goals thanks to a brace as well, with substitute Eben Rowledge also notching. Leigh Town Res also got a 5 – 1 win away from home, as they defeated Corinthians Res at Stambridge. Lewis Brooks, Zack Walker, Chris Pope, Jack Pearman & replacement Callum Stone all scored for Josh Burrage’s new side.

Elsewhere, Hashtag Utd Development remain four points clear in second spot as they won 1 – 0 at improving Buckhurst Hill U23, with Shaun Warren getting the only goal in that game. Finally, Catholic Utd Res retained their three point lead at the summit as they won 7 – 2 against Pitsea Athletic at Basildon Sports Village.

EOFL Reserve League Cup Results

Herongate Athletic Res  2 – 2 Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  | Billericay Road  (Swifts won 4 – 2 on penalty kicks)

Hutton Res  1 – 3  Rayleigh Town Res  | Polo Fields

EOFL Divisions Four & Five

In Division Four, Galleywood Res got a fine 4 – 0 victory over Leytonstone Utd at Slades Lane. Replacement Oliver Sadler netted twice for the hosts here, with Bradley Taylor and Clarke Green also adding a goal each. Roydon were held 1 – 1 at home to Old Chelmsfordians Res, with Connor Riddoch once again on the score-sheet for Roydon. And Wakering Sports A came away with a big 6 – 1 triumph over strugglers Canning Town Res, who now haven’t won since the opening match of the campaign. Lewis Brooks fired in a treble here for the Sports development side, with Harry Groves, Danny Pallett and Adam Smith also scoring.

Division Five Results

Collier Row Res  4 – 3  Pitsea Athletic Res  | Forest Row Centre (Pitch 2)

Leigh Ramblers Res  H – W  Epping Town Res | Home Walkover

Runwell Sports Res  3 – 1  Old Barkabbeyans  | St Luke’s Park  

End 

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S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & EPC (Sat 16 Oct) [EOFL 21/22 18.10.21]

Leigh Town GK Matthew Riley making another fine save [Image: @ABridgeTooFar16]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 16 October. This week, there was less League action in top three tiers as the focus was towards Essex Premier Cup ties, to which I’ll have a round-up section but I’ll also have a extensive look at all the League action this week, which I seldom get the chance to do.

Photo by Neil Hunwicks (@ABridgeTooFar16)
Many thanks for reading.

EOFL Premier Division & Division Two

In the top tier, two matches took place. Rayleigh Town got a fine 4 – 0 triumph at Springfield, thanks in no small part to doubles for Liam Oliver and Harry Talbot, while Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also notched a big win as they got a 3 – 1 success over Harold Wood Athletic. Harry Clifford netted for Ath but that goal was outdone by another pair for Sam Chaney and one from Samuel Brown.

Due to the myriad of Cup ties this weekend, there was no action in Division One. So we move on EOFL Division Two, where Old Southendian Res were the first side this season to stop ACD Utd from claiming a victory, as their match at Garon Park ended 2 – 2. Sam Jones struck twice for Josh Bambury’s side, while Michael Wade and Warren Taylor replied for the leaders.

Essex Premier Cup

In the first of our ten focused matches from the Essex Premier Cup this weekend, on Friday night Old Southendian got a fine 3 – 2 win at Billericay Town Res, who play in the Essex Senior Reserve League. Callum Ludlaim got two goals for Altar Ali’s visitors, with replacement Taylor Turner getting the other goal for OS. James Drake and Max Gnandi responded for the hosts but it was the EOFL side who went through. On Saturday, Canning Town went through after a 3 – 1 win against Saffron Walden Town Res, with Stephen Ikumelo’s hat-trick proving the difference in that match in Beckton. EOFL Division One side Leigh Town faced a tricky test at Essex Alliance League Senior Division side Chadwell Heath Spartans, who are playing a division higher than Town this term. Dan Driscoll, Shane Cooper and Junior Lawrence all netted for Jack Pearman’s side here but a stirring response from the Spartans saw goals from Ray Hunwicks, Samir Aboulainaf and Jonathan Adams force a 3 – 3 scoreline and with it, the added 30 minutes. Extra-time could not determine a winner so over it went to the arduous penalty shoot-out, with Leigh goalkeeper Matthew Riley proving the hero with three penalty saves as Town won 3 – 2 on spot-kicks.

Elsewhere, Wakering Sports were conclusive 5 – 0 winners at divisional rivals Epping Town, with Aaron Clark notching twice, plus Max Drury, Connor Burrows and Daniel Regan all netted for Mitchell Gleeson’s side as they went through to the third round. Leigh Ramblers also progressed with a 2 – 0 win at Galleywood, thanks to goals from Nathan Dewberry and Rick Alabaster. There was a good win for Harold Wood Athletic Res, who knocked out AS Rawreth as ‘Wood won 4 – 3 AET at Harold Wood Park. Tish Ogungbayi, Tom Butler, Del Hawtin and Eddy Clinton all netted for Steve Hubbard’s side as they went through.

Catholic Utd also went through after navigating a tricky test at Billericay Road, with Simon Thomas’ side defeating Herongate Athletic 2 – 1. Aaron Baldwin and Jay Nash both scored for Utd there. Rayleigh Town Res made it a good week for the club as they defeated Essex Alliance League Senior side CSM London 4 – 1, with Byron Down notching a treble and Matthew Oaten also netted for Dave Barker’s side. Basildon Town saw off fellow EOFL Premier side Shenfield AFC 5 – 1 at St Martins Sch 3G. Graham Harrison netted twice here, with Jamie Bradbourn, Adam Bessadi and Jaime Selby-Knight also on target for Marcus Bowers’ side. Finally for this section, Toby continued their good Cup run with a 4 – 2 win over fellow Division One side Corinthians, with Marc Porter-Brown, Ben Picton, Rhys Willson and Albert Perry notching for the hosts in a good victory in Newbury Park.  

Other Results in EPC:

Colne Athletic  3 – 0  Kelvedon Hatch

Grays Athletic Res  2 – 1  Ongar Town

Manford Way  3 – 2  Runwell Sports

Shoebury Town  1 – 3  May & Baker A

Waltham Abbey Res  3 – 2  Snaresbrook

White Notley  1 – 2  Chingford Athletic

Wivenhoe Town Res  0 – 6  Sungate

Uncontested matches:

Beacon Hill Rovers A – W Harold Hill

Clapton CFC H – W  Wakebury

Hutton H – W Rochford Town

EOFL Division Three

In the four matches in Div Three, Hashtag Utd Development emerged with a good 2 – 1 win at Hullbridge Sports Res. Joe Ives netted for Sports, but strikes by Kai Warren and Jay Knight ensured the points left with Denis Simpson’s side. Pitsea Athletic continued their fine form this term, with a 4 – 0 win at strugglers Corinthians Res, with Reece Stone grabbing a fine treble, and Ben Challis was also on target for the visitors in that one.

In the two other matches in the division, Leigh Town Res got a fine 3 – 1 success over Toby Res, with player-boss Antony Lane grabbing a rare but welcome double, alongside Zack Walker’s strike. Arty Benjamin replied for Toby’s second side. Also, Catholic Utd Res got a 1 – 0 win over Basildon Town Res at St Thomas More Sch and keep their lead at the top at six points.

Essex Junior Cup Results

Buckhurst Hill U23  3 – 0  Herongate Athletic Res  | Roding Lane (pitch 2)

EOFL Division Four

This week, we’ve got round-up sections on Divisions Four & Five. Springfield Res went up to second spot in Div Four after a 3 – 1 win at Roydon, with Alfie Halliday notching twice and one for Sean Coughlan. Connor Riddoch got the only goal for the hosts but they drop to fifth. Chingford Athletic Res roared up to third spot after a big 5 – 1 success at strugglers Sungate Development. Luke Dimond nabbed four goals himself for the visitors with Jordan Baende also on target for Ath’s second side. Wakering Sports A are up to mid-table after a fine 5 – 2 win at local rivals Southend Manor Development. Telmo Cangoma and Matthew Pooley both scored for Carlos Codinha’s side but an ensemble cast of Tom Vine, Danny Pallett, Nikki Beale and substitutes Liam Jarrett & David Watson all netted in response to claim the win for Tony Wells’ side.

Meanwhile, Galleywood Res edged an eleven-goal thriller as they won 6 – 5 at Canning Town Res. Stuart Alexander hit two goals for the visitors, with William Santos, Luke Seaton, Lewis Brett & Travis Owles joining in on the goal-scoring. Canning responded thanks to a treble from Marcus Byfield plus strikes by Billy Evans and Sean Mooney. Galleywood rise to eighth spot after their second win this term. In the other matches, Old Chelmsfordians Res defeated Leytonstone Utd 3 – 2 whilst leaders Ongar Town Res maintained their unbeaten record by drawing 1 – 1 at Shenfield AFC Res.

EOFL Division Five

Finally this week in Division Five, Leigh Ramblers Res maintained their eight-point lead at the summit after winning their top of the table clash with Runwell Sports Res 3 – 0. Charlie Batchelor grabbed all three goals for the Rams, which takes them up to thirty goals scored this term. Nearest rivals Pitsea Athletic Res are the only side who have scored more with 32 goals after a 8 – 2 success against Epping Town Res at Basildon Sports Village. Kwadwo Asante led the way for Ath with a hat-trick here, though the supporting cast were Joshua Ledger with a brace, plus Jimmy Donovan and substitutes Joseph Milne and Jay Seeley-Hanson.

In other action, Collier Row Res were held 1 – 1 by Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res at the Forest Row Centre. An OG accounted for Swifts’ goal, with Raheem Bravo equalising for Row. Old Barkabbeyans also went up to seventh after defeating Wakebury Res 7 – 2 at the Nursery Sports Ground, with Bailey Diamond and Ben Morley scoring for Brett Deeming’s side.

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & EJC (Sat 9 Oct) [EOFL 21/22 10.10.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 9 October. This weekend saw some big results and some surprising results in matches played.  This week, the focus is on the top four divisions with results from Divisions Four & Five and the plethora of Essex Junior Cup matches tie involving an EOFL side and two Essex Premier Cup matches which saw one surprise result.

Many thanks for reading.

Image from Rochford Town v Wakebury (Sat 9 October, Image: Scott W)

Saturday 9 October

EOFL Premier Division 

We begin as ever in the Premier Division, and Basildon Town went back up into second place with a 5 – 2 triumph over rivals Hutton. Adam Bessadi struck twice, with Jamie Selby-Knight, Benjamin Smith and player-boss Marcus Bowers on target here. Catholic Utd went up to fifth spot after a good 3 – 1 win at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts, thanks in no small part to a hat-trick from Jay Nash for Simon Thomas’ side. Joe Holt got the solitary reply for Swifts, who remain third-bottom.

Elsewhere, Galleywood went into the top ten as they won 4 – 2 at Harold Wood Athletic. Thomas Watling grabbed a fine treble to take his personal tally to seven league goals thus far, with Freddie Bartram also on target for the Chelmsford-based side. James Pottle got both of the Wood’s goals, as he reached five for the season here, but Gary Willis’ team are fourth-bottom, six points adrift of the top eight.  In other results, Kelvedon Hatch continued their impressive start to the campaign with as they secured a huge 8 – 0 win over Leigh Ramblers at New Hall. Hatch are now up to fourth spot, whilst Old Southendian also got a surprise 3 – 1 win over Ongar Town at Garon Park, which takes Altar Ali’s side up to seventh spot, while Ongar’s lead at the top is reduced to just a single point.

EOFL Division One 

In the second-tier, Wakering Sports are the leaders by three points still after a superb 4 – 1 home win over Snaresbrook. Aaron Marshall & Stephen Solarin scored, as did substitutes Matthew Catlin and Mohammed Sesay to give Mitchell Gleeson’s side the win. Runwell Sports are the nearest challengers, as an OG was enough to give them a 1 – 0 success at Corinthians, who drop to fifth in a tight top end of the table. Leigh Town also impressed, as they won 3 – 1 at Epping Town. Brodie Horne got another brace to take his tally to eight already this term, with Sam Irvine also netting for Jack Pearman’s side. Substitute Peter Paoletti got a consolation goal but Epping drop to ninth.

In other results, Old Chelmsfordians edged to a 3 – 2 win over Herongate Athletic, with two Robbie Farrell spot-kicks not enough to overhaul the OC’s. Chingford Athletic also got the better of Toby, winning 4 – 2 at Town Mead to go into seventh, two points adrift of their opponents this weekend.

EOFL Division Two

In Division Two, with leaders ACD Utd in Premier Cup action it was a chance for the challengers to gain ground. Shoebury Town rose to fourth spot after a convincing 5 – 1 victory over AS Rawreth at Cupid’s. Stalwart Garry Johnson netted four goals along with one from Oliver Chew to steer Jason Doyle’s side to their third win this season. Rawreth slide to into the bottom four. Wakebury are up to third after a 5 – 3 triumph at Rochford Town, in the match I attended this weekend. Max Hall notched twice, with Will Wheeler, Danny Buglione and Kofi Gyamfi also on target for Matt Cardy’s side. Harry Ford scored two for the hosts, with Freddie Pettitt also notching for Jim Cooper’s side. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/10/09/s21-22-match-report-rochford-town-3-5-wakebury-sat-9-oct-eofl/

Elsewhere, Harold Hill are now three points ahead of ACD at the summit after a nerve-jangling 4 – 3 success over local rivals Harold Wood Athletic Ressies at Noak Hill. Emmanuel Ampaabeng and substitutes Thomas Butler & Tisore Ogungbayi all netted for Steve Hubbard’s side but Hill struck four goals of their own to claim a seventh win in eight games. Also, May & Baker A went up to mid-table after a 6 – 4 win against Rayleigh Town Reserves. Ryan Stowell struck a hat-trick for Matt Guidera & Steve Hogg’s team, with Anthony Cooke, Jeese Martin and Rowan Newland also on target for Bakers’ development side.

Essex Premier Cup

In the two Premier Cup ties this week, Division Two side ACD Utd grabbed a surprise 3 – 1 triumph at Premier side Rayleigh Town. Billy Wren notched twice for Greg Knock’s side, with Charlie Munns also on the score-sheet as they advanced into the next round. The same fortune wasn’t there for Hutton Res as they fell to 5 – 3 loss to Essex Senior Reserve side Frenford Res. Jack Shaw notched another two goals for the Hutton second side, and was joined on the scorers’ sheet by Harry Calder but the visitors triumphed thanks to a treble by Reece Morley plus strikes by Wisley Baltazar and Jack Taylor.

EOFL Division Three

Just two matches in Division Three due to the Junior Cup action (listed below). Basildon Town Res rose to fourth place as they consigned Corinthians Res to a 7 – 1 defeat at Basildon Sports Club. Nathan Fisher grabbed a fine treble, with Conor Mead and replacement Sam Marsh also notched doubles in this big win. In the other game, Wakering Sports Res are now in second spot on goal difference as they convincingly won 6 – 1 at Toby Res

Essex Junior Cup Results

Ashingdon  2 – 4 Pitsea Athletic

Barking U23 A – W  Leytonstone Utd   (Away Walkover)

Catholic Utd Res  12 – 0  AS Rawreth Res

Galleywood Res  0 – 1  Roydon

Hashtag Utd Dev.  4 – 1  Wakering Sports A

Hullbridge Sports Res  0 – 2 Thorpe Athletic

Leigh Ramblers Res  1 – 1  Old Southendian A  (OS won 4 – 3 on pens)

Leigh Town Res  0 – 1  Southend Rangers

Old Barkabbeyans  3 – 0  Tilbury U23

Old Chelmsfordians Res  7 – 2  Epping Town Res

Ongar Town Res  1 – 1 Sandon Royals (Ongar won 3 – 2 on pens)

Runwell Sports Res  3 – 4  Debden

Springfield Res  3 – 0  Thaxted Rangers

Sungate Dev.  5 – 4  Collier Row

EOFL Division Four Result

Shenfield AFC Res  2 – 0  Southend Manor Dev.  | Warley Playing Fields

EOFL Division Five Results

Snaresbrook Res  3 – 2  Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  | Nutters Field

Wakebury Res  2 – 4  Pitsea Athletic Res  | Nursery Sports Ground

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & EJC (Sat 25 Sept) [EOFL 21/22 27.9.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 25 September. This weekend saw some hard-fought contests and some stellar results too. This week, the focus is on the top three divisions with results from Divisions Three, Four & Five and the Essex Junior Cup involving EOFL sides.

Many thanks for reading.

EOFL logo

EOFL Premier Division 

In the Premier Division, Harold Wood Athletic leapt out of the bottom two with a hard-fought 1 – 0 win at Leigh Ramblers, with stalwart Matt Donovan getting the solitary goal for Gary Willis’ side at Belfairs Park. Shenfield AFC are in top ten after a superb 5 – 3 win at Old Southendian. Ben Carroll, Mitchell Day, Charlie Heatley, Samuel Lock and Alex Tredgett all netted one each for the visitors. Mitchell Ali, Sam Jones and Ed Gould all responded for Altan Ali’s team but they go into next week’s local derby with Catholic Utd needing a better result.

Meanwhile, Basildon Town are up to third after a tough 3 – 2 win at Kelvedon Hatch, with Graham Harrison notching all three goals for Marcus Bowers’ side at New Hall. Hutton continued their good form with a 3 – 0 home success over Canning Town at Polo Fields, with Will Marlowe, Jude Keeling and substitute Jonathon Hilliard all scoring for Matt Singh’s side. And in the top two clash at London Road, Ongar Town emerged with a 4 – 1 victory over previous leaders Rayleigh Town. Josh Boxall netted twice, with Frank Goodall and Harry Rawlins also on target for Richard Ponsford’s side, in the match I attended this week. If you’d like more on it, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/09/25/s21-22-match-report-rayleigh-town-1-4-ongar-town-sat-25-sept-eofl/

Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts were held by Springfield 4 – 4 in an entertaining match at Silver Leys. Mitchell May struck twice for Dan Williams’ visitors, with Harrison Elles and replacement Andrew Morgan also on target for them. And Sungate consigned Catholic Utd to another defeat, winning 3 – 1 in East London to go up to fourth.

EOFL Division One 

Moving now into Division One, and Herongate Athletic were held 0 – 0 by a decent Toby side at Billericay Road, but both sides remain in the top six. Wakering Sports are the new leaders as they made it five wins from six games after a 1 – 0 success at home to Beacon Hill Rovers. Ben Burrows got the only goal for Mitchell Gleeson’s new-look side. Leigh Town also continued their rise up the standings, with a hard-fought 3 – 2 home win over Snaresbrook. Strikes by Sam Irvine, Mark Frostick and Lewis Lawrence saw Jack Pearman’s side get the win.

Elsewhere, Corinthians got arguably the result of their season so far with a 4 – 3 win at Chingford Athletic. Scout Bown scored twice for Ath, with Nickal-David Luzolo also netted for Declan Murphy’s side but a double from substitute Bailey Moss plus goals for John Bolton-Smith and Jake Hodder gave the visitors the points to move up to fifth spot. Finally for this division, Old Chelmsfordians drew 2 – 2 with Epping Town, with Callum Turner and George Spillane scoring for Stuart Hoskins’ side.

EOFL Division Two

In Division Two, ACD Utd are the leaders with a 100% record from their first five games after a 5 – 4 victory over Old Southendian Res at Westlands. Jacob Dingli grabbed another double, with Michael Wade, Shaun Goddard and Ollie Williams all joining him on the score-sheet. Harold Hill are second on goal difference only after a fine 3 – 0 win over AS Rawreth at Noak Hill. Jack Suters, Peter Tyler and Thomas Dunning strikes were enough to keep a three-point lead over third-placed Wakebury, who triumphed 5 – 2 over Hutton Res. William Wheeler notched an excellent treble, with Chris Gore and Max Hall also on target for Matt Cardy’s side. Lewis Hall and Owen Chesney responded for Bill Stratford’s side who are yet to win this term.

Harold Wood Athletic Reserves got their second win this season, with a 3 – 0 victory over Rayleigh Town Res. Kieron Moynihan got two goals for the hosts, with Ben Rowe also on target for Steve Hubbard’s side as they went up into mid-table. Elsewhere, Manford Way went into fourth spot with a 5 – 2 success over May & Baker A. Samuel Oramadike led the way with a treble, with Daniel Demain and Kenneth Amaning also netting for Colin Dobson’s team. Finally, Rochford Town held Shoebury Town to a 1 – 1 draw at the Rochford Rec.

EOFL Division Three

Catholic Utd Res 6 – 1  Hullbridge Res

Essex Junior Cup Results

AS Rawreth Res  6 – 0  Rochford Town Res

Basildon Town Res  5 – 7  Hashtag Utd Dev.

Bowers & Pitsea U23 3 – 1 Southend Manor Dev.

Buckhurst Hill U23 H – W Old Chigwellians Res

Collier Row Res  0 – 4  Oakside

Corinthians Res  1 – 2  Wakering Sports A

Debden  6 – 1  Shenfield AFC Res

Galleywood Res  3 – 2  Chingford Athletic Res

Old Barkabbeyans  8 – 0  All Prospects

Ongar Town Res  H – W  South Woodham Ferrers

Pitsea Athletic Res  3 – 7  Wakering Sports Res

Snaresbrook Res  2 – 5  Collier Row

South Essex Utd  9 – 3  Wakebury Res

Toby Res  3 – 5  Sungate Dev.

League – EOFL Division Four

Roydon  3 – 0 Leytonstone Utd

Springfield Res  5 – 5  Old Chelmsfordians Res

EOFL Division Five

Epping Town Res  1 – 5  Leigh Ramblers Res

Runwell Sports Res  4 – 1  Herongate Athletic Res

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 11 Sept) [EOFL 21/22 12.9.21]

Archive image: Rayleigh Tn v Leigh Ramblers (early September 2021)

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 11 September. This weekend saw some high-scoring matches and some surprise results as ever. As usual, the focus is on the top four divisions with results from Divisions Four & Five.

Many thanks for reading.

EOFL logo

EOFL Premier Division 

In the Premier Division, leaders Basildon Town have a slender one-point lead after being held to a goalless draw at Harold Wood Athletic. Sungate missed a chance to leapfrog them after succumbing to a 1 – 2 loss to Kelvedon Hatch, with Drew Klessa-Smith and Oliver Pettit scoring for Darren Hunt’s side. Sonny Rossington responded for ‘Gate but they stay second in the standings. With Ongar Town and Old Southendian not in action this weekend, Rayleigh Town went up to fifth after a good 2 – 0 win over Catholic Utd at London Road. Jack Long and Liam Oliver’s penalty were enough to claim the points for Paul Higgins’ side.

Elsewhere, Hutton moved to seventh place with a fine 3 – 2 triumph at Springfield. Charlie Nichols and Mitchell May got the goals for Dan Williams’ team but a stirring comeback from Hutton saw Will Marlowe, Jim Gardner and Billy Chilcott’s fine strike secure a good away-day win for Matt Singh’s side. Galleywood moved into the top ten with a 3 – 0 success against Bishop’s Stortford Swifts, with a brace from Thomas Watling and one from Sam Donn enough to give Mark O’Sullivan’s team a good win.

Finally, Leigh Ramblers’ pursuit of a win this term goes on after they were held 3 – 3 by visitors Shenfield AFC. Jack Gardner got two goals and Andrew Webster got the other for Mark Hunter’s team but the visitors scored three of their own to claim a point.

EOFL Division One 

Moving now into Division One, and Runwell Sports are the new leaders on goal difference after a 5 – 2 win over Old Chemsfordians at St Luke’s Park. Strikes from Joe Olley, Korede Odumosu, Samuel Adebayo, Matt Tapley and an OG saw Rob Hodgson’s side to their third win this term. Epping Town also got their first win this term, winning 2 – 1 at Chingford Athletic with Andrew Smith and David Limber getting the goals for Stuart Hoskins’ side at Town Mead.

Also, Corinthians got a big 5 – 1 success over Snaresbrook at Stambridge Memorial Ground. Bailey Moss struck four goals here for Chris Stoneham’s side, with Bill Wilton getting the other goal. Finally for this division, Leigh Town emerged from a stern test with a 2 – 0 win at Herongate Athletic, with Brodie Horne and Max Jones goals proving the difference here for Jack Pearman’s side and they go into fourth spot after inflicting the first loss of Herongate’s campaign.

EOFL Division Two

In Division Two, ACD Utd remain at the summit after a resounding 9 – 2 victory over Harold Wood Athletic Res at Westlands. Jacob Dingli grabbed five of the goals himself for Greg Knock’s side, with a double for Michael Wade plus strikes for Billy Wren and replacement Sam Payne completing the scoring for the only unbeaten side remaining in the division. Derek Hawtin got both goals for the Wood’ side but their goal difference took a hammering here. Harold Hill remain 2nd, level on points with ACD having played a game more after a superb 6 – 2 triumph over Wakebury at Noak Hill. Max Hall and Daniel Buglione netted for Matt Cardy’s side but they ultimately fell to their first loss of the new season.

Shoebury Town went up to third spot after a narrow 1 – 0 win at AS Rawreth, with Garry Johnson once again on the score-sheet for Jason Doyle’s side. Elsewhere, May & Baker A got their first points of the season with a 2 – 0 triumph at winless Rochford Town. Rowan Newland scored again, with Jerry Jairette getting the other goal for Matt Guidera & Steve Hogg’s side.

Also, Manford Way got a fine 5 – 2 win at Hutton Res, with Thomas Price and Elliott Fraser goals not enough to stop Bill Stratford’s side avoid defeat at Polo Fields. Finally, Rayleigh Town Res got the result of their campaign thus far with a big 6 – 2 win over Old Southendian Res at Garon Park 3G.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, Toby Res went up to third place after a fine 5 – 1 success at home to Buckhurst Hill U23, with Oliver Dingli notching twice for Lee Glynn’s side, plus Justin Clarke, Myrie and Davies all joined in on the goals. Substitute Tyla Fenlon got the solitary reply for Alan Byers’ side. Pitsea Athletic went up to mid-table after a good 2 – 1 win over Hullbridge Sports Res at Lower Road. Rhys Davies and Louis Starkey goals secured the points for Trevor Wickens’ side. Bobby Badnall responded for Jason Mole’s team but it’s two wins from their four matches thus far.

Meanwhile, Leigh Town Res navigated a tough trip to Collier Row and recorded a 3 – 1 win at the Forest Row Centre. Strikes from Aaron Tyler, Max Whitehead and Chris Pope secured the first win of the new term for Antony Lane’s side. In other results, Wakering Sports Res remain top after a 5 – 0 home win over Shenfield AFC Res at Cupid’s while Catholic Utd Res hammered Corinthians Res 10 – 3 at St Thomas More Sch.

EOFL Division Four

Results

Old Chelmsfordians Res  5 – 0  Shenfield AFC Res     | Lawford Lane

Ongar Town Res  2 – 1  Canning Town Res | Melbourne Park 3G, Chelmsford

Roydon  1 – 0  Galleywood Res     | Roydon Playing Fields

Southend Manor Dev. 1 – 2  Chingford athletic Res   | Southchurch Park  

Sungate Dev.  3 – 6  Springfield Res             | Ilford Wanderers RFC

Wakering Sports  A  1 – 1  Leytonstone Utd   | Cupid’s (Pitch 2)

EOFL Division Five

Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  4 – 1  AS Rawreth Res  | Silver Leys

Collier Row Res  4 – 3 Wakebury Res      | Forest Row Centre (Pitch 2)

Epping Town Res  1 – 4  Pitsea Athletic Res   |  Epping UC Rugby Club

Old Barkabbeyans  2 – 2  Runwell Sports Res  | Barking Abbey Sch 3G

Snaresbrook Res  0 – 4  Leigh Ramblers Res   | Nutters Field

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 14 Aug) [EOFL 21/22 15.8.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to the first of a new season of weekly round-up articles on  Essex Olympian League divisions, The first weekend of action from Saturday 14th August saw a myriad of teams adjust to new divisions, and before the action is described I’ll put in a short listing of which sides are in each division. As ever, the focus is on the top four divisions with results from Divisions Four & Five.

Many thanks for the support and for reading.

EOFL Premier Division 

Teams (15): Basildon Town, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts, Canning Town, Catholic Utd, Galleywood, Harold Wood Athletic, Hutton, Kelvedon Hatch, Leigh Ramblers, Old Southendian, Ongar Town, Rayleigh Town, Shenfield AFC, Springfield, Sungate

In the Premier Division, Basildon Town overcame a spirited performance by their visitors as they defeated Rayleigh Town 4 – 3, in their first match at landlords Basildon Utd. Player-boss Marcus Bowers led the way with a brace for the hosts, with new signing Rhys Fatt also notching twice for his new team. Rayleigh responded through goals from Paul Morris, Shaun Gittleson and Liam Oliver but ultimately they fell to defeat. Old Southendian got a win on the opening day as they defeated Canning Town 2 – 1 at Garon Park. Sam Adcock and substitute Craig Paton got the important strikes there for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Kelvedon Hatch began their new campaign with a 3 – 2 win at promoted Galleywood. Drew Klessa-Smith nabbed a terrific treble for the visitors and that outshone strikes by Matthew Buckingham and Jamie Lockwood for Galleywood to give Darren Hunt’s side the win. Hutton also got a welcome three points as a Stephen Judge strike was enough to give them a 1 – 0 success over Catholic Utd at Polo Fields. Harold Wood Athletic let a two-goal lead slip before being held 3 – 3 by a new-look Springfield side at Harold Wood Park. Strikes by Jacob Roberts, James Pottle and Harry Clifford put Gary Willis’ side ahead but a double from replacement Jordan Sargeant and one from Charlie Nichols saw Dan Williams’  team make a good comeback and left with a point.

Also, Ongar Town began their season at Step 7 with a superb 4 – 1 home win over Leigh Ramblers. Jack Gardner got the goal for Mark Hunter’s visitors but the winning feeling continued for Richard Ponsford’s side, thanks to a brace from Frankie Goodall, plus strikes by Harry Rawlins and Rodney Wilson. Finally, Sungate won 2 – 1 at Shenfield AFC with Ben Carroll scoring for the home side.

EOFL Division One 

Teams (11): Beacon Hill Rovers, Corinthians, Chingford Athletic, Epping Town, Herongate Athletic, Leigh Town, Old Chelmsfordians, Runwell Sports, Snaresbrook, Toby, Wakering Sports

Moving now into Division One, and Toby got a superb 4 – 0 triumph over Epping Town in Newbury Park. Albert Perry, Marc Porter-Brown, Louis Hill and new recruit Harry Barham all netted as Mark Jones’ team started strongly. Wakering Sports also grabbed an impressive 5 – 1 success against Old Chelmsfordians at Cupid’s, with Connor Burrows netting twice, alongside Ben Burrows, Matthew Catlin and Aaron Clark goals for Mitchell Gleeson’s side.

The new era at Herongate Athletic under Billy Cove also began with a victory as they defeated Snaresbrook 3 – 1 at Billericay Road. Robbie Farrell’s brace and one from Izaih Antoine did the job for the home side. Elsewhere, and Runwell Sports began life under boss Rob Hodgson with a creditable 1 – 1 draw with Chingford Athletic at St Luke’s Park. Dylan Hawley netted for Runwell, with Lewis Watson scoring for Ath. Also, Leigh Town began their journey as a second-tier club with a fine 3 – 1 victory at fellow promoted side Beacon Hill Rovers.

EOFL Division Two

Teams (12): ACD Utd, AS Rawreth, Harold Hill, Harold Wood Athletic Res, Hutton Res, Manford Way (fmrly Res), May & Baker A, Old Southendian Res, Rayleigh Town Res, Rochford Town, Showbury Town, Wakebury

In Division Two, ACD Utd got their first win as a third-tier club as they won 2 – 1 at new club Harold Hill. Player-boss Michael Wade got both goals for the visitors as they negotiated a tricky test well. Elsewhere, Shoebury Town started strongly in their new division as they won 4 – 1 against visitors Harold Wood Athletic Res at Cupid’s. Steven Sharpe struck twice here for Town, with Daniel Brooker and an OG accounting for the other goals. Ben Rowe responded for the Wood second-team.

In other action, AS Rawreth got their new era under Josh Hutchins started with a good 2 – 1 home win over May & Baker A. Alex Salmon and Ryan Kenyon provided the goals as they began the season well.

EOFL Division Three

Teams (12): Basildon Town Res, Buckhurst Hill U23/Res, Catholic Utd Res, Collier Row, Corinthians Res, Hashtag Utd Dev, Hullbridge Sports Res, Leigh Town Res, Pitsea Athletic, Toby Res, Wakering Sports Res 

Finally for this week, in Division Three, newcomers Pitsea Athletic began their EOFL campaign with a decent 3 – 0 win over Leigh Town Res at Basildon Sports Village. Ben Challis’ fine treble was enough to seperate the sides there. Elsewhere Basildon Town Res drew 1 – 1 with Toby Res. Matthew Keiller struck for Town, with Brandon Richmond netting for the East Londoners.

Collier Row started the new season with a 3 – 2 home win over Corinthians Res. Jay Knight and replacement Finlay Grant scored for Ben Adams’side but it wasn’t enough to claim a point. Also, Wakering Sports Res claimed a big 9 – 0 victory over Buckhurst Hill U23 and Hashtag Utd Development won 2 – 0 at home to Hullbridge Sports Res at Barleylands.

EOFL Division Four

Teams (12): Canning Town Res, Chingford Athletic Res, Galleywood Res, Leytonstone Utd, Old Chelmsfordians Res, Ongar Town Res, Roydon, Shenfield AFC Res, Southend Manor Dev., Springfield Res, Sungate Res, Wakering Sports A

Results

Ongar Town Res 7 – 1   Shenfield AFC Res   | Melbourne Park

Southend Manor Dev.  2 – 0   Roydon            | Southchurch Park

EOFL Division Five

Teams (12): AS Rawreth Res, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res, Collier Row Res, Epping Town Res, Herongate Athletic Res, Leigh Ramblers Res, Old Barkabbeyans, Pitsea Athletic Res, Runwell Sports Res, Snaresbrook Res, Wakebury Res

Results

Collier Row Res  0 – 5  Herongate Athletic Res  

Pitsea Athletic  Res  6 – 2   Wakebury Res    | Basildon Sporting Village

Thank you for reading, this column will be running throughout the season as much as I can.

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 22 May) [EOFL 20/21 23.5.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking the action in week ten of the ‘mini-season’ in the  Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 22nd May, plus a mention of the action in midweek as the champions were confirmed in the Premier Division. As ever, the focus is on the top four divisions despite several matches being uncontested this week.

EOFL logo

EOFL Premier Division 

In the Premier Division, Basildon Town secured second place after a 3 – 1 triumph at home to Old Southendian. Strikes from player-boss Marcus Bowers, Grant Cumming and replacement Michael Clark were enough to earn a good tangible reward for the change of fortunes under Bowers this term. Basildon Town have also announced this week that they will ground-share at Gardiners Close with Step 4 side Basildon Utd next season, ahead of the heavily-rumoured new ground that Utd will build in the near future. Os will likely finish the season bottom but with relegation looking most unlikely, they will have some room to re-build ahead of what will be a tough division next term.

Elsewhere, Springfield got their second win in their last four with a 2 – 1 success at Rayleigh Town. A Shaun Gittleson power strike was not enough for the hosts to avoid defeat here. Dan Williams’ visiting side have secured a tenth-placed finish after this win. That is the case as Shenfield AFC lost their final game of the season, as Harold Wood Athletic won 2 – 1 at St Martins Sch 3G. Strikes from Max Shepherd and Tom Ward secured a second consecutive away win for Alex Goldstone’s team and a win in their final match next weekend could see them sneak into the top six.

Also, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts came from behind to draw 1 – 1 with Catholic Utd at Silver Leys. Aaron Baldwin put the visitors ahead on the hour, but substitute Gabriel Odili’s third league goal in his spell at the club ensured the points were shared. The Hoops have finished their season now and they remain third, but the form Billy Cove’s side has shown since the restart continues – they are nine league games unbeaten now.

Sungate’s match with Kelvedon Hatch was uncontested and the ‘Gate got the points, with Hatch also unable to compete next week too.

Finally, Buckhurst Hill were given a scare before securing a 4 – 3 success at Hutton. A brace from Max Nicholson plus goals by Tyler Dolan and Jack Griggs were enough to give Mark Williams’ side the points but the hosts responded through Josh Brocklebank and a brace from substitute Ben Stanton made it a nervy end for the Champions, who were presented with the Trophy shortly after the match, which I had a chance to see first-hand as I was at this match & my in-depth report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/05/22/s-20-21-match-report-hutton-3-4-buckhurst-hill-sat-22-may/

 Hill can pass the fifty-point mark with a win at Sungate next weekend, whereas Hutton need to defeat Springfield to at least secure fifth spot.

Buckhurst Hill celebrate their Premier Division title win [Image: Scott W]

EOFL Division One 

Moving now into Division One, with two matches uncontested (see listing at end of this section), the action was restricted to two matches this weekend. Firstly, Toby got a fine 2 – 0 win at Chingford Athletic to go up to fifth in the table after their third win in a row. Chingford drop to ninth and a rebuilding job awaits in the summer though full respect to Chairman Lee Bowers who has stepped in as manager for the last several weeks. Also, Manford Way defeated Herongate Athletic 4 – 0 at Jo Richardson Sch to give them hope of overhauling rivals Galleywood to secure the runners-up spot next weekend. Charlie Heatley scored twice here after coming off the bench, with James Clarke and Tyrone Scarlett also netting for Trevor Grace’s side. Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore was there & here’s his look at the game: https://footballreview.net/match-report-manford-way-4-0-herongate-athletic/

Next weekend, Manford have to win in the reverse match at Herongate whilst Galleywood have to win at champions Ongar Town. Intriguingly poised I’m sure you’ll agree.

Uncontested:

Ramsden Scotia   H – W   Snaresbrook   | Home Walkover
Ongar Tn   H – W   Rayleigh Tn Res    | Home Walkover


EOFL Division Two

Division Two is also not all ‘said & done’ either in terms of the promotion spots. That being said, Champions Leigh Town endorsed their growing reputation with a 5 – 1 win away at Ryan in Leigh’s farewell match of the season. Jack Pearman’s side remain third in the conventional table, though have won the title thanks to their superior PPG ratio. Ryan have two matches left and maximum points from those matches will see them pinch eighth spot.

Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic Res gathered a third win in succession with a 1 – 0 triumph at Laindon Orient. James Pottle got the only goal from twelve yards as their campaign ended on a high at Markhams Chase. Laindon must win next weekend to have any chance of pinching fifth spot but all in all, it’s been a decent season for Neil Blackburn’s side.

Beacon Hill Rovers are still in the box seat for the crucial runners-up position in the division after a nerve-jangling 4 – 3 win over May & Baker A at Wickham Bishops Sports Ground. Strikes from Bradley Morgan, Josh Perry, George Davis and player-boss Stephen Bennett were enough to secure a fourth win in five matches. Their job next week is simple, win against Wakering Sports and the job is done. Bakers were in the game for long periods through a brace from Tolouwa Dada and one from Jeese Martin ultimately wasn’t enough and they need four points from their last two matches to have any chance of a top-ten finish.

Finally, Wakering Sports secured a top-five finish with a 2 – 0 win over AS Rawreth at Cupid’s. Aaron Clark and Ben Rowe goals made it six wins in their last seven matches for Mitchell Gleeson’s side. This result also makes sure Rawreth will finish bottom of the standings.

As far the promotion picture stands, Epping Town have a chance of overhauling Beacon Hill if the latter fail to win, but Stuart Hoskins’ side also have to defeat Corinthians at home on the final day after they got another three points without playing, as did the Stambridge side.

Uncontested matches:

Corinthians  H – W Rochford Town    | Home Walkover

Epping Tn  H – W  Old Southendian Res   | Home Walkover

EOFL Division Three

Finally for this week, in Division Three ACD Utd cemented their position as Champions with a walkover win against Toby Res. The race for second is somewhat more complex, as Hutton Res played twice this week again. Firstly, on Thursday night they edged to a 4 – 3 win over Hullbridge A at a very windy Lower Road. Matthew Price struck twice for Bill Stratford’s side here, with Thomas Price and Jack Shaw also on target to make Joe Ives’ fine treble for Hullbridge semi-redundant with regards to the points.

Then on Saturday, the Hutton second-side were held 4 – 4 by Basildon Town Ressies at Basildon Sports Club in the late kick-off. Jack Shaw struck another treble to take his tally to nineteen league goals this term, with James Gardner also netting. But Town responded through the ensemble cast of Keith King, Garron Leatherbarrow, Tom Clayton and replacement Jamie Simpkins to gain a point which means they will finish at least sixth.

The knock-on effect of the above now means that Manford Way Res can secure the runners-up spot with another win next weekend after they won 2 – 1 at Lakeside Utd in the lunchtime kick-off this weekend. David Hornsby took his tally to 24 this term with another brace here, in a match that Aaron also watched – his report is here: https://footballreview.net/match-report-lakeside-united-1-2-manford-way-reserves/

Daniel Stokes responded for Lakeside but this defeat means they will finish the season in eighth spot. In the other matches, Hullbridge A defeated Collier Row 2 – 1 while Wakebury secured a top-four finish with a 3 – 1 success at Buckhurst Hill Res, with Charlie Little’s 15th league goal of the campaign plus Jack Smith and Billy Bonham-Dare goals were enough for Matt Cardy’s team to secure the win

.

EOFL Division Four Results    

Laindon Orient Res 0 – 3   Shenfield AFC Res   |  Peagsus Club

Wakering Sports Res  1 – 1   Galleywood Res  |  Cupid’s CC (Pitch 1)

Uncontested:
Sungate Res    H – W    Leytonstone Utd   |  Home Walkover

EOFL Division Five  Results


AS Rawreth Res   0 – 10   Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  | The Warren

Springfield Res   1 – 0  Leigh Ramblers Res   |  Arun Park

Uncontested:
Epping Town Res   H – W  Shoebury Town Res   | Home Walkover

Herongate Athletic Res   A – W   Roydon   |  Away Walkover

Runwell Sports Res   A – W   Collier Row Res   |  Away Walkover

Wakering Sports A   H – W   Newbury Forest Res   | Home Walkover

Thank you for reading, the final edition of this season’s EOFL Round-up will be available in about ten days time to round out the campaign. It’s been a pleasure to write about the Essex Olympian League this term once again and my thanks to all the clubs, managers & players that have assisted these articles this season.

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 8 May) [EOFL 20/21 9.5.21]

Image from Rayleigh 2 – 1 H Wood (Premier Division) (Image: Scott W)

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

Hello all and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking the action in week seven of the ‘mini-season’ in the  Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 8th May. As ever, our focus here is on the top four tiers, with results from Divisions Four & Five. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Premier Division 

In the Premier Division, Springfield got arguably the result of the weekend, as they won 1 – 0 at Basildon Town. It may not have been pretty for Dan Williams’ side, given that their goal was an OG from a set-piece but that won’t worry the Springfield management team. The win sees them rise up to eleventh spot and Basildon needing points to secure their second place. Bas have a swift chance to exact some payback though – they visit Arun Park next weekend! Bas’ chief challengers could well be Bishop’s Stortford Swifts who made it seven league matches unbeaten with a 2 – 1 success at Kelvedon Hatch. Kurt Smith and Ryan Blackman goals got Billy Cove’s side another win and it sees them go fourth, level on points with Leigh Ramblers just above them. Lee Hamill’s strike for Kelvedon couldn’t prevent their second loss in their last five games, and they fell to twelfth place.

In other action, Buckhurst Hill can win the Premier Division title in midweek after they were made to work hard to defeat Canning Town 3 – 1 at Roding Lane. Alfie Harris’ double and Suleyman Zuhdu’s 20th league goal of the campaign secured Hill’s 13th win in fourteen matches. Canning’s defeat sees them drop back to second-bottom.  Sungate were held 2 – 2 by Old Southendian in East London, with Craig Paton and Jamie Oates scoring for player-boss Connor Lane’s side. OS are two bottom, two points adrift of Canning Town but it was another gutsy point on the road. The ‘Gate remain sixth and they will aim for a top-four finish I feel given all their remaining three games are at home.  

Elsewhere, Rayleigh Town got an important 2 – 1 triumph over Harold Wood Athletic at London Road. Strikes from George Vile and Bailey Moss were enough to see Paul Higgins’ side keep a three-point cushion in ninth spot. Robert Whitnell’s strike from the penalty spot had brought Alex Goldstone’s side level but they fell to defeat, which sees them stay eighth. I was watching this match & my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/05/09/s20-21-match-report-rayleigh-town-2-1-harold-wood-athletic-sat-8-may-eofl/

In the other action in this division, Catholic Utd travelled to Polo Fields and drew 2 – 2 with Hutton. Brad Rowland and Max O’Leary got the goals for Simon Thomas’ visiting side, but Joshua Seal and Alfie Curelli responded for Matt Singh’s team. Hutton remain sixth, while the Hoops drop to fifth after this result. Finally, Shenfield AFC got an eye-catching 3 – 2 win over Leigh Ramblers at St Martins Sch 3G. The win takes them up to tenth spot and Ramblers will have to hope victory in their last match next weekend at Hutton is enough to keep them in the top four at the end of May.

EOFL Division One 

In the second tier, Galleywood completed a terrific 5 – 3 win at home to Snaresbrook, played at Moulsham Sch 3G. Mark O’Sullivan’s side finished the match with ten men but a treble from Thomas Watling (who made it eight league goals in twelve starts this term) plus strikes by Jack Chatterway and Jack Hayes secured the win which kept them in second spot. Drew Barbier’s double (one from 12 yards) and one from Daniel Walsh kept ‘Brook in the match but they drop to eighth spot in this increasingly competitive division.

The hunt for the second-placed finish is also getting tighter. Runwell Sports are a point behind Galleywood in second after a 2 – 0 win at Ramsden Scotia. This was their third win in their last five matches for Jason Plom’s side. They are a point clear of Manford Way who got a important 1 – 0 win at Chingford Athletic with Charlie Heatley getting the only goal of the game for Trevor Grace’s side. Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore (Twitter: @aaron_moore25) was there & here’s his take on the match: https://footballreview.net/match-report-chingford-afc-0-1-manford-way/

Image from Rayleigh Tn Res 3 – 5 Shoebury Tn (Division One) (Image: Scott W)

Elsewhere, Shoebury Town got their first win in eight league matches with a fine 5 – 3 win at Rayleigh Town Res. Garry Johnson’s treble plus strikes by Billy Cottrill and a Kirk Hudson penalty was enough for Lee Boosey’s new side. Goals from Harry Barham, Matt Atoo and Matthew Bampus were not quite enough to recover any points for Dave Barker’s side in an entertaining match at London Road which I also attended. Here’s my report: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/05/09/s20-21-match-report-rayleigh-town-res-3-5-shoebury-town-sat-8-may-eofl/ 

Also, Toby got a good 3 – 2 win at Herongate Athletic, with Rhys Willson, Chris Rowland and Louis Hill all on target for Mark Jones’ side. This result takes them up to sixth spot and they will have a say in how the top five shapes up, given they have to play Old Chelmsfordians & Runwell Sports in the next three weeks. Herongate remain second-bottom. 

Meanwhile, Ongar Town garnering the points without needing to navigate a tricky tie with Old Chelmsfordians because the latter were unable to field an XI. It means that nearest challengers Galleywood have to defeat Chingford Athletic in midweek to stave off the party for champions-elect Town for another week.


EOFL Division Two   

We have our first confirmed champions in the Olympian divisions as Leigh Town battled to a 3 – 2 win at Laindon Orient at Markhams Chase. Strikes from Max Jones, Brodie Horne and James Roberts finally secured elevation for Jack Pearman’s side here. Shomari Barnwell’s brace had put Neil Blackburn’s side in strong position earlier in the game but Leigh would not be denied and they get deserved recognition for the form they’ve showed in the last couple of seasons. I’d like to pass on my congratulations to Jack and the whole squad on a great achievement. Laindon remain in sixth, ready to pounce if the sides above them falter as they will be looking for a top-four finish.

Elsewhere, Beacon Hill Rovers gained another big three points with a 3 – 1 victory over promotion rivals Corinthians at Wickham Bishops Sports Ground. The former Burnham Ramblers pair of Karl Swanborough (2) and Bradley Morgan combined to overpower Chris Stoneham’s side and stay a point clear in second spot. Ted Turnham netted a late consolation for the visitors but this result means they are not in charge of their own destiny. That is chiefly because Epping Town moved above them into third spot after a thumping 5 – 1 win at AS Rawreth. Joe Rickett notched four times in this one to take his tally to 14 league goals this term. Peter Paoletti had opened the scoring for the visitors here and Stuart Hoskins’ side are two points clear of the Stambridge side with both teams having three matches remaining. Oh, and they face each other on the last day of the Olympian season in Epping. Rawreth remain bottom, five points off their nearest rival May & Baker A, who lost 3 – 1 at Harold Wood Athletic Res. Darren Wettner, Warren Taylor and Adam Farley got the goals to give Wood’s second side the win which takes them up to ninth spot, whereas the visitors stay second-bottom.

Elsewhere in the division, Old Southendian Res put a spanner in the works of Wakering Sports‘ promotion aspirations as the OS side won 2 – 1 at Cupid’s. Nico Dubouchet’s ninth league goal this term and one from Jack Cripps were enough to overturn substitute Mohammed Sesay’s strike and go five points clear in seventh, with one match remaining on May 22nd – a trip to Epping Town. Sports stay fifth but their chances of a top-two finish appear slim, despite having three matches remaining – and they welcome Corinthians to Cupid’s next weekend.

Finally, Rochford Town drew 1 – 1 with Ryan, with Freddie Pettitt getting the goal for Town. Ryan have four matches remaining, two of those against the top two sides so realistically, the best they can hope for is a seventh-placed finish which would be creditable for Declan Murphy’s team.

EOFL Division Three 

This was quite a day in Division Three. Firstly, Hutton Res gave the title race added impetus as they fought back to win 3 – 2 at leaders ACD Utd. An OG and a Jamie Alexandrou strike put Michael Wade’s team in command but Bill Stratford’s side turned it around through strikes from Jim Gardner, Mike Cason and Jack Shaw and made it seven straight league wins as well. The visitors stay third, but are only two points away from the leaders, who have three matches remaining.

Manford Way Res are also right in the chase for elevation, after a 4 – 0 win over Toby Res at Ford’s Social Club in Newbury Park. David Hornsby took his goal tally past twenty for the league season with a treble here, with Jake Muller also on target. Manford’s second side are a point behind the leaders in second spot, with two matches remaining. It’s worth noting that Points Per Game (PPG) might also be a factor in which sides get promoted in the close season. Hullbridge Sports A picked up a hard-fought 1 – 0 win at Collier Row, which all but ends Row’s chances of a top-two finish. William Bray got the only goal to reduce the deficit between the sides to one point. The youthful Sports side in 7th and Row are in sixth.

Elsewhere, Basildon Town Reserves are three points clear now in fifth after a 3 – 0 success against Leigh Town Res at Basildon Sports Club. Jamie Simpkins’ brace and one from replacement Shaun Watkins were enough to give Richard Bennett’s side the points. Wakebury are also still in contention for that top-two finish as they battled to a 4 – 1 victory at Buckhurst Hill Res. A brace from Charlie Little plus goals from Billy Bonham-Dare and Harry Kateley made sure Matt Cardy’s side picked up the win against a side which certainly earned the visiting manager’s respect. Jason Gomes got the sole goal for the home side. The Berries stay fourth and realistically need at least two of the three sides above them to slip up but they have still had a great campaign to date, regardless of the outcome.

Also, Corinthians Res held Lakeside Utd to a creditable 2 – 2 draw in Stambridge. Utd remain in eighth place after their first draw this term. The hosts remain in tenth after a difficult campaign.

EOFL Division Four Results  

Hashtag Utd Dev  0 – 1  Catholic Utd Res | Barleylands Road

Laindon Orient Res   3 – 3  Leytonstone Utd   | Pegasus Club, Corringham

and

Sungate Res  A – W  Canning Town Res  | Away Walkover

Wakering Sports Res  H – W  Old Chelmsfordians Res   | Home Walkover

EOFL Senior Five Results  

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  3 – 2  Newbury Forest Res  | Silver Leys

Runwell Sports Res  0 – 5  Old Barkabbeyans   | St Luke’s Park

Wakering Sports A   4 – 1 Roydon   | Cupid’s CC (Pitch 2)

and
Collier Row Res  H – W  Herongate Athletic Res  | Home Walkover

Epping Town Res  H – W  AS Rawreth Res  | Home Walkover

Springfield Res  H – W  Shoebury Town Res  | Home Walkover

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 24 April) [EOFL 20/21 25.4.21]

EOFL crest

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

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking athe action in week four of the ‘mini-season’ in the  Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 24th April. As ever, our focus here is on the top four tiers, with results from Divisions Four & Five. After each division, you’ll notice an image of the updated divisional standings (Source: FA Full-Time website). Image is from Buckhurst Hill v Harold Wood Ath, taken by me. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Premier Division 

Starting off in the Premier Division and Bishop’s Stortford Swifts made it five league matches unbeaten with a good 3 – 0 win over Leigh Ramblers at Silver Leys. The goal-scorers for Billy Cove’s side were Tola Odedoyin, Gabriel Odili and Chris Gibbs as they reduced the deficit to Catholic Utd in third to four points, ahead of their visit to the Len Forge next weekend. The Rams remain in fourth spot. Basildon Town remain in second after a 2 – 0 win over third-placed Catholic Utd at the Basildon Sports Club. Goals from Charlie Kendall & player-boss Marcus Bowers ensured that caretaker boss Simon Thomas’s first game in charge (after the resignation of boss Stuart Marshall last week citing work commitments) ended in defeat.

In my featured match this weekend, Buckhurst Hill pulled off a fine 5 – 0 win over Harold Wood Athletic at Roding Lane. Tyler Dolan struck twice here for Mark Williams’ side, with Jack Griggs, Nathan Sollosi and replacement Fehinti Falola all netting as well to keep Buckhurst five points clear at the summit. My report from this match is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/04/24/s-20-21-match-report-buckhurst-hill-5-0-harold-wood-athletic-eofl/

Elsewhere, Rayleigh Town got a super away-day victory, 3 – 1 at Shenfield AFC with Bailey Moss, Shaun Gittleson and George Vile the scorers for Paul Higgins’ side. Town rise to ninth spot in the table while Shenfield drop to 11th. Sungate also got back to winning ways with a 2 – 0 win at Kelvedon Hatch, which sent them back up to seventh. Two of the bottom three sides met at Arun Park as Springfield were held 1 – 1 by Old Southendian. David Knight struck for Dan Williams’ side but a late leveller for OS from Lewis Caplin denied them a much-needed victory. Other results meant that OS are now bottom, while Springfield reside in 12th. Finally, Canning Town leapt off the bottom with a superb 3 – 1 win over Hutton in Beckton. Town’s third league win this term leaves them in tenth, while Hutton’s third loss on-the-rack see them stay in fifth.  

EOFL Premier Division table (after April 24 action)

EOFL Division One 

Moving into Division One, with perhaps the most surprising result this week being Rayleigh Town Reserves fighting back to claim a 4 – 4 draw with Old Chelmsfordians at London Road. The result means the hosts inch to a three-point cushion in tenth spot while the OC’s drop to fourth place. Leaders Ongar Town continued their sparkling form with a 7 – 0 victory over struggling Herongate Athletic at Lakeside. Aaron Blair grabbed yet another treble to move to 18 league goals this term for Ongar, with Harry Rawlins notching twice alongside singles for Frankie Goodall and Rodney Wilson. Richard Ponsford’s side now have an eight-point lead at the summit and surely won’t be caught before the end of May.

That being said, Manford Way could give it a good go as they won 6 – 2 at Shoebury Town. Tyrone Scarlett netted a superb treble to lead the way for Trevor Grace’s side here, with Jourdon Sabarouche also grabbing two goals himself. Ronnie Hobbrough got the other goal as Manford made it four wins from their last five games. Shoebury probably cannot wait to regroup in June now as they are four points adrift of Herongate at the foot of the table.

There were goals aplenty in other matches this weekend too, only the 41(!) being scored overall in the six matches in the division this weekend. Snaresbrook certainly did their bit for that tally as well with a 5 – 2 win at Toby. Daniel Tesfay got another double here for Rob Caine’s side, as Drew Barbier also notched a pair plus Ife Ogunbayo also netted from twelve yards. ‘Brook go above their hosts here into sixth and they are only three points adrift of a top-three place, such is how congested the top half of the standings are. Also, Galleywood managed a fine 3 – 0 win at Runwell Sports with Matthew Buckingham, Thomas Watling and substitute Luke Osborne all finding the net at St Luke’s Park. ‘Wood go up to third in the standings while Runwell drop to fifth.

Finally for this division, Chingford Athletic made it four games unbeaten as they won 4 – 2 at Ramsden Scotia. Michael Mignot got another double here to take his tally to nine goals in a Chingford shirt in the last month. Archie Stojic and George Miller also netted to send Lee Bowers’ side up to eighth. I wouldn’t rule them out making a late run for a top-four spot either. Scotia drop to ninth spot.

EOFL Division One Table (after April 24 action)

EOFL Division Two

On a day of movement in the top half in Division Two, Leigh Town got back to their irrepressible selves with a thundering 6 – 1 at Old Southendian Res. Brodie Horne netted another three goals here to make it to five league goals this term now. Tom Byford, Sam Irvine and Lewis Lawrence completed the ensemble cast of scorers for Jack Pearman’s side who remain a point clear at the summit, while OS Ressies remain seventh. Beacon Hill Rovers ended a three-match winless run with a 3 – 0 win at my local club Rochford Town. Bradley Morgan, Karl Swanborough and Josh Perry all struck to give Stephen Bennett’s side renewed impetus in second spot, Rochford drop to tenth.

Elsewhere, Corinthians moved into third place with a decent 2 – 0 win over Ryan at Stambridge. John Bolton-Smith and Leo Clarke provided the goals as Chris Stoneham’s side got their third straight win. Ryan remain in eighth spot, a point clear of Harold Wood Athletic Reserves who were held 1 – 1 by AS Rawreth at Harold Wood Park. Substitute Darren Wettner got the crucial goal there for the hosts as bottom side Rawreth finally got their first point of the campaign. May & Baker ‘A’ also got a fine 3 – 2 win over Laindon Orient with Nimaga Dauda notching twice for Scott Harding’s team. A known name to fans of the whole club, Carl Patten got the other goal for Bakers. Carlos Dias and an OG accounted for Laindon’s goals but this loss drops them to fourth and makes them vulnerable to being caught by both Wakering & Epping as Orient have played more matches.

Speaking of Wakering, Wakering Sports took on Epping Town this weekend at Cupid’s. A fine performance saw the hosts emerge with a 3 – 1 victory with Ben Rowe, Ben Burrows and Max Drury goals sealing a third win in succession for Mitchell Gleeson’s side. Charlie Pollard netted a late goal for Town but Wakering go above their opponents here into fifth spot.

EOFL Division Two updated Table (after April 24 action)

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three this week, leaders ACD Utd came away with a fine 3 – 2 win over Collier Row at the Forest Row Centre. Jamie Alexandrou, Connor Lambert and Jake Noble all struck for player-boss Michael Wade’s side as they extended their lead at the summit to four points. Row suffered a damaging defeat here in their own promotion ambitions and fall to sixth. ACD’s two nearest rivals also had setbacks, with Manford Way Res being held to a 1 – 1 draw at Hullbridge Sports ‘A’. Edward Hawney netted for the Lower Road developmental side, with David Hornsby notching his 18th league goal of the season to level for the visitors, who are still unbeaten in their last six matches.

Elsewhere, in the late kick-offs, Basildon Town Reserves came from behind to defeat Wakebury 2 – 1 at Basildon Sports Club. Late goals from Mark Squibb and a Scott Cooper penalty were enough to overhaul Adam Topley’s earlier goal for the Berries to give the hosts their fourth win in their last six outings. Wakebury’s three-match winning run is over and they are four points adrift in third now. Also, Toby Res were held 2 – 2 by Corinthians Res at Ford’s Sports Club in Newbury Park. The result doesn’t do much for either side as they both are in the bottom three.

Buckhurst Hill Res got a fine 4 – 1 win at home to Lakeside Utd with Harry Davison scoring for the visitors there. Buckhurst’s second-side had a brace from Louie Cooper to set them on their way to success, with Endrit Abazi and Genit Abazi both also netting here. Buckhurst’s second-side rose to ninth after this victory. Also, Hutton Res had two matches this week which heralded six points. Firstly in midweek, they defeated Collier Row 4 – 1, in a match I attended at Polo Fields, my report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/04/22/s-20-21-match-report-hutton-res-4-1-collier-row-wed-21-apr/

Meanwhile at the weekend, Hutton Res defeated Leigh Town Res 5 – 1 with Jack Shaw scoring twice, plus Carl Dutton, Thomas Price and substitute Bailey Morris were all also on target in their fourth consecutive win. Bill Stratford’s side sit fourth, level on points with Wakebury just above them in what is a tight top six (see table below).

EOFL Division Three table (after April 24 action)

EOFL Division Four Results  

Chingford Athletic Res  1 – 4 Catholic Utd Res   | Town Mead [3G]

Galleywood Res  5 – 4  Leytonstone Utd   | Moulsham High Sch [3G]  

Hashtag Utd Dev  4 – 0  Wakering Sports Res   | Barleylands Road

Laindon Orient Res  2 – 1  Canning Town Res   | Markhams Chase

Old Chelmsfordians Res  1 – 3  Shenfield AFC Res  | Lawford Lane

Sungate Res  5 – 4   Ongar Town Res    | Ilford Wanderers RFC

EOFL Senior Five Results  

AS Rawreth Res  1 – 10  Springfield Res   | The Warren

Collier Row Res  H – W  Shoebury Town Res   | Home Walkover

Epping Town Res 3 – 3  Newbury Forest Res  | Epping UC Rugby Club

Herongate Athletic Res  2 – 0  Leigh Ramblers Res  | Billericay Road

Roydon  H – W Old Barkabbeyans  | Home Walkover

Runwell Sports Res A – W  Wakering Sports ‘A’  | Away Walkover

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 10 April) [EOFL 20/21 11.4.21]

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

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking back on the action in the Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 10th April, with some super score-lines occurring & a tale of sportsmanship as well. As ever, our focus here is on the top four divisions, though there is a mention of the game covered by a Non-League colleague in Division Five this week. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Logo

EOFL Premier Division                    

In this week’s top-tier action, Basildon Town were held 1 – 1 at Sungate, with replacement Jimmy Markham getting the important goal for player-boss Marcus Bowers’ team. Sungate levelled thanks to Lee Samways’ strike but drop to eighth after this result, while Town also lost ground by virtue of Buckhurst Hill’s comfortable 4 – 0 success over Hutton at Roding Lane. Captain Suleyman Zuhdu grabbed another double here to take his goal tally to 17 for the season. Nathan Sollosi and Tyler Dolan also netted to give Mark Williams’ side a two-point lead at the summit. Hutton’s fine form comes to a halt and they dropped one place to fourth. That was because Catholic Utd stunned Rayleigh Town 7 – 0 at London Road with Brad Rowland netting a treble, Aaron Baldwin a brace plus Tom Kearney and replacement Rhys Fatt notching in completing a big win for Stuart Marshall’s side to go into third spot on goal difference. Rayleigh’s tricky season continues and they are looking over their shoulder in second-bottom.

Elsewhere, Old Southendian grabbed a super 5 – 3 away win at Canning Town, thanks to a treble from midfielder Mitchell Ali and strikes from Craig Paton and Sam Adcock. OS’ first away win in five games his term sees them gain big ground on the five sides immediately above them. Canning fall to eleventh place, due to Kelvedon Hatch rising up to ninth spot thanks to a 2 – 1 victory over Springfield at New Hall. Kyle Asante and Lewis Young were the goal-scoring heroes for Steve Mann’s side. Springfield responded through substitute Jake Clarke but still drop below their opponents here to tenth spot.

Also in this division, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts maintained their good start to this ‘mini-season’ with a 3 – 1 triumph at Shenfield AFC. A brace from Kurt Smith and one for Kieran Southgate was enough to send Billy Cove’s side hurtling up to seventh in the table, five points adrift of the top four. And Harold Wood Athletic also continued their good form with a narrow 1 – 0 win over Leigh Ramblers at Harold Wood Park. Club stalwart John Bradley got the only goal of the game here for Alex Goldstone’s team.

EOFL Division One

This week in Division One, Toby rose to seventh spot, thanks to a 4 – 3 win over Galleywood in Newbury Park. Rhys Willson netted twice for the East Londoners, with Luis Ruiz and Louis Hill also on target on his debut. Galleywood fell to fourth spot as Old Chelmsfordians leapfrogged them into third place, as they won 4 – 0 at Ramsden Scotia. Martin Mixture, Joe Kemp, Samuel Adams and Paul Tiffen all netted for the OC’s. Ramsden sit in eighth spot, three points clear of the bottom three.

Also, Chingford Athletic got another positive result with a 1 – 1 draw at fellow strugglers Herongate Athletic. Michael Mignot got his second goal in as many weeks here as Lee Bowers’ side continue to look upwards. Runwell Sports got a comfortable 3 – 0 win over Rayleigh Town Res at St Luke’s Park which keeps the gap to leaders Ongar to three points.

Ongar Town themselves were involved in a game with a story this weekend, with Richard Ponsford’s side recording a big 15 – 0 triumph over Shoebury Town. The mass array of scorers were led by substitute Jack Zielinski’s treble, doubles for leading scorer Aaron Blair, Mitchell McCabe, Oswald Nyahunda and replacement Conner Jones plus one each for Joe Lilly, Eamon Payne, Harry Rawlins and Billy Reed. However, that wasn’t the aforementioned story. The story was that strugglers Shoebury did not concede the game before kick-off after several departures in the week and the South Essex side stood up for themselves & the league, which earned the leaders’ respect & acclaim on the final whistle. Something which I believe deserves noting here also, so credit to Shoebury.

In other action, Snaresbrook also pulled off a huge win, defeating Manford Way 3 – 1 at the London Marathon Sports Ground. Daniel Tesfay’s brace along with Ife Ogunbayo’s strike was enough to Rob Caine’s side further impetus as they are in sixth place in the standings, only four points away from the top four. Connor Hammond’s goal wasn’t enough for Manford in this game and they are only above their opponents here on goal difference now in fifth.

EOFL Division Two

In the third-tier, we have new leaders as Leigh Town are once again the team to catch, as they won 5 – 2 over Ryan at the John Burrows Recreation Ground. Brodie Horne notched twice in this match, along with further strikes by Daniel Driscoll, Rhys Mosedale and Lewis Lawrence. Jack Pearman’s side are two points clear at the top with games in hand on their nearest rivals. Corinthians celebrated a welcome return to form, defeating previous leaders Beacon Hill Rovers 2 – 0 at the Stambridge Memorial Ground to gain ground on the top three.

Meanwhile, Wakering Sports were back on winning form as they won 3 – 2 at home to Laindon Orient. Goals from Aaron Clark, Meschack Kisoka and Mo Sesay saw Mitchell Gleeson’s side to the points & cement their position in sixth. Laindon got on the scorer’s sheet thanks to a brace from James Shadwell but they ended the game with ten men and are now three points off the leaders & are vulnerable to being caught by Corinthians & Epping Town. Epping remain fifth after a important 5 – 0 win at strugglers May & Baker ‘A’. Callum Turner’s double got Stuart Hoskins’ side well on the way to victory, with goals from Graeme Turner, Joe Rickett and Charlie Pollard adding further gloss to the score-line.

Elsewhere, Rochford Town got a surprise 3 – 2 victory at Old Southendian Res as Harry Ford, Matt Welsh and Alex Gray all scored for James Cooper’s side. Dave Stubbs and Tom Judge responded for Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s side but it was Rochford who got the points which sent them rising up the standings to eighth spot. Also, Harold Wood Athletic Res grabbed a narrow 1 – 0 win at AS Rawreth, thanks to Ola James’ goal.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, ACD Utd recovered from defeat last week to remain two points clear at the summit, thanks to a 3 – 1 win over Lakeside Utd in the early game of the day at Westlands. Player-boss Michael Wade scored yet another double here to take his goal tally to 19 in the league this term, with Ollie Williams also on the score-sheet for ACD. Also, skipper Mason Oakley made his 100th appearance for the club in this match so congrats to him. Lakeside drop to seventh in the table after this result.

Buckhurst Hill Res got the points by virtue of a home Walkover against Corinthians Res, who are yet to win away from Stambridge this term. Hill’s second-side reside in ninth spot, one place above their opposition. Basildon Town Res had to grind out a

1 – 0 win at home to Toby Res, with Scott Cooper grabbing the decisive goal to send them up to sixth spot. Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ got a good three points in defeating winless Leigh Town Res 3 – 0 at the side pitch at Lower Road. Joseph Darby opened the scoring with substitutes Josh Boswell and Bryce Odea also notching as they fortified fifth spot with this result.

Elsewhere, Manford Way Res kept the pressure on leaders ACD with a 4 – 1 win at Hutton Res. Josh Duah struck twice for the Manford second-side, with top scorer David Hornsby and Fuad Ibrahim also netting. They sit second, three points clear of Wakebury, who scored six goals for the second successive week, emerging with a

6 – 3 win over fellow high-flyers Collier Row at Shoebury Park. Daniel Buglione struck a hat-trick, with Adam Topley netting twice and Billy Bonham-Dare adding another for Matt Cardy’s side. The ‘fly in the ointment’ for the Berries is that their five remaining games are all away from home.

EOFL Division Four Results  

Chingford Athletic Res  2 – 3  Sungate Res  | Town Mead [3G]

Galleywood Res  0 – 2   Shenfield AFC Res | Clarkes Field

Hashtag Utd Dev.  4 – 1  Canning Town Res   | Barleylands Road

Laindon Orient Res  3 – 3  Ongar Town Res  | Markhams Chase

Old Chelmsfordians Res  2 – 3  Wakering Sports Res   | Lawford Lane

EOFL Senior Five Results  

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res  1 – 2  Shoebury Town Res  | Silver Leys

Epping Town Res  5 – 3 Old Barkabbeyans  | Epping UC Rugby Club

Leigh Ramblers Res  2 – 3  Newbury Forest Res   | Belfairs Park

Roydon  1 – 0  Collier Row Res  | Roydon Playing Fields

Springfield Res  13 – 0  AS Rawreth Res | Arun Park (Close)

Wakering Sports ‘A’  3 – 2  Herongate Athletic Res  | Cupid’s CC (pitch 2)

Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore [@aaron_moore25] was at Silver Leys to report on Shoebury Town Reserves’ win, here’s his report: https://footballreview.net/match-report-bishops-stortford-swifts-reserves-1-2-shoebury-town-reserves/

That’s all for this week’s EOFL round-up, we’ll be back next week.