Hello and welcome to my round-up of Bostik Premier action this weekend. How did your side do?
If you’d like an audio version of this round-up, check out the GFS Extra Results podcast (Sat 1st Sept) here: https://m.mixcloud.com/EastLondonRadio/gfs-extra-results-podcast-saturday-1st-september-2018/
The Urchins were denied a victory late on by Carshalton. George Purcell’s spot-kick four minutes before the interval put the hosts ahead. Athletic responded seven minutes from time thanks to Jerson Dos Santos’s strike though both sides had to settle for a point. Hornchurch are unbeaten with five draws in six matches while Athletic have only tasted defeat once in five matches.
Invicta continued their decent start to the season with a narrow win at Woodside Park. Kane Rowland struck eight minutes in to eventually win the match and Stortford have won one of their opening six outings.
Bognor Regis Town 3 – 1 Kingstonian | Nyewood Lane | Att: 539
Bognor continued their fine start to the season with victory over the K’s at Nyewood Lane. Dan Smith opened the scoring for the hosts on the quarter-hour though Kingstonian levelled on the stroke of half-time through Elliott Buchanan. Town powered to victory after the break thanks to Smith’s second of the afternoon on 66 minutes and a late third by Bradley Lethbridge.Bognor are unbeaten in their six matches thus far while the K’s suffered their fourth loss thus far this term.
Burgess Hill Town 2 – 4 Whitehawk | Leylands Park | Att: 428
The Hawks overcame a spirited comeback from the Hillians to keep their very decent form going. Brannon O’Neill [6′] broke the deadlock before Andre McCollin [35′] and Ben Pope [42′] swung the pendulum back to the hosts. That lead didn’t last until half-time as Lucas Rodrigues levelled for the visitors right on the 45 minute mark.
The match turned again in the first third of the second half thanks to goals from James Fraser [52′] and Henry Muggeridge [59′] that gave Whitehawk the victory. The Hillians are still yet to win in the Bostik Premier this term.
Regent held Casuals at King George’s Field. Jack Strange put the hosts ahead on the half-hour though substitute Matthew Baxter [47′] restored parity for the visitors. Both sides haven’t got the ‘winning feeling’ that often so far this term.
Leatherhead 1 – 3 Harlow Town | Fetcham Grove | Att: 324
Harlow finally achieved their first win of the season with a fine win at Fetcham Grove. Things started well for the Tanners as Robert Cullen put them ahead on 14 minutes. Though Town responded strongly before the break through strikes from Robbie Martin [21′] and Laurence Vaughan [35′]. Emile Acquah’s third goal for the visitors two minutes after half-time secured the points. Leatherhead fell to their third loss of the season here.
Lewes continued their decent form with a good win at Hartsdown Park. James Hammond got the visitors’ goal on 24 minutes as they grabbed their second win of the season while Margate have lost three of their first six matches.
Merstham 3 – 1 Potters Bar Town | Moatside | Att: 133
Merstham ended the Scholars’ unbeaten start with a good win at Moatside. Dernell Wynter had put the visitors ahead nine minutes before the break though the hosts responded through Tom Kavanagh’s strike [59′] before winning the match late on thanks to Tom Bird [88′] and Kershney Samuels [90′] goals, their second win of the new term.
Finally in Bostik Prem, Tonbridge continued their stand-out start to the season with victory over Wingate at Longmead. Tom Parkinson nodded Angels ahead on 33 minutes before Sonny Miles doubled the lead five minutes later. Wingate broke through the hosts’ defence to pull one back through Tommy Tejan-Sie on the stroke of half-time – the first goal that Tonbridge have conceded in the league this season. Wingate have had three defeats in their opening six.
That’s all for now. The Bostik Prem round-up will return soon.
Bognor Regis Town 3 – 0 Bishop’s Stortford | Nyewood Lane | Att: 482
A display of late firepower heralded another win for Bognor at Nyewood Lane. Brad Lethbridge’s goal [72′] saw the hosts on their way before a brace from Dan Smith [76′ & pen 82′] completed the day’s work to maintain Town’s unbeaten start to the season. By contrast, Stortford are looking for their first triumph this term.
Margate’s first-half display was enough to give them all three points at North Road. Joe Taylor broke the stalemate after 14 minutes. Frannie Collin weighed in heavily with a brace before the half was out, first from the spot on 31 minutes and then ten minutes afterward to give Mike Sandmann’s side the win.
Carshalton Athletic 1 – 1 Kingstonian | War Memorial Sports Ground | Att: 419
The K’s fought back to claim their first point of the season at the War Memorial Sports Ground. Carshalton led through Ricky Korboa’s strike [34′] though just after the break, Louis Theophanous [48′] levelled as Leigh Dynan’s side took a share of the spoils here.
Corinthian-Casuals 1 – 1 Merstham | King George’s Field | Att: 201
Something had to give in this match as both sides had been beaten in their first two league matches. The Moatsiders led on 18 minutes through Reece Hall’s strike though Casuals responded from the penalty spot two minutes shy of the hour mark through substitute Dannny Cunningham. Both sides took their first point of the season as it ended honours-even.
Lewes came away with the points in this battle at Dorking’s new Meadowbank ground. Luke Blewden put the promoted side ahead six minutes before the break. Omarr Lawson doubled the Rooks’ lead on 78 minutes to almost see his side home. Jason Prior bagged another goal two minutes later though the visitors claimed their first victory of the new season here.
Enfield Town 2 – 2 AFC Hornchurch | Queen Elizabeth II Stadium | Att: 443
The Urchins produced a stirring comeback to deny Enfield Town the win. Things were looking sweet for Town as Taofiq Olomowewe [18′] and Liam Hope [53′] goals put them in a good position. Though the ‘Never say die’ attitude of Jimmy MacFarlane’s men was on display again as Brad Warner pulled one back with a expert free-kick 11 minutes from time. Sean Marks completed the turnaround on the cusp of full-time as both sides also remain unbeaten.
Harlow Town 0 – 2 Worthing | The Harlow Arena | Att: 220
The visitors withstood the challenge from ten-man Harlow to obtain the win at the Harlow Arena. Goals from Ricky Aguiar [25′] and David Ajiboye [90’+2] did the job to maintain the Woodside outfit’s 100% winning start to the season. Paul Rodgers was the man dismissed for the hosts.
The Tanners overcame Borough at Fetchams Grove to attain their first win of the season. Strikes from Shaun Okojie [18′] and Travis Gregory [31′] saw player-manager Nikki Bull’s team lead by two at the interval. Haringey halved that deficit two minutes into the second period through hot-shot Joel Nouble though Leatherhead held firm to get the points, Haringey are seeking their first win of the new season.
Potters Bar Town 1 – 1 Whitehawk | Pakex Stadium | Att: 174
The Scholars continued their promising start to the new campaign as they held Whitehawk here. Steve Brown put Potters Bar ahead on 34 minutes though that lead only lasted five minutes before Harry Shooman restored parity for the visitors. The hosts have taken seven points from their opening 3 matches while the Hawks have taken five from their three games.
Tonbridge Angels 1 – 0 Burgess Hill Town | Longmead | Att: 409
Tonbridge recorded a narrow win over over the Hillians at Longmead. Joe Turner grabbed the only goal on 26 minutes as Steve Mckimm’s team remain unbeaten. Burgess Hill will need to get that first win on the board soon.
Invicta showed their capabilities with a good win at the newly-revamped Summers Lane. Johan ter Horst opened the scoring on ten minutes before second-half strikes from Adam Yusuff [50′] & Jack Evans [57′] completed the win and leave Wingate without a win in their opening three games.
Hello & welcome to another Bostik North round-up, here on the blog.
Here’s the round-up, followed as usual by a list of the results in Bostik Division South this weekend as two sides secured promotion and one was relegated.
Saturday 14th April
AFC Sudbury 1 – 3 Ware
| Venue: King’s Marsh | Att: 242
Ware realistically secured their place in the division next season with this triumph at King’s Marsh. Louis Brown gave Ware the lead on 24 minutes, before Callum Harrison levelled for the Suds three minutes before the break. John Dreyer’s side stepped it up after the break though as strikes from Damian Green [68′] and Josh Oyibo [89′] secured their first win in four matches and takes them back to 20th, nine points clear of the relegation spot. Sudbury’s 5th defeat in their last eight sees them drop to 12th.
Aveley were surprisingly thumped by the Jammers at Parkside. Chris Millar set the visitors on course with the breakthrough 16 minutes in, before Eoin McKeown’s quick-fire double [26′ & 29′] gave Kevin Horlock’s side daylight. Lee Barnard’s spot-kick two minutes before the break and McKeown securing his hat-trick with 12 minutes to go sealed Maldon’s 20th win of the campaign and stay 7th, three points off the play-offs. Aveley’s third loss in their last ten matches sees them drop to 15th place.
The Blues secured a important win as they seek a top-ten finish. Ben O’Brien set the tone for the hosts with his 3rd-minute opener, before Kiernan Hughes-Mason struck [56′]. Planters’ substitute Damon Cooper netted with 17 minutes left though Hughes-Mason settled the match with his second of the afternoon, two minutes from time. This was Barking’s fourth win in their last nine outings and they stay 9th, behind Dereham on goal difference. Things are somewhat more problematic for Utd as their winless streak extends to eight matches now and they slip below Romford into the danger zone.
Bowers & Pitsea 3 – 1 Mildenhall Town
| Venue: Len Salmon Stadium | Att: 133
Bowers prevailed over mid-table Mildenhall at the Len Salmon. David Knight broke the deadlock on 22 minutes though the Hall were level five minutes before the break thanks to Thomas Debenham’s strike. Rob Small’s side wouldn’t be denied though as Adam Vyse restored the lead five minutes after the re-start before Callum Leahy [61′] secured the points to extend Bowers’ unbeaten stretch to four matches. They stay 3rd, just a point shy of Potters Bar with two matches in hand on them. Town are 18th and haven’t won in seven outings now.
Bury Town 2 – 0 Brentwood Town
| Venue: Ram Meadow | Att: 283
Bury Town did the business over nine-man Brentwood at Ram Meadow. A brace from Ollie Hughes [13′ & 48′] was enough to grab all three points while Brentwood had both James Pugsley and Brenden Cavalier dismissed in what was a ‘day to forget’ for them. Bury stay 10th with three matches left while Brentwood have six matches to play and likely need one more success to finally shrug off any relegation doubts.
Canvey Island 2 – 1 Hertford Town
| Venue: Park Lane | Att: 272
Canvey obtained a much-needed win here at Park Lane over inconsistent Hertford. Martin Tuohy’s double [27′ & (pen) 37′] did the trick though Ricky Light added a late consolation for the visitors. The Islanders’ fourth win in their last ten matches sees them remain 5th, four points clear of Maldon in 7th. Hertford’s third straight defeat means they drop to 13th.
The Ambers edged to victory over Grays at Theobalds Lane. Kyle Roberts got the only goal 21 minutes from time to assist Craig Edwards’ side to an important victory. Grays had influential winger Joao Carlos dismissed late on and haven’t won in five matches, slipping to 14th spot. Cheshunt stay 22nd though are six points clear of danger after three wins in their last five.
Dereham Town 0 – 2 Haringey Borough
| Venue: Aldiss Park | Att: 129
Haringey continued their impressive run with a ‘smash & grab’ win secured late on at Aldiss Park. Chinedu McKenzie [87′] broke the stalemate before Jordan Edwards doubled the lead on the cusp of 90 minutes. Dereham’s play-off challenge has surely faded after a run of six defeats in their last seven as they remain 8th on goal difference. Borough’s 8th win in their last ten leaves them still 4th, only four points off the second promotion spot.
Swifts continued their recent good form with the win over out-of-form Tilbury. Kreshnic Krasniqi’s spot-kick [62′] opened the scoring for the hosts though the Dockers thought they’d grabbed a point thanks to Albert Keith’s leveller three minutes from time though Ryan Henshaw popped up ‘at the death’ to grab Heybridge’s 6th win in their last ten, impressive considering their lengthy fixture congestion – Jody Brown’s side stay 6th, three points clear of Maldon.
Romford 0 – 0 Potters Bar Town
| Venue: Ship Lane | Att: 118
Romford held Potters Bar to their second straight goal-less draw though importantly for Boro, it lifts them off the foot of the table, a point clear of Norwich Utd after a run of six matches without defeat now for Paul ‘Magic’ Martin’s side. Potters Bar retain 2nd spot by a single point and have only lost one of their last 12 matches now.
Soham condemned Abbey to another loss to give their faint hopes of a top-ten finish a boost. Sam Mulready gave the visitors the lead with 56 on the watch, before substitute Craig Gillies [74′] made sure of the points. Mitch Hahn’s 90th-minute goal was too little, too late for Abbey, whose torrid 2nd half of the season continues with only one win in their last 11 now,sitting 17th. Soham rise to 11th after their 3rd win in their last six outings.
Witham Town 1 – 6 AFC Hornchurch (P)
| Venue: Spa Road | Att: 178
The Urchins powered to victory at Spa Road to confirm promotion to Step 3. Brad Warner [20′] and skipper Elliot Styles [45′] gave the visitors a cushion at the break. Liam Whipps halved the deficit just shy of the hour though George Purcell’s penalty two minutes later signalled what was to come. Substitute Alex Bentley [73′], Warner’s second 10 minutes from time a late sixth from fellow substitute Christian Assombalonga made sure the travelling Hornchurch fans could begin their party, thanks to their side’s 30th win of a memorable season. Witham are in 16th spot after their 3rd loss in their last six.
Many congratulations to Jimmy McFarlane’s side on their promotion to Bostik Premier, it certainly hasn’t been for the want of trying!
Fixtures this early midweek:
Aveley v Haringey Borough | V: Parkside (Mon 16th April)
AFC Hornchurch v Mildenhall Town
Canvey Island v Norwich Utd
Dereham Town v Bretwood Town
Hertford Town v Heybridge Swifts
Soham Town Rangers v Ware
Tilbury v Maldon & Tiptree
Witham Town v Romford (all on Tues 17th Apr)
Molesey v Herne Bay
Ramsgate v Carshalton Athletic
Shoreham v Walton Casuals
Sittingbourne v Thamesmead Town
South Park v Guernsey (all on Tuesday 19th Apr)
Hello & welcome to another Bostik North round-up, here on the blog.
Here’s the round-up of this weekend’s action, followed as usual by a list of the results in Bostik Division South:
Friday 23rd March
Bowers & Pitsea 1 – 0 AFC Hornchurch
| Venue: Len Salmon Stadium | Att: 410
Bowers edged this top-two clash thanks to a solitary goal from Jamie Dicks six minutes before the break. They held on in front of a huge Friday night crowd of over 400 to close the gap on the Urchins to seven points, having played a game more. Crucially, Bowers also extended their lead over Potters Bar in 3rd to six points after their 3rd win in their last six outings.
Saturday 24th March
Canvey Island 4 – 1 Witham Town
| Venue: Park Lane | Att: 248
Canvey picked up a much-needed win at Park Lane. Mitchell Gilbey [28′] and Ryan Charles [39′] strikes put the hosts ahead before Martin Tuohy sealed the win five minutes from time. Chinedu Osadebe struck again for Town on the edge of the 90 mark before Ryan Melaugh added to the home scoresheet. CIFC’s 2nd win in their last five outings sees them rise to 4th spot, six points behind Potters Bar. Witham’s 3rd defeat in their last six means they sit 14th.
Cheshunt 2 – 0 Brentwood Town
| Venue: Theobalds Lane | Att: 157
Jason Hallett’s brace [64′ & 73′] sealed another huge three points for the Ambers. The hosts’ 4th win in their last 7 matches sees them leapfrog Norwich Utd back into 22nd, eight points clear of the relegation spot. Brentwood’s third match inside a week perhaps took a toll though they are two points ahead of Cheshunt in 21st after their third loss in their last 6.
Grays hit back late to deny Ware an important win at Parkside. Jordon Watson’s penalty three minutes after the break broke the first-half stalemate before Dave Cowley struck with 14 minutes left. The hosts hit back through Tommy Wade’s quick-fire brace [82′ & 83′] to secure their 6th draw in their last 9 matches, they stay 11th. Ware remain 20th and are unbeaten in their last four matches now.
Haringey Borough 3 – 3 Heybridge Swifts
| Venue: Coles Park | Att: 189
The points were shared in this cracker at Coles Park after Swifts roared back from 3-0 down after the break. Haringey may have thought they were on their way to victory as Ralston Gabriel [16′], Anthony McDonald [44′] and debutant Andre McCollin [51′] goals put them well ahead. Though the Heybridge spirit shone once again as Tambleson Eyong [67′] and hot-shot Matt Price [72′] started the comeback trail before Kresnic Krasniqi’s spot-kick three minutes later sealed a point. Haringey are now five matches unbeaten but drop to 5th. Heybridge still have matches in hand but drop to 10th, only two points behind the play-off spots in a mightily-congested top ten.
Hertford Town 3 – 2 Tilbury
| Venue: Hertingfordbury Park | Att: 209
Hertford won this clash late on as they chase the top ten. The hosts fell behind ten minutes in through Harry Norman’s strike though Charlie Ruff [18′] levelled before Jason Beck [28′] turned the tide in favour of the hosts. Jack Carlile restored parity for Joe Keith’s side with 15 minutes left though Michael Toner’s late spot-kick sealed the points – Hertford’s 4th win in their last six to rise to 12th place. Tilbury’s 2nd loss in their last six means they are in 19th spot.
Maldon & Tiptree 0 – 2 Bury Town
| Venue: Park Drive | Att: 177
A goal in each half sealed this triumph for the visitors in this battle of two play-off chasing sides. Jack Lankester broke the deadlock after six minutes though the match was only sealed late on by hot-shot Cemal Ramadan to give Town their third straight win and up into 9th. Maldon’s fourth straight loss means they are being caught by the sides below them, though Kevin Horlock’s side have matches in hand.
Mildenhall Town 0 – 2 Barking
| Venue: Recreation Way | Att: 171
The Blues struck late on to give themselves a better shot at sneaking into the play-offs. Goals from Billy Jones [80′] and Ben O’Brien [86′] sealed the visitors their 3rd success in their last six to go level on points with Dereham & Maldon in 8th. Town’s third loss in their last 6 sees them drop to 18th.
Potters Bar Town 1 – 0 Dereham Town
| Venue: Pakex Stadium | Att: 139
Third-placed Potters Bar continued their knack of picking up victories with this narrow win over play-off chasing Dereham. Ben Ward-Cochrane’s first-half goal was enough to give the Scholars their 5th straight win and once again go three points behind Bowers. Dereham’s five-match unbeaten run ended here and they have four sides bearing down on them though remain 6th on goal difference.
Romford 1 – 1 AFC Sudbury
| Venue: Ship Lane | Att: 54
Romford held Sudbury in a match delayed by 80 minutes due to serious traffic problems which hampered the visitors’ journey to Ship Lane. After a goal-less first half, Phil Kelly struck eight minutes after the break to give the mid-table Suds the lead though Ayo Olukoga levelled with 11 minutes remaining. Romford’s run of one win in their last nine simply has to improve as they now are six points adrift of Norwich Utd and safety. Sudbury drop to 13th as they ended a three-match losing run here.
Soham Town Rangers 1 – 1 Aveley
| Venue: Julius Martin Lane | Att: 132
Aveley held Soham in this mid-table clash. Sam Mulready’s header [24′] put the hosts ahead though midway through the second half, Tom Richardson struck to give the visitors a point. Soham’s 3rd draw in their last 5 means they’re in 15th. Aveley are 17th after only one defeat in their last ten matches.
Abbey came from behind to grab a point at Capershotts. Loan signing Matt Blake put the Planters ahead just seven minutes in before Mitch Hahn levelled two minutes before the break. Abbey are winless in their last five, sitting in 16th while Utd have a similar recent record and drop to 23rd, six points clear of relegation-threatened Romford.
Hello & welcome to another Bostik North round-up, here on the blog.
Here’s the round-up, followed as usual by a list of the results in Bostik Division South this weekend:
Saturday 10th March
AFC Hornchurch 1 – 0 Canvey Island
| Venue: Bridge Avenue | Att: 245
The Urchins pinched the points late on at Bridge Avenue to continue their march to the Bostik North title. Theo Fairweather-Johnson’s winner four minutes from time sealed the win and they go 14 points clear at the summit. Canvey drop to 4th though they do have the best goal difference of the sides currently in the play-off spots.
Aveley 0 – 1 Ware
| Venue: Parkside | Att: 193
Ware narrowly edged improving Aveley at Parkside. Jordon Watson’s solitary goal was enough to secure the points as Ware go up to 21st, seven points clear of the relegation spot. Aveley are 19th, though only a real barren run of results will see them caught up in the scrap at the bottom.
Bowers & Pitsea P – P Dereham Town
| Venue: Len Salmon Stadium |
This match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Brentwood Town P – P Mildenhall Town
| Venue: Brentwood Arena |
This match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Bury Town P – P Heybridge Swifts
| Venue: Ram Meadow |
This match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Haringey Borough 3 – 0 AFC Sudbury | Venue: Coles Park | Att: 119
Haringey continued their promotion push with another win at Coles Park. The Suds fell behind as Anthony McDonald [61′] and Michael O’Donoghue goals [69′] gave the hosts the lead before Jordan Edwards’ late goal sealed the points to take the hosts into 3rd spot, six points behind Bowers in second, having played a game more. Sudbury are 11th, level on points with Bury Town and ten points off the top six.
Maldon & Tiptree P – P Barking
| Venue: Park Drive |
This match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The Planters fought back to hold Ath at Plantation Park. Kieran Bishop’s 34-minute penalty gave the visitors the lead before the hosts were awarded a penalty of their own on 64 minutes, which Adam Hipperson duly converted to level things up. Joao Carlos struck three minutes later to give Grays a thin lead again though the hosts grabbed a point thanks to Nathan Stewart’s goal twenty minutes from time. Utd drop to 23rd despite this point and are five points clear of Romford while Grays are 9th, seven points off the play-offs.
Potters Bar Town 4 – 0 Tilbury
| Venue: Pakex Stadium | Att: 124
Potters Bar continued their impressive first season in Bostik North by dispatching Tilbury at the Pakex. Chris Doyle [8′] gave the hosts an early lead before Michael Murray [pen 45′] doubled that advantage. Late on, goals from Sean Grace [77′] and Doyle’s second of the afternoon with 7 minutes left secured a good afternoon’s work. The Scholars sit 5th, three points clear of Dereham in 7th. Tilbury drop to 17th and a mid-table finish beckons for Joe Keith’s side.
Romford 1 – 4 Hertford Town
| Venue: Ship Lane | Att: 82
Romford endured another blue afternoon at Ship Lane, falling to a good performance by mid-table Hertford. Goals from Phillip Lowen [5′] and Charlie Ruff [34′] gave the visitors the advantage before Andrew Tirvanhu pulled a goal back for Boro six minutes before half-time. A Michael Toner spot-kick eight minutes after the break and Luke Illsley’s strike [69′] confirmed the win for Town as they rise to 13th. Romford remain bottom and results elsewhere mean they are five points adrift at the bottom.
Soham Town Rangers 2 – 2 Cheshunt
| Venue: Julius Martin Lane | Att: 109
Soham held improving Cheshunt at Julius Martin Lane. Dave Kendall put the Ambers ahead 18 minutes in, before Sam Mulready levelled for Soham on the stroke of half-time. In a nervy end to this one, Jason Hallett [82′] probably thought he’d sealed three much-needed points though Mulready [86′] struck again to claim a point for his side. Soham sit 18th while Cheshunt drop to 22nd, six points off the bottom.
Witham pinched this one late on at Spa Road. A brace from substitute Chinedu Osadebe [89′ & 90′] changed the tide of the match and give Adam Flint’s men the points. Town go above their opponents here into 14th while Abbey are 16th.
Bostik Division South R’s – Sat 10th March
Ashford Utd 1 – 3 Lewes | Att: 283
Carshalton Athletic 5 – 0 Molesey | Att: 283
Corinthian-Casuals 2 – 1 Thamesmead Town | Att: 81
Hello & welcome to a feature piece looking at the top and bottom of all three Isthmian Leagues (Premier, North & South) as we come into the fifth month of the season (tables & results up to & including Dec 2nd)
Bostik Premier Division
At the summit, Dulwich Hamlet lead ambitious Billericay Town by three points though the Essex side have a number of games in-hand on the teams around them. Glenn Tamplin’s big-spending side has had success in both the FA Cup & FA Trophy so far this term while Hamlet have shown their intentions again after numerous promotion near-misses in recent years and off-the-pitch ‘issues’. In the chasing pack; Staines, Folkestone, Hendon & Metropolitan Police are seperated by just four points. Completing the top ten are Margate, Leiston, Wingate & F & Brightlingsea.
At the bottom, Worthing’s difficult start on & off-the-pitch certainly has had an impact as they sit seven points adrift at the foot of the table. It should be said that the earlier problems with the Woodside pitch have now been rectified, after a short spell ground-sharing at Bognor Regis. Above them, nine clubs are seperated by just five points. Tooting & Mitcham, Harlow and Needham complete the bottom four while Burgess Hill, Thurrock, Dorking, Leatherhead (though they have at least two games in-hand), Enfield Town and Merstham are just above Needham to show how tight this division is. With only one side being relegated this term, Worthing have work to do in the coming months you feel.
Bostik Division North
At the top of a highly-competitive division, AFC Hornchurch are leading the way with a four-point cushion over the chasing pack while also having games in-hand most of the sides immediately below them. Dereham Town, Bowers & Pitsea & Canvey lead the pack also looking for promotion as at least two sides go up this term. Recently-promoted Potters Bar and Barking are another four points further back while Maldon & Tiptree, Haringey Borough, Waltham Abbey and Hertford Town round out the top ten with only two points seperating those four sides.
At the foot of the table, Romford are four points behind the sides above them, having recorded only one win so far this term. Norwich Utd and Cheshunt are the sides most in danger of being caught by Paul Martin’s side though above them five teams are bunched up with only three points seperating them. Ware, Aveley, Mildenhall, Brentwood and Tilbury are those sides that could get dragged into a relegation scrap though again it has to be noted only one side will make the drop into Step 5 this term.
Bostik Division South
Lewes lead the South division having tasted defeat only once in 20 matches so far this term. They have a four-point cushion over Corinthian Casuals and Carshalton who lead the promotion-chasing pack (at least two sides will gain promotion ala Bostik North). Below them, six teams are seperated by five points. Cray Wanderers, Greenwich, Hythe Town & Sittingbourne lead that ‘mini-pack’ with Walton Casuals and Phoenix Sports just behind them. Whyteleafe complete the top ten.
At the bottom, points deductions have had an effect on two sides in the bottom four. Shoreham sit bottom after being deducted six points for ‘registration irregularities’, they are nine points adrift of Ashford Utd. East Grinstead and Molesey (who were stripped of three points due to fielding an ineligible player) complete the bottom four. Above them, the ten sides (11th – 20th) are only seperated by six points in an incredibly close mid-table. South Park, Herne Bay, Thamesmead and Hastings Utd head up this pack while Chipstead, Guernsey, Horsham, VCD Athletic, Ramsgate and Faversham round it up, with all ten believing they could push their way up the standings if they get on a good run.
Hello & welcome to a bumper round-up of the action from the FA Trophy Preliminary Round involving Bostik North & South sides on ‘Non-League Day’ Sat 7th October & Sun 8th Oct plus the solitary Isthmian North tie this weekend. Thanks for reading.
Saturday 7th October
The FA Trophy Prelim Round
AFC Sudbury 2 – 2 Aylesbury Utd
Venue: Wardale Williams Stadium | Attendance: 279
Sudbury fought back at the death to secure a replay in this tie at the Wardale Williams Stadium. Callum Watson gave the hosts the lead on 12 minutes before a second-half brace from Tyriq Hunte [64’ & 88’] turned the pendulum towards the visitors though a late equaliser from Ollie Dunlop means that the replay will take place in midweek at the Meadow.
Ashford Utd 0 – 3 Sittingbourne
Venue: Homelands | Attendance: 325
Sittingbourne won this all-Isthmian South clash at Homelands. Kane Rowland put the Brickies ahead on 29 minutes. After the break, Rowland’s second of the afternoon [70’] and a late third by David Smith sealed the visitors progression into the next round.
Bowers & Pitsea 2 – 2 Dereham Town
Venue: Len Salmon Stadium | Attendance: 173
Bowers held fellow Bostik North opponents Dereham at the Len Salmon. Tony Stokes put the hosts ahead four minutes after the restart. Rhys Logan restored parity for the Magpies 13 minutes later before Ollie Ebbage gave them the lead on 71 minutes. Stokes was the hero who forced a replay with a late leveller so it’s back to Aldiss Park for a replay in midweek.
Brentwood Town 3 – 3 South Park
Venue: Brentwood Arena | Attendance: 113
We’ve heard the cliché ‘it’s a game of two halves’ many times though it was certainly true in this one at the Brentwood Arena. Town had a three-goal cushion at the break as Izzy Bademosi’s brace [4’ & 29’] and Andy Freeman’s goal just before half-time. After the interval, the Sparks really kicked back into life as Kieran Lavery’s penalty [50’] and Joe Jackson’s strike [52’] reduced the arrears before Chris Smith levelled with four minutes left. A replay will take place at Whitehall Lane in midweek.
Cheshunt 3 – 0 Herne Bay
Venue: Theobalds Lane | Attendance: 144
Isthmian North side Cheshunt saw off their Isthmian South opponents with second-half goals by Callum Ellersley [68’] and Adam Wallace [73’ & 79’]. The Bay had to play the last few minutes with ten men as Raphe Brown was dismissed late on.
Chipstead 1 – 1 Barking
Venue: High Road | Attendance: 69
The Chips came from behind to seal a replay at High Road. Goldy Capela put the visitors ahead on the quarter-hour though Leon Lalor-Dell levelled for the hosts with 22 minutes left so the sides go again at Mayesbrook Park in midweek.
Corinthian Casuals 2 – 0 AFC Dunstable
Venue: King George’s Field | Attendance: 153
The Casuals sealed the win here with a goal in each half. Josh Uzun put the hosts ahead on ten minutes and sealed their progression into the next round with 17 minutes remaining through Jack Strange’s goal.
Cray Wanderers 8 – 0 Horsham
Venue: Hayes Lane | Attendance: 124
Cray thumped fellow Isthmian South side Horsham at Hayes Lane to progress to the next round. Goals from Aaron Rhule [6’] and Jerome Frederico [22’] set the Wands on their way. Marcus Evans made it three six minutes later before a brace from Michael Power [32’ & 39’] made the result safe at the break. The pain continued for the Hornets after the break as Freddie Parker’s hat-trick [pen 60’, 73’ & 78’] sealed the rout.
East Grinstead Town 2 – 4 Lewes
Venue: College Lane | Attendance: 203
Lewes came from behind to seal their place in the next round with victory at College Lane. The Wasps went ahead after just five minutes thanks to Marcus Elliott’s goal though Billy Medlock levelled on 31 minutes for the visitors.A minutes into the second half, Charlie Postance ‘s strike saw the hosts assume the lead again though that lead only lasted six minutes as Harry Reed levelled for the Rocks. Medlock then completed his hat-trick [71’ & 82’] to seal the win.
Egham Town 7 – 1 Shoreham
Venue: The Runnymede Stadium | Attendance: 68
Egham overwhelmed Isthmian South side Shoreham at the Runnymede Stadium. The hosts led on ten minutes through Brendan Mathew’s goal though the Musselmen were level five minutes later thanks to Ross Myers’ equaliser. Egham led at the break as Michael Wiseman [26’] and Aaron Berry [32’] goals saw them open up a two-goal advantage. After the break, on the score-sheet anyway it was one-way traffic as Lewis Cole [48’] and Louis Stead [65’] goals made it 5-1 then Berry’s second of the afternoon with 21 minutes left plus a late goal from Liam Tack sealed the big win for the hosts.
Grays Athletic 4 – 3 Norwich Utd
Venue: Parkside | Attendance: 201
Grays edged this all-Isthmian North tie at Parkside. Kieran Bishop put Ath ahead on ten minutes though Liam Jackson levelled things nine minutes later. Grays led comfortably at the break as goals from Stanley Muguo [25’], Bishop’s second [39’] and a spot-kick from Joao Carlos [41’] made it 4-1 at the interval. Late goals from Utd’s Adam Hipperson [75’] and substitute Adam Probert [90’] made it tight though Jamie Stuart’s side are through to the next round.
Greenwich Borough 0 – 1 Hanwell Town
Venue: DGS Stadium | Attendance: 80
Greenwich suffered a late exit as Hanwell edged them at the DGS Stadium. Borough were a man light on 71 minutes as Travis Gregory was dismissed. Glen Yala took advantage with the only goal with nine minutes remaining to see their place in the next round.
Haringey Borough 3 – 0 Whyteleafe
Venue: Coles Park | Attendance: 175
Isthmian North side Haringey sent their Isthmian South opponents out at Coles Park. Ruarid Kay gave Borough the lead two minutes before the break. Lauren Luke doubled that lead six minutes after the restart before substitute Chris Benjamin sealed his side’s progression six minutes from time.
Heybridge Swifts 2 – 0 Carshalton Athletic
Venue: Scraley Road | Attendance: 181
A goal in each half sealed the Swifts’ progression in this one at Scraley Road. Lewis Goldbold put the hosts ahead on the half-hour and Juan Luque sealed the win three minutes from time.
Kempston Rovers 0 – 1 Hythe Town
Venue: Hillgrounds Stadium | Attendance: 132
Hythe edged Kempston to seal their spot in the next round. Dean Grant got the only goal on 63 minutes to put the Isthmian South outfit through.
Marlow 0 – 0 Aveley
Venue: Alfred David Ground | Attendance: 101
Marlow held their Isthmian North opponents to a creditable draw at the Alfred David Ground. A replay is required which will take place in midweek.
Northwood 2 – 5 Maldon & Tiptree
Venue: Northwood Park | Attendance: 97
Maldon had to fight hard by their Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 East opponents though went through at Northwood Park. Debutant Jermaine Osei gave the hosts the lead after just three minutes though Ryan Gondoh levelled ten minutes later. Gondoh then grabbed his second on the half-hour to give the Jammers the lead. Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe extended the lead with a spot-kick four minutes later, Osei struck again three minutes before the break to cut his side’s arrears in half. Early second-half goals from Johnville Renee [46’] and Ogedi-Uzokwe’s second [49’] sealed the win for Kevin Horlock’s men.
Phoenix Sports 0 – 3 Chalfront St Peter
Venue: The Mayplace Ground | Attendance: 93
The visitors won this tie with a first-half goal blitz. Jake Cass put Chalfront ahead just two minutes in before Maxwell Holland made it two just seven minutes later. Rob Hastings sealed the tie with the third 12 minutes before the break to send Sports out.
Potters Bar Town 4 – 0 Tilbury
Venue: Pakex Stadium | Attendance: 89
Potters Bar triumphed over their fellow Isthmian North side Tilbury at the Pakex Stadium. The hosts were two ahead at the break as a brace from Michael Murray [21’ & pen 45’] set them on their way. Billy Lobjoit made it three nine minutes after the restart. The Scholars were a man down with twenty minutes to play as George Nicholas were given a straight red card. It didn’t affect the result though as Lobjoit completed his brace with his side’s fourth, eight minutes from time. After the match, Tilbury boss Gary Henty sadly resigned from his position.
Ramsgate 3 – 5 Bury Town
Venue: Southwood Stadium | Attendance: 209
Isthmian North side Bury Town sent their Isthmian South opponents out in a thriller at Southwood. The hosts led on three minutes through Alfie Paxman and doubled that lead on 26 minutes thanks to Tom Chapman’s goal. Town roared back though as goals from Cemal Ramadan [34’] and Ryan Jolland [38’] made it all-square at the break. Paxman struck again on 61 minutes to give the Rams the lead once again though three goals in seven minutes saw the visitors home as Ramadan completed his hat-trick [68’ & 75’] and Noel Aitkens’ goal [68’] sandwiched in the middle.
VCD Athletic 0 – 1 Bedford Town
Venue: Oakwood | Attendance: 65
Bedford recorded a narrow win at Oakwood. Jemale McKenzie-Lowe got the winner on 24 minutes as VCD headed out of this year’s competition.
Waltham Abbey 2 – 1 Faversham Town
Venue: Capershotts | Attendance: 75
Abbey sent their Isthmian South opponents out at Capershotts with a decent win here. Shad Ngandu gave the hosts the lead on 19 minutes before hot-shot Christian Assombalonga doubled the lead two minutes before the break. Faversham pulled one back through substitute Luke Griffiths [66’] though the Isthmian North side prevailed.
Walton Casuals 3 – 0 Canvey Island
Venue: Elmbridge Sports Hub | Attendance: 196
Walton pulled off a good win over Isthmian North side Canvey at the Elmbridge Sports Hub. Just before half-time, Josh Kelly put the Stags ahead. After the restart a brace from Lartley Sarpong [55’ & 62’] sent the Islanders out of this year’s FA Trophy.
Sunday 8th October
Romford 0 – 1 Hastings Utd
Venue: Ship Lane | Attendance: 130
Isthmian South side Hastings edged out their Isthmian North hosts at Ship Lane. Sam Adams got the only goal of the match on 16 minutes to see the Arrows through to the next round.
Thamesmead Town 1 – 1 AFC Hornchurch
Venue: Princes Park | Attendance: 116
The Urchins fought back to claim a replay in this tie at Princes Park. Paul Vines put Isthmian South side Thamesmead ahead after just seven minutes. The visitors left it fairly late to seal a draw though substitute Ross Wall did the job with 15 minutes remaining. The replay will be at Bridge Avenue in midweek.
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Bostik Division North (Sat 7th October)
Hertford Town 2 – 2 Mildenhall Town
Venue: Hertingfordbury Park | Attendance: 191
Both these sides battled to a hard-fought draw at Hertingfordbury Park. Michael Toner put the hosts ahead two minutes before half-time though a penalty from Shaun Avis [67’] levelled for the Hall. Toner struck again four minutes later as Hertford re-took the lead though the visitors grabbed a point as Jake Chambers-Shaw levelled things with 11 minutes remaining. Hertford sit 13th in the table, level on points with today’s opponents who are one place above them on goal difference.
Hello & welcome to a round-up of the action in the Isthmian League Division North on Sat 23rd September and the updated table (below) as the league starts to take shape, with results from Bostik Division South from the same day & the Bostik South table. Enjoy.
Saturday 23rd September
Bostik Division North
AFC Sudbury 3 – 2 Heybridge Swifts
Venue: Wardale Williams Stadium | Attendance: 259
Sudbury struck late to claim the win at the Wardale Williams Stadium. Juan Luque put the high-flying Swifts ahead on the half-hour. After the break, Sam Clarke’s penalty (64’) levelled things before Luque’s second of the afternoon three minutes later gave Jody Brown’s side the advantage once again. Though the Suds were not to be denied as first Louis Blake restored parity with 15 minutes to go, and Adam Mills struck five minutes from the end. Mills were sent off with moments remaining though the hosts held on to obtain a much-needed win and hand Heybridge their first loss of the season.
Aveley 1 – 0 Brentwood Town
Venue: Parkside | Attendance: 289
Aveley edged Brentwood to record their first win since the opening day of the campaign. Jordan Watson got the only goal on the hour. Though the Millers had to see out the last few minutes with ten men as Nathan Koranteng saw red.
Bowers & Pitsea 4 – 2 Potters Bar Town
Venue: Len Salmon Stadium | Attendance: 113
Bowers produced a stirring second-half comeback to overcome Potters Bar at the Len Salmon Stadium. The Scholars led after 17 minutes through Michael Murray’s opener. After the break, Ben Sartain levelled matters on 65 minutes. Five minutes later, Bradley Sach’s goal gave the visitors the lead again. Not for long though as three minutes after that, a spot-kick from David Knight made it 2-2. And late goals from James Thomas (79’) and Knight (87’) sealed Bowers’ third straight win in the league.
Canvey Island 1 – 0 Romford
Venue: Park Lane | Attendance: 329
Canvey recorded a narrow though nonetheless important win at Ship Lane. George Sykes’ penalty five minutes after the interval turned out to be the winner. This was Romford’s fifth straight league loss and this could be a difficult season for Paul Martin’s side.
Cheshunt 1 – 2 Bury Town
Venue: Theobalds Lane | Attendance: 130
All the goals came in the second-half at Theobalds Lane as Bury edged this one. Noel Aitkens put the visitors ahead with 18 minutes remaining. They only led for six minutes before Tom Bruno’s penalty restored parity for Steve Newing’s side. Though Bury were awarded a spot-kick of their own with eight minutes left and substitute Cemal Ramadan duly converted it to get the eventual winner. The Ambers had to play the last six minutes with ten men as Jason Hallett was dismissed. Bury Town are unbeaten in their last five league matches, while Cheshunt suffered their fourth league defeat of the season.
Dereham Town 3 – 3 Barking
Venue: Aldiss Park | Attendance: 122
Barking recovered well from twice going two goals behind to get a point at Aldiss Park. Ashley Jarvis’ brace (9 & 26’) gave the Magpies the initiative at the break. Two minutes after the interval, Alan Taylor cut the visitors’ arrears in half though Joe Gatting restored Dereham’s two-goal cushion only a minute later. Barking were level again on 54 minutes though as Jay Knight struck before substitute Goldy Capela struck at the death to give Justin Gardner’s side a point in a enthralling encounter. Dereham are now winless in their last four league matches. Barking are now unbeaten in three league matches.
Haringey Borough 2 – 0 Soham Town Rangers
Venue: Coles Park | Attendance: 117
Haringey held off Soham to grab another three points at Coles Park. A first-half brace from Jamie O’Dongohue (20’ & pen 38’) was enough to claim his side’s fifth straight league win. Soham are now winless in their last three league matches.
Hertford Town 1 – 0 Grays Athletic
Venue: Hertingfordbury Park | Attendance: 213
Ten-man Hertford struck very late to seal all three points. Hertford were down to ten seven minutes into the second half as Jason Beck was dismissed. Gavin Kelsey’s side held firm though and Michael Toner’s penalty at the death sealed the hosts’ second win of the season.
Maldon & Tiptree 1 – 1 Waltham Abbey
Venue: Park Drive | Attendance: 61
Maldon fought back to end this one honours-even at Park Drive. Abbey led seven minutes before half-time through Billy Holland’s goal. Though a spot-kick from Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe on 72 minutes gave the Jammers a point. Maldon have only won one of their last five league matches now.
Mildenhall Town 4 – 6 Tilbury
Venue: Recreation Way | Attendance: 162
Tilbury pulled off an excellent win at Recreation Way in this ten-goal thriller. Tilbury led after just four minutes thanks to Toby Aromolaran’s opener. Joshua Curry levelled for the Hall on 34 minutes before Bryan Kyungu restored the Dockers’ lead two minutes later. Mildenhall’s Shaun Avis made it 2-2 five minutes before the interval. A quick-fire double from Adam Vyse (48’) and Emiel Aiken (51’) gave the visitors a two-goal cushion early in the second half. Craig Calver made it 3-4 four minutes after Aiken’s goal. Tilbury put themselves clear thanks to Ryan Melaugh (62’) and Aromolaran’s second of the afternoon on 64 minutes. The visitors were down to ten men on 86 minutes as Lewis Jaggs was dismissed for two bookable offences and Mildenhall grabbed another late on through substitute Gareth Simpson. Tilbury are now unbeaten in their last three league matches.
Norwich Utd 0 – 2 AFC Hornchurch
Venue: Plantation Park | Attendance: 89
Hornchurch struck twice in the first half to continue their 100% start to the league season. Goals from Nathan Cooper (6’) and Kenzer Lee (25’) were enough to give the Urchins’ their 7th straight league win. Norwich are yet to find their first win this term.
Ware 3 – 2 Witham Town
Venue: Wodson Park | Attendance: 68
Ware came from behind to edge Witham at Wodson Park. Pat Ahern gave the visitors the lead on seven minutes, before Yannick Kamanan restored parity on 31 minutes. A Tyler Corlett OG put the hosts ahead eight minutes into the second-half. Town were level with 58 minutes gone as Shamido Pedulu struck. Ware were down to ten men as Ahmed Abdullah was sent off for two bookings with two minutes left. Gareth Madden popped up right though at the end to seal Ware’s fourth win of the season. Witham are now without a win in three league matches.
Bostik Division North Table (after 23rd September 2017 matches)
survivor16b 