Round-up: Essex Senior League (Sat 27 Apr) [ESL 28.4.19]

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to my final round-up of the Essex Senior League season, which saw 44 goals scored across the ten matches played. It ended in glory for one club, and anguish for another.

 

Sat 27 Apr

Barkingside  0 – 3  Hoddesdon Town   | Cricklefield | Att: 48

Hoddesdon ended their season with a good win over ‘Side at Cricklefield. Blue Gallagher put his side ahead on 14 minutes and that lead persisted until the interval. Connor Bolton [62’] & Joss Lillis [65’] strikes gave Simon Riddle’s side a cushion as they cruised to victory which took them past 50 points and kept 9th spot for them. Barkingside also announced yesterday that Alex Goldstone will be standing down from his role as manager, due to work commitments.

Clapton   7 – 1    Sporting Bengal Utd  | Old Spotted Dog | Att: 62

Jon Fowell’s final match in charge saw the Tons grab a big win over a depleted Bengal side at the Old Spotted Dog. Seven different players got the goals for the hosts – Bryan Kyungu, Lanre Vigo, Kirk McPherson, Ryan Reed, Giovanni Palmer, Greg Potts and Andy Greenslade all were on the scorers’ list. Yasir Rashid got the goal for Bengal though they were well-beaten here. Clapton finish in 11th spot, outside the top ten on goal difference. Bengal finish 8th, 11 points adrift of the top six but this is a second record-breaking season on the trot in terms of points for them.

Hullbridge Sports  2 – 1  Stanway Rovers   | Lower Road  | Att: 419

I attended this huge match for Hullbridge as they did the job with a win over gritty Stanway at Lower Road, in front of a huge crowd of over 400. Adebola Sotoyinbo’s brace did the job for his side, and though Stanway got a stoppage-time goal through substitute Jordan Blackman, it was Darren Manning’s team that toasted a brilliant season with promotion to the Bostik League for very first time. Many congrats to all at the club.

My extended report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/04/28/match-report-hullbridge-2-1-stanway-sat-27-apr-esl/

Leyton Athletic  1 – 0  Stansted   |Wadham Lodge Stadium | Att: 37

Bottom side Leyton undoubtedly got the result of the day with a surprise win over Stansted at Wadham Lodge. Ike Izuchukwu got the only goal on the hour mark, after the visitors had missed a penalty. Ath held for only their fourth win of the season and arguably their best day of the campaign. Stansted suffered only their second loss in their last eight and finish in the runners-up spot though they could still win a Cup double if they capture the Errington Cup next Monday.

Saffron Walden Town  1 – 2  Woodford Town  | Catons Lane | Att: 353

Woodford ended a fruitful season with a fine win at Walden. Andrea Montovani’s free-kick and Mohammad Al-Dani goals turned things their way, with Jamie Riley netting for the hosts in front of a crowd of more than 300. It;s been a good season for the Bloods, having the highest crowds in the league though the odd poor result and occasionally leaky defence cost them the chance to get promoted this season, they finish fourth. Woodford finish a spirited campaign in 6th spot and have four wins in their last six. They hope to move in to Ashton’s in time for next season.

Sawbridgeworth Town    1 – 1   Enfield  | Crofters  | Att: 41

Sawbridgeworth ended a difficult season with this draw with Enfield. Daryl Doolan struck for the hosts while Tyler Fowles netted for the E’s. Both sides will look for better fortunes next term, as Sawbo finish 18th and also will be looking for a new gaffer in the summer as current incumbent John Watters announced yesterday he is stepping down after three years in the role. Enfield will leave the Harlow Arena and play at Bishop’s Stortford next term, they end this term in 14th spot.

Southend Manor   2 – 5   Walthamstow | Southchurch Park | Att: 60

‘Stow saw out the season how they’ve played this calendar year to grab a big win at Manor. Kieran Bishop got the ball rolling with the opener on 20 minutes, before Dwade James doubled that lead two minutes later. James completed yet another hat-trick [22’ & 45’] to vanquish any doubt he will end the season as the Essex Senior League top goal-scorer. Kye Jude did get one back two minutes before James’ third of the afternoon on 43 minutes though Manor were up against it. Reece Conway made it five before Mohamed Kargbo got a second for the hosts midway through the second-half. Manor finish 17th, 14 points clear of the bottom two. Ryan Maxwell’s side end the campaign third, with the second best defence in the league.

St Margaretsbury     0 – 10     Redbridge      |The Rec  | Att: 21

The Motormen ended their season with a massive win at ‘Bury. The home side couldn’t handle the visiting forwards as Daniel Gilchrist struck five here to get to 16 league goals this season for Redbridge. Taylor Tombides also grabbed a hat-trick, with Marcus Carter and Connor Okus also on the score-sheet in a win that sent Micky Wetherall’s team to a 12th place finish. St Margs still finished seventh despite this result in what’s been a season of change at the Rec. They are one of a few clubs looking for new management (& direction perhaps) next season.

Takeley   3 – 2  Ilford   | Station Road | Att: 62

Takeley edged to a late win over in-form Ilford at Station Road. The hosts took a two-goal lead into the break as Andre Humphreys struck on the half-hour, followed by Josh Sykes two minutes before the interval. The Foxes are a tough side though and two goals in 12 minutes saw them draw level. First, Andre Embalo netted on 58 minutes before Billy Golledge equalised with 20 minutes left. The drama didn’t end there as Nick Barrett struck a 92nd-minute penalty to end his side’s campaign with three wins in their last four and finish fourth, two points shy of Walden. Ilford finish tenth in what’s been a very solid campaign for them.

West Essex  1 – 1  Tower Hamlets    | Mayesbrook Park | Att: 28

Finally, the Stags warmed up for their Errington Cup Final date with Stansted next Monday with a hard-earned draw with resilent Hamlets at Mayesbrook Park. Tyreece Morris put the visitors ahead though West continued their good run as Michael Mignot got the leveller. Only one loss in their last seven means West finish 13th, three points off the top half. Hamlets have also finished well, unbeaten in their last four as they finish 16th, above Manor by a point.

That’s all for this week, and this ESL season. Many thanks to the regular readers of this column.

 

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Match Report: Sporting Bengal Utd 1 – 1 Leyton Athletic (Sat 8 Dec) [ESL 8.12.18]

Essex Senior League

Venue: Mile End Stadium

Attendance: TBA

2018-19 Season – Match 37

Saturday 1st December 2018  – 3pm KO

Sporting Bengal:  Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts,  Blue Socks

Leyton Ath: Maroon Shirts, Maroon Shorts, Maroon Socks

Sporting Bengal crest

Profligate Bengal are held by battling Leyton at Mile End

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
This weekend’s Essex Senior League match took me to Mile End to see Sporting Bengal Utd face a Leyton Athletic side that have started to show a bit more resolve under new boss Eli Benoit. The conditions were rather damp and they had a further lashing of rain to gift away but more on that later.

For the hosts, new signing Reece Hewitt lined up on the right flank while Steven Carvell and Jay Knight made up the front two with playmaker Ashaan Siddik supporting and David Vaughan on the left wing. Leyton have lost goalkeeper James Scammell to Romford so Jay Walsh was between the sticks here plus a front three of Mario Gjini, Jason Brown and Lance Ledgister with both Londono brothers (Chris & Daniel) on the bench.

Sporting edged the opening salvos of this encounter, as David Vaughan tested the Ath defence though his centre evaded both the visiting stopper Walsh and his team-mates in the six-yard box. The hosts then saw their first clear-cut chance go awry as from talisman Steven Carvell’s super low ball in, Vaughan contrived to lob a strike well over the woodwork.

In the next part of the first half, both sides traded chances as midfielder Misha Djemaili fizzed a strike wide for the visitors before Carvell saw his powerful strike crash into the woodwork from the edge of the penalty area. Leyton winger Rujorn Tuitt was threatening down the left with his pace and trickery which the home defence did struggle to contain. On the stroke of 20 minutes, Tuitt struck a 20-yard effort over the bar as you wondered who would strike first.

We soon got an answer. Just before the half-hour, Sporting led as Carvell’s seaching cross found Jay Knight who directed a fine header across goal. Eli Benoit’s side was far from out of the game though as both Tuitt and Emmanuel Oluwole both couldn’t find a way past home goalkeeper Mahood Suleyman. As half-time rapidly approached, Carvell couldn’t make the most of a one-on-one chance as his shot was well-denied by Walsh and Vaughan couldn’t tuck home the rebound.

Half-Time: Sporting Bengal  1 – 0  Leyton Ath

The weather started to have a slight impact after the break as the rain increasingly fell down on an already wet surface. Leyton ‘keeper Walsh was fortunate that a misjudged clearance didn’t enter the reach of Vaughan in the area merely a minute after the break. Djemaili called Suleyman into action again eleven minutes into the half as his low drive forced a decent save by the home custodian.

If I was being totally honest, there were phases of the second half which were scrappy as both sides remain competitive, Leyton showing resolve in battling hard to contain the hosts whilst also having creative outlets themselves through Tuitt and forward Mario Gjini, who had been giving the hosts a tricky afternoon with his pace. Indeed, Gjini levelled things up here with 18 minutes to play as his low shot found the corner, whilst well-poised in the area.

Sporting rallied and created a number of chances though Walsh denied substitutes Adil Haque and Reside Coxi-Sebastiao as well as Knight late on plus Carvell drive another effort wide as the hosts just couldn’t restore their advantage. Leyton did finish strongly as well going forward as the game got increasingly stretched though neither side could get that decisive winner.

Full-Time: Sporting Bengal Utd 1 – 1  Leyton Athletic

Bengal will know they had an ‘off-day’ here, particuarly in their finishing though some of their play was indicative of how they have done this seasion so far. Leyton worked hard and defended arguably better than they have in other matches this term and goalkeeper Jay Walsh did well to deny the opposition of a number of occasions. A point apiece it is though on another day it could well have been a different story.

Finally, I’d like to say thank you to Sporting boss Imrul Gazi and to the club for the kind welcome they extended to me this afternoon, prior to kick-off.

Sporting Bengal  | Manager: Imrul Gazi

Mahood Suleyman (GK), Rakib Choudhury, Jon Watson (Raul Gazi 7′), Joshua Adeji, Kamarl Duncan (Capt), Chris Greenslade, Reece Hewitt (Adil Haque 64′),  Ashaan Siddik, Jay Knight, Steven Carvell, David Vaughan (Reside Coxi-Sebastiao 47′)

Goal-scorer: Jay Knight [28′]

Booked: Haque, Greenslade    | Subs Not Used: Islam, Tandon

Leyton Athletic   | Player-Manager: Eli Benoit

Jay Walsh (GK), John Lye, Harry Rixon, Emmanuel Oluwole (Daniel Londono 57′), Junior Miller, Cory Rider (Capt), Rujorn Tuitt, Misha Djemaili (Chris Londono 77′), Mario Gjini, Jason Brown, Lance Ledgister (D’Neil Bryan 62′)

Goal-scorer: Mario Gjini [72′]

Booked: C Londono   |  Sub Not Used: Samangwa

Match Report: Walthamstow 3 – 0 Leyton Athletic (Sat 10th Nov) [GBT QF 10.11.18]

Gordon Brasted Trophy 2018-19: Quarter-Final

Attendance: 57

2018-19 Season – Match 32

Saturday 10th November 2018  – 3pm KO

Walthamstow: Royal Blue Shirts, Blue Shoorts,  Blue Socks

Leyton Athletic: Maroon Shirts, Maroon Shorts, Maroon Socks

Walthamstow club logo

‘Stow overcome Leyton and the weather to make it into the GBT Semi-Finals

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) 

Players, Officials & Management observe the two-minutes silence for Rememberance Sunday. Lest we forget.

On a weekend of exclusively ESL Cup action with the Pete Butcher Trophy making its debut in the schedule, I went to Wadham Lodge to see this Gordon Brasted Trophy Quarter-Final tie. Walthamstow named a very strong starting XI, with James Peagram and Christian Owusu being the front two, Rheo Josephs on the left and the evergreen Lee Flynn at full-back. Leyton had a blow to contend with this week as forward Dwade James left the club to join…. Walthamstow, though he was ineligable for this match. For them, James Scammell continued in goal, with Eli Benoit once again skippering the side and Luwayne Greenwood the focal point in attack.

This match began with the hosts on the front foot, though the main issue was finding the final ball to bypass the three-man Ath central defence. Winger Rheo Josephs was having some joy down the ‘Stow left flank with his pace and crossing and on 19 minutes, Josephs had a sight of goal after being played in by forward James Peagram, though the former’s shot from a narrow angle was taken by Ath goalie James Scammell. On the cusp of the half-hour mark, fellow home forward Christian Owusu also struck wide.

It must be said though that both teams had to contend with a deluge of rain and to add to that, a hefty hailstorm as well. Leyton did show their game at times and looked pretty rapid on the counter-attack though they did also get the wrong side of the assistant referee’s flag on a few occasions. Ryan Maxwell’s side did keep the pressure on as just after the half-hour, Josephs again broke down the left channel, beating the on-rushing Scammell to the ball though couldn’t find the telling centre  to make the most of it in that attack.

As it happened, only a minute later the hosts took the lead as a peach of a free-kick from midfielder Robbie Martin curled right into the danger zone and Peagram headed in cooly. Ath had barely settled back into play when ‘Stow doubled their advantage as midfielder Matt Brinklow unleashed a sublime dipping shot which evaded Scammell’s grasp and then crept under the crossbar. One for the Brinklow ‘play-book’ there I suspect.

Half-Time: Walthamstow  2 – 0 Leyton Athletic

After the break, the rain continued to pour down making playing conditions ever more tricky with the ball holding into the pitch and the like. The hosts effectively sealed the contest five minutes after the interval as from Martin’s pass, Peagram struck home his second of the afternoon.

In the last half hour, Leyton did keep going and tried to keep their rapid passing game going despite the torrid conditions. Skipper Eli Benoit as ever tried to drive his team on by making powerful runs forward though in fairness, home custodian James Harkin didn’t have much to do besides cutting out crosses and the like. ‘Stow at the other end had two good chances to add to the score-line though substitute Joe Benjamin, on debut got ahead of the tiring Ath defence thouh chipped wide and moments later, Peagram’s audacious 40-yard lob hit a post with Scammell beaten. Scammell did well with minues remaining to deny a 20-yard bolt from ‘Stow full-back Ross Pope and in almost the last action of the game, Harkin denied attacking midfielder Mario Gjini’s effort.

All in all, a good win for the hosts who were the better side today. Congrats to Walthamstow and best wishes to Leyton Athletic for the remainder of the season.

Full-Time: Walthamstow   3 – 0  Leyton Athletic

Walthamstow  | Player/Manager: Ryan Maxwell

James Harkin (GK), Ross Pope, Lee Flynn, Reece Conway (Emmanuel Dasho 74′), Craig Pope (Capt), Jack Leachman, Matt Brinklow, Robbie Martin (Gus Douglas 82′), James Peagram, Christian Owusu, Rheo Josephs (Joe Benjamin 50′)

Goal-scorers: James Peagram [35′, 50′], Matt Brinklow [38′]

Booked: Conway, Martin   | Subs Not Used: Gebrai, Edwards (GK)

Leyton Athletic    | Manager: Glen Kendall

James Scammell (GK), Jayesh Gohil (Jonathon Klug 46′), D’Neil Bryan, Jason Brown, Eli Benoit (Capt), Cory Rider, Misha Djemaili (Emmauel Oluwole 56′), Dujan Foster (Francesco Cicconi 56′), Luwayne Greenwood, Mario Gjini, Lance Ledgister

Booked: Oluwole, Brown     |  Subs Not Used: Jinadu, Walsh (GK)

Match Report: Hullbridge Sports 2 – 2 Leyton Athletic (Essex Senior Lge – Sat 13th Oct) [ESL 13.10.18]

Essex Senior League

Venue: Lower Road

Attendance: TBC

2018-19 Season – Match 21

Saturday 13th October 2018  – 3pm KO

Hullbridge Sports : Blue & White Striped Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Leyton Athletic: Maroon Shirts, Maroon Shorts, Maroon Socks

 

Leyton give below-par Hullbridge a scare at Lower Road on Non-League Day 2018

 

 

Hullbridge badge

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) with additional photo by Neil Hunwicks (Twitter: @Abridgetoofar16)

 

Essex Senior League leaders Hullbridge Sports welcomed Leyton Athletic to Lower Road in this encounter on Non-League Day 2018. The hosts were depleted with the likes of Perry Dunn, Ollie Sotoyinbo, Aundre Spencer and goalkeeper George Marsh all unavailable. Clarke Bogard, on-loan from Grays Athletic was between the sticks with a three-man forward line being comprised of skipper Jimmy Cox, Luke Hornsley and Michael Salako.

Leyton Athletic also deployed the wing-back system with Jayesh Gohil and Misha Djemaili on either side of the three-man defence and Christian Londono supporting forwards Dwade James and (new signing) Luwayne Greenwood.

The match began in a sprightly manner with centre-back Rob Hodgson and forward Luke Hornsley both unable to find the target for the hosts though home goalkeeper Clarke Bogard was called into action to claw away an well-directed over-head kick from Leyton top-scorer Dwade James on 7 minutes. In the next attack, Hornsley was denied a chance on goal by a good tackle by wing-back Jayesh Gohil in the area. Moments later, winger Christian Londono’s blistering 20-yard strike cannoned off the woodwork  to reinforce the view they Leyton do have goals in them.

Unfortunately for the visitors though, the hosts went ahead on the quarter-hour as good work from Matt Dicks and Jimmy Cox led to Hornsley stroking home past visiting stopper James Scammell one-on-one. What followed was a quite a dominant passage of play for the visitors as Bogard was much the busier ‘keeper, doing well to deny James and fellow forward Luwayne Greenwood on several occasions as the visitors’ pace really stretched the Hullbridge back-line. Just after the twenty-minute mark, Greenwood in particular contrived to scoop the ball over from close range following a terrific run by Gohil down the right flank.

Having said that, forward Michael Salako perhaps could have extended the hosts’ lead as well before the half-hour marker. On the cusp of half-time, Leyton got the leveller they deserved as Bogard couldn’t stop Dwade James from rolling home, when the forward was again one-on-one with the ‘keeper.

Half-Time: Hullbridge Sports 1 – 1 Leyton Athletic

After the break, Hullbridge were still below their best, particularly in their attacking play as that precious final ball to the forwards was not really there. Even so, out of nowhere, a moment of brilliance from captain Jimmy Cox put the hosts back ahead nine minutes after the break. Cox surged down left the left flank, cut inside in the area and sailed a curling effort past Scammell.

‘Bridge skipper Cox rifles home a cracker… (Image: @ABridgeTooFar16 on Twitter)

Leyton continued to push forward and substitute Daniel Londono called Bogard into action again just the past the hour mark. Gaps were appearing in the visiting defence though substitute Nathan Scarborough’s 40-yard lob evaded Scammell but didn’t find the target. That perhaps was a turning point as on 71 minutes, Christian Londono carved open the home defence again, finding James well and he made no mistake beating Bogard when one-on-one. Bogard then bravely denied James at the striker’s feet in the latter stages though ‘Bridge held on to claim a point, despite what you could describe as a ;below-par’ performance.

Full-Time: Hullbridge Sports 2 – 2 Leyton Athletic

Leyton will be disappointed they didn’t claim all three points though doubts about them defensively remain. Skipper Eli Benoit was certainly giving his team a rollicking on-the-pitch. Christian Londono, Dwade James, Benoit and Gohil stood out for me today in a good performance from them. For the hosts, Clarke Bogard was without doubt the hero though this may prove to be ‘a point gained’ for the hosts come the latter stages of the season.

Finally, my thanks for the hospitality shown by Hullbridge, as ever showing the true club that they are in spirit.

Teams

Hullbridge Sports  | Manager: Darren Manning

Clarke Bogard (GK), Matt Dicks, Matt Rose, Jamal Allen, Andre Gumbs, Rob Hodgson, Dan Okah, Matt Tapley (Nathan Scarborough 69′), Jimmy Cox (Capt), Luke Hornsley, Michael Salako (Arnold Achaempong 69′)

Goal-scorers: Luke Hornsley [15′], Jimmy Cox [54′]

Booked: Hodgson, Cox   | Subs Not Used: Risk, Taylor, McLeavy

 

Leyton Athletic  | Manager: Glen Kendall

James Scammell (GK), Jayesh Gohil, Misha Djemaili, Jason Brown, Eli Beniot (Capt), Cory Rider, Christian Londono, Mario Gjini, Dwade James, Luwayne Greenwood (Daniel Londono 57′), Sheriff Jinadu (Lance Ledgister 57′)

Goal-scorers: Dwade James [45′ +2, 71′]

Booked: Ledgister, Benoit, Gjini  |  Subs Not Used: Seidu, Walsh (GK)

Round-up: Essex Senior League (Fri 5th/Sat 6th Oct) [ESL 7.10.18]

Written by Scott W

Hello and welcome to another of my round-up pieces for the weekend’s Essex Senior League action. How did your side get on?

Friday 5th October

Woodford Town  2 – 0  Takeley  |  Harlow Arena | Att: 95

Woodford started the action this weekend with a good win over out-of-form Takeley at the Harlow Arena. Second-half strikes from Ellis Routledge [57′] and Dejuane Taylor-Crossdale [90’+3] saw Dee Safer’s side to their fifth win of the season and up to 4th place after Saturday’s action.

Saturday 6th October

Clapton   2 – 5   Stansted    | Old Spotted Dog | Att: 48

Strikes either side of the half-time interval assisted Stansted to a big win at the OSD. Jordan’s Palmer’s quick-fire double [40′ & 42′] before the break gave the Airportmen a healthy cushion before Palmer completed his treble three minutes after the break. Ollie Bell made it four on 67 minutes before Steven Sardinha [70′] reduced the arrears. Callum Ibe added to his goal tally for the season with 15 minuts left though Timi Abiola rounded out the scoring for the hosts a minute later.

Enfield 1893  3 – 1   Stanway Rovers   | Harlow Arena  | Att: 75

Enfield returned to winnings ways in the league here over Stanway. Jayden Hocking-Rising struck on 14 minutes to give Enfield the lead. Ayo Odukoya [32′] doubled that advantage before Toby Blanche halved the deficit for Rovers. Odukoya restored the E’s two-goal cushion though on 75 minutes to give Matt Hanning’s side a boost.

Ilford  0 – 1    Walthamstow    | Cricklefield  | Att: 75

‘Stow edged to a narrow win over the Foxes with former Ilford striker James Peagram almost inveitably scoring the only goal of the game just before half-time.The Foxes are now without a win in three games while ‘Stow are unbeaten in seven league matches now.

Leyton Athletic  5 – 0  Barkingside  | Kitchener Road  | Att: 20

Leyton produced an excellent display to only add to ‘Side’s pain and extend their winless record. Emmanuel Oluwole broke the deadlock five minutes before the break and the visitors went into the interval two down as only a minute later, Francesco Cicconi struck for Glen Kendall’s new side. Cicconi pretty much secured the points only four minutes into the second half before a brace from Dwade James [62′ & 90’] rounded out the scoring here to give Leyton only their second win of the season.

 

Redbridge  0 – 1  Hullbridge Sports  | Oakside  | Att: 55

Hullbridge maintained their unbeaten league record with another good win away from from home at Oakside. Nathan Scarborough got the only goal on 64 minutes to ensure the ‘curse’ of ESL Manager of the Month for September didn’t strike Sports boss Darren Manning. For the Motormen, this was their third straight home league defeat.

 

Saffron Walden Town  1 – 1  Hoddesdon Town  | Catons Lane  | Att: 175

The Bloods struck late to deny Hoddesdon a fine win at Catons Lane. Connor Bolton broke the deadlock on 55 minutes to put the visitors ahead. Though the Essex Senior League’s leading marksman Charlie Portway levelled three minutes from time to salvage a point for new boss Jason Maher.

 

Southend Manor   0 – 1   West Essex   | Southchurch Park  | Att: 40

I was at this match and my full report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2018/10/06/match-report-southend-manor-0-1-west-essex-esl-6-10-18/

 

Sporting Bengal Utd  5 – 2  Sawbridgeworth Town  | Mile End Stadium | Att: 27

Bengal powered to an impressive win over Sawbridgeworth at Mile End. Inside 25 minutes, the hosts were three goals to the good thanks to Charles Gregory [10′], Kamarl Duncan [15′] and the ever-prolific Jay Knight’s first of the afternoon on 23 minutes. Knight completed his hat-trick [44′ & 60′] either side of the interval though Danny Wickenden’s brace ensured the visitors had something to take from the game.

 

St Margaretsbury  6 – 0  Tower Hamlets    | The Recreation Ground  | Att: 11

St Margs powered to victory over Hamlets, who had another howler away from Mile End. The hosts only led by the odd goal at the break through Michael Morgan’s 36th-minute strike though it was a rather different tale after the break. Firstly, on the hour mark Luke Marshall netted before a 15-minute hat-trick by Charncey Dash [65′, 75′ & 80′] plus a late sixth by David Greene [81′] to seal the hosts first win in six matches.

That is all for this week. Thank you for reading.

Match Report: Woodford Town 4 – 1 Leyton Athletic (ESL 3.8.18)

Woodford Town Badge

(Images by Andrzej Perkins, used with thanks)

Essex Senior League (Season 2018-19)

Venue: The Harlow Arena

Attendance: 65

2018-19 Season – Match 4

Friday 3rd August 2018  – 7.45pm KO

Woodford Town: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, White Socks

Leyton Athletic: Maroon Shirts, Maroon Shorts, Maroon Socks

 

Scott W reporting (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Both teams before KO…

On a kind dry evening, the Essex Senior League got underway for the 2018-19 season as Woodford Town entertained Leyton Athletic at their new temporary home at the Harlow Arena.

Woodford have largely kept the same squad from last term, save for Alex Reed in goal, replacing the now retired Nick Wilson. Best wishes to you Nick. In another change from last term, Ola Ogunwamide lined up further forward and joined Samir Ali and playmaker Ethan Kessel in attack for Town. Leyton Athletic had Kieran Southgate, Isaac Atugumya and Daniel Francis leading the line for them.

The match got underway and quite early on, you could ascertain that the hosts were ‘up for it’ with Ola Ogunwamide particularly stretching the Leyton back-line with his rapid runs down the right flank and he twice forced visiting ‘stopper James Scammell into decent saves early on.

If there was one ‘criticism’ of the hosts early-doors, it was that they didn’t have a final ball. The over-worked goalkeeper Scammell gathered a few crosses as the visiting defence was being over-run by the quick Woodford attacks. Leyton did have sporadic chances though didn’t severely test Alex Reed in the Woodford goal. Woodford did eventually break the deadlock midway through the first half as Ogunwamide was found superbly by a cross-field pass that and the converted wing-back beat the off-side trap and lobbed Scammell well after the ‘keeper slipped coming out of his six-yard area.

Leyton winger Daniel Francis’ free-kick was well-gathered by Reed moments later before Town had three decent chances to extend their lead though centre-back Ricardo Shaw, winger Connor Leon and forward Samir Ali failed to beat Scammell.

Half-Time: Woodford Town 1 – 0   Leyton Athletic

The second half began with Leyton boss Jason Ngandu making all three substitutes as Foster, James and Ntumba all joined the action. Woodford struck twice in five minutes to realistically seal the points as first, Chinua Phinn-Archer [56′] beat Scammell one-on-one and passed the ball into the net, only two minutes after coming off the bench. Then after a punch from the Leyton ‘keeper went awry, Kessel lobbed a cool strike into the top left corner on the hour mark.

Leyton had a good chance to pull one back on 68 minutes as a super deep cross from midfielder Nathan Muskitta found forward Kieran Southgate though the latter’s header needed Reed to make a decent save to keep it out. Woodford spurned chances to really make this a rout as Kessel and full-back Routledge both sent efforts wide of goal.

Leyton #9 Southgate and  Woodford full-back (#3) Routledge both watchful late on.. 

Athletic got some brief respite with Southgate’s drive was well tipped wide for a corner by Reed though fell further behind on 81 minutes as Ogunwamide made another good darting run and beat Scammell with aplomb. As we entered the last few minutes of proceedings, Ogunwamide and Kessell had further chances to add to the score-line though Leyton did ruin a likely clean-sheet a minute from time as a terrific ball from Francis on the left wing found substitute Dwade James who had a simple tap-in from close range.

Full-Time: Woodford Town 4 – 1  Leyton Athletic

All in all, Woodford were very good value for this win and their play was bright and incisive for most of the match. If they can keep this form going then it would not surprise me if they have another good season. As for Leyton, if they don’t pick up their level of performance then this could be another very long season for them.

Best wishes to both teams for the new season.

Teams:

Woodford Town   | Manager: Dee Safer

Alex Reed (GK), Leon Wildman, Ellis-Marcus Routledge, Malaki Toussaint, Ricardo Shaw, Jack Grosvenor (Capt), Connor Leon (Chinua Phinn-Archer 55′), Andrea Montovani (Oliver Palmer 82′), Samir Ali (Taku Mastingaidze 71′), Ethan Kessel, Ola Ogunwamide

Goal-scorers: Ola Ogunwamide [22′ & 81′] , Chinua Phinn-Archer [56′], Ethan Kessel [60′]

Booked: Phinn-Archer   | Subs Not Used: Small, Tarrant

Leyton Athletic          |   Manager: Jason Ngandu

James Scammell (GK), Nico James (Dominic Foster 46′), Dami Olaiya (Jerome Ntumba 46′), Mish Djemalli, Eli Benoit (Capt), Cory Rider, Rujorn Tuitt, Nathan Muskitta, Kieran Southgate, Isaac Atugumya (Dwade James 46′), Daniel Francis

Goal-scorer: Dwade James (89′)

Booked: Muskitta  | Sub Not Used: Akumwami