S20-21 Round-ups: Len Cordell Trophy (Fri/Sat 9/10 April) [LCT 2021 12.4.21]

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

Hello and welcome to my look at the opening weekend of the Len Cordell Trophy  action, a competition run by the Essex Senior League for Reserve sides to also remember the contribution the late Len Cordell made to local Non-League Football.

Before re look at the matches that took place this weekend, let’s have a quick look at the how the group stages look in this Trophy competition. The twelve teams competing in this competition have been split into three groups, below is a snapshot on who is in which group.

Len Cordell Trophy  – Friday 9th April

Harlow Town Res  2 – 3 Woodford Town U23s  |  the Harlow Arena [3G]  | Group A

Two matches took place on Friday night, as Woodford’s second-side emerged with the points at the Harlow Arena in this Group A encounter. Graeme Butler scored twice for Harlow’s reserve side but strikes by Rashaad Ogun, Umar Ali and Joseph St Luca-Moynihan did the business for Shane Baptiste’s side. As it turned out, the win could well make them early favourites to top the group.

Grays Athletic U23s  1 – 1  Barkingside Res   | Lakeside Sports Ground | Group C

Meanwhile, several miles south in Thurrock, these two local rivals fought to a draw. Callum Watts netted for the home side, with Robert Adams responding for the ‘Side second-string.

Saturday 10th April

Sawbridgeworth Town Res  3 – 3  Walthamstow Res | Crofters | Group A

In the midday kick-off at Crofters, these two sides had an enticing six-goal thriller before both sides had to settle for a point. Samson Bashua netted twice for the Sawbo side, with Stephen Aketo also on target for the home side. ‘Stow responded through goals from Johann Aidoo, Patrick Simpson and Zachary Thomas but both sides with need wins to progress up the group standings in their next matches.

Redbridge Res  0 – 4  Tower Hamlets Res | Ford’s Social Club (Newbury Park) | Group B

Elsewhere, Tower Hamlets Reserves made light work of their first of three away games in this competition with a decisive victory. Ezekiel Adesanya struck twice for the visitors, supported by goals from Rajhi Makasi and Carone Scott to send the Hamlets side top of Group B.

West Essex Dev  0 – 1  May & Baker Res  | Debden Park Sch   |  Group B

In the other match in Group B, May & Baker Reserves returned to action with a narrow win over West Essex Development at Debden Park School. Idris Aminu got the decisive strike for Jimmy Donald’s side as they went second in the table.

White Ensign Res 2 – 0  Frenford Res  | Len Forge Centre [3G]  |  Group C

Finally for this weekend’s six matches, at the Len Forge Centre in Westcliff, White Ensign Reserves defeated Frenford’s second-side thanks to strikes by Lubona Wyatt and Scott Read, which sent Jack Caten’s side top of Group C.

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

Written By Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

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

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

 

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

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

Still from Leigh Town v Corinthians [EPC QF 1.2.20]

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

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

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

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

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res EOFL D2 7.12.19

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

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

Another image from Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

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

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

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

Corinthians v Rochford Town still EOFL D2 15.2.20

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

EOFL Division Two – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

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

 

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

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

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 28 Sept) [EOFL 19/20 29.9.19]

EOFL Crest

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

 

Hello and welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League round-up, covering the top tier all the way to the results from Senior Division Four and the Essex Junior Cup. Thanks for reading.

 

Premier Division

In a reduced schedule of Premier matches, Catholic Utd got back to winning ways with a 1 – 0 win over Canning Town at the Len Salmon. Billy Boag got the goal that decided that match. Also, Old Southendian got their first win of their campaign with a 2 – 1 success over high-flyers Springfield. Nicolas Dubouchet was the hero with both goals for Connor Lane’s side. Kelvedon Hatch also got their fourth straight league win, defeating Hutton 2 – 1 at Polo Fields.

 

FA Inter-League Cup Round One

Amateur Football Combination (Rep Team) 2 – 1 Essex Olympian League (Rep Team)  |

EOFL Senior League Cup

Basildon Town booked their passage to the next round of the Senior League Cup  with a 3 – 2 win at Shenfield AFC. Brodie Horne, Keith King and Jimmy Markham were on target for Gareth Cleverly’s team at St Martin’s School 3G.

 

EOFL Senior ONE

In Senior One, Chingford Athletic continued their unbeaten league start with a 3 – 0 win at Lakeside. Alex Gordon nabbed two and Lee Lashley got the other as they sit 2nd, below Ongar Town who defeated winless Ramsden Scotia 4 – 2 at Fyfield Village Hall to lead the standings on goal difference. Galleywood sit third after a fine 4 – 0 win at home to Snaresbrook. Luke Osborne, Tyler Tredgett, Sam Donn and replacement Max Orrin consigned ‘Brook to their first league loss this term. Rayleigh Town Res were back on song with a 3 – 1 win over Runwell Sports at London Road. Sam Lake struck twice with Rodney Wilson getting the other as Runwell are pointless from their opening three matches.

Manford Way are fifth after edging to a 4 – 3 triumph at home to strugglers Herongate Athletic. Joe Lovell got two goals for Manford, with Tom Gibbings and Tyler Le Poidevin also netting for the hosts who ended up with ten men. Shoebury Town were held 3 – 3 by Old Chelmsfordians while FC Hamlets had John Gilroy and a George Oakey spot-kick to thank for a 2 – 0 home win against Toby at Hackney Marshes which was their first win this term.

 

EOFL Senior TWO

Now we move onto Senior Two, Epping Town went top of the table with a hard-fought 1 – 0 win over Harold Wood Athletic Res at Stonards Hill. Connor Hammond got the goal in that match. For once, Town were upstaged on the goal-scoring front though as second-placed Corinthians hammered Westhamians 12 – 0 at Fairlop Oak Playing Fields. Nathan Dewberry grabbed six of those all by himself, with Jake Hodder adding a hat-trick. Sammy Ayres, Brad Smith and Jake Long all netted as well for Chris Stoneham’s side.

Laindon Orient sit fourth after being held 1 – 1 by Wakering Sports. Craig Paton gave Sports the lead before Ricky Bowyer levelled to seal a point. May & Baker Res had an away day to remember as they won 7 – 2 at Rochford Town. Isaac Eghudele got two, as did Perry with Afolabi, Smith and Agba also among the scorers here. Alex Jenkins and Joe Lovett netted for Rochford though they fell to defeat. Old Southendian Res won 2 – 1 at Ryan. Luke Stillwell and Oliver Tatton-Bennett were the scorers as their hosts stay bottom following a points deduction earlier this month. Also, Beacon Hill Rovers won 2 – 0 at AS Rawreth to go into sixth spot.

 

Essex Senior THREE

Senior Three was fairly quiet this wek due to the Essex Junior Cup action, with Wakebury getting the stand-out result, defeating Lakeside Res 5 – 3 at Shoebury Park. Harry Kateley netted twice for the home side, with Daniel Buglione, Liam Jarrett and Sam Rowe also on target. Brandon Booty’s penalty, Harry Davison and Ben Austin accounted for the Lakeside second-string’s goals though they couldn’t deny Wakebury a third win this term.

Toby Ressies handed Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ a fifth straight loss as they won 2 – 0, thanks to Alfie Sayers and Marc Porter-Brown goals. Toby’s second side rose to second as ACD Utd were held 2 – 2 by Leigh Town Ressies. Sam Payne and Frankie Markham scored for Utd though their 100% start is over. Chris Pope and substitute Ben Forsyth struck for Town though they are winless in their last three matches. Buckhurst Hill Reserves got the points without playing as hosts Dagenham Utd had to withdraw due to being unable to field a side.

 

EOFL Senior FOUR  (Results only)

Canning Town Res  3 – 8 Catholic Utd Res

Forest Glade 1 – 2  Shenfield AFC Res

Leytonstone Utd 1 – 4 Roydon

Wakering Sports Res 1 – 2 Galleywood Res

 

Essex Junior Cup – Round ONE  (Results only)

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

Brentwood Athletic  A – W  Ongar Town Res | Away Walkover

Chingford Athletic Development  1 – 2  Haver Town  |

Corinthians Res  19 – 0  Wakering Sports ‘A’   |

Harold Wood Athletic ‘A’ 2 – 4  Harold Wood Athletic Development  |

Lymore Gardens  0 – 4  Collier Row   | Parmiters

 

Newbury Forest Res  2 – 2  Collier Row Res   | (Forest won 4 – 3 on pens)

Old Chelmsfordians Res  1 – 9  Hutton Res   |

Roydon Res  1 – 0  Debden   |

Shoebury Town Res  2 – 7  Ashingdon  |

 

White Ensign Res 10 – 0  Railway Academicals Res  |

Writtle  6 – 2  Herongate Athletic Res  |

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League & Senior Cup (Sat 14 September) [EOFL 19/20 15.9.19]

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

Hello and welcome to this week’s extended round-up of Essex Olympian League action, which includes matches from the top four divisions, plus a round-up/results from the Senior League Cup action and results from Senior Division Four and the Reserve League Cup action this weekend – Saturday 14th September. Thanks for reading.

 

EOFL Premier Division

In this week’s Premier action, Basildon Town got a fine 4 – 2 win at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts with Keith King, Tommy Green, Jimmy Markham and replacement Daley Grant all finding the net. Terrell Hunter got both strikes for Swifts though their three-match winning run ended here. Harold Wood Athletic registered their first win of the new season as they defeated Canning Town 2 – 0. Reiss Kingsley and Robert Whitnell got the goals for Kris Taylor’s side. Kelvedon Hatch also triumphed, defeating Old Southendian 3 – 1. Petrit Elbi struck twice with substitute Reece Morgan also notching for Hatch, while Mattias Tonking netted for OS.

Springfield edged a tight affair with Hutton as a late Ryan Batchford penalty saw them to a 1 – 0 home win. Rayleigh Town made it six league wins from six as they won 3 – 1 at Shenfield AFC. George Vile, Harry Talbot and Bailey Moss goals saw them extend their cushion at the top to six points. Leigh Ramblers drew with Sungate 2 – 2 for the second time this term, with Acer Wake and Justin Hazell netting for Wayne Seal’s side.

 

FA Vase Second Qualifying Round result

Lopes Tavares  3 – 1  Catholic Utd   | Terence MacMillan Stadium

Essex Thames-side Trophy result

Buckhurst Hill 1 – 1 Walthamstow (‘Stow won 3 – 0 on penalties) | Roding Lane

 

 

EOFL Senior Division One (result only)

Toby  1 – 2  Lakeside   | Ford’s Sports Club (Newbury Park – Toby pitch)

 

EOFL Senior League Cup 2019-20

Chingford Athletic advanced in the Senior Cup as they defeated Beacon Hill Rovers 5 – 0 at Town Mead. Mickey Mesmin got a brace, with Eric Kelly, Lee Lashley and Warren Isoka all getting on the scorer’s sheet as Ath continued their strong start to the campaign in all competitions. Leigh Town also progressed with a 2 – 1 success at Ramsden Scotia with Max Jones grabbing both Town goals there.

 

Other Results in Senior League Cup this weekend:

Ongar Town  8 – 1  Snaresbrook  |  Fyfield Village Hall

Runwell Sports  0 – 3  Manford Way   |  Runwell Sports Club

Shoebury Town  6 – 1  Old Barkabbeyans  | Cupid’s Country Club (Pitch 2)

 

Senior Division Two

In Senior Two, Laindon Orient got their second win this term with a 3 – 0 home win over Rochford Town. A brace from Ashley Blackburn and one from Jasper Read saw them to victory there. Westhamians got their first league win in Senior Two with a super 4 – 2 win over Wakering Sports. Substitute John Massala got two, while Monty Hussain and Abel Okoghenu also netted for the hosts. Zac Wheatley and skipper Russell Beck responded for Sports though they have yet to register a point on the board.

Corinthians had a new star to thank for their 5 – 2 win at Ryan as recent signing, former Basildon Utd, Southend Manor & White Ensign forward Nathan Dewberry got all five goals for the visitors at Wadham Lodge. May & Baker Reserves outshone all on the ‘goals count’ as they defeated AS Rawreth 10 – 2.

Finally, Epping Town came away from Garon Park with a fine 5 – 0 win over Old Southendian Reserves, as Alex Paraskeva netted twice, with Bradley Gayer, Glen Warwick and Tommie Turner also getting on the score-sheet. If you’d like more on this match, my report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/09/14/match-report-old-southendian-res-0-5-epping-town-eofl-14-9-19/

 

EOFL Senior Division Three

Into Senior Three now, Corinthians Reserves continued their 100% start to the league campaign with a 4 – 2 win over Wakebury. Max Hall, Luke Smith, Sener Suavi and Ashley Webb all struck for Terry Rose’s team. Oliver Laycock and substitute Daniel Blewett netted in reply for the EOFL newcomers.  White Ensign Res also won this weekend, after a fine 5 – 2 win at Dagenham Utd. Kieran Follett, Joss Pountney, Lewis Brown, another spot-kick from Zach Somerset-Butler and one from fellow substitute Mechack Kisoka-Asuka gave Jack Caten’s team the points.

Collier Row got their second league win with a 4 – 1 triumph over Buckhurst Hill Res at the Forest Row Centre. Also, ACD Utd won 3 – 0 over Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ with Brad Falco, Frank Markham and replacement Michael Wade all on target for the EOFL newcomers.

 

Senior Division Four  (results only)

Canning Town Res  0 – 5  Galleywood Res

Leytonstone Utd  0 – 6  Chingford Athletic Dev

Roydon  4 – 1  Forest Glade

 

Reserve League Cup 2019 – 20  (Results only)

AS Rawreth Res A – W Leigh Town Res   (Leigh Town go through uncontested)

Basildon Town Res   2 – 1  Ongar Town Res

Catholic Utd Res  4 –  0  Leigh Ramblers Res

Herongate Athletic Res  1 – 4  Lakeside Res

Hutton Res  5 – 1 Laindon Orient Res

Old Chelmsfordians Res  1 – 0  Harold Wood Athletic Res

Rayleigh Town Res  H – W  Roydon Res (Rayleigh go through uncontested)

Wakering Sports Res  1 – 5  Collier Row Res

 

2019-20 Season Preview: Essex Olympian League Senior Two (EOFL D2 19/20 31.7.19)

 

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – EOFL Blogger

 

Hello and a warm welcome to another of my mini-series of articles previewing the upcoming 2019-2020 Essex Olympian League season, division-by-division. We continue with Senior Two now which will have 13 sides competing in it with sides getting promoted from both Senior Three and Senior Four to stem the loss of a number of sides who also got elevated in the close season (see Senior One Preview).

May & Baker Reserves will look to re-build following that side’s relegation from Senior One and May & Baker ‘A’ being withdrawn following their lacklustre form in this division in 2018-19. With champions of last term Chingford Athletic being promoted, along with the rest of last season’s top five, this division has a very different look about it though there are still teams hungry for progression.

EOFL Senior Two Constitution (2019-20)

• AS Rawreth (see below) (P) (Fmrly Academy Soccer)
• Beacon Hill Rovers
• Corinthians (P)
• Epping Town (P)
• Harold Wood Athletic Res
• Laindon Orient (P)
• Leigh Town (P)
• May & Baker Res (R)
• Old Southendian Res (P)
• Rochford Town
• Ryan
• Wakering Sports (P)
• Westhamians (P)

 

Beacon Hill Rovers, Harold Wood Athletic Res, Ryan and Rochford Town are the only ‘survivors’ from last term. Rochford got a reprieve once again from demotion, as did Ryan though among the teams they face from mid-August onwards are the likes of Senior Three champions Old Southendian Reserves, who I saw win the title at their Garon Park home, back in April. OS Ressies won that division by four points in the end, ahead of runners-up Laindon Orient  who also make the step up, in their new home at Basildon Sports Club. Laindon will look to continue last term’s record of scoring goals – they got 75 in the net back then in just 20 matches.

Academy Soccer finished third in Senior Three after another fine season with the joint second-best defence in that division which was good enough for elevation, though a name change means they are known as AS Rawreth this term, presumably reflecting the fact they play in Rawreth, just east of Wickford. Westhamians continue their progress up the divisions with a ‘seat at the Senior Two table’ this term after enjoying the best defensive record last term league-wise, they are joined by Wakering Sports and Leigh Town who finished mid-table last term. Sports are committed to improving their home ground at Cupid’s Country Club in Shoebury and will looking for a season that consolidates their position in this division this coming season.

Then, last but by no means least, we have two clubs who have got the ‘double bubble’ of being promoted two divisions in Senior Four champions Corinthians  and runners-up Epping Town who are still managed by Billy Cove and his team. Both sides finished well clear of the field in the end come May. Not really a surprise when you factor in that the Stambridge-based Corinthians side had the best defence in Senior Four last term and Epping overwhelmed the goal-scorers’ chart with a whopping 103 goals to their name last term. I wouldn’t rule out a promising campaign for either side this coming season either.

To all the clubs, managers, players and many others who support them, have a good season all. I look forward to keeping tabs on the action. Best, Scott

 

Fixtures for First two weekends of EOFL Senior Two (Subject to change)

Saturday 24th August – 2.30pm

AS Rawreth  v  Harold Wood Athletic Res  | The Warren, Old London Road

Laindon Orient  v  Westhamians   | Basildon Sports Club

Wakering Sports  v  Old Southendian Res  | Cupid’s Country Club, Cupid’s Chase

 

Saturday 31st August – 2.30pm

AS Rawreth  v  Epping Town   | The Warren, Old London Road

Beacon Hill Rovers  v  Leigh Town     |  Wickham Bishop’s Sports Ground

Corinthians  v  Laindon Orient      |  Stambridge Memorial Ground

Ryan  v  May & Baker Res   |  Wadham Lodge Sports Ground (Grass Pitch)

 

Essex Olympian Football League round-up (EOFL 2.5.18)

 

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello and welcome to my round-up of the Essex Olympian League action from the last week, from the Premier Division through to Senior Division Two, starting off with the weekend’s games then moving on to the midweek action…

 

Essex Olympian League Premier Division

In the Essex Olympian Premier Division on Saturday, Catholic Utd continued their title-chase with a good 3 – 1 win at Rayleigh Town. Brad Vaughan, Brad Williams and Max Kent all netted for the Super Hoops who jump above Springfield into 2nd, four points adrift of leaders Frenford so two wins will suffice from their four remaining matches to win the title. Aaron Pallett replied for Town.

Elsewhere, Harold Wood Athletic defeated Canning Town 3 – 1 with Charlie Liddiard, Joe Stevens and Matty Game all scoring. Kelvedon Hatch won 3 – 2 at out-of-form May & Baker thanks to George Saunders, Lee Newton and substitute Michael Daniels’ goals while Craig Hall and Dan Mackin responded for the hosts.

Manford Way also tasted success with a 2 – 0 triumph at relegated Basildon Town. Julian Edwards and Callum Ibe got the all-important goals there.

 

In Olympian Senior One, the ‘battle of the current top-two’ went the way of leaders Buckhurst Hill who kept up their march towards the title with a 3 – 2 victory over Great Baddow. A Steven Townsend hat-trick was ‘just the job’ for the Hill though Dane Nelson’s brace for the hosts made it tight. Meanwhile, Hutton won an entertaining match 5 – 3 at Harold Hill. Dan Carpenter’s treble plus goals from Justin Bardouleau and Chris Rowlatt were enough to claim the points.

Relegated Runwell Sports earned only their 3rd win of the season with a 2 – 0 victory at mid-table Sungate. James Driver and Chris Stokes strikes sealed a morale-boosting win for Sports. Shenfield AFC edged Newbury Forest 3 – 2 thanks chiefly to Ben Carroll’s brace. Thomas Oliver got the other goal while Jason Reynolds-Blanche and substitute Bobby Wise netted for Forest.

Also, Old Chelmsfordians bested Snaresbrook 3 – 2 thanks to goals from Hayden Brunt, Jamie Gray and Lee Ifield.

Finally for the Saturday action, in Olympian Senior Two, the two fixtures produced 17 goals! May & Baker Reserves clinched a 4 – 3 success at Newham Utd. Addean Gallimore, Lamar Obinkwo and Lisandro Tavares all netted for the hosts though Carl Patten grabbed another hat-trick and substitute Derek Hawtin completed the scoring for the visitors who secured their 15th win of the season here.

Meanwhile, Benfleet edged Rochford Town closer to the drop with a huge 8 – 2 win at the Rochford Rec. Ben Foord’s hat-trick, braces from Robert Lacy and Taylor Lawrence plus a Sam Dulieu goal secured the win for the Canvey-based side. Shane Holyland and Steven Sharpe replied for Town, who now must win their final match to have any chance of avoiding relegation.

 

Into the midweek action now and on Tuesday night in the Olympian Premier, Harold Wood edged Rayleigh Town 3 – 2 as Charlie Liddiard, Joe Stevens and substitute Rob Whitnell goals for the hosts outmatched Aaron Pallett’s brace for the visitors. Ath sit 4th, behind Springfield on goal difference. Rayleigh remain 12th.

White Ensign powered to a 4 – 1 victory over mid-table Kelvedon Hatch at the Len Forge. Doubles from David Limber and Liam Sewell did the damage though substitute Michael Daniels again struck for the visitors. Ensign went above May & Baker into 5th with this win while Kelvedon are 8th.

In Senior One on Tuesday, Shenfield AFC continued their fine end to the season with a 2 – 0 win at relegation-battling Harold Hill. Ben Absolon and Will Marlowe goals saw AFC up to 4th spot. Meanwhile at Polo Fields, Hutton put four past Newbury Forest in a 4 – 1 victory that strengthened their grip on 3rd spot. Another double by Dan Carpenter plus strikes from Jonathon Hilliard and Chris Rowlatt secured the win.

 

Moving onto the action in Olympian Senior Two on Tuesday and Ramsden Scotia kept their chances of promotion well & truly alive with a 2 – 1 success over May & Baker Reserves. Aaron Chambers struck for the visitors though goals from John Burdett and Kurt King sealed Scotia’s 14th win of the season and up to 3rd, five points behind their opponents here with two matches in hand.

Elsewhere in the Denny King U21 Cup, Buckhurst Hill U21’s defeated A1 Sports U21’s 4 – 1 so congratulations goes to the champions, who are having a successful league season in 5th (at present) in the U21 Division. A1 Sports side are 2nd in the same division.

In the one match in Senior Two on Wednesday, Ongar Town won 3 – 1 at home to Rayleigh Town Reserves to go above their opponents into 5th place in their final match of the campaign.

 

That’s all for this week, the Olympian League continues into May, as will the round-up’s.

Essex Olympian League round-up (EOFL 11.4.18)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello and welcome to my round-up of Essex Olympian League action from the last week, from the Premier Division all the way through to Senior Division Three, starting off with the weekend action then moving on to the midweek matches that survived the returning rain..

Senior League Cup Quarter-Finals

The two remaining quarter-finals took place on Saturday, as Olympian Premier side Kelvedon Hatch comprehensively beat Olympian Senior One side Great Baddow 5 – 0 at New Hall thanks to doubles from Antony Aylett and George Saunders plus a Chris Neville strike.

Leigh Ramblers edged Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 2 – 1 with goals from Seb Allen and Ryan Lowe. Josh Daniel got the Swifts goal. Ramblers face Kelvedon at home in the second semi-final next weekend for the chance to face Frenford, who effectively got a bye through to the Senior Cup Final as opponents Newham Utd could not raise a side on Saturday.

 

Essex Olympian League Premier Division

In an unruffled fixture schedule this weekend, Catholic Utd returned to league action and their title credentials were enhanced with a 4 – 0 victory over relegation-haunted Basildon Town at Wellstead Gardens. A Dan Trenkel brace plus further goals from Max Kent and Thomas Kearney saw the Super Hoops up to 4th spot with ten matches still to play. Town simply have to win all three of their remaining matches to have any chance of averting the drop.

Elsewhere, Springfield won 3 – 0 at Rayleigh Town through a Joe Mayer brace and one from Josh White. Harold Wood Athletic maintained their slim title chances in 5th (with games in hand) with a 2 – 1 success over May & Baker thanks to strikes from Matt Donovan and Charlie Liddiard, with James Barlow the scorer for May & Baker, who remain 3rd.

Also, Manford Way edged to a 2 – 1 victory over fellow mid-table side White Ensign as Henry Fisher and Lubona Wyatt both netted for the Fairlop-based side, while Elliot Vile responded for Brett Munyard’s men. Manford rise to 7th with this win, while Ensign drop to 6th and both sides have seven matches remaining.

 

Into Senior Division One and Buckhurst Hill apparently did win on Saturday 6 – 0, despite Full-Time showing the match being abandoned on 82 minutes.  Meanwhile, Shenfield AFC secured another three points with a 3 – 1 win over Old Southendian with Will Marlowe bagging a brace for the hosts and substitute Francis Wright sealing the win, Nick Henesy replied for OS who drop behind Shenfield into 5th spot though have six matches left. Shenfield rise to 4th with just a solitary match to play. Galleywood also tasted success with a 3 – 2 win over fellow strugglers Newbury Forest. Jack Chatterway, Lewis Rose & substitute Matthew Buckingham all netted for the hosts though Forest replied thanks to goals from Matt Connolly and Scott Emmons.

Hutton recorded a narrow 1 – 0 away win at FC Hamlets with Chris Rowlatt the difference-maker to keep them 3rd., while Harold Hill drew 0 – 0 with Snaresbrook.

Moving into Senior Division Two on Saturday, and Benfleet continued their good form with a big 5 – 0 win over A1 Sports at Park Lane. A double from Ben Foord plus strikes from Brad Camm, Sonny Hartman and Tyler Hubbard did the job for the hosts, who rise to 3rd, courtesy of their 10th win of the season.

In the only other match, title challengers May & Baker Reserves kept the pressure on leaders Herongate Athletic with a 5 – 1 win at Rochford Town. Carl Patten’s hat-trick saw them well on their way and goals from Kane Messenger and Darren Seymour sealed the points. Rochford stay 11th, with three matches left to overhaul rivals Upminster and prevent relegation.

Finally on Saturday, in Senior Division Three, Frenford Reserves defeated Leigh Town 3 – 2 thanks to a Nick Hughes brace and one from Thomas Waymouth, Alfie Phillips and Gbavalena Waiwaiku replied for Town. Roydon won 2 – 1 at Hutton Reserves thanks to goals from Connor Ellis and Wesley Penny and stay 9th while Harry Calder netted for the hosts, who ended their season here and are currenly 5th.

Old Chelmsfordians Reserves drew 2 – 2 with Beacon Hill Rovers to see the hosts go up to 6th. In the late kick-off, the ‘battle of the top-two” saw leaders Manford Way Reserves lose 3 – 2 at home to Shoebury Town. Lee Lashley and Connor Leon netted for Manford though a brace from Dominic Binns and Scott Clark saw Town to victory and on the verge of promotion.

Into the matches that survived the weather in midweek now and on Monday night in Senior Division One, Newbury Forest battered Harold Hill 7 – 1 at Oakside. Braces from Bradley Gates and Matt Connolly were added to by Jason Reynolds-Blanche, Alfred Egembah and Adam Hunt as Forest got the win they badly needed and go four points clear of Galleywood in the second relegation spot, with three matches still in hand.

On Tuesday night in the Premier Division, I saw Springfield edge to a late 3 – 2 victory over Leigh Ramblers at Belfairs Park as goals from Joe Mayer, Louis O’Sullivan and Jamie Doyle sealed a comeback victory having gone behind early on. Credit must go to both sides who battled hard in tricky conditions after rainfall earlier in the day.

 

Ramblers stay 10th, while Springfield remain 2nd, six points behind current leaders Frenford – both the top two have four matches left though will still be wary of Catholic Utd who have six matches in hand over both of them.

There is one fixture set for Thursday and that sees Newbury Forest take on high-flyers Great Baddow in Senior Division One.

That’s all from the Essex Olympian League round-up this week, cheers for reading.

Essex Olympian League round-up (EOFL 11.3.18)

Written By Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello and welcome to an expanded round-up of this weekend’s Essex Olympian League action, including the sole surviving Cup tie involving EOFL sides. Enjoy.

Essex Premier Cup -Semi-Finals

 

Waltham Abbey Res. 1 – 3 Buckhurst Hill

Olympian League Division One side Buckhurst Hill fought back from a goal down to overcome the ESL Reserve Division side and book their place in the Premier Cup Final. The hosts started well and took the lead though Jose Espinoza restored parity for Hill before goals from Nathan Sollasi and Steve Townsend sealed the turnaround.

 

Old Southendian P – P Catholic Utd

This match was at Garon Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

 

Senior League Cup

 

Kelvedon Hatch P – P  Great Baddow

This match was postponed due to burst pipes at New Hall.

 

Olympian League – Premier Division

 

On a weekend heavily affected by the weather & cup action, only one Premier Division match went ahead. In fairness, it was quite a match as leaders Frenford continued their promotion charge with a 5 – 1 win over Canning Town at The Drive. Messrs Foley and Nobbs both grabbed braces after Woodward’s early opener to see Frenford go five points clear at the summit, although the likes of Catholic Utd and Kelvedon Hatch have matches in hand.

Meanwhile, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts v Harold Wood Athletic, Manford Way v Leigh Ramblers and Rayleigh Town v Springfield were all postponed.

 

EOFL – Senior Division One

In Olympian Senior One, two of the five matches set for this weekend survived and they both saw away wins. Firstly, FC Hamlets secured a fine 5 – 0 win at Shenfield AFC thanks largely to a Carter hat-trick though Johnny Gils and Charlie Heatley also found the target. Elsewhere, Snaresbrook defeated ten-man Runwell Sports 2- 0 at Runwell Chase to leave the hosts on the brink of relegation.

Galleywood v Harold Hill, Hutton v Newbury Forest and Old Chelmsfordians v Sungate all fell foul of the weather.

 

EOFL – Senior Division Two

Into Senior Division Two now and the four surviving encounters produced 26 goals between them. Leaders Herongate Athletic fell to a heavy 7 – 0 defeat at May & Baker Reserves as a Darren Seymour hat-trick led the way for the hosts and further goals from Daniel Alexander, Carl Patten plus substitutes Derek Hawtin and Joel Oliver sealed a big win and sees them remain 2nd, six points behind Herongate with 3 matches in hand.

Meanwhile, A1 Sports continued their decent form with an important 5 – 3 win over Ongar Town at the Lakeside Sports Ground 3G. Braces from Rodney Sarsah-Wilson and Ryan Scougall and a goal from substitute George Gibbon sealed the win for the 9th-placed hosts. A double from Ben Stone and Sean Green replied for Ongar, who remain 4th.

Also, Ramsden Scotia defeated Newham Utd 4 – 0 thanks to goals from Max Corrigan, Kurt King, Ryan Leddra and substitute Antony Driscoll and the win sees them rise to 6th with games in hand on the teams around them. Newham remain 8th.

Toby went 5th with a big 6 – 1 win at already-relegated Ryan as braces from Arron Watson-McNab and Peter Spicer plus goals from Rodney Capemba and Nick Harvey sealed the win for the visitors.

Benfleet v Upminster was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

 

EOFL – Senior Division Three & Four

In EOFL Divisions Three & Four, one match took place in each of the two divisions. In Senior Division Three, Frenford Reserves comfortably defeated Leytonstone United 6 – 0 and in doing so, confirming the hosts’ relegation from the division at season’s end.

Leigh Town v Old Chelmsfordians Reserves was postponed due to the weather.

Meanwhile in Senior Division Four, Old Barkabbeyans also secured a big win, defeating Southend Sports 6 – 0 with a hat-trick from Michael Ryder alongside a brace from Clifford Newby-Harris and a strike from Daniel Margiotta sealing the win.

Also, this result means Chingford Athletic are promoted and we congratulate them on a fine season.

Basildon Town Reserves v Canning Town Reserves, Leigh Ramblers Reserves v Epping and Sungate Reserves v Toby Reserves were all postponed.

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Thanks for reading, that’s all for this week.