Rapid Chingford – survivor16b

S21-22 Match Report: DT FC 0 – 1 Rapid Chingford (Mon 23 May) [EAL Fenton Cup Final 24.5.22]

Essex Alliance League – Fenton Cup Final

Venue: Brisbane Road

Attendance: 400+

2021-22 Season: Match 87

Monday 23 May 2022 – 7.30pm KO

DT: Red Shirts, White Shorts & Red Socks

Rapid: Yellow Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts, Yellow Socks

Rapid put in hard-working defensive display to win the Fenton Cup

DT FC 0 – 1 Rapid Chingford

(Short) Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

The last week of the Non-League season began with a return visit to Brisbane Road to see an interesting Fenton Cup Final between Essex Alliance League champions DT FC (soon to be renamed Cannons Wood ahead of next term) and Rapid Chingford, who finished eighth after a mixed league campaign. Rapid were buoyed by their travelling support, who had turned up in numbers and sang throughout this match.

The match began with DT looking to assert themselves in possession and build through the thirds, showing god build-up play. Stanley Green headed wide of the woodwork in the early phase of the match, but Rapid showed they were up for this Final with some good defending and some good moments on the counter-attack as well, looking to break quickly. Rapid did have the ball in the net around the twenty minute mark as a fine header by Catalin Anghel found the left corner, but the assistant’s flag was raised.

Rapid still admirably continued to press forward after their goal was disallowed, but DT were also showing why they had got past so many defences this season on their way to the League title, and the impressive Jermaine Francis struck a good effort on goal but DT’s principal problem was their final pass could not breach the Rapid backline often enough.

Rapid were growing in confidence as well and after an adjudged push in the penalty area, forward Andrei Boga stepped up to calmly convert the resulting spot-kick into the right-side corner to give them that crucial, if slender advantage at the interval. Just before the interval, DT skipper Chris Smith’s free-kick was straight at Popescu which signified his side’s frustration and inability to test the Rapid Chingford custodian.

Half-Time: DT 0 – 1 Rapid

The second half continued in a similar vein for DT, as Rapid continued to rebuff their attacking moves with diligent defending. Rapid were also still a threat on the counter too, with Daniel Tita making good runs down the right channel as well as fizzing in some good curling loss passes to the forwards. Seven minutes into the second half, Tita’s powerful strike was only narrowly over DT goalkeeper Alex Jennings’ woodwork.

Billy Cove’s team were also a threat from set-pieces, and midway through the half an in-swinging corner need Popescu to palm the ball away from immediate danger, and Popescu also gathered well from Smith’s decent strike, following-up on the volley. DT showed no lack of effort or spirit, much to their credit but were still finding chances hard to come by. DT forward Robbie Farrell also fired a long-range effort off-target. The minutes continued to ebb away and Rapid’s firm resistance continued and after the final whistle blew, the unadulterated joy started, which would continue long after the post-match Trophy presentation was complete.

Full-Time: DT FC 0 – 1 Rapid Chingford

To summarise this gritty but fairly good match, Rapid Chingford got the advantage that they needed and defended well against a DT side that couldn’t quite find their final pass into the forwards to really create too many chances on Popescu’s goal. Rapid also showed some good technical skills and were inspired by their exuberant travelling support, who really added to the occasion, waving their flags & singing their songs proudly. Popescu himself shows good handling skills in the Rapid goal and bolstered the confidence of his defence in front of him. DT showed good approach play and were decent in defence themselves, showcasing enough to suggest why they won the League title, but to use a common phrase in Sport, it just wasn’t their day here. Congratulations to Rapid Chingford on their triumph here, they did deserve their win here.

There were some good performances in this match. Beginning with victors Rapid, Andrei Boga not only converted the important penalty well but also showed good movement to keep the DT defence alert, while advanced midfielder Daniel Tita showed good technical skills, always looking up to find his forward line to start another counter-attack. Captain Bogdan Ivancia was the stalwart of the Rapid backline and typified his team’s defensive efforts, while goalkeeper Daniel Popescu also looked assured and snuffed out potential chances for the goal-hungry opposition forwards.

For DT, Jermaine Francis had a good game, breaking forward well and showing good passing and high work rate, with Stanley Green also doing well to get down the channels to set up crossing oppurtunities. Centre-back Ashley Campbell did well in defence to keep a lively Chingford forward line at bay, and skipper Chris Smith really drove his team on, particularly in the second half and show good work rate in both attack and defence.

Here are your winners, Rapid Chingford!

Teams

DT FC | Manager: Billy Cove | Assistant: Nick Jennings

Starting XI: 1 Alex Jennings (GK), 2 Adam Palmer, 15 Ashley Campbell, 17 Tremayne Coley, 21 Jacob Melford, 25 Cory Ugbonah, 29 Chris Smith (Capt), 7 Stanley Green, 22 Jermaine Francis, 18 Izaih Antoine, 11 Robbie Farrell

| Substitutes: 4 Mickey Mesmin, 14 Jake Kissiedu, 31 Sebastian Barford, 33 Steve Opoku-Domfeh

Booked: Farrell, Francis, Opoku-Domfeh

Rapid Chingford | Player-Manager: Florin Florea | Assistants: Bobaru Mircea & Bodgan Galan

Starting XI: 99 Daniel Popescu (GK), 20 Vlad Bucur, 4 Bogdan Ivancia (Capt), 11 Florin Ivancia, 6 Catalin Manea, 7 Dragos Aenasoaie, 8 Daniel Tita, 29 Sorin Tudose, 22 Catalin Anghel, 10 Andrei Boga, 17 Darwin Romero

Goal-scorer: Andrei Boga [pen 36′]

| Substitutes: 13 Claudiu Florea, 31 Ionut Labunt, 27 Zoltan Mihaly, 9 Bogdan Galan, 14 Federico Ardei

Booked: Tudose, Tita, Aenasoaie, Galan

Referee: Tony King
Assistants: Albert Forbes & Kyle Robertson

Fourth Official: Paul Roberts

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 36 – Sat 7 May) [EAL 21-22 10.5.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League on Saturday 7 May. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up also includes a mention of Monday night’s solitary match in Senior Divsion. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 7 May

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

The full line-up for this season’s Premier Division Cup is now known as the second semi-final was completed on Saturday where London Park City were in action once again, taking on London Cranes in Seven Kings. A close game saw the sides finish level at 1-1 at full-time, sending the game to another shootout. After a penalties victory last weekend, it was London Park City who once again prevailed, winning 3 – 2 to send their side to a maiden final, facing Wapping later in the month.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the Division Three Cup, the first of the semi-finals took place which saw ASA attempting to stand in the way of champions FC Baresi Under 23s as the latter sought the opportunity of a league and cup double. A terrific game saw ASA lead through strikes by Mithurn Vijayarajah & Panushanth Kulenthiran before a Baresi fightback led by goals from Maamoon Khan and Zach Aliane took the game to penalties. In the shootout, it was the champions who progressed to their first final, winning 4 – 2 to send their side to Dagenham & Redbridge!

SENIOR DIVISION

Some huge games in the Senior Division took place over the weekend which saw Chigwell Town, a side who had been in the relegation zone almost the entirety of the season, pull off a massive win, defeating Tower United 3 – 2 to stay in the league. Harry Tew-Robinson was the hero with a hat-trick which ensured his side stayed up by the narrowest of margins. Abdullah Jama’s double was not enough for Tower who finished bottom & will most likely be relegated.

It was also a great day for Blue Marlin who knew they had to get a win against London Cup finalists FC Petrocub in order to give themselves a chance of beating the drop. And a win was exactly what Blue Marlin delivered, beating their mid-table opponents in a 2 – 0 scoreline, thanks to strikes by Macauley Harrington & Ni Acquaye and moved out of the relegation zone and confirm their senior status for another season.

Over in Beckton, those results meant that CSM London had no choice but to win their game to stay in the league but were facing a Woodford East side with just as much in the game for them as they strove for runners-up spot. Eli Brown scored for CSM but East goals from Billy Barr, Andrew Rowe, Ben Smith and Reece Beaumont meant their side took the honours in a 4 – 1 win, keeping their hopes of top two alive going into Monday’s match.

Cup finalists, Rapid Chingford, warmed up for their huge occasion in the coming fortnight with a terrific win in their last game of the season, defeating Jolof Sports in a 1 – 0 scoreline over at Mayfield Leisure Centre. A single Tita Daniel goal was enough for the Fenton Cup finalists to take the points, confirming an eighth placed finish in the process.

On Monday night, Jolof Sports recovered from their narrow loss 48 hours earlier by recording a superb 5 – 0 victory over Woodford East in their match, held at Mayesbrook Park 3G. This result means that East finish the league campaign in third spot but Halil Hassan’s side are still involved in two Cup competitions so they have a chance of endoing their first season at Step 7 in a memorable way.

PREMIER DIVISION

The penultimate game of the Premier Division season saw Frenford A the hosts to fifth placed Wapping, the latter looking for a confidence boost ahead of their own cup final in a couple of weeks time. A closely fought battle eventually went in favour of the champions as Frenford won the game 4 – 2 to ensure they completed a terrific campaign in some style ahead of their debut top flight season. Joel Opara and Wisley Baltazar both netted two goals each to confirm a memorable day.

DIVISION ONE

Division One’s action was wrapped up on Saturday as Belfry went out knowing that three points would see them achieve something quite special. But standing in their way were a side who will have been pleased with their own efforts this year and RCXI raced into a 3 – 0 lead through goals two goals from Ayo Matthews and a Sammy Anjorin goal. Two Kieran James responses wasn’t enough as RCXI sent the champions to just their first defeat, in the very last game of the season.

All eyes were then on the big game at the Marshes where Cowley Community went into their battle against Francis Luke knowing they needed the points to ensure themselves of the runners-up position. They delivered exactly what they needed, winning the game 3 – 1 as two Elias Tackie strikes and a Michael Taylor goal promoted their club into the Premier Division for next season!

DIVISION TWO

It’s congratulations to Fairlop Rovers who were confirmed as Division Two champions on Saturday as their opponents could not raise a side for the remaining fixture. A tremendous achievement for the club as they continue their rise through the divisions. Well done to Dylan and all of the Rovers players on their success!

Following that outcome, the battle was then on for the runners-up spot which saw Rainham Working Mens Club needing to secure a win against Royal Forest to take second place. And that was exactly what they managed to do as Connor Kain scored twice and Sean Tormey once to give the Workies a 3 – 2 win, confirming promotion to Division One. Well done to everyone involved!

In the battle to avoid the drop in Division Two, a key six pointer saw St Francis taking on Loughton Lions at Robert Clack, the Saints knowing they needed to secure a win to keep things in their favour. But the Lions were able to secure a valuable point for their side in a 3 – 3 draw, despite two Omar Hafid goals and a Peter Luvualu effort for Saints. Lions now need just two points to beat the drop.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 32 – Sat 9 Apr) [EAL 21-22 11.4.22]

Image from Woodford East v Chadwell Heath Spartans [Image by Scott W]

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 9 April

DIVISION TWO CUP

The first half of the line-up for the Division Two Cup Final is now confirmed after the weekend’s action as Rainham Working Mens Club made up for their other semi defeat to go through to this final with a 1 – 0 win away at Loughton Lions at Debden Park. The only goal of the game was scored by Charlie Perry whose goal took Rainham through to their fourth final with the competition.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the Division Three Cup quarter-final, the third of four semi-finalists was confirmed in as two of the division’s top sides, Royal Forest Reserves and FC Baresi Under 23s, met in Hainault for a place in the last four. The visitors, Baresi, were in good form once again as they rattled in a 5 – 1 victory with Joshua Adu scoring three alongside Harrez Aliane and Kii Jean-Baptiste scoring one apiece, overcoming a Will Asenso goal from the hosts.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was semi-final day for two clubs in the Division Four Cup competition where Chingford Harriers were the hosts to an Emerson & Upminster A side with both sides keen on a cup final appearance. A close game finished 1 – 1 with Darnell Lamothe netting for Harriers and Carl Holroyd for Emerson in reply. A dreaded shootout was needed to separate the sides and it was Harriers who won that 4 – 3 to take their place in the final next month.

SENIOR DIVISION

The last week has seen some big results in the Senior Division with Wednesday night’s action having seen Woodford East secure all three points from a trip to Cricklefields where they were facing Lymore Gardens. Adam Tabbani and Connor Brathwaite both scored twice for East with Gracia Muhemba and Teriq Roberts goals accounting for the Garden consolations in a 4 – 2 East success. NonLeague writer Peter Dudley was among those in attendance and here’s his report: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/lymore-gardens-2-woodford-east-4.html

On Saturday, the leadership of the division changed hands once again with DT FC taking advantage of results around them to go a point clear with a game in hand, coming out 4 – 1 winners away at Tower United. Alex Paraskeva scored twice with Izaih Antoine and Robbie Farrell grabbing the other goals to move back to the summit with three games to play. Just a few hundred yards away at the Marshes, another huge game saw Chadwell Heath Spartans in town to face hosts Woodford East. First-half Woodford goals from Callum Maltese and Connor Brathwaite proved pivotal in a 2 – 1 victory for them, despite an Aaron Hunwicks effort for Spartans, as East brought themselves very much into an intriguing three-way title race.

The Non-League writing duo of Scott W and Pete Dudley were both at this match, you can view their respective reports on the game here:

Scott W: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/s21-22-match-report-woodford-east-2-1-chadwell-heath-spartans-sat-9-apr-eal/

Peter D: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/woodford-east-2-chadwell-heath-spartans.html

Elsewhere in the Senior division, Blue Marlin’s late’s charge to safety is underway as they pulled off a terrific 3 – 1 success at home to fourth placed Lymore Gardens to give them a great chance of beating the drop. Macauley Harrington, Ni Acquaye and Scott Campbell all found the back of the net to help their side pick up some vital points, moving three clear of the side beneath them.

CSM London’s penultimate game of the season saw them take on FC Baresi, the game switched to Beckton. Bradley Soares’ effort had appeared to be enough to hand CSM a vital points haul of their own but for a late FC Baresi leveller to take the gloss off the performance somewhat, earning them a point in a 1 – 1 draw. CSM now sit five points above the relegation places with one last fixture to come.

In Hainault, Chigwell Town were in action against Rapid Chingford knowing that they desperately needed points on the board to move closer to safety but ended up on the wrong end of a five goal thriller as Rapid took all three points in a 3 – 2 success. Joe Creasey and Harry Tew-Robinson struck for Town but two Darwin Romero goals and a Tita Daniel goal sent the points home with the visitors. The division’s remaining game saw two sides comfortably in mid-table meet with seventh placed Kit Out London travelling to East Ham to take on fifth placed Jolof Sports. Papa Ndiaye scored twice for Jolof, a feat matched by Marlon Ortiz of Kit Out as the teams finished level at 2 – 2 to add a further point to each other’s tallies, Jolof remaining eleven points clear of their opponents.

PREMIER DIVISION

Following their recent confirmation of promotion, it’s now fully party time for Frenford A who wrapped up the league title outright with a 2 – 1 away success in their penultimate game of the season. London Cranes were the side on the wrong end of the result, Wisley Baltazar scoring both of the goals to put the gloss on a very fine season for the Ilford based side who will move up to Step 7 with confidence.

DIVISION ONE

Ilford Reserves’ late promotion charge continued on Saturday as they were able to take maximum points against Cowley Community, though the latter do still have plenty of games in hand to change that situation. The Foxes secured a 5 – 2 win as Luke Newbury-Neale scored two and one each from Rhys Clements, Rio Clements and Joseph Sulola, Chris Wright bagging both goals in reply for Cowley. Fifth placed Wanstead ensured they stayed in touch with the promotion matters with two games left to play, picking up all three points in their game against Renegades at the weekend, the latter’s final game of the campaign. A 4 – 2 success for Wanstead thanks to strikes from Zoltan Balogh, Jake Nicolas, Suhaib Abeid and Dan Gardner as they consolidated a top half finish with their tenth win of the campaign while Renegades must now wait to see if they can avoid the drop.

Something From Nothing also sit in a top half position with a couple of games to go as they won a local derby fixture against Forest Green in a 5 – 3 scoreline. That confirmed SFN’s eighth league success of their maiden season in Saturday football and know that one more win will be enough to finish sixth. Forest Green’s season is now over as they also keep an eye on events below them. Third placed RC XI will go into their last two games knowing that promotion is still a possibility but lost the chance to take full advantage of slips around them as they were only able to take a point from their twentieth game of the season, held by seventh placed Newham Wanderers. The sides went into the game with an eleven point gap but that remained the same as the game finished 2 – 2. Stephen Duberry and Michael Temitayo both scored for RC in this one.

A much improved campaign for Kwanzas London Sport is reaching a conclusion and the seventh placed side were up against relegation threatened Barkingside A at the weekend. ‘Side goals from Ebenezer Gyamerah and Jeffrey Osei kept them in the game but Kwanzas edged it by full-time to take a 3 – 2 win meaning they can finish no lower than eighth now.

DIVISION TWO

The race to avoid the drop in Division Two is really hotting up after the weekend’s results as St Francis had a day to remember, taking maximum points from a double header against third placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves. They edged the first contest 4 – 3, overcoming a Tobi Onafeko hat-trick with two from Abdullah Azizi and one each for Martin Valkov and Soumen Nandi. Game two saw Saints record an emphatic 6 – 1 success with Theo Jacobs-Aaron netting a hat-trick, Skye Salmon scoring two and Soumen Nandi rounding off a great day. They now sit just two points from safety with five games to play.

Over in Loughton, second placed Unitey were another leading side to drop points against lower opposition as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw against Ryan Under 23s who continued their late season charge with a point in their final game of the campaign. Bubintende Masadi scored both of the Unitey goals to keep his side in with a chance of a top two finish with one game to go.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves are the first side to confirm promotion from Division Three this season as they collected the points they needed from their penultimate game, defeating Together United in a comprehensive 8 – 2 scoreline. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick, Geovany Cruz and Jay Elliott both scored two with Mitchell Day finishing it off ahead of a possible title play-off game next weekend. The day’s other game was of equal entertainment as an in-form Buckhurst Way saw the visit of Terin to Bancrofts on Saturday. The hosts trailed 4-2 going into the latter stages of the game through Terin doubles from Alex Thomas and Jabir Malik, along with a Fahad Abdallah single. But they found a “Way” to take a point with the game finishing 5 – 5 incredibly.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four, the final game in the division this season saw Sporting Pillars go into their clash at Avondale Rangers knowing that a point or more would be enough to seal the title. Jake Clarke and Phillip Heinan netted for Rangers but those efforts were not enough to prevent Sporting winning the game 6 – 2, sealing the league title in the process. Congratulations to all involved with the team on their achievement!

End

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 30 – Sat 26 Mar) [EAL 21-22 28.3.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 26 March. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 26 March

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

The last weekend of GMT brought the first of the Premier Division Cup semi-finals as an east London derby saw Wapping taking on Crookz United at Victoria Park. Jordon Mills-Smith netted off the bench for Wapping but his efforts were not quite enough as Crookz scored three of their own in the game and record a 3 – 1 triumph to see them book their maiden cup final with the league.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the day’s only other cup tie, in the Division Three Cup competition, hosts FC Baresi Under 23s were in action with a first round tie against Terin at the Britannia. The hosts continued their excellent form to book a last eight tie with a thumping 5 – 0 win as Joshua Adu and Maamoon Khan both scored twice, along with a Marco Perkola effort.

SENIOR DIVISION

Chadwell Heath Spartans have moved two points clear at the top of the Senior Division with four games to go as they came away with all three points from their trip to Hainault defeating Blue Marlin 4 – 0. Harry Payne was the difference between the sides, netting a hat-trick, along with an Elie Fanga goal which saw their side move top on the back of other results around them. That switch at the top came on the back of a draw between the sides placed second and third now as Lymore Gardens took a point as they drew 1 – 1 against DT FC at the County Ground. Tyrique Peters struck for Gardens with their goal but DTFC ensured they took a point which, with their game in hand still, retains their position as the favourites.

Woodford East are continuing to lurk in the background and with games in hand, could still present a huge threat for the silverware, aided by a terrific 5 – 2 victory at the Marshes against Tower United in the Hackney derby. Connor Brathwaite bagged a hat-trick for his side with Callum Maltese and Billy Barr also on the scoresheet with another crucial three point haul. Abdi Jama and Ousman Bangura replied for Tower in that game. At the other end of the table, what a fortnight it’s been for Chigwell Town who put in a huge performance at home to FC Baresi on Saturday to put the quest for safety in their own hands, moving level with eleventh placed Blue Marlin with a 2 – 1 victory. John Lye and Ellis Morgan both got on the score-sheet to keep their hopes of survival well and truly alive.

Over at Noak Hill, Rapid Chingford’s own quest for survival was all but assured at the weekend as they moved up to eighth, eight points clear of the drop zone with plenty still to play after they defeated London Cup finalists, FC Petrocub, in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Andrei Boga and Darwin Romero both scored for Rapid as they returned home with the points. The division’s remaining game was an East Ham derby fixture as Jolof Sports saw the visit of CSM London to their old stomping round of Flanders Playing Fields. A close game was settled by just the single goal and it was Jolof who took the accolades following the reappointment of Danny Brissett in the hot seat, Jolof winning 1 – 0 to maintain their hold of fifth spot.

PREMIER DIVISION

There was an exhilarating game between two of the promotion contenders in the Premier Division where Oakside hosted leaders, Frenford A, over at Fairlop Oak with ‘Side knowing the importance of getting something from the game. The match ended in a six-goal thriller, 3 – 3, with Joel Opara netting two and Isima Iguisi once for Frenford as the teams settled for a point each. In the other game, London Cranes have moved up a place to seventh in the standings after they came away 1 – 0 victors in their home clash against London Park City. Moses Kazibwe was the man to score with that only goal of the game, netting to give his Cranes side their seventh league success of the campaign.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry made sure of at least a promotion place on Saturday with a double header success against Barkingside A over in Dagenham. A 4 – 0 victory in game one saw Kieron James net twice along with efforts from Gabriel and Solomon Ogunwomoju to net their first points. They then followed that up with a narrow 1 – 0 success in the second fixture with Gabriel Ogunwomoju once again on target with the only goal of that game. Success next weekend will see the title heading to Belfry. The goals were flying in over Newbury Park where Cowley Community’s last game before their huge county final saw them take part in a ten-goal thriller against Wanstead. An entertaining game saw Cowley goals from James Allen, George Anthony, Joel McEwan, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright account for their goals but the visitors were on form themselves with five goals to see this finish 5 – 5.

That results enabled Ilford Reserves to take their place in the top two as they came through a close game against fellow promotion hopefuls, RCXI, in their game in Hainault. Joseph Sulola scored twice for the Foxes with RCXI only able to respond with one goal of their own, going down 2 – 1 as Ilford racked up win number twelve. Forest Green have given themselves the best chance of avoiding the drop as they confirmed an important victory against bottom of the table Francis Luke. Green were 6 – 4 winners to move ninth, despite a Jahvarn Steward hat-trick and a Kennerly Cassius effort for the hosts for whom time is running out to beat the drop. The afternoon’s mid-table battle saw Kwanzas London Sport go into their game against Something From Nothing, two points behind their opponents in the race to finish in the top half. But by full-time they had leapt above SFN as they won 4 – 2 to pick up win number seven, moving to twenty-four points, a point clear of their rivals.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Fairlop Rovers have returned to the top of the standings after a few weeks away as they made it a six point Saturday with a double header success against FHN Athletic in the Hainault Derby, They were 2 – 1 winners in game one with Jack Kibblewhite and Logan Simmonds scoring, cancelling out an Aldo Vani strike for the visitors. In game two, another close game was edged by the odd goal with Rovers winning 3 – 2, Kibblewhite scoring twice this time and Sam Beaman once. Terron Fordjoe and Kieran McKoy grabbed the FHN goals in consolation.

Emerson & Upminster Reserves stay in the promotion hunt, sitting second, after they took home three points on Saturday with a 4 – 2 win at Hall Lane against Loughton Lions. Owen McKelvey and Will Osmond both scored for Lions but two Billy Biggs efforts plus goals from Tobi Onafeko and Reece Martin ensured it was their Emerson side taking the spoils. Owen McKelvey and William Osmond got the goals in reply for Loughton in that one. Fifth placed Old Esthameians lost ground on the promotion chase a little as they were held to a 3 – 3 away draw against Newbury East as the two Newbury Park based sides met at Oaks Park High School. Habeeb Gayle scored a hat-trick for an improving East side who took their points tally to five as they will seek further improvement next season. Neil Robinson got two goals in reply for Old E’s plus Nelson Goncalves also netted.

It was a good afternoon for Redbridge Community who took their place in the top half of the table with a double header success in both fixtures against St Francis on Saturday. Redbridge were 3 – 1 winners in the first fixture before following that up with a 5 – 2 success in game two to take their wins tally to eight for the campaign.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves took their place once again at the top of the Division Three standings after an empathetic winning performance at home against ASA, winning 11 – 2. Jay Elliott scored four, Michael Ryder three and one each from Alex Donkor Junior, Josh Robinson, Jerome Morris and Simeon Peter completed a profitable day for them. It was also a good day for Lymore Gardens Reserves who moved up into fourth place in the table as they overtook opponents Melbourne Sports with a 3 – 1 win at Fairlop Oak. Kevin Monteiro, Warren Isoka and Omani Green were the men who found the back of the net with their efforts seeing Lymore record win number ten this season.

Tenth placed Flyers Under 23s made it three wins for the season in their penultimate game as they came from behind to take home the points with a terrific second half performance against Glendale. Josh Adeojo’s solo effort had given the Dales a 1-0 half time lead but capitulation in the second half, coupled with a vastly improved Flyers performance saw the visitors win the game 4 – 2, despite Attila Szabo also netting for the hosts.

On an adjacent pitch, promotion chasing Royal Forest Reserves saw their title hopes all but extinguished as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw against Together United. Together led through Fifi Banin’s strike but a Josh Trainor leveller in stoppage time rescued a point that, mathematically, does keep them in the race but now out of their hands.

DIVISION FOUR

Both of the leading sides in Division Four were in action over the weekend with Sporting Pillars travelling to Romford to face a Flyers Under 21s side who had ended their cup hopes earlier in the month. It was a league clash this time but, once again, there will be disappointment in the visitors camp as Max Wellard’s goal for Flyers meant they took a point, Rayan Allam striking the Sporting goal in a 1 – 1 draw. That result could have been terminal for their league hopes but Chingford Harriers, presently sitting top, had a battle of their own at Peter May with Emerson & Upminster A the visitors ahead of their own cup tie. Neither side was able to find the back of the net as a 0 – 0 draw was recorded at full-time, Harriers therefore maintaining a one point lead with one game to go for both of the top two sides.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 28 – Sat 12 Mar) [EAL 21-22 15.3.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 12 March. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 12 March

FENTON CUP

The penultimate semi final place was up for grabs on Saturday as Division One’s RCXI made a tough looking trip to top flight Jolof Sports, the holders of the trophy. A seven-goal thriller was produced by the two sides with Jolof made to go all the way before coming out 4 – 3 victors as Abib Diop, Serigne Samb, Papa Ndiaye and Bogdan Ursica all netted to book a home semi final versus DTFC. Oluwaseun Koya scored all three RC XI goals in reply.

FENTON TROPHY

It was semi-finals day in the Fenton Trophy competition as the first ever finalists were confirmed following two tight games. Over in Hainault, Fairlop Rovers entertained Rainham Working Mens Club as the two sides battled to a 1 – 1 draw at full-time, Nick Tormey the Workies goalscorer. But it was Rovers who held their nerve in the shootout, winning 4 – 3 on spot-kicks to confirm their first final!

A couple of miles away in Newbury Park, there was another all-Division Two battle as Old Esthameians hosted Unitey in their own semi-final as both sides took their part in a five-goal thriller. Devontae Young and Ahmed Dousa scored for Unitey but two Neil Robinson strikes and a Nelson Goncalves goal were enough to secure a 3 – 2 win for Old E’s and through to their second cup final with the league.

DIVISION TWO CUP

In the Division Two Cup, it was quarter finals day for two clubs as an improving Loughton Lions side took to the field to face FHN Athletic. And despite Lions having an eleven league point deficit, they were comfortable winners in this tie, winning it 5 – 2 to book a home semi-final against either Redbridge Community or Rainham Working Mens Club.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

Another semi-final was completed in the Division Four Cup which saw Flyers Under 21s make the long trip to east London to take on title favourites Sporting Pillars at Ive Farm. An expectedly tight game was produced but it was fourth placed Flyers who took the accolades, with goals from Bradley Maycock and Alex Grant overcoming a goal from the experienced Chris Rowlatt to win 2 – 1.

SENIOR DIVISION

In the Senior Division, it remains tight at the top with just a three-point gap between the leaders as DT FC ensured they remained top with another high scoring victory on Saturday against Tower United. Alex Paraskeva bagged himself a hat-trick with Robbie Farrell and Harry Watkins goals giving the hosts a 5 – 1 win. Michael Brown was the Tower scorer for their consolation effort. Second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans maintained the pressure on the leaders with a victory of their own, taking home all three points from their trip to Chigwell Town in a 2-0 scoreline. Elie Fanga and Harry Payne both got on the scoresheet to keep Spartans within three points reach and with that all important battle between the top two to come.

Woodford East are still well within reach themselves but will need to convert games in hand to victories as they continue their quest on multiple fronts. They were able to pick up another three points with a tight 2 – 1 win against Blue Marlin as Frank Glock and Billy Barr both netted to secure a tenth league win of the season. Ronaldo Lleshi got the goal for Marlin. In the big Noak Hill derby, Kit Out London were in action as the hosts, taking on their co-tenants London Cup semi-finalists FC Petrocub. Ahead of that big match next weekend, it was FC Petrocub who walked away with the points on Saturday, winning the game 3 – 1 to earn an eighth league win and keeping them comfortably placed in sixth.

At the other end of the table, a crucial battle between two sides eager to stay in the division saw Rapid Chingford in town to take on CSM London, both needing the points. An entertaining game finished 3 – 2 to Rapid as Andrei Boga’s brace and a Vlad Bucur goal were enough to overcome CSM goals from Plamedi Kinkela and Abdi Karim.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A have moved a step closer to confirming their place in the Senior Division following a solid 3 – 0 win at the weekend against fellow promotion contenders Crookz United at The Drive. Daniel Francis, Damilola Olaiya and Joel Opara all netted in a win means they are now one victory away from completing at least a top three finish and three further victories will be enough for the title outright. The closer contenders for the title appear to be Oakside presently who are catching up on games and moved to within twelve points of the top of the table with three games in hand after they picked up a terrific home win, beating Dagenham United 5 – 1 in Hainault. Charlie Fiander got on the Dagenham scoresheet but his efforts proved in vain.

Wapping remain just two points off the lead but from two games more than their rivals, having picked up their tenth league win of the season on Saturday, beating London Cranes 3 – 1 in East Ham. Muhammad Mikaeel, Jordon Mills-Smith and Shamsun Noor were the Wapping scorers as they kept their hopes alive. In the bottom half, London Park City kept their slim hopes alive of remaining in the second tier as they picked up a valuable point against North East Lions in a 1 – 1 draw. Nester Boansi struck the Lions goal but City also struck to ensure they shared the points. City will know that other results will have to go their way to avoid the drop this season.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry are now just a couple of wins away from confirming at least promotion after they racked up win number fourteen with a big 7 – 1 home victory against Something From Nothing at May & Bakers. Kieran James’ fine form continued with a hat-trick for his side with Ryan O’Connell netting two, the scoresheet completed by goals from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne. Khai Bailey struck the SFN consolation goal in reply.

The two are set to meet next weekend with Cowley Community warming up for that clash with a strong performance of their own on Saturday, defeating Renegade 3 – 0 at Hackney Marshes. Elias Tackie, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright all found the back of the net for the county cup finalists to ensure they remain in touch with their rivals at the top. Ilford Reserves have been in a good vain of form in recent weeks and are now up to third in the standings after they defeated Forest Green 4 – 0 in their home clash on Saturday. A pair of braces from Rhys Clements and Serghei Scupoi were the difference between the sides as the Foxes maintained their outside hopes of promotion with five games to go.

Fifth placed Wanstead will still have a say in that battle after they returned to winning ways over the weekend with a 5 – 3 home win against Francis Luke at the Flats. Jahvarn Steward scored twice and Kennerly Cassius once for Luke but two Edson Lami goals and efforts from Jake Nicolas, Mohamed Solaimani and Zoltan Balogh proved enough to earn their team some valuable points.

Also at the Flats, a local derby game saw Barkingside A making the short trip to face Newham Wanderers with the teams starting the game ten points apart. That was extended to thirteen as Wanderers won 4 – 0 though two goals from Mahein Zaman and singles from Robertson Morais and Michael Sarpong, leaving ‘Side still in danger of relegation.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Redbridge Community put a serious dent in Emerson & Upminster Reserves’ promotion push as the eighth placed side defeated their visitors in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Reece Stringer got himself on the Emerson scoresheet but his effort wasn’t enough as the hosts completed their sixth league win of the season.

It was the battle of the bottom two in the division’s other contest and what a game it was as St Francis and Newbury East both led at various stages of their game at the Flats. Eventually, the two had to settle on a point apiece in a 4 – 4 draw. Francesco Di Giovanni scored twice while Aenayat Nesari and Lewis Goulbourne scored the others to give Saints a point.

DIVISION THREE

The big game of the day in Division Three came from Hainault where it was first versus second as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves strived to hold onto top spot in their game against Royal Forest Reserves. And it was the league leaders who walked away the happier of the sides as goals from Daniel Margiotta, Mitchell Day and Mehdi Ahorbi were enough to take a 3 – 0 win home with them. That result enabled FC Baresi Under 23s to move into second spot as they made the trip to Hackney to face ASA at the Marshes. A close game saw the promotion favourites secure a 2 – 1 victory, a goal apiece from Daniel Adutwum and Harrez Aliane the difference between the sides to confirm a vital three points in their quest for the title. Atif Haider got the solitary reply for ASA.

Two of the sides in mid-table, Together United and Lymore Gardens Reserves, met in Leyton with the sides starting the game level on points. And that was exactly the way it ended with the sides finishing level at 2 – 2 to share the spoils. Richie Dorcas and Warren Isoka were the scorers for the hosts while Together remain one position higher on goal difference. Buckhurst Way have moved to within four points of that mid-table cluster of clubs, albeit from two games more, after they earned win number seven on Saturday with a 3 – 1 away victory at Glendale over in Hainault. They led 1-0 at the break and extended that to three early in the second half before Matt King’s first goal for Glendale made it interesting but Way held firm to take home the points.

The game between bottom of the table Terin and Flyers Under 23s saw the latter go into the game knowing they had to secure at least a point to remain, mathematically, in the race to avoid the drop. Neither side were able to make a breakthrough in ninety minutes as the game ended in a goalless draw. Flyers must now win all of their remaining games and hope for a sizeable goal difference swing.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four came from Rainham where Newham & Havering Borough were in action with a home game against West Essex Under 23s, the latter’s final game of their debut campaign. West ended the season in fine style, winning the game 5 – 1 to record a fifth league win. George Sadler-Stephens scored twice while Aytan Cohen, Javen Cole and Joel Hart all netted too.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 26 – Sat 26 Feb) [EAL 21-22 28.2.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 26 February. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 26 February

COUNTY CUP

As the winter months of the season came to a close, it was a memorable afternoon under brighter skies for Cowley Community, who dramatically came from behind in their semi-final to defeat Brentwood Athletic Reserves once again, repeating their feats of exactly two years ago and reaching the final of this season’s Essex Junior Trophy. Elias Tackie and Inarhu Rodriguez Martin both struck to send their team into another county final which they hope, this time, will finally see them kick a ball. They now face former EAL side Haver Town Reserves at Heybridge Swifts on Friday 1^st April. Many congratulations to all involved at Cowley on reaching this stage of the competition!

It was also a good afternoon’s work in the London Junior Cup competition as last year’s finalists, FC Petrocub, put themselves just one performance away from a return to that same stage, returning home from their epic trip south of the river with another win under their belts, defeating Old Plymouthians 2 – 0. They now head to Wimbledon-based Yorxeter in three weeks time for their semi-final clash.

FENTON CUP

Back on the domestic cup front, it was quarter final action facing two of our clubs as Division One’s Barkingside A were looking to repeat their efforts of the previous stage, facing another Senior Division opponent this time around in the form of Rapid Chingford. It was the higher placed side who walked away with a spot in the semis as Sorin Tudose struck twice, adding to efforts from Federico Ardei and Andrei Boga as Rapid won it 4 – 0.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

The quarter final action extended down into the Senior Division Cup competition also where the first of the last eight ties saw FC Baresi make the trip to the Marshes to face Woodford East. And it was East who warmed up in positive fashion for their county cup semi final by winning this tie 3 – 0. Adam Tabbani, Frank Glock and Liam Adams were all on the scoresheet to send their team through.

DIVISION TWO CUP

There were two first round clashes in the Division Two Cup competition where struggling St Francis found themselves in a terrific position early in their tie against title challengers Fairlop Rovers. The Saints were 2 – 0 up thanks to goals from Lewis Goulbourne and Theo Jacobs-Aaron before a Rovers fightback saw them level and then go into the lead themselves, eventually winning the tie narrowly 3 – 2. They now host Unitey in the last eight shortly.

The goals were flying in over in the Rainham where Royal Forest were the visitors to face Rainham Working Mens Club. Cameron Shakes scored a hat-trick for the Workies with Tyrell Phillips, Charlie Perry and Odo Osei-Tutu goals wrapping up a 6 – 1 home win to send their side to Redbridge Community in the quarter finals.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results in the Senior Division action over the weekend too as the title race was opened right up following a terrific victory for Jolof Sports in their home game against DTFC in East Ham. The hosts were 2 – 1 winners on the day as Abib Diop and Joshua Kweifio-Okai goals cancelled out an Alex Paraskeva effort to give their side a ninth win of the campaign. Over in Chigwell, that result was equally as big for Chadwell Heath Spartans but only if they could convert their efforts into three points against a struggling Tower United side. In a tight affair, it was finally decided by a single goals as Tom Callagher’s effort earned Spartans a vitally important 1 – 0 win to see them move level on points at the top of the standings.

The highest scorers of the day in the division were Kit Out London who came from behind at half time against CSM London to earn themselves a 7 – 3 victory at Noak Hill. Goals from Prince Esanbor, Zakaria Ahmed and Kamran Khan had put CSM into a 3-2 lead at the break but a Kit Out hat-trick from Marlon Ortiz plus goals from Aourid Ismael, Marios Lazaris, Yasin Zougui and debutant Salim won it. Over at Leyton County Ground, Lymore Gardens remain third in the table as they came through their home clash against bottom of the table Chigwell Town in a 2 – 0 scoreline, picking up an eleventh league win in the process. Tyrique Peters and Dylan Roberts were the Gardens scorers, eventually prevailing against a Town side desperate for points in their bid to stay in the division.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A are now just a couple of wins away from confirming a promotion place in the Premier Division and took a big leap towards that following a hugely important 2 – 1 win on Saturday against local rivals Oakside at the Jack Carter. Wisley Baltazar found the back of the net for the leaders as they moved to eleven wins for the campaign.

One of the other big challengers for honours are Crookz United and their game on Saturday saw them visit London Cranes in East Ham, a game which turned into a five-goal thriller. Two Abdouaziz Jeng goals and an Anthony Folkes effort proved vital for United as they edged the contest 3 – 2 to keep themselves well in the mix. A key battle down at the bottom end of the table on Saturday saw London Park City in action at home against Athletic Newham Under 23s with the hosts knowing they need to expand their points tally to avoid the dreaded drop. But Athletic Newham won this key battle 3 – 2, thanks to a double from Bryan Henry and an additional goal from Rodney Botuli, moving themselves up a place to sixth in the process.

DIVISION ONE

There were exhilarating contests in Division One this weekend where we start the round-up from the game between a struggling Francis Luke side and Kwanzas London Sport at the Marshes. The sides combined to produce a very rare fifteen goal thriller with Kwanzas ultimately edging the game 8 – 7. Francis Luke’s Jahvarn Steward, who incredibly scored all seven goals for his side, will wonder how he ended up on the losing side. The league leaders were involved in an epic battle of their own, part of a twelve-goal contest against fifth-placed Wanstead in their clash at May & Bakers. The sides went toe-to-toe in trading blows before Belfry eventually pulled away to win this classic contest 8 – 4. Solomon Ogunwomoju struck a hat-trick, Jamie Redington and Kieran James scoring twice, and Gabriel Ogunwomoju once to maintain their position as the highest ranked unbeaten side in the county.

A relatively quiet game in the scoring stakes saw Something From Nothing make the trip to Hainault at the weekend to face an in-form Ilford Reserves side, jostling for league points in the mid-table mix. SFN started the day four points adrift of their opponents but two Temi Alaka goals cancelled out an Adam Motara effort for the Foxes as they won 2 – 1 to move to within a single point. A similarly close game saw two of the sides battling it out to steer clear of relegation difficulties go head-to-head with ninth placed Renegades playing host to tenth placed Forest Green. Praise The Lord Masasu grabbed a goal for the hosts but Green were able to level it up at 1 – 1 to ensure the teams took a share of the spoils.

DIVISION TWO

Emerson & Upminster Reserves have put themselves in with a big shout of promotion this season in Division Two after they took on and defeated fellow promotion chasing Old Esthameians on Saturday, winning the game 4-1 at Hall Lane. Reece Stringer scored twice with Ben Lamb and Jamie Fox goals completing an important win for the hosts. There was a big result for Ryan Under 23s who reversed their fortunes against Loughton Lions in the space of one week, bouncing back from last week’s defeat to see off the Lions in a 5 – 1 scoreline in Debden. That saw Ryan scoop a sixth league win of the season and move up a place to seventh in the standings, giving themselves a nice buffer on the teams below.

Bottom of the table Newbury East have certainly not given up on their chances of staying up but are running out of time to do so as they picked up another league point on Saturday with a 1 – 1 draw against Redbridge Community at Hainault Rec. Habeeb Gayle scored his side’s goal but Redbridge scored one of their own to ensure they moved up a place to ninth.

DIVISION THREE

It’s all change once again at the top of Division Three after Old Barkabbeyans Reserves returned to the summit, for the time being at least, following a hard fought 5 – 3 win against Flyers Under 23s. Fabio Balde netted a hat-trick with Mitchell Day and Geovany Cruz goals taking the visitors over the line ahead of a big game next week against their closest rivals. Third placed Royal Forest Reserves will be hoping for a draw in that top of the table game next weekend to bring them back into the frame and they ensured they will be there or thereabouts with a bounceback win on Saturday, defeating ASA 1 – 0 at Fairlop Oak. Will Asenso scored that only goal of the game to net his team a crucial win in the promotion race.

One pitch further over at Fairlop Oak, there was a real game of two halves involving two mid-table outfits as Lymore Gardens Reserves raced into an early 3 – 0 lead against Glendale through goals from Ryan Sylvester, Omani Green and Warren Isoka. But the Dales stepped it up in the second period with Zack Clark’s long distance effort finding the top corner and Joshua Adeojo striking too but it proved not enough as Lymore won 3-2 to confirm an eighth league win. In the division’s final game, two further sides locked in mid-table saw Together United make the trip to Bancroft Rugby Club to take on Buckhurst Way, the sides starting just three points apart. But by full-time, Together had extended that lead to six points as they walked away with a 2 – 1 win on the day, despite a Tom Richardson goal for Way.

DIVISION FOUR

In day’s sole Division Four action came from Rainham where Newham & Havering Borough were in home action with a clash against Avondale Rangers, starting the day level on points in mid-table. Borough goals from Andrew Elie and Reece Victory were equalled by goals from Mark Hayden and James Whitbread in an eventual 2 – 2 draw, ending the day back where they had started, level on points once again.

Fixtures – Saturday 5th March (Season Run-in begins)

EAL Senior Division

Blue Marlin v FC Petrocub | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

FC Baresi v DT FC | at Lakeside Sports Ground (2.30pm KO)

Lymore Gardens v CSM London | Leyton County Ground

EAL Premier Division

Crookz Utd v North East Lions | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow

Dagenham Utd v Athletic Newham U23 | Castle Green Leisure Centre, Dagenham

Oakside v London Cranes | Fairlop Oak

Wapping v London Park City | Victoria Park, E9

and in Essex Premier Cup Semi-Final: Clapton CFC v Woodford East | Wadham Lodge (2pm KO)

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 19 – Sat 8 Jan) [EAL 21-22 10.1.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League and Cup competitions as well from the first matchday of the New Year on Saturday 8 January 2022. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 8 January 2022

DIVISION ONE CUP

The heavy lunchtime rain over the weekend put paid to a number of fixtures but many did survive as the first divisional cup action of the season took place, Renegade the visitors to Newham Wanderers seeking a place in the quarter finals. A five goal thriller was won by Newham as Otto Bolton, Admir Cassama and Manuel Sanuo scored the goals to win the tie 3 – 2.

SENIOR DIVISION

In the Senior Division, DTFC retain their slender lead at the top of the table as they earned another hard fought win against one of their rivals for the title, beating Jolof Sports 2 – 1 at the Harlow Arena. Cory Ugbomah and Kieran Hipgrave goals proved enough for the unbeaten hosts to make it ten wins from twelve so far this campaign.

Lymore Gardens sit just behind the leaders by two points with the Leyton based side picking up a 4 – 0 victory from their home game against Leyton Royal. Andre Rashford scored twice in the game with Ryo Brown and Tyrique Peters also netting to help their side move into the top two ahead of a crucial period of the season. FC Petrocub also had a great afternoon as they came through a seven goal thriller to beat Tower United 4 – 3 at Mabley Green, earning themselves a move up to fifth in the standings as a result. Abdi Jama, Mustafa Ali and Kayis Mohamed scored the Tower goals but they proved just consolation with their side remaining in the bottom three, eight points adrift of safety.

Another side on the move were Rapid Chingford who took their points tally to seventeen for the season with a solid home win against Chigwell Town over at Lakeside. Constantin Banu scored twice off the bench with Darwin Romero netting the other to secure the points in a 3 – 0 victory, lifting them a couple of places to ninth.

PREMIER DIVISION

Game of the day in the second tier surely has to have been the nine goal thriller in East Ham which saw Dagenham United snatch top spot in the table with a late winner against Athletic Newham Under 23s. Two Shaquille Mathurin efforts plus one each from Jay Fenton, Dante Vincent and Charlie Fiander proved just enough for the visitors to win an entertaining game 5 – 4. The cast of goalscorers for Newham were Derrick Mintah, Rodney Botuli, Bryan Henry and Ciaran Innis. Crookz United were also on the move and made their ascent to third place with a strong home win against the side they were replacing, Wapping. Stephane Trah’s brace along with singles from Steven Tshiamala and Abdouaziz Jeng gave the hosts a 4 – 1 win over in Walthamstow to complete a sixth league win of the season. Jordon Mills-Smith scored the Wapping goal in consolation.

North East Lions profited from results around them to move back into the top half of the standings after they picked up a crucial victory at home against struggling All Prospects at the Peter May Centre. Jonas Borges grabbed the solo Prospects effort but Joseph Goodall scored twice off the bench for Lions with Mikael Martin netting the other to see their side win 3 – 1.

DIVISION ONE

The weather impacted hard in Division One but two games did survive with Forest Green picking up a vital win in a six-pointer against fellow relegation threatened Francis Luke. The sides started the day level at the bottom on six points but Green moved out of the relegation zone by full-time, winning 4-1 despite a Kennerly Cassius goal for Luke. Promotion chasing Wanstead dropped vital points on their return to action in 2022, the fourth placed side being held to a draw by eighth placed Kwanzas London Sport, the sides combining for an entertaining 3-3 draw. Edson Lami scored two and Zoltan Balogh continued their respective scoring streaks from the last calendar year but their efforts could only secure a point for Wanstead.

DIVISION TWO

Division Two has new leaders following the weekend’s results as Unitey took their place at the head of the standings having come through a six goal contest in the Roding Valley derby match, defeating co-tenants Royal Forest in a 4-2 scoreline. Bubintende Masadi has been in great scoring form this season and he netted a hat-trick, David Otley grabbing the other to render Royal goals from Charlie Palline and Huai-Ginn Oliver as just consolation.

Also up a couple of places are Emerson & Upminster Reserves who continued their good form to go second after they came away from Ryan Under 23s with maximum points in a 4-2 win over at Wadham Lodge. Tobi Onafeko scored a hat-trick which combined with an Alex Pizzey strike to take all three points back to Upminster.

Rainham Working Mens Club secured a seventh league win of the season on Saturday with a home win against St Francis, taking them up into the top five of the standings. Cameron Shakes was on target along with Odo Osei-Tutu to earn a solid 2-1 home win against the Saints, the latter remaining six appoints adrift of safety with four games in hand on the side above. The division’s remaining game saw promotion chasing Old Esthameians travel to Loughton Lions in search of further points in their respective chases. The game ended in a 2 – 2 draw with Lions taking a vital point thanks to strikes by William Osmond and Alex Nicoll to move up a place to ninth, steering them clear of imminent danger for the time being.

DIVISION THREE

There are new leaders in Division Three where Old Barkabbeyans Reserves now sit top of the table after picking up their first win of the new calendar year, as they defeated Glendale 4 – 1 at home. They rode out the early storm to take all three points with Robbie Osborne (2), Klodian Meta and Alex Donkor Junior all netting. Maryis Shamku scored the Dales consolation in the second half.

The division’s other game saw a real belter of a game with Flyers Under 23s and ASA combining for ten goals in their clash at King Georges. Deren Kale scored four for Flyers with Mohammad Miah and Kai Eaton efforts accounting for their other efforts in a critical 6 – 4 home win. That result moved them level with the side above with just goal difference keeping them in the bottom two. ASA got their goals courtesy of a double for Ramanan Selvarasa and a goal apiece for Mithurn Vijayarajah and David Rigby.

DIVISION FOUR

Chingford Harriers started the new year in positive fashion, recording a thumping 8 – 1 win at home against struggling Newham Royals to maintain their eight point gap at the summit. Edwin Jabbari was in fine form scoring a hat-trick with Jemel Richards scoring two and one each from Nick Shawyer, Darnell Lamothe and Jake Kemp completing the scoresheet. The race for the runners-up spot is really hotting up with five clubs separated by just two points. Flyers Under 21s presently hold that position and continued their run with a 4 – 1 home win against Emerson & Upminster A at the weekend, earned through a pair of braces from Charlie Portlock and Sam Maydell. Tyler Huggett scored the Emerson goal in reply.

Newham & Havering Borough have pushed themselves up the table with two wins in five days, following up their bank holiday victory with a further win on Saturday as they defeated fellow promotion challengers Dagenham United Reserves. Jack Wood scored twice and Owen Rice once to help Borough win the game 4 – 0. Also sitting on seventeen points are Sporting Pillars who had a top of the table battle of their own as they faced up to previously third placed Fairlop Rovers Reserves at Drapers Field. Sporting were in good form however, improving on their performances of late 2021 with a winning one this time. Rayan Allam and Emanuel Jacob both scored twice to secure a 4-2 victory for the hosts.

End

Fixtures – Saturday 15 January (Top Two tiers of League & Cups only)

EAL Senior Division

Chigwell Town v Kit Out London | London Marathon Sports Ground, Hainault

CSM London v Chadwell Heath Spartans | West Ham Community Ground 3G, Beckton

FC Petrocub v Tower Utd | Noak Hill 3G

Jolof Sports v FC Baresi | Flanders Playing Fields, East Ham

Leyton Royal v DT FC | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

Rapid Chingford v Blue Marlin | Lakeside Sports Ground, RM16

EAL Premier Division

All Prospects v Crookz Utd | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

London Cranes v Dagenham Utd | Flanders Playing Fields

London Park City v Frenford A | Seven Kings Sch 3G

North East Lions v Oakside | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow

Wapping v Athletic Newham U23 | Victoria Park, E9

Essex Premier Cup R4 – Dunmow Town v Woodford East | Cressing Road (Braintree Town FC)

Division One Cup

Francis Luke v Barkingside A | Hackney Marshes

Ilford Res v Forest Green | London Marathon Spts Grd

Kwanzas London Sport v Belfry | Beckton District Park Sth, E6

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 11 – Sat 30 Oct) [EAL 21-22 1.11.21]

Emergency ‘keeper (& player-boss) Aaron Hunwicks pulls off good save for Spartans in Fenton Cup this weekend

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on an rain-affected day of action on Saturday 30 October. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Image by Chadwell Heath Spartans FC (@CH_SpartansFC)

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 30 October

FENTON CUP

Despite the incessant rainfall on Saturday morning, most football survived at the weekend with the day’s only Fenton Cup action seeing Chadwell Heath Spartans make the trip over to Hainault to take on Blue Marlin in first round action. A hard fought game saw Spartans edge through, winning 2 – 1 thanks to goals from Harry Amoah and Thomas Callagher.

FENTON TROPHY

There was also one Fenton Trophy tie too over the weekend as Royal Forest hosted FHN Athletic over at Roding Valley High School as the two sides fought for a place in round two. Tom Osmond is a regular feature on the Forest scoresheet and he scored four for his team which, combined with Joe Owers’ brace, was enough for Royal Forest to win the tie 6 – 2.

SENIOR DIVISION

It was a busy afternoon in the Senior Division which has new joint leaders after Woodford East moved top of the table following their solid home win, defeating CSM London 3 – 0 to go clear on goal difference. Adam Tabbani scored twice and Lucio Uare grabbed the other to keep them well in contention though the chasing teams do have a game in hand. One of those also well in contention is DTFC who trail by just goal difference on East and remain one of only two unbeaten sides in the division after they came through a tough test at home against Lymore Gardens. Jake Kissiedu and Billy Golledge goals proved the difference in the end to win the match 2 – 0, continuing their unbeaten run.

It was a good afternoon for Kit Out London who were made to work hard for their latest win with FC Baresi the visitors to Noak Hill, the sides starting level on points before the game. Mark Matthews and Hadi Osman both got on the Baresi scoresheet but three Kit Out goals from Amalraj Kakumanu, Alex Solomon and Yasin Zougui saw them take the points late on in a 3 – 2 victory. There were two big results at the other end of the table where Rapid Chingford picked up just their second league win of the campaign, edging a close game with relegation threatened Tower United, winning 2 – 1. Abubakar Maxamed’s goal had given Tower a chance in the game but the two Rapid goals saw them over the line, shifting them up to ninth place.

It was a similarly big result for Rapid’s rivals, Leyton Royal, who had a trip to Chigwell Town to contend with as the sides met over at Fairlop Oak. Mark Howe struck for Town but Royal goals from Muresan Razvan and Vlad Farcas were the difference to help their team record a narrow 2 – 1 win, their third success of the campaign.

PREMIER DIVISION

It was the battle of the top two sides in the Premier Division over the weekend with Frenford A making the trip to Castle Green to take on Dagenham United, both sides going into the game sporting unbeaten records. Shaquille Mathurin grabbed a United goal but his efforts proved in vain as Frenford recorded an important 4 – 2 win that saw them move nine points clear of the rest. It’s been a season of mixed successes for Eastside so far but they had a day to remember on Saturday with a huge win against All Prospects to move themselves clear of danger. Five goal performances from Joshua Duyile and Michael Morgan set the tone, Abid Haque and Ifeanyi Umeh netted twice each with Junior Mandeng-Fotabong and Johnathan Odutulu goals completing a 16 – 0 win.

Oakside moved up a number of places, taking advantage of results around them to gain territory on the sides above following an emphatic 5 – 0 home win against one of the other promotion chasing sides in the division, North East Lions. Mussa Jamanca scored twice while Freddie Anderson, Demi Elegushi and Luke Caston all struck to take ‘Side to the win. The division’s other fixture saw Athletic Newham Under 23s seeking to improve their indifferent start to the season as they were paid a visit by promotion chasing Wapping in East Ham. Athletic struck through Rodney Botuli and Christopher Barbosa goals but two Wapping efforts off the bench from debutant Josh Morris saw the game end level at 2 – 2.

DIVISION ONE

Division One has new leaders this week as Cowley Community made the most of others being out of action to move two points clear at the top, taking maximum points in a 3 – 0 home win against Renegade. Chris Wright, Michael Taylor and Lekan Bakare efforts took them to victory in Newbury Park, their fifth success of the season. There was also a shift up the table for RCXI who moved up to second as they came away victorious from their trip to Kwanzas London Sport, edging the game 3 – 2. Michael Temitayo scored twice and Ayo Matthews also netted to give their side an important win, taking their points tally to thirteen for the campaign.

DIVISION TWO

Division Two was a goal-fest at the weekend with some big scorelines with one of the most important results coming from Debden where tenth placed Loughton Lions had a tough looking game against Rainham Working Mens Club who had won every game this season. But football proved it can throw up a few surprises and the Lions roared to an incredible 4 – 0 win.

If that performance was miraculous enough, you’d go far to beat an incredible Ryan Under 23s comeback on Saturday which had seen them trail 6 – 2 to Redbridge Community with Akiljo Balliu (3), Frankie Francis (2) and Tevini French all striking for the visitors. But that wasn’t the end of the game by any means as a stirring fightback thanks to a four-goal haul by William Amoah plus one goal each for Ryan Washington, Luke Hillier and Leon Humphrey then win it for Ryan 7 – 6. Incredible.

With their rivals dropping points, Fairlop Rovers had the chance to give themselves a bit of daylight at the top and they duly obliged with a stunning win away at Old Esthameians, scoring nine in a 9 – 2 victory in Newbury Park. Jack Kibblewhite scored a hat-trick, Harry Oliver netted twice and one apiece from Logan Simmonds, Dylan Scutt, Harry Rouse and Bailey White finished things off. The remaining game in the division came from Loughton where Emerson & Upminster Reserves were the visitors to face Unitey, the sides locked on nine points each going into the game. Emerson will be pleased with their efforts on the day though as they came through 2 – 0 with goals from Ross Brabrooke and Reece Martin.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves are up to fifth in the table in Division Three as they closed the gap on sides above with a solid 7 – 3 home win against Flyers Under 23s. Robbie Osborne scored a hat-trick with further efforts from Kacper Kasprzycki, Alex Donkor and Mehdi Ahorbi. Two debut goals from Joshua Adu and an Ethan Sowonola effort accounted for the Flyers efforts in reply.

It was also a seven-goal day for ASA over at the Marshes where Terin were the visitors and looking to open their points account for the season. Miran Miran and Fahad Abdallah both got on the Terin scoresheet but an ASA hat-trick for Mithurn Vijayarajah, two from Atif Haider and singles from David Rigby and Irfan Bahadur made it a comfortable 7 – 2 win for their side. There was also victory for now sixth placed Melbourne Sports as they saw the visit of high-flying Buckhurst Way to Hainault on Saturday. The Mels were in fine form however and turned the tables on their head with a good performance to win 4 – 0, picking up a third league win and move to nine points in the process.

There was plenty of entertainment in the division’s remaining game where Glendale were the visitors to Lymore Gardens Reserves and led early through a Wesley Kangi strike. But Lymore battled hard and were 3 – 1 up at the break and well in control. A stirring fightback from the Dales earned a point however as Wesley Kangi struck again and Was Lawal’s close range effort finished it 3 – 3.

DIVISION FOUR

Chingford Harriers remain top of Division Four but have seen their lead cut in recent weeks, including a disappointing draw against strugglers Newham & Havering Borough on Saturday. Nick Shawyer struck twice and in-form Darlington Ojo once but three Borough goals led to this one finishing 3 – 3 in the end. It will feel like an important milestone for Flyers Under 21s who opened their points account for the season on Saturday with a terrific win against fourth placed West Essex Under 23s down at King George’s Park. They were 2 – 0 winners on the day to ensure they closed the gaps on the sides above, though they remain bottom for now.

The early season form for Sporting Pillars suggests they will be there or thereabouts by the end of the season and they maintained their unbeaten run in the league with a 2 – 0 win against Emerson & Upminster A. Emanuel Jacob scored twice off the bench for this side and proved the difference between the two teams in the end. Meanwhile, Dagenham United Reserves joined the six point club in Division Four as they record a second win of the season with a 2-0 home victory against Collier Row A, closing the gap on their opponents to just goal difference. Cain Dash and substitute Mamadou Soumare were the men on the scoresheet to complete United’s victory.

COUNTY CUP

It was a mostly disappointing afternoon the London Junior Cup although last year’s finalists, FC Petrocub, did continue their run in the competition with a win against their semi final opponents last season, Jolof Sports. Petrocub were 3 – 1 winners on Saturday to see them through into the next round. There was a narrow defeat for Together United who faced a trip to south London to take on Standard Ballers in a nine-goal thriller. That contest was edged by Ballers who netted late on to take a 5 – 4 win.

Fixtures – Saturday November 6th (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

CSM London v FC Petrocub | West Ham Community Ground 3G, Beckton

DT FC v Blue Marlin | Harlow Arena 3G

FC Baresi v Chigwell Town | Britannia Sports Ground

Jolof Sports v Leyton Royal | Flanders Playing Fields, East Ham

Kit Out London v Woodford East | Noak Hill 3G

Rapid Chingford v Lymore Gardens | Lakeside Spts Grd (2.30pm KO)

Tower Utd v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Mabley Green 3G

EAL Premier Division

All Prospects v London Park City | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

London Cranes v Eastside | Flanders Playing Fields

North East Lions v Athletic Newham U23 | Peter May Centre

Wapping v Oakside | Victoria Park, E9

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 10 – Sat 23 Oct) [EAL 21-22 25.10.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on Saturday 23 October. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 23 October

FENTON CUP

It was a busy cup weekend in the Essex Alliance League on Saturday with the Fenton Cup and Trophy taking centre stage and, although there were no big cup shocks, some near misses did occur. Unbeaten Senior Division side, Jolof Sports, almost endured a big shock as Ilford Reserves from Division One held them to a 2 – 2 draw through Rhys Clements and Seghei Scupoi efforts. But Jolof held their nerve in the shootout to win 3 – 0.

There was a similarly close game over in Hackney where Division One’s Renegade were facing Senior opposition in the shape of Tower United. The game saw a five goal thriller with Tower edging through into the second round with a 3 – 2 win. Bashir Ali scored a hat-trick and proved the match winner on the day.

Another Division One side, Kwanzas London Sport, were also facing up to a two division deficit as they travelled to Lakeside to take on another Senior Division side in the shape of Rapid Chingford. It was the higher ranked side who prevailed from the tie, winning 5 – 2 to take their spot in round two of the competition.

Oakside were the highest scorers of the day as they faced fellow Premier Division side, All Prospects, over at Fairlop Oak. ‘Side were in fine form in front of goal with Luke Caston striking five goals, Darnyl Stanley scored a hat-trick, Mussa Jamanca scored twice and one apiece from Jack Swaby, Demi Elegushi, Kieren Huddart and Sam Blackholly confirmed a thumping 14 – 0 win.

Leyton Royal were also in goal scoring form on Saturday facing up to third tier opposition in Hainault with Forest Green the visitors to Fairlop Oak seeking to cause a surprise. But Royal were too clinical on the day with Bogdan Toana and George Mirea scoring twice and singles from Florin Porceanu, Vlad Farcas, Tamer-Andrei Bogdan and Marian Nedelea completing an 8 – 1 victory.

Premier Division leaders, Frenford A, are into the hat for the second round themselves, extending their great start into the cup competitions with a hard fought victory at home against Wapping in Ilford. Kingsley Morris netted for Wapping but Frenford goals from Isima Iguisi and Adam Andrade were the difference for the hosts who won it 2 – 1.

FC Baresi were in Preliminary Round action on Saturday with a tough looking tie ahead of them against one of the Premier Division high-flyers, North East Lions, in the Crooked Billet derby match. The Senior Division side made no mistake however and were comfortable 3 – 0 victors on the day as Tyreece Robinson continued his form with two more goals and Abdirahman Sabriye netted also.

Also in First Round action were Woodford East who comfortably defeated Chigwell Town 7 – 2 at Hackney Marshes. Lucio Uare led the way for Halil Hassan’s side with a treble, with the support on the goalscorers’ sheet coming from Keiran Bruns, Ben Smith, Frank Glock and John Gilley. Chigwell responded therough strikes from Leon Harris and Wesley Adeyemi but exited the competition.

Also into the hat for round two are London Cranes who faced familiar opposition again, taking on Athletic Newham Under 23s for the second time in as many weeks, following up their big league win last time out with a 4-1 victory on Saturday. The experienced Mathius Sendawula struck twice with Dennis Mahadha and Muhammad Mutesasira also on target to render Luis Reinoso’s effort as just consolation.

FENTON TROPHY

In the Fenton Trophy, there were again no shocks based on league position aside from narrow victories. Division Two’s Loughton Lions put themselves into the second round as they faced a tricky trip to Division Three’s Old Barkabbeyans Reserves. Barks’ goals from Jarode Mbungu and Robbie Osborne made the game competitive but Lions squeezed through 3-2 to continue their run.

It was a similar story for Division Four’s Fairlop Rovers Reserves who went into their clash at Division Three Glendale with confidence after a strong league start but found themselves three down through Dales goals from Mouhamed Gueye, Attila Szabo and an own goal. But Rovers rallied well, scoring twice to make the ending nervous but it proved not quite enough with the game ending 3 – 2.

The Fairlop Rovers first team had a far more routine afternoon but didn’t have everything their way, taking on Division Four’s Avondale Rangers in Hainault. Two Rangers’ goals from William Cloakley and one each from Johnson Santos and Jake Clarke made things interesting but a Rovers hat-trick in reply from Jack Kibblewhite, two from Sam Beaman and one each from Ellis Simmonds, Kian Millward-Burton, Harry Oliver and Dylan Scutt ended the game 10 – 4 in the hosts’ favour.

The theme of goals continued over in Newbury Park where Old Esthameians ensured themselves of a place in the second round of the competition as they secured a big 9 – 3 home win over Emerson & Upminster A. Carl Holroyd’s brace and a Bradlee Birch effort accounted for the Emerson goals but those efforts were not enough as E’s struck regularly to win it. It was a good day for all of the other Division Two sides also as Ryan Under 23s made safe passage through to the next round themselves, returning home from their trip to Rainham with a 7-3 win under their belts against Newham Royals. They now play host to Old E’s in the last sixteen in the coming weeks.

After a difficult last couple of weeks for the club, Newbury East showed some improved form in the cup on Saturday but were eventually knocked out of the competition with defeat at home to Unitey in Newbury Park despite a Mohammed Janneh goal. Mohammed Abaker and Brandon Fulton goals for the visitors in reply edged the game 2-1 to see Unitey through safely in the end.

Division Two’s Redbridge Community had to overcome lower division opposition on Saturday with the visit of Flyers Under 23s to Castle Green with Redbridge starting to show some real form this season. They were able to confirm a solid 7-2 win as Akiljo Balliu bagged a hat-trick while Tevini French scored twice and singles form Suny Jadeja and Frankie Francis completed a good showing.

There was also a really strong performance from the new Saints of St Francis who made their competitive bow this term with a home fixture against Newham & Havering Borough at the Flats and were emphatic 8-0 winners. Codey Cosgrave, Godwill Kumpana and Jaiden Belfon all scored braces with Chavez Rose-Sterling and Peter Luvualu efforts rounding off a positive performance.

The sole Preliminary Round action was an action packed affair as Together United made the short trip around the Crooked Billet roundabout to take on FC Baresi Under 23s at the Britannia. A seven goal thriller ensued with Maamoon Khan, Harrez Aliane and Ronnie Kabongo all finding the back of the net for FC Baresi but those efforts proved not quite enough as United edged it 4-3 themselves.

SENIOR DIVISION

Aside from the cup football action, there was a sprinkling of league football also with two big results in the Senior Division affecting top and bottom. CSM London picked up a hugely important win in their quest to move away from danger, winning at title chasing Lymore Gardens in a 3-1 scoreline. Goals from Ayodeji Adelekan, Munnir Saad and Chris Anele proved enough to take a second win. And if that result wasn’t exciting enough for you, the game over at Noak Hill produced a ten-goal thriller as hosts FC Petrocub were paid a visit by struggling Blue Marlin, both sides showing some improved form of late. The game ended in an incredible 5 – 5 draw as Lindsey Marsh struck a hat-trick for Marlin, Triston Foster and Scott Campbell netting the others to take a vital point.

PREMIER DIVISION

With others around them in cup action, Crookz United used that to their advantage, moving up a number of places in the Premier Division to fifth following a solid 4 -2 win away at Eastside in familiar surroundings. That was United’s second win of the season and positions them well in the race for promotion into the National League System.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, the gap at the top is down to just goal difference once again as Cowley Community moved level with the leaders on points after scooping their fourth league win of the campaign, defeating Newham Wanderers 4 – 0 in Newbury Park. Chris Wright scored twice for the hosts with Aiden Gentle and Lekan Bakare also one the scoresheet. Two of the division’s in-form sides also secured important wins with RCXI just two points off the pace and sitting third after defeating Francis Luke in a close game at the Marshes. RCXI overcame two Jahvarn Steward goals for Luke with a Oluwaseun Koya brace and one apiece from Derek Feyi and Omololu Onabolu to win it 4 – 2.

Wanstead’s impressive start shows no end anytime soon and they had Edson Lami to thank once again as he scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 win away at Something From Nothing. Zoltan Balogh also got in on the act with a brace as their side confirmed a third league win from three this season and sit in fourth, well in sight of those above. Giovanni Alberto got both goals for SfN.

DIVISION TWO

There were two thrillers in the fourth tier with Emerson & Upminster Reserves combined with Royal Forest for a game of nine goals, the teams beginning the day level on six points in mid-table. But by the end, Emerson had moved three points clear, confirming a third league win through goals from Ross Braybrooke, Aaron Costello, Sonny scott, Tobi Onafeko and Joshua Gibbins to edge it 5 – 4.

Two unbeaten sides went head to head in the division’s other fixture with FHN Athletic’s solid start put to the test against leaders Rainham Working Mens Club on Saturday. Another close game saw Kieran McKoy on target for FHN but that goal was not quite enough as Cameron Shakes and Sean Tormey efforts turned the match in favour of the Workies who won it 2 – 1 to stay top.

DIVISION THREE

The six-point club gained another member in Division Three on Saturday where Melbourne Sports were able to secure their second win of the season, defeating ASA 3-1 at the Marshes and moving above their opponents to move into eighth in the process.

DIVISION FOUR

There was just the one game in Division Four over the weekend where the leaders, Chingford Harriers, were in action with a home fixture against Sporting Pillars, both sides having made perfect starts to their seasons – something had to give. The two sides were well matched and couldn’t be separated, finishing 2-2 with Darlington Ojo’s brace ensuring Harriers stay top while Pillars enhanced their credentials for a title tilt.

Fixtures for Saturday 30 October (Top Two tiers only)

In Senior Division

Chigwell Town v Leyton Royal | London Marathon Spts Grd

DT FC v Lymore Gardens | Harlow Arena 3G

Kit Out London v FC Baresi | Noak Hill 3G

Tower Utd v Rapid Chingford | Mabley Green 3G

Wodford East v CSM London | Hackney Marshes

In Premier Division

Athletic Newham U23 v Wapping | Flanders Playing Fields

Dagenham Utd v Frenford A | Castle Green Leisure Green

Eastside v All Prospects | Peter May Sports Centre, Walthamstow

London Park City v London Cranes | Seven Kings Sch 3G

Oakside v North East Lions | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 6- Sat 25 Sept) [EAL 21-22 27.9.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and some Cup competitions as well from Saturday 25 September. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 25 September

SENIOR DIVISION

A six point gap has been opened at the top of the Senior Division standings as Chadwell Heath Spartans took advantage of results around them to increase the gap on the back of a hard fought 3 – 2 victory away at Kit Out London, ending the latter’s unbeaten start. Marlon Ortiz scored twice for Kit Out but two Jeffrey Nketia strikes and a Michael Ramsay effort were enough for a Spartan victory.

FC Petrocub picked up a vital first win of the season on Saturday as they travelled to Lakeside to take on a previously unbeaten Woodford East side. Lucio Uare scored for the Peacocks but his efforts were in vain as Petrocub put in their best show of the season to win the game 3 – 1, moving them away from the relegation zone.

That result enabled Lymore Gardens to apply pressure to the sides at the top end of the table and they moved level with second place on goal difference as they took all three points home with them following a 4 – 1 victory in Hainault against winless Chigwell Town. Andre Rashford scored twice with Dylan Roberts and Ryo Brown netting the others to render John Lye’s effort for Town as just consolation.

A second win of the season was secured by FC Baresi as their first game in Walthamstow saw them produce a 4 – 2 winning performance against visitors Tower United at the Britannia. Bashir Ali and Abubakar Maxamed netted for United with Paul Benfield scoring twice in reply for Baresi, along with efforts from Zuhayr Amjad and Tyreece Robertson.

There was a big derby match in Hainault as two close rivals, Leyton Royal and Rapid Chingford, faced off at Fairlop Oak with both sides eager to win. Rapid went into the game trailing their opposition by five points but that was cut to just two as they earned a first win of the season. Bogdan Toana scored a brace for Royal but that proved not quite enough as Rapid strikes from Catalin Anghel, Federico Ardei and Ionut Labunt won it 3 – 2.

Over in East Ham, two of the sides struggling at the wrong end of the table met as CSM London played host to Blue Marlin, both sides seeking to move clear of any relegations worries. By the end of the game, Blue Marlin were able to move level with their opponents, running out 3 – 1 victors despite a Leon Barnard goal from the hosts. Jorginho Gomez scored twice and Abu Khan once to hand Marlin victory.

FENTON CUP

The first Fenton Cup action for many months was witnessed over the weekend as the competition returned with a first round tie between DTFC and Dagenham United. A five goal thriller ensued with the higher ranked DTFC eventually coming through in a 3 – 2 score-line. Charlie Fiander and Iaia Jau both netted for United but DT goals from Mickey Mesmin, Jake Kissiedu and Lewis Page saw their side safely through to round two.

PREMIER DIVISION

The excellent start to the season from Frenford A sees no end and they have also now opened up a big five lead at the top of the Premier Division standings, ending Marcelona’s unbeaten start to the season. Joel Opara came off the bench to score twice with Keenan Gravillis, Murilo Pereira, Isima Iguisi and Adam Andrade efforts carrying them to a comprehensive 6 – 0 win.

That result allowed North East Lions to move back into the top two places as they were victorious at home on Saturday as they took on Eastside in Walthamstow. Rweal Azizur, Romelle Pile and Liam Lezama-Johnson all found the back of the net for Lions to hand their side a second win of the campaign in a 3 – 1 scoreline.

DIVISION ONE

It’s been a great start for Cowley Community so far and they made it three from three in the league on Saturday, coming away with all three points from Belhus Park as they sent hosts RCXI to a first defeat, going down 3-1. Josh Coulson was on target once again with Jake Nelson and Chris Wright goals carrying them over the line, despite a Harold Ofori goal.

In a familiar looking top end of a league table, Belfry are also once again up there and challenging, enhancing their credentials with a tough trip to Something From Nothing at the weekend at Wanstead Flats. Belfry were 1 – 0 winners on the day, coming through a close game to earn maximum points and move second.

DIVISION TWO

Things couldn’t be much tighter at the top of Division Two where three sides sit level on nine points, Old Esthameians joining the party with a big 7 – 1 win on Saturday as they entertained Ryan Under 23s in Newbury Park. That saw them jump up to within two goals of Rainham Working Mens Club who presently lead the way.

Sitting just one goal further back, Fairlop Rovers put themselves into a strong position with a third win of the season after their went away the happier of the sides in their home clash against Unitey on Saturday. Eddy Litambolo netted the Unitey goal but his efforts proved not quite enough as Rovers edged the game by the odd goal in a 2 – 1 win.

It was a good afternoon’s work for Royal Forest too who completed a comprehensive victory with 5 – 0 victory away at Newbury East at Oaks Park School. Tom Osmond scored twice with Joe Owers and Anthony Carrig also netting to help their side to a second league win of the campaign, moving them fifth in the standings.

DIVISION THREE

There are four teams sharing the lead of Division Three with Royal Forest Reserves joining that group over the weekend as they earned a thumping 6 – 1 win in the Hainault derby against Glendale. Will Asenso was on fire with a hat-trick for his side, supplementing goals from Jamie Cooper, Sereign Lette-Jallow and Stephen Aduadjoe. Wesley Kangi netted the Dales’ consolation goal in reply.

Moving up to third and on six points from three games, Lymore Gardens Reserves extending a positive start to their season with a big 5 – 0 victory at home against ASA. Kevin Monteiro, Omani Green, Nick Kordize, Alex Chuck and Rob Small were more than sufficient to send the points home with the hosts.

Also sitting on six points, Buckhurst Way made it two wins from three this season, moving third in the table on the back of a back a hard fought 2 – 1 win at home against Harlow Inter at Bancroft Rugby Club. Tom Glattback and Liam Wallis both found the back of the net to sent Way home with the points.

DIVISION FOUR

Chingford Harriers are now the only unbeaten side in Division Four and they added a third win to their record this season, coming out on top of their clash against Dagenham United Reserves by the odd goal. Two goals from Jake Kemp proved just enough to overcome a George Martin strike for United as Harriers confirmed a 2 – 1 success.

There was a second win of the new season for West Essex Under 23s who moved up into fourth place in the standings as they ended Fairlop Rovers Reserves’ perfect start, beating the previous leaders 3-2. Deshaun Johnson, Daniel Mincer and Ciaran Farrell-Christian were the difference in the end as each scored to give West the victory.

The final league game saw an important first win for another of the league’s new sides as Newham & Havering Borough broke their duck with a 5 – 3 win against Emerson & Upminster A. Tyler Huggett scored twice for Emerson and Garry Ashworth once but Borough scored five in reply to give them a boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

COUNTY CUP

In the Essex Junior Cup, there was a day of mixed successes for our clubs with Oakside having the best result of the day with a 4-0 win away at Olympian League opposition, Collier Row Reserves. They now entertain Frenford A in the next round in a fortnight.

Crookz United also scored four as they defeated fellow EAL outfit, London Cranes, 4 – 1 in East Ham to book their own place in the second round. They will now be at home to Harold Wood Athletic A in the next round.

That tie was set up on the back of Harold Wood coming through a tough tie against Athletic Newham Under 23s as the sides finished level at 3 – 3 after extra time. In the resulting shootout, it was Wood who held their nerve to come through 5 – 4 winners.

There were sizeable defeats for two of our clubs as All Prospects fell to an 8-0 loss away at Old Barkabbeyans while London Park City shipped ten against Isthmian League opposition, Tilbury Under 23s the winners of that one.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, the goals were really flowing, with FHN Athletic scoring eight as they faced Melbourne Sports at Fairlop Oak. The Mels rallied in the second period after being 7 – 1 down but FHN progressed, winning 8 – 4 to book at tie against Cowley Community in a fortnight.

There was also a high-scoring win for Ilford Reserves who successfully avoid a potential banana skin with victory away at Collier Row A. The Foxes were 6 – 1 victors to go through to round two where they will now tackle Fairlop Rovers.

Another of the all-EAL ties saw Loughton Lions up against higher division opposition, facing Barkingside A in Debden. Side edged a close game by the odd goal, winning 3 – 2 to set up a tie at Francis Luke.

There were defeats for two of our clubs at Mid Essex League opposition as Flyers Under 23s went down 5 – 1 away at Harold Hill A while Flyers Under 21s also suffered a reverse, losing 8-0 at home against Emerson & Upminster.

The London Junior Cup first round action finishes off the weekly round-up with last season’s semi-finalists, Jolof Sports, earning themselves a place in round two with a hard fought 2 – 0 win away at Doverhouse Lions.

Also into the hat for round two are Together United who faced tough opposition in the form of south London based Wanderers. The sides finished level at 1-1 after ninety minutes with United holding things together in the shootout, winning that 5 – 4 to progress through.

The third success of the day saw league new boys, Wanstead, victorious in their first competitive cup fixture as they earned an entertaining 5 – 4 home win against Eltham Eagles at the Flats, confirming safe passage into round two in the process.

There were high-scoring defeats for FC Baresi Under 23s who ended their participation with an 8 – 4 loss away at London Hibernians while Wapping’s run in the competition came to a premature halt with a 5 – 2 defeat at home to Peckham Town A.

Fixture – Tuesday 28 September (in Senior Division)

DT FC v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Harlow Arena 3G