RC XI – survivor16b

Guest Blog 22/23: Essex Alliance Lge & Cups (Sat 8 Oct) [EAL 22-23 10.10.22]

Hello and welcome to the ninth week of the season in the Essex Alliance League, as well as action in the Essex Premier Cup in which EAL sides represent the League in the inter-divisional competition. My thanks in advance to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

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

With Introduction & additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 10 October

FENTON CUP

The Fenton Cup action continued on Saturday and FC Baresi continued their excellent league form into the cup competition with a comprehensive 10 – 1 victory away at Premier Division side, Barkingside Under 23s. Tyreece Robinson scored a hat-trick for Baresi with Raymond Poku and Paul Benfield both scoring twice. Nicola Rapacchiani, Korede Da Silva and Umaru Kabia netted the others, Leo Gaspar scored the ‘Side consolation.

FENTON TROPHY

The Under 23s of FC Baresi followed the lead of their first team counterparts as they also ran in double figures in the Trophy competition, defeating Avondale Rangers in a 12 – 2 scoreline. Adam Friend and Jake Clarke both scored for Rangers but four Hamza Hafesji goals in reply for the hosts, plus goals from David Poirier (2), Zaahir Patel (2), Marco Perkola, Abbas Osman, Junior Ouattara and Adam Patel were plenty enough to secure their place in the next round. In the day’s other tie in the competition, it was an in-form Ilford Reserves side who played host to Division Four’s Collier Row Wheels, both sides having made decent starts in their respective competitions. But the Foxes avoided any kind of slip up with a 4 – 0 home win to put themselves through to the next round.

SENIOR DIVISION

With cup football top of the agenda for many this week, Sporting Hackney took full advantage to move to within two points of the leading sides as they returned home from Rapid Chingford with all three points in a 6 – 1 success. Tyler Springer and Percival Winter both bagged a brace with Joel Akuwudike and Richard Balogun goals rendering Andrei Boga’s effort as just consolation. FC Petrocub also took the chance to shut the gap on the sides above them as the fifth placed side put a 6 – 1 win of their own on the board with a terrific performance away at mid-table Walthamstow Reserves at Wadham Lodge. Ion Spinu came off the bench to score a hat-trick, adding to goals from Nicolai Gutu, Vasilica-Cristinel Ilie and Nicolai Cotruta.

It was a hat-trick of away wins in the division when Brimsdown ran out victors at Fairlop Oak against Blue Marlin, the Hertfordshire based side cruising to a 5 – 1 success to take maximum points back home with them. Cory Rose & Jason Rice both notched twice for Brimsdown with Sterlange Nzeza also scoring to secure the win which saw Brimsdown move up to sixth in the standings as they continue their quest for an immediate return to senior football.

PREMIER DIVISION EAST

Four sides remain with a perfect record at the top end of the Premier Division East standings with Fairlop Rovers top on goal difference following their 6-1 success on Saturday, beating Freetown 6 – 1 to make it three from three. Donald Adaakwah scored the ‘Town goal but his efforts proved in vain as his side remain in the hunt for their first points.

Chingford Athletic’s strong start has seen them make it three wins from three in the league also as they beat a struggling Wapping side 5-1 at Castle Green to stay in touch with the leaders. Harry Rouse scored a hat-trick with Mario-Angelino Lipetz and Dylan Scutt goals carrying them to victory, Juber Ahmed the scorer for the hosts with their consolation. Sitting third but only by the virtue of goal difference, RCXI are also on nine points and put their third league win on the board on Saturday with victory in the Newbury Park derby as they beat Cowley Community 3-1 with Ayo Matthews scoring twice and Daniel Williams once. Rajpal Bumbra scored the Cowley goal in reply, the visitors remaining in mid-table.

Waltham Abbey A bounced back well from defeat last time out to move fifth in the standings after recording a second win in three, beating London Park City 2 – 1 at Seven Kings School over the weekend. Alexandru Gheorghe scored for City but it was the Abbey who ran out winners by the odd goal in the end to extend their decent start.

PREMIER DIVISION WEST

There are new leaders in the West division as North East Lions took full advantage of results around them to move top by a point following an away victory against G7 in east London. A goal apiece from Jae Smith and Alex Zambrano off the bench done the damage as Lions were 2 – 0 winners on the day to put themselves top. That outcome was made possible after CSM London put their second successive league win on the board, defeating the previous leaders, AEK London, over at Mabley Green. Ali Jalo & Tay Chambers got the goals for CSM here. After three wins on the bounce last month, October has been tough for AEK so far with a draw last weekend followed by a 2 – 0 defeat to CSM this weekend.

Priory Park Rangers are another side to take full advantage of the matters around them as the Marshes based outfit recorded a third win to remain unbeaten, defeating Soul in a 6-2 scoreline to move second. Shepdherd Ndlovu has led the way so far for his side this season and he scored four more, adding to strikes from Ali Salama and Deri Fnu. Another side to make strong progress on Saturday were Wanstead who travelled to East Ham on Saturday to face Athletic Newham Under 23s and returned with their first maximum point haul in the league this season, winning 3 – 0. That result saw the visitors leap up to sixth place in the standings and just two points behind the side above them.

DIVISION ONE

There are some big battles ahead in Division One where at least two sides are making waves at the top, Unitey presently leading the way on goal difference after they put five goals past Atholl without reply on Saturday to record a 5 – 0 win. Devontae Young, Chris Tshimanga, Bubintende Masadi and Akhlad Miah all netted for their side to keep their top form going. Newham Wanderers are treading heel to heel with their rivals at the top and came through a stern test away at Forest Green to take home all three points. Wanderers were 3-0 winners, making it three wins from three with Addae Paponette, Robertson Morais and Manuel Sanuo all netting for the visitors.

Sitting three points further back, Redbridge Community’s first home game of the season saw the visit of Old Esthameians make the short journey to Mayfield but it was the hosts who made the most of their homecoming, earning themselves a 6 – 1 win on the day. Frankie Francis led the way with two goals for the victors, Jahsial Weekes, Michael Kiflezgji, Akiljo Balliu & Merrill Appiah also were on target. That was Redbridge’s second win of the season, moving third with six points.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, it’s as you were at the top end of the table with Snaresbrook making it four wins from four, returning home from Chadwell Heath Spartans Reserves with all three points in a 3 – 0 success at Hainault Rec. George Bacon, Ife Ogunbayo and Chris Huggins were the men on target to ensure the continuation of their perfect start. Rainham Phoenix have risen back up to second spot and trail the leaders by three points as they took maximum points from their trip to Old Barkabbeyans on Saturday. The Billys, Humphries and Broadbridge, were both on the scoresheet, Sean Tormey scoring the other as Rainham won the game 3 – 0.

It was a good afternoon for St Francis who got their first win of the season over the weekend as they took three points in their clash with Barking Potters at Castle Green, moving up to fifth with an 8 – 2 win. Teyon Weston was the hero scoring four while Ahmed Zaghloul scored twice and one each from Godwill Kumpana and Aley Khaled finished things off for the Saints.

DIVISION THREE

Newbury East remain the leaders at the top of Division Three, staying a point clear following the weekend’s efforts as they defeated Melbourne Sports at Oaks Park in a 6-2 scoreline. That saw East record a fourth league success of the season, along with their draw, to remain as one of two unbeaten sides in the division. The other unbeaten side are Chingford Harriers who trail by a point but have a game in hand on the leaders following their strong win against another top half side, Jolof Sports Reserves. Andrew Bowring and Grant Coy were the scorers for Harriers as they overcame their east London rivals to win the game 2 – 1.

Promoted Dagenham United Reserves are up into third spot as they leapt above their weekend opponents, Flyers Under 21s, in a heavily congested middle area of the table. Lewis Bennett and Isa Khan both scored twice with Peter Runham accredited with the other as their United side won 5 – 0 at King Georges. Just behind Dagenham sit Frenford A who are now up to fourth after a successful home performance against Romford Under 21s at The Drive which saw them win 5 – 1. Two Kyran Chiedozie goals plus efforts from James Rowlatt, Adam Andrade and Kishawn James done the damage with Eugenio Balde netting the Romford reply.

Buckhurst Way returned to winning league form on Saturday with a solid home performance in a home victory against Football Club of Riverside. Way were 4 – 0 winners at Bancrofts as George Martin, Tom Richardson, Dolapo Gbadamosi and Myles Croxford all struck with goals to see their side move up to sixth in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

Inter London have closed the gap at the top to just three points following the weekend’s results as they made a successful trip to league leaders, West Essex Under 23s, returning home with all three points in a 3 – 1 success. Ace Soyemi, Nasser Salum and Fahad Abdallah scored the Inter goals to overcome a Ciaran Farrell-Christian strike for West. Results around them also allowed Romford Under 19s to move in touch with the sides above them, recording a 3-1 away win of their own, defeating Fairlop Rovers Reserves at Fairlop Oak. Abel Woldergiorgis scored twice with Oskar Plusa also on the scoresheet to make it two wins from three for Romford.

There was a ten goal thriller in the six-pointer affecting the bottom end of the table where two winless sides, Newham & Havering Borough and Old Esthameians Reserves, met in Rainham. An incredible game eventually saw Old E’s walk away with the points as they won 6 – 4 on the day to pick up their first win of the season, moving off the bottom of the table in the process. The division’s remaining game saw second placed London APSA Under 23s at home to their Flyers Under 23 counterparts in Barkingside, the sides going into the game with three points between them. That gap remained by full-time as neither side could trouble the scorers, the game ending in a 0-0 scoreless draw to take a point each.

COUNTY CUP

There was tremendous success for the league in the county cup competitions, starting with the London Senior Trophy where Jolof Sports faced a difficult first round tie against higher league opposition, facing Thurlow Nunn League side Tower Hamlets at Mile End Stadium. With the game ending level 1 – 1, it was Jolof who took the honours, winning the shootout 4-3 to go through.

It was also a winning start in the competition for Crookz United who were also on the road with a trip to Redbridge Reserves of the Essex Senior League Reserve Division Two. But Crookz were in fine goal scoring form and recorded a thumping 6 – 0 away win to book a spot in round two.

In the BBC Essex Premier Cup, all bar one tie went the way Essex Alliance League sides with last season’s finalists, Woodford East, overcoming a tricky first round trip to the coast, coming away 3 – 2 winners at Old Southendian to ensure their safe passage to round two. The longest trip was made by Chadwell Heath Spartans who travelled up the A12 to Essex & Suffolk Border League opponents, Tiptree Heath. A seven goal thriller went the way of Spartans as they edged through 4 – 3 and now face an even longer trip to West Bergholt next month!

There was more away day success for Frenford Development who made the trip down the A406 to Beckton to face Essex Olympian League side, Canning Town. A close game ensued between two sides similarly placed in their respective leagues but it was Frenford who went through, winning 3-2 on the day.

Completing a quarter of away wins for EAL sides, Dagenham United had a fruitful trip to West Thurrock where they took an Essex Senior League side Grays Athletic Reserves in a later kick-off. The Dagenham side came through by the odd goal, winning 2 – 1 to book a place in round three.

Extra-time was needed at May & Baker EC Reserves where the hosts were facing up to Thurlow Nunn visitors in the form of Halstead Town Reserves. With the game level at full-time, the extra thirty minutes saw Jimmy Donald’s side to win 4 – 2 and secure passage into the next round.

The only loss of the round came in the game at Fairlop Oak where it took an extra thirty minutes to eventually separate Oakside from Harold Wood Athletic, the visitors winning the game 2 – 1 in extra time to progress on.

In the AFA Intermediate Cup, the league had representation in the form of Lymore Gardens Reserves who faced a trip to south east London to face West Wickham 3rds. In a game of five goals, Lymore returned empty handed as their interest in the competition ended following a 3-2 defeat.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance Lge (Sat 17 Sept) [EAL 22-23 20.9.22]

Hello and welcome to the round-up of the action in the Essex Alliance League, from Saturday 17 September which includes the EAL action & representatives in the Essex Premier Cup.

My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

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

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 17 September

SENIOR DIVISION

Two teams remain locked at the top of the Senior Division table following the weekend’s action with Lymore Gardens going top for a while on Friday night following their home success against a previously unbeaten Brimsdown side at Coles Park. Dylan Roberts, Inarhu Martin and Andre Rashford goals saw their side come from behind to edge the clash 3 – 2.

FC Baresi were able to move top on goal difference following Saturday’s action as they came away with all three points from their trip to Noak Hill where they had beaten FC Petrocub comfortably in a 6 – 1 scoreline. Tyreece Robertson scored a hat-trick to extend his scoring record, adding to goals from Edson Lami, Raymond Poku and Paul Benfield.

Moving up to fourth spot, Jolof Sports have moved up to within three points of the leaders in the division as they recorded a third success of the season, defeating Kit Out London in a close game at Mayesbrook Park. Two Alexander Sow goals and a Modou Jammeh effort put the hosts onto the path of victory, winning the game by the odd goal in a 3-2 success.

Sporting Hackney’s unbeaten start to the campaign continued over the weekend as they came through their home clash against Crookz United with all three points. The Parrots were 4 – 1 winners as Karim Bukleb, Liam O’hara, Joel Akuwudike and Percival Zeutzius all got on the scoresheet to render Olajide Yusuff’s goal as just consolation for Crookz.

Picking up a second win of the season were Chadwell Heath Spartans who returned home from Hainault with all three points as they defeated Oakside 2 – 0 to climb to ninth in the standings. Joseph Butcher and Peter Adeleye were the scorers of the goals for last season’s runners-up as they continued their push up the table.

Over at Lakeside, Rapid Chingford and Frenford Development went into their clash with just four points separating them prior to kick off. But a strong showing from the visitors saw Frenford claim just their second win so far with a 3 – 0 success. Wisley Baltazar scored twice for his side with Reon Murray-Whyte netting the other off the bench to move Frenford up to seven points.

PREMIER DIVISION EAST

Six sides sit on three points at the top of Premier Division East with Aveley Under 23s the side leading the way after their opening clash having defeated fellow debutants Freetown in a 6 – 1 scoreline. Eugene Sagoe scored twice for the young Millers, Finlay Shipp, Kyle Brand, Sola Adebo and Samuel Omoniyi goals finishing things off.

Waltham Abbey A’s introduction to the league saw them pick up three points in their opening performance after they saw off Wapping in a 3 – 1 scoreline at Town Mead. Nathan Lawrence scored twice and Dom Farmer netted the other to make it a winning start, overcoming a Kudus Olowe effort for the visitors.

There was a five goal thriller at Fairlop Oak where promoted Fairlop Rovers entertained fellow promotees Cowley Community. Manasseh Tackie and Ryan Thompson-Cobham were both scorers for Cowley but Rovers goals in reply from Jayden Francis, Ellis Morgan and Elliot Hastings meant that their side picked up a 3 – 2 opening win.

It was a successful day for another of the promoted sides as RC XI took the points back home with them following a win against last season’s cup finalists London Park City. City keeper Buza Vasile struck a rare goal for the visitors but strikes from Tosin Blacky and Tayo Olasanoye were enough to edge the contest in a 2-1 scoreline for RC XI.

PREMIER DIVISION WEST

Two sides lead the way after two rounds of games in the West division where AEK London’s great start continued on Saturday with a 3-1 success at Wadham Lodge against Wanstead. Two Gabriel Souto goals and a Paulo Machado effort saw the leaders pick up a second league win in two to go clear at the top just on goals scored at this early stage.

Just behind the leaders by a solitary goal are North East Lions who replicated their rivals scoreline with a 3-1 win of their own, defeating Athletic Newham Under 23s at Peter May to make it two wins from two. Rweal Azizur scored twice and Jae Smith once for their side, continuing a positive start to the campaign. Isaac Ofuso netted the Newham goal in reply.

It was a good afternoon for Priory Park Rangers who remain unbeaten in the division as Shepherd Ndlovu led the way for his side, incredibly scoring all six goals in their win at home to Leyton City. Rangers were 6-1 winners on the day to take their points tally to four in the league while their opponents look to get off the mark still.

In an east London derby fixture, G7 were the hosts on Saturday to relegated Tower United as the hosts looked to bounce back from their opening defeat a couple of weeks ago. In a game of six goals, it was G7 who prospered, winning 4-2 through strikes from Nawttan Sanca, Joshua Oghagbon, Harrison Paposeco and Musbaudeen Akinosho. Abdisamad Mohamed scored twice in reply but his efforts proved in vain ultimately.

The division’s final game saw a seven goal thriller as London Cranes travelled to Soul for their second game of the season. Two efforts from Kasule Sulaman and one apiece from Moses Kazibwe and Bruno Mwasnje were just enough to give Cranes the points in a 4-3 win in Dagenham. Luke Hillier, Zachary Thomas and Matthew Brady grabbed the Soul consolation efforts.

DIVISION ONE

After two rounds of games in Division One, Something From Nothing are the early leaders as they picked up all three points in their opening match of the new season, defeating promoted Old Esthameians 6 – 0 in Newbury Park. Success Eguzoro, Jamil Gaawo, Cyril Pluche, Derek Adenuga, David Prenga and Micah Innocentall found the back of the net to help their side win comfortably.

Sitting second in the table behind the leaders on goal difference, Unitey were in fine goal scoring form themselves as they secured victory with a home win in Loughton against Renegade. Ozwute Izuchuwku and Wellington Ismael were both on target for the visitors but a pair of Unitey braces from Ishwar Ravi and Ahmed Dousa done the damage with Bubintende Masadi grabbing the other in a 5 – 2 scoreline.

It’s Newham Wanderers sitting third following the weekend’s action, the Wanstead based side picking up maximum points following a home 3 – 0 success against Redbridge Community. Two Mahein Zaman goals and an Amir Gurji strike were the difference on the day to see Wanderers confirm an opening day success.

Forest Green started their new season in a positive fashion after they returned home from Chingford with all three points following a 3 – 1 win against previously unbeaten Atholl at Parmiters. Connor Daniel done the majority of the damage with a double while Andre Emmanuel-De Riggs’ goal competed the scoring for Green as they sit fourth, a couple of points ahead of their opponents.

DIVISION TWO

There are two sides going hammer and tong in the early throws of the new season with Rainham Phoenix sitting top following an 11 – 0 success against newly formed Barking Potters. The Shakes family really mixed it up with Cameron scoring four and Josh two. Sam Springall also netted a hat-trick off the bench with Billy Broadbridge scoring a brace to finish off the performance.

Trailing by just a few goals on goal difference are Snaresbrook who have made a great start of their own, following up an opening day win with a 5 – 0 success this time around, beating Chadwell Heath Spartans Reserves. Alex Gordon scored a hat-trick and Drew Barbier struck two to maintain their perfect start so far.

There was a thirteen goal thriller to complete the day’s action in the division where Old Barkabbeyans were the visitors to Loughton to take on Royal Forest. Forest bounced back well from their opening defeat to win the game 9-4 with Joe Meader (2), Frank Carver, Joe Owers, Jonathan Hick, Charlie Palline, Fifi Banin and Ayodeji Adelekan all netting, despite a terrific four goal Barks performance from Michael Ryder.

DIVISION THREE

In Division Three, Newbury East have moved top of the table on goal difference alone after they earned all three points at home against Frenford A in the latter’s first game. Kishawn James scored the Frenford goal but Chaka Barnett continued his form in front of goal with a double, Sehraan Hussain and Junior Milla netting the others in a 5 – 1 success.

Dagenham United Reserves trail in second by just a few goals as they added a win to their opening day draw, beating debutants Football Club of Riverside down at Lakeside in their first game. Dagenham edged the game by the odd goal, winning 2 – 1 through efforts from Isa Khan and Lewis Bennett. Fayazi Omar-Mohamed struck the Riverside goal in consolation.

It was a good opening day performance from Melbourne Sports who sit third after a first win, beating Flyers Under 21s 4 – 1 down at Fairlop Oak. Jonathan Melia scored twice with Daniel Hughes and Luc Harpon efforts completing the win and meaning that Jack Maydell’s goal was in vain for the visitors.

Over in east London, it was a successful first competitive outing for Jolof Sports Reserves who picked up a win against Glendale over at the Royal Docks. Chris Mosaku and Devendra Choudhary scored for the Dales but efforts from Kosso Toure, Kelechi Dyke, Derek Adu and Ronald Asante for the hosts were enough for them to win 4 – 2.

DIVISION FOUR

It’s two wins from two now for the Division Four leaders, Collier Row Wheels, who picked up a second success following a 4 – 1 win on Saturday against Emerson & Upminster Reserves at Forest Row. Two Farhaan Korimbocus strikes plus goals from Olayemi Mogaji and Jack Stockdale were enough for the win, Zuriel Twum netting the Emerson goal in consolation.

Flyers Under 23s’ first action since the drop from Division Three saw them put in a terrific first performance to secure a win as they defeat Newham & Havering Borough. Ted Watkins scored for Borough but his effort was in vain as Flyers ran out 5 – 1 winners on the day to sit second in the table after the weekend’s action.

It was also a good day for West Essex Under 23s who will be looking to press on in their second season and got off to the best possible start with a solid 4-1 win against Old Esthameians Reserves. Ciaran Farrell-Christian scored twice with Gabriel Morlova and George Sadler-Stephens scoring the other to hand West the win.

London APSA Under 23s have bounced back from their opening day defeat with a solid second performance, beating Inter London 5-1 to record their first three point haul. Reda El Ghaibouz scored a hat-trick for APSA to lead the way, Samuel Reynolds and Sabir Jama scoring the others to get the win. Fahad Abdallah scored the Inter goal in reply as they search for their first points.

COUNTY CUP

In the opening county cup action of the new season, Dagenham United took their place in the next round of the Essex Premier Cup, beating last season’s Junior Cup winners, Catholic United Reserves, 2-1 to head on through. They now face Grays Athletic Reserves in the next round of the competition.

There was a topsy-turvy game at Wadham Lodge where Walthamstow Reserves were in action against Halstead Town Reserves in a game that went all the way to extra time. Following the extra thirty minutes, it was Halstead who left the happier of the sides, edging the game 4 – 3.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, an old rivalry was renewed as Avondale Rangers played host to Durning for a place in the next round. The sides shared five goals with old Ilford & District League side, Durning, taking a 3-2 win to secure their passage into the next round.

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 31 – Sat 2 Apr) [EAL 21-22 4.4.22]

Chadwell Heath Spartans about to grab another goal this weekend [Image Credit: CH Spartans/ @ABridgeTooFar16]

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 2 April. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading. Image used is thanks to CH Spartans / @ABridgeTooFar16, Used with thanks.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 2 April

COUNTY CUP FINAL

The Essex Saturday Junior Trophy reached its conclusion on Friday evening at Heybridge Swifts where Cowley Community represented the league against Mid Essex side, Haver Town Reserves. Cowley started strongly but failed to convert early chances, enabling Haver to get a foothold in the game and took a solid 3 – 0 lead into the break, thanks to goals from Harry Andreetti (2) and Luke Dallison’s opener. Cowley started strongly again in the second half and cut the deficit down to just one with efforts from Wright and Taylor, leaving around twenty minutes to go. But Haver responded well to those setbacks and comfortably held on to win the game 3 – 2, despite the valiant efforts of Cowley.

DIVISION TWO CUP

The line-up for the Division Two Cup semi-finals was completed on Saturday afternoon as Emerson & Upminster Reserves took their place in the last four after winning 4 – 1 at Old Esthameians. Billy Biggs was in great form, netting a hat-trick for his side, while Tobi Onafeko also struck to put the Upminster side just ninety minutes away from a possible final. They now face Unitey in the semi-final.

DIVISION THREE CUP

There were two ties in the Division Three Cup where a shock was seen in the first round game between hosts Melbourne Sports and Buckhurst Way in Hainault. Despite an eight point gap in between the sides in the table, it was Way who progressed on to the quarter-finals, winning 6 – 1 to book a trip to Old Barkabbeyans Reserves in the last eight. There was also a big shock in the quarter-final tie completed over the weekend as sixth placed Together United were eliminated from the competition on the back of a defeat to ninth placed ASA, despite the latter being fourteen points and three places behind their opponents. A 0 – 0 draw saw the sides finish level at ninety minutes before ASA held their nerve to win the shootout 7-6.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were big wins for all of the top ranked Senior clubs ahead of a crucial run of games for all sides, Chadwell Heath Spartans remaining top of the standings by two points as they put seven goals past FC Petrocub in Chigwell. Elie Fanga scored twice coupled with further strikes from Tom Callagher, Harry Payne, Samir Aboulainaf and manager Aaron Hunwicks to complete that 7 – 0 success. DT FC sit just behind Spartans with a game in hand as they completed a solid victory of their own with a 5 – 0 home win against Chigwell Town at the Harlow Arena. Billy Jones, Cory Ugbomah, Alex Paraskeva, Izaih Antoine and Jacob Melford all found the back of the net for the hosts to ensure they remain the side with everything in their hands.

Third placed Lymore Gardens also racked up another win, making it twelve for the season with a 3 – 0 home success at the County Ground against CSM London. Dylan Roberts, Andre Rashford and Gracia Muhemba were the men to notch for Garden to keep them well in the mix at the business end of the league table. Sitting just a point further back from Garden are Woodford East who can still make a major impact on the title race with a busy April ahead and they started their month with a 5 – 0 win against Rapid Chingford at Lakeside. Two Connor Brathwaite goals plus one each from Matthew Stacey, Adam Tabbani and Jack Smith helped East to a comfortable winning scoreline with seven league games still to go.

Jolof Sports still sit fifth and made it ten league wins for the season on Saturday as they ran out 3 – 1 home winners against bottom of the table Tower United at Flanders. A goal apiece from Joshua Kweifio-Okai, Khadim Mbacke and Papa Ndiaye were enough for the hosts to take the points home with them and keep Tower trailing safety by three points. A huge game in the context of the relegation fight took place at Fairlop Oak where eleventh placed Blue Marlin were in home action against eighth placed Kit Out London knowing how vital points are for both clubs. A five goal thriller saw Kit Out edge the game 3 – 2, Lewis Jacobs scoring twice and Yasin Zougui once to all but seal their place in the top flight one again while Marlin’s place remains in the balance.

PREMIER DIVISION

Top of the table Frenford A will be celebrating as they confirmed promotion to the Senior Division on Saturday with results going their way and their own success earning a 3 – 0 home win against local rivals London Park City. Isima Iguisi scored a brace and Joel Opara netted the other to confirm their ascent to the top flight while a win in their next game will ensure they go up as champions. Oakside are now the only side that can catch the leaders mathematically and they faced a tough London Cranes side at Fairlop Oak in the sunshine on Saturday knowing they had to win to keep up the pressure. And a win was what they walked away with, defeating Cranes 1 – 0 to make it nine victories for the season, with four games left to play in their chase for promotion.

An entertaining game at Peter May rounds off the Premier Division action where Athletic Newham Under 23s were the visitors to Walthamstow to take on a promotion chasing Crookz United side, the latter knowing that victory was vital if they were to challenge for top spot. But the sides had to settle for a point apiece as the game ended in a 3 – 3 draw.

DIVISION ONE

It was a glorious afternoon for Belfry who took the Division One title in dramatic fashion on Saturday coming from 3-1 down in their first game against Newham Wanderers to win it 4 – 3 late on, sealing the title. Solomon Ogunwomoju struck twice with Lewis Warren and Kieran James scoring the others to seal the points they needed. In game two, a rather more sedate affair saw a narrow win once again as Ryan O’Connell scored the only goal of the game for Belfry to win 1 – 0.

The focus now turns to the race for promotion where Ilford Reserves saw their quest put in doubt, going down to a 2 – 1 away defeat against Something From Nothing at the Flats. The Foxes remain second with two games to go but games in hand for others may well cost them while SFN were able to move into the top half on the back of that result and others around them.RC XI have thrown themselves back into the promotion mix, moving up to third at the weekend as they defeated eighth placed Kwanzas London Sport over at Belhus Park. Tobi Alabi, Michael Temitayo and Tosin Blacky goals were enough to seal the points in a 3 – 0 win, the hosts’ eleventh success of their maiden season.

Wanstead have all but assured themselves of a top half finish in their first season as a club after they recorded a solid 2 – 0 home win in their game against Forest Green at the Flats on Saturday. Their ninth of the season while taking their points tally to thirty-one for the season. Eleventh placed Barkingside A have given themselves the best chance of avoid the drop this season as they took a vital three points against fellow relegation threatened Renegades in Wanstead. Side were 3 – 1 winners at Nutter Lane, recording win number four and moving to within six points of their opponents with five games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

It’s Fairlop Rovers who remain top of the pile in Division Two entering the penultimate month of the season and they will have been pleased with their efforts on Saturday, defeating rivals Loughton Lions in a 5 – 1 scoreline in Hainault. Sam Beaman opened the scoring, setting the platform for Harry Oliver and Logan Simmonds to both score twice in a big victory. Second placed Unitey remain the closest to Rovers but with just two games to go, following a thumping 6 – 0 away win in Hainault on Saturday, defeating FHN Athletic. Unitey goals from Matthew Surry, Nathan Lupumba, Romario Christian, Matthew Pitchford, Mohammed Abaker and Ahmed Dousa were plenty enough to earn their side the points.

An incredible game at Wanstead Flats saw St Francis and Ryan Under 23s combined for an eleven-goal thriller with attacks certainly dominating an open game. It was the visitors who ultimately prevailed in this incredible game, Ryan winning it 6 – 5 to move into the top half of the table for the first time this season, in their penultimate game of the campaign. Michael Bryan and Kemar Bello both netted twice for Ryan here, with Mekhi Charles-Armstrong & Adam Sodimu also scoring. Skye Salmon got two goals for St Francis, with their other scorers being Omar Hafid, Peter Luvualu and Theo Jacobs-Aaron.

The goals were also flying in down at Roding Valley where hosts Royal Forest were in home action against Newbury East. While not yet mathematically certain of survival, Forest have all but done enough now you feel to stave off the drop as they won the game 4 – 0 to record win number eight for the season.

DIVISION FOUR

The penultimate game of the Division Four season took place over the weekend where Avondale Rangers were the hosts to a Dagenham United Reserves side in Loughton with Rangers holding a vital say in the title race. Chris Harper scored for Rangers with Josh Michaels netting for Dagenham in a 1 – 1 draw, with next week’s fixture between Rangers and Sporting Pillars deciding the destination of the league title.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 29 – Sat 19 Mar) [EAL 21-22 21.3.22]

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 19 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]

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 19 March

COUNTY CUP

It was another great afternoon in outside competitions for our clubs as FC Petrocub returned to the London Junior Cup final for the second time in successive seasons with a 2 – 1 win away at Yorxeter on Saturday. Many congratulations to Adrian and his team who, I’m sure, will want to go one better than last year and lift the trophy. They take on London Hibernian in the showpiece final on Friday 29^th April at Haringey Borough FC.

FENTON CUP

Another side just a game away from a showpiece final of their own is Frenford A who have made the draw for the semi-final of the Fenton Cup with a terrific away victory, defeating Crookz United 4 – 1 to book their place. Goals from Callum Alexander, Tiwa Owifuwa, Isima Iguisi and Omotola Oyerokun were enough to confirm a home semi final against top flight side, Rapid Chingford in coming weeks.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

The Senior Division Cup action also continued at the weekend with Tower United looking to cause a surprise as they entertained leaders DTFC at Mabley Green. In an extremely close game, it took just a single goal to separate the sides and that moment went to Bailey Hossack of DTFC who netted to put his side through 1 – 0 into the semi-finals.

DIVISION ONE CUP

A similarly close Division One Cup quarter-final was witnessed over in Wanstead where a local derby game saw Something From Nothing make the short trip to Barkingside A with both sides looking to continue cup quests. A tight game ended 2 – 2 with Josh Rowe and Sebastian Ramirez scoring for the hosts meaning a dreaded shootout was required and it was hosts ‘Side held their nerve in that, going through 7 – 6 to now face Wanstead in the last four.

DIVISION TWO CUP

Three out of four semi-final places are now secured in the Division Two Cup where Rainham Working Mens Club booked themselves into another semi-final after a solid 3 – 1 victory away at Redbridge Community at Castle Green. Nathan Wilson scored twice and Josh Perry grabbed the other to put their side into a last four place against Loughton Lions.

It was a tense affair in the other quarter final where Unitey were the visitors to Hainault to take on Fairlop Rovers with the sides combining to produce a 1 – 1 draw at full-time as Harry Rouse netted for Rovers and Peter Spencer struck for Unitey. Despite a recent shootout success for Rovers, it was Unitey this time who held their nerve to win it 3 – 2 and progress on.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was quarter finals day for two of Division Four’s leading clubs as Chingford Harriers took on Fairlop Rovers Reserves at Peter May, going in search of a semi-final spot against Emerson & Upminster A. With the sides finishing locked at 1 – 1 at full-time, Gerard O’Hara netting for the hosts, a third shootout of the day was required and Harriers held their nerve to win it 4 – 3 from the spot to put them into the semi-finals.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results affecting both ends of the Senior Division table, firstly as Jolof Sports lost ground on the sides above as they fell to defeat against third placed Lymore Gardens in their clash in Leyton. Ryo Brown and Tyrique Peters both struck for Lymore to see them walk away 2 – 1 victors and move third in the standings. At the other end of the table, Chigwell Town’s late quest to avoid the drop got a massive boost with an away victory against fellow strugglers Blue Marlin in the Hainault derby match. A goal apiece from Phorell Brooke and Harry Tew-Robinson were enough to edge them to a 2 – 1 win, taking them off of the bottom for the first time in a while and just three points adrift of safety with seven games to go.

The other top flight game also saw plenty of entertainment as FC Baresi and Kit Out London combined for a nine goal thriller at the Britannia, the hosts coming out 5 – 4 winners by full-time. Bashir Ali struck a hat-trick and Ali Shikheey scored twice with Marlon Ortiz netting a hat-trick in reply for Kit Out and Rio Mudhar-Hedley once, those efforts proving in vain in the end.

PREMIER DIVISION

Wapping missed the chance to go top of the table at the weekend as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw away at Oakside to keep them sitting second in the standings with a game to go. Andy Adomakoh struck for the hosts but Wapping were able to score one of their own as the sides settled for a share of the spoils by full-time. The other game came from East Ham where London Cranes were the hosts and up against a North East Lions side playing their final league game of the campaign. Cranes started the day six points adrift of their opponents but they had cut that to three by full-time as Mathius Sendawula scored to help his side win 2 – 1, despite a Taylor Mitchell goal for the visitors.

DIVISION ONE

The headline game in Division One came from Newbury Park where the top two, Cowley Community and Belfry, faced off once again, the former knowing that a win was the only outcome that would put significant pressure on the leaders. But a dramatic last few minutes put paid to their efforts as Belfry scored late on to win it 3 – 1 with Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Kieran James netting. That result enabled a couple of sides to close the gap on the promotion places with Ilford Reserves surge up the table continuing on the back of a solid victory away at Kwanzas London Sport where they were 3 – 0 winners. Rhys Clements, Abdul Cheraitia and Joseph Sulola all got on the scoresheet to keep their side placed for a promotion push.

Fourth placed RCXI are similarly well placed to pounce on any slip ups by sides above as they made no mistake with their win against Forest Green, winning 6 – 0 on the road to take the points home with them. Daniel Williams and Michael Temitayo both scored twice with Tosin Blacky and Oluwaseun Koya also finding the back of the net. Over at the Marshes, a close game between Francis Luke and Newham Wanderers saw the sides separated by just a single goal, despite Wanderers holding an eighteen point advantage over their opponents. But it was Wanderers who strolled away with three points with Mahein Zaman netting that only goal to win it 1 – 0.

DIVISION TWO

The Division Two matches both saw goal-filled contests with Ryan Under 23s adding to their points tally with a three-point haul in Hainault against FHN Athletic. Ryan were 4 – 2 winners on the day, completing an eighth league win of the season and moving level on points with their opponents in the process too. The other game in the division saw a combined seven goals as Loughton Lions were the visitors to Royal Forest for a local IG10 derby fixture. The two teams started the day just three points apart but that was increased to six by full-time as Royal Forest won the game 5 – 2 to pick up win number seven this season.

DIVISION THREE

FC Baresi Under 23s have returned to the top of the table in Division Three as they took full advantage of the previous leaders being out of action to move top themselves, with a game in hand, after a 5 – 3 win at home against Melbourne Sports. Zach Aliane was in fine form, striking a hat-trick with Joshua Adu and Tayyab Mahmood also on target to keep them in pole position.

It’s as you were in the middle of the table as Together United remained fifth with a 4 – 1 home win at the weekend as they beat ASA at Peter May. That victory puts them just a point behind the Mels with a game in hand, that being Together’s ninth league success of the season following elevation over the summer. Lymore Gardens Reserves remain level on points with Together but with an inferior goal difference though they did boost that somewhat with a solid win against second bottom Flyers Under 23s on Saturday, winning 5 – 2 at King George’s in Romford to confirm a ninth win of their own.

Over in Hainault, bottom of the table Terin will be pleased with their efforts as they secured just their second ever win, defeating Glendale at Fairlop Oak with a late goal. The Dales will rue a host of missed chances before being punished to the fullest extent, Okey Obialo following up on a defensive error to net the only goal of the game in a 1-0 scoreline.

DIVISION FOUR

There was a huge twist in the race for the title in Division Four on Saturday as Dagenham United Reserves pulled off a huge win, defeating second placed Sporting Pillars 3 – 2 at Castle Green to put the race back into Harrier hands. Dagenham’s win was their eighth of the season which leaves Sporting a point off the top with two games left to play in what is sure to be a dramatic conclusion. Cup finalists, Flyers Under 21s, kept their strong momentum push going with a 2-1 away win against Newham & Havering Borough at the weekend, retaining their hold on fourth spot going into the last couple of fixtures. Jake Atherton and Luke Foster both came off the bench to score with Alexander Gerada striking the Borough goal in reply.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 21 – Sat 22 Jan) [EAL 21-22 24.1.22]

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 divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 22 January. 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- Sat 22 January

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

The Senior Division Cup got underway on Saturday with the first three ties of the competition. League leaders, DT FC, made safe passage into the quarter finals as they won 5 – 1 at home against Kit Out London with new signing Robbie Farrell scoring a hat-trick, alongside two from Billy Golledge. Ayoub Billouche struck the Kit Out goal in reply. Joining the leaders in the hat for the last eight were FC Baresi who entertained Rapid Chingford in their tie at Lakeside Sports Ground. Another goal filled contest saw Baresi take the victory, winning the game 6 – 2 with Paul Benfield’s hat-trick leading the way. Tyreece Robertson scored twice and Raymond Pok once to finish things off with Federico Ardei and Vlad Bucur netting for Rapid.

In the third game played on the day in the competition, two of the division’s leading sides went head to head at the Marshes where Chadwell Heath Spartans were the visitors to take on Woodford East for a place in the last eight. A typically close game saw the just one goal settle the tie with East the beneficiaries of that key moment as they went through 1 – 0 winners.

PREMIER DIVISION CUP

There was a shock in the opening Premier Division Cup ties as bottom of the table London Park City secured themselves a tremendous win against an Oakside outfit who had lost just the once in the league this season, City returning home with a 1 – 0 win under their belts. The victors will undoubtedly like to turn this cup form into league points too but they can at least enjoy this moment. There was somewhat of a further shock in the tie involving the sides at the top end which saw the league leaders, Frenford A, eliminated from the competition at the first hurdle as Crookz United continued their run of form of late to make the quarter finals. Luke Stewart was in fine form and scored a hat-trick for his side, Miles Mercury putting a shine on the performance with the other in a 5 – 0 win.

Joining those teams in the last eight will be Dagenham United and made another trip to East Ham on Saturday to as they took on Athletic Newham Under 23s. The two sides once again produced a thriller of a game which Dagenham won by the odd goal in seven, securing a 4 – 3 win. Shaquille Martin scored a hat-trick with Tashawn Brown’s goal finishing it off. Christopher Barbosa scored twice for the Newham U23 side, with Rodney Botuli also on target.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

The Division Four Cup first round cup action continued at the weekend with Sporting Pillars putting themselves safely through into the last eight as they came away 7 – 2 winners from their trip to Avondale Rangers. Rayan Allam scored twice as Emanuel Jacob, Grant Lungley, Daniel Gutierrez, Rajai Millwood and Rhyss Tappenden netted the others. Jake Clarke’s brace proved just consolation in the end for Rangers. There was also one quarter final tie completed, a game which saw Emerson & Upminster A book their place in the semi finals of the competition with a bit of a shock win away at Newham & Havering Borough. Just one goal separated the teams on the day with Matt Gray scoring that effort to give Emerson a 1 – 0 victory and placing his side just one game away from a cup final.

SENIOR DIVISION

With sides around them in cup action, Jolof Sports were able to make up ground on the sides above, closing the gap on opponents, FC Petrocub, to just three points after coming away 4 – 0 winners in their game in Noak Hill. Papa Ndiaye scored a hat-trick and Ahma Seye grabbed the other to help the visitors secure victory with games in hand still placing them with an advantage on sides above. The division’s other game came from Hainault where two of the bottom three sides, Blue Marlin and Tower United, went head to head with both sides in search of crucial points to steer clear of danger. The two sides were well matched and had to share the spoils as the sides finished level at 1 – 1. Ni Acquaye scored for Marlin with Abdi Mohamed on the United scoresheet.

PREMIER DIVISION

With cup games in action, there was just the one game in the second tier which saw an in-form North East Lions side attempting to extend their run with a game against London Cranes who themselves were in search of crucial league points. A game of eight goals was won 5 – 3 by Lions for whom Charles Akingbade, Lorenc Hoxha, Adnan Miah, Shane Thomas and Kojo Asare all netted. Cranes’ goals were scored by Moses Kazibwe, Isa Mwebe and Muhammad Mutesasira.

DIVISION ONE

There were victories for each of the promotion chasing sides in Division One with RCXI remaining three points clear at the top, edging a close game against Ilford Reserves at Belhus Park. The hosts were 3 – 2 winners, thanks to strikes by Ayo Matthews, Michael Temitayo and Sammy Anjorin. The Foxes’ second-side responded through goals by Joseph Sulola and Joel Gones. Elsewhere, Belfry who sit second with an impeccable record to date, extending that two eight wins from eight on Saturday with a further success against Kwanzas London Sport as they game out 3 – 0 winners. Gabriel Ogunwomoju, Lewis Prainer and Luyando Muhwanga all got on the scoresheet to keep their side in the driving seat.

Third placed Wanstead are only one point further back, albeit from a greater number of games, and they extended their points tally with a solid away win, returning home from the Marshes with all three points in a 2 – 0 win against Renegade. Edson Lami is a man who knows where the net is and it was his brace that made the difference on the day. Also at the Marshes, there was plenty of entertainment in the game between hosts Francis Luke and their visitors Something From Nothing with the teams combining to produce a nine goal thriller. Adam Rowe scored a hat-trick and Jahvarn Steward one for Luke but their efforts proved not quite enough as SFN rattled in five of their own to edge it 5 – 4.

There was a crucial three points attained by Forest Green over the weekend as they moved themselves well clear of danger of relegation with an important win against eleventh placed Barkingside A. The Leyton based side were 3 – 1 winners to move up a number of places into eighth in the standings.

DIVISION TWO

The gap at the top of Division Two is down to just a single point as Old Esthameians moved third on the back of a 3 – 2 win against top of the table Unitey in Loughton. Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa both struck for the hosts but E’s were in fine form themselves to continue their own promotion charge. Sitting between those sides in the table are second placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves and their own promotion challenge continued in earnest with a big home win at the weekend against Redbridge Community as the sides met at Hall Lane. Reece Stringer was in great form, scoring four for Emerson, Harry Wilkins with netting the other goal as their won the game 5 -1. Melanijus Butkus got the solitary reply for Redbridge Community here.

FHN Athletic are well placed for a push with games in hand on teams above and that was further enhanced by a narrow victory on Saturday as they took all three points from their clash against bottom side Newbury East. Athletic were 2 – 1 winners on the day in a close game, taking their points tally to twenty four for the season. Moving up to seventh place in the standings, Ryan Under 23s took their wins tally to four on Saturday after picking up a win against Royal Forest, leapfrogging their opponents in the process in the table. Jonathan Hick scored for the Trees but Ryan responded with three goals of their own from Leon Humphrey, Ryan Washington and Mekhi Wilson-Braithwaite to take a 3 – 1 victory home with them.

There was an equally important result for St Francis who took their points tally to six with a win against Loughton Lions, coming through a seven-goal thriller by the odd goal to win 4 – 3. Ross Basunda scored twice off the bench with Theo Jacobs-Aaron and Aenayat Nesari also scoring to hand Saints a big win. The Lions responses came via Harry Drew, Owen McKelvey and Lucas Maxwell.

DIVISION THREE

The chase for glory in Division Three continues to be a tense affair with Old Barkabbeyans Reserves still leading the way following a good patch of form, including a quite incredible 6 – 5 win on Saturday as they defeated Melbourne Sports in Hainault. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick, Robbie Osborne scored twice and Kacper Kasprzycki scored the other to edge a real thriller. Dexter Stuart struck a treble for Sports as well, with Ryan Lincoln and Jordan Green also netting for the home side here. Royal Forest Reserves are just two points further back and ready to pounce with games in hand, aided by a ninth league win in ten this season on Saturday as they ran out 6 – 1 winners at the County Ground against Lymore Gardens Reserves. Tom Alexander extended his scoring record with a hat-trick which was supplemented by further goals from Tom Briggs and James Nelson.

The division’s other unbeaten side are FC Baresi Under 23s and there was certainly a whiff of déjà vu for the title challengers as they once again saw off Glendale in the two sides’ second consecutive meeting. Kii Jean-Baptiste scored twice with Harrez Aliane, Joshua Adu and Hamza Hafesji also netting for the victors with Maryis Shamku scoring twice for the Dales in a 5 – 2 scoreline. It was a memorable day for bottom of the table Terin who, after some spirited recent performances, finally got themselves a win on the board as a club, defeating Together United in a 5 – 2 win at Oaks Park. Emmanuel Adade scored twice adding to strikes from Miran Miran, Ali Mohammed and Rakin Suleiman, proving that patience really does pay off.

The division’s final game saw ASA play host to fellow mid-table Buckhurst Way as the teams battled it out at the Marshes for the points. Way ended a poor run of form with a solid victory on the road, with a Myles Croxford goal enough to defeat ASA 1 – 0 to move them up to sixth in the standings, this being their sixth league success of the campaign.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four, Fairlop Rovers Reserves’ return to some form has seen them shoot back into a promotion contention position, sitting second following their win at the weekend against West Essex Under 23s in Walthamstow. Deshaun Johnson and Javen Cole both netted for the hosts but Fairlop goals from Joseph Head (2), Sean McGilloway, Matthew Stratton, Harry Oliver and Gianluca Halil gave Rovers a 6 – 2 win.

It was also a productive afternoon for Flyers Under 21s who moved to third following their weekend’s efforts, beating Dagenham United Reserves 2 – 0 to move above their opponents in the process. Sam Maydell and Charlie Portlock both scored for the Romford based side to keep things really right at the top of the table.

COUNTY CUP

It was quarter final day in the Essex Junior Trophy on Saturday and it was another fine afternoon in the county cup for Cowley Community who booked their place in the semi finals once again with a terrific 5 – 0 home win against Ashingdon Reserves. That result sets up another last four battle with Brentwood Athletic Reserves, the same side they beat at this stage of the competition back in 2020.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 13 – Sat 13 Nov) [EAL 21-22 15.11.21]

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 13 November. 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- Sat 13 November

FENTON CUP

The Remembrance Weekend Fenton Cup action saw probably the biggest shock of the season so far as Division One’s RCXI put in a memorable performance to beat Senior Division opposition, Tower United, in a 6 – 2 scoreline. Abubakar Maxamed scored ttwice for Tower but RC went through with Michael Temitayo netting a hat-trick. Oluwaseun Koya, Sammy Anjorin and Jide Lewis also scored to complete an excellent win to send them into the quarter finals. Also into the hat for the quarter finals are DTFC as they came through a close battle with their fellow Senior Division front-runners, Woodford East, at Hackney Marshes. It took just one goal to separate the sides on the day and that came from the boot of Stanley Green who ensured his team kept their cup run going, winning 1 – 0.

There was some entertainment at Leyton County Ground where Lymore Gardens and FC Baresi met for an all-Senior Division clash in the first round. Lymore had raced into a lead with two Andre Rashford goals and a Rio Brown effort. But a Paul Benfield hat-trick sparked a Baresi fight back to make it 3 – 3 and take the game to a penalty shootout. Lymore held their nerve to win an epic encounter 8 – 7.

In the other game played in the Cup, Division One’s high-flyers Belfry made the trip to Walthamstow to take on Premier Division’s Crookz United for a place in the second round. Despite a Warren James goal for the visitors, Crookz made their higher league placing count and secured a 4 – 1 win thanks to strikes by Khalid Madey, Anselmo Gomes, Kevin Osei and Abdouaziz Jeng, going through to the next round.

FENTON TROPHY

There were two all-Division Two clashes in the weekend’s Fenton Trophy action where Royal Forest overcame a side placed six points ahead of them in the shape of Emerson & Upminster Reserves, defeating their top half opponents in a 4 – 1 win. Josh Owers scored twice for Forest with Frank Carver and Harry Killick netting the others to head into the quarter finals and overturn a solitary Tobi Onafeko goal for Emerson.

Joining Forest in the last eight of the competition are Old Esthameians who faced a Ryan Under 23s side sitting a few places below them in the standings but constructed a seven goal thriller between them at Wadham Lodge. Old E’s came through a close game with a narrow 4 – 3 to book their place in the last eight.

SENIOR DIVISION

There was a change at the top of the Senior Division table once again on Saturday with Chadwell Heath Spartans taking full advantage of the previous top two being in cup action as they edged a close game at home to CSM London. Two Jack Evans goals overcame a Ramone Senior effort for the visitors to give Spartans a 2 – 1 win. There was an important three points for Blue Marlin in the race to avoid the drop as they saw the visit of fellow strugglers Rapid Chingford to Fairlop Oak. Scott Campbell struck a brace and Lewis Forman netted off the bench to edge a close game 3 – 2. That saw Marlin move up a place to twelfth, just one point shy of safety.

The final game in the division was a real thriller as previously point-less Chigwell Town were on the road with a visit to FC Petrocub seeking to address that situation. The two teams battled their way to a 3 – 3 draw by full-time with Harry Tew-Robinson scoring twice and Joe Creasey once for Town to secure their first point of the campaign.

PREMIER DIVISION

The Frenford A express train is really beginning to motor at the top of the Premier Division and they now lead the way by nine points after putting ten goals past All Prospects in a 10 – 1 result. Damilola Olaiya has been in fine scoring form and he struck a hat-trick with Daniel Francis, Malachi Hercules and Isimia Iguisi scoring twice each and Keenan Gravillis once to earn another win.

Athletic Newham Under 23s are one of a number of sides who do have games in hand on the leaders to cut the deficit and they’re now up to third in the standings following a solid 2 – 0 win at home against bottom of the table London Park City. Goals from Amilcar Abrantes and Nathaniel Adjei saw Newham move to eleven points having just been beaten once in the league this term. Moving second, North East Lions’ first half of the season has been a little up and down but they did get back to winning ways with a important 1 – 0 win away at Dagenham United. Adnan Miah was the scorer of that only goal of the game to give Lions a fourth league win while sending United to just a second league defeat this term.

Two of the other sides in the top half, Eastside and Wapping, met in the division’s final fixture with the teams beginning the day just a point apart. A close game saw the sides finish level at 2 – 2, preserving Wapping’s advantage over ‘Side for the time being. Junior Mandeng-Fotabong and Basekou Gassama scored for Eastside here, with Jordan Mills-Smith and Kamrul Ahmed efforts on target for Wapping to help side secure a point.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Cowley Community put themselves top of the table, jumping above their previous top two who were both in cup action, earning a sixth league win in seven this season in a 5 – 2 win against Francis Luke. Jose da Silva netted twice for the visitors but Cowley goals from Kyle Cargill (2), Inarhu Martin, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright were enough to take the points. Newham Wanderers have moved into the top half and onto nine points as their endeavours were successful on Saturday, defeating an in-form Wanstead side 4 – 2 in a local derby match. Malam Injai scored a hat-trick and Joao Cruz struck the other to render Wanstead efforts in reply as just consolation.

That scoreline was mirrored not too far away as Forest Green were the hosts to a Something From Nothing side with the latter starting the day a place below their opponents. But that had all changed by full-time as SFN won 4 – 2 courtesy of two Khai Bailey goals plus efforts from Thomas Bergmann and Micah Innocent. Mickel Smith and Darren Gillings struck in reply for Green.

And two further sides who swapped places in the table were Renegade and Barkingside A as the former increased their league wins tally to two with a 2 – 0 home victory against ‘Side at the Marshes. Nana Baah and Alwi Salah goals were the difference to the home side as they moved up to seventh on the back of this victory.

DIVISION TWO

The game of the day in Division Two was the battle of the top two as Rainham Working Mens Club went out with the hopes of cutting the lead on Fairlop Rovers at the top. But things didn’t quite pan out that way as Harry Oliver and Dylan Scutt goals were enough to see Rovers win 2 – 1, despite a Nathan Wilson strike for the hosts, extending the leaders’ advantage to nine points. Unitey are now third in the table and just goal difference keeps them out of the promotion places after a comprehensive 6 – 1 win against Loughton Lions in a local derby. Taylor McLaughlin was on targets for Lions but a Bubintende Masadi hat-trick and singles from Eddy Litambolo, Ahmed Dousa and Matthew Surry confirmed victory for the hosts.

It was also a good afternoon’s work for St Francis who opened their points and wins account at just the second attempt, defeating winless Newbury East at Oaks Park High School in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Theo Jacobs-Aaron and Ross Basunda goals were the difference on the day between the teams as Saints moved up a place to eleventh, just a point from safety with plenty of games in hand. Mohammed Janneh responded for Newbury here.

DIVISION THREE

The gap at the top of Division Three remains at just two points after leaders Royal Forest Reserves kept up their perfect record with another win against Buckhurst Way, defeating their opponents 4 – 0 at Bancroft Rugby Club. Sereign Lette-Jallow struck twice alongside goals from Tom Alexander and Richard Grove. And just a couple of points back, FC Baresi Under 23s kept up the pressure on the leaders with their fifth win of the season as they returned home from Old Barkabbeyans Reserves with all three points in a 3 – 0 win. Kii Jean-Baptiste was the man in form on the day and he scored all three goals for Baresi on a memorable afternoon.

The in-form Melbourne Sports are up to third place with five league wins of their own this term, coming from behind twice in the game against Glendale to win 6 – 2 in one of the league’s oldest derby matches. Two Dave Hennessey goals had given Glendale a lead at the break but a superb second half performance from the Mels broke their opponents’ resistance to take the win.

Together United’s sparkling form has seen them climb as high as sixth in the standings now and they made it four wins from five on Saturday with a 5 – 2 against Lymore Gardens Reserves at Hainault Rec, despite Omani Green’s goal. Utd’s scorers were led by a double from Stanley Kweya with strikes by Carnell Marcel, Issac Clarke and Fifi Banin & the result sees Together go level on points with fourth-placed Old Barks and just four off the promotion pace with a game in hand.

It was a good afternoon for ASA also as they put six goals past their opponents, Flyers Under 23s, as the sides met at Hackney Marshes. Jubayed Miah scored a hat-trick for his side adding to efforts from Saigeethan Senthan, Mithurn Vijayarajah and Ramanan Selvarasa to confirm a solid 6 – 2 victory for the eighth placed side. Joshua Adu and Kai Eaton replied for Flyers in this match.

DIVISION FOUR

After a couple of winless afternoons for Chingford Harriers, they returned to form on Saturday with a solid victory at Emerson & Upminster A, defeating the mid-table side 2 – 1 to go two points clear at the top. Darlington Ojo’s form in front of goal continued and Cedric Onchuru grabbed the other with Ritchie Weeks coming off the bench to net Emerson’s consolation effort.

Sporting Pillars are third in the table and with games in hand as they added to their points tally with a win against Avondale Rangers on Saturday, winning 9 – 3. Daniel Gutierrez scored four and Rayan Allam three with Ousmany Dibaga and Gavin Afriyie finishing things off. Jake Clarke, Chris Harper and Blaijan Kitufueni all netted in reply for Rangers.

The Reserves of Dagenham United are in some fine form at present and sit fourth on the back of their most recent success, a 2 – 1 home victory against West Essex Under 23s at Castle Green. Cain Dash scored twice to set up his side for a winning performance, overcoming Javen Cole’s goal from the visitors. With results around them going in their favour, Flyers Under 21s excellent recent form has now seen them move into the top half, moving fifth after a terrific 4 – 0 win against Newham Royals at King Georges. Bradley Maycock struck twice with Harry Cossington and Jack Atherton goals completing the scoresheet on the day.

Fixtures – Saturday November 20th (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

Chigwell Town v Blue Marlin | London Marathon Sports Ground

FC Baresi v Chadwell Heath Spartans | Britannia Sports Ground, Walthamstow

FC Petrocub v Lymore Gardens | Noak Hill 3G

Leyton Royal v Tower Utd | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields, Hainault

Rapid Chingford v CSM London | Lakeside Sports Ground

EAL Premier Division

All Prospects v Eastside | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

London Park City v Dagenham Utd | Seven Kings Sch 3G

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

Wapping v Frenford A | Victoria Park, E9

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 3 – Sat 4 Sept) [EAL 21-22 6.9.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand. The first extended edition of the campaign sees the start of Divisions One – Four this weekend, on Saturday 4 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 4 September

Senior Division

Two sides now sit joint-top of the Senior Division after the third weekend of action as Chadwell Heath Spartans took their points tally to seven following a draw away to Rapid Chingford on Saturday. Bradley Downes got on the score-sheet for the visitors to help his side remain unbeaten, Rapid also netted through Federico Ardei in an eventual 1-1 draw. Lymore Gardens have also climbed to seven points and trail the leaders by just goal difference as they picked up a 4 – 2 victory from their game against Blue Marlin. Andre Rashford netted twice with Bradley Williams and Rob Small efforts seeing them to maximum points on the day. Nathan Desnoes and Ni Acquaye scored Marlin’s consolation efforts in reply.

With two wins from two, Jolof Sports are now the only side with a perfect record thus far and they maintained that with a solid performance away at Tower United, earning a 6 – 0 win at Mabley Green to go third. Joshua Kweifio-Okai was the hero with a hat-trick for his side, further goals arriving through Moustapha Gueye, Mody Gaye and Fode Diakhite.

The battle between the division’s 4th and 5th placed unbeaten sides saw DTFC meet Woodford East at the Harlow Arena & it was the hosts who took an early lead through Jake Kissiedu. East however held on after that and earned themselves a valuable point late in the game with Jack Haspineall’s effort making it 1 -1 in the dying embers of the game.

The division’s remaining game saw a glut of goals with FC Petrocub and FC Baresi combining for a total of twelve efforts. Baresi will ultimately have left the happier of those sides however as Tyreece Robertson scored a hat-trick, Hamza Shire scored twice and one apiece from Ashley Godwin, Raymond Pok, Marvin Smith and Paul Benfield completed an emphatic 9 – 3 win.

Premier Division

The rest of the league joined the action this weekend and Frenford A made an early impact in the Premier Division with a 2-0 home victory as they took on Eastside at The Drive, with both sides looking to build upon solid performances last term. Daniel Francis and Murilo Pereira efforts were the difference on the day as Frenford took all three points away with them to go top. The division’s other two games ended in score draws with the most exciting of those witnessed at Castle Green as Dagenham United shared the spoils with new members, Crookz United, in a 3 – 3 scoreline. A brace from Lewis Bennett and an Iaia Jau goal accounted for the three Dagenham goals on the day while Abdouaziz Jeng, Kevin Osei and John Afrane-Kesey all responded to level it up.

Fourth and fifth places in the standings are held by league debutants Marcelona and North East Lions respectively after the opening action as they teams combined to record a draw in Harlow. Tashan Benjamin scored the Lions goal but Marcelona were up to the task and scored one of their own to ensure they left with a point in a 1 – 1 draw.

EAL Division One

There was just the one match in Division One on the opening day with two of the league’s new clubs meeting in Hackney where Renegade played host to RCXI with both sides keen to impress on their competitive debuts. It will have been the visitors who left the happier of the sides as Hassan Sesay and Sammy Anjorin both netted to give RCXI a 2 – 1 victory.

EAL Division Two

A near full fixture list opened Division Two for the season and Emerson & Upminster Reserves lead the way after a crazy 9 – 5 win in the first game of the season as they beat Loughton Lions at Debden Park High School. Tobi Onafeko and Ross Braybrooke each netted hat-tricks for Emerson with Sonny Scott, Alex Pizzey and Joshua Gibbins efforts rounding off the win. Loughton responded with some vigour though as a brace from Taylor Mclaughlin and strikes by Harrison Andrews, William Osmond and Jake Roberts made for a truly stirring contest.

Two sides sit level in second with FHN Athletic shading it on alphabetical order so following a 4 – 0 away win against debutants Newbury East in their clash in Newbury Park. Owen McConnell scored twice on his debut for FHN with Michael Barek and Terron Fordjoe goals earning the visitors maximum points to start the season.

Rainham Working Mens Club are the other side in second as they equalled the result of their rivals with a solid 4 – 0 home victory against another of the league’s debutants, in Redbridge Community. Cameron Shakes really mixed things up with a brace as Nick Tormey and Sean Tormey goals rounded things off in favour of the hosts. Goals were the order of the day in the remaining games where Royal Forest picked up a solid first win of the season as they entertained Ryan Under 23s at Roding Valley High School. Tom Osmond scored twice for Forest with Joe Owers, Harry Killick and George Taylor all scoring to give their side a 5 – 3 victory. Marley Wilson-Braithwaite grabbed a Ryan hat-trick in reply for the visitors.

There was a seven-goal thriller in Newbury Park where two of the division’s stalwarts, Old Esthameians and Unitey, met for their opening game. Mohammed Abaker scored twice and Ahmed Dousa once for Unitey but their efforts proved in vain as Old E’s had doubles from Neil Robinson and Brad Harris to thank for coming out on the right side of a 4 – 3 victory.

EAL Division Three

The goals continued to flow into Division Three where Harlow Inter made a great start to life in the competition, producing a stunning performance to beat fellow new side, Terin, in a 10 – 2 scoreline at Chigwell School. Lindsey Marsh scored a hat-trick, Connor Starling and Ben Homewood both scored twice with Macauley Harrington, Matthew Koayloay and Sam Balmforth efforts finishing it off.

Sitting second in the table, Old Barkabbeyans Reserves produced their own top drawer performance as they defeated Lymore Gardens Reserves 8 – 3 at Barking Abbey. Mehdi Ahorbi scored a hat-trick, Robbie Osborne and Luke Sewell bagged braces and Klodian Meta picked up the final goal to give them a winning start to the new campaign.

EAL Division Four

Just alphabetical order keeps the two sides apart at the head of Division Four as Emerson & Upminster A confirmed an opening day 3 – 0 win with a victory away at Dagenham United Reserves at Castle Green. Nicholas Sofianov, Ryan Whitton and Stephen Lee all found the back of the net to make it a good afternoon for Emerson sides in the league.

One letter back in the alphabet, Fairlop Rovers Reserves made a winning start in Rainham on their competitive debut with a solid win away at fellow debutants, Newham & Havering Borough. Goals from Tino Daga and substitutes, Sean McGilloway and Toby Stephens, were enough to help Fairlop to a 3 – 0 win.

A familiar face at this level holds third place after this game week with Newham Royals taking on West Essex Under 23s at Salisbury Hall. Aaron Brooks and Daniel Mincer got on the score-sheet for West but Royals rattled in four of their own to take a 4-2 victory on the day, starting their season in a positive fashion. In the day’s final fixture, two more of the league’s stalwarts met in Loughton where Chingford Harriers picked up an opening victory against Avondale Rangers. The experienced trio of Alex Diner, Nicholas Shawyer and Edwin Jabbari did the damage with their sides three goals on the day. Despite a solitary reply from Laurence Brady for Avondale, Harriers returned home to E4 with a 3 – 1 win under their belts.

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Fixtures – EAL on Saturday 11 September (Top Three Divisions only – stc)

Senior Division

Chadwell Heath Spartans v FC Baresi | Chigwell Hall

CSM London v Chigwell Town | West Ham Community Ground 3G, Beckton

DT FC v Rapid Chingford | Harlow Arena 3G

Jolof Sports v FC Petrocub | Lakeside Sports Ground (2.30pm KO)

Leyton Royal v Blue Marlin | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Woodford East v Lymore Gardens | Hackney Marshes

Premier Division

Frenford A v London Cranes | The Drive

Lomdon Park City v North East Lions | Seven Kings Sch 3G

Marcelona v Wapping | Paringdon Sports Club

Division One

Cowley Community v Forest Green | Ford’s Sports Club (Newbury Park)

Ilford Reserves v Francis Luke | London Marathon Sports Grond, Hainault

Newham Wanderers v RC XI | Wanstead Flats

Renegade v Something From Nothing (SFN) | Hackney Marshes