Rochford Town – survivor16b

S21-22 Match Report: Rochford Town 0 – 2 Manford Way (Sat 5 Mar) [EOFL 21-22 5.3.22]

Essex Olympian League – Division Two

Venue: Rochford Recreation Ground

2021-22 Season: Match 60

Attendance: 10 (est)

Saturday 5th March 2022 – 2pm KO

Rochford: Sky Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts, Sky Blue Socks

Manford: Red & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Still of the early action as Manford sought to keep possession

Manford emerge with a hard-fought win at Rochford Town

Rochford Town 0 – 2 Manford Way

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

This weekend, the solitary match was a local but still interesting battle in Essex Olympian League Division Two, between strugglers Rochford Town and relative high-flyers Manford Way, still looking for a top-three finish. Rochford are heading towards the end of their campaign and they were missing several players. Player-boss Jim Cooper had to don the gloves, with a defence led by skipper Terence Hare. Jack Power and Matt Welsh were in midfield, supporting the front three of Owen Pedder, Freddie Pettitt and Lewis Watson. Manford had the benefit of forward Harry Davison being available, and he joined David Alele and Salum Said in their front line. Right-back Aiden O’Connell captained the side, alongside him in defence was Gideon Sengulay-Thomas, Josh Owoaje and Will Sheehan.

Manford forward David Alele (#9 in red) about to strike from close range

The weather in the week before this day was very wet and conditions were tricky, but pretty good considering. Rochford set their stall out early to build their play from the back and in the early stages, they had some possession but they were unable to consistently get into the opposition half. Manford were starting to create chances as well. On twelve minutes, a good run by forward Harry Davison down the right channel ended with a centre which found fellow forward Salum Said but he could loft his strike off-target. Five minutes later, winger Daniel Demain evaded his narker in the penalty area but was thwarted by a well-timed challenge.

As the half wore on, the visitors were creating more chances and also forcing Rochford to defend deep. Midway through the half, a fine tackle from home captain Terence Hare denied Davison another chance at goal after Said’ fine cross from the left. Stand-in Town stopper James Cooper pulled off a good save to deny Davison again soon afterwards, following good work by full-back Gideon Sengulay-Thomas.

Manford winger Daniel Demain (#7 in red) poised to shoot

Manford were starting to get frustrated at their inability to break the deadlock, with another strong Davison effort adjudged not to have got over the goal-line before coming back off the upright. Davison was the focal point for Manford’s attack at this point and his cross found fellow forward David Alele whose effort forced Cooper into another good save to tip it over the woodwork.

By the interval, there were signs that Manford Way’ passing gane had excerabated the distance between Town’s defence and midfield. Even so, Rochford had done well to withstand many attacking moves to get back to the dressing room without conceding. Although to maintain it, they would have to put in another huge effort.

Half-Time: Rochford Town 0 – 0 Manford Way

Another set-piece angles in towards the Rochford box

After the resumption, Rochford were concentrating their efforts on being hard to break down, with rare forays forward involving club stalwart Freddie Pettitt and Owen Pedder, with Lewis Watson in support though the nervy moments for visiting goalkeeper Joe Insole was from set-pieces. More on that later. In the early stages of the second half, Manford midfielder Mohammed Bouzeryouh fired over the woodwork from 20 yards out. You felt that Manford needed to break the stalemate sooner rather than later.

After substitute Charlie Parish and Alele had both headed wide of goal, Manford got the goal that they cherished. A decent move ended with a well-directed cross by Alele from the right side of the penalty box being headed home by Davison, right into top corner of the net. It was a well-taken goal and you sensed the hosts’ task had just gotten considerably more difficult.

To their credit, the hosts did keep striving to get back into the game and they thought they had levelled as a free-kick was directed low and Insole couldn’t gather, allowing substitute Michael Browne to nip in and put the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out, probably for off-side. Manford also had a goal chalked off soon afterwards as the tension was starting to rise.

There was another goal though as in added-time as Said notched with a low strike after Cooper had blocked an initial effort back into the forward’s path. The visitors will be happy with the points which takes them to just two points adrift of Wakebury in third, with Manford having one more game to play than their rivals.

Full-Time: Rochford Town 0 – 2 Manford Way

In summary, Manford more than deserved the victory for the possession they had and the chances they created. What may concern them though was their finishing, as they could have made the result much more conclusive. However, you also have to applaud the battling efforts of the Rochford side as well, led by a excellent performance by skipper Terence Hare and some good saves by stand-in stopper James Cooper. They should not be too disheartened by this effort, though goals are what they will need to garner points in their remaining games.

As ever, there was a number of good perfrmances in this match. First for winners Manford Way, the forward line led the way as David Alele put in a strong display, full of energy, pace and good passing. Harry Davison also stretched the hosts backline and was only denied at least another goal by good defending. Salum Said also made good use of the left-sided channel to send in good crosses and capped his afternoon with a late goal. Finally, skipper Aiden O’Connell was a reassuring presence at the back and sent in some good set-pieces as well.

For Rochford, captain Terence Hare made a number of good, last-ditch tackles and marshalled his defence well too. Owen Pedder offered a good outlet down the channels and was involved in the occasional forays forward his side had. Matt Welsh contributed well to his team’s midfield with good passing and movement, while stand-in goalkeeper James Cooper made four good saves as well to add to the visitors’ frustration, particularly in the first half.

Best wishes to both teams for the rest of the campaign. My thanks to both teams, was good to see both in action today.

Teams (Rolling Subs Used in EOFL matches)

Rochford Town | Player-Manager: James Cooper |

Starting XI: 1 James Cooper (GK), 23 Harrison Lomax, 12 George Hare, 2 Bobby Anderson, 18 Terence Hare (Capt), 4 Jack Power, 3 Alex Gray, 8 Matt Welsh, 7 Owen Pedder, 10 Freddie Pettitt, 15 Lewis Watson

Subs On (Time & replaced): 17 Michael Browne [55′, on for F Pettitt], 11 Elliott Pattison [80′, on for Browne], 20 Matthew Pettitt [85′, on for Lomax]

Booked: Anderson | Subs Not Used: None

Manford Way | Interim Manager: Bill Bailey | (Regular boss Colin Dobson was away)

Starting XI: 1 Joe Insole (GK), 2 Aiden O’Connell (Capt), 3 Gideon Sengulay-Thomas, 4 Josh Owoaje, 14 Will Sheehan, 6 Dominic Esty-Wilkinson, 7 Daniel Demain, 8 Mohammed Bouzeryouh, 9 David Alele, 10 Harry Davison, 11 Salum Said

Goal-scorers: Harry Davison [65′], Salum Said [90’+2]

Subs On (Time & replaced): 20 Charlie Parish [13′, on for Owoaje], 12 Dada Popoola [62′, on for Sheehan]

Booked: Esty-Wilkinson | Sub Not Used: None

Referee: Richard Wilsher

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 22 Jan) [EOFL 21/22 24.1.22]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 22 January. This week, the league action was the mainstay, with several matches also taking place in Cup competitions, mainly the EOFL Senior League Cup which we round-up later in the article.

Essex Olympian League Round-up – Saturday 22 January

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier, Rayleigh Town sit second after a 3 – 0 success at Harold Wood Athletic. Harry Talbot, George Vile and substitute George Aston got the goals for Paul Higgins side, as they stayed a point clear of Ongar Town, who gained ground on leaders Basildon Town but winning 4 – 1 at Bas. Meanwhile, Catholic Utd strengthened their position in seventh following a 2 – 1 win at Galleywood. Aaron Baldwin’s brace secured the points for Simon Thomas’ side, outdoing the reply from Ben Smith for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Springfield got an excellent 5 – 2 triumph at home to Old Southendian. Replacement Garjay Thompson netted twice for Francesco Zabotti’s team, with Adam Cole, Ryan Kelland and Mohammed Raza also on target for the hosts as they went up to tenth. Finally, Sungate stay sixth after a 1 – 0 win over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts.

EOFL Divisions One, Two & Three

In Division One, the one League match what took place saw a big win for promotion-chasing Wakering Sports, who won 2 – 0 at Leigh Town. Ben Rowe and Joseph Burton got the goals for Mitchell Gleeson’s side at John Burrows Recreation Ground, which took Sports back up to second spot. Leigh remain eighth, four points clear of the bottom two.

In Division Two, in the two matches that were played, Manford Way got a 2 – 0 triumph at home to strugglers Hutton Res. Josh Sykes and Josh Owoaje both netted to send their side up to fourth. The other match saw a surprise 2 – 1 success for Rochford Town at Old Southendian Res. Substitutes Bobby Anderson and Max Harrington both scored for James Cooper’s team to lift them up to tenth. OS Ressies lost further ground on the top three and drop to fifth after this loss.

While in Division Three, Basildon Town Res are now ten points clear in fourth after a 2 – 1 win against Leigh Town Res. Rhys Willson grabbed both goals in this one for Bas as they got their ninth win this term. Also, Buckhurst Hill U23 got a big 5 – 3 victory at home to Toby Res at Roding Lane. Oliver Dingli’s double & Justin Clarke’s goal was not enough for the visitors as Hill U23’s ensemble cast of scorers were Joseph Strange, Jack Barnes, Philip Kumi, Ayomide Ademokun & replacement Harry Maslin to ensure their side went six points clear of the bottom two.

EOFL Senior League Cup

In the seven matches that were played in the EOFL Senior Cup, Hutton edged through to the next round on spot-kicks, following a goalless draw at Kelvedon Hatch. Matt Singh’s side won the resulting shoot-put 9 – 8 to progress. Also, Epping Town went through following a 3 – 0 triumph at Pitsea Athletic. Conor Corrigan netted twice, while Joe Rickett added the other goal for Town at the Basildon Sporting Village. Toby also won 2 – 1 at home to Shoebury Town, with Dean Maguchu and Jamie Simpkins on target for Mark Jones’ side. Bradley Samaroo got the goal for Town there.

Elsewhere, Chingford Athletic pulled off an excellent 3 – 2 success at Leigh Ramblers, with Eren Muti, Timothy Dennis and replacement Scout Bown netting for Declan Murphy’s side. The Rams responded through goals from Nathan Dewberry and Ryan Lowe but exited here. Roydon also got a 4 – 2 triumph over Hullbridge Sports Res, with a treble from substitute Mohamed Benzid being added to by fellow replacement Jack Bagley-Etheridge to outweigh strikes for Hullbridge by Michal Clark and Joseph Darby and get through to the next round.

Meanwhile, Corinthians also progressed with a 4 – 0 triumph against Shenfield AFC in Stambridge. Bailey Moss netted another treble, with Leo Clarke also finding the net for Chris Stoneham’s side. Canning Town also edged through after a 1 – 0 victory over Runwell Sports in Beckton.

EOFL Reserve League Cup – Shenfield AFC Res 0 – 2 Harold Wood Athletic Res

Essex Junior Cup Results

Burnham Ramblers Res 2 – 4 Catholic Utd Res | Leslie Field

Wakering Sports Res 1 – 2 Hashtag Utd Dev | Cupid’s (Pitch 1)

EOFL Divisions Four & Five Results

Div Four

Canning Town Res 0 – 0 Sungate Dev

Old Chelmsfordians Res 3 – 0 Springfield Res

Ongar Town Res 2 – 3 Galleywood Res

Wakering Sports A 3 – 4 Chingford Athletic Res

Div Five

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 0 – 3 Leigh Ramblers Res

Collier Row Res 3 – 0 Runwell Sports Res

Epping Town Res 1 – 2 AS Rawreth Res

Wakebury Res 1 – 2 Herongate Athletic Res

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 11 Dec) [EOFL 21/22 13.12.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 11 December. This week, the league action takes centre stage, despite a reduced amount of action this weekend due to Weather. Also includes results from Division Four & Five at the end of the article.
Many thanks for reading.

Essex Olympian League Round-up – Saturday 11 December

EOFL Premier Division

Five matches survived in the Premier Division, with Leigh Ramblers grabbing an important 3 – 1 victory at out-of-form Old Southendian. Barv Waiwaiku, Nathan Dewberry and Matt Brinklow all netted for Mark Hunter’s side, with the win taking them up to 12th, four points clear of the bottom two. Mitchell Ali replied for OS here. Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also got a big 2 – 0 success at home to mid-table Sungate. Strikes by James Baughurst and Eugene Sago saw Craig Glashan’s side go up to ninth, above Shenfield AFC.

Also, Kelvedon Hatch made it five consecutive league wins with a 3 – 1 triumph over Shenfield AFC at New Hall. The trio of Drew Klessa-Smith, Chris Denham and James Burt all netted for Darren Hunt’s side to fortify fifth spot and they are only three points adrift of the top three. Hutton went up to second spot after a 2 – 1 win at Canning Town in Beckton. Brad Freeman and replace Will Marlowe got the goals to see Matt Singh’s side to a third straight victory and keep the gap to leaders Basildon Town to four points. Bas Town themselves got a narrow 1 – 0 success at top-four side Rayleigh Town, with substitute Jamie Bradbourn getting the crucial goal for Marcus Bowers’ side.

Matches Postponed: Galleywood P – P Springfield

Harold Wood Athletic P – P Ongar Town

EOFL Division One

In the second-tier, Runwell Sports got a 2 – 1 win over Snaresbrook at St Luke’s Park to extend their lead at the summit to three points. Chingford Athletic rose to second spot following a 3 – 0 home win against Wakering Sports who now drop to fourth. Toby were held 2 – 2 by fellow top six side Corinthians at Stambridge, with Luis Ruiz and Chris Cox goals for Toby being cancelled out by strikes from Bailey Moss and Jake Hodder by the hosts, who have now drawn four of their last six league matches.

Elsewhere, Leigh Town drew 3 – 3 with Herongate Athletic at John Burrows Recreation Ground. This result ends both sides’ losing runs and gave new Herongate boss Kurt Smith a decent start in his new role. We wish him well for the rest of the season.

Match Postponed: Epping Town P – P Beacon Hill Rovers

EOFL Divisions Two & Three

In Division Two, it was a rare blemish for the top two as they both suffered defeats away from home. Rochford Town got a huge result, defeating Harold Hill 2 – 1 at Rochford Recreation Ground. Matt Welsh and Own Pedder supplied the goals to push them up above AS Rawreth on goal diference at the bottom of the table. James Hughes got the solitary response for Hill. Shoebury Town got the better of ACD Utd at Cupid’s, with Town grabbing a 4 – 0 victory to lift Garry Johnson’s team up to sixth thanks to the ensemble cast of scorers comprising of Steven Valente, Kian Bradshaw, Tyler Boosey & Luke Bull. Town are now four points adrift of Manford Way in fourth. Manford Way defeated Rayleigh Town Res 3 – 1 at London Marathon Sports Ground, with James Dobson scoring twice and Mohammed Bouzeryouh also on target for them.

Elsewhere, May & Baker A went up to seventh place after a comprehensive 5 – 0 success against Harold Wood Athletic Res. Alagi Juwara scored another two goals for Steve Hogg & Matt Guidera’s side, and was joined on the score-sheet by Rowan Newland, Abraham Jairette and Nuno Espadaneira.

With only one match surviving this weekend in Division Three, the top two duked it out as leaders Catholic Utd Res drew 3 – 3 with second-placed Hashtag Utd Dev at St Thomas More Sch. Kai Warren netted a fine treble for the visitors to reach twelve league goals so far. New recruit Daniel Williams, Joe O’Kane and Alasdair Grant-Browning goals responded for the hosts retained their three-point lead at the summit and also their unbeaten record in the Division thus far.

Matches Postponed (Div Two): Hutton Res P – P AS Rawreth

(Div Three): Buckhurst Hill U23 P – P Leigh Town Res

Pitsea Athletic P – P Corinthians Res

EOFL Divisions Four & Five Results

Division Four

Canning Town Res 3 – 4 Chingford Athletic Res | Bobby Moore Pavilion

Leytonstone Utd 2 – 4 Roydon | Moved to Robert Clark Sch 3G

Old Chelmsfordians Res 3 – 0 Wakering Sports A | Lawford Lane

Shenfield AFC Res 2 – 2 Galleywood Res | Warley Playing Fields (Pitch 1)

Springfield Res 3 – 1 Southend Manor Dev | Slades Lane

Sungate Dev 2 – 6 Ongar Town Res | Ilford Wanderers RFC

Division Five

AS Rawreth Res 3 – 5 Collier Row Res | The Warren

Leigh Ramblers Res 2 – 2 Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res | Belfairs Park

Snaresbrook Res 3 – 0 Runwell Sports Res | Nutter Lane

Wakebury Res 6 – 3 Epping Town Res | Nursery Sports Ground

Match Postponed: Herongate Athletic Res P – P Pitsea Athletic Res

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 23 Oct) [EOFL 21/22 24.10.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 23 October. This week, the central focus on the League action returns, with this round-up focusing on the top three divisions (Division Three is now updated), with results from Division Four & Five. Many thanks for reading.

Image is an Archive one from Rochford Town v Wakebury earlier this month, by Scott W.

EOFL Premier Division

In the Premier Division, Catholic Utd got the result of the day as they won 5 – 0 at Kelvedon Hatch, with Aaron Baldwin returning to form with a double. Jay Nash, James Warder and Michael Sammut also netted for Simon Thomas’ side on a memorable day for them. Hutton also got an important three points as they defeated Shenfield AFC 3 – 1, with strikes by Brad Freeman, Will Marlowe and substitute Sean O’Callaghan sending Matt Singh’s team on the way to a fine win and remain third. Marc Holland responded for the visitors there. Rayleigh Town also got another win, as they won 3 – 0 against Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at London Road. Jack Long, Liam Oliver and George Vile all scored for Paul Higgins’ team.

Basildon Town also emerged from a hard-fought match with Harold Wood Athletic at Gardiners Close with a 2 – 1 victory and remain just one point adrift of the summit. Graham Harrison netted again to continue his fine season, with replacement Rhys Fatt also on target to overturn Freddy Shepherd’s strike for ‘Wood. In other action, OId Southendian continued their decent season with a 2 – 1 success at home to Galleywood. Matthew Buckingham struck for the visitors there. Ongar Town also won, 2 – 0 at Springfield to spoil Francesco Zabotti’s first match in charge for the hosts and Sungate secured a 4 – 2 triumph at home to Leigh Ramblers.

EOFL Division One

There were a couple of surprising results in Division One. First, leaders Wakering Sports travelled to Newbury Park in East London to face Toby. It ended up being a good day for Toby as they won 2 – 1, with Albert Perry and a Rhys Willson spot-kick enough to earn a big win and hamper the visitors’ superb start to the campaign. Charlie Smith had levelled for Sports earlier in the game. There was also an important win for Corinthians, who won 2 – 1 at Leigh Town thanks to strikes by Bailey Moss and Connor Summerhill.

Meanwhile at Billericay Road, the points were shared as Herongate Athletic drew 3 – 3 with Epping Town in a fine match. Mark Argent, Ray Snares and Ben Clarke all struck for Billy Cove’s side, but a double for Joe Rickett and one from Andrew Smith was enough to claim a decent point for Stuart Hoskins’ side. Elsewhere in other action, Old Chelmsfordians had Charlie Portway to thank for both goals as they claimed a 2 – 1 victory at home to Runwell Sports, who replied through player-boss Rob Hogdson. Finally, Chingford Athletic narrowly defeated Snaresbrook 1 – 0.

EOFL Division Two

In Division Two, ACD Utd went back to the top of the table on goal difference after a fine 4 – 2 win over Shoebury Town at Westlands. Michael Wade notched another brace here, with Shaun Goddard and Samuel Payne also on target for Greg Knock’s side. Callum Merenda and Steven Sharpe netted goals in response for Garry Johnson’s side but they fell to a third league loss this term. Nearest challengers Harold Hill were held to a 2 – 2 draw by Hutton Res at Noak Hill, with Jack Shaw netting both goals for the visitors there. Hill responded through a brace from Peter Tyler but are now joint-top. Old Southendian Res grabbed a decent 2 – 0 triumph at Harold Wood Athletic Res.

May & Baker A continued to make strides in this division as they defeated AS Rawreth 4 – 2. Alagi Juwara, Rowan Newland, Matthew Ball and Ryan Mugera all scored for Matt Guidera & Steve Hogg’s side as they earned a fourth league win this season. Rochford Town also emerged with a fine win, as they edged a nine-goal thriller, as they won 5 – 4 against Rayleigh Town Res at the Rec. Harry Ford netted twice for Jim Cooper’s side, with Owen Pedder, Musa Kamba and Freddie Pettitt all adding important goals to get a rare win this season for Rochford. Finally, Manford Way got a 2 – 1 win at Wakebury, with Max Hall again scoring for Matt Cardy’s side.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, Wakering Sports Res kept the gap to leaders Catholic Utd Res to six points after a 4 – 1 win over Leigh Town Res at Cupid’s. Liam O’Callaghan netted for Town but a double for Connor Fardyga and strikes by Scott Clark and David Watson were enough to claim the win. Catholic’s own Ressie side won 9 – 3 at home to Toby Res.

Hashtag Utd Development remain third after a 4 – 0 win against Collier Row, with Samuel Pratt scoring twice, with Kai Warren & Alex Warren also on target at Barleylands. Meanwhile, Basildon Town Res won 2 – 1 at Pitsea Athletic, thanks to strikes by Conor Mead and replacement Keith King. Finally, Corinthians Res got a 1 – 0 success at home to Hullbridge Sports Res, with Isaac Bello getting the only goal.

EOFL Division Four

Galleywood Res 1 – 4 Shenfield AFC Res | Clarkes Field

Leytonstone Utd 1 – 4 Chingford Athletic Res | Forest Row Centre

Ongar Town Res 2 – 0 Springfield Res | Melbourne Park 3G

Southend Manor Dev. 1 – 1 Canning Town Res | Southchurch Park

Wakering Sports A 3 – 3 Sungate Dev. | Cupid’s CC (Pitch 2)

EOFL Division Five

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 3 – 2 Pitsea Athletic Res | Silver Leys

Epping Town Res 2 – 2 Collier Row Res | Epping UC Rugby Club

Leigh Ramblers Res 4 – 4 Old Barkabbeyans | Belfairs Park

Runwell Sports Res H – W AS Rawreth Res

Snaresbrook Res 2 – 2 Herongate Athletic Res | Nutter Field

S21-22 Match Report: Rochford Town 3 – 5 Wakebury (Sat 9 Oct) [EOFL 21/22 9.10.21]

Essex Olympian League – Division Two

Venue: Rochford Recreation Ground

2021-22 Season: Match 30

Attendance: 15 (Est)

Saturday 9th October 2021 – 2pm KO

Rochford: Red & Yellow Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Wakebury: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Wakebury’s goal power sees them to good win at Rochford Town

Rochford Town 3 – 5 Wakebury

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

This weekend I did well to even keep my record of Saturday matches going (being honest) as I elected for this local Essex Olympian League Division Two match between my local club Rochford Town and visitors Wakebury. The hosts got a crucial win last week and fielded Elliott Pattison in goal, with a defensive four of Keaton Holyland, Alex Gray, Jack Clarke and Jamie Skinner. Club stalwart Freddie Pettitt skippered the side, with Harry Ford and Luke Jackson leading the forward line. Wakebury were missing a few players here, including injured goalkeeper Josh Harrison and forward Ibrahim Kagbanda. We did see a rare start for assistant boss Dan Blewett in goal, with a back three of Jack Smith, Elliott Hutchinson-Khupe and Ben Perry. Sam Rowe and Kofi Gyamfi were the wing-backs, with Max Hall and Harry Kateley leading the attack.

We didn’t have to wait long for the chances to start cropping up in this one. Five minutes in, a Wakebury long throw by Sam Rowe found forward Max Hall lurking at the back post only for his header to be well-denied by home custodian Elliott Pattison. Rochford were looking lively through the middle with midfielder Matt Welsh and forward Luke Jackson getting on the ball and it was Jackson who was involved in the opening goal. A decent break by the hosts saw Jackson find strike partner Harry Ford who evaded a less than stringent visiting defence before slotting in from a wide angle, low past stand-in Berries goalkeeper Dan Blewett and into the far corner on seven minutes. Given their good record on scoring goals, Wakebury responded strongly, with both Max Hall and Harry Kateley blazing over the woodwork with half-chances in the next phase of the game. At the midway point of the half, Kateley was denied again by Pattison but you sensed there was a goal in the offing.

Moments later, said goal did materalise as forward Max Hall continued his fine goal-scoring season with a fine strike into the top corner, giving Pattison little chance. Things rather turned for the home side at that point, and on the stroke of the half-hour the Berries took the lead from the penalty spot. Hall stepped up and his strike from twelve yards just got past Pattison into the left corner of the net. Jim Cooper’s side were not impressed with the penalty decision and in just a few minutes, they had two players in the sin-bin. Wakebury sought to make the most of that advantage, with the hosts temporarily down to nine men as forward Will Wheeler dragged his shot on goal wide of Pattison’s goal when well-poised to score. If that was a fortunate escape for Town, they had no such reprieve just before the interval.

Wheeler was in on goal again after getting the better of a re-jigged home defence and this time, Wheeler’s radar was on-song as he connected well with another low strike which found the left corner. It was a decent comeback by Matt Cardy’s side, despite a few nervous moments defensively. Rochford started well but couldn’t keep their passing rhythm for long periods of the half as the match did become rather scrappy at times.

Half-Time: Rochford 1 – 3 Wakebury

Wakebury really put themselves in a comanding position soon after the interval as they got a fourth goal. Good running by wing-back Kofi Gyamfi down the right channel found Kateley whose initial strike came back off the woodwork. But in the next attacking phase, substitute Danny Buglione powered home a strike which Pattison misjudged and it sailed low into the net. To their credit, Rochford responded at the other end as Ford found himself in on goal with only Blewett to bypass, but his scuffed effort was gathered by the veteran stopper. That missed oppurtunity was telling as the visitors added to the pain for their hosts with a fifth goal on 53 minutes. A good move involving Sam Rowe found opposite wing-back Gyamfi who powered home low into the net to crown off a good game for him.

The home side were still keen to get themselves back into the contest with just half hour to play as jackson narrowly fired wide after a good pass in by Welsh who broke well down the right channel. The open-ended match continued as Pattison did well to deny Hall a treble, and club stalwart Chris Gore headed over as well. Those nervy moments for the visiting backline were still apparent though, as winger Bobby Anderson stole in but couldn’t beat the goalkeeper. As we entered the fnal third of the match, Jackson’s cross was headed on by Wakebury centre-back Elliott Hutchinson-Khupe but the fall fell to Ford who couldnt get his strike away on goal. To be fair to the hosts, they did merit another goal for their efforts and with 15 minutes remaining, skipper Freddie Pettitt advanced into the box, got in first before his marker and fizzed home a strike high into the net evading Blewett.

The visitors were still looking enterprising going forward at this point as well, as Buglione fired a shot wide with about ten minutes remaining. Wakebury had to finish the match with ten men as replacement PJ O’Hanlon was dismissed for two bookings. Rochford did grab another goal in added time as a fine free-kick by Harry Ford was powerfully struck into the right-side corner of the goal for his second goal of the game, only for the goal celebration by Jackson to land the latter in further trouble as the referee duly handed out the red card. It was a glib note to end what was a really entertaining match which showed both sides have goals in them, though Matt Cardy’s side again showed that their goal power was good much to reign in.

Full-Time: Rochford Town 3 – 5 Wakebury

To summarise, Wakebury did well to overcome early jitters and falling behind to get themselves ahead in the match, as the hosts were stifled by two players being sent to the sin-bin before half-time. The Berries extended their lead at start of the second period and despite a commendable effort by Rochford to get back into the game, it was Matt Cardy’s side who emerged victorious.

For stand-out performances here, the victors Wakebury were indebted to two-goal forward Max Hall who did really show his energy, pace and finishing today, although the sevond goal from the penalty spot just evaded Town stopper Pattison. Quick forward Will Wheeler also grew into the game and took his goal well and also showed good passing to build attacking moves. Forward Harry Kateley also did well in possession and was unfortunate to not score here, and wing-back Kofi Gyamfi also showed very good energy levels and took his goal well. For Rochford, the forward pair of Harry Ford and Luke Jackson both gave the visiting defence some nervy moments, with Ford notching two good goals and Jackson stretching the visiting defence with pace and energy. Midfielder Matt Welsh also showed good dribbling and passing and was their key outlet in the middle of the park, plus captain Freddie Pettitt put in a good shift for his side and took his goal well. A word also for Town ‘keeper Elliott Pattison who made some decent saves to keep his team in the game.

Best wishes to both teams for the rest of the campaign.

Teams

Rochford Town | Manager: Jim Cooper |

Starting XI: 1 Elliott Pattison (GK), 14 Keaton Holyland, 3 Alex Gray, 5 Jack Clarke, 6 Jamie Skinner, 4 Freddie Pettitt (Capt), 8 Matt Welsh, 7 Max Harrington, 9 Harry Ford, 10 Luke Jackson, 11 Bobby Anderson

Goal-scorer: Harry Ford [7′, 90’+2], Freddie Pettitt [74′],

Subs On: 12 Matthew Pettitt [45′], 15 Owen Pedder [66′]

Booked: F Pettitt | Sin-Binned: Skinner, Jackson | Sent Off: Jackson | Subs Not Used: Cooper, Hare

Wakebury | Manager: Matt Cardy | Assistant: Gareth Cleverly

Starting XI: 1 Dan Blewett (GK), 3 Jack Smith, 5 Elliott Hutchinson-Khupe, 6 Ben Perry, 2 Kofi Gyamfi, 11 Sam Rowe, 4 Chris Gore (Capt), 8 Harrison Grant, 7 Will Wheeler, 9 Max Hall, 10 Harry Kateley

Goal-scorers: Max Hall [24′ & pen 29′], Will Wheeler [45′], Danny Buglione [47′], Kofi Gyamfi [53′]

Subs On: Peter-James (PJ) O’Hanlon [13′], Danny Buglione [46′]

Booked: Perry, Khupe, Smith | Sent Off: O’Hanlon | Sub Not Used: Lewis

Referee: Kenneth Goff

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & EJC (Sat 2 Oct) [EOFL 21/22 3.10.21]

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

Hello all and welcome to my round-up of the action in the Essex Olympian League, on Saturday 2 October. This weekend saw some huge scorelines and some surprising results in matches played in inclement weather conditions. This week, the focus is on the top four divisions with results from Divisions Four & Five and the one Essex Junior Cup second round tie involving an EOFL side.

Many thanks for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

We begin as ever in the Premier Division, and Ongar Town are the new leaders after a 2 – 0 home win over Galleywood. Richard Ponsford’s side have now accrued six wins in their seven games and lead second-placed Hutton by two points. Matt Singh’s side were held 2 – 2 by Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at Polo Fields. Stephen Judge & an OG accounted for the home side’s goals while a double from Sam Chaney took his tally to six league goals for Craig Glashan’s side, who go up one place to 13th. Basildon Town had a frustrating afternoon as they were held 3 – 3 by Shenfield AFC at St Martin’s Sch. Mitchell Day, Sam Coombes and substitute Vincent Clarke were all on target for the hosts, with Jamie Bradbourn and James O’Brien among the scorers for Marcus Bowers’ third-placed side. Shenfield are tough to beat at the moment and reside in ninth spot.

Meanwhile in Beckton, Canning Town got their first win of the campaign, defeating Harold Wood Athletic 2 – 1. James Pottle netted for Gary Willis’ side but Town responded to take the points. Rayleigh Town’s top-six clash with Sungate had to be abandoned on 71 minutes due to a serious injury to a Sungate player, who sustained a bad knee injury. I wish the player concerned a swift recovery. Elsewhere, Catholic Utd got back to winning ways as debutant James Warder netted twice in a 2 – 1 triumph against local rivals Old Southendian. Callum Ludlaim had put OS ahead but this defeat saw them drop below Utd into eighth.

Finally, Leigh Ramblers got a fine 4 – 0 win at Springfield with Nathan Dewberry scoring twice to complete a welcome return for Mark Hunter’s side. Jack Gardner and Ole Hunter also netted for the visitors. Sadly, after the game Springfield boss Dan Williams announced he was stepping down from the role citing family reasons and I’d like to wish Dan well for the future.

EOFL Division One

In the second-tier, two of the top three sides faced off at Billericay Road where leaders Wakering Sports made a stirring comeback to draw 3 – 3 at hosts Herongate Athletic. Billy Cove’s Ath side launched into a three-goal lead thanks to goals from Izaih Antoine, Robbie Farrell and Thomas Turner but Mitchell Gleeson’s side showed their spirit again and left with a point thanks to a brace from replacement Alfie Fossett and one from Connor Burrows. Old Chelmsfordians also got their first win this term with a 3 – 1 triumph over Chingford Athletic at Lawford Lane. Max Johnson, Mason Naylor and Brad Ross all scored for Ryan Fleming’s side here.

Toby got their third win of the campaign as late goals saw them to a 2 – 0 win at Snaresbrook. Marc Porter-Brown and Albert Perry goals saw Mark Jones’ team to the points at ‘Brook’s first-team new home at the Hackney Marshes centre. Epping Town also grabbed a fine away win, winning 4 – 2 at Runwell Sports. Joe Rickett, Chris Gormley, Jamaine Belle & an OG saw Stuart Hoskins’ team to the points which took them up to seventh. An OGo of their own & Charlie Little saw Rob Hodgson’s side take an early lead but they succumbed to defeat and lost ground on leaders Wakering Sports, who now hold a three-point lead.

Also, Corinthians got a memorable victory as they hit ten goals in a huge 10 – 3 victory at Beacon Hill Rovers. Recent recruit Bailey Moss got six goals himself here to take his tally up to 14 league goals already. Jake Hodder added another two goals with Leo Clarke and Cameron Glover also netting for a jubilant Chris Stoneham’s team, who are now only two points adrift of Runwell Sports in second.

EOFL Division Two

Moving into Division Two now, and ACD Utd maintained their 100% start to the season with a 5 – 0 triumph at AS Rawreth. Ollie Williams led the way here with a treble, with Samuel Payne and Shaun Goddard also on target for Greg Knock’s side. Harold Hill are adapting very well to life back in the EOFL as they won 3 – 2 at Manford Way. Peter Tyler, Ronnie Hobbrough and Siddy Clarkson all netted for Mark Ellis’ side in this one, they are now six matches unbeaten and sit level on points with the leaders. Wakebury are another side who are in decent form after a fine 3 – 2 win at Old Southendian Res. William Wheeler now has seven league goals already this term after notching twice again at Garon Park, with Lewis Francis also netting for Matt Cardy’s side. Nico Dubouchet and Jack Cripps resonded for Josh Bambury’s team but they fell to a fourth consecutive loss. Rayleigh Town Res also got a good win on the road with a 2 – 1 success at Shoebury Town. Byron Down kept up his decent season thus far with a double here for Dave Barker’s side. Kian Bradshaw replied for Jason Doyle’s side but their mini-revival is over.

Elsewhere, Rochford Town picked up a crucial 2 – 1 victory over Hutton Res at the Rec. Owen Pedder and replacement Matt Welsh both netted to give James Cooper’s side their opening win this term. Thomas Price scored for the visitors but they are yet to win this season. Lastly in this division, Harold Wood Athletic Res got another three points, thanks to a 3 – 2 win over May & Baker A. Harvey Cooper, substitute Freddy Shepherd and a penalty from Thomas Butler all assisted Steve Hubbard’s side to the points which takes them up to fifth.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, Leigh Town Reserves got their 2nd win of the campaign after a 2 – 1 triumph at home to Buckhurst Hill U23 at John Burrows Recreation Ground. Strikes by Chris Pope and Max Whitehead saw Antony Lane’s side to the win, which sees them rise to sixth. The Hill second-side are second-bottom after their fourth loss in six matches. In the other action in the division, Catholic Utd’s Ressie side retained their six point lead at the summit after a 3 – 2 success at home to Pitsea Athletic. Paul Gunn and replacement David Newcomb netted for the visitors but they drop down to seventh.

Hashtag Utd Development are the nearest challengers in second spot, after they defeated Basildon Town Res 2 – 0 at Barleylands. Toby Res are up to third after dispatching bottom side Corinthians Res 5 – 0 in Newbury Park. Finally, Hullbridge Sports Res made it two wins thus far this season with a 2 – 1 win away at Collier Row, with Jay Knight among the scorers there for the visitors.

Cups

Essex Junior Cup R2 – Hawkwell Athletic 3 – 5 Wakering Sports Res

Herts Junior Cup – Rio Rovers 0 – 3 Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res

EOFL Division Four

Results

Canning Town Res 1 – 2 Roydon | Bobby Moore Pavillon, Beckton

Chingford Athletic Res 2 – 3 Ongar Town Res | Town Mead 3G

Galleywood Res 0 – 3 Wakering Sports A | Clarkes Field

Shenfield AFC Res 3 – 4 Springfield Res | Warley Playing Fields

Southend Manor Dev. 2 – 0 Old Chelmsfordians Res | Southchurch Park

Sungate Dev 3 – 2 Leytonstone Utd | Ilford Wanderers RFC

EOFL Division Five

Results

Collier Row Res 2 – 9 Old Barkabbeyans | Forest Row Centre (Pitch 2)

Leigh Ramblers Res 2 – 1 Herongate Athletic Res | Belfairs Park

Pitsea Athletic Res 3 – 3 Snaresbrook Res | Basildon Sporting Village

Wakebury Res 4 – 3 AS Rawreth Res | Nursery Sports Ground

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League (Sat 10 April) [EOFL 20/21 11.4.21]

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

Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking back on the action in the Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 10th April, with some super score-lines occurring & a tale of sportsmanship as well. As ever, our focus here is on the top four divisions, though there is a mention of the game covered by a Non-League colleague in Division Five this week. Thank you for reading.

EOFL Premier Division

In this week’s top-tier action, Basildon Town were held 1 – 1 at Sungate, with replacement Jimmy Markham getting the important goal for player-boss Marcus Bowers’ team. Sungate levelled thanks to Lee Samways’ strike but drop to eighth after this result, while Town also lost ground by virtue of Buckhurst Hill’s comfortable 4 – 0 success over Hutton at Roding Lane. Captain Suleyman Zuhdu grabbed another double here to take his goal tally to 17 for the season. Nathan Sollosi and Tyler Dolan also netted to give Mark Williams’ side a two-point lead at the summit. Hutton’s fine form comes to a halt and they dropped one place to fourth. That was because Catholic Utd stunned Rayleigh Town 7 – 0 at London Road with Brad Rowland netting a treble, Aaron Baldwin a brace plus Tom Kearney and replacement Rhys Fatt notching in completing a big win for Stuart Marshall’s side to go into third spot on goal difference. Rayleigh’s tricky season continues and they are looking over their shoulder in second-bottom.

Elsewhere, Old Southendian grabbed a super 5 – 3 away win at Canning Town, thanks to a treble from midfielder Mitchell Ali and strikes from Craig Paton and Sam Adcock. OS’ first away win in five games his term sees them gain big ground on the five sides immediately above them. Canning fall to eleventh place, due to Kelvedon Hatch rising up to ninth spot thanks to a 2 – 1 victory over Springfield at New Hall. Kyle Asante and Lewis Young were the goal-scoring heroes for Steve Mann’s side. Springfield responded through substitute Jake Clarke but still drop below their opponents here to tenth spot.

Also in this division, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts maintained their good start to this ‘mini-season’ with a 3 – 1 triumph at Shenfield AFC. A brace from Kurt Smith and one for Kieran Southgate was enough to send Billy Cove’s side hurtling up to seventh in the table, five points adrift of the top four. And Harold Wood Athletic also continued their good form with a narrow 1 – 0 win over Leigh Ramblers at Harold Wood Park. Club stalwart John Bradley got the only goal of the game here for Alex Goldstone’s team.

EOFL Division One

This week in Division One, Toby rose to seventh spot, thanks to a 4 – 3 win over Galleywood in Newbury Park. Rhys Willson netted twice for the East Londoners, with Luis Ruiz and Louis Hill also on target on his debut. Galleywood fell to fourth spot as Old Chelmsfordians leapfrogged them into third place, as they won 4 – 0 at Ramsden Scotia. Martin Mixture, Joe Kemp, Samuel Adams and Paul Tiffen all netted for the OC’s. Ramsden sit in eighth spot, three points clear of the bottom three.

Also, Chingford Athletic got another positive result with a 1 – 1 draw at fellow strugglers Herongate Athletic. Michael Mignot got his second goal in as many weeks here as Lee Bowers’ side continue to look upwards. Runwell Sports got a comfortable 3 – 0 win over Rayleigh Town Res at St Luke’s Park which keeps the gap to leaders Ongar to three points.

Ongar Town themselves were involved in a game with a story this weekend, with Richard Ponsford’s side recording a big 15 – 0 triumph over Shoebury Town. The mass array of scorers were led by substitute Jack Zielinski’s treble, doubles for leading scorer Aaron Blair, Mitchell McCabe, Oswald Nyahunda and replacement Conner Jones plus one each for Joe Lilly, Eamon Payne, Harry Rawlins and Billy Reed. However, that wasn’t the aforementioned story. The story was that strugglers Shoebury did not concede the game before kick-off after several departures in the week and the South Essex side stood up for themselves & the league, which earned the leaders’ respect & acclaim on the final whistle. Something which I believe deserves noting here also, so credit to Shoebury.

In other action, Snaresbrook also pulled off a huge win, defeating Manford Way 3 – 1 at the London Marathon Sports Ground. Daniel Tesfay’s brace along with Ife Ogunbayo’s strike was enough to Rob Caine’s side further impetus as they are in sixth place in the standings, only four points away from the top four. Connor Hammond’s goal wasn’t enough for Manford in this game and they are only above their opponents here on goal difference now in fifth.

EOFL Division Two

In the third-tier, we have new leaders as Leigh Town are once again the team to catch, as they won 5 – 2 over Ryan at the John Burrows Recreation Ground. Brodie Horne notched twice in this match, along with further strikes by Daniel Driscoll, Rhys Mosedale and Lewis Lawrence. Jack Pearman’s side are two points clear at the top with games in hand on their nearest rivals. Corinthians celebrated a welcome return to form, defeating previous leaders Beacon Hill Rovers 2 – 0 at the Stambridge Memorial Ground to gain ground on the top three.

Meanwhile, Wakering Sports were back on winning form as they won 3 – 2 at home to Laindon Orient. Goals from Aaron Clark, Meschack Kisoka and Mo Sesay saw Mitchell Gleeson’s side to the points & cement their position in sixth. Laindon got on the scorer’s sheet thanks to a brace from James Shadwell but they ended the game with ten men and are now three points off the leaders & are vulnerable to being caught by Corinthians & Epping Town. Epping remain fifth after a important 5 – 0 win at strugglers May & Baker ‘A’. Callum Turner’s double got Stuart Hoskins’ side well on the way to victory, with goals from Graeme Turner, Joe Rickett and Charlie Pollard adding further gloss to the score-line.

Elsewhere, Rochford Town got a surprise 3 – 2 victory at Old Southendian Res as Harry Ford, Matt Welsh and Alex Gray all scored for James Cooper’s side. Dave Stubbs and Tom Judge responded for Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s side but it was Rochford who got the points which sent them rising up the standings to eighth spot. Also, Harold Wood Athletic Res grabbed a narrow 1 – 0 win at AS Rawreth, thanks to Ola James’ goal.

EOFL Division Three

In Division Three, ACD Utd recovered from defeat last week to remain two points clear at the summit, thanks to a 3 – 1 win over Lakeside Utd in the early game of the day at Westlands. Player-boss Michael Wade scored yet another double here to take his goal tally to 19 in the league this term, with Ollie Williams also on the score-sheet for ACD. Also, skipper Mason Oakley made his 100th appearance for the club in this match so congrats to him. Lakeside drop to seventh in the table after this result.

Buckhurst Hill Res got the points by virtue of a home Walkover against Corinthians Res, who are yet to win away from Stambridge this term. Hill’s second-side reside in ninth spot, one place above their opposition. Basildon Town Res had to grind out a

1 – 0 win at home to Toby Res, with Scott Cooper grabbing the decisive goal to send them up to sixth spot. Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ got a good three points in defeating winless Leigh Town Res 3 – 0 at the side pitch at Lower Road. Joseph Darby opened the scoring with substitutes Josh Boswell and Bryce Odea also notching as they fortified fifth spot with this result.

Elsewhere, Manford Way Res kept the pressure on leaders ACD with a 4 – 1 win at Hutton Res. Josh Duah struck twice for the Manford second-side, with top scorer David Hornsby and Fuad Ibrahim also netting. They sit second, three points clear of Wakebury, who scored six goals for the second successive week, emerging with a

6 – 3 win over fellow high-flyers Collier Row at Shoebury Park. Daniel Buglione struck a hat-trick, with Adam Topley netting twice and Billy Bonham-Dare adding another for Matt Cardy’s side. The ‘fly in the ointment’ for the Berries is that their five remaining games are all away from home.

EOFL Division Four Results

Chingford Athletic Res 2 – 3 Sungate Res | Town Mead [3G]

Galleywood Res 0 – 2 Shenfield AFC Res | Clarkes Field

Hashtag Utd Dev. 4 – 1 Canning Town Res | Barleylands Road

Laindon Orient Res 3 – 3 Ongar Town Res | Markhams Chase

Old Chelmsfordians Res 2 – 3 Wakering Sports Res | Lawford Lane

EOFL Senior Five Results

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 1 – 2 Shoebury Town Res | Silver Leys

Epping Town Res 5 – 3 Old Barkabbeyans | Epping UC Rugby Club

Leigh Ramblers Res 2 – 3 Newbury Forest Res | Belfairs Park

Roydon 1 – 0 Collier Row Res | Roydon Playing Fields

Springfield Res 13 – 0 AS Rawreth Res | Arun Park (Close)

Wakering Sports ‘A’ 3 – 2 Herongate Athletic Res | Cupid’s CC (pitch 2)

Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore [@aaron_moore25] was at Silver Leys to report on Shoebury Town Reserves’ win, here’s his report: https://footballreview.net/match-report-bishops-stortford-swifts-reserves-1-2-shoebury-town-reserves/

That’s all for this week’s EOFL round-up, we’ll be back next week.

Season 2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Senior Lge Cup (Wk 1 – Sat 5 Sept) [EOFL 20-21 6.9.20]

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

Hello and welcome back to the first of new season of round-up’s looking at the Essex Olympian League divisions for the Season 2020-21. In this opening piece, we look at the League & Senior Cup action. Thanks as ever to the clubs and you, my readers for continuing to show interest in these pieces. Best wishes to all players, managers & officials at every Olympian League side, wish you a good campaign.

Saturday 5th September 2020

EOFL Crest

EOFL Premier Division

As ever, we begin with the top-tier of the Olympian League. Buckhurst Hill got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3 – 0 success over Kelvedon Hatch at Roding Lane. Suleyman Zuhdu started off another season for Mark Williams’s team in a strong fashion with a hat-trick in this one. Also among the day’s winners were Basildon Town who had goals from Anthony Aylett and Graham Harrison to thank for a 2 – 0 win at Hutton. Billy Cove’s Bishop’s Stortford Swifts edged a predictably hard-fought encounter with Old Southendian at Garon Park, ending up with a 1 – 0 victory, thanks to ex-Sawbridgeworth & Walthamstow forward Oliver Fortune’s goal.

Elsewhere, Sungate also started their season strongly at home, defeating Shenfield AFC 3 – 1 at Ilford Wanderers Rugby Club. Petrit Elbi, Billy Wells and Ekundayo Oduwole were all on the score-sheet for Bobby Port’s side. Rayleigh Town also showed their intent by beating Harold Wood Athletic 3 – 1 at London Road. George Vile gave the hosts a fifth-minute lead, before John Bradley levelled for Ath before the interval. However, further goals from Harry Talbot and Vile himself, securing his brace meant that Town started the season in good touch, much to the delight of boss Paul Higgins.

In the other action on the opening day, Springfield were held to a 2 – 2 by Leigh Ramblers. Denzel Adebiyi and Jordan Denyer struck for Dan Williams’ side, though strikes by Justin Hazell and Ryan Lowe meant that Colin Wall’s side left Arun Close with a share of the spoils. Catholic Utd also had to settle for a point as they twice came from behind to draw 2 – 2 with Canning Town at the Len Forge Centre. Ted Buchanan and Ronnie Hobbrough got the goals for Stuart Marshall’s side there.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

In the only Division One game this weekend due to Cup action, Old Chelmsfordians defeated Rayleigh Town Res 2 – 1 at Lawford Lane. Into Division Two now and only two matches were played on the season’s opening bow. Beacon Hill Rovers edged to a 3 – 2 success over Old Southendian Res in visiting gaffer Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s first match in charge.

Also, last season’s unbeaten side Leigh Town ground out another three points with a 1 – 0 triumph at Harold Wood Athletic Res, thanks to Dan Driscoll who got the solitary goal.

EOFL Senior League Cup

Beginning our round-up of the Senior Cup action with a focus on seven of the eleven matches that took place, two sides managed to notch ten goals each in their games. First, Ongar Town put away Laindon Orient 10 – 0 at Marhams Close to advance to the next round. Aaron Blair led the way with a treble, while Harry Rawlins, Mitchell McCabe and Josh Boxall all added braces themselves, and Ayo Awoskinka also found the net as Neil Blackburn’s Laindon side were comprehensively outdone.

Elsewhere, Galleywood from Division One demolished Division Five side Old Barkbbeyans 10 – 2, with Sam Donn and Jamie Lockwood also nabbing doubles in this one. Jack Chatterway, Luke Osborne, Tyler Tredgett, Max Orrin, Jamie Ricks & C raig Skipper were also among the hefty ensemble cast of scorers for Mark O’Sullivan’s side. To their credit, Barkabbeyans got two goals themselves through Dre Ferlisi and Murad Miah. Ramsden Scotia advanced without a ball being struck as they had a Home walkover over FC Hamlets. Manford Way also progressed with a fine 4 – 0 over the new Hashtag Utd Development side at Barleylands Road. Ex-Essex Senior player Liam Burgess grabbed a treble, with Olajide Yusuff also notching for Trevor Grace’s new side.

Ryan also secured their passage to the next round with a 2 – 0 win over AS Rawreth. Former Roydon duo Scout Bown and Lewis Watson were on target for Declan Murphy’s side. ACD Utd also won through, with a 2 – 1 success at Shoebury Town, with that man Michael Wade again the match-winner, scoring both goals for ACD there. Lakeside Utd also won on their debut, sending Division One Snaresbrook crashing out as Utd won 3 – 0, thanks to strikes by David Alele, Damilola Olusanya and Daniel Demain.

A new era began at Epping Town as a crowd of over a hundred saw them beat Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ 2 – 0 at Epping Rugby Club. Charlie Pollard and Chris Gormley go the goals for Stuart Hoskins’ team. In other action, Rochford Town got a rare away win, defeating Wakering Sports 2 – 1 at Cupid’s. Collier Row also went through, edging past Toby with a 1 – 0 win, while a much-changed Runwell Sports side won 3 – 2 at Division Two Corinthians.

EOFL Division Three

Finally for the round-up section this week, Basildon Town Res got their Division Three campaign off to a flyer with a 5 – 2 win over Buckhurst Hill Res at Basildon Sports Club. Brandon Hubbard and Genit Abazi got the strikes for the visitors but a brace from Tommy Green plus added strikes by Scott Cooper, Toby Warren and replacement Nathan Fisher sealed the win for Lee Wilgoose’s side. Also in the other match, Toby Ressies picked a fine 3 – 0 home win over Leigh Town Res with Peter Spicer, Tom Biddis and Graham Knight getting the match-altering goals in Newbury Park.

EOFL Division Four

Chingford Athletic Res 1 – 0 Galleywood Res | Town Mead [3G]

Shenfield AFC Res 0 – 2 Old Chelmsfordians Res | The Drive, Warley

EOFL Senior Five

Collier Row Res 7 – 3 Epping Town Res | Forest Row Centre (Pitch #2)

Herongate Athletic Res 2 – 5 Shoebury Town Res | St Clere’s Sch [3G]

Roydon 3 – 2 AS Rawreth Res | Roydon Playing Fields

Runwell Sports Res 1 – 2 Springfield Res | St Luke’s Park

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

Written By Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

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

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

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

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

Still from Leigh Town v Corinthians [EPC QF 1.2.20]

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

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

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

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

Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res EOFL D2 7.12.19

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

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

Another image from Corinthians v Wakering Sports EOFL D2 21.9.19

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

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

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

Corinthians v Rochford Town still EOFL D2 15.2.20

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

EOFL Division Two – Top Goalscorers 2019-20 Season

		Club/s	League Goals	League Starts

1	Nathan Dewberry	Corinthians	16	10

=2	Adebolu Adeyemi	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	10
	Stephen Bennett	Beacon Hill Rovers	10	12

=4	Ashley Blackburn	Laindon Orient	9	10
	Max Jones	Leigh Town	9	10
	Louis Hill	AS Rawreth	9	13

7	Jake Hodder	Corinthians	8	11

=8	Alex Paraskeva	Epping Town	7	8
	Shane Cooper	Leigh Town	7	10
	Mohammed Sesay	Wakering Sports	7	11

=11	Gabriel Odili	May & Baker Res	6	2
	Ben Franklin	Old Southendian Res	6	8
	John Bolton-Smith	Corinthians	6	11
	Leo Clarke	Corinthians	6	12
	Greg Molford	Old Southendian Res	6	12
	Glen Warwick	Epping Town	6	12
	Oliver Taton-Bennett	Old Southendian Res	6	13
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	6	16

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

			Appearances
		Club/s	League Starts	Bench	Total

=1	Jacob Hubble	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Freddie Pettitt	Rochford Town	16	0	16
	Ben Rowe	Wakering Sports	16	0	16

=4	Danny Pallett	Wakering Sports	15	1	16
	Luke Stillwell	Old Southendian Res	15	0	15

=6	Harry Ford	Rochford Town	14	1	15
	Ethan Bird	AS Rawreth	14	0	14
	Callum Burns-Green	Wakering Sports	14	0	14
	George Dugdale	Old Southendian Res	14	0	14
	Jack Power	Rochford Town	14	0	14
	Lewis Sherwood	Beacon Hill Rovers	14	0	14
	Adam Smith	Leigh Town	14	0	14

=13	Mitchell Gleeson	Wakering Sports	13	2	15
	Akeem Matthews	Ryan	13	1	14
	Luke Owen	Corinthians	13	1	14
	Matt Welsh	Rochford Town	13	1	14

Match Report: Corinthians 3 – 1 Rochford Town (Sat 15 Feb) [EOFL 19/20 16.2.20]

EOFL Crest

Essex Olympian League – Senior Division Two

Venue: Stambridge Memorial Ground

2019 – 20 Season: Match 58

Saturday 15th February 2020 – 2.00pm KO

Corinthians: Sky Blue & White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Rochford Town: Red & Yellow Striped Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Corinthians get important win over local rivals Rochford at wind-swept Stambridge

Corinthians 3 – 1 Rochford Town

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

On the weekend that ‘Storm Dennis’ heavily reduced the local action across the Non-League divisions, I made the return trip to Stambridge to see this EOFL Senior Two tussle between local rivals Corinthians and Rochford Town. Chris Stoneham’s hosts welcomed Nathan Warren back in goal, with a back four of George Fulcher, Brad Smith, Sammy Ayres and skipper Alfie Knight. The attack-minded Nathan Dewberry and John Bolton-Smith were supported by wingers Bill Wilton and Jake Hodder. Leo Clarke, Ollie Brickwood and Jordan Stoneham completed a depleted bench, with the likes of Dan Cooksley, Ethan Lemmon and Theo Cannon all unavailable here.

Rochford named Elliott Pattison between the posts, with Jack Clarke and Josh Ledger in central defence, skipper Freddie Pettitt on the right flank and a front two of Jordan Ginty and Josh Fryer, with top scorer Tommy Dominguez alongside the likes of Harry Ford and Joe Lovett on the bench.

Even when I got to the ground, it was quite clear that the hosts had done well to get the game on as the rain drifted in to join the blustery wind close to kick-off. It was also one of those afternoons where you could understand those involved wouldn’t be so keen to play or watch so fair play. In the early stages of the contest, both sides were looking decent going forward as the hosts were going into the wind. Rochford forwards Jordan Ginty and Josh Fryer were linking up well on the counter-attack in the early minutes, though it was Corinthians who has the first sighters of goal as first, Nathan Dewberry’s free-kick dribbled wide of the far post and soon after from a corner, Jake Hodder’s prodded effort was just gathered by visiting custodian Elliott Pattison. The hosts had their fair share of possession at this stage but with the conditions affecting long-range passing, they just needed that bit more composure which they later found.

On 18 minutes, energetic forward John Bolton-Smith fired another effort off-target for the hosts and then a couple of minutes later, another free-kick in a promising position was curled in by Dewberry though Pattison did well to palm away from the danger zone. Town were conceding a few set-pieces at this point and from Matt Burrell’s corner, Corinthians were adamant that the ball had wafted over the goal-line though it wasn’t given. This seemed to charge up the hosts as midway through the half, they took he lead. A good run into midfield by centre-back Alfie Knight ended by feeding a neat through ball to Hodder who only had Pattison to defeat and his low finish got the better of the Rochford stopper.

Corinthians doubled their advantage only a few minutes later as fine curling finish by Bolton-Smith found the top corner from inside the area. Just past the half-hour, Rochford did have a rare surge forward which saw skipper Freddie Pettitt put in a good centre, though the home defence stood firm to clear their lines. Pattison was called into action again for Rochford soon after, as another good pass by Knight found Bolton-Smith though the latter’s header was clawed away by the Town goalkeeper as it was heading in under the crossbar. The hosts kept the pressure on as from a Luke Owen corner, Pattison palmed the ball away for another set-piece. From that very corner, Bolton-Smith’s in-swinging delivery got caught up in a gust and trickled past everyone into the net, past an unfortunate Pattison to make it comfortable for the Stambridge-based side.

Just shy of the interval, a rasping 20-yard drive by Rochford midfielder Rinor Zeqiri fizzed wide of Nathan Warren’s goal though for the most part, the home side deserved their lead.

Half-Time: Corinthians 3 – 0 Rochford Town

You have to credit Rochford for their response after the break, despite the declining conditions. Three minutes after the re-start, Town forward Josh Fryer was well found in the area though with only Warren to bypass, the home glovesman did well to deny Fryer with a firm one-handed save. In what was a slighter quieter second-half overall, Owen had a decent strike saved by Pattison nine minutes into the half. As we entered the last twenty minutes, Town forward Jordan Ginty’s well-struck strike powered wide of the right-side post, a reminder that the visitors were not ‘downing tools’.

Moments afterward at the other end, a searing cross by Dewberry was inch-perfect for Bolton-Smith though he couldn’t get the direction on it as it went over the goal frame. Dewberry also gave us a small reminder of his fancy footwork as well to get past his marker before angling a tame effort wide. Town did get a goal back as a good ball found onrushing midfielder Jack Power and he tucked home well past Warren with twelve minutes remaining. And then late on, substitute Jordan Stoneham was played in, one-n-one with Pattison though the Town ‘keeper did well to deny him to crown off a good personal display.

Full-Time: Corinthians 3 – 1 Rochford Town

In summary, Corinthians showed enough purpose and had more than enough chances to deserve the points, though to be fair, Rochford were also decent at times going forward, although they were at risk of getting overloaded in defence, thanks to the hosts’ passing and movement, not to mention the finishing too.

In terms of stand-out performances, for Corinthians, I felt centre-back Alfie Knight had a strong game, not only doing his defensive duties but also making surging runs forward into midfield and also got an assist for the first goal too. Forward John Bolton-Smith and winger Jake Hodder also did well, stretching the Rochford defence as well as getting all three home goals between them, while full-back George Fulcher also showed good energy and purpose at both ends of the pitch.

For Rochford, forward Josh Fryer put in a combative display and kept the home back-line busy at times with skipper Freddie Pettitt being a useful creative outlet as well as putting in a hard-working display in both boxes. Goalkeeper Elliott Pattison also did well with decent handling in the tough conditions & also produced some good saves too, plus midfielder Jack Power also made a good contribution, along with his goal.

Finally, my thanks as ever to the hosts for their welcome; they are a credit to themselves and the Olympian League. I’d also like to note that it is good seeing Rochford in action again, as they are my local club. I wish both clubs well for the remainder of this hugely interesting Division Two campaign.

Teams

Corinthians | Manager: Chris Stoneham

Starting XI: 1 Nathan Warren (GK), 2 George Fulcher, 3 Brad Smith, 4 Sammy Ayres, 5 Luke Owen, 6 Alfie Knight (Capt), 7 Bill Wilton, 8 Matt Burrell, 11 Jake Hodder, 9 John Bolton-Smith, 20 Nathan Dewberry

Goal-scorers: Jake Hodder [22’], John Bolton-Smith [25’ & 38’]

Subs On: 12 Leo Clarke [57’], 14 Ollie Brickwood [67’], 15 Jordan Stoneham [67’]

Rochford Town | Stand-in Manager: James Cooper

Starting XI: 1 Elliott Pattison (GK), 2 Jacob Hubble, 3 Alex Gray, 4 Rinor Zeqiri, 5 Jack Clarke, 6 Josh Ledger, 7 Freddie Pettitt (Capt), 8 Jack Power, 9 Jordan Ginty, 10 Josh Fryer, 11 Matt Welsh

Goal-scorer: Jack Power [78’]

Subs On: 12 Harry Ford, 15 Tommy Dominguez, 13 Joe Lovett

Booked: Fryer | Subs Not Used: Browne, Holyland

Referee: Stuart Nixon