Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello everyone and welcome to an additional midweek edition of my Essex Olympian League round-ups, looking at the three matches that took place in midweek from Tuesday 27th – Thursday 29th April. (Main image is from Ryan 5 – 5 Epping Town) Thank you for reading.
Tuesday 27th April – EOFL Division Two
The midweek action started on Tuesday night in Division One as Ryan put in a determined display to hold error-strewn Epping Town 5 – 5 at Wadham Lodge’s Intermediate grass pitch. Scout Bown netted a treble for the hosts, with Aymen Mekni & an OG accounting for the hosts’ other strikes. Epping had doubles from Callum Turner and Chris Gormley to thank for keeping them in it, with substitute David Limber’s spot-kick ensuring they left with a point. In doing so, they rose to fifth but ultimately lost ground on the top two. Ryan remain eighth.
On Wednesday night, Manford Way held Chingford Athletic to a 1 – 1 draw at the ‘visitors’ ground at Town Mead. Will Gleeson netted for Lee Bowers’ side, while Robbie Rees’ strike for Manford meant that they left the happier of the two sides and remain firmly in the elevation race in second spot after a highly competitive match. Chingford remain eighth but will still have their eye on a top-four finish.
Finally for the midweek action, in Division Two, Corinthians had to earn a 3 – 1 win over AS Rawreth at Stambridge. Goals by Leo Clarke, Jake Lang and Jake Hodder overturned a Billy Brown goal for the visitors and claim an important victory and go up to second spot ahead of a big game with local rivals Wakering Sports on Saturday. Rawreth’s spirited performance was far better than their league position suggested.
Ryan: Red & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks
Epping: Sky Blue Shirts, Sky Blue Shorts, Sky Blue Socks
Wadham Lodge pitch pre-match
Incredible match sees Ryan deny Epping a much-needed win
Ryan 5 – 5 Epping Town
Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
After an adventure of a journey getting to this midweek Olympian League Division Two match between Ryan and promotion-chasing Epping Town at Wadham Lodge, I was hoping for a good match but crikey was we unprepared for what we got. Ryan are an unpredictable side, as they have been in recent seasons, whereas Epping’s away form needed to improve to really be amongst the top three by the end of next month. Ryan manager Declan Murphy named a front two of Aymen Mekni and top-scorer Scout Bown who had six leagues goals before this encounter but I remember from his days at Roydon that he is a threat. The hosts’ skipper was Ross Bourke and the options from the sidelines included Bruce Aghaji, Aaron Ige and Jamal Elliott. Epping were still missing a few layers including the likes of Sam Law, Joe Rickett and George Clarke. However, the back four were comprised of full-backs Tyler Sanago-Ismael and Harry Banister plus centre-backs Charlie Pollard and player-boss himself Stuart Hoskins. Town’s front-line was led by Callum Turner, with support from Daniel Hurwood and Graeme Turner. The visitors’ options on the bench were restricted, but could still field player-coach David Limber and Peter Paoletti along with Jamaine Belle.
The match got underway with the curious quirk of having no less than three goals chalked off in the opening five minutes. Graeme Turner for Epping and the pair of Tom Craig and Aymen Mekni for Ryan were all slightly aggrieved. Even so, that did rather set the tone from then on as on twelve minutes, Ryan midfielder Sam Bentley blasted over the goal frame as the hosts looked to get ahead early. But it was Epping who broke the deadlock on 18 minutes as a good run by skipper Joe Rudkin down the right channel evaded the generous marking of the home side and Rudkin’s cross found Callum Turner whose firm header found the net, evading home stopper Ciaran Glazebrook. The end-to-end nature of this match was only starting to rev up at this point as both sides spurned chances. Just short of the half-hour, Graeme Turner for Epping was denied a decent chance on goal by the well-timed interception of Ryan centre-back Rubin Dershi.
Soon afterward, Epping should really have been further ahead but Callum Turner skewed a strike wide when in a decent position, and then fellow forward Daniel Hurwood curled agonizingly wide of the far corner from no more than six yards out. On 35 minutes, it was Epping’s turn to have a let off as custodian Will Skingley misjudged his run to claim the ball ahead of a opposition forward but the hosts’ Tom Craig could not make him pay by slotting wide of an unguarded goal. You knew more goals ere coming and we were not disappointed (even before the interval) as two minutes later, Skingley again rushed out of his goal a bit too keenly, with substitute Bruce Aghaji in on gal but the ball fell to forward Scout Bown who made no mistake to open his account for the evening and level things up.
What followed was hectic to say the least. Ryan made the most of a recovering Town side as a minute later, forward Aymen Mekni slotted home past Skingley to give the hosts the lead for the first time. But again, the lead didn’t last long as on 41 minutes, a fine free-kick from Chris Gormley evaded Glazebrook and found the top corner. Now it was 2 – 2 but there was still room before the break for another twist. From a far-side set-piece, an angled ball unfortunately found a visiting defender who couldn’t avoid taking the ball in to give Ryan a narrow advantage at the break.
Half-Time: Ryan 3 – 2 Epping Town
If this scribe thought the pace of the game would suffer because of the energetic first-half, it was soon shown there was more drama to come. There were more forward moves from both sides. Just shy of the hour, a well-directed free-kick from Tyler Sanago-Ismael was gathered by Ryan custodian Glazebrook. Eight minutes later, there was yet another goal chalked off (made it four in the match) as substitute David Limber was the unfortunate party. The visitors did level things up again on 71 minutes as a fine centre from the right flank by Graeme Turner found Gormley at the far post for a comfortable tap-in.
But as was the way this match evolved, it didn’t stay that way for long. Ryan took the advantage again three minutes afterward as a powerful strike from Bown deflected off a defender and sailed in past Skingley to make it 4 – 3. Town had more half-chances in the moments following Ryan’s fourth goal through Limber & Sanago-Ismael but they just needed one clear-cut opportunity. The recovery job for Stuart Hoskins’ side got bigger on 79 minutes as Bown evaded the visiting defence again before slotting home from point-blank range with only Skingley to defeat.
If anyone thought this game was going to peter out, then they had another thing coming. Within six minutes, Epping had neutralised that lead again as first, Callum Turner’s decent header made it 5 – 4 with seven minutes to play and soon after, tugging in the penalty box gave Limber a chance to level from twelve yards, which he duly took to incredibly make it 5 – 5. Moments after that, Glazebrook was dismissed, possibly for remonstrating with referee Kevin Nicholson regarding that spot-kick that was given so Ryan were down to ten men and had to put an outfield player in goal.
There was still two good chances that followed in added time, with Gormley being well-denied by stand-in ‘keeper low down before the hosts nearly pinched it as skipper Bourke’s free-kick cannoned off the post after Skingley had got something on it. That ended up being the final action and the hosts must’ve been relieved to hear the final whistle.
Full-Time: Ryan 5 – 5 Epping Town
In summary, this match may not win many awards for out & out quality but when you’re talking about the very soul of entertaining, dramatic Non-League Football and indeed Sport along with it, this tie was hard to beat. I’ve seen some brilliant games in the Essex Olympian League this season and this match goes right with them. As some fellow attendees remarked, it was hard to deny this was a fair result as both teams fought so hard for the three points.
Talking about stand-out performances is hard also but for the hosts, forward Scout Bown once again showed how predatory he is in front of goal with a well-taken treble, which really added to the course of the match. Centre-back Rubin Dershi made a number of well-timed interceptions in defence and stood out, as did forward Aymen Mekni who made a few good runs down the channels as well. For Epping, forward Callum Turner was a constant presence and his movement and finishing were telling. Winger Chris Gormley got arguably the goal of the game with a fine free-kick and made telling runs and passes. Skipper Joe Rudkin also did well and looked to drive his side on in a big way. His cross for Turner’s first goal really did set the tone at that time.
Epping rise to fifth but lost ground on the top three. Ryan remain in eighth spot after this match. To round off, I have to pay trubute to the spectacle of a match these two sides put on and it is a credit to the Olympian League and their Division. Best wishes to both teams for the rest of the campaign.
Teams
Ryan | Manager: Declan Murphy
Starting XI: 1 Ciaran Glazebrook (GK), 2 Tom Craig, 3 Joseph Iseghoimen, 4 Ross Bourke (Capt), 5 Rubin Dershi, 6 Sam Bentley, 7 Scout Bown, 8 Billy Stewart, 9 Aymen Mekni, 10 Mamadi Mendes, 11 Oscar Tribe
Subs On: 12 Bruce Aghaji [29′], 14 Aaron Ige [41′], 15 Jamal Elliott [45′], 16 Brendan Allen [64′], 13 Eru Avgousti [74′]
Starting XI: 1 Will Skingley (GK), 2 Harry Banister, 3 Tyler Sanago-Ismael, 4 Joe Rudkin (Capt), 5 Charlie Pollard, 6 Stuart Hoskins, 7 Chris Gormley, 8 George Spillane, 9 Daniel Hurwood, 10 Callum Turner, 11 Graeme Turner
Goal-scorers: Callum Turner [18′, 83′] , Chris Gormley [41′, 71′], David Limber [pen 85′]
Subs On: 16 David Limber [52′], 17 Peter Paoletti [61′], 14 Jamaine Belle [77′]
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL Writer
Hello everyone and welcome to another edition of my round-up articles, looking at the action in third week of the ‘mini-season’ in the Essex Olympian League divisions on Saturday 17th April. As ever, our focus here is on the top four divisions but myself and fellow writers were out watching Olympian League matches this week. Thank you for reading.
EOFL Premier Division
As ever we start in the Premier Division and in a crucial match between the top two, Buckhurst Hill emerged with a 3 – 0 win at Basildon Town. Talisman Suleyman Zuhdu notched another two goals to make it to 19 goals already this term. Recent recruit Callum Ibe had earlier put Mark Williams’ side ahead with a good piece of opportunism. Hill have now won all six of their home matches and extend their lead at the summit to five points. Catholic Utd could yet challenge the leaders as well after they emerged from a bruising encounter with a 5 – 3 win over Sungate at the Len Forge Centre. Rhys Fatt notched a brace here for Stuart Marshall’s side, with Michael Sammut, Aaron Baldwin & Brad Rowland also netted to overpower goals for the visitors from Petrit Elbi, Jamie Doyle and George Johnson. Utd remain third, seven points away from Buckhurst, while Sungate remain in 8th and even with matches in hand on the sides above them, it’ll take quite a run to break into the top three I feel.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh Town picked up an important 2 – 0 win over Canning Town at London Road which pushes them up to 9th spot and drops their opponents to the foot of the table. Old Southendian rose off the bottom despite being held 1 – 1 by Kelvedon Hatch at Garon Park. Ryan Scott netted for the visitors who drop to eleventh place. That was because Shenfield AFC grabbed only their second away win this term, defeating Harold Wood Athletic 2 – 1 at Harold Wood Park. Josh Steel netted again for the home side, but strikes by Ben Absolon and Joe Heath ensured the victory which sees them rise to tenth. It’s also worth noting that the bottom six are separated by just three points.
Springfield fell to third bottom after sharing a 2 – 2 draw with Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. The hosts were two goals to the good at half-time but late goals from Kurt Smith and Chris Gibbs meant it was Billy Cove’s side who left the happier of the two sides.
Finally, in the lunchtime kick-off, Leigh Ramblers had a fight hard for a 4 – 3 victory over fellow top five side Hutton at Belfairs Park. Justin Hazell nabbed a brilliant treble, which was added to goal-scoring centre-back Harry Haysom. Matt Singh’s side fought back through a double from Will Marlowe and Mason Hall from the penalty spot. Ramblers replace Hutton in fourth spot but both sides will be looking to surprise the top three in the remaining weeks of the campaign.
EOFL Division One
There were mixed fortunes for the top four in Division One this weekend. Leaders Ongar Town retained their unbeaten record with a 3 – 0 win at second-placed Runwell Sports with Frankie Goodall, Harry Rawlins and Aaron Blair all on target for Richard Ponsford’s side. Ongar extend the lead at the summit to six points now. Manford Way also picked up a great 2 – 0 win at rivals Old Chelmsfordians, with Connor Hammond netting both goals there for Trevor Grace’s side. Manford rise to fourth in the standings while the OC’s first loss in six matches sees them lose ground on leaders Ongar.
Elsewhere, Chingford Athletic continued their rise in the form book with an emphatic 11 – 0 win over struggling Shoebury Town at Town Mead. Michael Mignot again showed the art of finishing by notching five times here, with Sam Coe netting three times also, plus substitute Lee Lashley struck twice and George Miller added the other goal. Chingford remain ninth but are only six points away from the top four now. Shoebury remain bottom after another hard loss for them this weekend.
In the other action this weekend, in the lunchtime kick-off, Ramsden Scotia nabbed a narrow 1 – 0 win over Galleywood in the match reversed to Clarkes Field. The win keeps Ramsden in eighth while ‘Wood drop to fifth. Rayleigh Town Res got their third win of the season and go up to ninth spot after a 2 – 1 success at Snaresbrook. And Toby had a Rhys Willson goal to thank for a 1 – 0 triumph over second-bottom Herongate Athletic at Ford’s Sports Club in Newbury Park, which takes them up to sixth spot. Fellow Non-League writer Aaron Moore was watching and his report is available here: https://footballreview.net/match-report-toby-1-0-herongate-athletic/
EOFL Division Two
Moving into Division Two now and Laindon Orient arguably got the result of the weekend with a 5 – 0 victory over Rochford Town at Markhams Chase. Ashley Blackburn led the way with a brace to take his tally to nine goals so far this term. The other scorers were Anthony Hill, Jason Purewal and a well-known name in Non-League circles in Shomari Barnwell. Neil Blackburn’s side go up to second, level on points with leaders Leigh Town. Rochford dop to ninth spot.
The other contender for result of the week was Epping Town’s 2 – 1 win over Leigh Town which ended Town’s hugely impressive 30+ match undefeated streak. Callum Turner got both goals for Stuart Hoskins’ side while Kieran Craine netted for Jack Pearman’s side. Epping go up to fourth in the standings and cannot be discounted in the race for promotion.
Another side who may have a say in the promotion race are fifth-placed Corinthians who were held to a 3 – 3 draw by Old Southendian Reserves at Stambridge Memorial Ground, which I was fortunate to watch first-hand. This was a brilliant, see-saw, end-to-end dramatic encounter filled with attacking football. Jordan Stoneham, Leo Clarke & Damian Siemienczuk all scored for Chris Stoneham’s side. Nico Dubouchet’s brace and a tap-in from Thomas Margerison made sure Josh Bambury’s side left with a deserved point. My in-depth report on this pulsating match is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2021/04/17/s-20-21-match-report-corinthians-3-3-old-southendian-res-sat-17-april/
Meanwhile, Beacon Hill Rovers are yet to win since the season restarted after they were held 1 – 1 by Harold Wood Athletic Res. Adam Farley got the goal for the Athletic second-side as they fortified ninth spot. Rovers drop to third and are vulnerable to being caught by Epping & Corinthians as the latter two sides have games in hand on Stephen Bennett’s side. Also in this division, Ryan emerged with a 3 – 2 win at home to AS Rawreth which sent Declan Murphy’s side up to eighth place in the table.
EOFL Division Three
In Division Three, Manford Way Res remain in second place after a comprehensive 5 – 0 win at Buckhurst Hill Res at Roding Lane. Jack Barraclough’s superb hat-trick led the way though David Hornsby stuck for the third successive match to add further gloss to the score-line. The East London side are three points clear of Wakebury in third who clinched a 4 – 1 win away at Leigh Town Reserves. Daniel Buglione scored another double here for Matt Cardy’s side to take his tally to seven goals in the last three matches alone. Harry Kateley and Charlie Little also chipped in to give the Berries a three-point cushion over nearest rivals Collier Row. Row lost 1 – 0 at Basildon Town Res with Nathan Fisher getting the decisive goal for Richard Bennett’s side there for their third win in their last five games and they remain seventh.
ACD Utd were not in action as they got the points, courtesy of home walkover in their match with Corinthians Res, who were unable to field a side. Elsewhere, Lakeside Utd got their first win since the restart with a 3 – 1 home triumph over Hullbridge Sports ‘A’. David Alele notched twice here with Mohamed Bouzeryouh grabbing the other goal to keep them comfortably in eighth spot.
Finally in this division, Hutton Res made it two wins in four days, firstly with a midweek 1 – 0 win over Basildon Town Res at Polo Fields with Keelan O’Donovan getting the goal of that game, watched by myself and Non-League colleague Pete Dudley – his report on that game is here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2021/04/hutton-reserves-1-basildon-town.html
The Hutton second-side followed that up on Saturday with a 2 – 0 win against Toby Res, also at Polo Fields. Conor O’Regan got both goals in that match, which sees them remain in sixth place but are only six points adrift of the top three.
Finally for this division, some news this week. Leigh Town Reserves boss Robert Hutchings-Spiller has elected to step down at the end of the season, after four years in charge. I’d like to wish ‘Hutch’ well in his future in the game.
EOFL Division Four Results
Canning Town Res 2 – 5 Old Chelmsfordians Res | Jo Richardson Sch
Catholic Utd Res H – W Laindon Orient Res | Home Walkover
Galleywood Res 2 – 2 Hashtag Utd Dev | Clarkes Field
Leytonstone Utd 1 – 9 Chingford Athletic Res | Forest Row Centre
Shenfield AFC Res 1 – 3 Ongar Town Res | The Drive, Warley
Sungate Res A – W Wakering Sports Res | Away Walkover
EOFL Senior Five Results
AS Rawreth Res A – W Newbury Forest Res | Away Walkover
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 4 – 2 Old Barkabbeyans | Silver Leys |
Roydon 3 – 0 Springfield Res | Roydon Playing Fields |
Shoebury Town Res 4 – 0 Runwell Sports Res | Cupid’s CC (pitch 4) |
Wakering Sports ‘A’ 5 – 0 Leigh Ramblers Res | Cupid’s CC (pitch 2) |
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello and welcome to the return of the Essex Olympian League round-up, here on my blog, looking at the league action from Saturday 12th December plus a round-up of the Essex Premier Cup action. My thanks to Rob Lilley (Offside Photography) for the photo. Thank you for reading.
EOFL Premier Division
In the only match in the Premier Division this weekend, Hutton got their fifth straight league win with a 3 – 2 success at home to Shenfield AFC. Perry Robinson and Ben Absolon netted for the visitors, but it was their local in-form rivals who got the points thank to Brad Freeman’s double and one from Joshua Seal. Hutton go up to fourth spot and are unbeaten since the opening day of the season, way back in September.
EOFL Division One – no matches this weekend
EOFL Division Two
We had a solitary match in Division Two as well, with Ryan getting a 3 – 1 at May & Baker ‘A’. Joe Holt, Scout Bown and Lewis Page got the goals for the visitors, with Arminas Gricius scoring for ‘Bakers. The win is their first since the opening match of their league season and sees them rise up to eighth spot. The Bakers’ development side are in 10th, four points clear of bottom side AS Rawreth.
EOFL Division Three
There were five matches in Division Three, with ACD Utd making it seven wins from seven matches after a 6 – 0 triumph over Leigh Town Res at Westlands. Michael Wade and Sam Payne both notched braces here, with Connor Lambert & an OG accounting for the other goals. Player-boss Wade reached 15 league goals for the campaign here & his side remain five points clear at the summit.
Nearest challengers Manford Way Res also garnered their way to a big win, 5 – 1 at home to Buckhurst Hill Ressies in a match moved to the Peter May Sports Centre in Wathamstow. David Hornsby plundered four goals here, to take his league tally up to ten this term, with Dominic Esty-Wilkinson the other goal-scorer. Collier Row also defeated Toby Res 2 – 0 to go up to third spot. Hutton Res also got a fine away win with a 2 – 1 success over Wakebury at Shoebury Park. Jack Shaw and Harry Lane both struck for the visitors, with club stalwart Chris Gore netting for Matt Cardy’s side, who drop to fourth.
Finally, Lakeside Utd got a second successive victory at home, winning 2 – 0 over out-of-form Corinthians Res, with Daniel Stokes and Dayo Kayode the heroes for Ben Crounch’s side.
Essex Premier Cup Round-up
The lack of League action was mainly down to a smorgasbord of ties in the Essex Premier Cup. Despite some matches being postponed due to weather, there were still some great results for Olympian League sides. Harold Wood Athletic got another win on the board , winning 2 – 1 at fellow top-tier side Kelvedon Hatch. Rob Whitnell and Connor Hartwell got the goals for Alex Goldstone’s side as they progressed to the next round. Catholic Utd warded off a very spirited performance by hosts Chingford Athletic before winning 4 – 3 at Town Mead. Goals by Luke Trice, Louis Robinson, Rhys Fatt plus an OG edged Stuart Marshall’s side to the win at the Division One side.
Catholic Utd forward Rhys Fatt celebrates his winning goal at Chingford with fellow ford Brad Rowland [Image Credit: Rob Lilley]
Elsewhere, Old Southendian Res had a day to remember with a 5 – 1 triumph at Essex Senior League Reserve side Walthamstow Res. George Borley struck twice for player-boss Oliver Tatton-Bennett’s side. Jack Pagett, Luke Stillwell and Jared Brand all also netted here as the Division Two side went through. Rayleigh Town were also given a scare before getting past Division Two team Epping Town 5 – 3 at Chigwell Sch 3G. Michael Okafor nabbed a brace, with Bailey Moss, Ollie Hanlon and Harry Talbot also on the score-sheet for Paul Higgins’ side. Finally for our focused matches, Ongar Town notched another fine win with a 4 – 2 success at Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier side White Notley. Joe Lilly grabbed two goals, with Frank Goodall and Aaron Blair also on target, with the latter hitting twenty goals in all competitions.
Other Results (Essex Premier Cup): Barkingside Res 3 – 1 Herongate Athletic (AET)
Beacon Hill Rovers 0 – 3 Saffron Walden Town Res
Canning Town 0 – 4 Springfield
Great Bentley 4 – 2 Corinthians
Hutton H – W Aveley Res
Manford Way H – W Holland Res
Old Southendian 2 – 2 Sungate* (Sungate won 5 – 4 on pens)
Toby 3 – 1 White Ensign Res
Wakering Sports 0 – 2 Buckhurst Hill
Witham Town Res 1 – 2 Old Chelmsfordians
———-
EOFL Division Four Results
Catholic Utd Res 6 – 1 Galleywood Res
Hashtag Utd Dev 4 – 4 Leytonstone Utd
Old Chelmsfordians Res 2 – 2 Canning Town Res
Wakering Sports Res 5 – 4 Chingford Athletic Res
——-
EOFL Division Five Results
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 5 – 2 Epping Town Res
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello and welcome back to the the second of my round-up blogs looking at the Essex Olympian League divisions for the Season 2020-21. In this piece, we look at the League, Reserve Cup & Senior Cup action, focusing on the Top four divisions and the Cups this weekend. How did your side get on? Thank you for reading.
EOFL Premier Division
In this week’s action in the Premier Division, Basildon Town made it two wins from two games with a 4 – 0 home win over Kelvedon Hatch. Antony Aylett, Keith King, Benjamin Smith and substitute Jamie Simpkins all netted for Marcus Bowers’ side. Hatch have conceded seven goals now in their opening two games, without scoring. Buckhurst Hill also made continued their good start to the season with a hard-fought 2 – 1 win over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at Roding Lane. Suleyman Zuhdu and Nathan Sollosi goals before the interval secured the points for Mark Williams’ side.
Elsewhere, Springfield had an own goal to thank for a 1 – 0 triumph in a tight contest with Rayleigh Town at Arun Close. Catholic Utd returned to winning ways with a 2 – 0 success at Shenfield AFC. Ronnie Hobbrough’s first-half penalty put Stuart Marshall’s side ahead before Ellis Sands sealed the win on his 100th appearance for the club. Sungate also kept their 100% record with a 3 – 2 win over Harold Wood Athletic, although Tom Ward and an OG accounted for Ath’s goals In that contest. Finally in this division, Canning Town remain unbeaten after defeating Leigh Ramblers 1 – 0 in Beckton.
EOFL Division One
Now moving into Division One, and Ongar Town maintained their fine start in all competitions with a thumping 7 – 0 over Toby at the Lakeside Sports Ground. Aaron Blair scored four goals on his own, with Ayo Awosinka notching a brace and Harry Rawlins also chipping in. Snaresbrook also won, 3 – 0 at Rayleigh Town Res with Ife Ogunbayo grabbing two goals and an OG also appearing on the score-sheet.
Meanwhile, Runwell Sports roared to a 5 – 0 success over Herongate Athletic at St Luke’s Park. Jon Atmore and Ashley Burgess both struck twice for Jason Plom’s side, with Ben Austin also on target. Also, Ramsden Scotia drew 2 – 2 at home with Shoebury Town.
EOFL Division Two
In Division Two, Beacon Hill Rovers made it two wins from two with a 2 – 0 win over AS Rawreth. Also, Ryan made it two wins from two in League & Cup as they defeated Wakering Sports 2 – 0 at Cupid’s. Lewis Watson and Tayyab Mahmoud were the scorers for the new-look Walthamstow-based outfit.
Corinthians also returned to league action with a 5 – 2 away triumph at Laindon Orient. Nathan Dewberry returned with a brace, with John Bolton-Smith also grabbing two goals plus Connor Summerhill also netted in this fine win for Chris Stoneham’s side. In the other match in the division, Rochford Town held visitors Epping Town to a 1 – 1 draw, with Charlie Pollard getting Epping’s goal there..
Still from Res Cup: Old S Res 3 – 1 L Town Res [Image: Scott W]
EOFL Reserve League Cup
This week, the Reserve League Cup took centre stage with fourteen ties taking place. In the first of our nine featured matches, Division Five side Shoebury Town Res got a fine win at Division Two side Harold Wood Athletic Res, winning 4 – 3 at Harold Wood Park. Replacement Connor Payne scored twice for Shoebury, with Kirk Hudson and Garry Johnson also netting for the visitors. James Pottle’s brace and one from Joe McBurney in response for Ath’s second-side was not enough to prevent them heading out of the competition.
Collier Row Res also progressed with a 2 – 0 home win over Shenfield AFC Res at the Forest Row Centre. Nicky George and Johnson Lawrence were the goal-scoring heroes for the Division Five side. Galleywood Res also went through, beating fellow Division Four side Canning Town Res 3 – 1 away from home. Jack Chatterway’s double and one from Zak Robinson meant the Chelmsford-based side went through.
Hutton Ressies also progressed as they achieved a 3 – 1 home win over Basildon Town Res at Polo Fields. Stewart Biggie, Brad Freeman and substitute Benjamin Rose all found the net for Hutton, with Jamie Miller getting the consolation for Town here. Runwell Sports Res also went through, as they won 3 – 1 at Epping Town Res, with James Driver notching a brace and Alex Marsh getting the other goal for Runwell. Andrew Smith got the goal for the hosts but they unfortunately headed out of the Cup. Ongar TownRessies made it a good day for the club as they won 3 – 2 at Leigh Ramblers Res. Frankie Goodall struck twice for the visitors, with Jack Zielinski’s goal also proving important.
Next, in the match I attended at Garon Park, Old Southendian Reserves were made to work hard before they grabbed a 3 – 0 win over Leigh Town Res. A fine strike by Jack Cripps and two from substitute Nico Debouchet sealed the win. If you’d like more on this match, the link to my report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/09/12/match-report-os-res-3-0-leigh-town-res-eofl-rc-12-9-20/
Manford Way Ressies also had a great day, winning 5 – 1 at Toby Res, with Shaun Goddard leading the goal-scorers with a double. David Hornsby, Jack Barraclough and Jake Muller all also netted as they took their place in Round Two. Chingford Athletic Res also advanced to the next round as they triumphed 4 – 1 at Old Chelmsfordians Res. Callum Godfrey, Leighton Hughes-Franklin and Conor Medhurst were among their Ath’s scorers here.
Other EOFL Reserve Cup Results:
AS Rawreth Res 0 – 6 Wakering Sports Res
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 0 – 2 Springfield Res
Corinthians Res 2 – 6 Catholic Utd Res
Herongate Athletic Res 1 – 1 Laindon Orient Res (Laindon won 4 – 3 on pens)
Wakering Sports Dev. 4 – 0 Buckhurst Hill Res
EOFL Senior League Cup
In the two remaining Senior Cup ties, the South Essex sides competing both prevailed. First, Division Three side Wakebury went through on spot-kicks, after a 3 – 3 draw with Division One side Chingford Athletic at Town Mead. Two goals from Harry Kateley and one from Billy Bonham-Dare for Matt Cardy’s side forced the penalty shoot-out, which they won 4 – 1 to claim a scalp and go through.
Also, Division One side Leigh Town went through after a comfortable 3 – 0 win at Division Four side Leytonstone Utd. Dan Steerwood, Mark Frostick and James Roberts were all on target to seal progression for Jack Pearman’s side.
EOFL Division Three
Finally for the round-up section this week, in the one Division Three match this week, Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ got a good 3 – 1 win over Lakeside Utd at Lower Road. Harry Boswell, William Bray and Joseph Bray were the scorers for the ‘Bridge side.
EOFL Division Four Result
Hashtag Utd Dev. 1 – 2 Sungate Res
EOFL Senior Five Result
Old Barkabbeyans 0 – 4 Roydon
That’s all from the Essex Olympian League round-up this week. Check back next week for the next edition, and thank to those clubs who passed on the info of goal-scorers this week.
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
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)
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL blogger
Hello again & welcome to this week’s bumper Olympian League round-up, taking in the top four tiers of league action, one FA Vase tie and a Senior Challenge Cup tie as well. Thanks to the clubs for their assistance in this piece & to you for reading.
EOFL Premier Division
We start off as ever with the top-tier and Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 2 – 1 away win at Harold Wood Athletic. John Clarke and James Richardson were the heroes for Swifts with Bradley Foley scoring for Wood as they fell to defeat. Buckhurst Hill got back to winning ways with a 4 – 2 win at Kelvedon Hatch. Suley Zuhdu, Nathan Sollosi, Sam Sollosi and a second-half penalty by Josh Banfield effectively sealed the win for Mark Williams’ side, though Hatch finished strongly as Danny Gillard and Theo Ola both struck for Kelvedon here.
Springfield also triumphed this weekend as they defeated early strugglers Canning Town 2 – 0 thanks to an own goal and one from Joe Nathanson. Rayleigh Town went five points clear at the top with a 1 – 0 away win at Old Southendian. Paul Morris got the only goal in that local derby.
Elsewhere, Sungate were held 2 – 2 by the visiting Leigh Ramblers, with Rhys Fatt and Dan Williams on target for the Rams in that match. Shenfield AFC also drew, 1 – 1 at home to Hutton with Mitchell Day grabbing AFC’s goal.
FA Vase – First Round Qualifying
In their first-ever FA Vase match, EOFL Premier Division side Catholic Utd powered ESL side Clapton with a 6 – 1 win at Parkside. The ensemble goal-scoring cast were Brad Vaughan, Tom Kearney, Simon Thomas, Tony Jacobs, Max Bradford and Max Kent as Mick Jacobs’ team roared into the next round, where they are set to face Lopes Tavares of Eastern Senior League South.
EOFL Senior Division One
In Senior One, Rayleigh Town Ressies started with a bang as they won 6 – 1 against Herongate Athletic. Rodney Wilson and Billy Field each nabbed doubles while Lewis Lawrence and Ryan Scougall also netted as Dan Williams and Lee Bunn’s side got the points. Ongar Town won 4 – 2 at Runwell Sports with Harry Rawlins netting twice plus Joshua Boxall and Joe Lilly contributed to the visitors’ tally. Chingford Athletic continued their strong start with another 3 – 0 home win, this time over FC Hamlets at Town Mead. Tayo Olusanoye, Alex Gordon and Eric Kelly provided the goals for them in that victory.
Shoebury Town were held 2 – 2 by visitors Galleywood with Dominic Binns and Juan Rushton the scorers for the home side. Also, Old Chelmsfordians won 2 – 0 at Toby.
EOFL Senior Challenge Cup
In the single Senior Cup tie, Lakeside of Division One defeated newcomers Wakebury 5 – 1 with talisman Drew Klessa-Smith grabbing another hat-trick plus Mason Iley and Luke Quinton also joined him on the score-sheet. Matthew Hubbard got the consolation for Wakebury though the hosts went through.
EOFL Senior Division Two
Corinthians started their season with an impressive comeback win, 4 – 1 over Laindon Orient. Orient led after just four minutes through Jasper Read though the hosts responded through John Bolton-Smith, Leo Clarke, Bill Wilton and Theo Cannon to take the points. Epping Town also started their campaign wit an away win as they triumphed 6 – 1 at AS Rawreth. Louis Hill netted for the hosts though Town got the points thanks to Alex Paraskeva’s double plus one apiece for Glen Warwick, Patrick Duggan, Joey May and Bradley Gayer. Both of these sides could be in for another good campaign this term.
Leigh Town made it two wins from two matches with a 2 – 0 win at Beacon Hill Rovers. Shane Cooper and Tom Byford goals meant they go top of the very early standings. Harold Wood Athletic Reserves won 2 – 0 at Rochford Town as Del Hawtin fired both goals in that contest for the Wood second-string. Finally for this division, Ryan made a winning start to their campaign with a 5 – 2 win over May & Baker Reserves at Wadham Lodge.
EOFL Senior Division Three
Into Senior Three now and we start with a massive win for LakesideReserves as they won 10 – 2 at Dagenham Utd. Substitute Ben Austin led the way with a treble, with David Alee and Damilola Olusanya both grabbing braces plus Dale Kenyon, Azeez Aileru and fellow replacement Alex Swan also getting on the hefty scorer’s sheet as they won their first match of the new season in some manner. TobyRes also got their opening win with a 5 – 1 triumph at Hullbridge Sports’A’ with Marc Porter-Brown the leading light with a hat-trick plus Rhys Willson and Matt Davies were also on target.
Corinthians Reserves also won this weekend, with a 4 – 2 success at White Ensign Reserves. Max Hall, Luke Smith, Sener Suavi and Sonny Woodward all struck for the Stambridge-based side and although they saw Charlie Carter dismissed, Ensign’s second-side couldn’t match them despite Zach Somerset-Butler’s brace of penalties for them. ACD Utd won their first match at Olympian level with a 2 – 1 win at Hutton Reserves. Brad Falco and substitute Sam Page did the job for the visitors, while Hutton responded through Josh Sumner’s goal.
Leigh Town Reserves also tasted success with a 3 – 1 win at Basildon Town Reserves. Ben Forsyth’s spot-kick plus Miles Waddilove and Alex Hubbard strikes outdid a solitary goal from Grant Cumming for the hosts as Leigh took the points. Meanwhile, Collier Row began life in Div Three with a 2 – 1 success at Buckhurst Hill Reserves. It’s worth noting that not one home side won in this division this weekend.
EOFL Senior Division Four (Results only)
Forest Glade 13 – 1 AS Rawreth Reserves
Laindon Orient Reserves 0 – 1 Chingford Athletic Development
Leytonstone Utd 2 – 3 Shenfield AFC Reserves
Roydon 4 – 2 Canning Town Reserves
Wakering Sports Reserves 6 – 1 Ongar Town Reserves
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – EOFL Blogger
Hello and a warm welcome to another of my mini-series of articles previewing the upcoming 2019-2020 Essex Olympian League season, division-by-division. We continue with Senior Two now which will have 13 sides competing in it with sides getting promoted from both Senior Three and Senior Four to stem the loss of a number of sides who also got elevated in the close season (see Senior One Preview).
May & Baker Reserves will look to re-build following that side’s relegation from Senior One and May & Baker ‘A’ being withdrawn following their lacklustre form in this division in 2018-19. With champions of last term Chingford Athletic being promoted, along with the rest of last season’s top five, this division has a very different look about it though there are still teams hungry for progression.
EOFL Senior Two Constitution (2019-20)
AS Rawreth (see below) (P) (Fmrly Academy Soccer)
Beacon Hill Rovers
Corinthians (P)
Epping Town (P)
Harold Wood Athletic Res
Laindon Orient (P)
Leigh Town (P)
May & Baker Res (R)
Old Southendian Res (P)
Rochford Town
Ryan
Wakering Sports (P)
Westhamians (P)
Beacon Hill Rovers, Harold Wood Athletic Res, Ryan and Rochford Town are the only ‘survivors’ from last term. Rochford got a reprieve once again from demotion, as did Ryan though among the teams they face from mid-August onwards are the likes of Senior Three champions Old Southendian Reserves, who I saw win the title at their Garon Park home, back in April. OS Ressies won that division by four points in the end, ahead of runners-up Laindon Orient who also make the step up, in their new home at Basildon Sports Club. Laindon will look to continue last term’s record of scoring goals – they got 75 in the net back then in just 20 matches.
Academy Soccer finished third in Senior Three after another fine season with the joint second-best defence in that division which was good enough for elevation, though a name change means they are known as AS Rawreth this term, presumably reflecting the fact they play in Rawreth, just east of Wickford. Westhamians continue their progress up the divisions with a ‘seat at the Senior Two table’ this term after enjoying the best defensive record last term league-wise, they are joined by Wakering Sports and Leigh Town who finished mid-table last term. Sports are committed to improving their home ground at Cupid’s Country Club in Shoebury and will looking for a season that consolidates their position in this division this coming season.
Then, last but by no means least, we have two clubs who have got the ‘double bubble’ of being promoted two divisions in Senior Four champions Corinthians and runners-up Epping Town who are still managed by Billy Cove and his team. Both sides finished well clear of the field in the end come May. Not really a surprise when you factor in that the Stambridge-based Corinthians side had the best defence in Senior Four last term and Epping overwhelmed the goal-scorers’ chart with a whopping 103 goals to their name last term. I wouldn’t rule out a promising campaign for either side this coming season either.
To all the clubs, managers, players and many others who support them, have a good season all. I look forward to keeping tabs on the action. Best, Scott
Fixtures for First two weekends of EOFL Senior Two (Subject to change)
Saturday 24th August – 2.30pm
AS Rawreth v Harold Wood Athletic Res | The Warren, Old London Road
Laindon Orient v Westhamians | Basildon Sports Club
Wakering Sports v Old Southendian Res | Cupid’s Country Club, Cupid’s Chase
Saturday 31st August – 2.30pm
AS Rawreth v Epping Town | The Warren, Old London Road
Beacon Hill Rovers v Leigh Town | Wickham Bishop’s Sports Ground
Corinthians v Laindon Orient | Stambridge Memorial Ground
Ryan v May & Baker Res | Wadham Lodge Sports Ground (Grass Pitch)
Hello & welcome to another of my round-up pieces, this time looking at the Essex Olympian League action on Saturday 9 March, from the top tier to the results from Division Four as some promotion & relegation issues are closer to being answered. Thanks for reading.
EOFL Premier Division
As always we begin in the Premier Division on what coud be a week with lasting consequences. On-the-pitch, Springfield got a huge win, 3 – 1 at Sungate to extend their cushion over nearest rivals Manford Way to eleven points. Manford were held 2 – 2 by Canning Town, who played their final game of their season. Alfie Walker got both of Manford’s goals though Suliaman Massaquoi’s 8th league goal of the season and Ricardo Texeria replied for Town who sit 11th at present. Manford’s survival chances have to ated as ‘unlikely’ given they have to win all four remaining matches by a hefty margin to have a chance of staying in the division next term.
Old Southendian’s match with Leigh Ramblers had to be abandoned due to a serious injury to the Rams’ Jack Deasy. We wish him well in his recovery.
Finally, there was also some sad news of another sort this week as Great Baddow announced they were unable to commit to playing their remaining fixtures and have resigned from the division. We wish the club well and hope, along with the other sides who have withdrawn this season, they return in some form next term.
Essex Premier Cup: Semi-Finals
The Essex Premier Cup semi-finals took place this weekend. First, Catholic Utd had a Tom Hollingsworth brace to thank for a 2 – 1 victory at Hutton. In the other match, Buckhurst Hill made the final with an impressive 4 – 0 success at Kelvedon Hatch. Steve Townsend opened the scoring for Hill, before a late hat-trick from Nathan Sollosi ensured they will face the ‘Super Hoops’ at Billericay Town’s New Lodge on Wednesday 10th April.
EOFL Senior One
In Senior One, Shenfield AFC smashed Rayleigh Town Res 7 – 2 at St Martins’ School’s 3G pitch, with Mitchell Day leading the way with a hat-trick. James Bigmore and Ronnie Hobbrough got doubles each as well as AFC extended their unbeaten run to seven matches whilst retaining their three point lead at the summit, although they only have two games left to play.
Snaresbrook also won, 5 – 0 at stuttering Ongar Town. Scott Hill powered a treble, with John Blount and Ryan Barker-Francis also netting to give ‘Brook a five-point cushion in second. FC Hamlets returned to form as well with a hefty away win of their own, 7 – 1 at mid-table Herongate Athletic. Charlie Heatley continued his fine form in front of goal with another treble, while Ishmael Carter also struck a hat-trick and Darren Sarrano-Ishmael also netted to keep FC in the hunt due to still having seven matches to play. Ben Warren got a fleeting consolation for Ath, they sit 8th with two games remaining.
Meanwhile, Galleywood defeated May & Baker Reserves 2 – 0, which confirmed the latter’s relegation after a winless season thus far. Luke Osborne and Sam Donn strikes saw ‘Wood to their fourth straight triumph in the league.
Finally, Ramsden Scotia gave their slim promotion chances ‘a shot in the arm’ with a fine 4 – 2 victory over fellow contenders Basildon Town. Town finished the match with ten men after Scott Keys was dismissed. Brodie Horne and Sener Suavi got their goals.
EOFL Senior Two
In Senior Two, leaders Toby ended their campaign with four wins on-the-trot, after a 2 – 0 win in their top-two clash with Runwell Sports. David Major and James Coleman got the all-important goals to extend their lead to six points, although Sports have three matches yet to play.
Chingford Athletic are the only other side who can challenge the top-two now for promotion, after their 2 – 1 success at mid-table Beacon Hill Rovers. Alex Gordon and Will Gleeson got the goals in a match which was delayed for an hour, due to a player injury.
Also, Ryan secured their Division Two status by edging a spectacular home match, 5 – 4 over Shoebury Town, whose promotion hopes ended with this result. The ramifications of this also mean that after reprieves in the last two seasons, Rochford Town will join May & Baker ‘A’ in the relegation places this term.
EOFL Senior Three
In Senior Three, Laindon Orient are finishing the campaign strongly as they won 6 – 1 at relegated Old Chelmsfordians Res. Samuel Lake bagged a hat-trick, while Jason Purewal struck twice and Michael Bottone also chipped in. Old Southendian Ressies maintained their shot at elevation with a fine 4 – 2 at leaders Westhamians. Ben Jones got both goals for the hosts though David Stubbs got a brace of his own for OS, with Ben Franklin and Greg Smith also on target here. Westhamians need three wins to make sure of the title at this point.
Lastly for Senior Three, Wakering Sports edged to a 1 – 0 win at local rivals Leigh Town to remain in the ‘box seat’ for promotion.
EOFL Senior Four
Finally, in Senior Four, with leaders Corinthians not in action, Epping Town knew a win would put them in a very strong state for promotion. They made no error, recording a 6 – 0 success at home to Canning Town Res. Alex Paraskeva passed the 20-goal mark this season with a hat-trick here and Jack Leachman grabbed two while Eamon Payne got his 5th goal this term as well here. Billy Cove’s side need only to avoid defeat at Lakeside Res next weekend to ‘seal the deal’.
That is the situation as Lakeside Res won 3 – 1 at Leigh Ramblers Res. Lewis Kelsey got the Rams goal though strikes from Ben Christie, Daniel Damain and Ifedayo Kayode ensured the visitors left with the points. Ramblers ended their season here and have an anxious wait to see if their rivals overhaul them in the last weeks of the campaign and sent them down.
Finally, Dagenham Utd are doing their best to secure a top-three finish as they won 4 – 1 at basement side Old Barkabbeyans. Ashley Retter and Michael Frostick opened the scoring for Utd before Jacob Dingli got back on the score-sheet with a brace to seal the win. Old Barks need to win at least three of their last four matches you feel to avoid the drop themselves and pull other teams back into the drop-zone at the same time.
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![Still from Leigh Town v Corinthians [EPC QF 1.2.20]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/20200201_135502.jpg?w=276&h=276&crop=1 "20200201_135502")
![Leigh Town v Corinthians still 1.2.20 EPC QF [Image by Scott W]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/20200201_152830.jpg?w=276&h=276&crop=1 "20200201_152830")
![Still from Leigh T v Corinthians EPC QF [Image by Scott W]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/20200201_151107.jpg?w=276&h=276&crop=1 "20200201_151107")
![Still from Corinthians v Old Southendian Res [EOFL D2 7.12.20]](https://survivor16b.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/20191207_140545.jpg?w=416&h=312 "20191207_140545")
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