Season 2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Fri 4/Sat 5 Sept) [ESL 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 Senior League divisions for the Season 2020-21. This piece also includes the results from the Eastern Senior League South action this weekend. 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 all Essex Senior League sides, I wish you all a good campaign.

Essex Senior

   

Friday 4th Sept

West Essex  1 – 1  Takeley   | Mayesbrook Park [3G] |

The weekend’s action kicked off with West Essex’s draw with Takeley, on a famed evening as they opened landlords Barking’s new artificial playing surface.  However, it was the visitors who took the lead through Reece Barrett before Symeon Taylor’s leveller after the interval. All in all, both sides could have won and Stags goalkeeper Jack Coker once again excelled between the posts to give Kwame Kwateng’s side a decent point against tough opposition, only 48 hours after their huge win in the FA Cup in midweek.  

Saturday 5th September

Cockfosters  3 – 1  Hoddesdon Town  | Chalk Lane  |

Into the Saturday action now and Cockfosters started their campaign on a high as they defeated Hoddesdon at Chalk Lane. Rueben Campbell opened the scoring on the quarter-hour for player-manager Ryan Wade’s team. Wade himself struck a free-kick to double the ‘Fosters lead with twenty-five minutes gone, though the Lilywhites did halve the deficit six minutes before the break thanks to Harrison Rookard’s effort. Nine minutes into the second half though, the hosts ended up securing the win thanks to a second goal in two games for new recruit Carl Mullings. It caps quite a week for Cockfosters and they back in action at Chalk Lane, taking on Enfield in midweek.

Enfield  0 – 0  St Margaretsbury   | Woodside  |

Enfield started off their League campaign with a creditable point after their FA Cup exit to Harlow in midweek. St Margs couldn’t breach the E’s defence either and both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils at Woodside.

Hadley  4 – 0  Woodford Town   | Brickfield Lane  |

Hadley started their campaign off with another strong performance to defeat Woodford at Brickfield Lane. Two goals in three minutes from Luke Alfano [25’] and Solomon Ofori [27’] set the tone for a side hungry for goals. Ofori netted again thirteen minutes after the interval and a late defensive mishap opened the path for Jordan Edwards to grab a late fourth for Anthony Clark’s side.

I was at this match, my full report is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/09/05/season-2020-21-match-report-hadley-4-0-woodford-town-sat-5-sept/

Hashtag Utd  4 – 0  Ilford  | Len Salmon Stadium [3G]  |

Hashtag got their on-pitch season going in some style with a triumph over Ilford at the Len Salmon Stadium. George Smith’s spot-kick on 25 minutes put Jay Devereux’s side ahead before Toby Aromolaran made it two ten minutes after the break. Late goals from Lee Hursit and Ross Gleed added more gloss onto the score-sheet to get past an Ilford side who battled hard in the first half. Even so, the Tags showed their intent to get back into the upper echelons of the table and challenge for promotion once again.

Redbridge  2 – 2  Saffron Walden Town  | Oakside  |

Saffron Walden didn’t have it all their own way as they twice fought back to claim a draw with Redbridge at Oakside. After the hosts had missed a penalty before the break, James Barlow netted seven minutes after the interval. Former Redbridge star Lewis Francis levelled matters eight minutes later though in a fraught last ten minutes, Barlow struck again [82’] to put Micky Wetherall’s side on course for a surprise win. However, Walden had other ideas as George Pullen’s added-time equaliser ensured a share of the points for Jason Maher’s side.

Southend Manor  2 – 5  Sawbridgeworth Town  | Southchurch Park  |

Sawbridgeworth rode the crest of a wave following their FA Cup herocs in midweek to dismantle Manor at Southchurch Park. Luca Frankis netted twice for Craig Waters’ side but Sawbo overpowered them thanks to a hat-trick from Kieran Amos and goals for Cabham Clarke and Horace Ormsby. With ten goals conceded in two matches in League & Cup, Manor will need to regroup fairly quickly.  

Sporting Bengal Utd  1 – 3  Walthamstow  | Mile End  |

Walthamstow started their season with a hard-fought win at Sporting Bengal. After both sides drew ablank in the first half, ‘Stow’s new-look forward line did the damage as Charncey Dash opened his league account from twelve yards. Fellow new recruit Jon Clements struck to double Max Mitchell’s side’s advantage. Sam Jeremiah also netted to secure the points, though credit also goes to Bengal’s Joel Ramos who lashed home a free-kick to give Imrul Gazi’s side a consolation.

Stansted  2 – 2  Clapton  | Hargrave Park  | Att: 64

Finally this weekend, Clapton came from behind to snatch a draw at Stansted. Moses Carvalho’s firm header put the Airportmen ahead, a lead which stood at the break. But after the interval, substitute Shaun Gittleson got his second goal of the week to level the match. As the tension rose, that stalemate only lasted four minutes before Nick Reynolds put Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side ahead again. The Tons were soon level again though through Ruben Kennedy’s spot-kick and from there, the sides couldn’t be separated.

Eastern Senior League South   

Sat 5th September  Results 

Brimsdown  3 – 2  Harwich & Parkeston  | Chadfields

Burnham Ramblers  0 – 1  Wormley Rovers   | Leslie Field

Coggeshall Utd   1 – 1  Newbury Forest   | West Street

Frenford  3 – 0  Holland   | The Drive [3G]

Hackney Wick  2 – 2  Benfleet   | Spa Road, Witham

Halstead Town  1 – 1  Athletic Newham   | Rosemary Lane

Little Oakley  2 – 1  Barkingside   | Memorial Stadium

White Ensign  3 – 0  Wivenhoe Town   | Burroughs Park

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Season 2020-21: Results from Essex & Suffolk Border Lge & Essex Alliance Lge [ESBL & EAL 20-21 5.9.20]

Compiled by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to brief run-down of the results from the first two divisions of the Essex & Suffolk Border League (its Premier Division sits at Step 7 in the pyramid) and all the Results from the Essex Alliance League divisions, all from Sat 5 Sept.



ESBL Premier Division – Saturday 5th September 2020

Brantham Athletic Res   1 – 2   Colne Athletic  |  Brantham Leisure Centre

Dedham Old Boys  2 – 0  Felixstowe & Walton Utd Res   | The Duchy Field

Gas Recreation 4 – 0  Flitch Utd    | Gas Rec Playing Field, Colchester

Hatfield Peverel  1 – 2  Earls Colne   |  Keith Bigden Memorial Ground

Lawford Lads  1 – 1 Little Oakley Res   |  School Lane 

Stanway Peagasus   4 – 1  Barnston    |  Stanway School

Sudbury Sports  1 – 3  White Notley  |  King’s Marsh [3G]

Tiptree Heath  2 – 3  Alresford Colne Rangers   |  Tollesbury Road

West Bergholt  2 – 2  Great Bentley   | Lorkin Daniell Playing Field

ESBL Division One

Alresford Colne Rangers Res  6 – 1 Shrub End Utd

Belle Vue Social Club  1 – 9 Tiptree Jobserve

Cressing Utd  0 – 0  Coggeshall Utd Res

Dunmow Town 2 – 3 Stanway Pegasus Res

Gosfield Utd  1 – 2 Mersea Island

Hedinghams Utd  1 – 6 FC Clacton Res

Silver End Utd  4 – 2 Stanway Rovers C Res

————————————————

Essex Alliance League Results – Premier Division 

All Prospects  1 – 11 West Essex Res  | Roding Valley Sch [3G]

Blue Marlin  0 – 4  Chigwell Town   | Ford’s Sports Club (Newbury Park)
CSM London  0 – 3  Tower Utd
   | West Ham Community Ground [3G]

DT FC  11 – 0  Rapid Chingford    |  The Harlow Arena  [3G]

FC Baresi  2 – 2 Lymore Gardens   |  Hackney Marshes

FC Petrocub 7 – 2  London Cranes   | Noak Hill Sports Complex [3G pitch]

EAL Division One

Chadwell Heath Spartans  P – P  Eastside   |

Wapping    7 – 1  Francis Luke   |  Victoria Park, South Hackney

Woodford East 5 – 0  North East Lions   | Debden Park Sch , Loughton

EAL Division Two

Chingford Athletic ‘A’  3 – 2  Unitey  | Town Mead

Dagenham Utd  1 – 2  Cowley Community | Castle Green Leisure Centre

Rainham WMC  2 – 3 Old Esthameians | Rainham WMC

Royal Forest  4 – 11 Belfry  | Roding Valley Sch

EAL Division Three

Glendale  1 – 4  FHN Athletic

Old Barkabbeyans Res  2 – 0 Bailey Football Academy

Division Four

Collier Row ‘A’  0 – 8  Emerson Utd Res

Dagenham Utd Res  2 – 2  Chingford Harriers

Season 2020-21 Match Report: Hadley 4 – 0 Woodford Town (Sat 5 Sept) [ESL 20-21 5.9.20]

Essex Senior League

Venue: Brickfield Lane

Attendance: 145

Season 2020-21: Match 6

Date: Saturday 5 September 2020 – 3pm KO

Hadley: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Woodford: Royal Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Hadley start the Essex Senior with resounding win over Woodford

Hadley 4 – 0 Woodford Town

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

After a nearly six-month break, it was great to kick off the new Essex Senior season with a trip to Brickfield Lane, as Hadley welcomed Woodford Town. Hadley have kept the nucleus of last season’s squad, which had a large amount of experience and quality. Manager Anthony Clark named a strong side featuring a front three of Solomon Ofori, Jordan Edwards and Shaz Anwar in a supporting role. Evergreen skipper Paul Wright remained at the heart of the defence, alongside stalwarts Sam Edwards  and Alfie Bartram in midfield and left-back respectively, with the likes of Cameron Ferguson, Emmanuel Hammond and Luke Jupp on the bench here.

Woodford seem to have undergone a squad overhaul but still had the known names of James Scammell between the sticks, and skipper Andrea Montovani and Samir Ali in midfield, with new number nine Rigert Rama leading the line here. Among their substitutes was last week’s FA Cup hero Luke Parrott, Frankie Litcheri and Richard Oluwatoyin.

The game began at a decent pace, with the Bricks clear in their goal to get into the ascendancy early. Hadley had a few early sighters on the target in the first fifteen minutes, with forward Solomon Ofori twice unable to get smart strikes on-target. Home centre-back Bradley Marriott also powerfully headed over the goal frame from a well-directed set-piece as we approached the quarter-hour. Woodford had one early half-chance though forward Rigert Rama was denied a clear strike at goal by the ever-stubborn home backline. Soon after that quarter-hour had passed, Town goalkeeper James Scammell did well to advance and deny Hadley midfielder Luke Alfano a clear-cut strike at goal.

As it turned out, Hadley were not to be denied the lead as on 25 minutes, a well-timed rapid run by Ofori down the right channel got the better of his marker before his centre found Alfano who made no mistake with the finish past Scammell. And before Woodford could re-focus, the hosts doubled their lead two minutes later as Solomon Ofori controlled a long ball forward well before sending a low strike past the over-worked Woodford stopper, into the net. Hadley were playing some really neat football at this point and a move involving attacking full-back Alfie Bartram and Ofori ended with forward Jordan Edwards heading over.

Woodford’s stand-out chance of the half came eight minutes before the interval, with good wing play by skipper Andrea Montovani down the right flank finding Rama though his superb drive was well-tipped over the crossbar by home custodian Luke Ward.  

Half-Time: Hadley  2 – 0  Woodford Town

The hosts had a decent lead at the break, but you still had the feel the match wasn’t over just yet. Two minutes into the second half, a rare blemish by home ‘keeper Ward saw his attempted clearance cannon back off substitute Richard Oluwatoyin and sail narrowly wide of the left-side post. To be fair to Woodford, their energy was there in tracking back defensively in the first part of the half and the sheer pace of the game started to drop a little. Just when you thought the game was fizzling out, Hadley extended their lead  just before the hour mark as again Solomon Ofori was well-picked out before lobbing Scammell well to make three-nil.

As we passed the midway point of the half, a fine lung-busting run by Woodford midfielder Oluwatoyin out of defence into the opposition half was well stopped by home midfielder Teddy Stacey. It was at this point of the match where Woodford had a bit more possession and with it, winger Dimitrios Eapsokostas was causing a problem or two down the left flank with his fleet-footed skill and pace. On 76 minutes, a rare Town corner found centre-back Empochantsif who made a well-judged leap but sent his header wide of goal.   

It wasn’t until the last few minutes that Hadley added further gloss to the score-sheet as a defensive mishap allowed forward Jordan Edwards in on goal and he struck home past Scammell confidently to end a fine performance by the hosts. It would be remiss of me not to mention the Towners fans, who as ever sang and kept singing despite the result not going their way today.

Full-Time: Hadley  4 – 0  Woodford Town

Being earnest, Woodford were just not able to conjure up the performance level they showed in their FA Cup exploits in midweek. But take nothing away from another impressive showing at home by Hadley, echoing the fine start they made in their opening game of last season, thirteen months ago now (Isn’t it good to Non-League Football back!)

On this showing, you’d be a brave soul to predict against the Bricks getting at least a top-four finish in the Essex Senior this term, alongside the likes of Walthamstow, Hashtag Utd and Saffron Walden Town. So in terms of stand-out performers, although Woodford had a ‘tough day at the office’, mentions deserve to go to midfield craftsman Andrea Montovani, centre forward Rigert Rama, centre-back Evangelos Empochantsif and energetic full-back Shaye La Rose.

For Hadley, forward Solomon Ofori will be happy to notch twice here after a fine season last term on the goals front. Fellow forwards Shaz Anwar and Jordan Edwards also deserve a mention for testing the visiting back-line, Edwards himself getting on the score-sheet late on. Lastly, a mention has to go to goalkeeper Luke Ward who made two very good saves on a fairly quiet afternoon for him. Finally, I’d like to wish both clubs the very best for the season ahead.

Teams

Hadley       | Manager: Anthony Clark  | Assistant: Junior Matti

1 Luke Ward (GK), 2 Billy Baird, 3 Alfie Bartram, 4 Paul Wright (Capt), 5 Bradley Marriott, 6 Teddy Stacey, 7 Solomon Ofori (14 Cameron Ferguson 62’), 8 Luke Alfano (17 Edward Davis 80’), 9 Jordan Edwards, 10 Shaz Anwar, 11 Sam Edwards

Goal-scorers: Luke Alfano [25’], Solomon Ofori [27 & 58’], Jordan Edwards [88’]

Subs Not Used: Buraimoh, E Hammond

Woodford Town    | Manager: Dee Safer  | Assistant: Wayne St Louis

1 James Scammell (GK), 2 Harry Barrett, 3 Shaye La Rose, 4 David Ola (15 Zain Morfea 66’), 5 Evangelos Empochantsif, 6 Jack Newbury-Neale (16 Richard Oluwatoyin 46’), 7 Samir Ali, 8 Harry Markatis (18 Frankie Licheri 54’), 9 Rigert Rama, 13 Andrea Montovani (Capt), 11 Dimitrios Eapsokostas

Subs Not Used: Parrott, C St Louis

Referee: Zack Moules

Assistant Referees: Stephen Bainbridge & Peter Jago

Season 2020-21: Essex Senior & Eastern Senior League South Fixtures

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

Hello and welcome to the first of a fair few blogs looking at the Essex Senior League for the new 2020-21 season. Below are the fixtures for the Opening weekend of League action in the Essex Senior and Eastern Senior South, along with the venues they are being held at.

Essex Senior 

Friday 4th Sept  – West Essex  v  Takeley   | Mayesbrook Park [3G] | 7.45pm KO

 

Saturday 5th September – 3pm KO’s

Cockfosters  v  Hoddesdon Town  | Chalk Lane

Enfield  v  St Margaretsbury   | Woodside

Hadley  v  Woodford Town   | Brickfield Lane

Hashtag Utd  v  Ilford  | Len Salmon Stadium [3G]

 

Redbridge  v  Saffron Walden Town  | Oakside

Southend Manor  v  Sawbridgeworth Town  | Southchurch Park

Sporting Bengal Utd  v  Walthamstow  | Mile End

Stansted  v  Clapton  | Hargrave Park

 

Eastern Senior League South Fixtures – Saturday 5th September  (3pm KOs)

Brimsdown  v  Harwich & Parkeston  | Chadfields

Burnham Ramblers  v  Wormley Rovers   | Leslie Field

Coggeshall Utd  v  Newbury Forest   | West Street

Frenford  v  Holland   | The Drive [3G]

 

Hackney Wick  v  Benfleet   | Spa Road, Witham

Halstead Town  v  Athletic Newham **  | Rosemary Lane

Little Oakley  v  Barkingside   | Memorial Stadium

White Ensign  v  Wivenhoe Town   | Burroughs Park

 

** Athletic Newham is club formerly known as Lopes Tavares

Preview: Essex Olympian League Divisions Opening Weekend [EOFL 20-21 27.8.20]

20200201_135736
Archive Image – Leigh Town v Corinthians (Feb 2020 EPC Q-Final)

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello everyone and welcome to a preview of the Opening Weekend of the 2020-21 Essex Olympian League season, taking in all of the fixtures across League & the Senior League Cup. Given that the EOFL Premier Division sits at Step 7 (or to quote the new FA buzzword – a ‘NLS Feeder League’ – I know I prefer the former phrase), it has got the go-ahead, subject to changes & guidelines, to begin on Saturday September 5th.

On the opening day, the Premier Division does take ‘centre stage’ with regards to the League action, with the bulk of Senior One to Three sides in Cup action. The intention at this stage is that I’ll continue with the EOFL round-ups most weeks (at least) on this blog this season though I do ask EOFL Clubs to pass on goal-scorers & results where possible. Also I have to mention that until further notice, matches at Step 7 (EOFL Premier Division) will be played Behind Closed Doors, as per FA directives issued on August 4th.

Finally, if there is any info that is inaccurate, could I ask clubs to DM me on Twitter and I will amend, thank you. Every effort has been made to keep it up to date.

 

Saturday 5th September 2020 (2.30pm KOs unless stated)

EOFL Premier Division

Buckhurst Hill  v  Kelvedon Hatch   | Roding Lane

Catholic Utd  v  Canning Town  | Len Forge Centre [3G]**

Hutton  v  Basildon Town    | Polo Fields

Old Southendian  v  Bishop’s Stortford Swifts   | Garon Park [3G]

Rayleigh Town  v  Harold Wood Athletic   | London Road

Springfield  v  Leigh Ramblers   |  Springfield Hall Park

Sungate  v  Shenfield AFC   | Ilford Wanderers RFC

 

** = Indicates Catholic Utd’s new home ground for 2020-21 Season

 

EOFL Division One

Old Chelmsfordians  v  Rayleigh Town Res  | Lawford Lane

 

EOFL Division Two

Beacon Hill Rovers  v  Old Southendian Res   | Wickham Bishops Spts Gound

Harold Wood Athletic Res v  Leigh Town   | Harold Wood Park [Pitch #1]

 

EOFL Division Three

Basildon Town Res  v  Buckhurst Hill Res   | Basildon Sports Club

Toby Res  v  Leigh Town Res   | Ford’s, Newbury Park [Toby pitch]

 

EOFL Division Four

Chingford Athletic Res  v  Galleywood Res   | Town Mead [3G]

Shenfield AFC Res  v  Old Chelmsfordians Res   | The Drive, Warley

 

EOFL Senior Five

Collier Row Res  v  Epping Town Res   | Forest Row Centre (Pitch #2)

Herongate Athletic Res  v  Shoebury Town Res   | Billericay Road, Herongate

Roydon  v  AS Rawreth Res   | Roydon Playing Fields

Runwell Sports Res  v  Springfield Res  | St Luke’s Park

 

 

EOFL Senior League Cup – Round 1 (2.15pm KOs unless stated)

 

Collier Row  v  Toby  | Forest Row Centre (Pitch #1)

Corinthians  v  Runwell Sports   | Stambridge Memorial Ground

Epping Town  v  Hullbridge Sports ‘A’   | Epping Rugby Club, Upland Rd**

Hashtag Utd Development  v  Manford Way   | Barleylands Road

 

Laindon Orient  v  Ongar Town  | Markhams Chase, Laindon Link

Lakeside Utd  v  Snaresbrook   | Lakeside Spts Grd [3G] | (2.30pm KO)

May & Baker Res  v  Newbury Forest Res   | May & Baker FC

Old Barkabbeyans  v  Galleywood   | Barking Abbey School, South Park Drive

Ramsden Scotia  v  FC Hamlets   | Nursery Sports Ground

 

Ryan  v  AS Rawreth  | Wadham Lodge Spts Grd [Inter. Grass Pitch]

Shoebury Town  v  ACD Utd   | Cupid’s CC (Pitch #2), Shoeburyness

Wakering Sports  v  Rochford Town   | Cupid’s CC (Pitch #1), Shoeburyness

 

** Denotes that Epping Town will play home games at Epping Rugby Club this season, leaving previous home Stonards Hill for 2020-21