Springfield – survivor16b

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 6 May) [EOFL 22-23 8.5.23]

Action from Corinthians v Beacon Hill this weekend

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

Hello & welcome to the latest edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up, looking at the action in all divisions & Cups from the week to Saturday 6 May, in this penultimate edition of the column this season.

Midweek action

In the top-tier, we start on Monday where Catholic Utd endorsed their quest for second-placed finish with a 3 – 2 victory at Sungate. Aaron Baldwin, Liam Oliver and replacement Franklin Craik got the goals for the victors in that one. Onto Tuesday night and Shenfield AFC‘s last home game of the season saw a 3 – 1 success over Kelvedon Hatch. James Burt scored for Darren Hunt’s side but a welcome treble for Luke Williamson secured the points at St Martin’s. Moving onto Wednesday night, Hutton‘s march to the title continued with a 1 – 0 win at Sungate, with Lewis Scott the goal-scorer at the Wanderers Sports Ground. Toby also held Rayleigh Town 1 – 1 at the Nursery Sports Ground. Rhys Willson netted for the Brewers and Harry Talbot got the reply for the visitors.

Elsewhere, in Division Three on Wednesday, Basildon Town Res defeated Chingford Athletic Res 2 – 0 in a rare Reserve game played at Rookery Hill. Antony Aylett & Ashley Drury netted to seal the champions’ 14th league win of the term. Chingford will finish fourth.

EOFL Premier Division

We start the weekend action with Catholic Utd who secured second spot with a fine 5 – 1 victory over Shenfield AFC at the Len Forge. Harrison Day’s double plus goals for Aaron Baldwin, James Warder and Kofi Goodrum sealed the points, with Elliott Thompson notching for AFC, who have two games remaining. Rayleigh Town sealed third a 2 – 1 victory at Sungate which gives them something to shout about after a tough last month of the campaign. Hutton go in Step 6 on the back of four straight wins as they won 4 – 2 over Galleywood at New Lodge 3G (their home for next term). Lee Judd and replacement Max Orrin netted for the visitors who drop into Division One, would like to wish them well for next term.

Meanwhile, Springfield‘s terrific run continued as they defeated Toby 4 – 1 at Arun Park. Will Wheeler’s double, plus goalls by Harry Kateley & Reece Latimer ensured their fourth straight victory & Matt Cardy’s side will be optimistic of a stronger season next term, currently sitting in seventh. Toby have their Senior Cup Final with Catholic Utd in midweek & could still finish in top eight if they win one of their remaining two league matches. Also, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts can still finish outside the bottom two after a 4 – 2 success at home to Canning Town. Matthew Allen netted two goals here, with Joe Holt and replacement Ryan Whiteman also on target for Swifts, who will leapfrog Kelvedon if they win their last match.

EOFL Reserve League Trophy Final

It was another Final on Tuesday night at Woodside, with Manford Way Res earning more silverware on spot-kicks after a 2 – 2 draw with Runwell Sports Res. Alex Gray & Max Harrington scored for Runwell but Callum Thomas & Aaron Clements responded for Manford, before they won the shoot-out 8 – 7 & congrats to them on a fine season, which included the Division Five title.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

Into Division One now, and the match I attended saw Beacon Hill Rovers end their season with the three points, as they edged to a late 3 – 2 success at Corinthians. Karl Swanborough netted twice & skipper Charles Brewer added a close-range strike to seal the win. Connor Summerhill netted two goals for Chris Stoneham’s side but they will finish fourth. Rovers will end the term in sixth. If you’d like more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/05/07/s22-23-match-report-corinthians-2-3-beacon-hill-rovers-sat-6-may/

In Division Two, champions Shoebury Town ended their season unbeaten after a 4 – 0 triumph at Hutton Res. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka netted another double here to reach 31 league goals himself, three goals ahead of ‘Golden Boot’ rival Connor Fardyga of Wakering Sports Res. Luke Jackson & replacement Alfie Fossett also netted to crown off a memorable campaign for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side. The other match saw Hashtag Utd Development secured third spot after a 5 – 2 win at Harold Wood Athletic Res. Matthew Gauci, Tony Stevens, Thomas Matthew, Samuel Pratt & Chandler Wray’s tenth league goal this term was enough to overhaul strikes by Kieran Moynihan and James Pottle but ‘Wood will finish fourth.

EOFL Division Four

In the fifth-tier, Galleywood Res got the win they needed to avoid the bottom two after a 2 – 1 triumph over Leytonstone Utd. Lukas Rodlauer & replacement Sam Rawlinson both scored to see their side up to ninth in their last game. The news isn’t quite as good for Lytonstone who will finish bottom & drop to Division Five despite a commendable response in their last few matches. Leigh Ramblers Res made it to 50 points in their last game, following a 5 – 0 win at Pitsea Athletic Res. The ensemble cast of Jamie Lovell, Joe Howson, Max Pitts, Ethan Nunn & Michael Coffey all netted for the champions. And lastly, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res won 4 – 1 at home to Herongate Athletic Res at Silver Leys. Thomas O’Keefe netted for Ath but goals from Matt Kemp, substitutes Daniel Bunting & Ryan Stewart plus an OG confirmed the points & they can still finish fourth if they better Herongate’s result in their respective last games.

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 29 Apr) [EOFL 22-23 30.4.23]

Charlie Seaden’s acrobatic clearance denies a Runwell attack

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

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Olympian League column, looking at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 29 April, plus we have the midweek action across all divisions. Please note that the last article of the season will likely be on Monday 15 May.

Midweek action

We begin this week with the five matches across all divisions. On Tuesday night in the Premier, Leigh Ramblers defeated Rayleigh Town 1 – 0, with Andrew Webster’s 15th league goal of the season saw the Rams back up to fourth & put another dent in Rayleigh’s title hopes. In Division Four, Pitsea Athletic Res won 2 – 1 at bottom side Galleywood Res. Alfie Hooper netted for the hosts but ‘Wood have to win their last game to have any hope of avoiding relegation. Wednesday’s match in the Premier Division saw Toby defeat Kelvedon Hatch 3 – 1 at the Nursery Sports Ground. Ben Picton, Jake Jones & replacement Dominic Poulley got the goals which saw Toby up to eighth. Kelvedon’s goal came from James Nottage & they remain 11th. The Division Two game saw an emphatic win for Shoebury Town as they defeated Rayleigh Town 11 – 0 at London Road. There were trebles for Mechack-Kisoka Asuka & Jack Woodham here, plus two goals for Luke Jackson and strikes also from Callum Merenda & Izaih Antoine plus an OG took Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side to the brink of the Division 2 title at that point.

If you’d like more on this match, I attended this game & my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/04/27/s22-23-match-report-rayleigh-town-res-0-11-shoebury-town-wed-26-apr-eofl/

Jack Woodham in possession for Shoebury v Rayleigh Res

The solitary Thursday match in the Premier saw me venture out to watch Runwell Sports‘ 5 – 1 win over Rayleigh Town, which all but ended the latter’s title hopes. A quick-fire treble by Luca Frankis & a double from Gianni Frankis outdid Phil Anunwa’s early goal for Town. If you’d like more on this one, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/04/28/s22-23-match-report-runwell-sports-5-1-rayleigh-town-thurs-27-apr-eofl/

Weekend action

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier, Hutton finally got the points to seal what has been a truly memorable season for Matt Singh’s side as they won 4 – 0 at Toby to be crowned as Premier Division champions, and with it promotion to Eastern Senior League South. Big congratulations to all the players, manager Matt Singh, assistants Bill Stratford & Dan Williams and all at the club. Springfield’s super end-of-season form continued with a 2 – 1 victory over Galleywood at Arun Park. Two goals from Lewis Chapman outdid a goal by Sean Barry to see Matt Cardy’s side up to seventh. Galleywood will be relegated to Division One next term, I’d like to wish them well for next term.

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts all but secured their spot in the division next term with a narrow 1 – 0 victory at Shenfield AFC. Matthew Allen got the crucial goal here. Runwell Sports are unbeaten in ten matches now following their 3 – 1 victory at home to Sungate. The points see them up to fifth, in what has been another fine season from Rob Hodgson’s team. Meanwhile, Rayleigh Town ended their frenetic week with a fine effort as they were held 3 – 3 by Catholic Utd at Thames Road. A double from Harry Talbot & one from Philip Anunwa gave Paul Higgins’ side a three-goal lead at the break, but a double for Aaron Baldwin & a late goal by Kofi Goodrum earned a point for Simon Thomas’ side, who are also set to play at Sungate on Monday.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

Moving into Division One now, and Old Chelmsfordians defeated promotion rivals Corinthians 3 – 0 at Lawford Lane. This win seals promotion & the Division One title and Scott Fleming’s side return to the top division after an absence of 17 years so big congratulations to all at the club. The Stambridge side now have to win both their remaining games to have any chance of overhauling Harold Wood, who have to defeat ACD Utd in their game on May 13th. The other match this weekend saw Harold Hill draw 1 – 1 with ACD, with Samuel Payne the goal-scorer for Utd, but both teams will likely finish in the bottom half.

In Division Two, Shoebury Town secured the Division Two title with a 4 – 0 triumph over Harold Wood Athletic Res at Ekco Sports Club. Jack Woodham’s brace, compiled with goals for Mechack-Kisoka Asuka & Alfie Fossett meant that they return to the second-tier after two seasons away. Congratulations to Garry Johnson & John Galley’s team on their fine season.

No action in Division Three, Division Five has now been completed.

EOFL Division Four

In the fifth-tier, Leigh Ramblers Res defeated Pitsea Athletic Res 5 – 0 in the midday game at Chase Sch 3G to seal the Division Four title. Congrats to Terry Johnson’s team, as the Reserves have added to the First team’s fine season.

Roydon confirmed second place with a conclusive 6 – 0 victory at home to Wakering Sports A. Connor Presland netted twice here, with the support cast of Darren Brooker, Nader Benzid, Mike Hayes & Connor Riddoch all on target as well to seal another promotion for Nigel Jordon’s team, congratulations to them as well. Wakering’s third side are still not entirely safe from relegation, having ended their season here. Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res won 2 – 1 at Shenfield AFC Res to secure fifth spot at least. Henry Harnack & Jose Pinto got the goals for Swifts there. Ongar Town sealed sixth spot with a huge 7 – 0 win against relegation-threatened Leytonstone Utd. Finlay Cook netted four times himself here, with Matt Bovill, Ethan Hook & replacement Jude Collins added to a memorable last day of the league season for Town.

EOFL Reserve League Cup

In the Ressie Cup semi-finals, Catholic Utd Res won 2 – 1 at Herongate Athletic Res to match their First team in reaching a Cup final this term. Zachary Wing & Finlay Grant got the goals for the Utd side there. Plus, defending champions Wakering Sports Res made the final once again after a superb 7 – 3 success over Basildon Town A at Cupid’s.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 22 Apr) [EOFL 24.4.23]

Archive Image from Rayleigh Tn v Canning Tn

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

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Olympian League column, looking at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 22 April, as more key games influenced the respective promotion & relegation races in all divisions.

EOFL Premier Division

We start with the top-tier action in midweek, and Catholic Utd showed their credentials for next season as they won 1 – 0 at Hutton. Franklin Craik’s early goal was enough to see Utd to victory and Simon Thomas’ side are not out of the running for second spot. Also, Springfield notched a 2 – 1 victory at Galleywood on Wednesday night. Former Wakebury duo Will Wheeler & Harry Kateley got the goals for Matt Cardy’s team here. Freddie Bartram responded for ‘Wood but they ended the game with ten players & are now most likely to be the side to be playing in Division One in August. The other match saw a depleted Rayleigh Town side being held 1 – 1 by Sungate. Harry Talbot got the Town goal & Solomon Asomah replied for the resolute ‘Gate side.

At the weekend, Hutton pulled eight points clear at the summit after a 4 – 1 win at Kelvedon Hatch. Jude Keeling’s hat-trick saw him reach ten league goals for the Reds, plus David Johnson also netted. Charlie Bott netted for Kelvedon here but they also finished with ten men & remain third-bottom. Springfield got arguably the result of the day, with a 4 – 1 triumph over Rayleigh Town. Will Wheeler scored another brace here, with Flynn Monk & Harry Kateley also on target. Harry Talbot’s 14th league goal was scant consolation for Town, who have two games coming in midweek, which are must-win for them.

Elsewhere, Catholic Utd went into second spot after a 3 – 0 victory at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Franklin Craik scored two more goals alongside Liam Oliver’s strike. Old Southendian ended their campaign with a 3 – 1 success over Sungate at Garon Park. Nick Henesy scored two goals for Altan Ali’s side & Jack Lelliott also scored as OS went back up to fourth. ‘Gate remain seventh. Shenfield AFC are eighth after a 3 – 0 success over Galleywood. Harvey Clarke, Alfie MacKay & Harvey Cadd all scored for Kevin Williamson’s side. Runwell Sports held Leigh Ramblers 3 – 3 at St Luke’s, with over 100 spectators in attendance. Andrew Webster scored twice for Rams, with Matt Brinklow also scoring here. Leigh have two games left to graft for a fine top-four finish. Runwell have four matches remaining & are also in that race for top-four finish. Lastly, Toby are back up to tenth after a 1 – 0 win over Canning Town. Rhys Willson’s solitary goal saw Mark Jones’ side to the win.

EOFL Divisions One & Two & Three

Moving into Division One now, and Manford Way ended their season on the best possible note, after a fine 2 – 0 win at Corinthians. Siddy Clarkson netted both goals to see Manford up to second. In the other key game, Old Chelmsfordians wrestled the impetus away from Harold Wood Athletic in the promotion race after OC’s won 3 – 1 at Lawford Lane. James Pottle netted for Ath but substitute Liam Landers scored twice & fellow replacement Matthew Crick also netted. Old Chelmsfordians also face Corinthians next weekend at home, in a game both sides need to win.

In Division Two, Wakering Sports Res temporarily went top by two points after a comprehensive 8 – 2 victory at Hutton Res, in their second to last game. Connor Fardyga once again led the scorers with a a treble here, with replacement Leo Pearce netting twice, and there were also goals for Ashley Sexton, Charlie Smith & Oliver Greene. Rivals Shoebury still likely need to win of their three games left to seal the title.

In midweek in Division Three, Chingford Athletic Res battled to a 1 – 0 victory at Buckhurst Hill U23. Substitute Benson Osejindu nabbed the crucial goal which sent them up to fourth. Buckhurst ended their season here & will finish fifth, a creditable achievement for Darren Gosnell & his team.

In Division Four, Leigh Ramblers Res finally achieved promotion after a 1 – 1 draw with Herongate Athletic Res. Habeeb Apatira netted for Herongate, but substitute Alex Goodson’s strike sealed a significant point for Terry Johnson’s side. Roydon were held 3 – 3 at strugglers Galleywood Res with Darren Brooker netting twice for the visitors & Nader Benzid’s 10th league goal this term being cancelled out by strikes by Alfie Hooper, Diogo Viveiros & Jodh Lapidus keeping their side in contention to avoid a bottom-two finish. Shenfield AFC Res won 4 – 0 at Wakering Sports A to fortify seventh spot. The cast of Ross Riding, Paul Constable, Elliott Fraser & Kyle Constable all netted for the visitors there. Finally, Leytonstone Utd battled to a 2 – 2 draw with Pitsea Athletic Res. Paul Gunn & replacement Owen Layzell netted for Ath’s second side here, as they remain in 8th.

Lastly this week, in Division Five, Basildon Town A secured a fine promotion after a 2 – 0 victory over Canning Town Res. Luke Soley and Donnel Kujinga’s 24th league goal of the campaign saw them to a top-two finish and pipped Runwell Res by a single point, in what was the final game of the Division Five season.

Cups

The midweek tie in the Reserve Cup saw Basildon Town A win 2 – 1 at Galleywood Res, to reach the last four. Oliver White and replacement Dylan Busby goals for Bas outdid Aryan Tathgar’s strike for the hosts to seal their progress. At the weekend in the Reserve Trophy, Runwell Sports Res made the Final on May 2nd against Manford Way Res, after the Runwell side defeated Harold Wood Athletic Res 4 – 2. Matt Harris & Thomas Butler scored for Ath but their opponents would not be denied here.

On Friday night, Manford Way Res gathered their first piece of silverware this term after sealing a 1 – 0 win over Felsted Rovers in the Essex Junior Trophy Final. Luke Bennett’s strike was crucial at this side prevailed at Heybridge’s Scraley Road. Congrats to them.

On Saturday, the Denny King Cup Semi-Finals saw ACD Utd progress with a 3 – 2 win over Shoebury Town. Jacob Dingli, Shaun Goddard and Warren Taylor goals saw Michael Wade’s team through, despite goals from Mechack-Kisoka Asuka & Luke Jackson for Shoebury, who will now focus on the Division One title. In the other Semi-Final, Hullbridge Sports Res won 4 – 2 at AS Rawreth.

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 25 Mar) [EOFL 22-23 27.3.23]

Image from Leigh Ramblers v Springfield last week

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

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Olympian League column, tracking the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 25 March, as the fixture programme made it through well despite ongoing unfavourable weather.

EOFL Cups

The two EOFL Senior Cup Semi-Final ties did take place this weekend. First, Catholic Utd made yet another final after an excellent 3 – 1 triumph at promotion-chasing Hutton. The trio of Aaron Baldwin, Liam Oliver & James Warder all netted here at Chadfields to send Simon Thomas’ side through. They will face Toby after they came through 4 – 2 on penalties after a 1 – 1 draw at home to Sungate. Harry Barham scored for the Brewers, but substitute Petrit Elbi levelled for the ‘Gate to force the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.

One other Cup tie to note this week, which saw ACD Utd progess with a 4 – 2 win over Ongar Town in the Denny King Cup. Jacob Dingli struck a fine treble, along with a goal for Scott Perkins saw Michael Wade’s win. Finlay Cook got both goals for Town but their focus in back on Division Four which is approaching its final weeks.

EOFL Premier Division & Division One

The top-tier saw the focus move to the chasing pack this weekend. Rayleigh Town reduced the gap to leaders Hutton to ten points after a 4 – 1 victory over Galleywood at Thames Road. Harry Talbot, William Vile, Charlie Seaden & substitute Philip Anunwa all scored for the Town side, with Ben Smith getting the visitors’ reply, but they are now five points adrift at the bottom of the table, with nine matches left. Springfield leapt out of the bottom three after a superb 4 – 2 success at Shenfield AFC. Finlay Dorrell’s goal tally got even better, scoring a treble here which was added to by recent signing Harry Kateley. Matt Cardy’s side have 18 points now, rising above Kelvedon Hatch, who drew 1 – 1 at rivals Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. William Norris netted for Swifts, who slipped to second-bottom, two points adrift of Hatch – both teams have six matches left to avoid finishing in the bottom two.

Meanwhile, Runwell Sports continued their good form with a 3 – 0 victory at home to Old Southendian, which saw them reduce the gap to OS in fourth to a single point. Leigh Ramblers are also on 34 points in sixth, after a good 3 – 2 victory at Canning Town, who are now ninth.

In Division One, Beacon Hill Rovers ended leaders Harold Wood Athletic’s unbeaten league run, as Rovers won 2 – 0, with Bertie Whymark and replacement George Etheridge goals sealing the win that sees them stay eighth but are level on points with Herongate just above them.The loss for Harold Wood leaves them vulnerable to being caught in the title race by Old Chelmsfordians, Manford Way, Epping Town and Corinthians, who got a important tonic with a 2 – 1 win at Herongate Athletic to reduce the deficit to the leaders Harold Wood to only four points, with five matches left – the most to play in this very tightly packed top-five. Manford Way are also in the mix, as a 2 – 0 win over Harold Hill was achieved, with Joshua Owoaje notching twice to see them up to third spot, with two matches left.

EOFL Divisions Two, Three, Four & Five

In Division Two this week, promoted Shoebury Town maintained their four-point lead at the summit in the race for title, as they won 6 – 1 at AS Rawreth. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka took his tally to 24 league goals with another fine hat-trick for Town. Luke Jackson also got two goals & replacement Timi Tinubu got the other for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s side here. Rivals Wakering Sports Res also got a good win, 5 – 0 at Hashtag Utd Dev, with Connor Fardyga scoring all five goals for Jason Doyle’s team here, to also get to 24 league goals. Shoebury are in prime position for said title, and three more wins will be enough to be absolutely sure of silverware. Hashtag’s chances of a third-placed finish are also lessened by this result, as Harold Wood Athletic Res won 4 – 2 at Rayleigh Town Res, to go within four points of Utd, with four matches left. Max London, Jerry Nkoy, Cohen Hubbard & Matt Harris all scored to give Wood the points.

Finally in this division, Hutton Res won 2 – 1 against Catholic Utd Res at Polo Fields. Jake Smith & Lewis Hall scored for the Reds as they went four points clear in to sixth. Utd’s second side responded through John Nutman’s goal, they remain seventh.

Moving into Division Three, and Leigh Town Res gained ground on leaders Basildon Town Res as Leigh won 3 – 2 away at Hullbridge Res. Jay Knight & Harry Mole struck for the hosts, but a brace from substitute Callum Stone and one from Tommy Clayton meant that Leigh got the win and means that four points from their last two games will make ensure a top-two finish. Hullbridge remain fifth, ahead of Chingford Athletic Res on goal difference after Chingford won 2 – 1 at Springfield Res. Samuel May-Parrott & Bilel Benyoucef goals outdid replacement Henry Payne’s reply at Arun Park. Lastly, two of the bottom three sides faced each other at Lawford Lane, with Old Chelmsfordians Res conclusively defeating second-bottom Corinthians Res 11 – 0. There were trebles for Emmanuel Mukuka, George Prentice and Thomas Ellis, with returnee Martin Mixture grabbing a double as well.

In Division Four, Leigh Ramblers Res continued their good run with a 5 – 2 win over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res to send them top on goal difference. Jacob Mead scored twice with goals for Luis Bracci, Matthew Pooley & Stuart Greaves ensuring Terry Johnson’s side are in pole position for another promotion. Samuel Brown & Fraser Bush netted for Swifts but their own promotion aspirations took a dent here. Collier Row grabbed a 2 – 0 win at Galleywood Res, which gives them a chance of a top four finish but they have played more games than all their rivals. Lastly, Leytonstone Utd got another point in their relegation six-pointer as they held Wakering Sports A to a 3 – 3 draw at Forest Row. Carl Sutton, Charlie Cottrill & Jason Lewin all scored for Sports in that game.

Finally, in Division Five there was a big win for Basildon Town A as they defeated bottom side AS Rawreth Res 6 – 1. Donnel Kujinga grabbed another three goals, to add to strikes by Billy Falco, Alex Smith & Shaun Watkins and confirm the points which sees Town still well in with a shot at a top-three finish. Justin Burrell got the solitary goal for Rawreth there. Manford Way Res went back to the summit after a 5 – 0 success at Shoebury Town Res, which means they will be champions & promoted to Div Four with a match to spare. Many congrats to them.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 18 Mar) [EOFL 22-23 20.3.23]

Image from Leigh Ramblers Res v Wakering Sports A this weekend

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

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Olympian League column, tracking the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 18 March, as the fixture programme was again blighted by the recent weather.

Cups

The two Essex Premier Cup ties did reach a conclusion to set up the Final at New Lodge on April 12th. Wakering Sports Res‘ dream run through the competition continued after a superb match ended in a 4 – 4 draw with EAL Senior side Woodford East at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga & substitute Adem Beji both scored twice here for the hosts, and they held their nerve in the shoot-out, winning 5 – 4 to shatter East’s quest of making a second successive final. Sports will play Shenfield AFC after they came from behind to defeat Rayleigh Town at St Martins’. Jack Chatterway had given Town the lead but goals from Luke Williamson & Ben Absolon meant that it would be the hosts competing in an all-EOFL showpiece next month.

EOFL League Divisions

As mentioned, the fixtures were hit by weather. We start as ever in the top-tier, as leaders Hutton were held to a 1 – 1 draw at Runwell Sports. Two substitutes were crucial in this game, with David Johnson netting for the Reds and Luca Frankis responded for Rob Hodgson’s team. The result meant that Matt Singh’s team remain ten points clear of second-placed Catholic Utd, who were also held, 2 – 2 by Sungate at the Len Forge 3G. Ben Burrows & Aaron Baldwin scored for Utd to give them the lead, but goals from Solomon Asomah & replacement Petrit Elbi meant that the ‘Gate left with a point, and they are up to seventh now.

Elsewhere, Old Southendian are back into fourth place after a 2 – 1 victory at Toby. Mattias Tonking & Jordan Faulkner both netted for OS, with substitute Jake Jones replying for the Brewers, who remain 10th. There were also two key results for teams at the bottom. Firstly, Kelvedon Hatch got a vital 3 – 2 victory over Canning Town at New Hall. Drew Klessa-Smith, Luke Winter & David Hamblett got the goals for Darren Hunt’s team, as they stayed out of the bottom two. Springfield also grabbed a hugely important three points as they had a 2 – 1 success at Belfairs Park. Two goals from Finlay Dorrell outdid a late spot-kick from Ole Hunter for the Rams to give Matt Cardy’s side the win. I attended this match & if you’d like more on it, my report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/03/19/s22-23-match-report-leigh-ramblers-1-2-springfield-sat-18-mar-eofl/

There were two matches in Division One this week. First, Manford Way grabbed an important 2 – 0 victory over promotion rivals Epping Town at the London Marathon Sports Ground to go three points clear in fourth, with three games left. The other game saw ACD Utd obtain a good 4 – 1 success at Wakering Sports. Jacob Dingli scored twice for Michael Wade’s team, with Shaun Farrow & Ollie Williams also netting to see Utd gain ground on the top five.

There was one match apiece in Divisions Two & Three as well. In Division Two, Shoebury Town confirmed promotion to the second-tier after they conclusively won 7 – 0 over Old Southendian Res, in a match held at Garon Park 3G. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka netted another four goals here, with Jack Woodham’s double & one from substitute Enoch Gyimah securing the points which led to celebrations for Garry Johnson’s & John Galley’s team. Congrats to them. In Division Three, Buckhurst Hill U23 are up to third spot, after a 7 – 1 win over Old Chelmsfordians Res at Roding Lane. Louie Cooper & replacement Daniel Muela both scored twice for Darren Gosnell’s team here, with Jack Barnes, Jacob Richards & Harvey Woods also on the score-sheet in Hill’s penultimate league match this term. Old Chelms will finish eighth now.

In Division Four, the solitary game saw Leigh Ramblers Res produce a fine second-half showing to defeat Wakering Sports A 4 – 0 at Belfairs, in the second game of the double-header of matches which I attended. The ensemble of Luis Bracci, Cameron Jarvis, Taylor Stewart & Jacob Mead were all on target for Terry Johnson’s team, as they went up to second spot, three points behind leaders Roydon with two further games than them to play. The Sports side remain second bottom, with five matches left.

Finally, there was only one match in Division Five, Runwell Sports Res secured a very important 6 – 1 victory at Collier Row Res. The win takes them into top spot, two points clear of Manford Way Res and the pressure is on their rivals as the Runwell second-side have completed their league campaign. Row’s Ressie side also ended their term here, and reside in fourth but can still be caught by Basildon Town A, currently in fifth.

End

S22-23 Match Report: Leigh Ramblers 1 – 2 Springfield (Sat 18 Mar) [EOFL 22-23 19.3.23]

Springfield have a set-piece in first half

Essex Olympian League – Premier Division

Venue: Belfairs Park

Attendance: 40 (Est)

2022-23 Season: Match 47

Saturday 18th March 2022 – 1pm KO

Leigh Rams: Navy Blue & Black Shirts, Black Shorts & Socks

Springfield: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

Springfield show grit to edge to vital win at Belfairs

Leigh Ramblers 1 – 2 Springfield

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

This weekend’s foray into Non-League was a rare pair of matches with the focus of the day being an well-poised battle between top-five side Leigh Ramblers and relegation-battlers Springfield in the Essex Olympian League’s Premier Division. The visitors have have started to gain important points under the new management team of Matt Cardy & Daniel Blewett and they knew that a win here could well take them out of the bottom two. The Rams were also seeking to fortify their position in the top five to crown off a fine season for Mark Hunter’s team. The hosts were somewhat depleted but fielded Oscar Baines in goal, with a defence comprised of centre-backs George Moxon and Owen Reynolds, with the full-backs being Kevin Mustali & Patrick Cannon. The midfield had stalwart Ole Hunter, Chido Mutsvairo & Abraham Eze in a hard-working three. The forward line featured Kevin Matthew, Charlie Batchelor and captain Matt Brinklow. Springfield named a strong starting team, with Joshua Woodrow as their goalkeeper, with a backline of full-backs Lewis Chapman & Joe Gurie plus centre-backs Ben Perry and skipper Reece Latimer. Robbie Norris, Yaw Danso & Ben Morley were the experienced central midfield, with the forward line led by promising forward Finlay Dorrell, Harry Kateley and Will Wheeler.

Both teams needed time in the early stages to gauge the opposition threat and the slippery conditions, not helped by further rain showers which began shortly before kick-off. There were a few chances in the first half hour, as the visitors showed their neat forward play, with Will Wheeler’s effort on 15 minutes not being powerful enough to bypass home custodian Oscar Baines, who gathered. At the other end, Leigh Ramblers were a threat from set-pieces and midfielder Abraham Eze made good runs from deep, but his strike was comfortably stopped by visiting stopper Joshua Woodrow. The visitors responded almost immediately as a good turn by forward Harry Kateley ended with a well-struck effort which narrowly went over the woodwork. The Rams were finding it tricky to breach the visitors’ solid central midfield, but tricky midfielder Chido Mutsviaro did well to create space to have two chances at goal, which were off-target.

The crucial period in the half came right on the half-hour mark as from a good set-piece by Robbie Norris, forward Finlay Dorrell was found at the far post and the in-form Dorrell headed in from about four yards, with Baines beaten. Matt Cardy’s side then really made the most of this period by doubling their lead only two minutes later, with Dorrell’s fine, low strike sailing into the left corner, giving Baines little chance to deny him. The frustration of the hosts were starting to show, given they were conceding possession too often, though enterprising forward Kevin Matthew also had a decent chance denied by the visiting backline.

Half-Time: Leigh Rams 0 – 2 Springfield

After the break, the tempo was raised as the hosts commendably sought to get back on terms, having brought on forward Tony Da Silva shortly before half-time. Matthew was in the action again after doing well to find an angle to get his strike away, but the ball cannoned off a post and away. At the other end, Springfield were still looking lively, from a set-piece the ball arrowed in to find centre-back Reece Latimer and his decent header needed the intervention of Baines, who pushed the ball away well, under pressure in a congested penalty area. The hosts brought on their substitutes in the last 25 minutes, with the direct running of Scott Clark adding a different threat for the visiting defence to deal with.

One of Clark’s good runs into the 18-yard area was abruptly halted with sixteen minutes left, and referee Stuart Nixon pointed to the penalty spot. Ole Hunter duly stepped up and blasted the ball home past Woodrow, to add to the nerves of the Springfield side as they knew how important this potential win was. Ramblers gave it their all in the latter stages, with replacement Harry DaCosta’s strike only finding the side-netting and then Clark headed not far over in added-time. When the final whistle came, the relief was palpable for Springfield, but they came here and performed well in tough conditions.

Full-Time: Leigh Ramblers 1 – 2 Springfield

To sum up then, Springfield showed their desire to get out of their precarious situation well, showcasing their skill going forward and being tough in midfield and defence. It was scrappy at times in the first half, but the Rams couldn’t find the final ball as much as they would’ve liked and two quick-fire goals altered the momentum in the favour of Matt Cardy’s team. Despite the hosts finding more rhythm after the break & making it a nervy last ten minutes for Springfield, they held on well to claim the points which sends them out of the bottom two.

We start the stand-out mentions with victors Springfield. Forward Finlay Dorrell got both goals and linked-up well with forward partners Wheeler & Kateley, as well as showing good pace and work rate. Full-back Joe Gurie also made a good contribution, making good runs down the channel & put in a number of good passes too. Central midfielder Robbie Norris also put in a good shift and was a threat with his set-pieces too. Lastly, a mention for commanding defender Reece Latimer, who led his defence well & made several important clearances too.

For the Rams, George Moxon did very well playing in central defence here, showing good positioning & tackling throughout. Forward Kevin Matthew contributed well after being drafted into the starting side late on, and Matthew got into good positions, passing well & had a few decent chances. Midfielder Chido Mutsvairo also worked very hard and competed well with a fired-up visiting midfield, showing good movement and passing. Finally, full-back Kevin Mustali deserves a mention for in a hard-working shift, in defence and supporting the attack, also showing good alertness.

Before we end this report, the second game of this double saw the Leigh Ramblers Ressie side defeat Wakering Sports A 4 – 0, with Luis Bracci, Cameron Jarvis, Taylor Stewart & Jacob Mead goals sealing a fine second-half showing to keep them in the promotion reeckoning in Division Four. Thanks for reading.

Teams

Leigh Ramblers | Manager: Mark Hunter | Assistants: Nathan Dewberry & Josh Snell

Starting XI: 1 Oscar Baines (GK), 2 Patrick Cannon, 4 Owen Reynolds, 5 George Moxon, 3 Kevin Mustali, 6 Ole Hunter, 7 Chido Mutsviaro, 10 Charlie Batchelor, 8 Abraham Eze, 12 Kevin Matthew, 11 Matt Brinklow (Capt)

Goal-scorer: Ole Hunter [pen 74′]

Subs On (Time): 9 Tony Da Silva [37′, replaced Batchelor], 20 Scott Clark [62′, replaced Eze], 14 George Unwin [64′, replaced Cannon], 16 Harry DaCosta [69′, replaced Matthew], 15 Thomas Franks [79′, replaced Brinklow]

Booked: Mutsviaro | Subs Not Used: None

Springfield | Manager: Matt Cardy | Assistant: Dan Blewett

Starting XI: 1 Joshua Woodrow (GK), 2 Lewis Chapman, 5 Reece Latimer (Capt), 6 Ben Perry, 3 Joe Gurie, 4 Robbie Norris, 7 Yaw Danso, 8 Ben Morley, 9 Finlay Dorrell, 10 Harry Kateley, 11 Will Wheeler

Goal-scorers: Finlay Dorrell [30′ & 32′]

Subs On (Time): 14 Jonnie Gurie [62′, replaced Wheeler], 17 Elliott Hutchinson-Khupe [76′, replaced Joe Gurie], 15 Sam Loomes [85′, replaced Jonnie Gurie]

Booked: Kateley | Subs Not Used: Kassanda, Denyer

Referee: Stuart Nixon

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 18 Feb) [EOFL 22-23 20.2.23]

Image from Rayleigh Town v Canning Town in EOFL Premier

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

Hello & welcome to the latest edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 18 February, as the weekend’s action in all six divisions was scattered a bit as the divisions below the top-tier start to reach their conclusion.

EOFL Premier Division

In the Premier, leaders Hutton retained their unbeaten run this term but were held 0 – 0 by in-form hosts Old Southendian at Garon Park 3G. The chasing pack did take full advantage and second-placed Catholic Utd stayed there after a 4 – 0 success against Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at the Len Forge 3G. Aaron Baldwin, Liam Oliver, Tom Elliott & Louie Hay all scored for Simon Thomas’ team, and they are now 11 points adrift of the leaders. Rayleigh Town are a point further back in third after an entertaining 5 – 1 triumph over Canning Town at Thames Road, in the match I attended this weekend. George Vile’s treble & goals for Jack Long and Harry Talbot confirmed an important win. Stephen Ikumelo’s spot-kick had levelling things for Canning early on but they remain sixth. If you’d like more of this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/02/19/s22-23-match-report-rayleigh-town-5-1-canning-town-sat-18-feb-eofl/

Elsewhere, Runwell Sports got a big 2 – 1 success at fellow mid-table side Shenfield AFC. Strikes by James Dalton & Damian Siemienczuk secured the points which took them up to seventh & AFC drop to ninth. Leigh Ramblers are still enjoying a fine season, after a 2 – 0 win at strugglers Galleywood sent them up to fourth. Ryan Lowe & substitute Owen Reynolds got the goals for Mark Hunter’s side at Slades Lane. Springfield also got the first win of manager Matt Cardy’s reign as they battled to a hard-fought 3 – 2 victory at home to Kelvedon Hatch. Teenager Finlay Dorrell’s treble was enough to claim the win and go level on points with Kelvedon. Wayne Semanshia & replacement Charlie Bott got goals for Darren Hunt’s team but they & Bishop’s Stortford Swifts have been dragged back into the relegation scrap. Toby gave themselves a three point cushion from the bottom four after they won 3 – 0 at Sungate.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

In the second-tier this week, the key result was achieved by Old Chelmsfordians as they won 3 – 1 at ACD Utd. Goals from Shane Pritchard, substitute Liam Landers & an OG outdid Ollie Williams’ reply for ACD and launch themselves up to second spot, two points clear of Epping Town in third. Manford Way are up to fourth spot after a tough 2 – 1 win at home to Beacon Hill Rovers. David Alele & Richard Kadima got the goals which keeps them in the race for a top-four finish. Herongate Athletic are up to sixth after a 1 – 0 victory at Wakering Sports, with George Godfrey netting the decisive goal. The result means that Wakering will finish bottom of the 10 active sides in the division (Leigh Town First’s folded earlier in the season).

Into Division Two this week, Hutton Ressies are up to seventh spot after a hard-fought 3 – 2 victory at Harold Wood Athletic Res. Matthew Harris & replacement Josh Portway netted for Ath, but strikes by Rodney Wilson, Chris Skingley and Hector Beta all sent the points the Reds way. Hashtag Utd Development took full advantage of Ath’s slip-up & leapt above them into third with a 3 – 0 triumph over Old Southendian Res at Barleylands. Samuel Pratt was back on the score-sheet with a brace for Denis Simpson’s team, and Tommy Green’s goal secured the points. Finally in Division Two, Shoebury Town extended their lead at the summit to seven points following a comfortable 4 – 0 victory over Rayleigh Town Res at the Ekco Sports Club. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka returned with some style, bagging a treble and Aaron Marshall got the other goal for Garry Johnson & John Galley’s team. Rayleigh’s Ressie side are in a four-team tussle to avoid finishing second-bottom.

EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

In Division Three, we start with Pitsea Athletic who are still in with a chance of catching the leaders after a 5 – 0 win at Corinthians Res, a result which will likely relegate the later side. Ath had Jason Stanhope, Joshua Oteng, Joseph Berry, Iku Adjarho & substitute Sean Devlin all scored a goal each for them, as they reduced Basildon Town Res’ lead at the summit to eight points as Bas were held to a goalless draw by fourth-placed Leigh Town Res. Springfield Res got an important 4 – 0 victory at rivals Old Chelmsfordians Res, with Liam England’s two penalties were added to by Joshua Hubble & Billy Headland goals. Also, Hullbridge Sports Res drew 4 – 4 with Chingford Athletic Res, in a result which sees Hullbridge in third & Chingford remain sixth.

In Division Four, Herongate Athletic Res were the big movers as they went up to third after a 4 – 2 victory over Collier Row at Billericay Road. The ensemble cast of Habeeb Apatira, Paul Hine, Billy Markham & substitute Kai Redmond’s penalty all netted to send them only four points behind Row, with Ath also having three matches in hand on their opponents here. Roydon maintained their unbeaten season but were still held 1 – 1 at Leytonstone Utd, with Connor Presland on target for the visitors & James Medlock scoring for Leytonstone. Utd do inch closer to their relegation rivals, and Roydon can still be caught by Leigh Ramblers Res, who have three additional matches to play compared to the leaders. Pitsea Athletic Res drew 2 – 2 with Wakering Sports A at Basildon Sporting Village. Aidan Lewis scored twice for Sports’ third-team here, with Sean Chiimba & replacement Ben Austin netting for Athletic. Both sides are not entirely safe from relegation just yet. Lastly, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res have confirmed a top-five finish after they defeated Shenfield AFC Res 4 – 1 at Silver Leys. Matthew Allen netted twice here, with Ewan Rockell & substitute Chris Gibbs also netting.

In Division Five, Runwell Sports Res elevated themselves to second spot after a 3 – 0 success at Shoebury Town Res. Harry Ford, Max Harrington & substitute Jimmy Cox all scored to send Ryan Stoker’s team to the win. Wakebury Res are up to fourth spot, following a 2 – 1 victory over Canning Town Res at Shoebury Park. Luke Abbott & Alec Monk both scored for Joe Creak’s team. Basildon Town A are also in with a glimmer of a chance of a top-two finish after a 2 – 2 draw at Collier Row Res. Donnel Kujinga & Benjamin Farrant both scored for the Town side there, who are fifth but crucially have at least two games in hand on the teams above them.

Cups

There was one Reserve Cup tie this week, which saw Catholic Utd Res progress onwards with a 5 – 1 victory at Leigh Ramblers Res. Adam Sargent netted twice for Utd to lead the way, with Daniel Williams, Dominic O’Kane & substitute Matthew Oni also scoring as the Super Hoops team progressed.

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 3 Dec) [EOFL 22-23 5.12.22]

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

Hello & welcome to the first edition in December of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions from Saturday 3 December, and we begin with the Cup competitions this weekend.

Essex Premier Cup – Round Four

This week we begin with the Essex Premier Cup fourth round. Premier Division side Toby defeated Essex Alliance League Senior side Kit Out London 3 – 0 at Nursery Sports Ground. Callum Mann, Jake Jones & Luis Ruiz all netted to seal progression to the last eight for Mark Jones’ side. Fellow top-tier side Rayleigh Town also went through after a 3 – 0 victory at Division One side Beacon Hill Rovers. Harry Talbot netted twice for Paul Higgins’ side here, with Jack Long again on target to seal the win. EOFL Prem leaders Hutton had a battle before winning 3 – 2 against Border League side Dunmow Town at Hannakins Farm, after extra time. Will Marlowe, Rodney Wilson & replacement David Johnson got the crucial goals there for the Reds. There was a win for Shenfield AFC in their local derby with Harold Wood Athletic, as another double for Ben Absolon secured a 2 – 1 win for AFC, with Zach Holding getting the solitary goal for the second-tier side.

Meanwhile, there was a real battle at Stambridge Memorial Ground which saw Division One side Corinthians narrowly defeat Premier side Leigh Ramblers 4 — 3. Bailey Moss’ treble & a goal for Bill Wilton secured an excellent victory for Chris Stoneham’s team, outdoing strikes for the Rams by Tom Franks, George Moxon and Matthew Brinklow. The lowest-ranked EOFL side in the competition – Division Two’s Wakering Sports Res , produced an excellent display to secure a 3 – 2 success against Essex Alliance League Senior Division side Chadwell Heath Spartans at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga scored another two goals, and substitute Oliver Greene also netted for Sports. Joe Butcher & Jon Evans goals for the Spartans made it tight but it was a tough afternoon for Aaron Hunwicks’ side.

Finally, Catholic Utd put in a good performance to defeat Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier side Colne Athletic 5 – 2 at the Len Forge 3G, in the match I attended on Saturday. A brace for Aaron Baldwin added to goals by Louie Hay, Franklin Craik & a James Warder spot-kick to see the Super Hoops through & make it seven Olympian League sides in the quarter-finals this term, thus continuing the dominance by EOFL sides in recent years, in this competition.

If you’d like more on the win for Catholic Utd. my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/12/04/s22-23-match-report-catholic-utd-5-2-colne-athletic-sat-3-dec-epc/

EOFL Reserve League Cup

Two matches to note in the Ressie League Cup. Firstly, Collier Row Res produced a fine performance to win 4 – 0 at Old Southendian Res, with Aloisio Dos Santos netting twice, along with goals from Charlie Quant & Ryan Costello to ensure the win for Mark Lee’s side. Leigh Ramblers Res joined them in the next round after a narrow 1 – 0 win in their derby with Leigh Town Res at Belfairs. Luis Bracci got the winning penalty with five minutes left to seal the tie.

EOFL Premier Division & Division One

In the top-tier this week, there was two vital wins for teams in the bottom three. Firstly, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts gained ground on the teams above them with a 5 – 0 triumph over Galleywood at Silver Leys. Mitchell Burr’s fine treble was added to by goals for Valter Simao & Edward Atkinson-Purse to ensure a fine win and leave ‘Wood three points adrift at the bottom. Springfield also got an important 2 – 1 victory at Runwell Sports, with Lewis Chapman & an OG ensuring Allan Fenn’s side got the win. Finally, Sungate had a Solomon Asomah strike to thank for a 1 – 0 win over Old Southendian which sees them rise to second spot.

In Division One, Epping Town cut the deficit to leaders Harold Wood Athletic to seven points after a 5 – 2 victory at home to Harold Hill. Chris Gormley let the way with a superb hat-trick, with goals from Abdul Kamara & Scout Bown adding to Hill’s pain. Old Chelmsfordians moved back up to third after a 6 – 1 win at home to ACD Utd, and Manford Way went up to seventh spot after a comprehensive 4 – 0 success at home to winless Wakering Sports. Daniel Demain, David Alele, James Dobson & an OG secured a good win for Colin Dobson’s team.

EOFL Divisions Two, Three, Four & Five

In Division Two, with leaders Shoebury Town not in action, the chasing pack all got important wins. Hashtag Utd Development remain second after a enthralling 8 – 1 victory at Rayleigh Town Res. Jay Knight got a fine treble, with an ensemble cast of Thomas Matthew, Josh Jarvis, Tony Stevens, Matthew Gauci & Tommy Green all grabbing a goal each for Denis Simpson’s team. Harold Wood Athletic Res are two points behind in third spot after a battling 3 – 2 win away at Hutton Res. Kieron Moynihan, Max London & Matthew Harris all scored for Steve Hubbard’s side there. Thomas Price & Ronnie Richardson-Cook both scored for the hosts there at Polo Fields.

Meanwhile, Wakebury are up to fourth after a 2 – 0 victory over third-bottom Catholic Utd Res at Cupid’s. Finlay Dorrell & Jordan Farrell both netted for Matt Cardy’s side there. And last but not least in this division, May & Baker EOFL secured another fine win with a 6 – 3 triumph over AS Rawreth. Jack O’Connor led the way for the hosts with a double, while Carl Patten, Kane Messenger, Darren Seymour & Alfie Horan all netted too to ensure they are eight points clear in sixth place. Billy Brown’s double & a goal from substitute Hamoud Salum accounted for the Rawreth goals here.

In Division Three, Basildon Town Res remain seven points clear at the summit after a fine 5 – 0 triumph at Springfield Res. Jamie Bradbourn’s double, allied with goals for Antony Aylett, Joe Fogarty & substitute Ashley Drury ensured the points went back with the visitors. Second-placed Pitsea Athletic look the most likely side to be able to catch the leaders, but had to settle for a narrow 1 – 0 home win against Buckhurst Hill U23. Hullbridge Sports Res lost ground on the top two after losing 1 – 3 to Old Chelmsfordians Res, who remain in seventh.

Moving into Division Four now, unbeaten leaders Roydon retained their three-point lead after a 4 – 0 win against Shenfield AFC Res at Roydon Rec. Nader Benzid, Connor Riddoch, Rene Pivarnik & Mike Hayes all scored for Nigel Jordon’s team in that game. Collier Row are eight points clear in second after a 3 – 1 victory over Leytonstone Utd in the ‘Forest Row derby’. Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res went three points clear in fifth spot after a 3 – 1 win at Herongate Athletic Res. Matthew Allen got a fine double here, with Archie Gerard also on target for the Swifts side. Finally, Galleywood Res defeated Ongar Town 2 – 0 at Slades Lane, with Ebenezer Fasoranti & Aryan Tathgar goals giving them only their second league win this term & also saw them rise out of the bottom two.

In Division Five, we have new leaders after Manford Way Res won 5 – 0 in their top-two clash at Basildon Town A. There were doubles for Luke Bennett & Callum Thomas, as well as a goal for George Green as Manford went two points clear at the summit. Wakebury Res also won as they defeated Sungate Res 5 – 1 at Shoebury Park.Liam Dunne & Riley Oliver both scored twice for Joe Creak’s side, with Charlie Canning’s goal sealing their fourth straight victory and a rise to third spot, three points behind Basildon Town A. In the other game, Canning Town Res got a comfortable 4 – 0 success over Runwell Sports Res to fortify their position in sixth.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 29 Oct) [EOFL 22-23 31.10.22]

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

Hello & welcome to the latest round-up from the action in the Essex Olympian League. This week on Saturday 29 October, we look at the action in all divisions, plus an extra section on Senior League Cup games this weekend. The Image is from Shoebury Town v Hutton Res in D2, taken by Peter D. Used with thanks.

EOFL Premier Division

Firstly in the top-tier, Hutton extended their lead at the summit to nine points after a 2 – 1 win against Canning Town at Chadfields. Stephen Judge & substitute Brad Freeman got the crucial goals for Matt Singh’s side whgo are really pushing the pressure onto the chasing pack. Kelvedon Hatch got a important success as they defeated secopnd-placed Rayleigh Town 3 – 1 at New Hall. Drew Klessa-Smith scored a double, along with a goal for James Burt for Darren Hunt’s side. Hatch are up to 10th. Shenfield AFC continued their good recent form, with a 2 – 1 success against Catholic Utd at St Martins. Ben Absolon & Ben Carroll both netted to outdo substitute James Warder’s reply for Simon Thomas’ side.

Lastly, Sungate powered their way to a 3 – 1 win at Toby. Substitute Petrit Elbi scored two goals here, with Lee Samwys adding the other to see the ‘Gate up to seventh. Jamie Simpkins got the consolation for Mark Jones’ side in that game.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

The only match in Division One this week saw Beacon Hill Rovers draw 4 – 4 with Manford Way. Jack Walker’s double plus strikes by Bertie Whymark & Semi Akinlolu accounted for the Rovers goals but a goal each for Samuel Oramadike, David Alele, Joshua Owoaje and Richard Kadima ensured Manford took a point.

In Division Two this week, Shoebury Town got a important & hard-fought 3 – 1 victory over Hutton Res at Ekco Sports Club. Mechack-Kisoka Ausuka netted a double here for John Galley & Garry Johnson’s side, with Luke Jackson scoring a late penalty. Will Marlowe had earlier kept Hutton in the game. For more on this game, my Non-League colleague Peter D (@ped1980) was at the game and his report is here: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/10/shoebury-town-3-hutton-reserves-1.html

Wakering Sports Res are three points clear of Shoebury at the summit after a 4 – 0 success over Harold Wood Athletic Res. Liam Jarrett notched a double, with Connor Fardyga’s 6th league goal and Charlie Smith also on on target. In other results, May & Baker EOFL defeated Catholic Utd Res 4 – 0 and Old Southendian Res won 5 – 1 against Rayleigh Twn Res at Garon Park 3G.

EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

Into Division Three now, Basildon Town Res are the new leaders after an impressive 5 – 2 triumph at Buckhurst Hill U23. Louis Hill got a double, with Ashley Drury, Jamie Miller and replacement Keith King also netted for the visitors. Harvey Woods & Jack Ferris goals responded for Buckhurst there. Corinthians Res got their first win of the term as they defeated Toby Res 2 – 1 at Stambridge. Kian Hayter & Leo Clarke got the goals for the hosts. Old Chelmsfordians Res also got their first win with a 1 – 0 victory at Springfield Res. Also, Leigh Town Res were held 1 – 1 by Hulllbridge Res at John Burrows Rec. Chris Pope scored for Town, with Joe Tuskin’s 5th league goal replying for ‘Bridge.

Moving into Division Four now, Herongate Athletic Res remain five points clear in third after a 1 – 1 draw at Shenfield AFC Res. Habeeb Apatira’s fifth league goal accounted for Ath’s goal, with Ben Cawood levelling the game for AFC. Collier Row lead the way at the summit on goal difference with a 3 – 1 win at BIshop’s Stortford Swifts Res. Matt Kemp’s sixth league goal was the consolation for Swifts there. Wakering Sports A drew 3 – 3 with Pitsea Athletic Res at Cupid’s. Joseph Young, Alfie Grove & substitute James Clark got Wakering’s goals, but strikes for Carlos Dias, Precious Aminu & Paul Gunn meant Ath left with a point.

Finally in Division Five, leaders Basildon Town A made it six wins from six after a 2 – 1 win over Sungate Res at Basildon Sports Club. Donnel Kujinga scored another double to reach 11 league goals already, and James Oderinde netted for the visitors. Manford Way Res are two points behind in second after a 6 – 0 home win over AS Rawreth Res. Luke Bennett grabbed a fine treble, with a brace for Charlie Webb & Callum Thomas also on target. Collier Row Res are well-placed in fourth after a resounding 7 – 0 win at Runwell Sports Res. Celso Da Silva netted twice for Row, with the ensemble cast of Raheem Bravo, George Coker, Harry Potts, Eric Eze & Ryan Costello also scoring.

EOFL Senior League Cup

There were several matches in the Senior League Cup this weekend. Harold Wood Athletic made sure of their place in the next round with a 2 – 0 win against spirited Roydon at Harold Wood Park. Ben Woolven and Owen Edwards were the scorers for John Field’s team. Springfield got their second consecutive win in all competitions as they won 4 – 0 at Ongar Town. Replacement Tristan Ofori-Sampong nabbed two goals for Allan Fenn’s side, with Cameron Brown and Harrison Elles also netting after comiing off the bench. Runwell Sports got a much-needed victory with a 5 – 1 success at Galleywood. The scorers for Rob Hodgson’s side included Jamie Philbrick, Charlie Little, Ollie Quick and Oliver Williamson. Freddie Bartram got the solitary reply for the hosts at Slades Lane.

Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts also got an important win against lower division opposition in Pitsea Athletic. Alfie Bowen’s brace and one from substitute Jordan Trott enabled Swifts to get a 3 – 2 victory. Leigh Ramblers also went through with a 1 – 0 victory over ACD Utd at Belfairs, with Andrew Webster again the hero for the Rams. Hashtag Utd Development also went through after a hard-fought 4 – 3 win over Epping Town after extra time. Lastly, Harold Hill went through with a 5 – 1 success at Leytonstone Utd. Ryan O’Connell grabbed another two goals here, with substitute James Bayo also scoring a brace, alongside one for Troy Tizard-Cleghorn. William Medlock was the scorer for Utd at Forest Row.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 22 Oct) [EOFL 22/23 24.10.22]

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

Hello & welcome to the round-up from the action in the Essex Olympian League. This week on Saturday 22 October, we look at the action in all divisions, plus an extra section on the Cup competitions this weekend.

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier this week, Hutton continue to lead the way as they roared to a 6 – 1 success over Leigh Ramblers at Chadfields. David Johnson struck another two goals here, with Jude Keeling, Jonathan Hilliard and two seperate OG’s adding further gloss to the scoreline for Matt Singh’s team. Rayleigh Town were held 1 – 1 by a Shenfield AFC side who are tough to beat at present. Jack Long got the goal for Town, before later being dismissed. Allan Fenn’s tenure at Springfield began with a 2 – 1 success at home to Bishop Stortford’s Swifts. Olle Gentry and Leonidas Brotherton got big goals ass they got the first win this term. Alfie Bowen replied for Swifts but they still fell to defeat.

The other results saw Canning Town go back up to fourth after a 5 – 0 win at home to kelvedon Hatch and Old Southendian exited the bottom two with a 3 – 2 triumph over Runwell Sports at Garon Park, despite Gianni Frankis and James Dalton goals for Rob Hodgson’s visitors.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

In the second tier, Beacon Hill Rovers won 2 – 1 at struggling Wakering Sports. Semi Akinlolu and Bertie Whymark both scored for the victors there, while Nathan Roche replied for the hosts. Corinthians continue to bag the points with a 3 – 1 success at home to Epping Town. Jordan Stoneham, Leo Clarke and Bailey Moss all found the net there for Chris Stoneham’s team. In other results, ACD Utd were held 3 – 3 by Harold Hill at Westlands, while Herongate Athletic were held 1 – 1 by Harold Wood Athletic. Benjamin Clarke’s penalty supplied Ath’s goal and Matt Donovan levelled things up for John Field’s side.

In Division Two, Wakering Sports Res continued their fine season with a 5 – 1 win at local rivals Catholic Utd Res. Ciaran Sweeney continues to find the net regularly as he got two goals here, and he was supported by goals from Connor Fardyga, Ashley Sexton and substitute Kasey Brannan. Daniel Williams netted the consolation for the Hoops second-team. Hashtag Utd Dev got a terrific 6 – 2 victory at May & Baker EOFL, as Chandler Wray netted two goals himself, along with an ensemble cast including Shaun Warren, Matthew Gauci, Tony Stevens and Samuel Pratt who all netted a goal each. Danny Gillham and Danny Horan got the strikes for Josh Lowbridge’s team. Lastly in this tier, Wakebury got back on form with some style as thewy won 6 – 1 at home to AS Rawreth at Cupid’s. Finlay Dorrell scored a fine treble for Matt Cardy’s team, with Jake Butler, Ben Perry and Harry Kateley also finding the net.

EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

In Division Three, the majority of home sides prevailed. Firstly, Basildon Town Res continued their fine start with a 5 – 0 triumph over Tooby Res at Basildon Sports Club. Antony Aylett & Scott Read both got braces here, with Jamie Miller also scoring here. Hullbridge Sports Res also hit five goals in a 5 – 0 victory over Springfield Res. Nicholas Sherlock netted twice here, with the supporting cast of Harry Mole, Harry Boswell and Lewis Foster all got a goal each. Pitsea Athletic also were successful with a 4 – 2 win over Old Chelmsfordians Res at Basildon Sporting Village. Lee Mulholland and Declan Peters both scored to give the OC’s a chance but a treble for Joshua Oteng and one for substitute Reece Stone comfirmed the points for Ath. Lastly in D3, Leigh Town Res now take on the mantle as their ‘lead’ side and they won 2 – 1 at Chingford Athletic Res. Liam Wragg and Kyras Harris both struck to give Josh Burrage’s side the win at Town Mead.

Moving into Division Four, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res ggot a big 4 – 1 win over Leytonstone Utd at Silver Leys. Matt Kemp was the hat-trick hero for the hosts, with Harry Senior also finding the net. William Medlock got the consolation for Utd. Ongar Town also got a much-needed victory with a resounding 5 – 0 triumph against Wakering Sports A at Marks Hall. Billy Welch struck four goals for Town there, with Samuel Flynn also on target there. Other results in the division included Collier Row’s 4 – 1 home win against Galleywood Res and a 2 – 1 victory for Shenfield AFC Res at Leigh Ramblers Res.

In Division Five, Basildon Town A continued to impress with an 8 – 1 success at Epping Town Res. Donnel Kujingaadded to his impressive goal haul this term with another treble, with Nathan Fisher, Luke Soley, Benjamin Farrant, Charlie Jarvis and Kyanou Stylianou rounding out the list of scorers. Joe Bothwell’s goal was a good moment personally but Epping had no answer in this match. Manford Way Res got a 2 – 0 victory at home to Collier Row Res. with Luke Bennett and Charlie Thomas the scorers there. Meanwhile, Wakebury Res had a strike by replacement Kieran Wheal to thank for a 1 – 0 win at Canning Town Res. Also, Runwell Sports Res won 6 — 1 at AS Rawreth Res.

Cup Section

In EOFL Senior Lge Cup – Old Chelmsfordians 3 – 2 Shoebury Town

In the EOFL Reserve Lge Cup, Rayleigh Town Res bossed their tie as they defeated Pitsea Athletic Res 6 – 1 at London Road. Calvin Armstrong and Ebeneezer Djan both scored twice, with Harry Herbert and Daniel Beestone also on target for Dave Barker’s side. The other result saw Old Southendian Res progress with a 4 – 2 win at Sungate Res.

In the Anagram Records Trophy, Catholic Utd progressed in the late kick-off with a 2 – 1 win at Tottenhoe, thanks largely to Aaron Baldwin’s brace at the Rec. Galleywood also made the next round with a fine 5 – 1 victory over Sudbury Sports. Ben Smith scored two goals here, with Craig Skipper, Roman Sparks and Jamie Lockwood all finding the net as well. Sungate also went through with a 4 – 1 win at EAL Senior side Sporting Hackney.