St Margaretsbury – survivor16b

S22-23 Match Report: Frenford 0 – 3 St Margaretsbury (Sat 14 Jan) [EaSL Sth 22-23 15.1.23]

Eastern Senior League – Division South

Venue: Jack Carter Centre 3G

Attendance: 48

2022-23 Season: Match 35

Saturday 14th January 2023 – 3pm KO

Frenford: Red & White Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

St Margaretsbury: Yellow Shirts, Yellow Shorts, Yellow Socks

Excellent St Margaretsbury performance sees them win at leaders Frenford

Frenford 0 – 3 St Margaretsbury

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

This weekend saw a welcome trip to Jack Carter Centre 3G in Gants Hill for the Eastern Senior League South match between leaders Frenford and St Margaretsbury. Dave Forbes’ side were looking to build on their five-point lead at the summit, following Stanway Pegasus’ narrow win at May & Baker 16 hours previously. He named recent signing Josh Blackburn in goal, with a defence of full-backs Augustine Appiah & Jack Sykes and skipper Lewis Bartrip & Sam Cross in central defence. The midfield included Tom Potter, Billy Karby and Charlie Munns, with centre forward Nick Reynolds being supported by Raheem Gray & Johnathon Vandyck on the flanks. St Mags have found it tough to get points away from home since I saw them win at Benfleet in August, but nevertheless they are a tricky mid-table side. Co-managers Paul Holding & Adam Connolly fielded Sidi Haidara as their custodian, with their defence being comprised of Bayon, Berg, Hayden-Eley & Daniels. The hard-working duo of Mulqueen & Moutawafiq were in central midfield, with forwards Marko Protic & Isaac Stevens being supported by Jacob Waring & captain Kamarni Collington.

The visitors started the game well, looking to get in behind the Frenford defence, utilising the artificial playing surface to good effect. They took the lead after only 12 minutes as a surging run by skipper Kamarni Collington down the right flank ended with a good ball into the box which ended up finding forward Marko Protic who fired in a low strike into the net, beyond Frenford stopper Josh Blackburn. The hosts were unable to rally and retain the ball, as the spirited St Mags forward line were understandably buoyed by this early goal. They added a second goal seven minutes later as Collington was well-found this time, and his low finish calmly doubled his team’s advantage, also netting his fifth league goal this term.

The first chance of note really for Frenford came midway through the half as strong centre-back Lewis Bartrip powered a header off-target from a set-piece. But the concern was at the other end, as an effort from close range by forward Isaac Stevens was denied by Blackburn just befote the half-hour mark. Strikes from range by Charlie Munns & Billy Karby kept St Mags custodian Sidi Haidara alert, with Munns’ effort being spilled by the goalkeeper initially before he gathered the ball just before Frenford forward Nick Reynolds could pounce. Sam Cross also fired in a set-piece just before the break which Haidara gathered, but in the main it was the visitors who looked energetic & composed in attack.

Half-Time: Frenford 0 – 2 St Margaretsbury

St Mags skipper Collington (right) on the ball early on

After the break, St Mags set about their task with renewed vigour and added a vital third goal five minutes into the half. A good break down the right flank by creative midfielder Sami Moutawafiq, bypassing his marker ended with picking out Collington who again showed calm finishing by slotting the ball into the left corner, for his second goal of the day. Not long after that, Frenford boss Dave Forbes made changes from the bench, as Tim Dennis & Sam Munton replaced Jonathan Vandyck & Jack Sykes respectively. The hosts did gradually push on in attack, as the visitors were more content to defend their advantage.

Frenford full-back Jack Sykes (#3) breaks into penalty area in 2nd half

Midway through the half, quick winger Raheem Gray saw his strike for the hosts blocked, and very shortly afterwards, a good strike on goal forced an excellent save by Haidara to turn it beyond the post. For the post part, the hard-working central defence of Callum Berg and Jake Hayden-Eley made it tough for the hosts to find the likes of Reynolds & Munns and latterly Wisley Baltazar, who came on for the last ten minutes. The St Mags defence was well supported by the team as a whole who assisted them well, as they completed a fine win in NE London.

Full-Time: Frenford 0 – 3 St Margaretsbury

In summary, this was a good, enterprising game played in wintry, windy conditions. St Mags more than deserved the points and the combination of rapid counter-attacking play, good passing & calm finishing secured the points for Paul Holding & Adam Connolly’s team. Frenford found it hard to retain possession after conceding early doors, against a hard-working visiting side. Resilent defending by St Mags also negated the amount of forward moves by the hosts, although thry had to defend well in the last half hour to keep the conclusive score-line.

There were a lot of good performances from the St Mags side today. They were led by captain Kamarni Collington who scored two calm goals, put a number of good crosses into the box and generally put in a high-energy performance. Tricky midfielder Sami Moutawafiq also made a few good dribbling runs in midfield, providing a good assist as well. Tom Mulqueen had a good game, tracking the hosts’ midfield well and assisting in forward moves too. Lastly, full-back Sammy Bayon was tireless in providing a good outlet on the right flank, putting in good passes and tracking back well

For Frenford, skipper Lewis Bartrip led his defence well, clearing several dangerous balls into the box, as well as posing a threat from attacking set-pieces. Winger Raheem Gray made good intelligent breaks down the channels as well as neat passing at times. Lastly, midfielder Billy Karby & right-back Augustine Appiah put in solid displays, showing high work rate and giving their team an option in counter-attacks, particularly in the second-half on what was a frustrating day for them.

St Mags full-back Sammy Bayon about to clear the ball in 2nd half

Congrats to St Mags on their win & I’d like to wish both teams well for the season ahead.

Teams

Frenford | Manager: Dave Forbes | Assistants: Lee Forbes, Ali Choroomi & Anthony Cook

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Josh Blackburn (GK), 2 Augustine Appiah, 3 Jack Sykes (15 Sam Munton 59′), 5 Lewis Bartrip (Capt), 4 Tom Potter, 6 Sam Cross, 8 Billy Karby, 7 Johnathon Vandyck (12 Tim Dennis 59′), 10 Charlie Munns (16 Liam Newton 83′), 9 Nick Reynolds (14 Chris Reed 76′), 11 Raheem Gray (17 Wisley Baltazar 79′)

Subs Not Used: None | Booked: None

St Margaretsbury | Manager: Paul Holding & Adam Connolly

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Sidi Haidara (GK), 2 Sammy Bayon, 5 Callum Berg, 6 Jake Hayden-Eley, 3 Kai Daniel, 4 Sami Moutawafiq, 7 Tom Mulqueen (18 Charles Nicol 75′), 10 Jacob Waring, 11 Marko Protic (8 Gerson Artur 82′), 9 Isaac Stevens (12 Miles Holding 75′), 14 Kamarni Collington (Capt)

Goal-scorers: Marko Protic [12′], Kamarni Collington [19′ & 50′]

Subs Not Used: Ndukwu | Booked: Haidara, Bayon

Referee: Dumitru Vasile
Assistants: Jamie Wood & Liam Dawson

S22-23 Match Report: Benfleet 1 – 2 St Margaretsbury (Sat 20 Aug) [EaSL South 22/23 20.8.22]

Eastern Senior League – Division South

Venue: Park Lane

Attendance: 50 (Est)

2022-23 Season: Match 7

Saturday 20th August 2022 – 3pm KO

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

St Margaretsbury: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Red & Black Socks

The ball is passed through to Stone [#3] for Benfleet [Image by Scott W]

Resilent St Margaretsbury grab 99th minute winner to deny Benfleet at Park Lane

Benfleet 1 – 2 St Margaretsbury

Match Report by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Photos by James Waple & Scott W

This weekend saw the first visit to Park Lane this term to see Benfleet take on visitors St Margaretsbury, who were bottom of the early standings and obviously keen to push on. Benfleet were looking to find the form which saw them win at Wivenhoe Town last week, rather than the form that saw them lose 1 – 2 to Burnham Ramblers in midweek. The hosts are now managed by Alex Salmon and he named stalwart Florent Gislette in goal, with a backline of Deolindo Lima, Frankie Stone, Martyn Lacey and skipper Cory Rider. Mason Shave and Lee Scott were the chief support to forward Ben Foord, with Henry Sims and Billy Carter among the midfield. St Margaretsbury had Sidi Haidara between the sticks, with a defence of Harry Gilzean, captain Emmanuel Ndukwu, Ethan Daniels and Alffie Campbell. Their front line was led by Gerson Artur and Kamarni Collington, with support from Miles Holding and Kai Daniel.

Shave [#11] attempts to break past St Mags defence [Image by James Waple]

This match was delayed by 13 minutes because of the match officials being delayed but when we did get underway, both sides had openings to grab that important early goal. For the visitors, both Miles Holding and Kamarni Collington had half-changes but they could not defeat Benfleet custodian Florent Gislette. The hosts had more ball time in the early stages, with their chance eminating from a fine centre by full-back Frankie Stone, which found forward Ben Foord and his flick was well clawed away by St Mags stopper Sidi Haidara.

Stone (far left) crosses in to find the forwards [Image by Scott W]

Benfleet were showing good effort levels but they could not quite craft their favoured passing game, and they had those earlier warnings which was underlined when St Margaretsbury broke the deadlock on 23 minutes. In a congested penalty area, St Mags managed to find Gerson Artur and without hesitation, his well-taken strike beat Gislette on its way to the right corner of the net. Clear-cut chances were not easy to come by but Collington still sent a set-piece narrowly over the woodwork and Mason Shave had a glimpse at goal before his effort was gathered by the visiting goalkeeper Haidara.

Collington [#14] uses his pace to run down the channels for St Mags [Image by James Waple]

St Mags went into the interval with that slender advantage, though they were showing increasing confidence in their defensive abilities, while the ‘Fleet needed to raise their game a notch or two.

Half-Time: Benfleet 0 – 1 St Margaretsbury

Into the second half then and St Mags were continuing to frustrate the home side, though their resolve was commendable given recent results. There was a nervy moment for St Mags, four minutes in as a short pass back to the ‘keeper by defender Alfie Campbell was seized on by Shave, but Haidara denied him again with his feet. Benfleet continued to press for that important leveller, but St Margaretsbury were holding firm.

St Mags close down Lacey [#4] in first half [Image by James Waple]

As we entered the latter stages of this match, the the tension went up a gear as St Mags nearly made the points safe as Campbell’s crisp strike was well parried away by Gislette. Alex Salmon’s side responded immediately at the other end with a fierce strike by Foord being well saved by the impressive Haidara.

We went into added-on time with St Mags still just the one goal ahead but there was two big monents yet to come. First, with six minutes played in added time, Benfleet struck as a set-piece ended up with Deolindo Lima heading on for Foord to get something on the ball to force it over the line, with the diving defender unable to clear the ball off the goalline. Then there was another twist in the tale, as St Mags launched the ball up field on the counter, and Gerson Artur again found himself in on goal and fired home into the left corner to seal the game with pretty much the last kick of the game.

The Goalkeeper’s perspective… for St Mags ‘keeper Haidara in second half [Image by James Waple]

Full-Time: Benfleet 1 – 2 St Margaretsbury

To sum up at times a gritty and scrappy battle, there were a number of occasions where Benfleet threatened to get back in the game though credit has to go to a well-organised St Margaretsbury side, who made it hard to get through their backline. Their young side has seen a lot of change since last term, but joint-managers Paul Holding & Marce Collington will be happy with the resolve shown by their team here. As for the hosts, they couldn’t create enough on a consistent basis and when Foord scored in added-time, they may well have thought they had grabbed a point but the ‘footballing gods’ were not smiling on them today.

There were some good performances from both sides here. For victors St Mags, I felt forward Kamarni Collington really gave his team a good outlet going forward, stretching the home defence with his pace and dribbling. Full-back Harry Gilzean also impressed, showing good defensive awareness in making timely interceptions and playing a few good passes from the back. Forward Gerson Massala Artur took both his goals well wiith well-taken finishes, and a word for goalkeeper Sidi Haidara who made three good saves to keep his team in the game today.

For Benfleet, Frankie Stone had a good game at left-back, putting in several important crosses to keep the visiting defence alert. Forward Ben Foord showed his usual tireless running and took his goal well in a crowded penalty area. Mason Shave also made some decent runs but ultimately couldn’t get into faultless striking positions, while centre-back Martyn Lacey also showed good composure and positioning to deny the visitors more runs on goal.

Congrats to St Mags on their win & I’d like to wish both teams well for the season ahead.

Teams

Benfleet | Manager: Alex Salmon | Assistants: Dave Saxton, Michael Cundy & Ray Coker

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Florent Gislette (GK), 2 Deolindo Lima, 3 Frankie Stone, 4 Martyn Lacey (16 Billy Shulver 70′) 5 Cory Rider (Capt), 6 Taylor Lawrence, 7 Billy Carter (12 Flynn Monk 62′, replaced by 14 Jack Frost 90′), 8 Henry Sims, 9 Ben Foord, 10 Lee Scott (15 Billy Firman 62), 11 Mason Shave (17 Jake Frost 70′)

Goal-scorers: Ben Foord [90’+6]

Subs Not Used: None | Booked: None

St Margaretsbury | Joint-Managers: Paul Holding & Marce Collington | Assistant: Dom Woods

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Sidi Haidara (GK), 2 Harry Gilzean, 3 Emmanuel Ndukwu (Capt) (15 Dylan Goldsmith 84′), 5 Ethan Daniels, 4 Alfie Campbell, 6Jason Brown (17 James Lawrance 90′), 7 Kai Daniel (12 Jack Standing 78′), 8 Isaac Evans, 9 Gerson Massala Artur, 14 Kamarni Collington, 11 Miles Holding

Goal-scorers: Gerson Massala Artur [23′ & 90’+9]

Subs Not Used: None | Booked: Campbell & Haidara

Referee: Kevin Harrington
Assistants: Martin Burroughs & Brian Chapman

S21-22 Match Report: White Ensign 2 – 1 St Margaretsbury (Sat 12 Feb) [ESL 21-22 13.2.22]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Burroughs Park

Attendance: 62

2021-22 Season: Match 56

Saturday 12th February 2022 – 3pm KO

Ensign: Red & Navy Blue Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

St Mags: Yellow Shirts, Yellow Shorts, Yellow Socks

Ensign comeback secures narrow win over St Mags

White Ensign 2 – 1 St Margaretsbury

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

This weekend’s foray into Non-League was a local trip to Burroughs Park to see top ten side White Ensign take on St Margaretsbury, who are one of a clutch of teams looking to avoid the bottom three in the Essex Senior come the end of April.

Ensign had Louis Hawes in goal, with a defensive unit of full-backs Thando Moyo & Charlie Adams alongside centre-backs Patrick Campbell & skipper Jake McWee. Injuries have affected the Ensign squad of late, but Connor Barnby led the line here, with support from the dual-signed Valter Cachicote Da Rocha and Shemarie Perkins-Palmer, Options on the bench included forwards Luke Woodward & Jason Reynolds-Blanche, plus midfielder Ben Austin and co-bosses Carl Conway & Jack Maleary. St Mags could only bring a squad of thirteen players with them here, with Alfie Todd in goal, a back four of Euan Tungamirai-Hove, Andrew Greenslade, Jake Hayden-Eley and Harry Mason. Robbie Allen and Joe Abe led the forward line alongside Tom Mulqueen, with prospects Stefanos Georgiou and Charlie Hill in midfield. Their options from the sidelines were Steven Wade and assistant boss Richard Dagger.

Ensign looking to push forward from midfield

In the early going, it was the visitors who had more impetus on the ball and looked purposeful to really add to the nerves of their hosts, who were getting audibly frustrated with their lack of tempo going through the thirds of the pitch. Both sides shared early glimpses of goal, in the first minute St Mags forward Robbie Allen lofted a strike wide of goal after being found well by winger Joe Abe. While at the other end, midfielder Kris Newby’s pass found Valter Cachicote Da Rocha but his effort on goal drifted wide of Alfie Todd’s right-sided post.

Paul Holding’s side did back up their early promise as they took the lead on eleven minutes. Ensign conceded a set-piece just shy of the eighteen-yard box and Allen duly stepped up to unleash a fine curling strike into the top left corner, despite home stopper Louis Hawes getting a glove on it. It could’ve been worse for Jack Maleary & Carl Conway’s side as Hawes did well to deny Allen’s low strike at the near post eight minutes later. The lead threat for Ensign was the returning Connor Barnby who made some good runs into forward positions, only to be thwarted by the assistant’s flag and determined defending. Da Rocha also stretched the visiting backline with his trickery and energy down the flanks.

Much to his credit, Barnby was having that bit more influence on the game as we entered the last third of the half, with a fine strike from the Ensign forward after a good turn got past his marker and also being found well by Da Rocha. Even so, St Mags were having too much room in midfield to build counter-attacks as the good pace of Stefanos Georgiou and Charlie Hill making lung-busting runs meant that the Ensign defence were under pressure.

Half-Time: White Ensign 0 – 1 St Margaretsbury

After the interval, White Ensign did have more ball time amd were slowly turning the scale of pressure on St Margaretsbury. From a set-piece, half-time substitute Carl Conway’s initial flick-on was nodded narrowly wide of the left-sided post by fellow centre-back Patrick Campbell, much to the visiting defence’s relief. However, the pacy St Mags forward line showed their threat again moments later as a defensive error allowed Georgiou to nip in at the edge of 18-yard area and after making a decent turn, his effort was denied by Hawes.

As the hour approached, Ensign again made a decent move with Newby’s ball sent into to the box in the second phase of an attack, though Barnby’s effort was gathered by Todd. That was a let-off for St Mags but it did not last long. On the hour, with Da Rocha and club stalwart Luke Skinner involved in the build-up, forward Shemarie Perkins-Palmer fired home a fine strike from twenty yards out, finding the right corner and giving Todd litle chance. Ensign had levelled the game, and unsurprisingly that fired them up to finish the job. The St Mags had already expended a fair amount of energy by this point, and centre-back Harry Mason had to be replaced by Steven Wade just after the goal.

Moments after the leveller, Ensign replacement Luke Woodward had a sight at goal, but it lacked the power to bypass Todd after being fed by Barnby, they did get that crucial second goal. With Barnby well primed to shoot from merely six yards out, he was felled in the area, with Newby stepping up and blasting the ball home, high into the net from the resulting penalty.

This entertaining match continued as St Mags were understandly very keen to prise back a goal to take something from the game, though their amount of chances lessened in the last 15 minutes. Charlie Hill did make an excellent run in through the middle of the pitch and evaded the home defence, unfortunately his resulting strike at goal didn’t have the force to bypass Hawes, who gathered. Ensign were also still looking for another goal, though in the end, they would settle for a hard-earned three points here.

I think that that Ensign management will be a tad concerned that the performance did render themselves a bit vulnerable to having conceded more goals than they did, especially in the first half but the style of football that they are known for certainly helped them get back into the game.

Full-Time: White Ensign 2 – 1 St Margaretsbury

To summarise this entertaining but gritty battle, St Mags started well in the first half but after they conceded the equaliser, they really were up against it. Ensign were not at their most fluent by any means but they did enough to claim the points which keeps them in the running for a top ten finish in their first season at Step Five. The visitors will be disappointed but also have to remember that it is very tight tussle to avoid finishing in the bottom three, and other results were fairly good for them on this matchday.

As ever, there were a number of good performances to mention. Firstly for Ensign, Forwards Connor Barnby and Shemarie Perkins-Palmer both had a real influnece on the game, with Barnby putting in a very good shift, with pace and good movement while Perkins-Palmer scored a fine goal and also made good runs down the right channel. Charlie Adams also had a very good game at left-back, making several good interceptions and also made good passes and got in good areas going forward too, with Valter Cachicote Da Rocha also playing his part to give his side added potency going forward with his trickery, pace and passing.

For St Mags, forward Robbie Allen had a really good game, scoring a fine goal and his pace also made the home defence a little nervy at times. Midfielders Stefanos Georgiou and Charlie Hill also made some excellent runs and stifled the Ensign midfield as well. Right-back Euan Tungamirai-Hove also deserves a mention for stout defending and good awareness for most of the game.

I’d also like to wish both sides a good remainder of the campaign.

Teams

White Ensign | Joint-Managers: Jack Maleary & Carl Conway | Assistant: Steve Thomson

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Louis Hawes (GK), 2 Thando Moyo, 6 Jake McWee (Capt) (14 Carl Conway 46′), 16 Patrick Campbell, 12 Charlie Adams, 5 Luke Skinner, 4 Kris Newby, 7 Shemarie Perkins-Palmer, 10 Jake Chaplin (19 Luke Woodward 65′), 9 Connor Barnby, 18 Valter Cachicote Da Rocha (11 Jason Reynolds-Blanche 88′ )

Booked: Chaplin, Perkins-Palmer | Sub Not Used: Austin, Maleary

St Margaretsbury | Manager: Paul Holding | Assistant: Richard Dagger

Starting XI: 1 Alfie Todd (GK), 5 Euan Tungamirai-Hove, 6 Harry Mason (14 Steven Wade 61′), 3 Jake Hayden-Eley, 2 Andrew Greenslade, 4 Sami Moutawafiq (Capt), 7 Stefanos Georgiou, 8 Charlie Hill, 9 Tom Mulqueen (17 Richard Dagger 82′), 16 Robbie Allen, 11 Joe Abe

Booked: Georgiou, Allen | Subs Not Used: None

Referee: George Younger
Assistants: Ray Parmenter & Glenn Michaels

S21-22 Match Report: St Margaretsbury 1 – 3 Little Oakley (Sat 22nd Jan) [ESL 21-22 22.1.22]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: The Recreation Ground

Attendance: TBA

2021-22 Season: Match 50

Saturday 22nd January 2022 – 3pm KO

St Mags: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

L Oakley: Blue & Black Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks

Oakley produce resolute display to win at St Mags

St Margaretsbury 1 – 3 Little Oakley

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

My 50th match of the campaign saw me return to the Essex Senior League and a long trip back to the Recreation Ground for an intriguing match between strugglers St Margaretsbury and mid-table Little Oakley. Paul Holding’s side had garnered two good wins already this week and were looking to pull further clear of the bottom two. This was my first occasion seeing Oakley since their promotion to the Essex Senior and I’d heard good things about a resolute side under Matt Carmichael’s tutelage. Onto the Teams then and St Mags fielded a front three of Miles Holding, Rodney Clements and Tommy Jenkins, with Jon Stevenson joining stalwart skipper Aiden Read in central defence. Options from the bench included forwards Joe Abe and Jake Hayden-Eley. Little Oakley had Daniel Joyce in goal, Jamie Dobkin and captain Lewis Wood as their centre backs with Rory Harman and Ed Nobbs completing their defence. The goal-hungry pair of Danny Garrad & Harry Mann lined up in attack, with support from Michael Brothers and Mason Ridgway-Lumley. Their substitutes were midfielder Tyler Sullivan and the attack-minded Sam Cooke and Daniel Rowe. Greg Rodger and Nick Farthing were among those unavailable.

On a pleasant winter’s day, the match began with Oakley firing in a few shots at goal to test the reflexes of home custodian Harvir Deans, though he was equal to strikes by Harry Mann, Mason Lumley and the experienced Michael Brothers. The hosts did respond with a decent counter which saw the tireless Stefanos Georgiou fizz a decent effort narrowly wide of visiting goalkeeper’s Daniel Joyce’s woodwork. Unfortunately for the hosts, their inability to keep possession did return to bite them on eleven minutes as forward Danny Garrad stole in from the left flank and after evading his marker, sent in a cool lob out of the grasp of the stranded Deans to open the scoring for the Acorns.

Little Oakley did retain the ball better at this point, with St Mags feeling the frustration and getting caught up in a bit of a scrappy match with several free-kicks being conceded. Tricky forward Harry Mann had a powerful strike deflected wide for a set-piece midway through the half, but it was a good indication of what could transpire if the hosts switched off defensively. As it happened, moments after home defender Jon Stevenson was sent to the sin-bin for dissent, the next goal came from twelve yards after a decision that was also hotly disputed by the St Margaretsbury dugout. Even so, referee Benjamin Horne had little hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Mann duly struck home the resulting penalty.

If anything, Oakley could have put themselves beyond reach in the next phase of the game as a speculative drive from the far side by full-back Rory Harman clipped the woodwork with Deans beaten, and Garrad struck narrowly over as well.

With the interval approaching, Paul Holding’s side were starting to find their rhythm. A good left-wing cross by Andy Greenslade found forward Miles Holding though the latter was unable to get sufficient power in his header to get past Joyce in the Acorns’ goal, who could gather relatively untroubled.

St Mags’ Stefanos Georgiou [#5 on right side] looks to test the Oakley defence

Half-Time: St Margaretsbury 0 – 2 Little Oakley

After the break, St Mags having brought on Euan Tungamirai-Hove and Jake Hayden-Eley to replace the promising Charlie Hill and Dylan Gray, they would have a couple of good spells later in the half. First though in the early stages of the second-half, the likes of Read & co. had to deal with a good ball in from the left edge of the penalty area by support forward Michael Brothers which Tungamirai-Hove got in and cleared just ahead of the onrushing Garrad, primed for a far post tap-in. The hosts did switch off defensively on 55 minutes as Oakley substitute Daniel Rowe beat the offside trap but Deans got down low to pull off a good save from the one-on-one opportunity that Rowe had, having made a good run.

To their credit, St Margaretsbury did respond in a positive way, with Georgiou making another decent run and firing his strike narrowly over the woodwork. Georgiou and fellow midfielder Sami Moutawafiq did have more time in possession at this point and were showing good glimpses of their respective abilities, as was forward Tommy Jenkins, who made a few good runs down the left channel in the first-half. Tungamirai-Hove laid the ball off to forward Rodney Clements just short of the hour mark, and his fierce drive brought a good acrobatic save from Joyce as he clawed it over the woodwork.

The Acorns had to show their resolute nature to keep themselves ahead, making good interceptions although St Mags didn’t test Joyce with alarming regularity. Midway through the half, a smart ball in by Rodney Clements from the right flank found replacement Joe Abe but when well-placed, Abe could only blaze his effort over the crossbar, much to his frustration. The hosts persistently looked to reduce their arrears but they conceded another spot-kick in the closing minutes, as substitute Sam Cooke was felled by Read’s challenge. Rowe stepped up to convert the penalty and although they were not in top form, Oakley did enough to claim the points here.

St Margaretsbury did get on the score-sheet in the first of six added minutes as Clements was fouled in the area. Clements stepped up himself to strike low into the net past Joyce to erase the clean sheet that could have come for the Acorns but in truth, they should be pleased with the points. Results elsewhere saw Clapton an important win to reduce St Mag’s advantage over the Tons to one point, in a bottom five tussle that will likely run and run.

Tommy Jenkins [#7 St Mags] going forward trying to unlock Oakley’s defence

Full-Time: St Margaretsbury 1 – 3 Little Oakley

In summary, Little Oakley made the most of a disjointed first-half display by the hosts to get themselves ahead but did find it harder after the interval. In fairness though, Matt Carmichael’s side did have enough chances to put the game beyond doubt, particularly in that first 45 minutes.

There were a number of good performances from both sides in this match. Firstly for Oakley, the forward pair of Danny Garrad and Harry Mann posed the home defence enough problems, with Mann’s movement and touch making him hard to track. Garrad came in from the left flank to good effect as well and his goal was well-taken. Ekow Owusu-Boakye had a good match in central midfield, tracking back well at times as well as being involving in attacking moves, with Michael Brothers also playing a good role as a support forward, unsettling the hosts.

For St Mags, forward Tommy Jenkins had a good all-round match, making good runs and making some telling passes to his fellow forwards in a match where his side didn’t create as much as they would have liked. Midfielder Stefanos Georgiou also put in a big shift, looking to dictate the play and playing his part in an improved team showing after the interval. Lastly, a word for forward Rodney Clements who could have been on the score-sheet before the last few moments and showed good energy, pace and work rate with St Margaretsbury looking to get back into the game.

Best wishes to both sides for the remainder of the season.

Teams

St Margaretsbury | Manager: Paul Holding | Assistant: Richard Dagger

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Harvir Deans (GK), 2 Andy Greenslade, 17 Jon Stevenson, 6 Aiden Read (Capt), 2 Andrew Greenslade, 4 Sami Moutawafiq, 5 Stefanos Georgiou (15 Joe Abe 65’), 8 Charlie Hill (3 Euan Tungamirai Hove 46’), 7 Tommy Jenkins, 9 Dylan Gray (12 Jake Hayden-Eley 46’), 10 Miles Holding, 11 Rodney Clements

Goal-scorer: Rodney Clements [pen 90’+1]

Booked: Read | Sin-bin: Stevenson [24’]

Subs Not Used: Ajong, Hares

Little Oakley | Manager: Matt Carmichael | Assistant: James Good

1 Daniel Joyce (GK), 2 Rory Harman, 3 Ed Nobbs, 5 Lewis Wood (Capt), 6 Jamie Dobkin, 4 Bradley James, 7 Mason Ridgway- Lumley, 8 Ekow Owusu-Boakye, 9 Harry Mann (15 Daniel Rowe 52’), 10 Michael Brothers (14 Sam Cooke 79’), 11 Danny Garrad (12 Tyler Sullivan 69’),

Goal-scorers: Danny Garrad [11’], Harry Mann [pen 27’], Daniel Rowe [pen 87’]

| Subs Not Used: None

Referee: Benjamin Horne

Assistants: Trevor Williams & Ray Parmenter

S21-22 Match Report: St Margaretsbury 0 – 1 Takeley (Tues 16 Nov) [ESL 21/22 17.11.21]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: The Recreation Ground

Attendance: 59

2021-22 Season: Match 42

Tuesday 16th November 2021 – 7.45pm KO

St Mags: Red & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Black & Red Socks

Takeley: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Takeley claim scrappy win over St Mags

St Margaretsbury 0 – 1 Takeley

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

The midweek match this week was a trip to the Recreation Ground to see another interesting match in the Essex Senior which saw St Margaretsbury face visitors Takeley. The hosts are in the midst of another rebuilding phase under recently-appointed boss Paul Holding and fielded Matthew Botlan in goal, with a central defence of Andy Greenslade, captain Aiden Read and Jake Hayden-Eley and Conor Tyrrell led the forward line with support from Rodney Clements & Stefanos Georgiou. Takeley were looking to get back into the top ten with a victory and had Sam Soutar between the posts, with a forward line of Kieran Southgate, Jordan Westcott and George Frodsham with support from Theo Campbell.

As the match got underway, the feeling came to mind that the hosts were in growing need of the points to avoid getting drawn into the bottom four. Unfortunately for St Mags, Takeley did open the scoring after five minutes. A decent move ended with a well-directed header from Theo Campbell found the right corner from about six yards, evading the grasp of home custodian Matthew Boylan. The home dugout was audibly keen on saying it was off-side but the goal stood. In all respect to St Mags, they reacted well after conceding that early goal, having a good amount of possession and midway through the half, a good one-two started with St Mags winger Marcus Poncho sprinting down the left-wing and found forward Conor Tyrrell who in turn laid the ball back to Poncho whose strike was angled narrowly over the right corner of the goal.

Takeley did look more assured in their passing at this point and slightly more solid in defence, with the hosts not able to retain the ball in the opposition half as well as they wanted. Even so, Marc Das’ side were a little fortunate to stay ahead as further strikes for St Mags by Poncho and Rodney Clements came back off the woodwork. Tyrrell also had a goal chalked off for an off-side. Takeley had a good spell shortly before the interval though, with Campbell having another effort which struck the goal frame. All in all though, the visitors needed to have more impetus to make the the points secure here after the break.

Half-Time: St Margaretsbury 0 – 1 Takeley

In the second half, the pace of the game did not liven up hugely it has to be said though St Margaretsbury did keep a good amount of possession and before we reached the hour mark, midfielder Sami Moutawafiq and the lively winger Stefanos Georgiou had half-chances to level up proceedings here, although visiting stopper Sam Soutar was looking comfortable. Takeley were holding firm defensively though but their ball rentention wasn’t at their characteristic best.

St Mags kept going as the minutes ebbed away and they did give Takeley a few nervy moments. With three minutes left until added time, a super run down the middle by Georgiou started with a fine turn before evading two defenders and then narrowly firing over Soutar’s woodwork. It would’ve been a fine goal and given the balance of play, St Mags would’ve earned a draw. However, the last few moments were getting increasingly tetchy and the hosts had skipper Aiden Read dismissed in added time for a poor tackle near the half-way line.

Full-Time: St Margaretsbury 0 – 1 Takeley

To sum up this really gritty encounter, Takeley will be happy enough with the three points and they did enough to deny the hosts’ forward moves. St Mags had several chances to at least get a leveller. There is an argument the visitors didn’t retain possession as often as usual but St Mags were simply unable to make the most of the chances they created, in a match which got increasingly bad-tempered in the latter stages. St Mags will need to be more clinical with their finishing going forward though the positive they have to take from this match is they kept the ball quite well at times.

The stand-out performances from this game start with Takeley. Theo Campbell had a really good game. Besides his goal, he made several good runs from deep in support of his team’s forwards. Jordan Westcott also made good runs down the channels and linked-up well with strike partner Kieran Southgate. Skipper George Powell also did a good job as ever of marshalling his tram and his defence. For St Mags, Stefanos Georgiou had a good game as well, making several good runs and was unlucky not to score, as was forward Rodney Clements who played his part aa well, displaying good movement. Winger Marcus Poncho was also a good outlet for Paul Holding’s side down the flanks as his side did threaten to break past the visiting defence on a few occasions.

I’d just like to wish both sides a good remainder of the campaign.

Teams

St Margaretsbury | Manager: Paul Holding | Assistant: Dan Evans

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Matthew Boylan (GK), 3 Andrew Greenslade, 6 Aiden Read (Capt), 5 Jake Hayden-Eley (15 Joe Evans 68′), 2 Evan Hove (12 Casey Nolan-Samuels 75′), 11 Marcus Pancho, 4 Charlie Hill, 8 Sami Moutawafiq, 10 Rodney Clements, 9 Conor Tyrrell (17 Jack Mongey 68′), 7 Stefanos Georgiou

Booked: Hayden-Eley, Hill | Sent Off: Read [90’+5] | Subs Not Used: Mutsviaro, Rodriguez

Takeley | Manager: Marc Das | Assistant: Kevin Riley

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Sam Soutar (GK), 2 Mike La Ronde, 3 Alfie Anderson, 4 George Powell (Capt), 6 Freddie Burrell (12 Lewis Powell 66′), 5 Charlie Dobinson, 7 Charlie Allum, 8 Theo Campbell (14 Carmac Clarke 74′), 9 Kieran Southgate, 10 Jordan Westcott, 11 George Frodsham (17 Charlie Gilbert 82′)

Goal-scorer: Theo Campbell [5′]

Booked: Anderson, Burrell, Southgate | Subs Not Used: Wilson, Jelliman

Referee: Leigh Ballinger
Assistants: Darrell Evans & Andy Wheaton

S21-22 Match Report: St Margaretsbury 0 – 2 Benfleet (Fri 10 Sept) [FAV 1RQ 11.9.21]

The FA Vase – First Qualifying Round

Venue: The Recreation Ground

Attendance: 75

2021-22 Season: Match 21

Friday 10th September 2021 – 7.45pm KO

St Mags: Red & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Red Socks

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

Step 6 leaders ‘Fleet progress with good win at St Mags

St Margaretsbury 0 – 2 Benfleet

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

The first match of a hectic weekend saw a welcome return to Hertfordshire for this FA Vase First Round Qualifying tie between Essex Senior side St Margaretsbury and Eastern Senior League South joint-leaders Benfleet, who were looking for their first win in the competition. For Ray Bartlett’s St Mags side, on-loan goalkeeper Christian North kept his place with a back four of Marvin Wray, Joe Parmley, Dan Palmer and Aiden Read. The forward line was led by the experienced Roddy Lemba, with skipper Tom Cowell alongside, and Ricardo Adewuyi and Sam Rogers on the flanks. Options on the bench were Napier Brown, Jake Hayden-Eley, Jermaine Nicholson and forward Kyle Roberts.

Benfleet have had a very encouraging start to their Step 6 campaign, under Rob Polkinghorn and named former Redbridge custodian Florent Gislette between the posts, will a defensive four of Ryan Willsmer, Martyn Lacey and centre-backs Sonny Hartman and Lee Scott. Well-travelled midfielder Aaron Russell skippered the side, with Ben Foord and Billy Bonham-Dare leading the forward line, with options from the bench including forward Ashley Blackburn, Charlie Sullivan and Adam Wright.

Benfleet certainly had a strong start to this match as they had a penalty shout turned down by referee Mark Bright after only four minutes. It was the hosts though who had the first sighter of goal as centre-back Aiden Read sent an initial header wide. Benfleet went straight up the other end though and a good cross by pacy winger Luc Harpon found forward Ben Foord but his header lacked the gusto to get past home stopper Christian North. However, the visitors were ahead barely a minute later as Harpon managed to evade a napping home backline on the Benfleet right side and cutting inside, Harpon twisted past his marker and struck home low into the left corner, past North.

St Margaretsbury managed to get themselves on the ball with increasing potency as the half-hour approached. First, Tom Cowell had a good chance on goal, with only ‘Fleet stopper Florent Gislette to defeat but his strike lacked the neccessary power and Gislette was glad to gather. Another set-piece by winger Sam Rogers for the home side found Read again but his header was off-target. The chances were quite few & far between for St Mags at this point but Cowell was well played in and a firm shot cracked against the right-side post with Gislette beaten. St Mags were really cursing their lack of fortune as ‘Fleet only went on the counter to double their advantage. Another good run by Harpon down the left side this side ended with a good low centre which found Billy Bonham-Dare and from close range, the forward made no error, sliding the ball home past an exasperated North.

St Mags were up against it when Cowell earned himself a early 10-minute rest in the ‘sin bin’, according to referee Bright seven minutes before the half-time interval. St Mags had a glimmer of a chance just before the break as a good ball in from full-back Marvin Wray tested Gislette but he was adjudged to have been fouled, denying Adewuyi a chance in on goal when well -placed.

Half-Time: St Margaretsbury 0 – 2 Benfleet

It’s fair to say that the hosts had more of the ball after the break, though Andy Greenslade’s strike went over the goal frame early on in the half. Unfortunately for St Mags, they were also having concentration lapses in defence, which allowed substitute Ashley Blackburn to advance with only ‘keeper North to beat. More fortunately for the hosts, Blackburn was unable to grasp control at the crucial moment and the chance was lost. Just shy of the hour mark, another good centre in from Wray found forward Roddy Lemba but his header was gladly gathered by Gislette.

The chances started to become a little less acute for either side in the latter stages of this match. Replacement Kyle Roberts had a really powerful effort well-saved by Gislette but for the most part the visiting defensive unit really endorsed their growing reputation in stifling a decent forward line of the home side. At the other end, a little note for St Mags keeper Christian North who certainly was not afraid to be a ‘sweeper keeper’ as on a couple of occasions he was well-justified in coming out to get ahead of an opposition forward and clearing well. Another example of this came late on as North came out to deny Foord a clear shot a goal, in what was the tireless Foord’s last involvement of the game before being replaced for the last few minutes by Adam Wright.

Full-Time: St Margaretsbury 0 – 2 Benfleet

To briefly summarise, Benfleet held on well to deservedly win the tie, despite occasional passages of good pressure by the home side. This is ‘Fleet’s first-ever win in the FA Vase so big congrats to all at the club. St Mags’ main attacking threat came from the flanks though they were well stifled by an obdurate & experienced visiting defence.

There were some fine performances in this match. Firstly, for the victors Benfleet, winger Luc Harpon had a really good impact on the game, despite having to be replaced at half-time. He showed a lot of composure, pace and finishing. Also, forward Ben Foord put in another strong performance, with work rate and led the line well. Goalkeeper Florent Gislette also pulled off some very good saves and will be pleased with his impact on the match. Finally, centre-back Sonny Hartman also typified his team’s defending. For St Mags, midfielder Andy Greenslade had a good game in central midfield, trying to drive his side on alongside Dominic Wynter-Stephens, forward Tom Cowell had two really good chances to score and on another day may well have created a different match, while right-back Marvin Wray looked good with good movement and passing. Lastly, Ricardo Adewuyi also had a decent game, looking to be drive from the left flank and did put some good balls into the danger area.

I’d like to thank St Margaretsbury for the kind welcome they extended here, as ever. I wish both teams a good rest of the season.

Teams

St Margaretsbury | Manager: Ray Bartlett | Assistant: James Falaise

Starting XI: 1 Christian North (GK), 2 Marvin Wray, 3 Joe Parmley, 4 Dan Palmer (9 Kyle Roberts 57′), 5 Aiden Read, 6 Dominic Wynter-Stephens, 7 Sam Rogers, 8 Andrew Greenslade, 17 Roddy Lemba, 10 Tom Cowell (Capt), 11 Ricardo Adewuyi (12 Napier Brown 77′)

Booked: Cowell (Sin-Bin 38′) | Subs Not Used: Hayden-Eley, Nicholson

Benfleet | Manager: Robert Polkinghorn | Assistant: Robert Rook

Starting XI: 1 Florent Gislette (GK), 2 Ryan Willsmer, 3 Martyn Lacey, 4 Taylor Lawrence, 5 Sonny Hartman, 6 Lee Scott (12 Charlie Sullivan 70′), 7 Luc Harpon (14 Ashley Blackburn 46′), 8 Aaron Russell (Capt), 9 Ben Foord (15 Adam Wright 72′), 10 Billy Bonham-Dare, 11 Mason Shave

Goal-scorers: Luc Harpon [7′], Billy Bonham-Dare [32′]

Booked: Wright | Subs Not Used: Sahan

Referee: Mark Bright

S21-22 Match Report: Southend Manor 1 – 1 St Margaretsbury (Tues 10 Aug) [ESL 21/22 11.8.21]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Southchurch Park

Attendance: 52

2021-22 Season: Match 9

Tuesday 10 August 2021 – 7.45pm KO

S Manor: Yellow & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

St Margs: Red Shirts, Black Shorts, Red Shorts

Manor share the points in hard-fought encounter

Southend Manor 1 – 1 St Margaretsbury

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

This week’s midweek match saw a trip to Southend to see Manor welcome St Margaretsbury in the Essex Senior. Manor were again in action three days after their FA Cup progression at the weekend and were missing several players. They fielded a defensive four of Josh Brocklebank, Aaron Marshall, James Hegarty and captain Kiah Froud. They also started with the same front three as last time out with Josh Devlin and Jordan Chambers supporting focal point Luca Frankis. Among the options on the bench were forwards Harry Rogers and Luke Jackson plus midfielder Connor Cobb. Ray Bartlett’s St Margs side had on-loan Hullbridge stopper Christian North in goal, with a back four of skipper Andrew Greenslade, Joe Parmley and centre-backs Tom Hayden and Aiden Read. Ricardo Adewuyi and Sam Rogers were on the flanks, supporting front two Roddy Lemba and Kyle Roberts. The visitors’ options from the sidelines included Napier Brown and Marvin Wray.

Both sides were gradually working their way into the contest early on, as St Margaretsbury central midfielder Dan Palmer fired a strike over the crossbar a few minutes in. Manor had an early setback as forward Luca Frankis had to be withdrawn after just ten minutes, with Harry Rogers replacing him. The hosts couldn’t quite find their final pass in the opposition area, but forward Jordan Chambers was again posing a threat with his pace and movement. On eleven minutes, St Margs forward Roddy Lemba had a glimpse of Jack Allen’s goal but a good interception by home defender James Hegarty denied that potential chance.

It was a warning though for Manor, and they fell behind on eighteen minutes. A fine run down the right flank by teenage winger Sam Rogers ended with a great cross which found Ricardo Adewuyi at the back post who sent in a good header from close range. As it turned out, that lead only stood for five minutes as Manor levelled. A set-piece delivered in made its way in a congested penalty box to substitute Harry Rogers who prodded the ball home from close range after evading the visiting defence.

The match was getting increasingly open at this point as chances built up for both sides. On the stroke of the half-hour, a surging run by St Margs full-back Andrew Greenslade found Lemba who narrowly sent a powerful header over the woodwork. Again, the hosts responded with Aaron Marshall making good runs from left-back. Half-time was quickly approaching as the chances continued. Five minutes before the break, another good centre from Sam Rogers found Adewuyi whse effort was denied by Allen whilst at the other end, Harry Rogers couldn’t get enough power on his strike which allowed visiting goalkeeper Christian North to gather. Rogers had another chance for the hosts just before the interval after being found by a deep cross from Manor midfielder Jordan Faulkner but Rogers couldn’t direct his effort on goal.

Half-Time: Southend Manor 1 – 1 St Margaretsbury

The second half was set-up nicely but the chances weren’t quite as frequent. Two minutes after the restart, Manor’s Josh Devlin powered a twenty-yard strike at North’s goal but the ‘keeper was alert and gathered. Adewuyi was involved in another decent St Margs move as the hour mark was in sight, as Palmer again fired narrowly wide. The hosts did build up pressure on the visiting defence as the match entered its final twenty minutes. Manor substitute Luke Jackson did well to get a fierce strike in but North was equal to it. Manor centre-back Hegarty had a header wide of goal as well. St Margs also had a header from defender Aiden Read who went just over and a fizzing effort from forward Kyle Roberts which sailed wide too.

Unfortunately, for the visitors the match ended on a less positive note as full-back Joe Parmley was given a straight red card by referee Adam Miller for a hard tackle on Manor midfielder Ethan Evison, which left him needing treatment for several minutes. The challenge also brought about an ensuing melee for a couple of minutes after. After that had settled down, Manor had one chance in added-time as a good ball by Shawn Coe found substitute Connor Cobb who somehow skewed his strike wide.

Full-Time: Southend Manor 1 – 1 St Margaretsbury

St Margs probably will be pleased with a point although both sides had chances to put the match beyond their opponents. That being said, Manor are also harder to beat at present and will hope that continues. In my view, Manor midfielders Ethan Evison and Jordan Faulkner had good games here, showing good passing and movement. Kiah Froud led the home defence well again with a typically hard-working display, and forward Jordan Chambers also did well to stretch the opposition backline here. For St Margaretsbury, Tom Hayden had a really good game at the heart of their defence, while winger Sam Rogers showed a lot of energy and good passing for most of the game. Dan Palmer also did well in centre midfield plus forward Roddy Lemba was a good physical presence in attack and was unfortunate to not get on the score-sheet.

Thanks to both clubs for their assistance with this report & best wishes to them both for the season ahead.

Teams

Southend Manor | Manager: Craig Waters | Assistant: Garry Pond

Starting XI: 1 Jack Allen (GK), 2 Josh Brocklebank, 3 Aaron Marshall (15 Luke Jackson 65′), 4 Jordan Faulkner, 5 James Hegarty, 6 Kiah Froud (Capt), 7 Shawn Coe, 8 Ethan Evison, 9 Luca Frankis (11 Harry Rogers 10′), 10 Josh Devlin, 14 Jordan Chambers (16 Connor Cobb 76′)

Goal-scorer: Harry Rogers [23′]

Booked: Evison, Brocklebank | Subs Not Used: Frost, Acquah

St Margaretsbury | Manager: Ray Bartlett | Assistant: James Falaise

Starting XI: 1 Christian North (GK), 2 Andrew Greenslade (Capt) (17 Marvin Wray 76′), 3 Joe Parmley, 4 Dominic Wynter-Stephens, 5 Tom Hayden (16 Jake Hayden-Eley 66′), 6 Aiden Read, 7 Sam Rogers, 8 Dan Palmer, 18 Roddy Lemba, 10 Kyle Roberts, 11 Ricardo Adewuyi (14 Napier Brown 66′)

Goal-scorer: Ricardo Adewuyi [18′]

Booked: Lemba | Sent Off: Parmley

Subs Not Used: McPherson, Ali

Referee: Adam Miller
Assistants: Glenn Michaels & Robert Collins

S20-21 Round-ups: Len Cordell Cup (Fri/Sat 23/24 April) [LCC 2021 25.4.21]

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

Hello and welcome to my round-up of third & final weekend of the Group Stages of the Len Cordell Cup, a competition run by the Essex Senior to remember a pillar of the Non-League Family in Len Cordell, who was associated with Redbridge FC for many years. Thanks to Pete Dudley (@ped1980) for the main image above (from Holland v FC Clacton)

All the results from this week’s action are below, they took place on Saturday 24th April unless stated in the Result line. The sides highlighted in bold progress to the next round. After each group, we have a final table and at the end of the article we have the draw for the last 16 of the Len Cordell Cup and the eight sides that will face each other in the Len Cordell Plate.

Len Cordell Cup – Saturday 24 April

Cockfosters 3 – 2 Hoddesdon Town | Chalk Lane | Group A

The ‘Fosters went through from Group A in second spot after a good win over Essex Senior rivals Hoddesdon at Chalk Lane. James Verney put his side ahead early on, which was added to by Marcus Crowther five minutes before the break and Jo Wilkinson late on. Harrison Rookard and Alfie Little responded for the Lilywhites but they finish bottom and go into the Plate mini-competition.

DT FC 0 – 2 St Margaretsbury | the Harlow Arena [3G] | Group A

St Margs did enough to inflict the first defeat on newcomers DT at the Harlow Arena. Strikes from Aiden Read [35’] and Jermaine Nicholson in added time secured a place in the last 16 for Ray Bartlett and James Falaise’s side. DT’s loss means they slip down to third but they still make it to the next round.

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Clapton 2 – 0 Barkingside | Played at J. Carter Cen. [3G], Frenford | Group B | Fri 23 Apr

The Tons sealed their progress to the knockout stages of the competition with a decent win over Barkingside in this match played at Frenford on Friday night . Second-half goals from Melos Ajvasi and Bayemore Ndiaye were enough to claim the win which sent the home side to their second win in three games. Both sides go through, with Clapton in second spot.

My good friend Pete Dudley was at this match & his report is here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2021/04/clapton-2-barkingside-0.html

Woodford Town 2 – 3 Redbridge | Coles Park [3G] | Group B | Sat 24 April

In the match on Saturday, Redbridge recovered from a poor start to complete their third win in succession. Tariq Alexander had given Dee Safer & Julian Charles’ side a first-minute lead but Tony Martin erased that lead two minutes later. Further strikes by tricky winger Ayub Kadiri [21’] and Sonny Fish [61’] turned the tide of the match. Josh Steele pulled one back on the stroke of the 90 minutes but it is the Motormen who advance as group winners in this competition that they dearly want to get to the latter stages at least. Woodford finish bottom and therefore head into the Plate mini-competition.

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Saturday 24 April – Group C

Billericay U23s 2 – 3 Stansted | New Lodge [3G] | Group C

Stansted made a heroic comeback after their interval to defeat Billericay’s development side at New Lodge. The hosts were two goals to the good at the break thanks to strikes by Gabriel Ipanga Mbambo [25’] and Nyan Msuria five minutes later. But Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side once again showed the “Stansted resolve” and goals from John Clarke, Michael Salako and Jack Mitchell’s winner later on sealed their first win and progression into the last 16 as the ‘best’ of the fourth-placed sides.

Holland 3 – 2 FC Clacton | Dulwich Road | Group C

These two local rivals met for the first time in a competitive match and it was the Step 6 hosts who prevailed. It was some match for Louis Olymbios who not only netted a treble but was also later dismissed for persistent fouling. Kevin Coyle’s spot-kick and an OG saw Clacton close but ultimately both sides progressed with Holland topping the group.

Fellow Non-League writer Pete Dudley (@ped1980) was also at this match & his report is here: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2021/04/holland-3-fc-clacton-2.html

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Barking 2 – 1 West Essex | Mayesbrook Park [3G] | Group D | Friday 23rd April

West Essex faced their landlords Barking for the last time whilst being tenants in this local derby on Friday night. It was to be the Blues who won and progressed as Group winners. Strikes from Louis Dillion six minutes before the break & Johnny Ashman midway through the second half cancelled out a thunderbolt from the returning James Jewers early on. West still head into the knockout phase as they finished in second spot.

Frenford 0 – 2 Hackney Wick | Jack Carter Centre [3G] | Group D | Sat 24th April

The Saturday game saw Wick grab their first win & with it progression to the knockout phase with victory at Frenford. Mohamed Raza and Jermain Lachoo provided the goals to ensure they leapfrogged Dave Forbes’ side into third spot and sent the hosts out of the Cup and into the Plate mini-competition.

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Athletic Newham 6 – 2 Great Wakering Rovers | Terry Mac | Group E

Finally in Group E, Athletic Newham sealed a hugely morale-boosting win over Great Wakering at the Terry Mac. Anderson Baro put the hosts head just past the 20-minute mark, with Richard Kone and Joel Appiah both adding doubles to add to Stephen Butterworth’s team’s pain. Babs Sonupe added further gloss to the score-line late on and render strikes by Jake Gordon and Louie Hay to be mere consolation. Newham go through in second while Wakering exit and will compete in the Plate next weekend.

Brimsdown 0 – 3 White Ensign | Moved to Lower Road | Group E

Ensign ended a superb group stage for them with a fine win over Brimsdown at Lower Road. Luke Skinner, Dominic Locke and Luke Woodward all struck to complete a decent three weeks for Brett Munyard & Mark Healy’s team and they march on to the next round as group winners. Brimsdown’s defensive record has assisted them to the last sixteen as they ended up third.

As promised earlier, here is the draw for the knockout round of the Len Cordell Cup. Fixtures in both competitions will be played on weekend of April 30/May 1.

Draw for Len Cordell Cup Last 16

Billericay U23 v Athletic Newham

Brimsdown v Clapton

Cockfosters v Barking

DT FC v Redbridge

Holland v Hackney Wick

St Margaretsbury v FC Clacton

West Essex v Stansted

White Ensign v Barkingside

Here is the draw for the Cordell Cup Plate competition as well:

Draw for QFs on Len Cordell Plate

Frenford v Hoddesdon Town

Frenford Res. v Walthamstow Res.

Great Wakering Rovers v Woodford Town

Sawbridgeworth Town Res. v West Essex Development

Season 2020-21: The FA Cup Extra Prelim Rd (ESL/EaSL Sides) [FAC 2020-21 3.9.20]

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

Hello all and welcome to the new season of blogs here, you’ll find blogs on the Essex Senior, Essex Olympian League divisions & maybe a little more besides during the course of the season too.

This initial blog is looking at the local sides that were in action this week, which saw eleven Essex Senior sides progress and one Eastern Senior South side. Thanks for reading.

Monday 31 August

Woodford Town 3 – 1 London Colney | The Harlow Arena | Attendance: 247

Woodford Town opened the round’s action with a fine comeback victory over London Colney at the Harlow Arena. Scott Knight had given Colney an early advantage though Luke Parrott levelled matters on the half-hour for Town. Rigert Rama then turned the tide in favour of the hosts as the match approached the hour mark, tapping home following a goalkeeping error before sealing the contest thanks to a fine strike by Parrott to seal his brace and cue wild celebrations from the excited Towners faithful. Woodford are rewarded with a trip to Capershotts to face Waltham Abbey in the Prelim Round.

Tuesday 1st September

Cockfosters 4 – 2 Stanway Rovers | Chalk Lane | Att: 221

The ‘Fosters made a miraculous comeback with ten men to overcome Eastern Counties Premier side Stanway at Chalk Lane. Stanway started well and took the lead after four minutes through debutant Dan Gilchrist’s strike. The ESL side responded through George Beattie’s 20th-minute goal but had a double set-back around the half-hour mark as combative midfielder Matt Thomson was dismissed and soon after, Rovers made the most of the man advantage as Harry Thomas bundled the ball over the line after a set-piece. The drama only escalated after the break though as three goals in 15 minutes swung the tie in favour of the hosts. First, new signing Carl Mullings levelled midway through the half after a defensive howler, then player-boss Ryan Wade powered home a spot-kick mere minutes later. Substitute Rueben Campbell provided the telling fourth goal with eleven minutes left to eventually seal a terrific victory.

Walthamstow 3 – 2 London Lions | Wadham Lodge | Att: 292 |

Cockfosters will face Walthamstow in the next round as ‘Stow fought back to deny London Lions progression into the Prelim Round. Max Kyte broke the deadlock for the Lions in the early stages on the contest and although ‘Stow got more threatening in front of goal, it took until after the break for them to level through substitute Michael Osei’s curling drive. Kyle nabbed his second for the visitors soon afterward, but goals from Connor Scully and Charncey Dash [for Peter: Dash! Dash!] sealed the win in front of Walthamstow’s biggest crowd since 1996.

Hullbridge Sports 0 – 2 Hadley | Lower Road | Att: 310

Another bumper crowd at Lower Road saw Hadley shock higher league opposition again with a fine win at Isthmian North side Hullbridge. Second-half strikes by that man Solomon Ofori and a Sam Edwards free-kick handed the impetus to the Bricks. ‘Bridge also had a penalty saved by Hadley ‘keeper Luke Ward which added to a frustrating evening for them on-the-pitch. Hadley will face FC Clacton away on Saturday week.

Stansted 3 – 2 Takeley | Hargrave Park | Att: 143

Stansted also had to fight back to secure their passage with a hard-fought win over local rivals Takeley at Hargrave Park. Luckless home skipper Billy Coyne headed into his own net five minutes in, but Jack Mitchell converted a spot-kick on 26 minutes to level things up. Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side then took the ascendency on the score-sheet after the break as Mitchell struck again ten minutes after the break. Ash Siddik notched the Airportmen’s third in the last few minutes to effectively seal the tie. Substitute Samson Adelaja netted for Marc Das’ side deep into added-time but their focus turns now to the league opener at West Essex on Friday night. Meanwhile, the ‘Blue Brazil’ welcome Basildon Utd to Hargrave in the next round of the Cup.

Saffron Walden Town 4 – 2 Little Oakley | Catons Lane | Att: 286

Saffron Walden also progressed to the next round with victory over Eastern Senior League South side Little Oakley in another pulsating tie at Catons Lane. Oakley took the lead through Harry Mann before new signing Alfie Hilton levelled the match for the hosts. Oakley were not to be denied a second through as Jordan Heath made it 2 – 1 to Matt Carmichael’s team. More drama though was in the offing as Lewis Francis made his presence felt on his return to the Bloods in a big way. The forward came off the bench and struck a hat-trick to turn the match in favour of Jason Maher’s side and see them into the next round, in front of another hefty crowd. They face the trip to Welwyn Garden City.

Sawbridgeworth Town 2 – 1 Romford | Crofters | Att: 260

Sawbridgeworth pulled off one of the surprises of the round by knocking out Isthmian North side Romford at Crofters. Goals from Conor Clarke and Kieran Amos did the job on a terrific night for Lee Mackman’s side. Malaki Toussaint got one back for Romford midway through the 2nd half but Sawbo went through welcome fellow ESL side St Margaretsbury In the Prelim Round.

Clapton 2 – 2 Sporting Bengal Utd (Bengal won 6 – 5 on pens)

| Terrence MacMillan Stadium

Sporting Bengal edged to the next round on spot-kicks after a two-two draw with Clapton at the Terry Mac. David Tarawali netted to give Imrul Gazi’s side the lead, before Conor Okus equalised for his new club. Bengal re-took the lead soon afterward with Carlos Siegal Hubner slotting home smartly. The Tons forced a penalty shoot-out late on though as Shaun Gittleson once again levelled the match with minutes remaining. It was Bengal who held their nerve in the shoot-out, winning 6 – 5 on spot-kicks here and will travel to Harlow Town in the next round.

Wednesday 2nd Sept

Park View 1 – 2 Hashtag Utd | New River Sports Ground

On Wednesday, Hashtag made their debut in the competition at Park View & came from behind to progress. Kleon James had given the hosts a surprise lead, before George Smith equalised with a well-struck penalty. After the interval, recent addition Toby Aromolaran netted from close range to win the match and they will face Felixstowe & Walton Utd from the Isthmian North in the next round.

West Essex 6 – 3 Crawley Green | Oakside | Att: 147

Finally in our focused ten matches, West Essex progressed in a richly entertaining tie as they powered past Spartan South Midlands Premier side Crawley Green at Oakside. Michael Mignot blasted a hat-trick inside the first 30 minutes before Phil Draycott pulled one back for the visitors six minutes before the break. West extended their lead and sealed the tie through Mignot’s fourth soon after the break. Symeon Taylor and Tom Woodbridge then added further strikes as the Stags saw out a big night for them. To their credit, Danny Watson and Tyler Ingham added late goals for Crawley Green but there was no mistaking the performance by Kwame Kwateng’s side, who are rewarded with a trip to New Salamis in the Prelim Round.

Other Results (ESL & EaSL South Sides) – Tues 1 Sept

Brantham Athletic 1 – 1 Benfleet (Brantham won 3 – 2 on Pens)

Tom Watkins Ben Foord

Harlow Town 5 – 1 Enfield | Harlow Arena | Att: 260

Christian Adu Gyamfi, Hugo Vasconcelos 75’

Craig Alcock,

Ahmet Biler,

Hector Mackie

Sam Taylor (OG)

Hoddesdon Town 1 – 2 FC Clacton |at Ware FC | Att: 129

Cyrus Babaie Mekhi McKenzie

Charlie Thompson

Redbridge 0 – 2 Harpenden Town | Oakside | Att: 134

Mulik Rickman 16’

Harvey Scott 55’

Southend Manor 0 – 5 Ware | Southchurch Park | Att: 200 |

Leigh Rose 15’

David Kendall 46’ & 60’
Louis Rose 74’

Albert Adu-Donyinah 76’

Wednesday 2nd Sept

Baldock Town 2 – 2 St Margaretsbury (St Mags win 4 – 2 on pens)

Scott Piggott Kyle Roberts (pen)

Josh Furness Jae Partridge

Ilford 1 – 3 Halstead Town | Cricklefield | Att: 280

Juan Cardona Joe Jones

Chris Harris x 2

Season Review 2019-20: Essex Senior League (Part 2 – Bottom half) [ESL SR 19/20 10.5.20]

Written By Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello and welcome to the second of a two-part blog looking back at the Essex Senior League 2019-20 season, as part of my Non-League ‘Season Review’ series.

In this concluding part, I look back at the sides in the bottom half of the division from the dry statistics perspective and my own thoughts on seeing them in action during the campaign, followed by the stats on Top Goal-scorers this season.

For The Top Ten sides in the ESL, add this URL: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2020/05/05/season-review-2019-20-essex-senior-lge-p1/ Thanks for reading.

Essex Senior League (as of season cut-off point of March 14th 2020)

As with most Football at or below Step 3 (Isthmian Premier Division in the local area), the season was halted in mid-March 2020 before eventually being curtailed several weeks later.

West Essex crest

Image from Sawbo v W Essex (ESL 12.10.19)

Beginning the bottom half in 11th are West Essex. The Stags had a season of transition with thirty-one points being gathered in their 24 matches. Their campaign was also blighted by weather-affected postponements though they still struck fifty-one goals (a goals per game average (GpG) of 2.125) and also shelled fifty-one in defence. They won five of their 12 matches away from their Mayesbrook Park home and their strong team ethos spread to their goal-scorers with Michael Mignot (10 league goals), Brad Russell (8) and Hakim Medfai (6) leading the way on that front. It is also notable that they have continued to encourage young talent into the first team this term. I saw them in action defeat Woodford in September, win well at Sawbridgeworth Town and narrowly lose at Cockfosters, the latter two matches both in October. Their attacking pace has continued from last term though I think for most of the season they have been that bit stronger defensively, despite suffering a few heavy losses this term. It may be that their counter-attacking style favours playing away from home, but I believe it is also about longer-term brick-building you feel for the club as they seek to strengthen the youth side of the club to build pathways through to Senior football.

Still from Stansted v Clapton (ESL 23.11.19)

Still from Stansted v Clapton ESL 23.11.19

Clapton logo

In 12th place were Clapton. The Tons had a very strong ‘end’ to the campaign to record thirty-one points also from their 27 matches. Five of their nine wins this term came in their last eight matches and Julian Charles’ side were nomads, playing at Parkside before finishing the campaign at Southchurch Park. They scored forty goals and conceded 59 in total, though their ten losses from seventeen away matches also impeded them. I saw them twice back in November where they lost at Stansted after a decent start and then gave Saffron Walden Town a test before falling to a loss at home to the Bloods. They struck me as a decent side on-the-pitch though their concentration did let down at times. Deimar Queni led the goal-scoring charts with six league goals so well done Deimar.

Ilford club crest

Still from Ilford v W’stow (ESL 29.1.20)

In 13th place are Ilford, with Jonny Fowell’s side gaining thirty points from their twenty-eight games. Stats will show that they scored only 31 league goals (a GpG of 1.11) which is the third-lowest in the division this term, though they did concede fifty times at the other end, which on balance is second-best of all the bottom-half sides. Cricklefield was their ‘fortress’ with all league eight wins this season coming from their 15 home games, with only five points coming away from home. Being positive, I have little doubt that Fowell and his strong coaching team will be aiming for a better season next time out. I saw them narrowly best Tower Hamlets at home back in August before giving it their all in a draw with Walthamstow in late January. I found them to be a determined outfit with some talented players who will improve with coaching & experience.

St Margaretsbury club logo

Still from S Manor v St Margaretsbury (ESL 4.1.20)

Still from S Manor v St Mags (ESL 4.1.20)

St Margaretsbury ended up in 14th spot with twenty-six points from their 28 games, after a tough end to the season which saw them gain one win in their last ten matches. Tony Wild & Ray Bartlett’s team had issues finding the net, as they scored 36 goals (a GpG of 1.28) whilst shelling forty-eight goals at the other end. Forward Kyle Roberts snared eleven league goals to lessen the threat of being caught in the bottom four. In one of those quirks, I saw them twice against Southend Manor this term. Firstly, in early September where they just edged to a win at home in a real helter-skelter high-scoring battle before Manor returned the favour at Southchurch Park in early January. When I saw them they played quite an open, attacking style and benefitted by having the likes of Ryan Reed on set-pieces too. But in defence, they could be got at, much the same as their rivals in that bottom half. It was announced post-season that Tony Wild has moved across to lead the Youth section next term, with Bartlett taking sole charge of the first team, I’d like to wish both well in their respective roles next season.

Sporting Bengal crest

Still from S Bengal v Redbridge (ESL 28.9.19)

Still from S Bengal v Redbridge ESL 28.9.19)

A point behind St Mags were Sporting Bengal Utd in 15th, having gathered twenty-five points from their 26 matches, after being deducted three points early on in the campaign. Imrul Gazi’s side have played a attractive style of football for several seasons now, though this term they were that bit more vulnerable defensively, having conceded 62 goals (a GpG of 2.38) this term. Curtley McIntosh led the way in attack with a very respectable twelve league goals, with support from Bobby Redwood who got seven. As mentioned in the previous part of this article, Bengal contributed hugely to a fine match in their draw with Redbridge at Mile End in late September and reminds us that they have a very capable side, even if the consistency isn’t quite there.

Enfield 1893

Into the bottom four now, starting with Enfield in 16th spot. Matt Hanning’s side had twenty-four points on the board from their 26 matches, thanks in part to a decent run of two wins and three draws in their last eight matches. Defensively they conceded sixty-six goals – the second-worst in the division but to their credit, in the last few matches they did tighten up at the back and had the season continued, they may have ended the season in a better position. One plus for them as well was their new home of Woodside (Bishop’s Stortford) and they got some fine results there, winning five of their 14 matches there this season. In 17th spot was Southend Manor who endured a tough season it has to be said. They gained twenty-three points from their 26 matches, with four of their six league wins coming at Southchurch Park. The principal issue for them was scoring goals, as they scored twenty-eight times during the entire season – the lowest in the division (a GpG of 1.07). When I saw them live though, they did have their moments (particularly in the midway point of the season as they held Sawbridgeworth in November and edged to victory of St Margaretsbury in early January) but earlier in the campaign, lapses of concentration & confidence showed in home losses to Redbridge and Cockfosters.

Image from S Manor v Cockfosters ESL 9.11.19

Still from S Manor v St Mags (ESL 4.1.20)

Hamlets logo

Still from T Hamlets v Cockfosters ESL 2.12.19

Moving into the bottom two, and in 18th place were Tower Hamlets. They were a point adrift of Manor on 22 points from their 27 games played. I wouldn’t be too surprised if Hamlets had one of the youngest squads to play in the division, certainly this season if not going further back into the league’s history. One for the historians that is. On their day, their pace and exuberance was tough to stifle, but on the other end of that scale is that their inexperience cost them, defensively in particular. They shipped sixty-five goals (a GpG of 2.41) and they didn’t win any of their last ten league matches which did put them in the position that they finished, but ran the top-of-the-table sides close which did earn John Jatto’s side respect. Finally, bottom of the standings were Sawbridgeworth Town who won eight points from their 28 matches. Two league wins all season kind of sets the tone though what really leaps off the page was the unfortunate defensive record, conceding ninety-nine goals this term (a GpG of 3.53). Their league wins came against Cockfosters at home in mid-November and at Sporting Bengal in mid-February. I saw them lose out at home to West Essex in mid-October where they had promising parts of the game but not enough end product. When I saw next saw them battle hard for a point at Manor at the end of November, there were signs they were tightening up and their attacking promise was evident too. Ultimately though, you’re forced to concede that it was a very harsh campaign for Sawbo and one they can scarcely afford to see again.

Sawbridgeworth club badge

Still from S Manor v Sawbo ESL 30.11.19

Finally, here’s the Leading Goal-scorers in the Essex Senior League 2019/20

(Source: essexseniorleague.co.uk)


		Club/s	League Goals	Total Goals (All Comps)
1	Dwade James	Walthamstow	27	40
2	George Smith	Hashtag Utd	19	26
3	Solomon Ofori	Hadley	18	25

4	Gavin Cockman	Saffron Walden Town	16	20
5	Suiabo Balde	Tower Hamlets	15	15
6	Lewis Francis	Walthamstow/ Saffron Walden Town	13	17

=7	Taylor Tombides	Redbridge	12	19
	Curtley McIntosh	Sporting Bengal Utd	12	16
	Issac Marfo-Jacobs	Hoddesdon Town	12	15

=10	Kyle Roberts	St Margaretsbury/ Hadley	11	15
	Connor Hammond	Stansted	11	13

=12	Michael Mignot	West Essex	10	15
	Manny Hammond	Hadley	10	12
	Ned Clarke	Cockfosters/ Hadley	10	10

=15	Charlie Cole	Saffron Walden Town	9	28
	Bryn Thorpe	Takeley	9	15
	Alfie Bartram	Hadley	9	12
	Hassan Nalbant	Redbridge	9	11
	Cameron Ferguson	Hadley	9	9