Stansted – survivor16b

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Sat 26 Nov) [ESL 22-23 27.11.22]

Archive Image – Halstead Tn v FC Clacton earlier this term

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

Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, rounding-up the full Essex Senior League programme that took place on the weekend of Saturday 26 November. We also include the Reserve Shield action & the solitary Ressie league match in Division Two.

Essex Senior League – Saturday 26 November

The weekend’s action starts with an important win for Barking as they powered past Stanway Rovers 5 – 1 at Mayesbrook Park 3G. Charlie Heatley’s first hat-trick inside the first hour led the way for Charlie MacDonald’s side, while Ahmed Abdulla and George Fairhead added further pain to Danny Slatter’s team, who replied through Will Crisell’s goal. At the Terry Mac, Clapton got another big three points as they fought back to defeat Romford 4 – 3. Khyreece Smith-Reid’s fifth league goal this term plus goals from Leon Wildman, Sharn Quinn’s spot-kick & an OG enabled Ross Weare’s side to move eight points clear of bottom side Southend Manor. Romford responded through strikes from Emmanuel Ogunrinde, Adalberto Pinto and Shomari Barnwell’s goal in stoppage time but they are now five points adrift of landlords Barking in tenth.

Takeley continued their recent good form, with a 4 – 0 victory at Southend Manor. Charlie Allum and George Frodsham goals inside the first ten minutes led the way for Marc Das’ side, then Jayden Gipson & Jordan Westcott goals added more anguish for Alex O’Leary’s side. At the summit, Enfield stay at the top on goal difference after a 3 – 0 victory at managerless Saffron Walden Town. Danny Norton, Louie Johnson’s penalty & a Usman Adeniji goal sealed the points for Jamie Cureton in front of 330 spectators at Catons Lane. Redbridge are second on the same points total (36) after a gritty 1 – 0 win at West Essex. Ibrahim Kehinde got the only goal there for George Christou’s side at Wadham Lodge. FC Clacton are now five points clear in third spot after a 2 – 1 success at White Ensign. Jake Clowsley & the league’s top scorer Mekhi McKenzie got the goals for Tom Austin’s side there, while Teddy Rumsby got the goal back for Aaron Bloxham’s team.

Elsewhere, Stansted remain in sixth after a 4 – 0 win at Halstead Town. The quartet of Ashaan Siddik, George O’Connor, Michael Mignot and Andre Embalo all netted for the Airportmen to add more concern for the Humbugs, who stay 16th. Buckhurst Hill got an important victory after the loss of two big players this week, as they won 4 – 1 over Sawbridgeworth Town at Roding Lane. Jake Knight had given Kieran Amos & Ben Taylor’s side an early lead, but Ezekiel Bademosi levelled the match just before the interval before a double from Hassan Nalbant and a late goal by replacement Jake Moss sealed the win for Mark Williams’ side, who reside in eighth. Athletic Newham are ninth after a 3 – 1 victory at Ilford, with Daniel Izekor notching another double and Abdul Shobowale also on target for Chris Davis’ team. Jack Zielinski got the reply for the Foxes there. Lastly in the top-tier, Woodford Town bagged a 1 – 0 away win at Little Oakley, thanks to Wale Odedoyin’s goal to spoil new manager James Good’s first league game in charge, after the resignation of Matt Carmichael this week – I’d like to pass on my best wishes to Matt & his family at this tough time.

Now into the Reserve Shield action, Barkingside Res edged through on Friday night, defeating White Ensgn Res 2 – 1 at Lakeside Sports Ground. Junior Mandeng-Fotabeng netted for the Ensign side, but strikes by Emmanuel Banahene & Kolade Oshun secured the hosts’ progression. Woodford Town Res joined them there after a 3 – 1 victory at Athletic Newham Res. David Avram, Albert James & replacement Izac Clarke all scored for Town in that game. The other two games needed spot-kicks to determine the victor and Billericay Town Res drew 1 – 1 with Frenford Res, before winning 4 – 3 on penalties. Redbridge Res also drew, 2 – 2 with West Essex Development but it was the Stags side who won 3 – 1 on penalties in that one.

Finally, there’s one result in Ressie League Division Two, which saw Barking U23 go back to the summit after a thumping 7 – 0 victory at May & Baker Res.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Senior Lge (Fri 30 Sept/Sat 1 Oct) [ESL 22/23 2.10.22]

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

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Senior League round-up, which is part of an occasional blog series this term, in addition to the many match reports on League matches this term. This article looks at the action from the weekend of Saturday 1 October.

Essex Senior – Saturday 1 October

We start the Saturday action with a huge win for Saffron Walden Town as they defeated Ilford 6 – 1 at Catons Lane, in front of 280 fans. Jason Hallett struck yet another hat-trick (two of them were penalties) to set Jason Maher’s side on the path to success, with Cameron Watson’s early goal allied with strikes by Craig Calver and Stanley Leech. Brandon Wood’s goal was little consolation for the Foxes as they fell to 15th spot. Walden are still outside the top half in 13th but they are only three points adrift of the top six, which shows how tight the table is at present.

Stansted are also finding their form as they outclassed Stanway Rovers 5 – 1 at Hargrave Park. The returning Connor Hammond hit two fine free-kicks to net a brace, with Michael Mignot also scoring two for Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side here. Jack Mitchell got the other goal here, but there was no clean sheet here as substitute Ezequiel Franchi got a late reply for Danny Slatter’s team here. The Airportmen rise back up into the top, into 8th. Meanwhile, Little Oakley got another gritty 1 – 0 win away from home, this time at former leaders West Essex. Danny Garrad’s goal midway through the second period was the decisive moment and was enough for all three points as Oakley stay in third and three points adrift of the leaders.

Elsewhere, Takeley got a big 5 – 0 win at White Ensign, with an Oliver Jenkins OG, Glenn O’Hanlon and Jordan Westcott goals setting them on their way. Late goals from Hodje Almeida-Joaquim and Lewis Deamer gave Marc Das’ side a more than comfortable triumph to send them up to 14th. The North East Essex rivalry resumed at Rush Green Bowl as FC Clacton edged to a 3 – 2 victory over Halstead Town. Jake Clowsley, Reuben Cowler and Mekhi McKenzie’s spot-kick was enough to give Tommy Austin’s side the points, despite the Humbugs threatening a comeback thanks to goals from Alfie Cleal and Jordan Blackwell. The Seasiders broke into the top five with this win. Halstead remain third from bottom, two points clear of the bottom two.

Buckhurst Hill got the win they wanted as they won 3 – 1 at Southend Manor. Hassan Nalbant continued his superb scoring run with another double here, to which club stalwart Henry Day added a third to give Mark Williams’ side the points. Manor are in the process of a complete squad rebuild after recent events and gave the visitors a tougher game in the second half, shown by Will Atwill’s consolation goal. Buckhurst stay fourth while Manor are still without a win this term.

The big match on Friday for Redbridge saw them face second-bottom Clapton, which the Blues dominated on their way to a 6 – 0 triumph at Oakside. Substitute Tony Martin struck twice in the second half to add to first half strikes by Joe Elliott, Michael Pindy, Samraj Gill and Miles Peterkin. The Tons found it difficult to cope with the pace and passing of George Christou’s team and the hosts went top. I attended this match & if you’d like more on it, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/10/01/s22-23-match-report-redbridge-6-0-clapton-fri-30-sept-esl/ 

In the other match on Friday night, Woodford Town were denied a good win as a last minute leveller from Larry Akanbi saw them draw 2 – 2 with Sawbridgeworth Town.

Finally, in the FA Cup there was no dream ‘giant-killing’ for Romford as they gave Step 2 side Chelmsford City a tricky test before falling to a 5 – 0 loss at Mayesbrook Patrk 3G, in front of over 330 spectators. Khale Da Costa’s treble ensured Robbie Simpson’s side marched on, with Ade Oluwo’s strike on the hour plus a late Tom Blackwell goal added gloss to the score-line.

That’s all for this weekend, thank you for reading.

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Sat 16 Apr) [ESL 21-22 17.4.22]

Hello and welcome a bonus blog looking at the action from the Essex Senior from Thurs 14th to Saturday 16th April, the penultimate weekend of the regular league season. Thanks for reading.

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

Action still from Redbridge v Little Oakley on Good Friday [Image by Scott W]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

On Thursday night, the re-arranged game between Hoddesdon Town and Stansted at Lowfield ended in a 2 – 1 victory for the Lilywhites. Larry Asare-Bediako gave them a first-minute lead, before Harry Andic netted a second goal just after the half-hour. Billy Coyne’s reply by way of a penalty six minutes before the break didn’t do enough to reverse the Airportmen’s fortunes here and further dimmed their play-off spot chances.

On Good Friday, Redbridge also had a dramatic game as they were held 1 – 1 by Little Oakley at Oakside. Michael Pindy put the Motormen ahead after three minutes to give them a dream start. However, profligate finishing scuppered their chances of making the points safe, allowing Oakley to stay in the game and a Harry Mann spot-kick was enough to give a depleted Oakley side a point.

If you’d like more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/15/s21-22-match-report-redbridge-1-1-little-oakley-fri-15-apr

On Friday night, Woodford Town‘s last home game of the season ended in a 1 – 1 draw with Cockfosters. Both goals came late on, with Montel McKenzie putting Shane Baptiste’s side ahead on 81 minutes, only for substitute Bailey Stevenson levelling the game deep in added time with a fine volley. Cockfosters still remain in the top ten and have a Errington Cup Semi-Final at Enfield in midweek. If you’d like more on this game, fellow Non-League writer Peter Dudley was there & his report can be viewed here (second part of article): https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/redbridge-1-little-oakley-1-woodford.html

Onto the five matches on Saturday now, start with Saffron Walden Town‘s priceless 2 – 0 triumph over strugglers Sawbridgeworth Town. Khris Oti and Gavin Cockman got the goals as Walden almost mathematically secured the second-place they have sought after. A crowd of 457 watched on at Catons Lane and they are unbeaten in their last 11 matches – some run that is at a crucial time. Sawbo have to win at home to West Essex next weekend and hope St Margaretsbury fail to win at Redbridge or they will be in the lottery of the relegation/promotion play-off between a Step 5 & 6 side as I understand it.

Elsewhere, Stansted kept up their very slim hopes of that second spot with a 2 – 0 victory at home to White Ensign at Hargrave Park. Michael Salako [49 & 82′] notched a double here to reach 20 league goals this campaign, congrats to him on another fine season. A win for Ensign at Enfield next Saturday evening will confirm a top-ten spot in their first term at Step 5. Also, Enfield conclusively won 4 – 1 at Clapton, with Samrai Gebrai notching a fine treble and Jack Grosvenor also on target midway in the second half. Ryan Ferrari got a consolation for the Tons as they still need a point to vanquish any mathematical chance of finishing in the bottom three.

FC Clacton got a 1 – 0 victory over Athletic Newham at the Rush Green Bowl, with Jamie Bennett the goal-scorer there. the Seasiders go above Newham in the standings into seventh and could still finish in the top eight which would a super achievement. Finally, Hoddesdon Town drew 0 – 0 with Ilford at Lowfield which means both sides will finish the bottom half this term. A good point though for the Foxes in boss Adam Peek’s penultimate game in charge.

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Senior League Round-up (Sat 9 Apr) [ESL 21-22 10.4.22]

Archive Image: Ensign v Clacton last month [Image by Scott W]

Hello and welcome a bonus blog looking at the ten Essex Senior matches that took place on the 8th & 9th April, as we enter the last fortnight of the regular campaign. Thanks for reading.

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

Essex Senior League Round-up- Sat 9 April

The match with the most significance at the top was Saffron Walden Town’s 2 – 1 win at Little Oakley. Daniel Rowe had given Matt Carmichael’s team a first-half lead but Walden’s form has been strong of late and they showed this once again through strikes by Gavin Cockman and teenager Stanley Leech. The win puts Walden in prime position for the promotion play-off place, with matches against Sawbridgeworth and Hoddesdon to come, crucially both at Catons Lane. Oakley’s season still looks very positive overall and they will be looking to secure a top-six finish. Elsewhere, Redbridge got a good 3 – 1 home win over Stanway Rovers at Oakside, in a match delayed for nearly two hours as Rovers were caught in traffic chaos en route. Stanway did take the lead early in the second half through Danny Nesbitt, but a brace for Loui Hazlewood and a late goal from Michael Pindy secured the comeback win and keep George Christou’s side in contention for that much-wanted second spot.

Stansted also have a slim chance of pinching that spot after a 2 – 1 win over Southend Manor at Hargrave Park, thanks to goals from Jack Mitchell and Michael Salako. Manor had an unfortunate OG to assist their way back into the game but other results mean they are now safe from relegation, and credit has to go to boss James Wakeling and his coaching team. The Airportmen meanwhile have four matches left, and arguably have to win all four to leapfrog their rivals. Athletic Newham’s season is coming to a stuttering end as they were held by top-six rivals Enfield at Terry Mac. Kieran Bishop’s goal had given the E’s a first-half lead, but Daniel Izekor got a good equaliser with about ten minutes left. The result means Enfield remain six points clear of Newham, though Chris Davis’ side also have four matches to play (in the next fortnight). Also, FC Clacton are also finishing the season well as they got a 4 – 0 triumph over Clapton at Rush Green Bowl. A double for Mekhi McKenzie, plus goals by Elias Ahmed and Harry McDonald saw Tom Austin’s side to a fine win and they rose to eighth spot because of it. The Tons debatably need a point or two to make sure of their ESL place next term.

Archive Image: St Mags v L Oakley earlier this season [Image by Scott W]

That is the case due to Sawbridgeworth Town’s hugely important 2 – 1 win over Errington Cup Finalists Cockfosters at Crofters. James Falaise and Morgan Arnold got the big goals for Alex Salmon and Kieran Amos’ side, with Bailey Stevenson responding for Gavin Kelsey’s team. ‘Fosters drop down to tenth but they still have 3 games left. Sawbo’s assignment is clear – they need at least one win from matches against Saffron Walden and West Essex to evade the bottom two. Meanwhile, Takeley continued their mini-revival with a 4 – 1 success over Sporting Bengal Utd at Station Road. The ensemble cast of Elliott Long, Glenn O’Hanlon, George Frodsham and Traevon Williams-Lauder all netted for Marc Das’ side to take them up to 11th spot. Bengal ended their campaign here and responded via an OG in this match but there will be a lot of soul-searching in the close season to come whilst they find out which division they will be placed in Step 6 following relegation.

The remaining Saturday game to note saw Hoddesdon Town claim a good 2 – 0 victory over champions Walthamstow. Terrell Sterling and Harrison Rookard both struck to give Simon Riddle’s team the points which takes them up to 50 points for the season. ‘Stow can still hit 90 points this term, even with a draw in their final game on April 23rd. On Friday night, West Essex got a 2 – 1 win over Ilford at Wadham Lodge, with Cameron Gray and Reece Clarke’s spot-kick enough to overhaul Jordan Fisher’s reply for the Foxes. West remain 13th after the weekend’s action, while Ilford stay 16th. Also, Woodford Town were held to a goalless draw by St Margaretsbury at Ashton’s, which kept Town in 14th but St Mags stay third-bottom, a point clear of Sawbo but with only one match left – at Redbridge on the final day of the league season.

End

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Fri 11/Sat 12 March) [ESL 21/22 13.3.22]

Archive Image: S Manor 1 – 0 Sawbo from late February

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

Hello & welcome to a Essex Senior League round-up from the weekend of Saturday 12th March, which forms part of a occasional blog series through the 2021-22 season. There were big results, particularly at the bottom of the table which does form the bulk of our focus in this piece.

Essex Senior – Saturday 12 March

All the bottom five sides were in action this weekend, and second-bottom Sawbridgeworth Town will be the ones feeling most pleased with their result after a fine 2 – 1 victory at Stanway Rovers. Goals from Harry Davison and Arley Barker meant that Kieran Amos & Alex Salmon’ side got their fifth win this term and closed the gap to St Margaretsbury directly above them to three points, with a game in hand. Ernest Okoh netted for Danny Slatter’s side but their form has dropped recently, having only won two of their last ten league games, they remain in seventh spot. Southend Manor went out of the bottom two after securing a good 1 – 1 draw with Redbridge at Oakside. Tony Martin’s spot-kick put George Christou’s side ahead ten minutes before the break, but ten minutes after the resumption, Ben Allen levelled, also from the penalty spot. Manor are in 18th now, a point behind Clapton who also got a 1 – 1 draw away from home, as they drew with Hoddesdon Town at Lowfield. Larry Asare-Bediako opened the scoring for the hosts six minutes after half-time, though Isaac Stevens got a important equaliser for Michael Walther’s team with 20 minutes left. Hoddy remain 15th in the table.

The now bottom two sides both suffered tough defeats this weekend. Bottom side Sporting Bengal Utd’s recent uptick in form was brought to a juddering halt as they lost 1 – 5 at home to Cockfosters at Mile End. George Beattie’s fine treble saw him reach 18 league goals this term, allied with strikes for Reece Mosanya and substitute Bailey Stevenson – Gavin Kelsey’s side got a big win which takes them up to 11th spot. Bengal’s goal here came from Chris Bird once again but they are 11 points adrift of St Mags in third-bottom with only six matches left. Stansted also heightened the pressure on St Margaretsbury as the Airportmen powered to a 5 – 1 win at Hargrave Park. Michael Salako went past 15 league goals this term with a fine treble here. Jack Mitchell and Michael Mignot also added strikes late on to give co-boss Paul Pittuck a win in his 201st match in charge, congrats on reaching 200 games earlier this week Paul. Jon Stevenson’s goal had given Paul Holding’s side a glimmer of a way back into the contest before half-time.

At the summit, Walthamstow got an important 2 – 0 win at Athletic Newham, with Jason Beck and substitute Tendai Quamina notching for Terry Spillane & John Mackie’s side here. It would seem more likely than not that four more wins will be enough to see the champions-elect secure the title. Newham’s fixture pile-up is starting to have an effect on their form, as they reside in ninth place at present, but they still have 11 matches left to play. Saffron Walden Town have really come back into play-off contention in recent weeks, and they remain third after a 4 – 3 triumph over Ilford at Catons Lane. A double for Khris Oti, plus goals for the long-serving James Crane and George Pullen just outdid a brace for Josh Oghagbon and one from Joel Gomes for Adam Peek’s side. Walden boss Jason Maher paid tribute to the Bloods fans post-match. Ilford remain 16th, seven points clear of the bottom five.

Meanwhile, Enfield got a narrow 1 – 0 win at West Essex with Kieran Bishop getting a late goal to send Jamie Cureton’s side up to fifth. The last game on Saturday saw two sides that are battling it out for a top ten finish battle at Burroughs Park. White Ensign were held by Matt Carmichael’s Little Oakley 0 – 0. Ensign sit in tenth, while Oakley are three points clear in sixth in what has been a fine season for the Acorns, regardless of where they finish.

There was one match on Friday night, which Woodford Town draw 1 – 1 with FC Clacton at a rainy Ashton’s. George Thompson had given the Towners a narrow advantage just before the interval but Jordan Lartey’s second-half leveller meant the points were shared. Woodford dropped to 12th after the weekend’s action and Clacton are well-placed in eighth.

Thanks for reading, hopefully there will be at least one more ESL round-up piece before the end of their campaign.

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Senior League Round-up (Sat 22 Jan) [ESL 21-22 23.1.22]

Hello and welcome to a bonus blog on the full Essex Senior programme that took place on Saturday 22nd January, as big results affected both ends of the table. The lead image above is from St Margaretsbury v Little Oakley yesterday, the match I attended. Thanks for reading this round-up.

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

Essex Senior League Round-up- Sat 22 January

We begin with the showdown at the top of the table, as Walthamstow got a added-time winner in a 2 – 1 success against Enfield at Wadham Lodge. Tim Ogunrinde put his new club ahead just past the half hour, though David Cowley levelled from twelve yards three minutes after the interval. Callum Ibe sent the majority of the three hundred fans attending wild with a late winner to fortify ‘Stow’s position at the summit as they kept their ten-point lead over Stansted. The Airportmen now have a five-point cushion in second after a 3 – 1 home win against Cockfosters. Brad Russell gave Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side an early lead, but a crucially timed leveller from ‘Fosters stalwart George Beattie came two minutes before the break. However, second half goals from Michael Salako [66’] & Connor Hammond [84’] made sure that the ‘Blue Brazil’ made the most of other sides faltering around them.

One of those sides who debatably dropped points were Stanway Rovers, who were held to a goalless draw with West Essex at Hawthorns. The Stags are now only four points adrift of the top ten. Redbridge got a narrow 2 – 1 triumph over Takeley at Oakside with two goals in three minutes from Michael Pindy and Robbie Norris enough to give them the points. Charlie Allum got the solitary reply for Marc Das’ side but they fell to twelfth spot. The Motormen remain in fourth but are now seven points clear of Athletic Newham after Newham lost the ‘Terry Mac’ derby 0 – 2 to Clapton, who are now five points clear of the bottom three.

Meanwhile, Little Oakley are a point off the top ten after a 3 – 1 victory at St Margaretsbury, with Danny Garrad giving Matt Carmichael’s side the lead on eleven minutes. Two penalties from the influential Harry Mann and Daniel Rowe completed the win, with Rodney Clements late spot-kick denying the Acorns a clean sheet. I attended this match, if you’d like more on it, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/01/22/s21-22-match-report-st-margaretsbury-1-3-little-oakley-sat-22nd-jan-esl/

Elsewhere, Saffron Walden Town were denied a morale-boosting win as they drew 3 – 3 with White Ensign at Catons Lane. Scott Piggott struck twice for Jason Maher’s team, with Gavin Cockman adding their other goal. However, the crowd of around 250 got their share of goals here as Luke Woodward’s fine treble ensured Carl Conway & Jack Maleary’s side got a point, which lifts them up to eighth and stay only a point off Walden in sixth. Hoddesdon Town got a vital win in their battle of the bottom seven sides, as they edged to a 4 – 3 success over bottom side Sporting Bengal Utd at Lowfield. Harrison Cage struck twice for the hosts, with Jack Lee and Josh Stevens goals also proving decisive. Bengal gave it everything and had strikes by Yaha Djau , Quincy Roberts and Gianfranco Mici to thank staying in the match but ultimately they fell to another loss and their need to win matches gets that bit higher.

Two more matches this weekend and Woodford Town got a narrow 1 – 0 win at Southend Manor, with ex-Redbridge winger Ayub Kadiri getting the only goal there for Shane Baptiste’s side, who remain 14th. Also, FC Clacton set aside a bad loss in midweek as they won 4 – 0 at Sawbridgeworth Town. Kyle Ferguson and Mekhi McKenzie gave the Seasiders a comfortable lead at the interval, with late strikes by Harry McDonald and substitute Jordan Lartey adding further pain to the Sawbo side. This result meant that Clacton stay in the top ten, a point clear of fellow North East Essex side Oakley.

End

S21-22 Round-ups: Essex Senior League (Sat 8 Jan) [ESL 21-22 9.1.22]

Archive Image from Dec 2021 – Ensign v Sawbo at Burroughs Park [Image by Scott W]

Hello and welcome a bonus blog (replacing this week’s Match report as the focused match fell to the weather) rounding-up the four Essex Senior matches that took place on the 8th January. We’ll also have a short look at the standings as well, with nearly four months of the season remaining (if there are no remaining Covid interruptions). Thanks for reading & a Happy 2022 to you all.

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

Essex Senior League Round-up- Sat 8 January

The match with the most on the line was at the Hawthorns as Saffron Walden Town set aside a challenging week with a 4 – 2 success at fellow top six side Stanway Rovers. Walden started the match the stronger and after leading the way at the interval, two goals from Joe Pullen from a goal apiece for Tom Skelton and Craig Calver was enough to give the Bloods a vital win, which sees them reduce the deficit on the top three to five points. Recent signing Ayo Odukoya got both goals for Stanway though they fell to only their third loss at home this term.

Elsewhere, Athletic Newham went into seventh spot, only two points adrift of Walden following a 3 – 0 victory over Ilford at the Terry Mac. Jailson Seidi opened the scoring for Chris Davis’ side, before a late brace for the League’s top-scorer Richard Kone secured the win for Newham and took Kone to the 25-goal mark this season. Ilford remain in 16th, nine points clear of the bottom four. There was an extraordinary comeback by FC Clacton as they won 4 – 3 in added-time at Little Oakley. Strikes by Danny Garrad and Mason Ridgway-Lumley had put Matt Carmichael’s side two goals up at half-time, but Clacton were level on the hour thanks to goals from Harry McDonald and Jordan Lartey. Tyler Sullivan netted for Oakley with fourteen minutes left to give them a narrow lead but injury-time strikes from McDonald and Mekhi McKenzie secured the points for the visitors which took them back into the top ten.

Finally, in their derby at Hargrave Park, Stansted had first-half goals from John Clarke and Paul Clayton to be thankful for in their 2 – 1 success over Sawbridgeworth Town. Teddy Hall got a late consolation for Kieran Amos & Alex Salmon’s side who continue to seek points to draw in the sides above them .

The six matches that were off this weekend (Sat 8 Jan) were as follows:

Enfield P – P Takeley, Hoddesdon Town v St Margaretsbury, Redbridge v Clapton, Southend Manor v White Ensign, Sporting Bengal Utd v Woodford Town and Walthamstow v Cockfosters.

With regards to the table, Walthamstow are still strong favourites to finally seal the promotion they have sought for some time. They are on sixty points (with 19 wins from their 24 matches), ten points clear of nearest rivals Stansted who are again having a fine season under the tutelage of Paul Pittuck and John Watters. Then we have the chasing pack of Redbridge (3rd – 48 points from 24 games), Stanway Rovers (4th – 47 points from 26 matches), Enfield (5th – 43 points from 22 matches) and Saffron Walden Town (6th – 43 points from 23 matches) who are all striving to find themselves in the play-off mix at the end of the campaign, where the victors will face-off against a struggling side from a local Step 4 division, as I understand it.

At the foot of the table, there are debatably five sides who are most wary of avoiding relegation. Sporting Bengal remain at the bottom after one win all season to date (4 points from 23 matches). Steve Clark’s side also need to help their goal difference though Southend Manor are only seven points better off (11 points from 23 matches) and recently appointed former Hullbridge assistant boss James Wakeling as their new boss. Both teams will need more goals in their armoury to catch up to Sawbridgeworth Town who sit 19th, on 16 points and St Margaretsbury are just above them on goal difference. Clapton also will be mindful of securing points as they are 17th, with 18 points from their 23 matches to date.

End

S21-22 Match Report: Southend Manor 0 – 1 Stansted (Sat 27 Nov) [ESL 21/22 27.11.21]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Southchurch Park

Attendance: TBC

2021-22 Season: Match 44

Saturday 27th November 2021 – 3pm KO

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

Stansted: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Stansted grab precious win in awful conditions at Manor

Southend Manor 0 – 1 Stansted

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

The weekend match was a short trip to Southchurch Park to see Southend Manor continue their search for points as they welcomed a Stansted side who hadn’t won in their last three matches in all competitions. Manor are now managed by Ryan Gordon, and he named ex-AS Rawreth stopper Ollie Johnson in goal, with a defensive four of Jaiden Odle, Ben Sargent plus centre-backs Shawn Coe and captain Jonathan Sanchez. The forward line was comprised of Daniel Devey, Michael Bareck and Andre Embalo. Options from the bench for Manor were Jack Frost and recent recruits Daniel Medina & Craig Heskey. Stansted had regular goalkeeper Jarvis Monk starting, with skipper Billy Coyne and Louis Monk the full-backs, Ashaan Siddik and Daniel Okah in midfield with a forward three of the returning Connor Hammond, Jack Mitchell and Michael Mignot. Their bench had forward Michael Salako plus midfielders Horace Ormsby and Finley Gregory.

The forecast was pretty grim and the conditions had an effect from the get-go, with sprawling winds and added rain making it very chilly for the dedicated spectators in attendance. In the early stages of the contest, chances were quite rare for both sides, though it was the Airportmen that kept the Manor defence alert, with full-back Jaiden Odle making a couple of good interceptions and skipper Jonanthan Sanchez marshalling the defence well, also making aerial clearances. Even so, it was Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side that were looking the more likely to break the deadlock, with forwards Connor Hammond and Jack Mitchell not far away from having chances on goal, both down the channels and from the odd set-piece as well.

As it happens, the only goal of the contest did come from a set-piece. The hosts will feel disappointed at the outcome as Billy Coyne’s free-kick was delfected and bounced over the advancing Manor custodian Ollie Johnson, out of his grasp and trickled into the net, with centre-back Tom Massey also close by if a final touch was required, but on this occasion it was not. The visitors also had a goal chalked off for an assistant’s off-side flag before the interval.

Half-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 1 Stansted

After the break, Manor were keen to vanquish the slim deficit they had to deal with, and early in the half, full-back Odle made a superb run from his own half into the opposition’s before finding forward Michael Bareck well though Bareck could only drag his strike wide of Jarvis Monk’s left-side post. The weather was unrelenting which only increased the chances of players slipping on the turf. For the most part, the visitors defended well in their characteristic way of firm tackles and swift clearances from danger.

To their credit, Manor did keep going well from defence to midfield, with Josh Devlin doing well in central midfield to assist his side in keeping possession. If there was one caveat to the above line, it was that they could not create that many clear oppurtunities to test Monk in the Stansted goal. There was one near-miss for the hosts with about twenty minutes remaining. Bareck was again was in a promising position after evading a defender before unleashing a powerful effort which narrowly went over the woodwork.

All in all though, Southend Manor couldn’t force a leveller as Stansted did well to hold firm and claim a morale-boosting win with a hard-working performance in the aforementioned awful conditions.

Ben Sargent (Manor #3) making surging run down the left flank

Full-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 1 Stansted

To sum up this match, both sides left everything out there on-the-pitch in the inclement conditions. Stansted did enough to deserve the points in a game of relatively few chances. Manor do have positives to take as well as they defended quite well at times and going forward they looked promising, apart from that telling final ball into the forwards to create a lot of chances.

The stand-out performances from this game start with Stansted. Defenders Bryn Thorpe and Billy Coyne had good matches with Thorpe playing centre-back here, and he did well alongside Tom Massey and Paul Clayton. Coyne’s set-pieces were a threat as ever, and Daniel Okah had a good game in midfield, showing his presence with good energy and tackling. Jack Mitchell was a good threat as well for the Airportmen with his movement and running as he looked to get beyond the last defender. For Manor, forward Michael Bareck was a good outlet for the re-modelled attack for the hosts, showing good energy and pace. Josh Devlin had a good game also, moving from defence to attack well and made several good passes. Full-backs Ben Sargent and Jaiden Odle also made good surging runs from their respective flanks and also made a few good interceptions.

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

Teams

Southend Manor | Manager: Ryan Gordon | Assistants: Josh Hutchins & Callum Bolger

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Ollie Johnson (GK), 2 Jaiden Odle (12 Jack Frost 77′), 3 Ben Sargent, 4 Shawn Coe, 5 Jonathan Sanchez (Capt), 6 Josh Devlin, 7 Cesario Mendes, 8 Isaac Acquah, 9 Daniel Devey (14 Daniel Medina 76′), 10 Michael Bareck (15 Craig Heskey 89′), 11 Andre Embalo

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: None

Stansted | Joint-Managers: Paul Pittuck & John Watters | GK Coach: Neil Tillotson

Starting XI (Subs): 21 Jarvis Monk (GK), 2 Billy Coyne (Capt), 3 Louis Monk, 4 Tom Massey, 5 Bryn Thorpe, 6 Paul Clayton, 7 Michael Mignot (14 Michael Salako 71′), 8 Ashaan Siddik (15 Finley Gregory 80′), 9 Jack Mitchell, 10 Daniel Okah, 11 Connor Hammond (12 Horace Ormsby 76′)

Goal-scorer: Billy Coyne [31′]

Booked: Thorpe, Monk | Subs Not Used: None

Referee: Benjamin Horne
Assistant Referees: Craig Wood & Ray Parmenter

S21-22 Match Report: Stansted 0- 2 Stanway Rovers (Sat 13 Nov) [ESL 21/22 14.11.21]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Hargrave Park

Attendance: 84

2021-22 Season: Match 41

Saturday 13th November 2021 – 3pm KO

Stansted: Royal Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Stanway: Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks

Stanway claim claim good win at Hargrave Park

Stansted 0 – 2 Stanway Rovers

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

The match this weekend saw a long voyage to Stansted Mountfitchet to see the Airportmen take on second-placed Stanway Rovers, who have certainly impressed since returning to the Essex Senior this season. The ‘Blue Brazil’ have also had a good campaign to date and here fielded Jarvis Monk in goal, with a defence of Bryn Thorpe, skipper Billy Coyne plus centre-backs Tom Massey and Paul Clayton. The forward line was comprised of Jack Mitchell, Michael Salako and Michael Mignot with Brad Russell and Ashaan Siddik the creative midfielders. Options from the sidelines included forwards Luke Hornsley & Jamahl Godward and midfielders Dan Okah and Horace Ormsby. Stanway had regular stopper Harry Aldridge in goal, with a back four of Olimide Akinode, and Adrian Cant as full-backs with centre-halves Danny Nesbitt and captain Daniel Smith. Sean Bartlett and James Crisell were the front two, with support from Ernest Okoh and Lewis Francis on the flanks. Their bench included the prolific Ezequiel Franchi & Pavly Manduakila plus Joseph Heron and Joel Older, with the latter two players returning from injury.

Before kick-off here at Hargrave Park, both teams marked the traditional minute’s silence for Rememberance Day this weekend (pictured). Lest We Forget.

Both sides traded promising forward moves in the early minutes of the match, though the first telling moment came on 14 minutes as winger Ernest Okoh found half a yard of space to pounce ahead of the Airportmen defence to stroke home well into the left corner past home stopper Jarvis Monk after a good ball in from the right flank. It was a well-taken goal so credit to Okoh. Rovers were having the edge in terms of possession and keeping it on the deck a bit more as the half made its way to halfway, with the hosts unable to retain possession as well as they’d like but they did have a good opening with technical midfielder Ashaan Siddik getting past at least two Stanway defenders in a fine run across the penalty area before he was crowded out by the miserly visiting backline.

Ernest Okoh (#7) travels with the ball down Stanway left wing early on [Image: Scott W]

Rovers had to make a change before the half-hour with goal-scorer Okoh limping off with what looked like a hamstring injury, to be replaced by Ezequiel Franchi. Stansted were still frustrated, despite #10 Brad Russell putting in a few good passes in to the forwards. Shortly before the interval, a good ball in found the path of forward Michael Salako but good covering from Rovers centre-back Danny Nesbitt meant that the ball was shielded as visiting custodian Harry Aldridge advanced to gather.

Half-Time: Stansted 0 – 1 Stanway

So Stanway still had a narrow lead to defend as we entered the second period. Stansted did have a good start to the half, with a decent set-piece arrowed into the six-yard box finding defender Paul Clayton but his good header at goal was gathered by Aldridge at the second attempt. Soon afterward, Siddik put in another good lofted ball into the penalty box but Salako blazed his strike over the woodwork. Danny Slatter’s Rovers side were having to do a good amount of defending but they were certainly fired up by the challenge. They were marshalled superbly by skipper Daniel Smith, formerly of Redbridge.

The hosts continued to look for that all-important leveller and did create half-chances, particularly for Siddik and Salako but Aldridge was not tested as much as Stansted joint-managers Paul Pittuck and John Watters would have wanted. Substitute Jamahl Godward had a decent header on goal soon after entering the field, replacing Finley Gregory, who I felt had a good game.

As we entered the latter stages of the contest, with the Airportmen pushing forward still seeking that equaliser, a swift Stanway counter saw them break down the right side with a well-directed centre allowing Lewis Francis to power home a good low finish past Monk to give Stanway a two-goal lead with eleven minutes left.

Stansted did keep going but the realization was there that it ‘wasn’t their day’ and the action in the final third was decisive in this contest, which Stanway did get the better of. You could debate that there wasn’t that much to seperate the sides here though Rovers did win the key moments of this match, which was an absorbing contest and showed two good sides who will be up there in the Essex Senior this term.

Full-Time: Stansted 0 – 2 Stanway Rovers

To sum up this battle of a match, Stanway were just that bit sharper in the way they kept the ball and they had to defend well to deny their hosts a chance at coming back into the match. Stansted did have more possession in the second period but they could not get the better of a superb Stanway backline to continually test visiting goalkeeper Harry Aldridge. Rovers were also a threat on the counter-attack and scored two good goals to claim the three points.

For this match’s stand-out performances, we start with the victors Stanway. The central defensive pair of skipper Daniel Smith and Danny Nesbitt were superb, making many important inrterceptions, both in the air and also on the deck. They gave their side a good base on which they defended their lead that they took early on. Forward Lewis Francis had a good game also, running down the channels well and also playing his part in his side’s forward moves alongside centre forwards Sean Barrtlett and James Crisell. Finally, midfielder Harry Norman played his part in central midfield and drove his side on with a hard-working performance. For the Airportmen, midfielder Ashaan Siddik made several good passes to find forwards Jack Mitchell and Michael Salako. Salako also had a good game, making several telling runs down the flanks and was perhaps unfortunate to not get on the score-sheet here. Finley Gregory and defender Paul Clayton both also merit mentions for good displays that assisted their side as well.

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

Teams

Stansted | Joint-Managers: Paul Pittuck & John Watters |

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Jarvis Monk (GK), 2 Bryn Thorpe, 3 Billy Coyne (Capt), 4 Paul Clayton, 5 Tom Massey, 6 Finley Gregory (14 Jamahl Godward 75′), 7 Michael Mignot (12 Luke Hornsley 60′), 8 Ashaan Siddik, 9 Jack Mitchell, 10 Brad Russell, 11 Michael Salako (15 Horace Ormsby 80′)

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Okah, L Monk

Stanway Rovers | Manager: Danny Slatter | Assistant: Liam Daniels

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Harry Aldridge (GK), 2 Olimide Akinode, 3 Adrian Cant, 5 Danny Nesbitt, 6 Daniel Smith (Capt), 4 Jordan Barnett, 8 Harry Norman, 7 Ernest Okoh (18 Ezequiel Franchi 25′), 9 Sean Bartlett (16 Joseph Heron 71′), 10 James Crisell (12 Pavly Manduakila 75′), 11 Lewis Francis

Goal-scorers: Ernest Okoh [14′], Lewis Francis [79′]

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Gulliver, Older

Referee: Grant Conway
Assistants: Katie Dorling & Danny Squibb

S2021-22 Match Report: White Ensign 1 – 2 Stansted (Fri 30 July) [ESL 21/22 31.7.21]

Essex Senior League – Premier Division

Venue: Burroughs Park

Attendance: 210

2021-22 Season: Match 6

Friday 30th July 2021 – 7.45pm KO

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

Stansted: White Shirts, Dark Grey Shorts, Dark Grey Socks

Stansted battle to earn a hard-fought win at Burroughs Park

White Ensign 1 – 2 Stansted

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

Here we are, a new season began for me covering the Essex Senior for a sixth consecutive campaign with White Ensign’s first-ever match at Step 5, as they welcomed ever-gritty Stansted to Burroughs Park in one of two Friday night games on the opening weekend. Unsurprisingly, the hosts were keen to show exactly what got them to this level and before kick-off there was a buzz building amongst the crowd. I feel it would be remiss to not mention what a proud day this must have been for all at Ensign but particularly so for long-standing Chairman & President of Ensign, Alan Day. I’m sure the club will agree that a lot is owed to him for his role in keeping the club going over the years. Visitors Stansted of course were looking to get the season going with the points and the ‘Blue Brazil’ were cheered on by the travelling Stansted fans, who were a vocal presence from the get-go.

So onto the Teams then and Ensign boss Brett Munyard named a strong side with Tim Brown in goal, Carl Conway and skipper Andrew George at centre-back, with Luke Skinner and Thando Moyo in midfield. The forward line was led by Luke Woodward and Adu Odukoya with Connor Barnby the chief support. On the bench were new signings Ollie Bell and Zack Littlejohn alongside more well-known names in Charlie Buffin, Harry Skinner and John Hilliard. Stansted were certainly missing players here, but their forward line was led by Michael Salako and Jack Mitchell, with Sahr Bongay and the returning Connor Hammond on the flanks. Paul Clayton anchored the midfield, with Bryn Thorpe and Louis Monk as full-backs. Options from the bench for Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side included forwards Nick Reynolds and Harry Bushell, alongside full-back Nathan Putt plus Jake Chaplin and David Salako.

The match itself began with some vigour as barely a minute elapsed before Stansted midfielder Daniel Okah had done well to deny Ensign forward Connor Barnby a sight at James Dillon’s goal. Moments later, it was the hosts’ turn to have a let-off as from a corner kick, Airportmen winger Sahr Bongay had twice failed to connect with the ball in what surely would’ve been the opening goal of the game. Barnby was the shining beacon of Ensign’s forward line and they were thwarted by a combination of a lack of a final pass and characteristic Stansted defending.

Stansted had the odd foray forward themselves and certainly gave the re-modelled Ensign backline some problems, with wingers Sahr Bongay and Connor Hammond being particularly tricky on the flanks and forward Michael Salako being the ever-willing runner down the channels. Just after the half-hour, after a promising run by Luke Skinner was blocked, the visitors counter-attacked swiftly, with Salako himself making a fine run down the left flank though his cross was thwarted by the ever-dependable Carl Conway, who did have a fine evening for the hosts.

Half-Time: White Ensign 0 – 0 Stansted

In fairness, the match was getting more absorbing and tense as the match went on and Ensign did put the visiting rearguard under some pressure towards the end of the first period. However, it was a ‘tale of two chances’ straight after the interval. First, two minutes after the restart, a fierce drive by Ensign’s Ayo Odukoya cannoned off the crossbar with Dillon beaten. Mere seconds later, Stansted went straight up the other end and forward Jack Mitchell did well to evade his marker before firing home into the left corner, much to the delight of the travelling support.

The likes of Odukoya and fellow forwards Luke Woodward and Connor Barnby were still posing a threat for Ensign with their movement and pace. Thankfully for the home side given the occasion, they were not behind for long. With 55 minutes gone, a fine solo run by Connor Barnby ended with a fine low finish into the left-side corner to level things up. Ensign then sensed an oppurtunity to turn the tables in this match but Skinner, Barnby and recently arrived substitute Ollie Bell all spurned good chances off-target.

It ended up being costly for the hosts as with thirteen minutes remaining, the Airportmen once again took the lead. A superb run by the impressive Connor Hammond down the right found Michael Salako with a good pass and Salako weaved his way past the defender and struck home a fine effort low into the far corner. It was a very well-taken goal but the tension continued to rise in the last few minutes as Barnby played in Odukoya who couldn’t get a strike in at goal. Soon afterward, substitute Zack Littlejohn powered home a curling drive from about eighteen yards which visiting custodian James Dillon did superbly to track and to claw over the crossbar.

Full-Time: White Ensign 1 – 2 Stansted

In tbe end, Stansted did enough to get the points and made the most of the hosts’ slight vulnerability defensively. Ensign still had enough chances to gain at least a point here and did learn a hard lesson that you have to be more clinical against good sides at Step 5. However, it is worth noting that the occasion itself was brilliant and Brett Munyard & Mark Healy’s side will win a lot of matches this season.

In terms of stand-out performances, for the Airportmen, Connor Hammond and Michael Salako had fine matches and gave the home defence a headache & a half. Winger Sahr Bongay had a promising match too, stretching the opposition defence, while forward Jack Mitchell and goalkeeper James Dillon also deserve a mention. For Ensign, forward Connor Barnby had a very good game with his pace and movement. Centre-back Carl Conway was also very good indeed, making numerous important clearing headers and interceptions. Luke Skinner and Luke Woodward also deserve a mention, as does new signing Courtney Justin.

Thanks to the hosts for their hospitality and it was great to see a number of good people at the match. Best wishes to both teams for the rest of the campaign.

White Ensign | Manager: Brett Munyard | Assistant: Mark Healy

Starting XI: 1 Tim Brown (GK), 6 Courtney Justin (11 Zack Littlejohn 82′), 12 Charlie Adams, 14 Carl Conway, 5 Andy George (Capt), 3 Thando Moyo (17 John Hilliard 87′), 10 Luke Skinner, 7 Dominic Locke (16 Ollie Bell 69′), 9 Connor Barnby, 19 Luke Woodward, 18 Ayo Odukoya

Goal-scorer: Connor Barnby [55′]

Booked: Justin | Subs Not Used: Buffin, H Skinner

Stansted | Joint-Managers: Paul Pittuck & John Watters | Assistant: Neil Tillotson

Starting XI: 1 James Dillon (GK), 2 Bryn Thorpe, 3 Louis Monk (15 Nathan Putt 56′), 4 John Clarke, 5 Joe Clark (Capt), 6 Paul Clayton, 7 Sahr Bongay (13 Nick Reynolds 71′), 8 Daniel Okah (16 David Salako 69′), 9 Michael Salako, 10 Jack Mitchell, 11 Connor Hammond

Goal-scorers: Jack Mitchell [47′], Michael Salako [77′]

Booked: Mitchell | Subs Not Used: Chaplin, Bushell

Referee: Nathan Kitteridge
Assistants: Robert Collins & Joe Lannon