Round-up: Essex Olympian League & Senior Cup (Sat 7 September) [EOFL 19/20 8.9.19]

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

Hello and welcome to this week’s extended round-up of Essex Olympian League action, which includes matches from the top four division, plus a round-up from the Senior League Cup action and results from Senior Division Four and the Reserve League Cup action this weekend – Saturday 7th September. Thanks for reading.

 

Premier Division

As ever we start in the top-tier, as Buckhurst Hill re-opened the refurbished Roding Lane ground with a 4 – 0 win over Basildon Town. Suley Zuhdu’s penalty gave Mark Williams’ side the half-time advantage. Zuhdu struck again after the break and Sam Sollosi got two late goals to give Hill the win on their special day. Rayleigh Town remain top though after a 4 – 3 triumph at Harold Wood Athletic, despite playing nearly an hour with ten men. Reiss Kingsley got all three goals for Ath. Paul Morris netted for Town before being given his marching orders though one from Harry Talbot and a brace from substitute Bailey Moss did the business for Paul Higgins’ team.

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts won 3 – 2 at Canning Town while Kelvedon Hatch defeated Leigh Ramblers 3 – 2 at home. Ryan Lowe and Dan Williams notched for the Rams though their away-day stretch without a win continued. Hutton also notched three points with a 3 – 2 success over Old Southendian, who responded through Ed Gould and Mattias Tonking. Sungate also got a third win in four league matches by defeating Shenfield AFC 2 – 1.

Finally for this division, Springfield handed Catholic Utd a rare loss as the hosts won 1 – 0, thanks to Joe Nathanson’s solitary goal.

 

Senior Division One

Senior One saw three matches this weekend. Manford Way won their first match back in the division with a 2 – 0 success at Ramsden Scotia. Joe Lovell as among the scorers there while Ongar Town won 6 – 0 at Shoebury Town and Snaresbrook also won 2 – 1 at Rayleigh Town Ressies.

 

EOFL Senior League Cup 2019-20

In a myriad of Cup action, AS Rawreth won through, 2 – 1 over Newbury Forest Reserves thanks to two goals from Harry Barham. Epping Town defeated Div Two rivals Corinthians  2 – 1 after extra-time, thanks to goals by Joe Thomas and Joey May. Also, Herongate Athletic progressed with a 2 – 1 triumph at Laindon Orient with Jordan Martyn and Glen Jordan on target for Ath.

FC Hamlets breezed through to the next round with a 6 – 0 home win over Rochford Town. John Gilroy got a treble, with Kevin Baudrier, Ishmael Carter and Darren Serrano-Griffiths all on target. Westhamians hit six past Forest Glade in a 6 – 1 away win. John Massala got five of them, with Shakim Thomas getting the other strike as the visitors went through.

Roydon sent Ryan crashing out as the Div Four side won 4 – 1. Aymen Mekni got a double here, while Lewis Watson and Scot Bown also struck. Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ also went through, following a 2 – 1 win at Leytonstone Utd. William Bray and Billy Carter got the goals as ‘Bridge’s third-team went through. Meanwhile, Toby also advanced as goals from Tolu Dina and Peter Spicer saw them win 2 – 1 at White Ensign Ressies.

 

Other Results in Senior League Cup:

Dagenham Utd  0 – 2  Galleywood  | Ford’s Sports Club (Dagenham U Pitch)

Wakering Sports  2 – 1  Collier Row  | Cupid’s Country Club (Pitch 1)

 

Senior Division Two

We head back into League action now with Senior Division Two. Beacon Hill Rovers defeated Harold Wood Athletic Res 3 – 0 with goals from Will Simpson, Stephen Bennett and Lewis Sherwood assisting Rovers to their opening win this term. Also, Leigh Town won 4 – 0 at May & Baker Res with Shane Cooper, James Roberts, Tom Byford and Sam Gillmore on the score-sheet as Town got their third consecutive league win.

 

Senior Division Three

In Senior Three, Wakebury won their opening match in the Olympian League with a 3 – 1 triumph at Basildon Town Reserves. Liam Jarrett, Oliver Laycock and Charlie Little all netted for the visitors. Alex Witham struck for the Town second-string as they have yet to win in their three league matches thus far.

Toby Reserves maintained their unbeaten streak with a 3 – 1 home success over Hutton Reserves. Marc Porter-Brown got all three of the Toby goals as he kept up his impressive scoring run early-doors this term. Elsewhere, Corinthians Reserves also got their third straight win as they won 3 – 1 against Leigh Town Reserves.

 

Senior Division Four (result)

Old Chelmsfordians Res 2 – 6 Ongar Town Res

 

Reserve League Cup (results only)

Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res 3 – 3 Springfield Res (Swifts won 4 – 2 on pens)

Chingford Athletic Development 4 – 0 Shoebury Town Res

Old Southendian Res  7 – 0  Canning Town Res

Runwell Sports Res  2 – 3  Buckhurst Hill Res

Shenfield AFC Res  2 – 1  Galleywood Res

 

 

 

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Round-up: Essex Olympian League [Premier – Snr Div 3] (Sat 31 August) [EOFL 19/20 1.9.19]

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & EOFL blogger

Hello again & welcome to this week’s bumper Olympian League round-up, taking in the top four tiers of league action, one FA Vase tie and a Senior Challenge Cup tie as well. Thanks to the clubs for their assistance in this piece & to you for reading.

 

EOFL Premier Division

We start off as ever with the top-tier and Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 2 – 1 away win at Harold Wood Athletic. John Clarke and James Richardson were the heroes for Swifts with Bradley Foley scoring for Wood as they fell to defeat.  Buckhurst Hill got back to winning ways with a 4 – 2 win at Kelvedon Hatch. Suley Zuhdu, Nathan Sollosi, Sam Sollosi and a second-half penalty by Josh Banfield effectively sealed the win for Mark Williams’ side, though Hatch finished strongly as Danny Gillard and Theo Ola both struck for Kelvedon here.

Springfield also triumphed this weekend as they defeated early strugglers Canning Town 2 – 0 thanks to an own goal and one from Joe Nathanson. Rayleigh Town went five points clear at the top with a 1 – 0 away win at Old Southendian. Paul Morris got the only goal in that local derby.

Elsewhere, Sungate were held 2 – 2 by the visiting Leigh Ramblers, with Rhys Fatt and Dan Williams on target for the Rams in that match. Shenfield AFC also drew, 1 – 1 at home to Hutton with Mitchell Day grabbing AFC’s goal.

 

FA Vase – First Round Qualifying

In their first-ever FA Vase match, EOFL Premier Division side Catholic Utd powered ESL side Clapton with a 6 – 1 win at Parkside. The ensemble goal-scoring cast were Brad Vaughan, Tom Kearney, Simon Thomas, Tony Jacobs, Max Bradford and Max Kent as Mick Jacobs’ team roared into the next round, where they are set to face Lopes Tavares of Eastern Senior League South.

 

EOFL Senior Division One

In Senior One, Rayleigh Town Ressies started with a bang as they won 6 – 1 against Herongate Athletic. Rodney Wilson and Billy Field each nabbed doubles while Lewis Lawrence and Ryan Scougall also netted as Dan Williams and Lee Bunn’s side got the points. Ongar Town won 4 – 2 at Runwell Sports with Harry Rawlins netting twice plus Joshua Boxall and Joe Lilly contributed to the visitors’ tally. Chingford Athletic continued their strong start with another 3 – 0 home win, this time over FC Hamlets at Town Mead. Tayo Olusanoye, Alex Gordon and Eric Kelly provided the goals for them in that victory.

Shoebury Town were held 2 – 2 by visitors Galleywood with Dominic Binns and Juan Rushton the scorers for the home side.  Also, Old Chelmsfordians won 2 – 0 at Toby.

 

EOFL Senior Challenge Cup

In the single Senior Cup tie, Lakeside of Division One defeated newcomers Wakebury 5 – 1 with talisman Drew Klessa-Smith grabbing another hat-trick plus Mason Iley and Luke Quinton also joined him on the score-sheet. Matthew Hubbard got the consolation for Wakebury though the hosts went through.

 

EOFL Senior Division Two

Corinthians started their season with an impressive comeback win, 4 – 1 over Laindon Orient. Orient led after just four minutes through Jasper Read though the hosts responded through John Bolton-Smith, Leo Clarke, Bill Wilton and Theo Cannon to take the points. Epping Town also started their campaign wit an away win as they triumphed 6 – 1 at AS Rawreth. Louis Hill netted for the hosts though Town got the points thanks to Alex Paraskeva’s double plus one apiece for Glen Warwick, Patrick Duggan, Joey May and Bradley Gayer. Both of these sides could be in for another good campaign this term.

Leigh Town made it two wins from two matches with a 2 – 0 win at Beacon Hill Rovers. Shane Cooper and Tom Byford goals meant they go top of the very early standings. Harold Wood Athletic Reserves won 2 – 0 at Rochford Town as Del Hawtin fired both goals in that contest for the Wood second-string. Finally for this division, Ryan made a winning start to their campaign with a 5 – 2 win over May & Baker Reserves at Wadham Lodge.

 

EOFL Senior Division Three

Into Senior Three now and we start with a massive win for Lakeside Reserves as they won 10 – 2 at Dagenham Utd. Substitute Ben Austin led the way with a treble, with David Alee and Damilola Olusanya both grabbing braces plus Dale Kenyon, Azeez Aileru and fellow replacement Alex Swan also getting on the hefty scorer’s sheet as they won their first match of the new season in some manner. Toby Res also got their opening win with a 5 – 1 triumph at Hullbridge Sports’A’ with Marc Porter-Brown the leading light with a hat-trick plus Rhys Willson and Matt Davies were also on target.

Corinthians Reserves also won this weekend, with a 4 – 2 success at White Ensign Reserves. Max Hall, Luke Smith, Sener Suavi and Sonny Woodward all struck for the Stambridge-based side and although they saw Charlie Carter dismissed, Ensign’s second-side couldn’t match them despite Zach Somerset-Butler’s brace of penalties for them. ACD Utd won their first match at Olympian level with a 2 – 1 win at Hutton Reserves. Brad Falco and substitute Sam Page did the job for the visitors, while Hutton responded through Josh Sumner’s goal.

Leigh Town Reserves also tasted success with a 3 – 1 win at Basildon Town Reserves. Ben Forsyth’s spot-kick plus Miles Waddilove and Alex Hubbard strikes outdid a solitary goal from Grant Cumming for the hosts as Leigh took the points.  Meanwhile, Collier Row began life in Div Three with a 2 – 1 success at Buckhurst Hill Reserves. It’s worth noting that not one home side won in this division this weekend.

 

EOFL Senior Division Four (Results only)

Forest Glade  13 – 1  AS Rawreth Reserves

Laindon Orient Reserves  0 – 1  Chingford Athletic  Development

Leytonstone Utd 2 – 3  Shenfield AFC Reserves

Roydon  4 – 2  Canning Town Reserves

Wakering Sports Reserves  6 – 1   Ongar Town Reserves

 

 

2019-20 Season Preview: Essex Olympian League Senior Three (EOFL D3 31.7.19)

Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – EOFL Blogger

 

Hello and a warm welcome to the last of my mini-series of articles previewing the upcoming 2019-2020 Essex Olympian League season, division-by-division. We continue with Senior Three now which will have 13 sides competing in this division with sides getting promoted from both EOFL Senior Four and Senior Five, plus other sides have moved across from the now-defunct Under-21 division and it’s a progressive new era for two clubs making their way into the EOFL family this term. This is partly due to the number of clubs being promoted from this level to the divisions above.

With May & Baker ‘A’ folding in the close-season, there are no teams relegated from Senior Two, though that does not mean the division doesn’t have a ‘new look’ about it – it does. Here’s how it shapes up…

 

EOFL Senior Three Constitution (2019-20)

• ACD Utd (NEW)
• Basildon Town Res
• Buckhurst Hill Res (P)
• Collier Row (P)
• Corinthians Res (P)
• Dagenham Utd (P)
• Hullbridge Sports ‘A’ (NEW)
• Hutton Res
• Lakeside Res (P)
• Leigh Town Res (NEW)
• Toby Res (P)
• Wakebury (NEW)
• White Ensign Res

Starting with the sides remaining from last season, Hutton Res were the highest finishers in 7th, with White Ensign Res and Basildon Town Res immediately below them. Given that two sides (Roydon & Old Chelmsfordians Res) were relegated to Senior Four, these three sides are the only survivors from last year and are out-numbered by the five teams promoted from Senior Four & Five. The teams finishing 3rd to 6th in Senior Four are elevated so Dagenham Utd, Lakeside  Res, Toby Res and Buckhurst Hill Res respectively will face the step up.

Dagenham and Lakeside’s second-string both had very respectable campaigns last time out, and although Toby and Hill’s Ressies finished a smattering of points behind them, both clubs’ first teams are in the top two divisions (Hill in the Premier and Toby in Senior One) so they could adapt well to the climb.

Factor in the elevation of the top-two from Senior Five as well and you could have a tough division. Corinthians Reserves won Senior Five last term to complete a league-winning double for the First team (Senior Four) and the Reserves. Also, it’s good to see a name from the past return in Collier Row who got the runners-up spot in Senior Five in April. Hullbridge Sports have also entered an ‘A’ team in this division this term so it will be interesting how effectively their ‘third team’ will do here though it is a pathway up to the Reserve team I suspect.

Three sides have joined from other leagues as well. First, former Essex Alliance League (EAL) outfit ACD Utd are placed here and the Romford-based side will be looking to follow on well from finishing 2nd in the EAL’s top-tier last term.

Also there are two sides joining from the Southend Borough Combination Premier Division. Leigh Town Res finished third in that division last term and although the side currently play in neighbouring Hadleigh, Robert Hutchings-Spiller’s side will enjoy the journey this term after their upward progression. Joining them are Shoebury-based outfit Wakebury. They managed a very respectable fourth-place in the Southend Boro Combination Premier, finishing 13 points off league winners Shoebury Town Res, who interestingly will compete in Senior Five of the Olympian League this term.

To all the clubs, managers, players and many others who support them, have a good season everyone. I look forward to keeping tabs on the action and I hope that round-ups on Senior Three will join the sections from the top three tiers of the Essex Olympian League this term. Best, Scott

 

 

Fixtures for First Two Weekends of EOFL Senior Three (subject to change)

Saturday 24th August  – 2.30pm

Corinthians Res  v  Dagenham Utd  | Stambridge Memorial Ground

Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  v  Buckhurst Hill Res   | Lower Road

Lakeside Res    v   Basildon Town Res  | Lakeside Sports Ground (3G)

Toby Res  v  Leigh Town Res  |  Ford’s Sports Club, Newbury Park

 

Saturday 31st August – 2.30pm

Basildon Town Res  v  Leigh Town Res   |  Basildon Sports Club

Buckhurst Hill Res  v  Collier Row  | Roding Lane (Pitch 2)

Dagenham Utd  v  Lakeside Res  | Ford’s Sports Club, Newbury Park

Hullbridge Sports ‘A’  v  Toby Res  | Lower Road

Hutton Res  v  ACD Utd   |  Polo Fields

White Ensign Res  v  Corinthians Res  | Len Forge Centre (3G)

 

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 20 Apr) [EOFL 21.4.19]

OS Ressies v Westhamians (D3 from this weekend)

Written by Scott W  [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]

Hello & welcome to this week’s Essex Olympian League round-up, looking at the action from Saturday 20th April from the top-tier to Division Four as the games start to trickle in as the end of the season is nigh. Even so, this weekend was big for two sides who has cause to celebrate.

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier, two matches saw two wins for the home sides. First, Springfield belied their poor league position with a 3 – 0 win over champions Buckhurst Hill. Andrew Elgar struck twice for the hosts, with Ross Lamb getting the other goal. Hill lost only their second match this term here and ended a run of 14 straight league wins. Springfield’s fifth win in their last nine matches sees them finish in 10th spot.

Meanwhile, Rayleigh Town handed Kelvedon Hatch a 2 – 0 loss with Harry Talnbot and Bailey Moss the scorers to give Town their fifth win in their last six. Hatch’s 5th loss in their last seven sees them needing two points from their last two matches to finish second in the standings.

Senior League Cup: Semi-Final

In the outstanding Semi-Final in the Senior Cup, a barn-storming match between Basildon Town of D1 and Premier side Bishop’s Stortford Swifts ended 3 – 3 after extra time. Keith King, Barv Walkuaika and substitute Levi Harbour struck for Town, while Gavin Cockman struck twice for Swifts and Charles Brown also netted. Swifts saw out the battle of nerves as they won 5 – 4 on spot-kicks to make their first appearance in this final for 16 years.

EOFL Senior One

In Senior One, two matches took place with implications at both ends of the table. FC Hamlets were held 0 – 0 by rivals Snaresbrook. FC extend their unbeaten stretch to six matches while ‘Brook drew their third straight match and have now ended their campaign. Hamlets need to win both of their remaining matches you feel to deny Basildon Town who have four matches yet to play, and they are only a point behind them.

At the other end of the table, Galleywood defeated struggling Rayleigh Town Reserves 1 – 0 with Sam Donn getting the decisive goal. Town have the small matter of Ramsden Scotia and Basildon Town to play in their last two matches, needing one win to avoid the drop. The Scotia match is in midweek.

EOFL Senior Two

In the only match in Senior Two, Harold Wood Athletic Reserves were heavily beaten at home to in-form Chingford Athletic. Ath won 4 – 0 with Gary Murray, Archie Stojic, Louis Ballard on target, plus an OG which means Chingford are promoted to Senior One after another superb season so congratulations to them. They can still win the title with a win over bottom side May & Baker ‘A’ next weekend.

EOFL Senior Three

In a match I attended at Garon Park, two title hopefuls faced off in Old Southendian Reserves and Westhamians. Old Southendian’s second side won a physical battle on a hard pitch 3 – 0 with Dave Stubbs getting another brace to crown off a strong performance. A late penalty by Oliver Tatton-Bennett sealed the win which confirmed the Old Boys as champions of the division & promoted to Senior Two, which in turn led to exhuberant celebrations post-match. Many congrats to them on a fine campagn.

Westhamians’ stuttering form continued as they have not won in their last four matches now, though they did have chances here that they couldn’t make the most of. They also need to win their last game in three weeks time at Basildon Town Ressies to pip Laindon Orient to the second promotion spot.

EOFL Senior Four

In Senior Four, Corinthians kept the title race alive until the last day with a fine 5 – 0 win at Galleywood Reserves. John Bolton-Smith struck a double, with Jake Lang, Bill Wilton & Luke Owen also all finding the net.
Toby Reserves also won well, 4 – 1 at Buckhurst Hill Reserves with James Coleman getting a hat-trick and Ryan Morgan getting the other goal. The crucial game happens next week as Corinthians need to beat the Toby outfit to pip Epping to the title in the last league match of the season.

That’s all for this week, thanks for reading.

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 13 Apr) [EOFL 14.4.19]

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another of my round-up pieces, this time looking at the Essex Olympian League action on Saturday 13 April, from the top tier to the results from Division Four as the games slowly whittle down as we head for the end of the season.

EOFL Premier Division

In the Premier Division, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts ended their campaign with a 1 – 0 home win over second-placed Kelvedon Hatch. Sam Coe got the only goal as Swifts record their second win in their last five matches. Hatch’s hopes of that runners-up spot took a slight knock but one win in their last three games will secure 2nd spot. Meanwhile, Sungate won 2 – 1 at Manford Way with Chris Barry and Rory McKenzie on the scoresheet for ‘Gate while Sean O’Callaghan responded for Manford who ended proceedings with ten men. Sungate finish in 9th spot after six wins in their last ten outings.

Old Southendian slipped to tenth after a 4 – 2 home loss to mid-table Leigh Ramblers. Luke Moloney got both of the OS goals though Matt Allum’s brace plus strikes by Acer Wake and Justin Hazell made sure the Rams won this local derby and will therefore finish 7th in the table.

Senior League Cup – Semi-Final

Catholic Utd made it through to their third Cup final this term with a 4 – 1 triumph over Chingford Athletic at the Len Salmon. Jamie Salmon’s brace and strikes by Tony Jacobs and Tom Hollingsworth got the job done for Dan Trenkel’s side.

 

EOFL Senior One

Four matches in Senior One saw the promotion race take another turn. FC Hamlets defeated Old Chelmsfordians 3 – 2  to end OC’s seven-match unbeaten run. Sener Suavi’s 12th goal of the campaign, a thunder-bolt from Barv Waikwaiku and Keith King all struck for Town to overcome goals from Sam Adams and Jordan Boden for the visitors. Town rise to third while Oc’s stay 7th. FC Hamlets rose to fourth with a 4 – 1 win over rivals Ramsden Scotia, which ended Scotia’s promotion aspirations. Charlie Heatley struck his 13th league goal of the season plus Faron Smith, Aaron Glasgow and Ishmael Carter all netted to extend FC’s unbeaten stretch to five matches and remain in the hunt for elevation next term.

Rayleigh Town Res hopes of averting the drop are still intact as they held second-placed Snaresbrook to a 0 – 0 draw. Town need three points to definitely remain in Div One next term. ‘Brook must surely win their final match at rivals FC Hamlets to have any hope of staying where they are, though one win in their last five isn’t that promising. Elsewhere, Ongar Town beat May & Baker Res 3 – 2 with Ross Adams, Ross Carpenter & Ben Stone all on target for Town. Ernest Dunlop and Moises Kalukembi Da Silva goals for Baker’s made it tight but they fell to their 20th loss this term. Ongar rise to 9th.

EOFL Senior Two  – No action this weekend

 

EOFL Senior Three

In the only Senior Three match, Leigh Town won 4 – 1 over strugglers Basildon Town Res with Sam Irvine getting a double while Zac Mashford and Sam Gilmore both hit their 6th league strikes of the campaign to make sure Town will finish 6th. Tommy Green struck for Town though with two matches left, they can still finish 7th at best.

 

EOFL Senior Four

Finally in Division Four, Toby Res are finishing strongly as they won 6 – 2 at Canning Town Res. Peter Spicer struck four on his own to lead the way, with Ben Britton and Simon Bamidele also netting to see Toby back up to 7th in the standings. Lakeside Res also won away from home, 5 – 3 at Shenfield AFC Res. Harry Davison took his league tally to 14 for the season with a hat-trick as Daniel Damain and Ben Austin also netted here to keep ‘Side fourth., having won half of their 22 games this term.

Sadly, Old Barkabbeyans’ last match of the campaign with Galleywood Res didn’t take place so ‘Wood got a home walkover.

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 6 Apr) [EOFL 7.4.19]

Action from Corinthians v Galleywood Res (Image: Scott W)

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another of my round-up pieces, this time looking at the Essex Olympian League action on Saturday 6 April, from the top tier to the results from Division Four on what was a joy-filled day for some sides, whgo secured promotion.

EOFL Premier Dvivision

In the Premier Division, Buckhurst Hill are the champions following a 7 – 0 hammering of out-of-form Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Fehinti Falola led the charge with four goals, with Liam Foster, Alfie Harris and Eren Muti completing the rout for Hill’s 20th win in 21 games thus far. Swifts stay 5th and could be caught by Rayleigh Town as the latter have a game in hand. Hutton won 4 – 1 at Springfield to end their season on a high. Will Marlowe’s treble & a Jack Shaw strike saw them rise to 7th while Springfield remain 11th.

Meanwhile, Manford Way held Kelvedon Hatch 2 – 2 to end any hope of Hatch catching Hill in the title race. Goals from Danny Spicer and substitute Joe Lovell cancelled out Theo Ola’s brace for the visitors. Manford are finishing the season in decent form though will still go down, while Hatch’s run of one win in their last five has been costly to their title chances.

 

Reserve League Cup – Semi-Finals

In the two semi-finals played this weekend, Senior Three’s Basildon Town Res shocked Senior One side Rayleigh Town Res as Bas got a 3 – 1 away win. Tommy Green, player-boss Alex Shields & Andrew Wiggins strikes secured the win and their place in the final. Joining them there are Catholic Utd Res of Division Four who also won 3 – 1, at Herongate Athletic Res. Franklin Craik, Angelo Louis and James Warder got the goals on a good day for the Utd second-string.

Anagram Records Trophy – Semi-Final

Catholic Utd made the final again after a 2 – 0 win at PFC Victoria (London). Pat Kearney and player-manager Dan Trenkel got the goals to see the Super Hoops advance.

 

EOFL Senior One

In the two matches that did take place, both were drawn. Galleywood held promotion-chasing FC Hamlets to a 2 – 2 draw. Sam Donn and substitute Paddy Dowse got the home goals with player-boss Ashley King & hot-shot Charlie Heatley netting for FC. ’Wood rise to 6th while FC are two points ahead in fifth, knowing they need at least six points to be among the top-two next month. Fellow promotion-hunters Basildon Town were held 0 – 0 by Snaresbrook, who still have a chance of promotion though results here confirmed Shenfield AFC will be promoted as will finish in the top-two regardless of the result in their last match.

 

EOFL Senior Two

Into Senior Two now and the one match that took place was the six-pointer between high-flyers Chingford Athletic and Runwell Sports. It finished honours-even at 1 – 1 with Will Gleeson netting for Ath and Aaron Rix for Sports in their last match of the campaign. Chingford need only one win from their last two matches to leapfrog Runwell and get promoted.

 

EOFL Senior Three

Now moving into Senior Three, and Old Southendian Res held rivals Wakering Sports  to a 0 – 0 stalemate, which confirms they will be promoted thanks largely to a nine-game unbeaten run. Sports will have to wait for next season to go again as they ended their season here. Only Westhamians can deny OS Ressies the title now.

Academy Soccer still have a slim chance of promotion after a 5 – 2 home win over Leigh Town. Harry Barham, Jake Jones, Sam Parish, Graham Knight and Luke Jones all netted for Academy here though they have to win their last match and hope others falter.

 

EOFL Senior Four

Finally, in Senior Four – I attended a crunch match at the Stambridge Memorial Ground as Corinthians defeated Galleywood Res  3 – 1. Luke Owen grabbed two goals with Jake Lang getting the other to overwhelm a super free-kick from Craig Robertson and stay in the title hunt.

For more on this match, my summary is here: survivor16b.wordpress.com/2019/04/07/match-summary-corinthians-3-1-galleywood-res-sat-6-apr-eofl-d4/  

Meanwhile, Dagenham Utd won 5 – 2 at Buckhurst Hill Res to end their campaign on a high. It was ‘the Dingli show’ again as brothers Oliver Dingli and Jacob Dingli got doubles each, with Morgan Smith getting a late fifth. Jacob has finished the season with 34 goals this term, not bad at all.

Finally, Toby Res got a huge 3 – 0 win at relegated Old Barkabbeyans to secure their spot in the division next season. It’ll be Leigh Ramblers second-string who will join Old Barks in Division Five next term in all likelihood.

Round-up: Essex Olympian League (Sat 23 Mar) [EOFL 23.3.19]

Written by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

Hello & welcome to another of my round-up pieces, this time looking at the Essex Olympian League action on Saturday 23 March, from the top tier to the results from Division Four as promotion & relegation issues continue to be sorted as we enter the last six weeks of the campaign.

EOFL Premier Dvivision

In Olympian Premier, the top-two faced off at Roding Lane. Buckhurst Hill defeated Kelvedon Hatch 3 – 0 with former May & Baker striker Reece Tranter getting all three goals to grant them their 10th straight win and extend Hill’s cushion to nine points at the top. Ten points from their last eight matches will be enough to seal the title and crown off a dominant season.

Springfield went up to 11th after a 3 – 0 win at Manford Way – a result which will see Manford relegated, unless off-pitch issues elsewhere see them be granted a reprieve. Rayleigh Town continued their good form with a 2 – 1 win at Old Southendian. Luke Stillwell netted for OS though Harry Talbot and Bailey Moss strikes overcame the hosts and increase Town’s hopes of getting a top-six finish.

Sungate also tasted triumph, with a 3 – 2 over Hutton. Rory McKenzie struck twice for the home side with Alan Brown also finding the ‘onion bag’. Will Marlowe and John Hilliard hit back for Hutton but they stay 8th while ‘Gate go 10th.  Finally, Bishop Stortford Swifts’ quest for a top-three finish gained momentum after a 3 – 2 win over Leigh Ramblers at Silver Leys. Steve Moore, Gavin Cockman and substitute Ashley Taylor-Forbes were the Swifts marksmen though Ramblers hit back through Seb Allen and Dan Martin goals. Swifts and Catholic Utd are the sides likely to battle ‘to the wire’ for that 3rd spot.

 

EOFL Senior One

Shenfield AFC won the top-four clash with Ramsden Scotia 5 – 3 with an ensemble cast on the score-sheet. Alex Broadbridge, Mitchell Day, Harry Hatt, Ronnie Hobbrough and substitute George Cunningham all netted to send AFC six points clear at the summit after their fourth straight league win. Basildon Town are among the challengers as they came from behind to win 2 – 1 at Ongar Town. Alfie Phillips and substitute Ross Giles both netted to keep the gap to 11 points though they have five matches in hand on the leaders. Lee Perry had put Ongar ahead though their mixed end to the season continues.

Rayleigh Town Res also had a forgettable afternoon as they lost 4 – 2 at home to Galleywood. Jack Chatterway hit another brace with Luke Osborne and Lewis Rose the other scorers for ‘Wood. Eight straight losses for Town mean they need at least three points to avert the drop, though they have five games to get those points in.

Herongate Athletic had a fine day to remember with a 7 – 1 demolition of basement side May & Baker Res. Ben Warren grabbed three goals, with Lee Atkinson and Ben Lambert both nabbing braces each to give Ath their ninth win of the season. Also, FC Hamlets were held 1 – 1 at home by fellow mid-table side Old Chelmsfordians.  Jordan Boden struck for OC’s who are unbeaten in their last six matches while Darren Serrano-Griffiths netted to ensure FC took a point to keep above their opposition here.

EOFL Senior Two

There were no fixtures in Division Two this weekend – another reminder that the end of the season Is approaching.

 

EOFL Senior Three

Into Senior Three now, with the most significant result being Basildon Town Reserves 6 – 3 home win over relegated Old Chelmsfordians Res. Player-boss Alex Shields got a double, and he was joined in the ‘brace club’ by none other than the Essex Senior League’s top scorer from last season in Marcus Bowers. Jake Bridgeman and Tommy Green were also on target as Town’s second side secured their Division Three status for another season. The same relief couldn’t be said for Roydon who lost 3 – 2 at Hutton Res in their final match of the season. Micky Coppin and Lewis Watson both struck for the visitors though Hutton got the win thanks to Tom Biddiss, Ben Trigg and Dan Grennell strikes.  Six defeats on-the-roll for Roydon has been very costly as they will likely join OC’s in Div Four next term.

Meanwhile, Laindon Orient won 2 – 0 at home to mid-table Leigh Town to endorse their chances of a top-four finish. A James Shadwell spot-kick was added to by Samuel Lake as Orient got their fourth consecutive success to go third on goal difference.

 

EOFL Senior Four

Finally, in Senior Four, Toby Res enhanced their chances of avoid the drop as they won 3 – 1 at mid-table Galleywood Res.

Buckhurst Hill Res strengthened their grip on fifth spot with a 2 – 1 win over Lakeside Res. That result means that a point in Dagenham Utd’s final match will mean Utd will finish third this term.

Also, Epping Town defeated Old Barkabbeyans 6 – 0 in Ilford. Glen Warwick led the charge with a treble, while Alex Paraskeva, Chris Lockwood and Daniel Garfinkle were also on target as Billy Cove’s side went five points clear at the summit, although Corinthians have three matches in hand. That result also meant that Old Barks will succumb to relegation next month after only three wins this term.