Toby – survivor16b

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

Charlie Seaden’s acrobatic clearance denies a Runwell attack

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

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

Midweek action

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

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

Jack Woodham in possession for Shoebury v Rayleigh Res

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

Weekend action

EOFL Premier Division

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

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

EOFL Divisions One & Two

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

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

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

EOFL Division Four

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

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

EOFL Reserve League Cup

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

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

Archive Image from Rayleigh Tn v Canning Tn

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

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

EOFL Premier Division

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

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

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

EOFL Divisions One & Two & Three

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

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

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

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

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

Cups

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

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

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

End

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

Image from Leigh Ramblers v Springfield last week

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

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

EOFL Cups

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

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

EOFL Premier Division & Division One

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

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

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

EOFL Divisions Two, Three, Four & Five

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

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

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

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

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

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 11 Mar) [EOFL 22-23 13.3.23]

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

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Olympian League action, tracking the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 11 March, as the total action was about halved by the extension of winter weather that has prevailed in the last week which will only add to fixture cingestion for some teams in the top three tiers.

Cups

In the Cup action this week, Catholic Utd exited the Anagram Records Trophy after they traveled to Luton to face Chipperfield Corinthians, who came away with a 3 – 2 victory. Utd had goals from Harrison Day & Liam Oliver to thank for keeping it tight but ultimately their focus now turns to League & the EOFL Senior Cup. In the Essex Premier Cup, the one surviving Semi-Final between Shenfield AFC & Rayleigh Town had to be abandoned after a serious injury sustained by Town’s Ben Baxter. I’d like to wish Ben well in his recovery. The other cup tie was in the EOFL Reserve Trophy, which saw a goal from Jack Ewing seal a narrow 1 – 0 win for Manford Way Res over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res.

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier, with their nearest rivals in Cup action, Hutton did get the three points. They were made to sweat for them though as Matt Singh’s side defeated Bishop’s Stortford Swifts 3 – 2 at Hanakins Farm Centre 3G. Goals from Stephen Judge, Tom Stephens & one from replacement Billy Chilcott were enough to claim the points to see them extend their lead to ten points. Swifts battled hard and goals from Daryl Doolan & William Norris saw them close to claiming a point but they succumbed to a third straight loss. Toby have surely sealed their spot for next season, as they had a late winner to thank for a 2 – 1 victory at Canning Town. Albert Perry opened the scoring & Harry Barham’s superb winner saw Mark Jones’ side go nine points clear of the bottom four, with ten matches still to play. Canning ‘s goal came from Napat Pattanawanitkitkul but their fifth loss on the trot sees them in ninth, ahead now of the Brewers on goal difference only.

Elsewhere, Runwell Sports got their fourth win on the spin with a 4 – 0 victory over struggling Kelvedon Hatch at St Luke’s. There were doubles for Charlie Little & James Dalton, the latter seeing his goal tally rise to 11 league goals this tern now. Runwell have also reached the thirty point mark & have eight games left to sneak into the top four, which would be some acheivement. Old Southendian went back up to fourth spot after a 2 – 1 win over bottom side Galleywood at Garon Park 3G. Callum Ludlaim netted twice here for Altar Ali’s side to give OS their 10th league this term.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

One match was played in Division One, and it saw Herongate Athletic draw 2 – 2 with mid-table rivals Beacon Hill Rovers. Alfie Yeend & Thomas Lambourne both netted for Joe Nightingill’s team. Herongate remain sixth and Rovers are in 8th.

In Division Two, the solitary match saw Hutton Res grab a big 5 – 0 victory at home to AS Rawreth at Polo Fields. The cast of scorers included Will Marlowe, Thomas Price & substitutes Isaac Gee and Jake Smith. An OG rounded out things as the Reds’ second-side went up to sixth spot. Rawreth’s horrid run continues, though they are still (just) in the relegation battle they realistically need to win both their remaining matches to avoid finishing bottom.

EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

In Division Three, two matches were completed. Chingford Athletic Res edged to an important 4 – 3 success at home to PItsea Athletic at Town Mead. Luke Dimond netted twice here, with Samuel May-Parrott & Sonny Clarke also netting to see their slim chances of a top-three finish remain. Pitsea are still in third spot, with both teams having three matches remaining. Springfield Res made it four consecutive victories with a 3 – 0 triumph over Corinthians Res at Arun Park. Their scorers were led by a double for Rhys Ofori & one from Liam England. The win in their penultimate match of the league term secures them at least a seventh-placed finish.

There was no action at all in Division Four this week, with all three set matches suffering from the wrath of the recent weather.

In Division Five, one match did survive and Shoebury Town Res bagged the win in a stellar 7 – 5 success at Sungate Res. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka netted five goals himself here for the visitors, with Luke Jackson & Dawid Gabor also on target for Michael Hood’s side.

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian League & Cups (Sat 4 Mar) [EOFL 22-23 6.3.23]

Action still from Catholic Utd v Toby in midweek

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

Hello & welcome to the latest Essex Olympian League column, tracking the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 4 March, as the top three all won in the top-tier, plus Sungate & Toby progressed in the Senior Cup.

EOFL Cups

In the two Senior Cup ties this weekend, Toby sealed their progress with a 5 – 1 victory at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Albert Perry netted twice for Mark Jones’ side, with Rhys Willson, Harry Barham & Tom Roser also on target as they made the last four. They are joined by Sungate, who needed a spot-kicks to get past second-tier side Old Chelmsfordians after a 1 – 1 daw at Lawford Lane. Bobby Port’s team won the ensuing penalties 7 – 6 to go through. In the Denny King Cup, Shoebury Town showed no lack of determination as they had two late goals from Jack Woodham to thank for a 2 – 1 victory over Beacon Hill Rovers at Ekco Sports Club. Rounding out the Cup section this week is three games in the Reserve Trophy. Harold Wood Athletic Res went through, winning 4 – 3 on penalties after a 2 – 2 draw against Toby Res at Nursery Sports Ground. Substitutes Josh Portway & Derek Hawtin for Ath forced the resulting shoot-out. They are joined in the next round by Old Chelmsfordians Res, who won 3 – 2 at Sungate Res and Runwell Sports Res, who edged past Canning Town Res 1 – 0 at St Luke’s Park.

EOFL Premier Division

There was one midweek match this week, as Catholic Utd again caught up on their fixtures, as they defeated Toby 3 – 0 at Southchurch Park, in a match I attended. Liam Oliver’s first-half treble was enough to seal the points for Simon Thomas’ side. For more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/03/02/s22-23-match-report-catholic-utd-3-0-toby-tues-28-feb-eofl/

Onto the weekend Premier action now, and Hutton got back to winning ways with a slender 1 – 0 success at Leigh Ramblers. Connor Hammond got another important goal to keep Matt Singh’s side top by seven points. The chasing pack both won though, as Catholic Utd backed up their earlier midweek win with a 2 – 0 triumph at Springfield. James Warder & Liam Oliver both scored to keep the Essex Bhoys in second place, a point clear of Rayleigh Town, who in turn defeated Kelvedon Hatch 3 – 1 at Thames Road. James Nottage netted for Hatch, but goals from Harry Talbot, Ben Baxter & Lewis Robson secured the win for Paul Higgins’ side.

Meanwhile, Old Southendian remain fifth after an impressive 3 – 0 win at Shenfield AFC. Mattias Tonking’s brace of spot-kicks was added to by Callum Ludlaim’s goal to seal another win for Altan Ali’s team. Runwell Sports sit sixth with several matches in hand after their 3 – 0 victory at strugglers Galleywood. Charlie Little, Gianni Frankis & Oliver Williamson all netted for Robert Hodgson’s team, in what could still be a memorable season for them.

EOFL Divisions One & Two

There were two games in Division One this week, both games involving the chasing pack. Epping Town grabbed a much-needed three points with a 2 – 1 win at home to ACD Utd. Billy Wren netted for Utd here but two goals for Chris Gormley saw Stuart Hoskins’ team remain third and with a four-point lead over Manford Way, who claimed the points thanks to a 3 – 0 success over Herongate Athletic. David Alele, Siddy Clarkson & Charlie Parish all scored here for Manford.

Moving into Division Two now, and we begin with an important win for Rayleigh Town Res, who got past Hutton Res 2 – 1 at London Road to head out of the bottom two. Goals from Byron Down and Adam Wright were enough to seal the win for Dave Barker’s team. Hashtag Utd Development also bagged the points after a 1 – 0 success over May & Baker at Barleylands. Matthew Gauci’s goal was enough to see Denis Simpson’s team back up into third but they are five points adrift of Wakering Sports Res, who demolished Old Southendian Res 8 – 2 at Cupid’s. Connor Fardyga again led the scorers for the hosts, with four goals here & he was assisted by Adem Beji’s double plus strikes from Alex Jenkins & Oliver Greene to see Sports reduce the arrears to leaders Shoebury to four points.

Lastly, Catholic Utd Res defeated AS Rawreth 3 – 0, in a rare Ressie game played at the Len Forge. Daniel Williams, Finlay Grant & replacement Matt Creevy all scored to give Eamonn Kearney’s side a win which takes them up to sixth.

EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

In Division Three, Leigh Town Res moved into second place after a 1 – 0 win over Chingford Athletic Res. Chris Pope got the decisive goal in this one. They are now three points clear of Pitsea Athletic after they lost 1 – 2 at Hullbridge Sports Res. Paul Morris & Nicholas Sherlock got the goals to see Hullbridge level on points with their opponents. Springfield Res won 3 – 1 at Buckhurst Hill U23, with Tristan Ofori-Sampong & substitutes Liam England & Jacob Brewer all on target to give them a third consecutive win & helps them up to sixth. Olaobajuwon Olagbaju got the reply for Buckhurst there.

In Division Four, promotion-chasing Leigh Ramblers Res had two late goals to thank for a superb 2 – 0 win at leaders Roydon. Substitutes Ethan Nunn & Taylor Stewart both scored to keep the gap to second spot at three points, with several more matches to play. Roydon’s title charge took a dent and their lead drops to three points. Herongate Athletic Res reside in second spot now after they powered past Leytonstone Utd 6 – 1 at Billericay Road. Ryan Creed had a debut to remember as he struck four goals here. Byron Brackett & Habeeb Apatira also netted to more than secure the points. Ongar Town also bagged a terrific win, 5 – 0 at Pitsea Athletic Res. Tommy Smith netted twice, with Mason White, Ethan Hook & replacement Adoreke Oke all adding to the scoresheet in a win which keeps them sixth. The last game in this division saw Shenfield AFC Res defeated Galleywood Res 3 – 1, to take them eight points clear in seventh spot.

In Division Five, Wakebury Res got a superb 5 – 3 victory over leaders Manford Way Res at Shoebury Park. Connor Lane netted four goals for Joe Creak’s side & an OG sealed the win. George Green netted two for Manford & Callum Thomas added another but their lead stays at two points, wiith a match in hand. Basildon Town A have all but secured at least fifth spot after they won 3 – 1 at Shoebury Town Res. Donnel Kujinga, Shawn Banks & replacement Luke Soley all scored here, to give the Bas’ third side lingering hope of a top-two spot as they have two matches in hand on their closest rivals.

The other result this weekend saw Collier Row Res convincingly win 9 – 1 at AS Rawreth Res, to keep themselves in fourth.

End

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

Image from Rayleigh Town v Canning Town in EOFL Premier

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

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

EOFL Premier Division

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

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

EOFL Divisions One & Two

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

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

EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

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

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

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

Cups

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

End

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge (Sat 28 Jan) [EOFL 22-23 30.1.23]

Archive image – Runwell Sports v Shenfield AFC from earlier this term

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

Hello & welcome to the another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 28 January, as the weekend’s action was for the most part restored following the restrictive weather conditions in the ladt month.

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier, Hutton retained their 14 point lead at the summit, following a 5 – 1 victory at Galleywood. Substitute Matthew Price netted twice here, with Luke Ricketts, Joshua Seal & Connor Hammond also scoring for Matt Singh’s side. Ronnie Edwards replied for ‘Wood, who remain three points adrift at the bottom. Rayleigh Town produced a terrific display in an 8 – 0 success over Bishop’s Stortford Swifts at Thames Road. There were trebles for Jack Long and George Vile, along with strikes for William Vile and substitute Lewis Robson to give Town a much-needed win, given the race for second spot in gathering pace. They went back into second after Toby defeated Leigh Ramblers 2 – 0 at the Nursery Sports Ground. Sonny Leeks’ brace confirmed a big win for Mark Jones’ side, which takes them five points clear of the bottom two.

Elsewhere, Old Southendian are up to fourth spot following a fine 5 – 1 victory over Kelvedon Hatch at Garon Park 3G. Callum Ludlaim had arguably his best day this season, scoring a fine treble, with Mitchell Ali & Nico Dubouchet also scoring for Altar Ali’s side. Joe Newson netted reply after coming off the bench for Darren Hunt’s side, who drop to 11th. Catholic Utd had a battling 2 – 1 victory at Canning Town, with Joe O’Kane & Louie Hay goals sending them sixth, with several games in hand on most of the teams around them. Shenfield AFC remain ninth after a 3 – 0 victory at Springfield, with Jack Maleary, Ben Absolon & Ben Carroll all scoring for AFC. Springfield boss Allan Fenn has also elected to step down, and I wish him well for the future.

Finally, Runwell Sports stay eighth after an excellent 4 – 2 success at Sungate. James Dalton netted two goals for Rob Hodgson’s side, with Gianni Frankis & Owen Barratt adding further goals. Runwell are now ten points clear of the bottom two, as they seek to have a second consecutive campaign at Step 7.

EOFL Divisions One, Two & Three

Division One this week saw some key results. First, Epping Town battled hard before securing a 5 – 3 victory over Herongate Athletic at Billericay Road. Joe Rickett’s superb treble was added to by goals from Scout Bown & Abdul Kamara as Stuart Hoskins’ side remained three points clear in second. Alfie Yeend scored twice for Ath, with Thomas Lambourne also scoring. Old Chelmsfordians remain third at this juncture, following a 2 – 1 win at home to Beacon Hill Rovers, with Jack Walker netting for Rovers. Manford Way also got an important victory, 2 – 1 at home to Corinthians. Dawid Potoczek & replacement Harry Davison both scored for Colin Dobson’s team, who go up to sixth, while their opponents lost ground on the top three.

Into Division Two now and the stand-out result saw Catholic Utd Res defeat Hashtag Utd Development 3 – 1 at St Thomas More Sch. James Warder’s brace & a goal for Daniel Williams secured a win that takes them four points clear of the bottom two. Hashtag’s youth side lost ground on the top two and are also vulnerable to being caught by Harold Wood Athletic Res, who have matches in hand. Leaders Shoebury Town are now seven points clear, following a comeback 4 – 2 win at Wakebury. Finlay Dorrell & Louis Yuille both netted for Matt Cardy’s team but a double for Jack Woodham plus goals for Mechack-Kisoka Asuka & Enoch Gyimah secured Town’s 10th win this term. Finally for this division, Rayleigh Town Res also notched an important 5 – 0 success at home to AS Rawreth.

Now into Division Three, Basildon Town Res emerged with a terrific 8 – 0 win at Corinthians Res, with Louis Hill scoring a hat-trick, added to by Jamie Bradbourn’s brace and one each for Keith King, Daniel Okah and replacement Harry Johnson. Town remain eight points clear at the summit now. Buckhurst Hill U23 also got the three points, with a 3 – 1 victory over Pitsea Athletic at Roding Lane. Harvey Woods struck twice for Darren Gosnell’s team, plus Joe Marjason’s additional goal which secured the win which takes them above Pitsea & into fourth. Elsewhere, Chingford Athletic Res narrowly defeated Springfield Res 3 – 2 at Town Mead 3G. Conor Medhurst’s double & Luke Dimond’s strike outdid goals by Liam England & replacement Adam Jackson for the visitors. Finally, Leigh Town Res got a 2 – 1 win over Toby Res at John Burrows Rec, with Chris Pope and Spencer Izatt the scorers for Josh Burrage’s side, who rise to second spot.

EOFL Divisions Four & Five

Moving into Division Four, and Leigh Ramblers Res grabbed a convincing 7 – 0 triumph at home to Galleywood Res. Charlie Batchelor notched twice for the Rams second-side, with Joe Howson (pen), Luis Bracci, Dominic North, Ethan Nunn & substitute Cameron Jarvis all also scoring here. That result takes them up to fourth & strengthens their chances of being in the promotion race. Ongar Town also won this week, with a 2 – 0 success over Herongate Athletic Res at Marks Hall. Jude Collins & Mason White both netted for Tony West’s team. Also, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res drew 1 – 1 with Roydon at Silver Leys. Matthew Allen netted for Swifts, and Connor Riddoch replied for Roydon. The visitors there dropped to second by virtue of Collier Row’s Walkover win over Pitsea Athletic Res, which takes Row two points clear but they have played three games more.

In Division Five, Basildon Town A went back up to fifth after a 6 – 0 victory against Shoebury Town Res. Donnel Kujinga led the scorers with a fine treble, with Jamie Miller scoring two & replacement Bradley Pike also notching in this win which takes them up to fifth. Also, Manford Way Res extended their lead to seven points at the summit after a 7 – 2 win at Canning Town Res.

Cups

There were three Cup matches this week. Firstly, in the EOFL Reserve Cup, Hutton Res prevailed with a 4 – 1 victory over Runwell Sports Res at Polo Fields. Rodney Wilson, Luke Haydon & substitutes Thomas Price & Ronnie Richardson-Cook got the goals for the hosts there. In the Reserve Trophy, Sungate Res progressed with a 4 – 2 success at AS Rawreth Res. Justin Burrell & Bradley Giles got the goals in reply for the AS side.

Finally, Wakering Sports powered to a 5 – 0 victory over Leytonstone Utd at Cupid’s, in the Denny King Cup. Ryan Curtis & Paul Wines both netted doubles here for Sports, with Mekhi Weekes adding the other goal there.

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 14 Jan) [EOFL 22-23 16.1.23]

Archive Image – Leigh Ramblers v Galleywood earlier this term

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

Hello & welcome to the another edition of the Essex Olympian League round-up. This week, we look at the action in all divisions & Cups from Saturday 14 January, as the weekend’s action was again affected by the wintry weather.

EOFL Premier Division

In the top-tier, Leigh Ramblers have gone up to second spot after an incredible 7 – 2 victory at Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Doubles for Andrew Webster and Tom Franks set Mark Hunter’s side on their way here, with further strikes by Justin Hazell, Matthew Brinklow & Jack Gardner securing a handsome win. Daryl Doolan & replacement Charlie Gilbert replied for Swifts but they are vulnerable having played several more games than the bottom two clubs currently (Springfield & Galleywood). The other result saw Canning Town rise to third after a 4 – 1 win at home to Springfield. Lewis Chapman netted for the visitors but Town got their 7th win this term.

EOFL Divisions One, Two & Four

Division One only saw one match beat the weather, as ACD Utd grabbed a 5 – 3 victory over Wakering Sports at Westlands. Shaun Goddard’s treble saw Michael Wade’s side in command, but goals from Harry Payne & substitute Jacob Dingli were needed to overhaul Paul Wines’ brace for Sports & one goal for Nathan Roche as well. ACD rose to fifth after this win.

Into Division Two now and the only match here saw Old Southendian Res edge to a 3 – 2 triumph over May & Baker at Garon Park 3G. Carl Patten & Darren Seymour netted for the visitors but goals for Nico Dubouchet, Oliver Tatton-Bennett & substitute Callum Ludlaim ensured the points went to Josh Bambury’s side – they now sit 7th in the table, seven points adrift of their opponents here.

It’s straight into Division Four, and Ongar Town got a valuable 2 – 1 success over Collier Row at Marks Hall Centre. Jude Collins nabbed both goals for the hosts here to send up to seventh spot. Row had a setback here, and they will need to amass as many points as possible from their six remaining games to stay in the promotion race. Herongate Athletic Res also drew 0 – 0 with Shenfield AFC Res, which temporarily lifts them up to third.

There was no action in Divisions Three & Five this week, due to postponements.

Cups

Now into the EOFL Senior Cup games, and Hutton breezed through into the next round thanks to a 5 – 1 win over Shenfield AFC, in this tie moved to New Lodge 3G. Connor Hammond struck two goals here for Matt Singh’s side, added to by Luke Ricketts, Joshua Seal & Kyle Linzell strikes. Co-manager Luke Williamson got the Shenfield reply but the Reds went through. Elsewhere, Toby progressed after defeating Harold Wood Athletic 2 – 1 on spot-kicks, following a battling 1 – 1 draw at the Nursery Sports Ground. Chris Rowland netted for Toby, with James Pottle scoring for Ath there.

The other tie saw Old Chelmsfordians overcome a scare at Division Two Wakebury. The OC’s won 4 – 1 on penalties, following a 3 – 3 draw at Cupid’s. Harry Kateley netted twice for the Berries here, with Will Wheeler notching the other goal for them.

One game in the Reserve Cup saw Wakrering Sports Res progress with a terrific 6 – 1 triumph over Collier Row Res on the Main pitch at Cupid’s. Adem Beji & Connor Fardyga both scored twice here for the hosts, with Steven Valente and Substitute Charlie Smith also finding the net for Sports.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, Manford Way Res went through after a 5 – 0 victory at Silver End Utd Res. George Green’s fine hat-trick was added to by two goals for prolific scorer Luke Bennett. But Basildon Town A are out after a 4 – 1 loss to Snaresbrook, leaders of Essex Alliance League Division Two.

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

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

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

Essex Premier Cup – Round Four

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

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

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

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

EOFL Reserve League Cup

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

EOFL Premier Division & Division One

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

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

EOFL Divisions Two, Three, Four & Five

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

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

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

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

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

S22-23 Round-ups: Essex Olympian Lge & Cups (Sat 12 Nov) [EOFL 22-23 14.11.22]

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

Hello & welcome to the round-up from the action in the Essex Olympian League. This week on this Rememberance Weekend or Saturday 12 November, we look at the action in all divisions, plus an extra section on the various Cup competitions this weekend. Lest we forget.

AS Rawreth’s Sonny Newcombe (13) jostling for the ball v Shoebury this weekend

EOFL Premier Division

Firstly in the top-tier, Runwell Sports flew up into seventh spot with a 4 – 1 victory over visitors Bishops Stortford Swifts. Charlie Little & Gianni Frankis both notched doubles to see Rob Hodgson’s side to a big win. Alex Scott-Bell got an eventual consolation for Swifts, who remain a point clear of the bottom. Old Southendian got an good 2 – 0 win at Springfield, with Nico Dubouchet & Jack Lelliott both on target for Altan Ali’s side who for the moment go into sixth spot. Finally, Canning Town missed the chance to gain ground on the top two (who were in Cup action) as they lost 4 – 3 at Sungate, who rose to fourth, behind Canning by virtue of the latter scoring more goals.

Shoebury & Rawreth observe minute’s silence before KO

EOFL Divisions One & Two

In the only game in Division One this week owing to Cup action, second-placed Epping Town are seven points adrift of leaders Harold Wood Athletic after drawing 2 – 2 with mid-table Harold Hill. Scout Bown got both goals for player-boss Stuart Hoskins’ team there.

Moving into Division Two, Harold Wood Athletic Res kept up the pressure on the top two with a 5 – 1 triumph at Old Southendian Res. Chay Saggers scored for the OS side but Ath went three points clear in third, thanks to braces for Matt Harris & Thomas Butler, with Nazarij Bilanovszkij also on target. The bottom six clubs are seperated by only three points after Catholic Utd Res defeated Hutton Res 2 – 1 and Rayleigh Town Res held May & Baker EOFL 1 – 1, with Byron Down netting for the home side at London Road.

In the match I attended this week, Shoebury Town were given a test initially before powering to a 6 – 2 victory over AS Rawreth at Ekco Sports Club. Mechack-Kisoka Asuka netted a fine treble to lead the scorers, with captain Callum Merenda, Suhail Yasin & Ryan Galley all also scoring for John Galley & Garry Johnson’s side, who are now three points clear at the summit. Sonny Newcombe & captain Muntizir Hussain netted for Shane Bird’s side. If you’d like more on this match, my report can be viewed here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/11/12/s22-23-match-report-shoebury-town-6-2-as-rawreth-sat-12-nov-eofl/

EOFL Divisions Three, Four & Five

Into Division Three now, Basildon Town Res are five points clear at the top after a 4 – 1 success at Old Chelmsfordians Res. Keith King netted a fine treble, with Antony Aylett also on target to make it 35 league goals already this term (at an average of 3.88 goals per game) for Bas. Buckhurst Hill U23 are also well-placed, moving up to third after a 2 – 0 victory at Hullbridge Sports Res. Jacob Sember Richards & Olaobajuwan Olagbaju both scored for Darren Gosnell’s side. Finally, Springfield Res are up to fifth after a 3 – 2 win at Corinthians Res. Billy Headland, Edward Coggins & replacement Michael Loannou all scoring for ‘Field there.

In Division Four, Leigh Ramblers Res strengthened their fourth position with a 3 – 1 victory at Ongar Town. Alex Goodson, Dominic North & Ethan Nunn all netted at Marks Hall to leave Town in eighth. Galleywood Res got their first win this term, winning 3 – 2 at strugglers Leytonstone Utd. An OG, Alfie Hooper & Joshua Lapidus goals saw them to a vital win. Elsewhere, Roydon were held 1 – 1 by Herongate Athletic Res, with Nader Benzid getting the goal for the leaders. Collier Row are up to a second spot, a point behind Roydon after a 2 – 0 win at Shenfield AFC Res. Jake Skeet’s seventh league goal this term & substitute Freddie Donkor’s goal confirmed the points for Row. Finally, Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Res celebrated a big 6 – 1 triumph over Wakering Sports A at Silver Leys. Matthew Allen’s treble plus strikes by David Falzon, Ewan Rockell & Huey Reid saw them to victory & up to fifth. James Clark hot the solitary reply for the Sports’ third-side.

In Division Five, Wakebury Res became the first league side to beat leaders Basildon Town A & they did so in some style, winning 6 – 2 at Basildon Sports Club. Ross Barnes netted a hat-trick here for Joe Creak’s side, with Tommy Wolfe netting two more & Luke Abbott also ontarget. Luke Soley & substitute Alex Shields got replies for Bas but they now only lead the table on goal difference. That is because Runwell Sports Res got a 2 – 2 draw at Manford Way Res. Max Harrington & Benjamin See got the goals for Sports, while Manford’s goals came from Luke Bennett’s double. The other game in the division saw a huge win for Sungate Res as they won 8 – 2 at AS Rawreth Res, which earned them their first win this term.

Essex Premier Cup – Round Three

In the first of our ‘in-focus’ matches in the EPC, Shenfield AFC got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 3 – 2 victory over Essex Senior Reserve side White Ensign Res at St Martins’ 3G. Marlon Stratford, Luke Williamson & Courtney Justin got the goals for the home side in that tie as AFC went through. Catholic Utd also made the fourth round with a 2 – 0 victory over Heybridge Swifts Res at the Len Forge. Aaron Baldwin getting both goals for Utd with gives them a much-need confidence boost ahead of their other Cup fixtures this month. At Belfairs, Leigh Ramblers powered to a terrific 5 – 2 victory over Border League side Dedham Old Boys. Scott Clark continued his good season with a double here, while Callum Morris, Billy Field & an OG rounded out the scorers for the hosts.

Ellsewhere, Toby put in a clinical display to defeat Chelmsford City Res 5 – 0 at the Nursery Sports Ground. Jamie Simpkins & Oliver Dingli both got doubles, with Ben Picton getting the opener there for Mark Jones’ side. Harold Wood Athletic put in another excellent display to defeat Essex Alliance Senior side Frenford Development 4 – 3 at the Rec. Billy Gray, Billy Spencer, Mitchell Prue & Max Shepherd all notched as Ath progressed.

Rayleigh Town also progessed with a 6 – 0 trouncing of Galleywood at Slades Lane. Sonny Woodward netted a treble here to lead the way, with George Vile, George Aston & substitute Harry Talbot also netting. Wakering Sports Res also got a big 5 – 1 win ag home to Alresford Colne Rangers at Cupid’s, with Connor Fardyga again leading the scorers with a double here, with Billy Cottrill, Charlie Smith and a thunderbolt from David Watson adding more pain to the visitors. Finally for this section, Corinthians won 3 – 2 at Hashtag Utd Res, with a brace for Bailey Moss & one for Max Jones proving enough to win at Barleylands.

Other Results In EPC:

Colne Athletic 2 – 1 Old Chelmsfordians

Hutton 2 – 1 Kelvedon Hatch

May & Baker Res (EAL side) 1 – 1p ACD Utd (3 – 5 on pens)

Pitsea Athletic 1 – 2 Beacon Hill Rovers

EOFL Senior & Reserve Cups

In the single match in the EOFL Senior Cup, Wakebury progressed with a very good 4 – 1 victory over goal-hungry Chinford Athletic Res at Cupid’s. Finlay Dorrell again netted twice for Matt Cardy’s team, with Junior Lawrence & Isaac Bello also on target for the hosts. Leighton Hughes-Franklin got the reply for Ath but they exited the competition here.

In RLC: Shoebury Town Res 1 – 0 Toby Res