Guest Blog 22/23: Essex Alliance Lge & Cups (Sat 8 Oct) [EAL 22-23 10.10.22]

Hello and welcome to the ninth week of the season in the Essex Alliance League, as well as action in the Essex Premier Cup in which EAL sides represent the League in the inter-divisional competition. My thanks in advance to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL  [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With Introduction & additional reporting by Scott W


Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 10 October

FENTON CUP

The Fenton Cup action continued on Saturday and FC Baresi continued their excellent league form into the cup competition with a comprehensive 10 – 1 victory away at Premier Division side, Barkingside Under 23s. Tyreece Robinson scored a hat-trick for Baresi with Raymond Poku and Paul Benfield both scoring twice. Nicola Rapacchiani, Korede Da Silva and Umaru Kabia netted the others, Leo Gaspar scored the ‘Side consolation.

FENTON TROPHY

The Under 23s of FC Baresi followed the lead of their first team counterparts as they also ran in double figures in the Trophy competition, defeating Avondale Rangers in a 12 – 2 scoreline. Adam Friend and Jake Clarke both scored for Rangers but four Hamza Hafesji goals in reply for the hosts, plus goals from David Poirier (2), Zaahir Patel (2), Marco Perkola, Abbas Osman, Junior Ouattara and Adam Patel were plenty enough to secure their place in the next round. In the day’s other tie in the competition, it was an in-form Ilford Reserves side who played host to Division Four’s Collier Row Wheels, both sides having made decent starts in their respective competitions. But the Foxes avoided any kind of slip up with a 4 – 0 home win to put themselves through to the next round.

SENIOR DIVISION

With cup football top of the agenda for many this week, Sporting Hackney took full advantage to move to within two points of the leading sides as they returned home from Rapid Chingford with all three points in a 6 – 1 success. Tyler Springer and Percival Winter both bagged a brace with Joel Akuwudike and Richard Balogun goals rendering Andrei Boga’s effort as just consolation. FC Petrocub also took the chance to shut the gap on the sides above them as the fifth placed side put a 6 – 1 win of their own on the board with a terrific performance away at mid-table Walthamstow Reserves at Wadham Lodge. Ion Spinu came off the bench to score a hat-trick, adding to goals from Nicolai Gutu, Vasilica-Cristinel Ilie and Nicolai Cotruta.

It was a hat-trick of away wins in the division when Brimsdown ran out victors at Fairlop Oak against Blue Marlin, the Hertfordshire based side cruising to a 5 – 1 success to take maximum points back home with them. Cory Rose & Jason Rice both notched twice for Brimsdown with Sterlange Nzeza also scoring to secure the win which saw Brimsdown move up to sixth in the standings as they continue their quest for an immediate return to senior football.

PREMIER DIVISION EAST

Four sides remain with a perfect record at the top end of the Premier Division East standings with Fairlop Rovers top on goal difference following their 6-1 success on Saturday, beating Freetown 6 – 1 to make it three from three. Donald Adaakwah scored the ‘Town goal but his efforts proved in vain as his side remain in the hunt for their first points.

Chingford Athletic’s strong start has seen them make it three wins from three in the league also as they beat a struggling Wapping side 5-1 at Castle Green to stay in touch with the leaders. Harry Rouse scored a hat-trick with Mario-Angelino Lipetz and Dylan Scutt goals carrying them to victory, Juber Ahmed the scorer for the hosts with their consolation. Sitting third but only by the virtue of goal difference, RCXI are also on nine points and put their third league win on the board on Saturday with victory in the Newbury Park derby as they beat Cowley Community 3-1 with Ayo Matthews scoring twice and Daniel Williams once. Rajpal Bumbra scored the Cowley goal in reply, the visitors remaining in mid-table.

Waltham Abbey A bounced back well from defeat last time out to move fifth in the standings after recording a second win in three, beating London Park City 2 – 1 at Seven Kings School over the weekend. Alexandru Gheorghe scored for City but it was the Abbey who ran out winners by the odd goal in the end to extend their decent start.

PREMIER DIVISION WEST

There are new leaders in the West division as North East Lions took full advantage of results around them to move top by a point following an away victory against G7 in east London. A goal apiece from Jae Smith and Alex Zambrano off the bench done the damage as Lions were 2 – 0 winners on the day to put themselves top. That outcome was made possible after CSM London put their second successive league win on the board, defeating the previous leaders, AEK London, over at Mabley Green. Ali Jalo & Tay Chambers got the goals for CSM here. After three wins on the bounce last month, October has been tough for AEK so far with a draw last weekend followed by a 2 – 0 defeat to CSM this weekend.

Priory Park Rangers are another side to take full advantage of the matters around them as the Marshes based outfit recorded a third win to remain unbeaten, defeating Soul in a 6-2 scoreline to move second. Shepdherd Ndlovu has led the way so far for his side this season and he scored four more, adding to strikes from Ali Salama and Deri Fnu. Another side to make strong progress on Saturday were Wanstead who travelled to East Ham on Saturday to face Athletic Newham Under 23s and returned with their first maximum point haul in the league this season, winning 3 – 0. That result saw the visitors leap up to sixth place in the standings and just two points behind the side above them.


DIVISION ONE

There are some big battles ahead in Division One where at least two sides are making waves at the top, Unitey presently leading the way on goal difference after they put five goals past Atholl without reply on Saturday to record a 5 – 0 win. Devontae Young, Chris Tshimanga, Bubintende Masadi and Akhlad Miah all netted for their side to keep their top form going. Newham Wanderers are treading heel to heel with their rivals at the top and came through a stern test away at Forest Green to take home all three points. Wanderers were 3-0 winners, making it three wins from three with Addae Paponette, Robertson Morais and Manuel Sanuo all netting for the visitors.

Sitting three points further back, Redbridge Community’s first home game of the season saw the visit of Old Esthameians make the short journey to Mayfield but it was the hosts who made the most of their homecoming, earning themselves a 6 – 1 win on the day. Frankie Francis led the way with two goals for the victors, Jahsial Weekes, Michael Kiflezgji, Akiljo Balliu & Merrill Appiah also were on target. That was Redbridge’s second win of the season, moving third with six points.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, it’s as you were at the top end of the table with Snaresbrook making it four wins from four, returning home from Chadwell Heath Spartans Reserves with all three points in a 3 – 0 success at Hainault Rec. George Bacon, Ife Ogunbayo and Chris Huggins were the men on target to ensure the continuation of their perfect start. Rainham Phoenix have risen back up to second spot and trail the leaders by three points as they took maximum points from their trip to Old Barkabbeyans on Saturday. The Billys, Humphries and Broadbridge, were both on the scoresheet, Sean Tormey scoring the other as Rainham won the game 3 – 0.

It was a good afternoon for St Francis who got their first win of the season over the weekend as they took three points in their clash with Barking Potters at Castle Green, moving up to fifth with an 8 – 2 win. Teyon Weston was the hero scoring four while Ahmed Zaghloul scored twice and one each from Godwill Kumpana and Aley Khaled finished things off for the Saints.

DIVISION THREE

Newbury East remain the leaders at the top of Division Three, staying a point clear following the weekend’s efforts as they defeated Melbourne Sports at Oaks Park in a 6-2 scoreline. That saw East record a fourth league success of the season, along with their draw, to remain as one of two unbeaten sides in the division. The other unbeaten side are Chingford Harriers who trail by a point but have a game in hand on the leaders following their strong win against another top half side, Jolof Sports Reserves. Andrew Bowring and Grant Coy were the scorers for Harriers as they overcame their east London rivals to win the game 2 – 1.

Promoted Dagenham United Reserves are up into third spot as they leapt above their weekend opponents, Flyers Under 21s, in a heavily congested middle area of the table. Lewis Bennett and Isa Khan both scored twice with Peter Runham accredited with the other as their United side won 5 – 0 at King Georges. Just behind Dagenham sit Frenford A who are now up to fourth after a successful home performance against Romford Under 21s at The Drive which saw them win 5 – 1. Two Kyran Chiedozie goals plus efforts from James Rowlatt, Adam Andrade and Kishawn James done the damage with Eugenio Balde netting the Romford reply.

Buckhurst Way returned to winning league form on Saturday with a solid home performance in a home victory against Football Club of Riverside. Way were 4 – 0 winners at Bancrofts as George Martin, Tom Richardson, Dolapo Gbadamosi and Myles Croxford all struck with goals to see their side move up to sixth in the standings.


DIVISION FOUR

Inter London have closed the gap at the top to just three points following the weekend’s results as they made a successful trip to league leaders, West Essex Under 23s, returning home with all three points in a 3 – 1 success. Ace Soyemi, Nasser Salum and Fahad Abdallah scored the Inter goals to overcome a Ciaran Farrell-Christian strike for West. Results around them also allowed Romford Under 19s to move in touch with the sides above them, recording a 3-1 away win of their own, defeating Fairlop Rovers Reserves at Fairlop Oak. Abel Woldergiorgis scored twice with Oskar Plusa also on the scoresheet to make it two wins from three for Romford.

There was a ten goal thriller in the six-pointer affecting the bottom end of the table where two winless sides, Newham & Havering Borough and Old Esthameians Reserves, met in Rainham. An incredible game eventually saw Old E’s walk away with the points as they won 6 – 4 on the day to pick up their first win of the season, moving off the bottom of the table in the process. The division’s remaining game saw second placed London APSA Under 23s at home to their Flyers Under 23 counterparts in Barkingside, the sides going into the game with three points between them. That gap remained by full-time as neither side could trouble the scorers, the game ending in a 0-0 scoreless draw to take a point each.


COUNTY CUP

There was tremendous success for the league in the county cup competitions, starting with the London Senior Trophy where Jolof Sports faced a difficult first round tie against higher league opposition, facing Thurlow Nunn League side Tower Hamlets at Mile End Stadium. With the game ending level 1 – 1, it was Jolof who took the honours, winning the shootout 4-3 to go through.

It was also a winning start in the competition for Crookz United who were also on the road with a trip to Redbridge Reserves of the Essex Senior League Reserve Division Two. But Crookz were in fine goal scoring form and recorded a thumping 6 – 0 away win to book a spot in round two.

In the BBC Essex Premier Cup, all bar one tie went the way Essex Alliance League sides with last season’s finalists, Woodford East, overcoming a tricky first round trip to the coast, coming away 3 – 2 winners at Old Southendian to ensure their safe passage to round two. The longest trip was made by Chadwell Heath Spartans who travelled up the A12 to Essex & Suffolk Border League opponents, Tiptree Heath. A seven goal thriller went the way of Spartans as they edged through 4 – 3 and now face an even longer trip to West Bergholt next month!

There was more away day success for Frenford Development who made the trip down the A406 to Beckton to face Essex Olympian League side, Canning Town. A close game ensued between two sides similarly placed in their respective leagues but it was Frenford who went through, winning 3-2 on the day.

Completing a quarter of away wins for EAL sides, Dagenham United had a fruitful trip to West Thurrock where they took an Essex Senior League side Grays Athletic Reserves in a later kick-off. The Dagenham side came through by the odd goal, winning 2 – 1 to book a place in round three.

Extra-time was needed at May & Baker EC Reserves where the hosts were facing up to Thurlow Nunn visitors in the form of Halstead Town Reserves. With the game level at full-time, the extra thirty minutes saw Jimmy Donald’s side to win 4 – 2 and secure passage into the next round.

The only loss of the round came in the game at Fairlop Oak where it took an extra thirty minutes to eventually separate Oakside from Harold Wood Athletic, the visitors winning the game 2 – 1 in extra time to progress on.

In the AFA Intermediate Cup, the league had representation in the form of Lymore Gardens Reserves who faced a trip to south east London to face West Wickham 3rds. In a game of five goals, Lymore returned empty handed as their interest in the competition ended following a 3-2 defeat.

Advertisement

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance Lge (Sat 17 Sept) [EAL 22-23 20.9.22]

Hello and welcome to the round-up of the action in the Essex Alliance League, from Saturday 17 September which includes the EAL action & representatives in the Essex Premier Cup.

My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. Thank you for reading.

EAL logo

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL  [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

Essex Alliance League Round-up – Saturday 17 September

SENIOR DIVISION

Two teams remain locked at the top of the Senior Division table following the weekend’s action with Lymore Gardens going top for a while on Friday night following their home success against a previously unbeaten Brimsdown side at Coles Park. Dylan Roberts, Inarhu Martin and Andre Rashford goals saw their side come from behind to edge the clash 3 – 2.

FC Baresi were able to move top on goal difference following Saturday’s action as they came away with all three points from their trip to Noak Hill where they had beaten FC Petrocub comfortably in a 6 – 1 scoreline. Tyreece Robertson scored a hat-trick to extend his scoring record, adding to goals from Edson Lami, Raymond Poku and Paul Benfield.

Moving up to fourth spot, Jolof Sports have moved up to within three points of the leaders in the division as they recorded a third success of the season, defeating Kit Out London in a close game at Mayesbrook Park. Two Alexander Sow goals and a Modou Jammeh effort put the hosts onto the path of victory, winning the game by the odd goal in a 3-2 success.

Sporting Hackney’s unbeaten start to the campaign continued over the weekend as they came through their home clash against Crookz United with all three points. The Parrots were 4 – 1 winners as Karim Bukleb, Liam O’hara, Joel Akuwudike and Percival Zeutzius all got on the scoresheet to render Olajide Yusuff’s goal as just consolation for Crookz.

Picking up a second win of the season were Chadwell Heath Spartans who returned home from Hainault with all three points as they defeated Oakside 2 – 0 to climb to ninth in the standings. Joseph Butcher and Peter Adeleye were the scorers of the goals for last season’s runners-up as they continued their push up the table.

Over at Lakeside, Rapid Chingford and Frenford Development went into their clash with just four points separating them prior to kick off. But a strong showing from the visitors saw Frenford claim just their second win so far with a 3 – 0 success. Wisley Baltazar scored twice for his side with Reon Murray-Whyte netting the other off the bench to move Frenford up to seven points.


PREMIER DIVISION EAST

Six sides sit on three points at the top of Premier Division East with Aveley Under 23s the side leading the way after their opening clash having defeated fellow debutants Freetown in a 6 – 1 scoreline. Eugene Sagoe scored twice for the young Millers, Finlay Shipp, Kyle Brand, Sola Adebo and Samuel Omoniyi goals finishing things off.

Waltham Abbey A’s introduction to the league saw them pick up three points in their opening performance after they saw off Wapping in a 3 – 1 scoreline at Town Mead. Nathan Lawrence scored twice and Dom Farmer netted the other to make it a winning start, overcoming a Kudus Olowe effort for the visitors.

There was a five goal thriller at Fairlop Oak where promoted Fairlop Rovers entertained fellow promotees Cowley Community. Manasseh Tackie and Ryan Thompson-Cobham were both scorers for Cowley but Rovers goals in reply from Jayden Francis, Ellis Morgan and Elliot Hastings meant that their side picked up a 3 – 2 opening win.

It was a successful day for another of the promoted sides as RC XI took the points back home with them following a win against last season’s cup finalists London Park City. City keeper Buza Vasile struck a rare goal for the visitors but strikes from Tosin Blacky and Tayo Olasanoye were enough to edge the contest in a 2-1 scoreline for RC XI.

PREMIER DIVISION WEST

Two sides lead the way after two rounds of games in the West division where AEK London’s great start continued on Saturday with a 3-1 success at Wadham Lodge against Wanstead. Two Gabriel Souto goals and a Paulo Machado effort saw the leaders pick up a second league win in two to go clear at the top just on goals scored at this early stage.

Just behind the leaders by a solitary goal are North East Lions who replicated their rivals scoreline with a 3-1 win of their own, defeating Athletic Newham Under 23s at Peter May to make it two wins from two. Rweal Azizur scored twice and Jae Smith once for their side, continuing a positive start to the campaign. Isaac Ofuso netted the Newham goal in reply.

It was a good afternoon for Priory Park Rangers who remain unbeaten in the division as Shepherd Ndlovu led the way for his side, incredibly scoring all six goals in their win at home to Leyton City. Rangers were 6-1 winners on the day to take their points tally to four in the league while their opponents look to get off the mark still.

In an east London derby fixture, G7 were the hosts on Saturday to relegated Tower United as the hosts looked to bounce back from their opening defeat a couple of weeks ago. In a game of six goals, it was G7 who prospered, winning 4-2 through strikes from Nawttan Sanca, Joshua Oghagbon, Harrison Paposeco and Musbaudeen Akinosho. Abdisamad Mohamed scored twice in reply but his efforts proved in vain ultimately.

The division’s final game saw a seven goal thriller as London Cranes travelled to Soul for their second game of the season. Two efforts from Kasule Sulaman and one apiece from Moses Kazibwe and Bruno Mwasnje were just enough to give Cranes the points in a 4-3 win in Dagenham. Luke Hillier, Zachary Thomas and Matthew Brady grabbed the Soul consolation efforts.


DIVISION ONE

After two rounds of games in Division One, Something From Nothing are the early leaders as they picked up all three points in their opening match of the new season, defeating promoted Old Esthameians 6 – 0 in Newbury Park. Success Eguzoro, Jamil Gaawo, Cyril Pluche, Derek Adenuga, David Prenga and Micah Innocentall found the back of the net to help their side win comfortably.

Sitting second in the table behind the leaders on goal difference, Unitey were in fine goal scoring form themselves as they secured victory with a home win in Loughton against Renegade. Ozwute Izuchuwku and Wellington Ismael were both on target for the visitors but a pair of Unitey braces from Ishwar Ravi and Ahmed Dousa done the damage with Bubintende Masadi grabbing the other in a 5 – 2 scoreline.

It’s Newham Wanderers sitting third following the weekend’s action, the Wanstead based side picking up maximum points following a home 3 – 0 success against Redbridge Community. Two Mahein Zaman goals and an Amir Gurji strike were the difference on the day to see Wanderers confirm an opening day success.

Forest Green started their new season in a positive fashion after they returned home from Chingford with all three points following a 3 – 1 win against previously unbeaten Atholl at Parmiters. Connor Daniel done the majority of the damage with a double while Andre Emmanuel-De Riggs’ goal competed the scoring for Green as they sit fourth, a couple of points ahead of their opponents.

DIVISION TWO

There are two sides going hammer and tong in the early throws of the new season with Rainham Phoenix sitting top following an 11 – 0 success against newly formed Barking Potters. The Shakes family really mixed it up with Cameron scoring four and Josh two. Sam Springall also netted a hat-trick off the bench with Billy Broadbridge scoring a brace to finish off the performance.

Trailing by just a few goals on goal difference are Snaresbrook who have made a great start of their own, following up an opening day win with a 5 – 0 success this time around, beating Chadwell Heath Spartans Reserves. Alex Gordon scored a hat-trick and Drew Barbier struck two to maintain their perfect start so far.

There was a thirteen goal thriller to complete the day’s action in the division where Old Barkabbeyans were the visitors to Loughton to take on Royal Forest. Forest bounced back well from their opening defeat to win the game 9-4 with Joe Meader (2), Frank Carver, Joe Owers, Jonathan Hick, Charlie Palline, Fifi Banin and Ayodeji Adelekan all netting, despite a terrific four goal Barks performance from Michael Ryder.

DIVISION THREE

In Division Three, Newbury East have moved top of the table on goal difference alone after they earned all three points at home against Frenford A in the latter’s first game. Kishawn James scored the Frenford goal but Chaka Barnett continued his form in front of goal with a double, Sehraan Hussain and Junior Milla netting the others in a 5 – 1 success.

Dagenham United Reserves trail in second by just a few goals as they added a win to their opening day draw, beating debutants Football Club of Riverside down at Lakeside in their first game. Dagenham edged the game by the odd goal, winning 2 – 1 through efforts from Isa Khan and Lewis Bennett. Fayazi Omar-Mohamed struck the Riverside goal in consolation.

It was a good opening day performance from Melbourne Sports who sit third after a first win, beating Flyers Under 21s 4 – 1 down at Fairlop Oak. Jonathan Melia scored twice with Daniel Hughes and Luc Harpon efforts completing the win and meaning that Jack Maydell’s goal was in vain for the visitors.

Over in east London, it was a successful first competitive outing for Jolof Sports Reserves who picked up a win against Glendale over at the Royal Docks. Chris Mosaku and Devendra Choudhary scored for the Dales but efforts from Kosso Toure, Kelechi Dyke, Derek Adu and Ronald Asante for the hosts were enough for them to win 4 – 2.

DIVISION FOUR

It’s two wins from two now for the Division Four leaders, Collier Row Wheels, who picked up a second success following a 4 – 1 win on Saturday against Emerson & Upminster Reserves at Forest Row. Two Farhaan Korimbocus strikes plus goals from Olayemi Mogaji and Jack Stockdale were enough for the win, Zuriel Twum netting the Emerson goal in consolation.

Flyers Under 23s’ first action since the drop from Division Three saw them put in a terrific first performance to secure a win as they defeat Newham & Havering Borough. Ted Watkins scored for Borough but his effort was in vain as Flyers ran out 5 – 1 winners on the day to sit second in the table after the weekend’s action.

It was also a good day for West Essex Under 23s who will be looking to press on in their second season and got off to the best possible start with a solid 4-1 win against Old Esthameians Reserves. Ciaran Farrell-Christian scored twice with Gabriel Morlova and George Sadler-Stephens scoring the other to hand West the win.

London APSA Under 23s have bounced back from their opening day defeat with a solid second performance, beating Inter London 5-1 to record their first three point haul. Reda El Ghaibouz scored a hat-trick for APSA to lead the way, Samuel Reynolds and Sabir Jama scoring the others to get the win. Fahad Abdallah scored the Inter goal in reply as they search for their first points.

COUNTY CUP

In the opening county cup action of the new season, Dagenham United took their place in the next round of the Essex Premier Cup, beating last season’s Junior Cup winners, Catholic United Reserves, 2-1 to head on through. They now face Grays Athletic Reserves in the next round of the competition.

There was a topsy-turvy game at Wadham Lodge where Walthamstow Reserves were in action against Halstead Town Reserves in a game that went all the way to extra time. Following the extra thirty minutes, it was Halstead who left the happier of the sides, edging the game 4 – 3.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, an old rivalry was renewed as Avondale Rangers played host to Durning for a place in the next round. The sides shared five goals with old Ilford & District League side, Durning, taking a 3-2 win to secure their passage into the next round.