Wanstead – survivor16b

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.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 32 – Sat 9 Apr) [EAL 21-22 11.4.22]

Image from Woodford East v Chadwell Heath Spartans [Image by Scott W]

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 9 April

DIVISION TWO CUP

The first half of the line-up for the Division Two Cup Final is now confirmed after the weekend’s action as Rainham Working Mens Club made up for their other semi defeat to go through to this final with a 1 – 0 win away at Loughton Lions at Debden Park. The only goal of the game was scored by Charlie Perry whose goal took Rainham through to their fourth final with the competition.

DIVISION THREE CUP

In the Division Three Cup quarter-final, the third of four semi-finalists was confirmed in as two of the division’s top sides, Royal Forest Reserves and FC Baresi Under 23s, met in Hainault for a place in the last four. The visitors, Baresi, were in good form once again as they rattled in a 5 – 1 victory with Joshua Adu scoring three alongside Harrez Aliane and Kii Jean-Baptiste scoring one apiece, overcoming a Will Asenso goal from the hosts.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

It was semi-final day for two clubs in the Division Four Cup competition where Chingford Harriers were the hosts to an Emerson & Upminster A side with both sides keen on a cup final appearance. A close game finished 1 – 1 with Darnell Lamothe netting for Harriers and Carl Holroyd for Emerson in reply. A dreaded shootout was needed to separate the sides and it was Harriers who won that 4 – 3 to take their place in the final next month.

SENIOR DIVISION

The last week has seen some big results in the Senior Division with Wednesday night’s action having seen Woodford East secure all three points from a trip to Cricklefields where they were facing Lymore Gardens. Adam Tabbani and Connor Brathwaite both scored twice for East with Gracia Muhemba and Teriq Roberts goals accounting for the Garden consolations in a 4 – 2 East success. NonLeague writer Peter Dudley was among those in attendance and here’s his report: https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/lymore-gardens-2-woodford-east-4.html

On Saturday, the leadership of the division changed hands once again with DT FC taking advantage of results around them to go a point clear with a game in hand, coming out 4 – 1 winners away at Tower United. Alex Paraskeva scored twice with Izaih Antoine and Robbie Farrell grabbing the other goals to move back to the summit with three games to play. Just a few hundred yards away at the Marshes, another huge game saw Chadwell Heath Spartans in town to face hosts Woodford East. First-half Woodford goals from Callum Maltese and Connor Brathwaite proved pivotal in a 2 – 1 victory for them, despite an Aaron Hunwicks effort for Spartans, as East brought themselves very much into an intriguing three-way title race.

The Non-League writing duo of Scott W and Pete Dudley were both at this match, you can view their respective reports on the game here:

Scott W: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/04/09/s21-22-match-report-woodford-east-2-1-chadwell-heath-spartans-sat-9-apr-eal/

Peter D: http://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2022/04/woodford-east-2-chadwell-heath-spartans.html

Elsewhere in the Senior division, Blue Marlin’s late’s charge to safety is underway as they pulled off a terrific 3 – 1 success at home to fourth placed Lymore Gardens to give them a great chance of beating the drop. Macauley Harrington, Ni Acquaye and Scott Campbell all found the back of the net to help their side pick up some vital points, moving three clear of the side beneath them.

CSM London’s penultimate game of the season saw them take on FC Baresi, the game switched to Beckton. Bradley Soares’ effort had appeared to be enough to hand CSM a vital points haul of their own but for a late FC Baresi leveller to take the gloss off the performance somewhat, earning them a point in a 1 – 1 draw. CSM now sit five points above the relegation places with one last fixture to come.

In Hainault, Chigwell Town were in action against Rapid Chingford knowing that they desperately needed points on the board to move closer to safety but ended up on the wrong end of a five goal thriller as Rapid took all three points in a 3 – 2 success. Joe Creasey and Harry Tew-Robinson struck for Town but two Darwin Romero goals and a Tita Daniel goal sent the points home with the visitors. The division’s remaining game saw two sides comfortably in mid-table meet with seventh placed Kit Out London travelling to East Ham to take on fifth placed Jolof Sports. Papa Ndiaye scored twice for Jolof, a feat matched by Marlon Ortiz of Kit Out as the teams finished level at 2 – 2 to add a further point to each other’s tallies, Jolof remaining eleven points clear of their opponents.

PREMIER DIVISION

Following their recent confirmation of promotion, it’s now fully party time for Frenford A who wrapped up the league title outright with a 2 – 1 away success in their penultimate game of the season. London Cranes were the side on the wrong end of the result, Wisley Baltazar scoring both of the goals to put the gloss on a very fine season for the Ilford based side who will move up to Step 7 with confidence.

DIVISION ONE

Ilford Reserves’ late promotion charge continued on Saturday as they were able to take maximum points against Cowley Community, though the latter do still have plenty of games in hand to change that situation. The Foxes secured a 5 – 2 win as Luke Newbury-Neale scored two and one each from Rhys Clements, Rio Clements and Joseph Sulola, Chris Wright bagging both goals in reply for Cowley. Fifth placed Wanstead ensured they stayed in touch with the promotion matters with two games left to play, picking up all three points in their game against Renegades at the weekend, the latter’s final game of the campaign. A 4 – 2 success for Wanstead thanks to strikes from Zoltan Balogh, Jake Nicolas, Suhaib Abeid and Dan Gardner as they consolidated a top half finish with their tenth win of the campaign while Renegades must now wait to see if they can avoid the drop.

Something From Nothing also sit in a top half position with a couple of games to go as they won a local derby fixture against Forest Green in a 5 – 3 scoreline. That confirmed SFN’s eighth league success of their maiden season in Saturday football and know that one more win will be enough to finish sixth. Forest Green’s season is now over as they also keep an eye on events below them. Third placed RC XI will go into their last two games knowing that promotion is still a possibility but lost the chance to take full advantage of slips around them as they were only able to take a point from their twentieth game of the season, held by seventh placed Newham Wanderers. The sides went into the game with an eleven point gap but that remained the same as the game finished 2 – 2. Stephen Duberry and Michael Temitayo both scored for RC in this one.

A much improved campaign for Kwanzas London Sport is reaching a conclusion and the seventh placed side were up against relegation threatened Barkingside A at the weekend. ‘Side goals from Ebenezer Gyamerah and Jeffrey Osei kept them in the game but Kwanzas edged it by full-time to take a 3 – 2 win meaning they can finish no lower than eighth now.

DIVISION TWO

The race to avoid the drop in Division Two is really hotting up after the weekend’s results as St Francis had a day to remember, taking maximum points from a double header against third placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves. They edged the first contest 4 – 3, overcoming a Tobi Onafeko hat-trick with two from Abdullah Azizi and one each for Martin Valkov and Soumen Nandi. Game two saw Saints record an emphatic 6 – 1 success with Theo Jacobs-Aaron netting a hat-trick, Skye Salmon scoring two and Soumen Nandi rounding off a great day. They now sit just two points from safety with five games to play.

Over in Loughton, second placed Unitey were another leading side to drop points against lower opposition as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw against Ryan Under 23s who continued their late season charge with a point in their final game of the campaign. Bubintende Masadi scored both of the Unitey goals to keep his side in with a chance of a top two finish with one game to go.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves are the first side to confirm promotion from Division Three this season as they collected the points they needed from their penultimate game, defeating Together United in a comprehensive 8 – 2 scoreline. Michael Ryder scored a hat-trick, Geovany Cruz and Jay Elliott both scored two with Mitchell Day finishing it off ahead of a possible title play-off game next weekend. The day’s other game was of equal entertainment as an in-form Buckhurst Way saw the visit of Terin to Bancrofts on Saturday. The hosts trailed 4-2 going into the latter stages of the game through Terin doubles from Alex Thomas and Jabir Malik, along with a Fahad Abdallah single. But they found a “Way” to take a point with the game finishing 5 – 5 incredibly.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four, the final game in the division this season saw Sporting Pillars go into their clash at Avondale Rangers knowing that a point or more would be enough to seal the title. Jake Clarke and Phillip Heinan netted for Rangers but those efforts were not enough to prevent Sporting winning the game 6 – 2, sealing the league title in the process. Congratulations to all involved with the team on their achievement!

End

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 31 – Sat 2 Apr) [EAL 21-22 4.4.22]

Chadwell Heath Spartans about to grab another goal this weekend [Image Credit: CH Spartans/ @ABridgeTooFar16]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 2 April. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading. Image used is thanks to CH Spartans / @ABridgeTooFar16, Used with thanks.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 2 April

COUNTY CUP FINAL

The Essex Saturday Junior Trophy reached its conclusion on Friday evening at Heybridge Swifts where Cowley Community represented the league against Mid Essex side, Haver Town Reserves. Cowley started strongly but failed to convert early chances, enabling Haver to get a foothold in the game and took a solid 3 – 0 lead into the break, thanks to goals from Harry Andreetti (2) and Luke Dallison’s opener. Cowley started strongly again in the second half and cut the deficit down to just one with efforts from Wright and Taylor, leaving around twenty minutes to go. But Haver responded well to those setbacks and comfortably held on to win the game 3 – 2, despite the valiant efforts of Cowley.

DIVISION TWO CUP

The line-up for the Division Two Cup semi-finals was completed on Saturday afternoon as Emerson & Upminster Reserves took their place in the last four after winning 4 – 1 at Old Esthameians. Billy Biggs was in great form, netting a hat-trick for his side, while Tobi Onafeko also struck to put the Upminster side just ninety minutes away from a possible final. They now face Unitey in the semi-final.

DIVISION THREE CUP

There were two ties in the Division Three Cup where a shock was seen in the first round game between hosts Melbourne Sports and Buckhurst Way in Hainault. Despite an eight point gap in between the sides in the table, it was Way who progressed on to the quarter-finals, winning 6 – 1 to book a trip to Old Barkabbeyans Reserves in the last eight. There was also a big shock in the quarter-final tie completed over the weekend as sixth placed Together United were eliminated from the competition on the back of a defeat to ninth placed ASA, despite the latter being fourteen points and three places behind their opponents. A 0 – 0 draw saw the sides finish level at ninety minutes before ASA held their nerve to win the shootout 7-6.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were big wins for all of the top ranked Senior clubs ahead of a crucial run of games for all sides, Chadwell Heath Spartans remaining top of the standings by two points as they put seven goals past FC Petrocub in Chigwell. Elie Fanga scored twice coupled with further strikes from Tom Callagher, Harry Payne, Samir Aboulainaf and manager Aaron Hunwicks to complete that 7 – 0 success. DT FC sit just behind Spartans with a game in hand as they completed a solid victory of their own with a 5 – 0 home win against Chigwell Town at the Harlow Arena. Billy Jones, Cory Ugbomah, Alex Paraskeva, Izaih Antoine and Jacob Melford all found the back of the net for the hosts to ensure they remain the side with everything in their hands.

Third placed Lymore Gardens also racked up another win, making it twelve for the season with a 3 – 0 home success at the County Ground against CSM London. Dylan Roberts, Andre Rashford and Gracia Muhemba were the men to notch for Garden to keep them well in the mix at the business end of the league table. Sitting just a point further back from Garden are Woodford East who can still make a major impact on the title race with a busy April ahead and they started their month with a 5 – 0 win against Rapid Chingford at Lakeside. Two Connor Brathwaite goals plus one each from Matthew Stacey, Adam Tabbani and Jack Smith helped East to a comfortable winning scoreline with seven league games still to go.

Jolof Sports still sit fifth and made it ten league wins for the season on Saturday as they ran out 3 – 1 home winners against bottom of the table Tower United at Flanders. A goal apiece from Joshua Kweifio-Okai, Khadim Mbacke and Papa Ndiaye were enough for the hosts to take the points home with them and keep Tower trailing safety by three points. A huge game in the context of the relegation fight took place at Fairlop Oak where eleventh placed Blue Marlin were in home action against eighth placed Kit Out London knowing how vital points are for both clubs. A five goal thriller saw Kit Out edge the game 3 – 2, Lewis Jacobs scoring twice and Yasin Zougui once to all but seal their place in the top flight one again while Marlin’s place remains in the balance.

PREMIER DIVISION

Top of the table Frenford A will be celebrating as they confirmed promotion to the Senior Division on Saturday with results going their way and their own success earning a 3 – 0 home win against local rivals London Park City. Isima Iguisi scored a brace and Joel Opara netted the other to confirm their ascent to the top flight while a win in their next game will ensure they go up as champions. Oakside are now the only side that can catch the leaders mathematically and they faced a tough London Cranes side at Fairlop Oak in the sunshine on Saturday knowing they had to win to keep up the pressure. And a win was what they walked away with, defeating Cranes 1 – 0 to make it nine victories for the season, with four games left to play in their chase for promotion.

An entertaining game at Peter May rounds off the Premier Division action where Athletic Newham Under 23s were the visitors to Walthamstow to take on a promotion chasing Crookz United side, the latter knowing that victory was vital if they were to challenge for top spot. But the sides had to settle for a point apiece as the game ended in a 3 – 3 draw.

DIVISION ONE

It was a glorious afternoon for Belfry who took the Division One title in dramatic fashion on Saturday coming from 3-1 down in their first game against Newham Wanderers to win it 4 – 3 late on, sealing the title. Solomon Ogunwomoju struck twice with Lewis Warren and Kieran James scoring the others to seal the points they needed. In game two, a rather more sedate affair saw a narrow win once again as Ryan O’Connell scored the only goal of the game for Belfry to win 1 – 0.

The focus now turns to the race for promotion where Ilford Reserves saw their quest put in doubt, going down to a 2 – 1 away defeat against Something From Nothing at the Flats. The Foxes remain second with two games to go but games in hand for others may well cost them while SFN were able to move into the top half on the back of that result and others around them.RC XI have thrown themselves back into the promotion mix, moving up to third at the weekend as they defeated eighth placed Kwanzas London Sport over at Belhus Park. Tobi Alabi, Michael Temitayo and Tosin Blacky goals were enough to seal the points in a 3 – 0 win, the hosts’ eleventh success of their maiden season.

Wanstead have all but assured themselves of a top half finish in their first season as a club after they recorded a solid 2 – 0 home win in their game against Forest Green at the Flats on Saturday. Their ninth of the season while taking their points tally to thirty-one for the season. Eleventh placed Barkingside A have given themselves the best chance of avoid the drop this season as they took a vital three points against fellow relegation threatened Renegades in Wanstead. Side were 3 – 1 winners at Nutter Lane, recording win number four and moving to within six points of their opponents with five games in hand.

DIVISION TWO

It’s Fairlop Rovers who remain top of the pile in Division Two entering the penultimate month of the season and they will have been pleased with their efforts on Saturday, defeating rivals Loughton Lions in a 5 – 1 scoreline in Hainault. Sam Beaman opened the scoring, setting the platform for Harry Oliver and Logan Simmonds to both score twice in a big victory. Second placed Unitey remain the closest to Rovers but with just two games to go, following a thumping 6 – 0 away win in Hainault on Saturday, defeating FHN Athletic. Unitey goals from Matthew Surry, Nathan Lupumba, Romario Christian, Matthew Pitchford, Mohammed Abaker and Ahmed Dousa were plenty enough to earn their side the points.

An incredible game at Wanstead Flats saw St Francis and Ryan Under 23s combined for an eleven-goal thriller with attacks certainly dominating an open game. It was the visitors who ultimately prevailed in this incredible game, Ryan winning it 6 – 5 to move into the top half of the table for the first time this season, in their penultimate game of the campaign. Michael Bryan and Kemar Bello both netted twice for Ryan here, with Mekhi Charles-Armstrong & Adam Sodimu also scoring. Skye Salmon got two goals for St Francis, with their other scorers being Omar Hafid, Peter Luvualu and Theo Jacobs-Aaron.

The goals were also flying in down at Roding Valley where hosts Royal Forest were in home action against Newbury East. While not yet mathematically certain of survival, Forest have all but done enough now you feel to stave off the drop as they won the game 4 – 0 to record win number eight for the season.

DIVISION FOUR

The penultimate game of the Division Four season took place over the weekend where Avondale Rangers were the hosts to a Dagenham United Reserves side in Loughton with Rangers holding a vital say in the title race. Chris Harper scored for Rangers with Josh Michaels netting for Dagenham in a 1 – 1 draw, with next week’s fixture between Rangers and Sporting Pillars deciding the destination of the league title.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 28 – Sat 12 Mar) [EAL 21-22 15.3.22]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the respective Divisional Cups on Saturday 12 March. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

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

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 12 March

FENTON CUP

The penultimate semi final place was up for grabs on Saturday as Division One’s RCXI made a tough looking trip to top flight Jolof Sports, the holders of the trophy. A seven-goal thriller was produced by the two sides with Jolof made to go all the way before coming out 4 – 3 victors as Abib Diop, Serigne Samb, Papa Ndiaye and Bogdan Ursica all netted to book a home semi final versus DTFC. Oluwaseun Koya scored all three RC XI goals in reply.

FENTON TROPHY

It was semi-finals day in the Fenton Trophy competition as the first ever finalists were confirmed following two tight games. Over in Hainault, Fairlop Rovers entertained Rainham Working Mens Club as the two sides battled to a 1 – 1 draw at full-time, Nick Tormey the Workies goalscorer. But it was Rovers who held their nerve in the shootout, winning 4 – 3 on spot-kicks to confirm their first final!

A couple of miles away in Newbury Park, there was another all-Division Two battle as Old Esthameians hosted Unitey in their own semi-final as both sides took their part in a five-goal thriller. Devontae Young and Ahmed Dousa scored for Unitey but two Neil Robinson strikes and a Nelson Goncalves goal were enough to secure a 3 – 2 win for Old E’s and through to their second cup final with the league.

DIVISION TWO CUP

In the Division Two Cup, it was quarter finals day for two clubs as an improving Loughton Lions side took to the field to face FHN Athletic. And despite Lions having an eleven league point deficit, they were comfortable winners in this tie, winning it 5 – 2 to book a home semi-final against either Redbridge Community or Rainham Working Mens Club.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

Another semi-final was completed in the Division Four Cup which saw Flyers Under 21s make the long trip to east London to take on title favourites Sporting Pillars at Ive Farm. An expectedly tight game was produced but it was fourth placed Flyers who took the accolades, with goals from Bradley Maycock and Alex Grant overcoming a goal from the experienced Chris Rowlatt to win 2 – 1.

SENIOR DIVISION

In the Senior Division, it remains tight at the top with just a three-point gap between the leaders as DT FC ensured they remained top with another high scoring victory on Saturday against Tower United. Alex Paraskeva bagged himself a hat-trick with Robbie Farrell and Harry Watkins goals giving the hosts a 5 – 1 win. Michael Brown was the Tower scorer for their consolation effort. Second placed Chadwell Heath Spartans maintained the pressure on the leaders with a victory of their own, taking home all three points from their trip to Chigwell Town in a 2-0 scoreline. Elie Fanga and Harry Payne both got on the scoresheet to keep Spartans within three points reach and with that all important battle between the top two to come.

Woodford East are still well within reach themselves but will need to convert games in hand to victories as they continue their quest on multiple fronts. They were able to pick up another three points with a tight 2 – 1 win against Blue Marlin as Frank Glock and Billy Barr both netted to secure a tenth league win of the season. Ronaldo Lleshi got the goal for Marlin. In the big Noak Hill derby, Kit Out London were in action as the hosts, taking on their co-tenants London Cup semi-finalists FC Petrocub. Ahead of that big match next weekend, it was FC Petrocub who walked away with the points on Saturday, winning the game 3 – 1 to earn an eighth league win and keeping them comfortably placed in sixth.

At the other end of the table, a crucial battle between two sides eager to stay in the division saw Rapid Chingford in town to take on CSM London, both needing the points. An entertaining game finished 3 – 2 to Rapid as Andrei Boga’s brace and a Vlad Bucur goal were enough to overcome CSM goals from Plamedi Kinkela and Abdi Karim.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A have moved a step closer to confirming their place in the Senior Division following a solid 3 – 0 win at the weekend against fellow promotion contenders Crookz United at The Drive. Daniel Francis, Damilola Olaiya and Joel Opara all netted in a win means they are now one victory away from completing at least a top three finish and three further victories will be enough for the title outright. The closer contenders for the title appear to be Oakside presently who are catching up on games and moved to within twelve points of the top of the table with three games in hand after they picked up a terrific home win, beating Dagenham United 5 – 1 in Hainault. Charlie Fiander got on the Dagenham scoresheet but his efforts proved in vain.

Wapping remain just two points off the lead but from two games more than their rivals, having picked up their tenth league win of the season on Saturday, beating London Cranes 3 – 1 in East Ham. Muhammad Mikaeel, Jordon Mills-Smith and Shamsun Noor were the Wapping scorers as they kept their hopes alive. In the bottom half, London Park City kept their slim hopes alive of remaining in the second tier as they picked up a valuable point against North East Lions in a 1 – 1 draw. Nester Boansi struck the Lions goal but City also struck to ensure they shared the points. City will know that other results will have to go their way to avoid the drop this season.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Belfry are now just a couple of wins away from confirming at least promotion after they racked up win number fourteen with a big 7 – 1 home victory against Something From Nothing at May & Bakers. Kieran James’ fine form continued with a hat-trick for his side with Ryan O’Connell netting two, the scoresheet completed by goals from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne. Khai Bailey struck the SFN consolation goal in reply.

The two are set to meet next weekend with Cowley Community warming up for that clash with a strong performance of their own on Saturday, defeating Renegade 3 – 0 at Hackney Marshes. Elias Tackie, Michael Taylor and Chris Wright all found the back of the net for the county cup finalists to ensure they remain in touch with their rivals at the top. Ilford Reserves have been in a good vain of form in recent weeks and are now up to third in the standings after they defeated Forest Green 4 – 0 in their home clash on Saturday. A pair of braces from Rhys Clements and Serghei Scupoi were the difference between the sides as the Foxes maintained their outside hopes of promotion with five games to go.

Fifth placed Wanstead will still have a say in that battle after they returned to winning ways over the weekend with a 5 – 3 home win against Francis Luke at the Flats. Jahvarn Steward scored twice and Kennerly Cassius once for Luke but two Edson Lami goals and efforts from Jake Nicolas, Mohamed Solaimani and Zoltan Balogh proved enough to earn their team some valuable points.

Also at the Flats, a local derby game saw Barkingside A making the short trip to face Newham Wanderers with the teams starting the game ten points apart. That was extended to thirteen as Wanderers won 4 – 0 though two goals from Mahein Zaman and singles from Robertson Morais and Michael Sarpong, leaving ‘Side still in danger of relegation.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Redbridge Community put a serious dent in Emerson & Upminster Reserves’ promotion push as the eighth placed side defeated their visitors in a 2 – 1 scoreline. Reece Stringer got himself on the Emerson scoresheet but his effort wasn’t enough as the hosts completed their sixth league win of the season.

It was the battle of the bottom two in the division’s other contest and what a game it was as St Francis and Newbury East both led at various stages of their game at the Flats. Eventually, the two had to settle on a point apiece in a 4 – 4 draw. Francesco Di Giovanni scored twice while Aenayat Nesari and Lewis Goulbourne scored the others to give Saints a point.

DIVISION THREE

The big game of the day in Division Three came from Hainault where it was first versus second as Old Barkabbeyans Reserves strived to hold onto top spot in their game against Royal Forest Reserves. And it was the league leaders who walked away the happier of the sides as goals from Daniel Margiotta, Mitchell Day and Mehdi Ahorbi were enough to take a 3 – 0 win home with them. That result enabled FC Baresi Under 23s to move into second spot as they made the trip to Hackney to face ASA at the Marshes. A close game saw the promotion favourites secure a 2 – 1 victory, a goal apiece from Daniel Adutwum and Harrez Aliane the difference between the sides to confirm a vital three points in their quest for the title. Atif Haider got the solitary reply for ASA.

Two of the sides in mid-table, Together United and Lymore Gardens Reserves, met in Leyton with the sides starting the game level on points. And that was exactly the way it ended with the sides finishing level at 2 – 2 to share the spoils. Richie Dorcas and Warren Isoka were the scorers for the hosts while Together remain one position higher on goal difference. Buckhurst Way have moved to within four points of that mid-table cluster of clubs, albeit from two games more, after they earned win number seven on Saturday with a 3 – 1 away victory at Glendale over in Hainault. They led 1-0 at the break and extended that to three early in the second half before Matt King’s first goal for Glendale made it interesting but Way held firm to take home the points.

The game between bottom of the table Terin and Flyers Under 23s saw the latter go into the game knowing they had to secure at least a point to remain, mathematically, in the race to avoid the drop. Neither side were able to make a breakthrough in ninety minutes as the game ended in a goalless draw. Flyers must now win all of their remaining games and hope for a sizeable goal difference swing.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four came from Rainham where Newham & Havering Borough were in action with a home game against West Essex Under 23s, the latter’s final game of their debut campaign. West ended the season in fine style, winning the game 5 – 1 to record a fifth league win. George Sadler-Stephens scored twice while Aytan Cohen, Javen Cole and Joel Hart all netted too.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 8- Sat 9 Oct) [EAL 21-22 11.10.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and some Cup competitions as well from Saturday 9 October. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Thanks for reading.

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

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 9 October

SENIOR DIVISION

Just five points separate the top five sides in the Senior Division as the chasing pack took advantage of the leaders being out of action. Woodford East moved to within two points of Chadwell Heath Spartans after they returned to winning ways on the back of a terrific 7 – 0 home win against Leyton Royal in Hackney. Frank Glock and Lucio Uare both scored twice here with Will Letchford , Ben Smith and Adam Tabbani goals rounding off a win.

Jolof Sports remain the only side with a perfect record in the division as they extended their perfect start to four games, still being yet to concede a goal also. They were 4 – 0 victors on Saturday with a home victory against Blue Marlin in East Ham. Mody Gaye, Papa Ndiaye, Bogdan Ursica and Jeremias Visi all netted to move within four points of the leaders.

The other side in the top flight yet to experience defeat are DT FC and the Harlow-based side romped into a 4 – 1 half time lead away to Chigwell Town through goals from Jake Kissiedu, Stanley Green and Billy Golledge & an OG. But Town fought back hard through Ellis Morgan, Harry Tew-Robinson and Wesley Adeyemi goals though their efforts were not quite enough, going down 4 – 3.

It was a big afternoon for Tower United who moved themselves away from relegation worries following a shock away win as they returned home with three points from their trip to the County Ground against Lymore Gardens. Abdi Jama, Kayis Mohamed and Yaqub Haji were the goal scorers to edge the contest 3 – 2, a crucial result affecting both ends of the table.

Another five goal thriller was witnessed down at the Lakeside Sports Ground where Rapid Chingford were the hosts, taking on FC Petrocub, the sides both occupying places in the bottom half. An in-form FC Petrocub side though were the winners on the day, earning a 3 – 2 win to leap above their opponents and up to ninth.

In the final game in the Senior Division, there was a crucial point earned by CSM London who took their tally to four for the season thus far as they held sixth-placed Kit Out London to a 1 – 1 draw in Beckton. Daniel Muamba came off the bench to score an equaliser for Kit Out after CSM thought they had won the game late on via Ramone Senior’s goal, the sides eventually settling for a share of the spoils.

PREMIER DIVISION

North East Lions have closed the gap on the leaders to just three points in the Premier Division after the Walthamstow based side returned home with all three points from their trip to All Prospects in Hainault. Lions were 5 – 1 winners as Mikael Martin netted two with one apiece from Lorenc Hoxha, Adnan Miah and Louis Blake.

Wapping remain in the hunt for promotion as they picked up an important third win of the campaign so far, coming away with all three points with victory in Seven Kings against London Park City. Wapping goals from Sabiq Khan, Mohammed Asrar, Joel Brown and Shamsun Noor were the difference between the sides, helping their team win it 4 – 2.

There was another big win for undefeated Dagenham United who moved up to fourth in the table following a 6 – 1 home win on Saturday against Eastside at Castle Green. Charlie Fiander came off the bench to score twice for Chris Mascall’s side with Jay Fenton, Shaquille Mathurin, Iaia Jau and Victor Mendes efforts also on the scoresheet to give United their second win in three.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Wanstead have found some form in recent weeks and have moved into the top half of the table on the back of a terrific 8 – 3 win on Saturday as they travelled to Leyton to take on Forest Green. Zoltan Balogh and Edson Lami were on fire with four and three goals respectively, Robert Clarke netting the other secure a first league win of the campaign.

The day’s other action in the third tier came from Beckton where Kwanzas London Sport were in action for the second time this season with Renegade their visitors on the day. Renegade have made an indifferent start in the league but were able to secure all three points on Saturday, winning 3 – 1 as goals from Fernandez Kogneman, Praise The Lord Masasu and Vincent Follea confirmed the points.

DIVISION TWO

There were two goal filled contests in Division Two where Unitey moved up to fourth place in the standings, coming through a ten goal thriller in a 6 – 4 scoreline at home to Royal Forest. Mohammed Abaker scored a hat-trick and Gaeton Mukoko also netted to give the hosts a crucial victory, their third of the season. Forest goals came courtesy of Thomas Osmond, Joe Owers, Charlie Palline and Joe Meader.

The other game of the day saw Redbridge Community pick up a big win, their second of the season. Redbridge were 7 – 2 victors at home to bottom of the table Newbury East as Jayke Welch and Tevini French both scored twice, adding to further goals from Dean Cole, Dylan Broadley and debutant Akilijo Bullio.

DIVISION THREE

There is a change at the top in Division Three where Royal Forest Reserves have become the new leaders on goal difference as they recorded a third league win of the season with a 4 – 1 victory at home against Terin. Tom Alexander scored twice with Sereign Lette-Jallow and Josh Trainor goals, cancelling out a Fahad Abdallah effort from the visitors.

Lymore Gardens Reserves join Forest at the top on nine points, though from a game more, after they saw off the efforts of Melbourne Sports on the very next pitch. Garden, who have made a terrific start to the new season, will be more than pleased with their efforts thus far, recording a 6 – 2 win on Saturday to trail at the top by just goal difference.

The movement at the top was made possible after previous leaders, FC Baresi Under 23s, saw their perfect start to the season reach a conclusion as they were held to a 1 – 1 draw against ASA in Walthamstow. Harrez Aliane struck for the hosts but an ASA leveller from Ramanan Selvarasa off the bench levelled up the game.

Together United bounced back well from defeat in their opening game of the season last time out as they defeated a high flying Buckhurst Way side in Walthamstow, coming out on the right side of a 6 – 3 win. Andrei Rizea netted twice and Myles Croxford once for Way but a four goal Stanley Kweya performance plus two from Remel Green proved enough in the end.

It was also an important afternoon’s work from Romford based Flyers Under 23s as were up against visitors Harlow Inter on Saturday seeking to open their points account for the new season. And that was exactly what they did, completing a 2 – 1 win at King George’s thanks to goals from Kai Eaton and Muhammed Waqas to move them up to eleventh in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

Things remain tight at the top in Division Four with Chingford Harriers ahead of their closest rivals on goal difference, aided by their win over the weekend at home against Flyers Under 21s. Harrier goals from Alex Diner, Jake Kemp, Edwin Jabbari and Jemel Richards were the difference with their side cruising to a 4 – 1 win.

The other side sitting well placed for a promotion push are Fairlop Rovers Reserves as their good start to the season continued on Saturday with a home victory against Newham & Havering Borough at Redbridge Sports Centre. Rovers edged a close game by the odd goal, 3 – 2 victors to make it four wins from five this season.

West Essex Under 23s will also be pleased with the start to their season and moved third over the weekend with a narrow win on the road, taking maximum points from their trip to Emerson & Upminster A. Tyler Huggett and Tashan Diamond struck for the hosts but West goals from Charles Jeans, Javen Cole and Ciaran Farrell-Christian were sufficient to earn their side a 3 – 2 win.

The biggest win of the day came from Forest Row where hosts, Collier Row A, made it two wins from three this season with a 9 – 3 home victory against Avondale Rangers. That saw Row move their points tally to nine for the season and shifting up to fourth in the standings in the process.

COUNTY CUP

It was a busy county cup weekend with action across three competitions. In the Essex Junior Cup, there were progressions for our clubs in both ties with Crookz United earning a terrific 6 – 0 home win against Harold Wood Athletic A. Crookz will now travel to Barleylands in Billericay in the next round to take on Hashtag United Development, from the Essex Olympian League’s Division Three.

In the other tie played, it was an all EAL affair in Hainault where Oakside played host to fellow Premier Division side Frenford A. The visitors continued their league form into this competition, completing a 5 – 2 win to confirm a trip to Ramsey & Mistley Reserves in the next round of the competition.

In the Essex Junior Trophy, seven of the eight ties saw our sides progress on with Something From Nothing the biggest winners of the day, the Division One side putting in a solid performance to defeat Dagenham United Reserves 7 – 0 and set up a home tie against Chingford Athletic A in November.

The biggest shock of the day came from Hainault where Division Two leaders, Fairlop Rovers, put an end to Ilford Reserves’ run in the competition, defeating the Division One high-flyers in a 4 – 2 scoreline. They will now travel to an as yet unidentified Mid Essex League side in the third round.

There were three 5 – 2 scorelines in the round and Francis Luke produced what might be construed as a shock as the winless side ended Barkingside A’s perfect start to the season at the Marshes to set up a home game against Brentwood Athletic Reserves in round three.

There was a near miss for Rainham Working Mens Club in Hainault as the Division Two high-flyers were held to a 1 – 1 draw by Division Three Glendale at ninety minutes and it needed the extra time period to eventually separate the teams with the Workies running out 5 – 2 in the end.

The third 5 – 2 result came from Barking Abbey School where Old Barkabbeyans Reserves hosted Ryan Under 23s and it was Division Two side Ryan who made the move into the next round, avoiding any kind of slip up to book a trip to Benfleet Reserves next month.

Belfry are also into the hat for round for the third round as they came through an all-EAL tie at home to RCXI, winning the tie 3 – 1 on the day. They now head up the A12 next month to face Great Baddow in the next round of the competition.

The finalists in this competition from the 2019/20 campaign, Cowley Community extended their form in this competition to another round after defeating FHN Athletic 2 – 0 in Newbury Park on Saturday. They will now take on Rainham Working Mens Club in the third round.

The day’s only reverse against an outside club came at Hendersons’ where Emerson & Upminster Reserves saw their run in the competition come to an end with a narrow 3-2 defeat, going down 3 – 2 against Harold Hill Reserves.

Two of our clubs made their inaugural appearances in the London Senior Trophy over the weekend with FC Baresi renewing old acquaintances with a trip to Middlesex League side, Indian Gymkhana. After the sides battled to a 2 – 2 draw at full-time, Baresi were eventually knocked out on spot-kicks, losing 4 – 3 in the shootout.

In the other Trophy tie played involving our clubs, Athletic Newham Under 23s came up against a side expected to go far in this competition, going down 6 – 3 to Barking Under 23s at Mayesbrook Park to end EAL involvement in the competition.