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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 27 – Sat 5 Mar) [EAL 21-22 7.3.22]

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 5 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 5 March

COUNTY CUP

Despite the inclement weather, it was a glorious afternoon for Woodford East on Saturday as the league’s remaining representatives in the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup took their place in the final with a terrific display against Clapton Community at Wadham Lodge. All the goals were scored in the first half as Halil Hassan’s side won 3 – 1, setting up a mouthwatering final against Essex Olympian League Premier Division side Catholic United on 13^th April at Billericay Town.

DIVISION THREE CUP

The only other surviving cup tie at the weekend saw Glendale make the trip to Romford to face Flyers Under 23s in quarter final action, the winners confirming their place in the last four. Two first half Dales goals from Zack Clark and Mo Mboupe put them ahead with a Flyers goal early in the second half pulling one back but the Dales held on to win 2 – 1 and go through to the last four.

SENIOR DIVISION

Another weather impacted weekend meant that only one Senior Division game could proceed which saw a goal-filled encounter at Lakeside as FC Baresi hosted DT FC. The visitors were in sparkling form in front of goal, winning 11 – 0 to restore their lead at the top of the division going into the final eight games of the campaign. Kazim Bishop netted six goals on his own here, with Alex Paraskeva scoring a treble and Robbie Farrell got two goals to round off DT’s joint-highest ever win.

PREMIER DIVISION

In the Premier Division, Dagenham United moved level on points at the top of the table with a solid 6 – 1 win at home against Athletic Newham Under 23s at Castle Green. Shaquille Martin was the main man with a hat-trick for this side with Ancuba Cassama, Chris Mascall and Charlie Fiander also finding the net. Chris Barbosa got the solitary reply for the Newham development side.

Also at the top end of the table Crookz United secured another three point haul but had to do things the hard way, coming from 2 – 0 down against North East Lions to win 3 – 2 and enhance their promotion credentials. Shane Thomas and Tashan Benjamin both struck for Lions but their efforts proved in vain as Luke Stewart, Stephane Trah and Abdouaziz Jeng netted in reply for United. It was three wins from three for the promotion chasing sides as Wapping also secured victory with a 2 – 0 home win against London Park City in Hackney. That result enabled the hosts to stay third in the table, picking up a ninth league win of the season in the process and will games in hand still on the side immediately above.

DIVISION ONE

The goals were once again flying in down in Division One where Belfry put continued their excellent league form this season with a hard fought 4 – 2 win against Renegade at Hainault Rec.  The James’, Kieran and Warren, were both on target, adding to efforts from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne. The theme of four was also witnessed at London Playing Fields where Ilford Reserves put in a top performance to defeat Wanstead in a 4 – 0 scoreline, bouncing back to winning ways. Ollie Miracco scored twice with Rio Clements and Mario-Angelino Lipetz one apiece to help their side move three points clear of their opponents in fourth.

Completing the division’s action, another game of fours as Kwanzas London Sport and Newham Wanderers scored four apiece in a 4 – 4 draw in Beckton. Nuno Dentampol scored a brace, adding to efforts for Wahid Hussain and Robertson Morais for Wanderers as the sides shared the spoils, the teams staying a couple of points apart in the league.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, the leaders, Unitey, lost the opportunity to extend their lead at the top as they slipped to a narrow 3 – 2 defeat against Rainham Working Mens Club in a five goal thriller. Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa got on the Unitey scoresheet but Rainham efforts from Nick Tormey, Connor Kain and Sean Tormey sent the points home with the visitors. Another side who were involved in a surprise result were fourth placed Fairlop Rovers who fell to an away defeat against Redbridge Community who made it three games undefeated with a 5 – 3 win. That result took the team to eighteen points, giving them plenty of hope to avoid the drop this season in the process.

There were two big results affecting things towards the bottom as Ryan Under 23s all but assured themselves of safety in the division with a 3 – 0 home win against St Francis at Wadham Lodge 3G. That kept the Chingford-based side on a good run of form, their seventh win of the season, taking them to twenty-three points while Saints continue their search for crucial league points.

DIVISION THREE

Just one game survived the deluge in Division Three which saw a tight game take place between bottom of the table Terin and a promotion chasing Royal Forest Reserves at Oaks Park High School. Alex Thomas and Suheil Shekh found the net for Terin but those goals proved insufficient as Robert Evans scored twice and Jack Warren once to take the Trees to a 3 – 2 win, moving them second in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four was a big one affecting the top of the table as Chingford Harriers ensured they stay top of the pile with a 4 – 1 home win against Avondale Rangers in the early game at Peter May. Jake Clarke scored for Rangers but two Harriers goals in reply for Darnell Lamothe plus strikes from Alex Diner and Suleman Yusuf were enough to take their side to an important win.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 22 – Sat 29 Jan) [EAL 21-22 1.2.22]

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 29 January. 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

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Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 29 January

FENTON CUP

The penultimate name was placed in the hat for the quarter finals of the Fenton Cup and it saw a big derby match between two rivals as Rapid Chingford were the visitors to Hainault to take on Leyton Royal. Despite Royal holding a small advantage in the league, it was Rapid who put themselves into the last eight, winning 2 – 0 courtesy of goals from Darwin Romero and Andrei Boga. They will face Barkingside A in the next round in February.

FENTON TROPHY

The Fenton Trophy quarter finals also saw a game between two big rivals, just a few pitches away, as Division Two’s Fairlop Rovers and Loughton Lions both produced enigmatic performances in front of a sizeable crowd. The two sides couldn’t be separated in ninety minutes with the game ending 2 – 2, with Jake Roberts & Tom Ratican netting for Lions. And it was Lions who pulled off a big of a shock win in the shootout, overcoming a fifteen point deficit to win it 3-2 from the spot. They head on into the semi finals of the competition.

SENIOR DIVISION CUP

In the first round of the Senior Division Cup, there was a five goal thriller in the game over at the County Ground where Lymore Gardens were hosts to a Blue Marlin side looking for improved cup form. A close game was edged by the hosts with Ryo Brown, Gracia Muhemba and Andre Rashford goals seeing their side win 3 – 2 to make the quarter finals. Ni Acquaye’s brace was not enough prevent the visitors exiting here.

DIVISION THREE CUP

The cup excitement extended to the day’s Division Three Cup tie too as Glendale played host to Lymore Gardens Reserves at Fairlop Oak. An entertaining game saw Lymore lead three times through goals from Eugene Goumou (2), Daniel Crowie and Omani Green. But the Dales fought back on each occasion to force spotkick as Attila Szabo (2), Valter Correia and Mohammed Gueye efforts made it 4 – 4. Glendale prevailed 5 – 4 in the shootout to book their place in the quarters.

SENIOR DIVISION

There were some big results at the summit of the Senior Division as Woodford East kept their hat in the ring for the league title with a key victory against DTFC at the Marshes. A goal apiece from Frank Glock and William Letchford for East ended DT’s long unbeaten record with Mickey Mesmin’s effort proving just consolation in a 2 – 1 scoreline, though they do remain top. Jolof Sports also had an afternoon to remember with a crucial win of their own over a title rival as they defeated Chadwell Heath Spartans in a 5 – 1 scoreline at Flanders. Meer Ishanzadeh netted his first Spartans goal but Papa Ndiaye was in fine form for the hosts, scoring a hat-trick, to go with goals from Fode Diakhite and Yan Manzan.

There were some fine victories for the division’s two bottom sides as they continued their quest to avoid the drop with Chigwell Town taking home the points against CSM London in a 4 – 1 win, dragging their opponents back into the dogfight. Ross Chimes scored twice with further efforts from Mark Howe and Lewis McGillicuddy taking them home. Jayden Mitchell-Brown grabbed the CSM goal in reply but his efforts proved in vain. It was victory also for second bottom Tower United who picked up a critical third league win of the season with victory at home against mid-table Kit Out London in a 3 – 0 scoreline. Abdi Mohamed netted twice and Abubakar Maxamed scored the other for the Mabley Green based side as they put themselves to within four points of safety.

PREMIER DIVISION

It was the battle of the top two in the Premier Division on Saturday with Dagenham United making the trip to Ilford to take on leaders, Frenford A, in a huge game for those title chasing sides. And it will be the leaders who walked away the happier of the teams as they earned themselves a 3 – 0 win  through goals from Joel Opara (2) and Carlos Barahona to open up a three point gap at the top. Third placed Wapping ensured they moved to within a point of the second place after they came through a potentially tricky game against an in-form North East Lions side who sit just a couple of places below. A close game was settled by the odd goal with Wapping goals from Kamrul Ahmed and Muhammad Mikaeel overcoming Shane Thomas’ goal for Lions in a 2 – 1 scoreline.

With games in hand over the top three, Crookz United sit just outside the promotion places presently but kept their excellent run going with a thumping 6 – 1 away win against London Park City at Seven Kings High School. A terrific five goal performance from Abdouaziz Jeng was the difference, Stephane Trah scoring the other to make it eight league wins for United. Sixth placed Oakside were also in scintillating form on Saturday with a big away victory in their local derby game against co-tenants All Prospects at Fairlop Oak, putting them to the sword in a 10 – 0 scoreline. Luke Caston scored four for ‘Side, Mohammed Hassan added two with Freddie Anderson, Jed Ofori, Andy Adomakoh and Kieren Huddart goals completing a comfortable win.

London Cranes have moved themselves into mid-table after picking up a home win on Saturday against ground neighbours, Athletic Newham Under 23s. They were 2 – 0 victors to make it five wins for the season with Arafat Lubega the man on target for both goals to move his side up two places in the standings to seventh.

DIVISION ONE

Belfry have returned to the top of Division One on the back of the weekend’s results, scooping a big 11 – 2 home win against Forest Green to top the table on goal difference. Kieran James was in super form, scoring four for the hosts, Ryan O’Connell and Gabriel Ogunwomoju bagging twice each, with Lewis Prainer, Luke MacDonald and Daniel Osborne finishing things off. That change at the top also came about after second and third met in another big game at Fords where Cowley Community were looking to make up ground against RCXI who themselves have been in good form. And it was county cup semi-finalists, Cowley, who assured themselves of another crucial victory with Michael Taylor and Chris Wright scoring for them in a 2 – 0 win.

There were some important wins for the mid-table sides as Newham Wanderers pushed themselves up into sixth place in the standings after edging a close game away at Barkingside A. Goals from Amir Gurji, Malam Injai and Robertson Morais were the difference for Wanderers as they won the game 3-2, ‘Side remaining in the bottom two as a result. Just a point behind Newham, Ilford Reserves put a fifth win of the season on the board at the weekend with a solid 2 – 0 home win against Renegade over at London Marathon. Goals by Joseph Sulola and Mario Lipetz forThe Foxes kept them in the mid-table mix, taking their points tally to fifteen while Renegade stay tenth with eleven points from their fourteen games so far.

Just a couple of points further back sits Kwanzas London Sport who started the day six points behind their opponents, Something From Nothing, as those teams met at the Flats. But by full-time, Kwanzas had reduced that deficit to just three points as they beat their top-half opponents by the odd goal in a 2 – 1 victory, Antonio Semedo coming off the bench to score twice. A dramatic high-scoring draw rounds off the division’s action which saw Francis Luke take on high-flying Wanstead at the Marshes on Saturday. The sides combined to produce six goals as Luke took home a crucial point against their lofty opposition with Louison Kamba, Ramar Roberts and Adam Rowe all netting for them in a 3 – 3 scoreline.

DIVISION TWO

Old Esthameians are the new leaders on Division Two following the weekend’s results as they took advantage of the situation to record a big 5 – 1 home win against one of the other promotion contenders, FHN Athletic. That was E’s tenth league win of the campaign and puts them top on goal difference with games in hand too.

The division’s only other win on the day was earned by Royal Forest who continued their journey away from relegation difficulties with an away victory against St Francis at Wanstead Flats. Forest were 5 – 2 winners on the day to take their wins tally to five with still nine games for them to play this term. Forest’s goals came from Joe Meader (2), Joe Owers, Charlie Palline and Joshua Kane.  The other three games all ended in draws with previously top of the table Unitey being held to what looked to be an entertaining 4 – 4 draw against tenth placed Redbridge Community, that being a vitally important point for the relegation threatened side. Bubintende Masadi was once again in fine form, scoring a hat-trick for Unitey, though it proved not quite enough to force victory.

Two more of the top half sides were up against each other over in Upminster where Emerson & Upminster Reserves saw the visit of Rainham Working Mens Club, the sides proving well matched in the game. A Tobi Onafeko effort for Emerson was equalled by Joshua Iyen’s strike for Rainham to ensure both teams walked away with a point in a 1 – 1 draw. Over at Hainault Rec, there was a crucial game for hosts Newbury East who were searching for some improved league form against eighth placed Ryan Under 23s. The sides started the day twelve points apart and that was how it remained by full-time with the game ending 2 – 2, Abdurahman Hassan and George Montgomery both netting for East.

DIVISION THREE

Royal Forest Reserves have hit the top in Division Three as they took advantage of results around them to move clear on just goal difference, beating Melbourne Sports at Fairlop in a big game for both clubs. Luc Harpon struck for the Mels but Trees responded with efforts from Dodou Lette, Tom Alexander and Will Asenso to win the game 3 – 1. Just a point behind the leaders, FC Baresi Under 23s had a battle on their hands on Saturday as they came from behind to earn a crucial win with a 4 – 2 victory against Together United in a local derby match. Baresi goals from Zach Aliane, Daniel Adutwum, Marco Perkola and Leo Siki eventually enabled their side to win the game and remain unbeaten as a result.

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves missed the chance to stay top of the table after they dropped points from their trip to seventh placed Buckhurst Way at Bancroft Rugby Club. Kacper Kasprzycki and Robbie Osborne both got on the Old Barks scoresheet but Liam Wallis and Tom Richardson notched for the hosts to ensure they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Over at Oaks Park High School, hosts Terin were looking to recreate their performance from their first win last week but faced the challenge of mid-table ASA. And it was the visitors who came through the game in relative comfort, winning 5 – 2 with Jubayed Miah scoring twice, Ramanan Selvarasa, David Rigby and Irfan Bahadur also netting. Edmund Adade and Ali Mohammed were the Terin scorers in reply.

DIVISION FOUR

There were some huge results at the top of Division Four on Saturday with Flyers Under 21s moving to within two points of the leaders as they defeated top of the table Chingford Harriers in a big 4 – 1 scoreline. Dave Birchnall struck for Harriers but Flyers goals for Bradley McPharlane, Sam Maydell, Jamie Randall and Paul Garrett-Hammond mean this race goes on. Sporting Pillars were the other side to benefit from that first result as they closed the gap on the top two to just two points, with games in hand, to ensure they remain firmly in control of their destiny. They were comprehensive 8 – 2 winners against Dagenham United Reserves, Rayan Allam scoring four for this side along with braces from Emanuel Jacob and Daniel Gutierrez. Cain Dash scored twice in reply for the visitors.

Third placed Fairlop Rovers Reserves missed the chance to cut the gap on the promotion places themselves as they slipped to defeat against an in-form Emerson & Upminster A who built upon their recent cup success by adding a 4 -3  league victory here. Tyler Huggett scored twice and Martin Gray put the gloss on the result to move their side seventh. In the battle of the two sides at the wrong end of the table, there was a rare but important success for Newham Royals who made up one of their games in hand with victory at home against West Essex Under 23s. Matthew Horan scored for West but his goal was just consolation in the end as Royals won 2 – 1 to make it three wins for the season.

COUNTY CUP

Last year’s London Junior Cup finalists, FC Petrocub, are just two performances away from recreating that feat as they came through a tough away day trip to south London to take on Chelsea Rovers on Saturday. But they returned home buoyed by a 3 – 0 winning performance to set up a last eight tie away once again versus Old Plymouthians.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 20 – Sat 15 Jan) [EAL 21-22 17.1.22]

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 and Cup competitions as well from the first matchday of the New Year on Saturday 15 January 2022. 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 15 January 2022

DIVISION ONE CUP

The weekend saw a continuation of the Division One Cup action with the line-up for the quarter finals now complete.  Tenth placed Barkingside A are into the hat for the last eight, coming away 3 – 1 winners from their trip to Hackney where they faced Francis Luke. Josh Rowe scored twice and Mohamed Sheikhnor once for ‘Side, Kennerly Cassius netting the Luke goal in reply.

Title favourites, Belfry are also safely through to the quarter finals as they beat the traffic and their opponents to run out 5 – 1 winners away at Kwanzas London Sport over in Beckton. Kieran James has been in good form this season and he scored twice, adding to goals from Luke Macdonald, Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Ryan O’Connell.

The third of the cup ties came from Hainault where Ilford Reserves were in action at London Marathon, facing up to an eleventh placed Forest Green side, those two sides separated by three points going into the game. It proved a tight game with just one goal, scored by the Foxes’ Mario-Angelino Lipetz, accounting for a 1 – 0 Ilford victory.

DIVISION FOUR CUP

There was just one tie completed in the Division Four Cup competition as a local derby saw Chingford Harriers make the short trip to face West Essex Under 23s. And the unbeaten league leaders were the happier side, earning a 4 – 2 win through goals from Gerard O’Hara, William Akins, Darlington Ojo and Edwin Jabbari. Deshaun Johnson and Javen Cole both struck for West in consolation.

League Action – SENIOR DIVISION

DT FC remain top of the Senior Division following the weekend’s results, coming through a well contested game away at Leyton Royal with maximum points to secure themselves a 4 – 2 win. Alex Paraskeva scored twice here for Billy Cove’s new side, with Billy Golledge and Kevin Bondjanga also on target for the Harlow based side. They remain unbeaten and take their points tally to thirty-five, four clear of the chasing pack. Moving up to second in the table, Chadwell Heath Spartans kept their hat in the mix for a title tilt, moving four points behind the leaders with a narrow 3 – 2 win away at CSM London. Meer Ishanzadeh and Spencer Forte both got on the CSM scoresheet but their efforts proved ultimately in vain as Harry Payne struck twice in reply and Bradley Downes also netted to take the win for their side.

FC Petroclub have moved level with fourth placed Woodford East following their seventh league success of the season on Saturday as they took their points tally to twenty five for the season with a 3 – 1 win at home against Tower United. Hamsa Hassan struck for Tower but his goal wasn’t enough as they remain in difficulty, eight points adrift of safety. Sixth placed Jolof Sports had a tough fixture ahead of them on Saturday with the visit of FC Baresi to East Ham in their quest for the title. They followed up their defeat last weekend with just a draw this time around as Paul Benfield netted for the visitors on an eventual 1 – 1 draw. Jolof now sit six points behind the sides around them with five games in hand.

Kit Out London closed the gap in the middle of the table to just a point as they saw off the threat of bottom of the table Chigwell Town at London Marathon. Amalraj Kakumanu, Marioz Lazaris, Ayoub Billouche and Keyshawn Greenaway  all found the back of the net as Kit Out won the game 4 – 0 to move away from the relegation places. Over at Lakeside, hosts Rapid Chingford were in action, hosting Blue Marlin with both sides still in a dangerous position near the bottom end of the table. A close game saw the points shared with the match finishing level at 1 – 1. Darwin Romero continued his Rapid scoring streak and Ni Acquaye grabbed the Marlin goal in reply to take something from the game.

PREMIER DIVISION

Frenford A returned to the top of the table over the weekend as they edged a close game away at bottom side London Park City, winning 1 – 0 in Seven Kings. Nesar Torkamani scored the only goal of a tight game to move them back to the top on goal difference, earning a ninth league win of the season in the process. There was a shock result involving second placed Dagenham United who slipped to a 2 – 1 defeat in their away visit to ninth placed London Cranes, putting a dent in their title challenge. Moses Kazibwe scored twice for Cranes with Dante Vincent responding for United, giving Cranes a vital three points in their quest to avoid the drop.

Third placed Crookz United have positioned themselves ready to pounce and put in a spirited performance in defeating All Prospects 11 – 0 at Fairlop Oak. Abdouaziz Jeng scored four goals himself here, Anselmo Gomes bagged a hat-trick, Daniel Gbadeyan a brace, with Kevin Osei and Ousama Bousba goals finishing it off convincingly. Wapping sit just a couple of points further back in the table after the weekend’s round of results as they picked up an impressive 3 – 0 home win against Athletic Newham Under 23s to scoop a sixth win of the season. Jordon Mills-Smith was in fine form yet again, scoring twice, with Muhammad Mikaeel striking the other goal. North East Lions inflicted a first league defeat of the season on visitors Oakside, the Walthamstow based side finding a bit of good form in early 2022 to stay in the top half. Lorenc Hoxha and Joseph Goodall both found the back of the net in a solid 2 – 0 win, giving them a sixth league win of the campaign.

DIVISION ONE

There was plenty of drama in Division One where two games ended in exciting 3 – 3 draws involving sides at the top. Top of the table RCXI were held to such a scoreline in their home game against fourth placed Wanstead as Oluwaseun Koya, Michael Temitayo and Ayo Matthews struck for the leaders. But Wanstead took a point as Suhaib Abeid, Dan Gardner and Zoltan Balogh efforts levelled the game. Second placed Cowley Community were also involved in a six goal thriller of their own as they faced local rivals, Something From Nothing, over at the Flats. This one also finished 3 – 3 as Thomas Bergmann (2) and Temi Alaka strikes for SFN were countered by Cowley goals from Elvis Sheta, Michael Taylor and, of course, Chris Wright.

There was one winning scoreline in the division and that saw somewhat of a shock as Renegade’s positive spell of form was rewarded with a 2 – 1 win at home to Newham Wanderers, moving them up four places to eighth. Manuel Sanuo struck for Wanderers but goals from Foday Jaiteh and Kane Knight ensured the Renegade side got the points.

DIVISION TWO

Unitey remain top of Division Two and they continued their good run of form in the last few weeks but securing their tenth league win of the season, defeating St Francis 4 – 1 to reach the thirty point mark. Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa both scored twice to extend their respective scoring records with Leo Eleftheriou scoring Saints’ sole effort. Third placed Emerson & Upminster Reserves lost a little ground in the race for promotion as they were held to a draw against sixth placed FHN Athletic in the their game in Upminster. Ross Braybrooke got on the Emerson scoresheet to ensure they took a point in a 1 – 1 draw, keeping them well placed. Kieran Mckoy levelled for FHN here.

Old Esthameians made up a little ground with the side above, closing to within a point of Emerson with two games in hand over them, courtesy of a 4 – 2 win at home against Rainham Working Mens Club. Joshua Iyen struck both goals for the Workies but his efforts were not enough as the Newbury Park based hosts ran out winners. There were some crucial wins for teams in the bottom half as Loughton Lions moved 9 points clear of danger after they defeated Newbury East at Oaks Park, edging the game 2 – 1 to make it three wins for the season. Harrison Andrews and Jordan French scored the all important goals, Mohammed Janneh’s effort accounting for East’s consolation.

An equally important result was achieved by Royal Forest who went into their away game against Redbridge Community trailing their opponents by a point in the table. But a 3 – 2 Forest win ensured they leapfrogged their opponents into eighth. Joshua Kane, Joe Owers and Frank Carver all netted for the Trees confirming win number four.

DIVISION THREE

Old Barkabbeyans Reserves remain top of the Division Three table but they had a battle on their hands against bottom side Terin, eventually coming through to win 3 – 1 in Barking. Fahad Abdallah scored for the visitors but host goals from Fabio Balde, Geovany Cruz and Rexheinaldo Dauti ensured the points went their way. Royal Forest Reserves have jumped into second place on goal difference following the weekend’s results, coming through a comfortable 4 – 1 win at home against Flyers Under 23s in Hainault. Tom Alexander was in great scoring form, netting a hat-trick, with Will Asenso striking the other to render Mohammad Miah’s goal as just consolation.

Moving up to third, Lymore Gardens Reserves kept themselves well in the mix for the promotion race with an eighth league win of the season as they beat Buckhurst Way 5 – 1 at the County Ground in Leyton. Omani Green netted twice for the hosts here, with further strikes coming thanks to Ryan Sylvester and Alexander Oludairo. That saw the hosts to twenty five points, just two off the top albeit having played more games than their rivals. Tom Glattback responded for Buckhurst here. The division’s second unbeaten side are FC Baresi Under 23s and they faced a trip to Glendale, flying out of the blocks to establish a 6 – 1 half time lead with Joshua Adu scoring a hat-trick, Zach Aliane, Hamza Hafesji and Kii Jean-Baptiste also netting. The Dales did improve as the game went on with it eventually finishing 6-3. Maryis Shamku, Valter Correia and Seyi Agboola all netted in reply for the Dales.

The division’s final game saw fifth meet seventh with Melbourne Sports the visitors to take on Together United at Peter May in Walthamstow. The two sides were well matched and ended up taking a point apiece, the game ending 2 – 2. Fifi Banin and Stanley Kweya scored for Utd here. With games in hand, both teams remain well in the mix for a promotion tilt in the second half of the campaign.

DIVISION FOUR

There were a shed load of goals in Division Four where Fairlop Rovers Reserves re-established their promotion challenge with a solid home victory against an in-form Flyers Under 21s. A 3 – 2 win for Rovers, their seventh of the season, saw them jump up four places in a really tightly contested top end of the table. Billy Ling and Sam Maydell goals accounted for the Flyers’ strikes. Goals were the order of the day over in Dagenham too where Newham & Havering Borough were facing Dagenham United Reserves once again after their success the last time out. But this time the teams couldn’t be separated with the game ending 3 – 3 at full time, both sides dropping down the table a place or two as a result. Courtney Linton scored twice for Borough here, with Andrew Elie also netting The goals for Utd’s second-side were scpred by Cain Dash, Mamadou Soumare and Imad Khan.

Saving the best for last, a nine goal thriller rounds off the action as Avondale Rangers made the trip over to Upminster to face an Emerson & Upminster A side who were locked on the same points starting the day. A terrific 5 – 4 win for Rangers saw them move clear with Jake Clarke (2), Phillip Heinen, Chris Harper and Blaijan Kitufueni all scoring. Philip Cresswell, Robert McKnight, Ryan Whitton and Tashan Diamond scored the Emerson goals in reply.

COUNTY CUP

There was BBC Essex Premier Cup action for Woodford East with a second trip to Braintree to complete their fourth round tie against Dunmow Town after last weekend’s postponement. A real battle saw Dunmow Town eventual prevail from the tie in a 3 – 1 scoreline.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 15 – Sat 27 Nov) [EAL 21-22 30.11.21]

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 action in the Fenton Trophy on Saturday 27 November. 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- Sat 27 November

FENTON TROPHY

There was just one Fenton Trophy tie played over the weekend where Division Two’s runaway leaders, Fairlop Rovers, were the visitors to Division Three’s Lymore Gardens Reserves with the higher ranked side safely booking their place in the last eight with a 12-1 win. Ellis Simmonds and Jack Kibblewhite netted hat-tricks, Harry Oliver scored two and one each from Logan Simmonds, Kian Millward-Burton, George Birch and Bailey White completed the scoring with Marcel Destouche netting the Lymore goal in reply.

SENIOR DIVISION

The lead at the top of the Senior Division remains at five points after leaders Chadwell Heath Spartans put in a sterling performance to end Jolof Sports’ unbeaten record, winning the game 4 – 2 over in Chigwell. Jonathan Evans scored a hat-trick for the Spartans with Janel Alexander scoring the other in an important win. The chasing pack sees two sides level on twenty-three points with Woodford East’s goal difference advantage keeping them clear in second, aided by their most recent success, a 3 – 1 home win against Chigwell Town. Ellis Morgan scored for Town but his efforts were in vain with Joe Kemp, Ben Smith and Adam Tabbani goals for East carrying them to victory at the Marshes.

Making up the top three are DT FC who, with games in hand, will still be expecting to pose the biggest threat to the destination of the title. They were up against FC Baresi at the Harlow Arena on Saturday and two goals from Emmanuel Chitongo off the bench plus strikes from Billy Golledge, Kieran Hipgrave and a long range effort from goalkeeper Alex Jennings helped them win 5 – 2. Paul Benfield and Tyreece Robinson efforts accounted for the visitors’ consolation goals. Lymore Gardens sit just outside of the top three by a couple of points but still with a big say on how things progress after they scooped a sixth win of the campaign, defeating Kit Out London 3 – 0 at Noak Hill to keep pace at the top. Tyrique Peters scored twice and Benjamin Sumaili once as their goals proved the difference between the teams. The division’s remaining game saw two close rivals come together at Lakeside Sports Ground where Rapid Chingford were the hosts to a Leyton Royal side looking to avenge a narrow defeat earlier in the campaign. It was another close game, this time in favour of Leyton who won 2 – 1 to move into the top six.

Additional Midweek match – FC Baresi defeated Blue Marlin 1 – 0 in a rare midweek match played at Barking FC’s Mayesbrook Park.

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PREMIER DIVISION

The Premier Division title race has suddenly tightened up at the top with Wapping now just two points off the pace of the leaders on the back of their huge 15 – 1 victory on Saturday against All Prospects. Jordan Mill-Smith was in fine form with a six-goal performance, Shamsun Noor struck a hat-trick while Kamrul Ahmed, Mohammad Asrar, Joshua Morris, Meeshaq Malone, Yusuf Nasir and Aminur Rahman goals finished it off.

Just a further point back in the race for silverware and promotion, Dagenham United made it five wins from eight in the league with a solid home win against a decent London Cranes side at Castle Green. Iaia Jau’s brace set them on their way with Dante Vincent and Fabio Cunha goals completing a 4 – 2 in United’s favour. Fifth placed Crookz United are in a strong position to contend for honours themselves with games in hand and moved into the top half of the table on Saturday with a terrific 7 – 2 home win against London Park City in Walthamstow. Utd had Luke Stewart to thank for his four-goal haul here, with further goals from Anselmo Gomes, Andrew Appiah and Steven Tshiamala enabling the hosts to pick up a fourth league win in six as they continue their own quest for success.

The only side with a perfect and unbeaten record in the division are Oakside who are sitting in seventh place after a hard fought 1-0 win at the weekend at home to Athletic Newham Under 23s. That result made it four wins from four for the Hainault based side with a number of games in hand against the sides above them. The remaining game in the division saw fourth placed Eastside and sixth placed North East Lions meet in a local derby game at Peter May, both keen to press on up the table albeit with other sides having more games in hand. The point gap between the teams pre-match remained the same by full time as they had to settle for a 1  -1 draw, Adnan Miah netting the Lions goal and Ifeanyi Umeh scoring for ‘Side.

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DIVISION ONE

It’s all change yet again at the top of Division One as the leaders were in cup action, allowing RCXI to take advantage to move top themselves on the back of a 3 – 2 home win against Renegade in Aveley. Ayo Matthews, Harold Ofori and Stephen Duberry all found the back of the net to give the hosts a sixth league win of the campaign. Daekwon King-Douglas and Nana Baah scored for Renegades. Wanstead have moved to within three points of the promotion places in the division, doing so after scooping themselves a big away victory on Saturday, returning home with the points in a 5 – 0 win at Kwanzas London Sport. James Robjant, Robert Clarke, Dan Gardner, Suhaib Abeid and Edson Lami were all on target to make it five wins in six in the league.

There were some hugely important wins for sides in the bottom half where Something From Nothing moved to the cusp of a top half position with a 3 – 2 win at co-tenants Newham Wanderers. Robertson Morais and Nuno Dentampol both found the net for Newham but their efforts were not quite enough as Cyril Pluche, Oscar Walton and Micah Innocent goals gave SFN victory. Barkingside A are another side who will be pleased with their weekend’s efforts as they picked up three vital league points with a win at bottom of the table Francis Luke. Luke goals from Adam Rowe and Tito Sijuwade proved just consolation as ‘Side won the game 4 – 2 to earn their side a third league win of the season, moving to eighth place.

Another side who will hope to build upon their weekend performance are Forest Green who despite not having had the best of starts in the league, picked up a important win against Ilford Reserves, overcoming a six point deficit on their opponents in the process. Green were 3 – 0 winners at Leyton Sixth Form College to give themselves a little cushion on the sides below them.

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DIVISION TWO

Division Two was one of many goals on Saturday and with the leaders in cup action, the focus was on the chasing pack with things looking very tight. Old Esthameians are now second in the standings as one of three clubs on eighteen points, their tally extended with a 4 – 2 win at home against Redbridge Community, who responded through goals from Abbas Osman and Melanijus Butkus. Sitting in third position are Unitey who hold that position on goal difference after a terrific win against an in-form St Francis side at Roding Valley High School. Bubintende Masadi extended his recent scoring record by netting twice with Ahmed Dousa, Matthew Pitchford and Matthew Surry goals seeing their side to a solid 5 – 0 win.

Also part of the eighteen point club are Emerson & Upminster Reserves who had an interesting afternoon and fell 3-0 down to bottom of the table Newbury East through goals from Bhajandip Purewal, George Montgomery and Rafai Bentick. But they amazingly found the strength to claw their way back and ended up winning it 4 – 3 with Archie Pitfield scoring twice off the bench to go with efforts from Reece Martin and Tobi Onafeko. FHN Athletic are well in the frame for promotion themselves and sit just a couple of points back on the chasing clubs as they won at home against Rainham Working Mens Club to leapfrog their opponents in the process. Merrill Appiah scored twice and Terron Fordjoe once to overcome a Joshua Iyen goal for the visitors, FHN therefore confirming a 3 – 1 win.

There has been plenty of entertainment value in Ryan Under 23s’s recent fixtures and this week’s was no exception as they shared a ten goal thriller against Loughton Lions, the teams beginning the day just two points apart. And that is the way it stayed as they drew incredibly 5 – 5 in a result which really doesn’t aid either side’s chances. Loughton’s scorers were Thomas Osmond with a hat-trick with Harrison Andrews and Taylor McLaughlin also on target.

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DIVISION THREE

It was first versus third in Division Three where an entertaining game saw Melbourne Sports romp into a 3-0 lead against leaders FC Baresi Under 23s in Hainault. But the Mels couldn’t quite hang on to take three points as Baresi responded with goals from Maamoon Khan, Zach Aliane and Ronnie Kabongo to take a 3 – 3 draw by full time. Old Barkabbeyans Reserves were able to take advantage of that result to close the gap on the sides above them, now sitting just three points outside of the promotion places after edging a tight game at home against Together United. Geovany Cruz, Robbie Osborne and Jalen Davis efforts were just enough to give Barks a 3 – 2 win.

There was a third league win of the season for Glendale who made the trip to Buckhurst Way with eight points separating the sides going into the game. But that was cut to five by full time as Dales goals from Maryis Shamku, Seyi Agboola, Mo Fadel-Mboupe and Mouhamed Gueye gave them a 4 – 2 win, despite Way threatening a comeback in the second half through strikes by Joey Butcher and Dolapo Gbadamosi. The goals were also “flying” in down at King George’s in Romford where Terin were the visitors to take on Flyers Under 23s with the bottom two sides battling it out to move closer to safety. The accolades went to Flyers who scored seven in a 7-1 win Kai Eaton (2), Deren Kale, Joshua Adu, Rafin Alam, Mohammad Miah and Aaron Weymouth. Fahad Abdallah scored the Terin goal in reply.

DIVISION FOUR

There were some big results affecting the top of the Division Four standings where Chingford Harriers became the only unbeaten side as they were triumphant against an in-form Dagenham United Reserves side, beating their rivals 3 – 1. Suleman Yusuf, Darnell Lamothe and Jake Kemp all netted for Harriers with Mamadou Soumare responding for United. Avondale Rangers produced what must be their best performance of the season as they took an second placed Fairlop Rovers Reserves and won an entertaining twelve goal thriller 7 – 5. Debutant Fraser Bolton scored a hat-trick, Liam Cole also scoring a hat-trick himself as Harry Callagher finishing things off to give Rangers a fourth league win.

Flyers Under 21s also produced one of their best results of the season to end Sporting Pillars’ unbeaten record in the division in a 4 – 3 victory, moving level with their opponents. Two Jamie Randall goals and a Frederick Every effort accounted for the Flyers goals with two Emanuel Jacob goals and a Kain Betty effort giving Pillars their consolation goals. There was also an important win for Emerson & Upminster A who faced up to a trip to West Essex Under 23s with a three point deficit on their opponents. Their trip proved to be a fruitful one however as they recorded a 2 – 0 win with Tyler Huggett scoring both goals in the game to move level on nine points with West.

COUNTY CUP

In the Essex Junior Cup, Frenford A faced a trip up the M11 to the very north of the county as they took on Cambridgeshire County League based side Debden in the fourth round. Frenford were on the wrong end of a narrow defeat however, going down 2-1 to see their run in the competition ended.

There was all-EAL clash in the Essex Junior Trophy as Belfry renewed old acquaintances with Cowley Community. With the two sides already going hammer and tong in the league, it was Cowley who secured progression in this county cup tie, edging the game 2-1 to go through. Completing the weekend’s action, FC Petrocub continued their passage in the London Junior Cup as they successful in their third round clash against Middlesex County League based Hilltop Reserves. Petrocub won 2-0 at Hainault Rec to progress through to the fourth round after being finalists last season.

Fixtures  – Saturday December 4th   (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

Chigwell Town  v  Tower Utd  | London Marathon Sports Ground

CSM London  v  DT FC  | West Ham Community Ground 3G, Beckton

FC Baresi  v  Raid Chingford  | Britannia Sports Ground, Walthamstow

Jolof Sports  v  Woodford East  | Flanders Playing Fields, East Ham

Kit Out London  v  Blue Marlin  | Noak Hill 3G

Leyton Royal  v  FC Petrocub  | Lakeside Sports Ground

Lymore Gardens  v  Chadwell Heath Spartans  | Leyton County Ground, E10

EAL Premier Division

Frenford A  v  Athletic Newham U23 | The Jack Carter Centre

London Cranes  v  All Prospects | Flanders Playing Fields

London Park City  v  Oakside  | Seven Kings Sch 3G

North East Lions  v  Dagenham Utd  | Peter May Centre, W’stow

Wapping  v  Crookz Utd  | Victoria Park, E9

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 14 – Sat 20 Nov) [EAL 21-22 22.11.21]

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 action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on Saturday 20  November. 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

EAL logo

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 20 November

FENTON CUP

There was further Fenton Cup action this weekend as the first round action came to a close with Jolof Sports at home to Kit Out London, both seeking a place in the last sixteen. A close game saw the two teams finish level at 2 – 2 at full-time, forcing the game into a shootout in which Jolof held their nerve to win it 4 – 2. They now head on to face FC Petrocub in the next round.

In the day’s second round action on an adjoining pitch, two of the league’s Premier Division sides met in East Ham with hosts London Cranes taking on Oakside with a place in the quarter finals the reward for the winner. In an eleven goal thriller, it was ‘Side who eventually prevailed by the odd goal, winning 6 – 5 to confirm a home quarter-final against DTFC. Oakside’s scorers were Brandon Burgess, Kieren Huddart, Jed Ofori, Luke Caston, Demi Elegushi and Mussa Jamanca.

FENTON TROPHY

In the Fenton Trophy, there were four further ties completed with Royal Forest Reserves’ perfect record put to the test as the Division Three leaders faced Division Two St Francis. A very closely fought contest was won by a youthful Saints side as Ross Basunda’s goal proved the pivotal moment in the game in a 1 – 0 victory.

Division Two’s Loughton Lions also had a stern test ahead of them as they welcomed an in-form Melbourne Sports side to Debden for their second round clash. Lions have been in some decent form themselves in recent weeks and progressed with 3 – 1 home victory thanks to strikes by Thomas Osmond, Lucas Maxwell and Jordan French to ensure their run in the cup continued.

Another Division Two side safely through are Rainham Working Mens Club as they navigated what proved to be another very competitive game against Division Three’s Glendale. An own goal midway through the first half of the game in Rainham’s favour proved to be the only scoring moment of the game as the Dales couldn’t convert second half pressure into chances, Rainham winning 1 – 0.

The final game from this competition saw six goals as Together United looked to cause a surprise as they were paid a visit by Division Two’s Unitey at Peter May. But it was the higher placed side who made their advantage count with Bubintende Masadi’s hat-trick doing the damage with Mohammed Abaker and Jordan Vib also finding the back of the net in a  5 – 1 win.

SENIOR DIVISION

There was plenty of Senior Division action too over the weekend, despite some sides being involved in cup action, and Chadwell Heath Spartans opened up a five point lead at the top of the table after coming out on the right side of a 2 – 1 win at FC Baresi. Abdirahman Sabriye struck for the hosts but Jack Evans and Aaron Hunwicks replies for Spartans gave them a crucial three points. Lymore Gardens also took advantage of others being out of action to move into the top four, earning themselves a solid win away at FC Petrocub in Noak Hill. Another close game was settled by the odd goal with Andre Rashford and Dylan Roberts efforts the difference as Garden won 2 – 1, their fifth win of the season so far.

Moving into mid-table, Leyton Royal have joined a cluster of clubs sitting on thirteen points following a terrific win on Saturday, defeating Tower United in a 4 – 0 scoreline at Fairlop Oak. That result saw Royal confirm a fourth league win and with games in hand, could still be pushing for a solid top half finish. For Tower, they remain in the bottom three, four points adrift of safety approaching the half way mark. Not far behind Leyton Royal are CSM London who moved to the cusp of mid-table themselves after a hugely important win at Lakeside, beating Rapid Chingford 5-2 to pick up three points. Munnir Saad scored twice with Kamran Khan, Ramone Senior and Leon Barnard goals completing the win in favour of the visitors.

Just a point behind CSM lie Blue Marlin who moved themselves out of the relegation zone on Saturday with a local derby victory against Chigwell Town in Hainault. The journey of just a few yards proved a fruitful one for Marlin, overcoming a John Lye goal for Town with strikes of their own from Nile Laidlaw and Lindsey Marsh to win it 2 – 1.

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PREMIER DIVISION

In the Premier Division, there was a huge result affecting the top end of the table as Wapping produced a top performance to send leaders Frenford A to their first defeat of the season. Meeshaq Malone scored twice and Shahid Ali grabbed the other to overturn the only goal in response by Damilola Olaiya for the visitors and give Wapping a 3 – 1 victory to move second, albeit eight points behind the leaders. The top goal scorers in the division are Eastside with thirty-five so far this campaign and they now sit third after coming through an entertaining game against All Prospects. Michael Dager and Abid Haque scored twice each and Basekou Gassama netted the other to overcome a Prospects fight back to win it 6 – 4. It was also a winning Saturday for another side sitting on thirteen points as Dagenham United continued their promotion push with a solid performance on the road away at London Park City. Iaia Jau netted a brace and Shaquille Mathurin grabbed the other to win 3 – 1, United’s fourth league win and placing them just goal difference away from a spot in the promotion places.

With games in hand, Crookz United are one of the sides who could still spoil the party in the promotion places and presently sit eighth in the table from five games after defeating North East Lions in a 2 – 1 scoreline at Peter May. Ben Joao and John Afrane-Kesey goals were the difference between the side, Mace Johnson striking the Lions consolation off the bench.

DIVISION ONE

Belfry have moved to the cusp of the promotion places once again in Division One as they secured a big win at the Marshes, defeating Francis Luke in a 9 – 0 scoreline. Kieran James was in fine fettle with a five-goal haul for his side with Victor Davis, Warren James, Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Luke MacDonald also scoring to confirm a fifth league win on the spin. Second placed RCXI moved a point closer to the leaders but missed the chance to go top as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw away at Something From Nothing. Despite the eleven point gap between the sides going into the game, SFN put in a solid performance against their promotion chasing opponents to earn a big point.

Wanstead remain well placed to make a charge for promotion, sitting fourth and on the back of another league win, having defeated Barkingside A 5 – 0 at the Flats on Saturday. That win saw the in-form Wanstead move to twelve points, five adrift of the promotion places as Edson Lami’s tremendous form continued with another four goals, adding to Suhaib Abeid’s strike. Just a few goals behind Wanstead sit their local rivals Newham Wanderers who are fifth in the table after seven games following their weekend’s efforts, defeating Forest Green 5 – 1 at Leyton Sixth Form College. Nuno Dentampol netted twice off the bench with Seco Embalo, Robertson Morais and Macane Caleir goals rounding off the scoring.

It was also a good afternoon’s work for Kwanzas London Sport who will hope to build on an excellent result as they defeated Ilford Reserves 2 – 1 in Hainault to pick up their first points of the season. Despite a difficult start, that will give Kwanzas plenty of confidence and saw them move off the bottom, just a point adrift from safety.

DIVISION TWO

The high-scoring Old Esthameians have pushed themselves up into the promotion places following the weekend’s results as they earned a local derby victory at home to strugglers Newbury East, winning the game 5 – 0. That confirmed a fifth win in seven this season and became one of four teams level on fifteen points. Another side in the fifteen point club are Emerson & Upminster Reserves who reached that mark with a home win on Saturday as ninth placed Ryan Under 23s were the visitors to Hall Lane. Tobi Onafeko and Danny Gillham were the scorers in the game for Emerson to edge the game 2 – 1, netting their own fifth league victory in the process. Mekhi Charles-Armstrong got the only goal for the Ryan side here.

There was a five goal thriller in the division’s final game where Redbridge Community were the hosts to an FHN Athletic side, the teams beginning the game just three points apart. But that had increased to six by full time as FHN came through a five goal thriller, winning 3 – 2 thanks to goals from Carl Gbolade, Merrill Appiah and Kieran McKoy.

DIVISION THREE

With the leaders out of action in Division Three, FC Baresi Under 23 took full advantage of that situation by recording maximum points at home to Harlow Inter to go top, edging a tight game 4 – 3. Akins Subair scored twice and Jamal Harvey once for Harlow but two Kii Jean-Baptiste efforts plus goals from Harrez Aliane and Hanza Hafesji gave the points to Baresi.

Lymore Gardens Reserves also took advantage of other sides being out of action to move third in the standings following the weekend’s results as they came through 5-3 winners with Flyers Under 23s. Rob Small struck twice and Warren Isoka, Marcel Destouche and Omani Green one each to render Flyers goals from Kai Eaton, Ethan Sowonola and Aaron Weymouth as just consolation.  There was an impressive win for ASA too who made home advantage count with a big 6 – 1 victory against Old Barkabbeyans Reserves at the Marshes, leapfrogging their opponents into the top half of the table. A hat-trick of braces done the damage with Jubayed Miah, Atif Haider and Arun Jeyashankar goals proving the difference, Klodian Meta netting the Old Barks reply.

Also in the top half, Buckhurst Way sit fifth in the standings approaching the half way point in the season, aided by their most recent success as they defeated Terin 3 – 0 at Oaks Park High School. Andrei Rizea, Dolapo Gbadamosi and Segun Dickson struck for the visitors to made it five wins from ten so far this campaign.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four, Dagenham United Reserves have moved to within three points of the promotion places after an entertaining away victory on Saturday against sixth placed Emerson & Upminster A where the teams share seven goals. Dagenham came out on the right side of a 4 – 3 win with two Cain Dash goals and one each from Mamadou Soumare and Tyler Leon handing their side the win, despite two Robert McKnight efforts and a Bradlee Birch goal for Emerson.

There was also an impressive win for the division’s third highest scoring side, Avondale Rangers, who picked up their third win of the season with a 4 – 2 win at Newham Royals to move their points tally onto nine. Daniel Bordman, Chris Harper, Mark Hayden and Harry Callagher were the scorers to render Gary Adams and Ashley Evett efforts as just consolation in the end. The remaining league game came from Romford where top half Flyers Under 21s were in action against an in-form Newham & Havering Borough side. The sides starting the day just two points apart and that was how it ended also with the teams sharing the spoils in a 1 – 1 draw. Andrew Elie scored for Newham to add another point to their tally, with Alex Grant responding for Flyers.

COUNTY CUP

Woodford East are into the hat for the next round of the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup as they came through a competitive game against May & Baker EC A over in Dagenham. East were 5 – 3 winners on the day, thanks to a brace from Billy Barr and one each for Ben Smith, Lucio Uare and Adam Tabbani. Halil Hassan’s side now face a trip to Dunmow Town in the fourth round in January.

It wasn’t such a successful afternoon for DT FC who saw their unbeaten run come to an end this season with a defeat away at Colne Athletic. They were beaten 4 – 1 against the Essex & Suffolk Border League side to end their run in the competition. In the Essex Saturday Junior Trophy, the delayed tie between Felsted Rovers and Fairlop Rovers finally got played and it was the Mid Essex League hosts who took the honours with a solid 2 – 1 win against a previously unbeaten Fairlop Rovers side.

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Fixtures  – Saturday November 27th   (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

Chadwell Heath Spartans  v  Jolof Sports  | Chigwell Hall

DT FC  v  FC Baresi  | Harlow Arena 3G

Kit Out London  v  Lymore Gardens  | Noak Hill 3G

Rapid Chingford  v  Leyton Royal  | Lakeside Sports Ground

Woodford East  v  Chigwell Town  | Hackney Marshes

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EAL Premier Division

Crookz Utd  v  London Park City  | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow

Dagenham Utd  v  London Cranes | Castle Green Leisure Centre 3G

Eastside  v  North East Lions  | Peter May Centre, W’stow

Oakside v  Athletic Newham U23  |  Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Wapping  v  All Prospects  | Victoria Park, E9

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 5 – Sat 18 Sept) [EAL 21-22 20.9.21]

Penalty for CH Spartans tests FC Pretrocub ‘keeper (Image by @ABridgeTooFar16)

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog under the “Guest Blog” strand.  This edition looks at the action across the divisions and the inter-divisional Cup competitions (Essex Premier Cup, Essex Junior Cup, Essex Junior Trophy) from Saturday 18 September. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission with additional reporting by Scott W. Lead image by @ABridgeTooFar16 , used with thanks. Thanks for reading.

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

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Saturday 18 September

SENIOR DIVISION

With county cup action involving a number of our clubs this weekend, a limited Senior Division schedule saw league leaders, Chadwell Heath Spartans, on the road with a trip down the A12 to take on FC Petrocub at Noak Hill. Trailing by a goal at the break, Spartans fought back and took all three points with Courtney Holness and an own goal contributing to a 2 – 1 victory.  Second placed Woodford East took advantage of sides around them being out of action as they climbed up into the top two with a big away win in Hainault against Blue Marlin. Billy Barr has been in good form and added another four goals to his tally here, with Lucio Uare netted twice and  Adam Tabbani and Jack Haspineall also netting in an 8 – 1 win.

Completing the top-flight action, there was a key battle at the other end of the table as winless Tower United were at home to CSM London on Saturday in Mabley Green seeking to open their points account. And that was exactly what they did as Abubakar Maxamed struck four goals to counter a CSM fight-back from Joel Palmer, Lukman Hasan and Oscar-Ikye Williams in a 4 – 3 scoreline.  

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PREMIER DIVISION 

It’s three from three now for the Premier Division leaders after Frenford A extended their winning run with a hard fought victory away at Crookz United on Saturday. Both sides went into the fixture unbeaten but it was the leaders who will have come away the happier of the two teams, recording a 2 – 1 win to move four points clear at the top with Damilola Olaiya and Nesar Torkamani scoring for the visitors. Crookz Utd responded through John Afrane-Kesey. Sitting second are Marcelona who also kept their unbeaten record running for another week as they secured a second draw to go alongside their solitary win, as they were involved in a incredible 4 – 4 draw away at Oakside who made their competition debut. There proved to be little between the sides as they settled for a share of the spoils. Oakside’s goals came from a brace from Moustapha Kane, plus strikes by Luke Caston and Jack Swaby.

Another side making their league debut were Athletic Newham Under 23s who finally got underway at the weekend as they hosted All Prospects in East Ham. Daniel Devey scored for the visitors, making their return to this level, but that effort proved not quite enough as Newham scored five of their own to win it 5 – 1. 

There’s little to separate the sides in fifth and sixth where Eastside presently sit in the former on the back of a win and a defeat in their opening two games. London Park City were their opponents this weekend with Alexandru Gheorghe and Wais Heshemy efforts finding the target for their side. But substitute Ifeanyi Umeh’s hat-trick plus a Michael Morgan goal gave ‘Side the 4 – 2 win. 

Sixth-placed Wapping trail by just goals scored and opened their points account for the new season with a closely fought 1 – 0 home win against North East Lions courtesy of Meeshaq Malone’s goal. That result saw the hosts bounce back well from their opening defeat to take maximum points in Hackney to move into the top half of the table. 

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DIVISION ONE 

In Division One, two sides are fighting hard at the top of the early standings where Cowley Community presently hold sway at the top on goal difference following a second consecutive win, recording a 3 – 2 win at home against Something From Nothing in a five goal thriller. That man Chris Wright netted once again with James Allen and Kyle Cargill strikes edging the contest. 

Renegade are up to third in the table as they completed the full set of results, adding a win to their draw and defeat, the victory coming at the hands of Wanstead at the Flats. Vincent Follea, Deon Thwala, Nana Baah and Daekwon King-Douglas all struck to give the Hackney based side their maiden win in a 4-2 score-line. Also at the Flats, Newham Wanderers bounced back well from their defeat last time out in the opening round of games to reign supreme as they welcomed Francis Luke. Wanderers goals from Admir Cassama, Robertson Morais and Joao Cruz were crucial to separate the sides with Saico Djop’s effort in reply proving insufficient as the hosts won 3 – 1. 

Barkingside A opened their new season in some style with a solid 4 – 2 victory as they hosted Forest Green at Nutter Lane, the visitors remaining winless after their opening two games in the competition. The hosts had a double from Josh Rowe plus goals from Umaru Kabia and Harry Nicholson to thank for this success. That win sees ‘Side move up to fifth and gives them much hope for the campaign ahead. 

It was also a good afternoon’s work for Belfry who got their own campaign off to the best of starts as they took maximum points in a 1 – 0 score-line, scoring in the dying embers of the game to defeat Ilford Reserves at May & Baker, a game which looked well fought between two well equipped sides. 

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DIVISION TWO 

It’s Rainham Working Mens Club setting the early pace in the fourth tier this season after they got a third win of the campaign already following a solid away victory at Ryan Under 23s in Walthamstow. Workies goals from Matthew Humphreys, Nick Tormey, Connor Kain, Odo Osei-Tutu & Sean Tormey were enough in the end to round off a 5 – 1 win. William Amoah netted the solitary goal for the Ryan side here. Three further sides sport a perfect record in the division where FHN Athletic presently lead the chasing pack on the back of a second win of the campaign, sending Emerson & Upminster Reserves to a 4 – 1 defeat in Hainault. Dan Lane struck for the visitors but Joseph O’Hare, Michael Barek, Terron Fordjoe and Amos Agyei goals handed their FHN side the points. 

Fairlop Rovers are the third side with a 100% start so far in the division but had to do things the hard way as they came from behind against a solid Royal Forest side to record a 4 – 2 win on the road in Loughton. Joe Owers and Martin Cannon blasted onto the Royal score-sheet but two Dylan Scutt goals in reply plus efforts from Toby Stephens and Harry Oliver did just enough to rescue the points. 

There was a nine-goal thriller served up in Loughton’s other match offering as Unitey hosted Redbridge Community at Roding Valley High School. Brandon Fulton certainly knows where the goal is and he scored a hat-trick for Unitey here, adding to Jordan Vib and Ahmed Dousa goals. Two Frankie Francis consolations and goals from Harvir Bhangal and Alibacar Dabo netted in reply for Redbridge. 

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DIVISION THREE 

It’s Old Barkabbeyans Reserves presently setting the pace in Division Three as they exploded in front of goal on Saturday, winning 13 – 1 away at Terin to go top of the pile. Mehdi Ahorbi’s five-goal haul set the side on their way with Chris Plummer, Callum Elliott, Alex Donkor Junior, Kacper Kasprzycki, Robbie Osborne, Okey Obialo, Jason Cassama and Ryan Lindfield efforts making it a memorable day. 

Royal Forest Reserves made their bow in the fifth tier on Saturday as they made the short trip of a few yards to face Melbourne Sports at Fairlop Oak. Two goals apiece from Tom Alexander and Will Asenso were the difference between the sides in the end as Forest firmly laid their roots in the division with an excellent 4 – 1 win.  Also back in action for the first time this season, ASA made a good start with an opening victory in Hackney Marshes as they faced Glendale. Trailing at the break to a Khari Pobi strike for the Dales, second half ASA goals from Mithurn Vijayarajah, Jubayed Miah and Saranth Veersasingam changed the context of the game, Wesley Kangi netting another for the Dales late on as ASA won 3 – 2. 

Lymore Gardens Reserves responded well to their opening defeat of the campaign as they returned home from Chigwell with all three points after sending Harlow Inter to a 5 – 2 defeat. Macauley Harrington and Ashton Livermore-Rose both scored for Inter but those efforts proved not quite enough with Lymore doing enough to take the spoils.  It was also a great day for Buckhurst Way as they also reversed their fortunes from their opening game in the competition to take home the points with them from their match at Flyers Under 23s. Muhammed Waqas got on the hosts’ score-sheet but Way edged the contest with two of their own to win it 2 – 1.

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DIVISION FOUR 

Fairlop Rovers Reserves stay top of Division Four on the back of a third consecutive win to make it a good afternoon for the club. Jake Atherton’s goal for Flyers Under 21s made this a real contest but Rovers done just enough to edge it 2 – 1 and maintain a three point gap at the top. Elsewhere, Chingford Harriers are up to second in the table taking a goal difference advantage over the other sides level on points aided by a big win on the road as they defeated Collier Row A, 8 – 0. Jake Kemp was in fine fettle with a hat-trick, Edwin Jabbari and Darnell Lamothe both scored twice with Jesse Middleweek’s effort rounding things off. 

In third, Emerson & Upminster A keep themselves in contention at the top as they made it two wins from three so far this term, returning home from Loughton with all the points against Avondale Rangers. Bryn Compton-Lowe led the way with two goals, Tyler Huggett and Robert Spratley striking with the other goals in a 4 – 0 win. 

Also on six points, Newham Royals came out on the right side of the “Newham” derby as they defeated Newham & Havering Borough, oddly, quite a long way from Newham! Rainham was the host venue for this five goal thriller which saw Ashley Evett, Andre Peters and Billy Grainger goals separate the sides in a 3 – 2 Royal win. 

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COUNTY CUPS 

It was BBC Essex Premier Cup day for a few of our sides with mixed fortunes. DT FC came from two goals down at the break against Walthamstow Reserves to advance into round two, turning things around in the second period thanks to goals from Billy Golledge (2), Lewis Evans, Stanley Green and Kieran Hipgrave to run out 5 -2 winners to set up a clash at home to Holland Reserves. Leyton Royal perhaps picked up the result of the day for our sides with the longest of trips, almost the entire length of the A12 as they headed to the north of the county to take on Lawford Lads. A terrific performance saw them win 3 – 1 and book a return trip up the A12 where they now head to Tiptree Heath in round two. 

It wasn’t such a great day for two of our other representatives who both slipped to narrow 2 – 1 reverses. Chigwell Town were up against Essex Senior League Reserve Division side May & Baker Reserves and were edged out in a close game thanks to goals from Brandon Johnson and Tolu Dina goals for M & B.  Over in Leyton, Epping Town were the first visitors at Lymore Gardens’ new home at the County Ground. Another closely fought game saw our side edged out with Epping the beneficiaries with a 2 – 1 victory to book their place in Round Two. 

Both Dagenham United sides were also in county cup action where the first team saw their Essex Junior Cup campaign come to a halt in the opening round with a big 5 – 0 defeat against local rivals, Barking Under 23s who hail from the Isthmian Development League.  Things were a little more plain sailing for Dagenham United Reserves who faced fellow Essex Alliance League opposition with West Essex Under 23s the visitors to Castle Green in their Essex Junior Trophy clash. Dagenham came through by the odd goal in seven, winning it 4 – 3 to go through to Round Two. 

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Fixtures (Top 3 tiers only) – Saturday 25th September (2pm KO unless stated)

EAL Senior Division

Chigwell Town  v  Lymore Gardens   |

CSM London  v  FC Petrocub   | West Ham Community Grd 3G, Beckton

FC Baresi  v  Tower Utd   | Britannia Sports Grd, W’stow

Kit Out London  v  Chadwell Heath Spartans   | Noak Hill 3G

Leyton Royal  v  Rapid Chingford  | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Woodford East  v  Blue Marlin  | Lakeside Sports Ground 3G (2.30pm KO)

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EAL Premier Division

Frenford A  v  Marcelona  | Jack Carter Centre

North East Lions  v  Eastside  | Peter May Sports Centre

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EAL Division One

Francis Luke  v  Renegade  | Leyton County Ground

RC XI  v  Cowley Community  | Belhus Park, Aveley

Something from Nothing  v  Belfry  | Wanstead Flats

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Fenton Cup – Round One

DT FC  v  Dagenham Utd  | The Harlow Arena 3G

Full fixture list available at essexallianceleague.com

S20-21 Round-ups: Essex Alliance League (Wk 9 – Sat 31 Oct) [EAL 20-21 3.11.20]

Hello and welcome to a guest blog, going through the action in the five Essex Alliance League divisions on Saturday 31st October (the last weekend of action before the Lockdown-enforced break of all Grassroots action in England), along with the Olympian League action, it is good to have guest content on other Grassroots Leagues, thank you Rob. This updated round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with thanks. Thanks for reading.

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

Essex Alliance League – Saturday 31st October

SENIOR DIVISION

The October action was rounded off this weekend amidst the speculation of an impending suspension of the sport. FC Baresi will go into the break as the leaders, extending their advantage to four points with a 3-1 home win against FC Petrocub. Zachery Leitch scored twice and Mark Matthews once to render Pavel Stirbu’s goal as consolation for the visitors.

After the disappointment of their first defeat last weekend, West Essex Reserves bounced back in positive fashion with a thumping 5-1 home win in Hainault against London Cranes. Callum Bloss scored twice adding to strikes from Josh Flood, Abiola Balogun and Adam Norris to keep them well in the frame in third spot. Shadrack Sibasa netted for Cranes who remain in the bottom two.

Moving up to fourth position were Lymore Gardens who picked up a fifth league win with victory at home in Loughton where they edged past Blue Marlin a 3-2 win. James Rufus and Tyreese Robinson got on the score-sheet for Marlin but two Dylan Roberts efforts plus an Andrew Rashford goal handed the points to Lymore.

Tower United will also have been pleased with their afternoon’s work as they met another of the division’s promoted outfits with a trip to Hainault to face All Prospects. Abdullah Jama scored twice and Abubakar Maxamed once to help their Tower side record a 3 – 0 win, their third victory of the campaign.

CSM London were also able to pick up a third league win of the season as they took on an in-form Rapid Chingford team in Beckton with the two sides keen to move clear of any relegation difficulties. CSM had to come from behind to edge the game 2-1 with Lewis McCarthy and debutant Joshua Izu goals seeing them to maximum points. Andrei Boga netted for Rapid who remain third-bottom.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Leyton Royal’s first two months of the season have been productive as they moved into a seven-point lead at the top of the standings after they came through a close game against fellow promotion contenders, Woodford East, in their clash in Debden. Leyton were 2 – 1 winners on the day to remain the only unbeaten side in the second tier. Billy Barr struck for Woodford East in this match.

Kit Out London made ground on the promotion chasing sides as they defeated third placed Eastside which helped Kit Out move fourth in the standings. Goals from Darnell Kitambo, Erik Rusnak and debutant Aourid Ismael were enough to carry their side to a     3 – 1 victory, moving within a point of their opponents, who netted thanks to Johnathan Odutolu..

There was a hugely important result for one of the struggling sides at the bottom as Frenford A record their first points of the season with a terrific 4 – 1 win away at Chadwell Heath Spartans. Ricky Reid scored for Spartans but a Gouly Djikalou hat-trick plus a Malachi Hercules effort confirmed the win for Frenford, moving off the bottom in the process.

Sixth-placed Wapping sit on the cusp of the top half of the table with three wins from six so far this season which was aided by their 5-2 home win on Saturday against Kwanzas London Sport. Abderrahmane Berri scored a hat-trick for the hosts with Charlie Ayes and Yusuf Nasir rounding things off, rendering Antonio Semedo’s brace as just consolation.

Completing the weekend’s action in Division One, London Park City were able to pick up a third league win of their season as they made the trip to Hackney to take on Francis Luke at the Marshes. Paulo Luke scored for the hosts but City goals from George Montgomery and Meelad Hamdard got their side over the line in a 2-1 win.

DIVISION TWO

There were plenty of goals in Division Two where the leaders, Belfry, made it seven wins from seven with a 6 – 2 victory at home against Chingford Athletic A in Dagenham. Eric Kelly scored twice for Athletic but goals from Sam Paterson (2), Aaron Rich, Jamie Redington, Mujib Ayoola and Patrick Macdonald were sufficient to extend their good start.

Remaining three points behind are Cowley Community who now have six wins from their opening eight matches this season and they took home all three points from their trip to Rainham Working Mens Club. Chris Wright grabbed his customary goal with Aiden Gentle’s effort rounding off a 2 – 1 victory. Cameron Shakes scored for the Workies in this one.

Third-placed Dagenham United got their season back on track with a really important win as they were paid a visit by fourth placed Newham Wanderers who were sitting just a point behind as the game began. United extended that lead to four points however with two goals from Jordan Akinpelu plus one each from Ruben Silva, Brandon Johnson and Rodeny Varela to win 5 – 2. Malam Injai and Marcelino Rodrigues grabbed the Newham goals in reply.

There was a massive result also at the other end of the table where promoted St Francis got their wins account underway for the season as they took on fellow strugglers Unitey at the Flats. Shaquille Mathurin scored twice and Jorginho Gomes once to earn the Saints a 3 – 0 win and a move off the bottom.

And there was just the nine goals in the final game in Division Two where the Forest Green hosted Old Esthameians at Leyton Sixth Form College, the E’s trailing their opponents by five points going into the game. This was slashed to just two by full time, coming out on the right side of a 5 – 4 thriller.

DIVISION THREE

In Division Three, FHN Athletic have opened up a five point gap at the top after they returned home with all three points in their clash away at Old Barkabbeyans Reserves in Barking. Faraz Khan scored for the hosts but it proved not quite enough as FHN scored twice themselves to win it 2-1.

Fairlop Rovers are up to third in the standings, level on points with just four goals separating them from Melbourne Sports as they took home the points with a 2-0 win in the Forest Road derby. Jack Kibblewhite’s brace was the difference on the day as Rovers continued a great patch of form which has seen climb into promotion contention.

There was a second league win of the season for Lymore Gardens Reserves who made it seven points from six games with a 3-1 away victory in Harlow against Epping United. Stefan Willis scored two and Eugene Goumou once to pave the way for a Garden victory which moved them seventh in the standings.

The division’s two draw specialists completed the action in Division Three where ASA, with three draws in four, met Glendale with four draws in eight this season. The outcome was expectedly… a draw. Mithurn Vijayarajah opened the scoring for ASA but Paul Oriakhi’s leveller just a minute later made it 1 – 1 and the sides shared the spoils once again.

DIVISION FOUR

Weather curtailed much of the Division Four action but in the two remaining games, there were seventeen goals with Newham Royals’ home 7-4 win against Together United getting that started. The Royals had an ensemble cast of scorers, led by Anthony Adade’s hat-trick with Ronald Asante getting a brace plus one each for Philip Norman and Richard Smith ending the goal-scoring credits. On the back of a big defeat, that saw Royals move up to third in the standings while Together United remain sixth.

There were six goals in the final game of the day in Dagenham where Brentwood United Reserves were the visitors to face Dagenham United Reserves. Giovanni Morgan (2), and Diego Sotelo grabbed the Dagenham goals but Brentwood efforts from Bradley Jackson, Connor Goom and Christian Pankui levelled it up at 3-3 to share the points.

S2020-21 Round-ups: Essex Alliance League (Wk 4 – Sat 26 Sept) [EAL 20-21 28.9.20]

Hello and welcome to a guest blog, going through the action in the five Essex Alliance League divisions on Saturday 26th September, along with the Olympian League & ESBL action, it is good to have guest content on other Grassroots Leagues, thank you Rob. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission, with thanks. Thanks for reading.

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

Essex Alliance League – Saturday 26th September

SENIOR DIVISION

There is another new leader at the top of the Senior Division this week with FC Baresi the latest custodians of that position following their third win in four on Saturday, beating London Cranes by the odd goal at West Ham Memorial Park. Ali Shikheey got that only goal of the game as Baresi were 1 – 0 victors.

Three sides sit just behind the leaders with a perfect record with DTFC winners once again this weekend following victory at the Harlow Arena against Chigwell Town. A goal apiece from Chris Smith, Billy Golledge and Kieran Hipgrave were enough to see their side over the line to a 3-1 win.

West Essex Reserves are hot on the trail too and they made it three wins from three on Saturday with a comfortable looking 4-1 away win at Tower United. Abdi Abdikarim scored for the hosts but a brace for West from Mason Iley added to further goals from Adam Norris and Hassan Sufi to give their side the points.

Another side with a 100% start to their season are Jolof Sports who made it a pair of narrow 1-0 wins on their return to the league. Blue Marlin were the side to suffer said reverse as Moustpha Kane’s strike proved the only goal of a close game down in Newbury Park, that result moving Jolof up to sixth in the standings.

Lymore Gardens’ good start to the season continued on Saturday as they moved to fifth place on the back of a 2-1 away win against Rapid Chingford at Salisbury Hall. Andrei Boga’s goal had given Rapid the lead but a pair of goals from Marcel Destouche and Ashley Godwin paved the way for a Garden win.

After an indifferent start, CSM London have climbed into mid-table as they secured a second league win of the season, defeating a presently winless All Prospects side 4-1 at Fairlop Oak. Keifer Cole’s hat-trick proved the main difference between the sides with Ramone Senior’s strike rounding off the win in some style.

DIVISION ONE

In Division One, Leyton Royal took full advantage of the leaders being out of action to move level on points at the top of the table as they made it three wins from three with a hard fought 1-0 victory away at Eastside. Alin Cosma was the man on target with their solitary effort to give his side maximum points so far.

Wapping have moved up to fourth as they picked up a second league win of the season, taking home all three points from their trip to Frenford A. The visitors scored both of the goals in the game, running out 2-0 winners to help move their side up the table following an indifferent start.

Sitting fifth are Chadwell Heath Spartans who added a win to their opening draw to keep themselves unbeaten in their maiden campaign at this level. They brought London Park City’s perfect start to an end, winning 4-2 at Mayfield through a Janel Alexander double and single efforts from Rashid Matabaro and Courtney Holness.

Kit Out London started their maiden league campaign in positive fashion with an opening victory in their first fixture, returning home with all three points from their trip to face Kwanzas London Sport in Walthamstow. Amalraj Kakamanu scored twice and Olajide Akala once to edge their side to a 3-2 win.

It was also a memorable afternoon for North East Lions who tasted victory at the fourth attempt on Saturday after beating seventh-placed Francis Luke 2-0 at the Marshes. That win gave them a first victory in Saturday football and helped them move to within goal difference of their opponents.

DIVISION TWO

There were plenty of goals in Division Two where Belfry continued their early form with another win, this time beating Unitey 3-0 at Roding Valley High School. A brace from Sam Paterson led the way with Jamie Redington scoring the other to make it a maximum points start for the new side.

Just behind the pacesetters on goal difference, Cowley Community’s solid start sees no end as they added another victory to their start, beating Newham Wanderers in a local derby match. Chris Wright was in some form, scoring all four of their goals in a 4-0 victory to keep his side well involved at the top end of the table.

Another side who have made a great start are Dagenham United who also made it three wins in four at the start of the new campaign as they returned home with all three points from their trip to Old Esthameians. Neil Robinson found the back of the net for Old E’s but United scored five in reply to make it a 5-1 winning score-line in their favour. Rodeny Varela got a hat-trick here, with Filipe Silva and Brandoon Johnson also netting for Utd here in their win.

Forest Green will be very pleased with their efforts in September having won all of their fixtures in the month to sit fourth in the placings going into October. They came through a real seven goal humdinger over the weekend, edging past Chingford Athletic A in a 4-3 scoreline to end the day as the happier of the two outfits.

The final game in the third tier came from Rainham Working Mens Club where the hosts were up against St Francis in this key battle between two sides having made indifferent starts so far. Joshua Shakes threw two goals into the Rainham mix but Saints stirred things up by scoring twice themselves to make it a 2-2 draw and sharing the spoils.

DIVISION THREE

The Division Three leaders after the first month are Melbourne Sports who lead the way on goal difference having won both of their fixtures, their latest victims being Lymore Gardens Reserves. The Mels returned from Chingford with maximum points as they earned a 4-1 away victory to start the season in great style.

Moving up to third place are Bailey Football Academy who picked up their maiden league victory following a big 4-1 away win against Fairlop Rovers in Barkingside. Ross Basunda scored twice with Berdan Yelken and debutant Luke Deslandes goals helping their side to a memorably first win.

Completing the day’s action at this level, it was a case of de ja vu for Glendale as the Dales had to settle for a share of the points in a 2-2 draw against Epping United at Fairlop Oak. Valter Correia levelled up after an early Epping opener but the visitors got ahead once again which needed Mouhamed Gueye’s strike late on for the Dales to level things up.

DIVISION FOUR

It’s been a good start for Custom House United in Division Four as they made it two wins and a draw from their opening games with a 6-1 home win on Saturday against Dagenham United Reserves. Tim Mason scored four for the Dockers with Charlie Clarke and Kelvin Bartlett efforts finishing things off for the league leaders.

Royal Forest Reserves dropped their first points of the season but remain level with the leaders at the top following a 1-1 draw at Fairlop Oak against Newham Royals. Will Asenso scored for Forest but Royals were able to level up to maintain unbeaten starts for both of the sides thus far. It was a memorable Saturday afternoon for Collier Row A who secured their first competitive win following a 4-3 home victory against Avondale Rangers. Jake Clarke scored twice for Rangers but his efforts were in vain as Row picked up the points to move off of the bottom of the table.

Brentwood United Reserves also secured a first victory of the campaign as they returned home with all three points from their fixture against Chingford Harriers at Westlands. That win moved them up to eighth place in the table, just a point off of the sides placed in mid-table in a congested table so far.

Completing the days action, a six-goal thriller rounds things off in Division Four as Emerson United Reserves entertained Together United at Hall Lane. In a close game, the teams drew 3-3, sharing all six goals and consequently the points too as Ross Braybrooke, Jamie Fox and Sonny Scott helped Emerson move up to fourth in the standings, United just a single goal behind them.

End