Image from Romford v Barking on Friday night [Image from Scott W]
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, looking at the Essex Senior League – Premier Division programme that took place on the weekend of Friday 24/Saturday 25 February.
Essex Senior Lge – Friday 24 February
The weekend’s action begins with three games of Friday & another fine win for in-form Woodford Town, who defeated Stanway Rovers 3 – 0 at Ashton’s. Ernest Okoh, Luke Parrott & substitute Wale Odedoyin all netted for Shane Baptiste’s side, in a win which fortifies their position in fourth, after the weekend’s action. There was a gritty goal-less draw between Buckhurst Hill and Stansted, in front of about 200 spectators at Roding Lane. Hill are 13th, while the Airportmen are eighth. Lastly on Friday, there was a memorable match as the Mayesbrook derby ended with Barking winning 4 – 3 over Romford, in front of 135 fans. Luke Hirst’s treble & a super goal by Ronaldo Kapica overturned a fine Hassan Nalbant double & a Anthony Furlong goal and it saw the Blues rise to sixth. If you’d like more on this game, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2023/02/25/s22-23-match-report-romford-3-4-barking-fri-24-feb-esl/
On Saturday 25 February, leaders Enfield got a much-needed victory, as they won 3 – 0 at Takeley to stay two points clear at the summit. Alex Warman opened the scoring ten minutes in, before a first-half double for Louie Johnson secured the win for Jamie Cureton’s team. Also, Redbridge stay second after a 2 – 0 triumph over Halstead Town. Jamie Price & James Barlow got the goals to keep George Christou’s team six points clear of FC Clacton, who despatched Southend Manor 5 – 0 at the Austin Arena. The ensemble cast of Adam Tilson (2), Jordan Lartey, Teddy Collis and Mekhi McKenzie’s 22nd league goal this term secured the points for Tom Austin’s team.
Elsewhere, Athletic Newham are well-placed in ninth, with several matches in hand on their rivals as they won 2 – 1 at Little Oakley. Richard Kone notched both goals to reach 15 league goals this term. Danny Garrad responded for James Good’s side but they drop to seventh. White Ensign got another fine away result, as they won 1 – 0 at West Essex. Joe Gregory got the telling goal, to send Ensign up to 15th. Ilford won 5 – 0 at Clapton to see the Foxes up to 12th. The ensemble cast of Josh Boxall, Jack Zielinski, Conner Jones, Jake Chadwick and substitute Caleb Adomako-Mensah all scored to assist Richard Ponsford’s sude to the points. Lastly, Saffron Walden Town defeated Sawbridgeworth Town 3 – 0 in front of 321 at Catons Lane. Tom Skelton, Ryan Melaugh & Charlie Smith all scored for Terry Spillane & Michael Toner’s team, who rise to tenth now.
Archive Image – Halstead Tn v FC Clacton earlier this term
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, rounding-up the full Essex Senior League programme that took place on the weekend of Saturday 26 November. We also include the Reserve Shield action & the solitary Ressie league match in Division Two.
ESL crest
Essex Senior League – Saturday 26 November
The weekend’s action starts with an important win for Barking as they powered past Stanway Rovers 5 – 1 at Mayesbrook Park 3G. Charlie Heatley’s first hat-trick inside the first hour led the way for Charlie MacDonald’s side, while Ahmed Abdulla and George Fairhead added further pain to Danny Slatter’s team, who replied through Will Crisell’s goal. At the Terry Mac, Clapton got another big three points as they fought back to defeat Romford 4 – 3. Khyreece Smith-Reid’s fifth league goal this term plus goals from Leon Wildman, Sharn Quinn’s spot-kick & an OG enabled Ross Weare’s side to move eight points clear of bottom side Southend Manor. Romford responded through strikes from Emmanuel Ogunrinde, Adalberto Pinto and Shomari Barnwell’s goal in stoppage time but they are now five points adrift of landlords Barking in tenth.
Takeley continued their recent good form, with a 4 – 0 victory at Southend Manor. Charlie Allum and George Frodsham goals inside the first ten minutes led the way for Marc Das’ side, then Jayden Gipson & Jordan Westcott goals added more anguish for Alex O’Leary’s side. At the summit, Enfield stay at the top on goal difference after a 3 – 0 victory at managerless Saffron Walden Town. Danny Norton, Louie Johnson’s penalty & a Usman Adeniji goal sealed the points for Jamie Cureton in front of 330 spectators at Catons Lane. Redbridge are second on the same points total (36) after a gritty 1 – 0 win at West Essex. Ibrahim Kehinde got the only goal there for George Christou’s side at Wadham Lodge. FC Clacton are now five points clear in third spot after a 2 – 1 success at White Ensign. Jake Clowsley & the league’s top scorer Mekhi McKenzie got the goals for Tom Austin’s side there, while Teddy Rumsby got the goal back for Aaron Bloxham’s team.
Elsewhere, Stansted remain in sixth after a 4 – 0 win at Halstead Town. The quartet of Ashaan Siddik, George O’Connor, Michael Mignot and Andre Embalo all netted for the Airportmen to add more concern for the Humbugs, who stay 16th. Buckhurst Hill got an important victory after the loss of two big players this week, as they won 4 – 1 over Sawbridgeworth Town at Roding Lane. Jake Knight had given Kieran Amos & Ben Taylor’s side an early lead, but Ezekiel Bademosi levelled the match just before the interval before a double from Hassan Nalbant and a late goal by replacement Jake Moss sealed the win for Mark Williams’ side, who reside in eighth. Athletic Newham are ninth after a 3 – 1 victory at Ilford, with Daniel Izekor notching another double and Abdul Shobowale also on target for Chris Davis’ team. Jack Zielinski got the reply for the Foxes there. Lastly in the top-tier, Woodford Town bagged a 1 – 0 away win at Little Oakley, thanks to Wale Odedoyin’s goal to spoil new manager James Good’s first league game in charge, after the resignation of Matt Carmichael this week – I’d like to pass on my best wishes to Matt & his family at this tough time.
Now into the Reserve Shield action, Barkingside Res edged through on Friday night, defeating White Ensgn Res 2 – 1 at Lakeside Sports Ground. Junior Mandeng-Fotabeng netted for the Ensign side, but strikes by Emmanuel Banahene & Kolade Oshun secured the hosts’ progression. Woodford Town Res joined them there after a 3 – 1 victory at Athletic Newham Res. David Avram, Albert James & replacement Izac Clarke all scored for Town in that game. The other two games needed spot-kicks to determine the victor and Billericay Town Res drew 1 – 1 with Frenford Res, before winning 4 – 3 on penalties. Redbridge Res also drew, 2 – 2 with West Essex Development but it was the Stags side who won 3 – 1 on penalties in that one.
Finally, there’s one result in Ressie League Division Two, which saw Barking U23 go back to the summit after a thumping 7 – 0 victory at May & Baker Res.
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, looking at the Essex Senior League action, looking at all ten matches that took place on the weekend of Saturday 5 November. We saw 43 goals in the ten matches.
Essex Senior Lge – Saturday 5 November
The weekend’s action started on Friday night as Saffron Walden Town grabbed an impressive 4 – 1 victory at Halstead Town to bolster their top-five aspirations. The ensemble cast of Solomon Ofori, Dion Lewis-Kirwan, Palvy Manduakila and Stanley Leech all netted a goal each to render Jordan Blackwell’s goal for Halstead as mere consolation, in front of 425 spectators at Rosemary Lane. Also, Ilford got an decent 1 – 0 victory at Romford, with Paul Cox the scorer there for Richard Ponsford’s team who are 15th after the weekend’s action. Finally on Friday night, Woodford Town handed Clapton another loss as Town won 4 – 0, with Jaedon Phillips’ early double being added to by Luke Parrott & substitute Dimi Christou to keep the Tons second bottom.
On Saturday, Enfield remain five points clear at the summit with a comprehensive 6 – 0 victory over Sawbridgeworth Town at Woodside. Ibrahim Kehinde opened the scoring on 25 minutes for Jamie Curerton’s team, while Danny Norton added another two goals to reach nine leaguwe goals this term. Louie Johnson’s spot-kick, Samrai Gebrai & substitute Dwade James all added a goal each to make it 11 wins from 12 games for the E’s. Elsewhere, Redbridge are third after a 4 – 0 victory over White Ensign at Oakside. Joey May made a rare start & got the opening goal after five minutes. Bradley Bennett added another first-half goal before Solomon Ogunwomoju struck twice to secure the win. Little Oakley also got another good three points with a 3 – 2 win over Stanway Rovers at the Memorial Stadium. Harry Mann, William Crisell & Mason Ridgway-Lumley got the crucial goals for Matt Carmichael’s side to overturn strikes by Ernest Okoh and replacement Sanunur Bah Bah for Rovers.
FC Clacton got back to winning ways with an impressive 5 – 1 win at Southend Manor, in the match I attended this weekend. Mekhi McKenzie has so often been an important player for Tom Austin’s side and McKenzie showed that again with a treble, which was added to by strikes by Reuben Cowler & a penalty by Teddy Collis. Substitute Joe Darby got a late consolation for Manor but they remain bottom. My report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/11/05/s22-23-match-report-southend-manor-1-5-fc-clacton-sat-5-nov/
Meanwhile, Athletic Newham welcomed back Richard Kone from injury and he bagged a fine treble as Newham defeated West Essex 4 – 0 at the Terry Mac. Daniel Izekor got the other goal as the hosts went up to ninth spot. Buckhurst Hill made the most of an early sending off for Barking to grab a 4 – 0 win over Charlie MacDonald’s side at Roding Lane. Ezekiel Bademosi got a brace for Mark Williams’ side, with Nathan Sollosi also netting and there was a late goal for Hassan Nalbant as well. Finally, Takeley got a fine 3 – 1 victory at Stansted, with Glenn O’Hanlon and George Wappett getting first-half goals for Marc Das’ team. Ashaan Siddik got a goal back for the Airportmen before the interval. Hodje Almeida-Joaquim added a third goal to give the visitors the points which saw them rise to 11th.
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League & ESL Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest of my occasional series, looking at the Essex Senior League action, looking at all ten matches that took place on Saturday 8 October, which saw three teams get important away wins.
Essex Senior Lge – Saturday 8 October
The weekend’s action started on Friday night as Saffron Walden Town got a 2 – 1 win in a heated battle at Barking. Luke Hirst got the goal for Charlie MacDonald’s side, but Jason Hallett’s free-kick & a Connor Scully goal was enough to see Jason Maher’s team to a hugely important win which sees them rise to mid-table. On Saturday, Stanway Rovers grabbed a 4 – 0 victory over visitors Clapton in the early kick-off at the Hawthorns. Ernest Okoh netted another two goals for Danny Slatter’s team, with Ezequiel Franchi & Joe Debell also on target to leave Clapton two points adrift of nearest rivals Halstead.
Elsewhere, FC Clacton got another good win with a 2 – 1 success at Halstead Town in the match I attended this weekend. Charlie Thompson and Jake Clowsley’s penalty was enough to overhaul Ben Morris’ first goal for Town at Rosemary Lane and send Tommy Austin’s side up to fifth spot. If you’d like more on this match, my report is available here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/10/09/s22-23-match-report-halstead-town-1-2-fc-clacton-sat-8-oct-esl/
Ilford also got a good 3 – 1 win over Buckhurst Hill at Cricklefield. Joe Lilly netted twice (one from 12 yards) for Richard Ponsford’s team, with Harry Rawlins also scoring to outdo another goal for the in-form Hassan Nalbant for Buckhurst. The Foxes are up to 13th place after this win. Romford got an important 2 – 0 win at rivals Redbridge, with Charlie Morris and Jesse Olukolu the goal-getters for Steve Butterworth’s side there, which saw them up to tenth with games in hand. Enfield are up to third spot after a super 3 – 0 victory at Little Oakley, thanks to strikes by Danny Norton, Gavin Cockman & Dwade James. Jamie Cureton’s side are well-placed with two games in hand on the top two.
West Essex went back up to the summit with a 4 – 0 success at Southend Manor. Marlon Ortiz netted twice after coming off the bench, with Callum Bloss and Cameron Gray also on target for Kwame Kwateng’s side. Manor also announced Alex O’Leary as their new gaffer this week, and his role in lifting this hastily rebuilt side will be a hard ask as they seek to get out of the bottom two. Takeley also prevailed with a 2 – 0 win over White Ensign at Station Road, with George Powell & Glenn O’Hanlon on target for Marc Das’ team, which saw them go up to 12th spot.
We end this article with two home wins. First, Sawbridgeworth Town continued their impressive start to the campaign with a 3 – 2 success over Stansted at Crofters. Larry Akanbi, Zach Davidson & David Etcheri all netted for Kieran Amos & Ben Taylor’s team which sent them up to ninth. Carl Conway & Connor Hammond scored for the Airportmen but they remain in mid-table. Lastly, Woodford Town managed an excellent 3 – 1 triumph against Athletic Newham at Ashton’s. Jaedon Phillips, Lee Sharpe & substitute Dimi Christou’s goal ensured Shane Baptiste’s side ended the day in seventh. Chris Nguidjol got his second goal this week for Chris Davis’ team.
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello & welcome to the latest of an occasional blog series this term looking at the action in the Essex Senior League this weekend, plus the two representatives in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. This weekend saw eight League matches take place.
Still from behind Manor’s goal late on v Ensign on Fri night
Essex Senior – Friday 16 & Saturday 17 September
We begin with Friday night’s matches, as Redbridge failed to take their chance of reaching the summit as Woodford Town defeated them 3 – 2 at Ashton’s. Luke Parrott, Zivonimir Lopes and Samir Ali got the goals for Shane Baptiste’s side as they went up to fourth. The Motormen replied through goals from Solomon Ogunwomoju and replacement Loui Hazelwood but they are still three points clear in third. Also on Friday, there was a rare match at Southchurch Park as White Ensign won the derby match, defeating Southend Manor 3 – 1 in front of a crowd of over 140. Daniel Monk, Charlie Portway and an injury-time goal from substitute Jack Allen gave Aaron Bloxham’s side the points as they rose to mid-table. Kieran James topped off a good performance with the only goal for Manor. I was at this game & if you’d like more on it, my report can found here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/09/18/s22-23-match-report-southend-manor-1-3-white-ensign-fri-16-sept-esl/
On Saturday, West Essex got the result of the day as they grabbed a superb 6 – 2 win away at Halstead Town. David Bell gave Kwame Kwateng’s team a sixth-minute lead there, but Jordan Pavett’s strike from 12 yards levelled things up 11 minutes later. West were in a mood to score goals though as two spot-kicks from Callum Bloss put them 3 – 1 up at the break, with the Humbugs down to ten men following Matt Travell’s dismissal just before the break. Further goals for the Stags from Oliseh Okuguni [58′], experienced forward Cameron Gray [68′] and substitute Tyler Morgan added to a fine day out for them – they also went two points clear at the top. Stansted maintained their mini-revival with a narrow 1 – 0 win over Athletic Newham at Hargrave Park. Jack Mitchell’s penalty was enough to give Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ team the points there.
Elsewhere, Takeley got a fine 3 – 0 triumph over Stanway Rovers at Station Road. First-half goals by Alex Lambrou and Lewis Deamer were added to midway into the second half by Bryn Thorpe to give Marc Das’ side a convincing victory, which sent them a point adrift of mid-table. Clapton also got their first win of the season with a late flourish to give them a 3 – 2 success at Ilford. Saidu Salifu gave Ross Weare’s team an early advantage, only for Jake Chadwick and Josh Boxall goals to turn it round for Richard Ponsford’s side. However, there was another twist in the offing as late strikes by Ricky Shaw and Vieira Mandica meant the Tons prevailed.
Barking also got a important success as they held on to win 4 – 3 at Saffron Walden Town. Jason Hallett got all three goals for Walden by the hour mark, but strikes by Sa-Sean Lutumba, George Fairhead, Luke Hirst and Eljay Worrell meant Charlie MacDonald’s side prevailed. Finally, Buckhurst Hill got another victory, this time winning 3 – 1 at Sawbridgeworth Town. Goals from Tyler Dolan, Ezekiel Bademosi and Suleyman Zuhdu were enough to see them to the win and sets up their clash with Redbridge at home on Tuesday well.
Emirates FA Cup – Second Qualifying Round (Sat)
Romford pulled off a superb 2 – 1 win at Step 3 Potters Bar Town to make the third Quali Round. Goals from Charlie Morris and Emmanuel Robe were enough to complete a comeback win for Steve Butterworth’s team. They will find out their opposition in the draw on Tuesday. Enfield are out though after a 4 – 0 home loss to Step 3 team Billericay Town. Former Witham & Braintree player Alfie Cerulli scored a hat-trick and Bradley Stevenson got the other goal as the E’s played well but couldn’t muster a comeback.
Archive Image from Ensign v Little Oakley on 30 July [Image by Scott W]
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
Hello & welcome to the first of an occasional blog series this term looking at the action in the Essex Senior League this season. This weekend was the second round of matches for all clubs , with some important victories for clubs at either end of the very early standings.
Essex Senior League – Saturday 13 August
We begin this week with a superb result for West Essex as they impressively defeated Buckhurst Hill 6 – 1 at Wadham Lodge. A crowd of nearly 100 saw braces for Cameron Gray and Callum Bloss for the Stags, with David Bell and replacement Marlon Ortiz also adding to Buckhurst’s pain here. Max Nicholson got their only goal here but it perhaps is a reminder that Buckhurst are going to have ‘bad days’ this term. Enfield maintained their new season form, scoring another three goals in a 3 – 1 triumph at Clapton. Louie Johnson’s treble took his League goal tally to five already this term, while Kyreece Smith-Reid got a consolation for Ross Weare’s side.
Meanwhile, White Ensign got their first League win in some style with a nerve-jangling 5 – 4 victory at Ilford. Charlie Portway’s double plus strikes by Billy Bonham-Dare, Ethan Evison and Callum Morris’ late, late winner secured a precious three points for Aaron Bloxham’s side. Joe Lilly’s early penalty put the Foxes back into the game but even goals from Mitchell Mccabe, Harry Rawlins and Caleb Adomoko-Mensah could got give Richard Ponsford’s side a point. Stanway Rovers also got a good 2 – 0 win over Saffron Walden Town at the Hawthorns. Jordan Barnett and Ashley Colcough got the goals for Danny Slatter’s team, in front of eighty-five spectators.
Also on the winning trail this weekend was Redbridge as they edged to a 3 – 2 success at Romford. Tayo Olukolu and Solomon Ogunwomoju got the first goals for George Christou’s team, with George Cox and OG levelling things up. Miles Peterkin’s late goal sealed the points to make it two wins from two in the League. WoodfordTown got a good 2 – 1 win at Takeley, with Ridwan Hussein and Georges Kebi both netting for Shane Baptiste’s side. George Wappett had levelled for Marc Das’ team prior to Kebi’s winner.
There were a few narrow wins also, as FC Clacton edged to a 1 – 0 win over visitors Stansted, with Mekhi McKenzie grabbing the decisive goal there. Also, Halstead Town had a spot-kick to thank for a 1 – 0 victory over Athletic Newham and mark their first win back at Step 5. Sawbridgeworth Town got a important 1 – 0 win at Southend Manor, while Little Oakley held Barking to a goal-less draw at the Memorial Stadium.
Hello and welcome to a bonus blog on the full Essex Senior programme that took place on Saturday 22nd January, as big results affected both ends of the table. The lead image above is from St Margaretsbury v Little Oakley yesterday, the match I attended. Thanks for reading this round-up.
Written by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14] – Non-League Writer
ESL crest
Essex Senior League Round-up- Sat 22 January
We begin with the showdown at the top of the table, as Walthamstow got a added-time winner in a 2 – 1 success against Enfield at Wadham Lodge. Tim Ogunrinde put his new club ahead just past the half hour, though David Cowley levelled from twelve yards three minutes after the interval. Callum Ibe sent the majority of the three hundred fans attending wild with a late winner to fortify ‘Stow’s position at the summit as they kept their ten-point lead over Stansted. The Airportmen now have a five-point cushion in second after a 3 – 1 home win against Cockfosters. Brad Russell gave Paul Pittuck & John Watters’ side an early lead, but a crucially timed leveller from ‘Fosters stalwart George Beattie came two minutes before the break. However, second half goals from Michael Salako [66’] & Connor Hammond [84’] made sure that the ‘Blue Brazil’ made the most of other sides faltering around them.
One of those sides who debatably dropped points were Stanway Rovers, who were held to a goalless draw with West Essex at Hawthorns. The Stags are now only four points adrift of the top ten. Redbridge got a narrow 2 – 1 triumph over Takeley at Oakside with two goals in three minutes from Michael Pindy and Robbie Norris enough to give them the points. Charlie Allum got the solitary reply for Marc Das’ side but they fell to twelfth spot. The Motormen remain in fourth but are now seven points clear of Athletic Newham after Newham lost the ‘Terry Mac’ derby 0 – 2 to Clapton, who are now five points clear of the bottom three.
Meanwhile, Little Oakley are a point off the top ten after a 3 – 1 victory at St Margaretsbury, with Danny Garrad giving Matt Carmichael’s side the lead on eleven minutes. Two penalties from the influential Harry Mann and Daniel Rowe completed the win, with Rodney Clements late spot-kick denying the Acorns a clean sheet. I attended this match, if you’d like more on it, my report is here: https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/01/22/s21-22-match-report-st-margaretsbury-1-3-little-oakley-sat-22nd-jan-esl/
Elsewhere, Saffron Walden Town were denied a morale-boosting win as they drew 3 – 3 with White Ensign at Catons Lane. Scott Piggott struck twice for Jason Maher’s team, with Gavin Cockman adding their other goal. However, the crowd of around 250 got their share of goals here as Luke Woodward’s fine treble ensured Carl Conway & Jack Maleary’s side got a point, which lifts them up to eighth and stay only a point off Walden in sixth. Hoddesdon Town got a vital win in their battle of the bottom seven sides, as they edged to a 4 – 3 success over bottom side Sporting Bengal Utd at Lowfield. Harrison Cage struck twice for the hosts, with Jack Lee and Josh Stevens goals also proving decisive. Bengal gave it everything and had strikes by Yaha Djau , Quincy Roberts and Gianfranco Mici to thank staying in the match but ultimately they fell to another loss and their need to win matches gets that bit higher.
Two more matches this weekend and Woodford Town got a narrow 1 – 0 win at Southend Manor, with ex-Redbridge winger Ayub Kadiri getting the only goal there for Shane Baptiste’s side, who remain 14th. Also, FC Clacton set aside a bad loss in midweek as they won 4 – 0 at Sawbridgeworth Town. Kyle Ferguson and Mekhi McKenzie gave the Seasiders a comfortable lead at the interval, with late strikes by Harry McDonald and substitute Jordan Lartey adding further pain to the Sawbo side. This result meant that Clacton stay in the top ten, a point clear of fellow North East Essex side Oakley.
Cockfosters EmblemWoodford Town BadgeBoth sides’ observing a minute’s pre-match applause for the NHS
Dominant performance sees ‘Fosters off to a super start at Chalk Lane
Cockfosters 6 – 1 Woodford Town
Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
Additional Photo by Peter D [@Twitter: @ped1980]
The second match of the opening weekend saw me return to the characterful Chalk Lane to see a side in Cockfosters that I felt may surprise a few in the top part of the Essex Senior table. Player-Manager Ryan Wade’s side faced Woodford Town, who are still managed by joint-managers Dee Safer & Julian Charles and will shortly move into their much-talked about new ground at Ashton’s. The incessant rain we’ve had in the South East of England this week continued before kick-off but it didn’t affect the quality of the game.
The hosts line-up included a number of players who impressed last season. New goalkeeper, former Enfield Town stopper Matt Nolan started behind a defence of skipper Luke Marshall at right-back, with Danny Haigh and Michael Okafor at centre-back with Prince Madu at left-back. The forward line was led by Billy Healey and new signing Charncey Dash, with chief support coming from the flanks from Reece Mosanya and George Beattie. A youthful bench included the likes of Taylor Wild, Billy Blackwell and forward Jack Hockney. Woodford also named a new stopper in Lee Haylock, with Abdus Salami and Bailey Brown as centre-backs. Skipper Jaydon Charles looked to build attacks from midfield, with Ramiah Mills and Luke May May-Parrott supporting forwards Rasheed Salau and George Thompson, Their bench included rapid forward Richard Asamoah and midfielder Tyriq Alexander.
Right from the opening minutes, Cockfosters started with clear desire to gain the adavantage. The first of several fine passing moves involved winger Reece Mosanya, midfielder Kaidyn Michael and left-back Prince Madu led to a decent strike by forward Billy Healey which visiting custodian Lee Haylock did well to deny. With eight minutes on the watch, a good threaded pass by Madu down the left to winger George Beattie who then found Mosanya well before the latter’s fierce strike which powered off the crossbar. Nervy moment for the Town defence averted. Unfortunately for Woodford, they would concede just after the quarter-hour. Moments after Haylock pulled off another good save from Kaidyn Michael’s initial effort, the hosts kept possession and Healey’s looping centre found strike partner Charncey Dash who easily headed the ball in from mere yards out. Haylock was in action again a couple of minutes later as Mosanya broke past the Woodford defence again though the Town stopper again denied Mosanya’s decent strike.
Mosanya continued his fine performance as midway through the half, another surging run down the right side ended with a well-placed centre, to which Beattie latched on to at the far post and stroked home past the unfortunate Haylock to double the hosts’ advantage. Woodford had a decent five-minute spell with the half-hour approaching, as forward George Thompson’s effort was well-blocked by ‘Fosters centre-back Michael Okafor and then, a good mazy run by winger Luke May-Parrott on the edge of the penalty area ended with his strike tipped wide by home goalkeeper Matt Nolan.
Unsurprisingly, this stirred the hosts into a reaction and they extend their lead on the half-hour. Another fine long pass by Michael found advancing right-back Luke Marshall who in turn found Beattie who sent home another good low finish to give his side a three-goal lead. Four minutes afterward, tall forward Dash evaded his marker in Town defender Bailey Brown before bringing another good save out of Town stopper Haylock, who simply kept his side in the match in the first half with a number of good saves. Cockfosters did notch a fourth goal though on 37 minutes as Mosanya finally got a deserved goal with a fine finish into the left-sided corner.
Half-Time: Cockfosters 4 – 0 Woodford Town
After an impressive first-half, you may have thought the hosts would move into a slightly more defensive mode after the interval. This wasn’t the case although Woodford did have more of the ball in the early stages as winger Ramiah Mills nearly forced an error by Nolan. The hosts responded and after a good move involving Mosanya and Dash led to another strike on goal by Healey but it fizzed over the goal frame. Ryan Wade & Tony Faulkner’s side did add to their goal tally on fifty-eight minutes as George Beattie was well played in again and again, fired home a crisp strike into the left corner to complete a super treble, much to the delight of his team-mates (pictured) & fans.
Cockfosters players celebrate Beattie’s treble [Image by Peter D]
Only a minute later, it was six for the home side as a fine finish from Billy Healey found the net. The tiring Woodford defence were unable to stop the rapid wave of Cockfosters forward attacks, and on 71 minutes two substitutes combined as as forward Jack Hockney found Billy Blackwell but the over-worked Haylock did well to deny another well-hit strike. The hosts would’ve been a little frustrated as Town did get on the score-sheet three minutes later through a well-taken finish by Rasheed Salau into the right corner of the net.
The hosts were still keen to add to their goal-scoring haul though Hockney was unable to beat Haylock on two occasions, the second occasion Hockney was well found by Michael who had beaten two defenders for pace. All in all though, the hosts will be very happy with the result & performance and it was really good to see it first-hand. Woodford will need to be stronger defensively and start matches better but you had to feel for the players and the management team on what was a tough afternoon for them.
Full-Time: Cockfosters 6 – 1 Woodford Town
To summarise the match, the hosts really did make a statement of intent from early on in this match. They were very impressive and although one-sided matches aren’t always great to see, the ‘Fosters could have scored ten here. Woodford were simply unable to stem the flow of attacks the hosts mustered in the first half, though they did have more joy after the break. For Cockfosters, George Beattie had an excent match and was hungry for goals and it showed with three good goals, as well as his movement and pace. Winger Reece Mosanya was hugely influential as well and was too strong for the opposite with his passing, energy and speed. Billy Healey led the line well alongside new recruit Charncey Dash, they both deserved to get on the score-sheet as they did. Dynamic midfielder Kaidyn Michael’s passing, speed and energy also made a telling contribution to a day they won’t soon forget.
Woodford were very grateful to goalkeeper Lee Haylock who made no less than six good saves and he can be very pleased with his performance today. Winger Luke May-Parrott was also a good outlet down the flank showing good dribbling and movement to ensure the home defence kept their focus. Right-back Jack Murray-Sharpe showed decent composure as well in looking to build attacks and substitute Richard Asamoah also did well to stretch the tiring defence late on in the match. Finally, I’d like to say thanks to the hosts for their assistance and best wishes to both teams for the rest of the campaign.
Line-ups:
Cockfosters | Player-Manager: Ryan Wade | Assistant: Tony Faulkner
Starting XI: 1 Matt Nolan (GK), 2 Luke Marshall (Capt) (15 Matt Thomson 79′), 3 Prince Madu, 4 Zivonimir Lopes, 5 Danny Haigh, 6 Michael Okafor, 7 Reece Mosanya, 8 Kaidyn Michael, 9 Billy Healey (16 Jack Hockney 61′), 10 Charncey Dash (14 Billy Blackwell 71′), 11 George Beattie
Goal-scorers: Charncey Dash [16′], George Beattie [21′, 30′ & 58′], Reece Mosanya [37′], Billy Healey [59′]
Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Wild, Wade
Woodford Town | Joint-Managers: Dee Safer & Julian Charles
Starting XI: 1 Lee Haylock (GK), 2 Jack Murray-Sharpe, 3 Jonathan Makaku, 4 Jaydon Charles (Capt), 5 Abdus Salami, 6 Bailey Brown, 7 Ramiah Mills (15 Luke McElroy 69′), 8 Joshua Gravesande, 9 George Thompson (12 Tyriq Alexander 50′), 10 Rasheed Salau, 11 Luke May-Parrott (14 Richard Asamoah 56′)
Goal-scorers: Rasheed Salau [74′]
Booked: Salau & 1 more (unknown) | Subs Not Used: Lewis, Bayo
Referee: James Keane Assistants: Daniel Smith & Joshua Evans
Hoddesdon: White Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks
Youthful Hoddesdon out-work Woodford to claim Cordell Trophy Plate
Woodford Town 0 – 3 Hoddesdon Town
Match Report by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
Additional Photo by Jack Hayman, Non-League Chronicles team (@NLChronicles)
The 2020-21 Season ended (for me at least) on the late May Bank Holiday weekend with a return to the Cup Finals Day experience with two matches at Redbridge FC’s Oakside. This first match was the Len Cordell Cup – Plate Final between Woodford Town and Hoddesdon Town. Woodford are still a youthful set-up, marshalled by joint-bosses Dee Safer and Julian Charles and were skippered by centre-back David Agboola, with Harvey Simson between the sticks and a front three of Ramiah Mills, Rasheed Salau and Jaydon Charles. A slightly depleted bench featured Eren Muti and Ramzi Mahmoudi among the options there. Hoddesdon were also missing ten players though injury or unavailability so Simon Riddle’s side also had a youthful complexion but they could still field Connor Bolton as left-back, veteran centre-back Kardan Campbell as skipper and the talented front line of Harrison Rookard, Cyrus Babaie and Harry Andic in attack. Among their options from the bench were Alfie Little, Mark Stevenson and Shaun Barwaah.
Still of the match with Hoddy boss Simon Riddle (left) looking on [Image: Scott W]
The first thing to notice really as the match got underway was the buzz of the returning crowds for this Finals day. More than seventy people were spread out through the sides near the pitch and as you’d expect, the Woodford Towners were there in good numbers providing their usual mix of atmosphere and songs, good on them. Hoddesdon definitely settled the quicker of the two sides on-the-pitch, with the opening ten minutes seeing a firm strike by Cyrus Babaie which he skewed off-target with only Woodford custodian Harvey Simson to defeat. Full-back Connor Bolton then did force Simson into a decent save moments later, as the goalkeeper parried a fierce strike wide for a set-piece. Woodford didn’t need those warnings though as soon after they fell behind. On the quarter-hour, Babaie broke away from the Woodford defence again but this he fired home a cool finish with Simson to bypass and put Simon Riddle’s side in front.
The Lilywhites so nearly doubled their advantage barely a minute later as Babaie was again the architect, involved in a good passing move with midfielder James Mays and fellow forward Harrison Rookard which allowed the later to strike at goal, forcing Simson into an acrobatic save. Hoddy kept up the pressure at this stage of the match, as Woodford were unable to retain possession for any length of time, but skipper David Agboola did make a number of well-timed interceptions in the first half. Another cross from the left by Bolton needed the intervention of the central defender on twenty minutes. You sensed at this point that Woodford were in danger of falling further behind and but for Simson, they may have been as he pulled off another good save to deny as Mays were again one-on-one with the Town stopper.
Hoddesdon did get the second goal their play merited just shy of the half-hour as Cyrus Babaie turned provider by making a good run down the right flank, before his centre found Rookard who helped himself to a close-range goal. Woodford did emerge from their half towards the latter stages of the first period but found Hoddy stopper Alex Reed in decent form as a lofted goal-bound effort from substitute Reece DaCosta was well-tracked and gathered by Reed. So at the break it was an important team-talk for the Woodford side, whereas Hoddesdon had to be mindful of concentration lapses in defence.
Half-Time: Woodford Town 0 – 2 Hoddesdon Town
If the travelling Hoddesdon contingent were concerned about ‘sitting back’ after the break to protect their lead, they needn’t have done so as two minutes after the resumption, a well-hit overhead kick by Rookard tested Simson before the latter made a good save to clear his lines. In fairness though, Woodford did have more of the play in the second half though they found the Hoddesdon defence eager and enjoying the contest, particularly well-travelled centre-back Kardan Campbell who made a number of good interceptions throughout and was in no mood at all to give the opposition forwards any glimmer of hope of getting back into the match.
If there was one over-riding critique of Woodford up to this point, it was that they really didn’t test Lilywhites stopper Alex Reed enough, despite their customary decent approach play. On fifty-six minutes though, Town forward Jaydon Charles nearly found his radar as a well-struck effort was only narrowly wide of the far-left corner. Not surprisingly, this seemed to lift the ‘hosts’ as midway through the half, a rare blemish in work-rate by the well-drilled Hoddesdon defence allowed forward Ramiah Mills to make a good run and his pass found the advancing Shaye La-Rose, pushed forward from full-back but Reed again was well-placed to deny him with a good save.
During the latter stages, the chances fell away somewhat as Hoddesdon maintained their miserly defending despite the growing heat in the nice blue skies surrounding the ground, but in added-time, Cyrus Babaie grabbed his second of the contest with another cool finish past the unfortunate Simson to add further gloss to the score-sheet and secure the Plate for his side, which on balance was entirely deserved.
Essex Senior officials Lee Dorling & Carl Whay with the momentos for both teams & Officials (in middle) [Image: Scott W]
Campbell (#5) lifts Cordell Plate & celebrates with his Hoddesdon team [Image: Jack Hayman]
Full-Time: Woodford Town 0 – 3 Hoddesdon Town
So in summary, Woodford were not at their best here but it is worth adding that Hoddesdon did not allow their opposition to really settle into the game, through determined defending, good organisation and a high work-rate.
In-terms of stand-out performances, for the victors Hoddesdon, they were indebted to another excellent match for two-goal star Cyrus Babaie who really gave the Woodford defence a hard afternoon. Strike partner Harrison Rookard also had a good game for the Lilywhites, giving a whole-hearted performance with pace and running plus he took his goal well. Skipper Kardan Campbell marshalled the defence well and was a key figure in his side’s efforts, assisting the youngsters in the team. Connor Bolton also showed his experience well and could’ve got on the score-sheet as well.
For Woodford, it goes without saying that goalkeeper Harvey Simson had an impressive afternoon, making at least five important saves to keep his team in it. Skipper David Agboola also had a good game and Shaye La-Rose also made good runs on the left side to assist his side’s forward line.
All that’s left to say is I wish both sides well for next season. Both have talent but as the cliché says, it is about getting results and Hoddesdon got that result here.
Teams
Woodford Town | Joint-Managers: Dee Safer & Julian Charles
1 Harvey Simson (GK), 2 Cameron Lyttle (16 Reece DaCosta 33’), 3 Shaye La-Rose, 4 David Agboola (Capt) (12 Eren Muti 74’), 5 Abdus Salam-Salami, 6 Evangelos Empochontsif, 7 Tyriq Alexander (15 Jack Murry-Sharpe 81’), 8 Joshua Ron Gravesande, 9 Ramiah Mills, 10 Rasheed Salau, 11 Jaydon Charles (14 Ramzi Mahmoudi 83’)
Booked: None | Sub Not Used: McAvoy (GK)
Hoddesdon Town | Manager: Simon Riddle | Assistant: Jeff Cross
1 Alex Reed (GK), 2 Ben Fox, 3 Connor Bolton, 4 Archie Lockie, 5 Kardan Campbell (Capt), 6 Sam Cross (14 Alfie Little 71’), 7 Ollie Finch, 8 James Mays (12 Mark Stevenson 25’, himself replaced by 15 Shaun Barwaah 81’), 9 Harrison Rookard (17 Liam Nugent 81’), 10 Harry Andic, 11 Cyrus Babaie
Goal-scorers: Cyrus Babaie [15’ & 90’ +1], Harrison Rookard [29’]
S Manor: Yellow & Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks
Woodford : Royal Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks
Manor’s club logo
Woodford Town Badge
Manor grab crucial win late on with an Allen stunner
Southend Manor 2 – 1 Woodford Town
MatchReport & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)
The second match of the Essex Senior season saw me return to Southchurch Park to see Woodford Town’s visit to Southend Manor. Dee Safer’s side were beaten at Hadley on the opening day and their line-up here had the forthcoming FA Cup Prelim Round tie at Waltham Abbey in mind as there was only four survivors from that Hadley game in the starting line-up, James Scammell retained his place in goal, Conor Boon came in to skipper the side at centre-back, with Marcus Painter on the right flank. Zain Moreea was the support to centre forward Rigert Rama. The likes of Andrea Montovani and Jerry Luwero were options from the bench.
Manor also had a tough day as they lost at home to Sawbridgeworth and they named French goalkeeper Klinton Makayabo, with a back four of Joe Elliott, Billy Harrison, Jack Frost and skipper Reece Latimer. The front two were Ronnie Edwards and ex-Hullbridge forward Luca Frankis with Billy Rungay, Darnel Bromfield and Ben Allen on the substitute’s bench.
Onto the match itself, and Woodford were marginally the stronger side, with forwards Rigert Rama and Zain Moreea both having early looks at goal, the latter of which kept home stopper Klinton Makayabo alert. As we entered the midway point of the half, Manor gradually wrestled more of the ball and tentatively went forward, with winger Gianni Frankis sending in a fine centre from the hosts’ right flank to which left-sided winger Deividas Sertivietis’s shot at goal but was blocked by stern Town defender Rob Banfield. Fellow forward Ronnie Edwards also sent a looping header narrowly wide for Manor moments afterward.
Woodford responded as their characteristic pacey breaks down the flanks were aided by crisp long passes forward. Zain Moreea broke past the home backline and crossed in but it took a deflection which allowed Makayabo to gather. This ended up being a warning which Manor did not heed as on the half-hour, Moreea again sped past the Manor midfield and his right-sided run ended with a fine cross which Rama took a touch and fired home from close range. Manor did finish the half quite well as with six minutes left until the break, Gianni Frankis’ header when well-placed was collected by Woodford custodian James Scammell.
Then, three minutes before the interval, Manor did level the match as midfielder Matthew Keiller’s smart, looping header was well guided past Scammell and into the far corner, much to the delight of his team-mates.
Half-Time: Southend Manor 1 – 1 Woodford Town
Into the second half, Woodford once again started to build their passing game as they sought to regain the momentum and the lead, as ever noisily backed by the Towners’ faithful who once again sang throughout. Barely a minute after the half began, the impressive Moreea again showed his pace and trickery down the right channel, but his strike didn’t seriously trouble Makayabo in the Manor goal.
From this point, the visiting defence steadily became more and more active as Craig Waters’ team searched for the advantage. Town centre-back Conor Boon did well in marshalling his defence to clear crosses into the 18-yard box. Manor forward Luca Frankis had a header from close range saved by Scammell and brother Gianni Frankis also struck wide of the left-side post either side of the hour mark.
As we entered the latter stages of the game, the tension rose as it appeared both sides just wouldn’t be able to create the moment of magic to win the game. Home skipper Reece Latimer did drive his side forward and with five minutes left, they got their reward. Substitute Ben Allen had found his way into the right-sided channel outside the penalty area before lashing home and unstoppable strike which Scammell was powerless to stop going into the top-left corner. The hosts still had to hold on in the last few minutes as Rama sent a drive from about 15 yards but Makayabo was equal to it. After a few nervy minutes of added time, the final whistle blew and the Southend side got their first points of the season.
Full-Time: Southend Manor 2 – 1 Woodford Town
In my view, this was a tight match which both sides could have won. Manor maybe just edging it because of their second-half display here. But you also have to note how Woodford did well despite a number of changes in this game, which in turn highlights the philosophy of how they play, a big credit to manager Dee Safer and his coaching team. In terms of stand-out performers, Manor were indebted to right winger Gianni Frankis who showed himself to be a willing runner and had pace and crossing ability. Skipper Reece Latimer, midfielder Matthew Keiller and forward Ronnie Edwards also deserve a mention for being part of the spine of the side that showed urgency to get the win.
Woodford also had a number of players that stood out, with tricky forward Zain Moreea growing in confidence with his pace and crossing, forward Rigert Rama also was a quick threat throughout. Mentions also go to winger Marcus Painter who played his part in the Town attacking moves, along with centre-back Conor Boon and full-back David Ola who also sent in a few telling long balls forward during the match. As ever, I wish both sides well for this long season.
1 Klinton Makayabo (GK), 2 Joe Elliott, 3 Billy Harrison, 4 Jack Frost, 5 Liam Jarrett (13 Billy Rungay 69’), 6 Reece Latimer (Capt), 7 Gianni Frankis (15 Ben Allen 74’), 9 Ronnie Edwards, 10 Luca Frankis (14 Darnel Bromfield 67’), 11 Deividas Sertvietis
Goal-scorers: Matthew Keiller [42’], Ben Allen [85’]
Booked: Bromfield | Subs Not Used: Rogers, Acquah (GK)
Woodford Town | Manager: Dee Safer | Assistant: Wayne St Louis
1 James Scammell (GK), 2 Joseph St-Luce Moynihan, 3 David Ola, 4 Aaron Matomisa (15 Dimi Kapsokostas 77’), 5 Conor Boon (Capt), 6 Rob Banfield, 7 Marcus Painter, 8 Harry Markatis, 9 Rigert Rama, 13 Zain Moreea (17 Alex Awobimpe 77’), 11 Cameron St Louis (14 Jerry Luwero 12’)
Goal-scorer: Rigert Rama [30’]
Booked: Rama, Luwero | Subs Not Used: Empochonstif, Montovani
Referee: Kirk Edwards
Assistant Referees: Benjamin Horne & Robert Collins
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