BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup 2021/2022 - A look back at the four Semi Finalists route to the Final Four

 (Basildon Town and Hutton do battle in their Fourth Round tie last month, a tie Town edged 2-1)

Next weekend (Saturday 5th March) sees the Semi Finals of the Essex Premier Cup take place, lets remind ourselves of those ties:-

Clapton Community Vs Woodford East

Sungate Vs Catholic United

Clapton Community are representing the Middlesex County League and are having a very good season in the Premier Division, sitting third and only four points off league leaders FC Soma with two games in hand in them too, and they take on Woodford East who will be representing the Essex Alliance League and they too have been having a good season so far, sitting fourth in the Senior Division, nine points off leaders DTFC, and also with two games in hand having only lost one game in the league all season to date.

The other semi final sees an all Essex Olympian League Premier Division match up as Sungate take on Catholic United, both sides are pretty much locked together in seventh and sixth respectively, Sungate have played three games less then their opponents though and are just one point below them, both have won nine of their league games this term, but both have also lost several too in what has been a mixed season for both, and are both well of the pace for the top positions as a result, so a run in this competition has certainly helped both sides.

Let's now look back in detail how all four sides managed to reach the semi-final stage:-

First Round

The competition got underway way back on September 18th, but only one of the four semi finalists, Sungate, actually played in this round, as Clapton Community, Woodford East and Catholic United all got byes through to the Second Round, so just one game to look back on at this stage, and it saw Sungate travel to Essex & Suffolk Border League Premier Division side AFC Barnston:-

AFC Barnston 0 Sungate 3

Sungate begin their Premier Cup campaign with a three goal victory at High Easter Road against their Border League hosts, and according to the hosts they were beaten by a very good Sungate side, so the Olympian side certainly got their cup run off to a decent start, and joined the other three now semi finalists in Round Two.

Second Round

The second round took place on October 16th, with only three of the four now semi-finalists taking to the pitch (reason explained below), let's see how their campaigns began and how Sungate's continued:-

Clapton Community H-W Wakebury

Wivenhoe Town Reserves 0 Sungate 6

Herongate Athletic 1 Catholic United 2

White Ensign Reserves 1 Woodford East 2

Clapton Community's tie against Olympian Division Two side Wakebury didn't take place as the visitors withdrew from the competition, meaning the hosts effectively had two byes through to the Third Round, Sungate continued their comfortable run in the competition after they netted six second half goals against Wivenhoe's Reserve side to progress, making it nine goals without reply in their two away ties thus far, however the other two sides it was anything but comfortable. Catholic squeezed past Olympian One side Herongate thanks to goals from Aaron Baldwin and Jay Nash, whilst Woodford East needed goals from Frank Glock and Adam Tabbani to squeeze past Ensign's Reserve side in what was a superb result for Halil Hassan's side, with Joe Kemp putting in a solid defensive display to earn the MOTM award.

Third Round

After another month went by the Third Round action took place on November 20th, here is how the four semi-finalists progressed:-

Catholic United 3 West Essex Development 2

Sungate 4 Wakering Sports 0

Leigh Town 3 Clapton Community 5 (aet)

May & Baker 'A' 3 Woodford East 5

Catholic had another tough game and needed a brace from James Warder plus a solo strike from Temiloluwa Adebayo to win against West Essex Development in the odd goal in five, Sungate continued to smash everyone before them in this competition as they netted another four goals without reply in seeing off Olympian Division One side Wakering Sports, and the other two ties yielded plenty of action and goals it's fair to say. Clapton Community had to survive a scare against Olympian One side Leigh Town, with goals from Briggs, Kwakye, Taylor and a Wright brace seeing them through after extra time in an eight goal thriller, and Woodford East were also involved in an eight goal thriller against May & Baker's A side,  Adam Tabbani put in a goal scoring MOTM performance and there was a brace from Billy Barr as well as further goals from Ben Smith & Lucio Uare.

Fourth Round

The Fourth Round saw teams return to action after a small break for Christmas and New Year, and Covid of course, meaning most sides went straight back into competitive action with a Last 16 Premier Cup tie to contend with, not ideal but it is what it is, so let's see how they got on:-

Colne Athletic 3 Catholic United 5

Sungate 5 Harold Hill 1

Dunmow Town 3 Woodford East 1 (Woodford Town awarded tie and given away walkover win)

Clapton Community 4 Leigh Ramblers 2

Catholic were involved in an eight goal thriller away at Border League side Colne Athletic but saw a brace from James Warder plus strikes from Aaron Baldwin, Jay Nash and Alfie Whiteaker enough to send them into the Quarter Finals, and although Sungate finally conceded a goal in the competition, they netted another five themselves as they thrashed Olympian Two side Harold Hill. Now Woodford East thought they had exited the competition after they were beaten at Border League Dunmow Town with the East goal coming from Will Letchford, but Woodford were subsequently awarded the tie I suspect after the hosts made an administrative error, although I cannot find any info online, so am not sure what happened there, anyway Woodford were reprieved and put through to the Last Eight. Finally for this round Clapton Community netted four as they saw off Olympian Premier side Leigh Ramblers, with the goals coming from J Adejokun, N. Adejokun, Austin and Stevens.

Quarter Finals

And so to the previous round, which took place at the end of January/begging of February, let's see how the four semi-finalists won through to next weekend's ties:-

Catholic United 2 Stanway Pegasus 1

Sungate 5 Basildon Town 3 (aet)

Clapton Community 3 Manford Way 2

Tiptree Heath 2 Woodford East 5

Catholic netted a superb win over Border League side Stanway Pegasus thanks to goals from Harley Kee and Michael Sammut, they are the only side to have defeated Pegasus this season as the visitors have won 20 of their 22 league games so far and are unbeaten, so thus was no mean feat for Catholic, whilst at Ilford Wanderers Rugby Club Sungate netted another five goals but this tie was their first real test. Sungate had netted eighteen goals and only conceded one so far in the competition but came up against fellow Olympian Premier side Basildon Town and after the game ended 3-3, Sungate managed to net twice in extra time to progress in what seemed like a cracker of a cup tie. Clapton Community were given another scare against Division Two Olympian side Manford Way, but goals from Briggs, Smyth and Taylor saw them squeeze through, and Woodford East netted five as they took full advantage of their reinstatement into the competition by thrashing Border League side Tiptree Heath. Connor Brathwaite put in a goal scoring MOTM performance for the visitors, netting a brace, and there were also goals for Ben Smith, Adam Tallani and Frank Glock.

So that is where we stand going into next weekend's semi finals, I hope to be at the Clapton Community Vs Woodford East tie, both ties look sure to be good contests, hard to call who will win through to the Final which takes place at Billericay Town on Wednesday 13th April with a 7.45pm kick off.  Who will be there competing for the prestigious Premier Cup trophy??? We will find out soon enough..... 

Shoebury Town 2 Manford Way 2 (Manford Way won 4-3 on penalties)

EOFL Denny King Memorial Cup Second Round, Saturday 26th February

Saturday saw me at my first football match for two weeks, and it saw me make my first ever trip to Cupid's Country Club to see Manford Way edge out Shoebury Town on penalty kicks to set up a Last Eight tie back at Cupid's against Wakering Sports.

Cupid's is a lovely venue and belongs to Wakering Sports who have several sides competing in the local leagues, and it is also Shoebury Towns home for this season too (although the club are looking to move to Ecko Sports and Social Club next season perhaps), it has four full size football pitches, two of which are suitable for Olympian Football.

The main pitch has a seated stand and is used by Wakering Sports who play in the EOFL Division One, whilst Shoebury use the second pitch alongside it, both these pitches are roped off with permanent wooden stakes holding them up, and dugouts too, and the facility also has smaller seven a side pitch too which also has a small stand, and then there is a lovely clubhouse too with all the amenities you could want, so very impressive indeed for the level they are at. There are some senior clubs who could learn from Cupid's that is for sure.

Today's match was an all Division Two affair in the Denny King Memorial Cup, this was a secontd round tie although 15 of the 17 sides who compete in this competition got byes to Round Two anyway (the only two sides who haven't are Southend Manor Development and Snaresbrook, who are to play their First Round tie in two weekends time, with the winners meeting Epping Town at home in Round Two, and the winners of today's game at Cupid's would return to play on the main pitch in the Quarters against Wakering Sports.

Could Shoebury set up an all Cupid's Quarter Final against their landlords? They certainly began the better and saw two golden chances pass them by early on, Garry Johnson somehow slotted wide after getting in on goal, and then centre half Boosey somehow headed wide from point blank range as the hosts had the better of the first period, although hosts keeper Sebastian Godwin-Turner had to make two decent stops down the other end when the visitors did mount some attacks themselves.

Ten minutes before the break though Shoebury did grab the lead when miscommunication between keeper and defender allowed the ball to go between the keepers legs, and allow Steven Valente to ghost in behind and have an empty goal to slot into and hand the hosts a deserved lead.

However, this lead was only to last five minutes as Manford Way got themselves back on level terms with a fortuitous goal, Samuel Oramadike cut inside onto his right foot and fired an effort at the near post, keeper Godwin-Turner managed to tip it onto the inside of the post, but it came back and hit the keeper before going back onto the inside of the post and into the net for an own goal, leaving the hosts frustrated.

Shoebury were to get their noses back in front in first half stoppage time though as more calamitous defending from the visitors saw them give the ball away inside the own box and see Kyle McAlindon brought down for a spot kick, and although Johnson's penalty wasn't the best, the visiting keeper could not keep it out and the hosts had the half time lead.

Shoebury's levels dropped off somewhat in the second period and allowed Manford Way to get more of a foothold in the tie, and they were given an advantage with just under twenty minutes to go when Johnson was adjudged to be offside even though he had looked to have made a run from inside his own half to go clear on goal, and his frustrations saw referee Phillip Clarke send him to the sin bin for ten minutes, meaning the hosts would have to dig deep to keep the visitors out.

Despite some pressure from Manford Way the hosts held firm and were looking dangerous on the counter, but it looked as if Shoebury would hold out and make it through to the next round, but, a minute into stoppage time the visitors found a leveller to take the tie to penalties when Fuad Ibrahim managed to squeeze an effort beyond Godwin-Turner at his near post.

It had been a decent cup tie, and now it would be decided on spot kicks, the first six were all dispatched, and then the hosts saw a poor kick saved by the legs of the keeper, and after Manford netted their fourth it meant Shoebury had to net theirs to keep the shootout going, but they struck the bar and it meant Manford Way progressed into the Final Eight. Well played to both teams though who certainly entertained the small crowd at Cupid's.

Full time Shoebury Town 2 Manford Way 2 (Manford Way won 4-3 on penalties)

Before I go, let's see how the Denny King Memorial Cup stands after today's games:-

First Round

Southend Manor Development Vs Snaresbrook (Saturday March 12th)

Second Round

Southend Manor Development/Snaresbrook Vs Epping Town

AS Rawreth 3-0 Leytonstone United

Old Chelmsfordians Vs Wakebury (Saturday March 5th)

Old Barkabbeyans 2-4 Beacon Hill Rovers

Pitsea Athletic 2-6 Runwell Sports

Rochford Town 1-3 Collier Row

Wakering Sports 1-1 Hullbridge Sports Reserves (Wakering Sports won 5-4 on penalties)

Shoebury Town 2-2 Manford Way (Manford Way won 4-3 on penalties)

 

Quarter Finals

Southend Manor Development/Snaresbrook/Epping Town Vs AS Rawreth

Old Chelmsfordians/Wakebury Vs Beacon Hill Rovers

Runwell Sports Vs Collier Row

Wakering Sports Vs Manford Way

The Quarter Final ties should be finalised by the end of March once the sole first round tie and the two second round ties are completed over the next couple of weekends or so I'd suspect. Expect Snaresbrook to defeat Manor's Development side as they are three Divisions above meaning they would then take on fellow Division One foes Epping Town.

Going on league positions Epping Town may edge that game, so would hosts Division Two strugglers AS Rawreth for a place in the final four, whilst the other Second Round tie, which is played next weekend, is between mid table Division One side Old Chelmsfordians and third placed Division Two Wakebury, that is a hard one to call although the visitors would certainly fancy it that is for sure.

If I was a betting man I'd say Wakebury may just edge it, meaning they would be at home to Division One side Beacon Hill Rovers, who are worse off than OS, so they would fancy a last four berth if they can get through next weekends tie. And of the other two Quarter Final ties, expecting both Division One sides Runwell Sports and Wakebury Sports to progress as they are both at home to lower league opponents, but of course this means nothing as football is not played on paper.

Anyway that's all for now, the next few weekends will show if I know anything or not.....

Chadwell Heath Spartans 2 Lymore Gardens 1

Essex Alliance League Senior Division, Saturday February 12th

I was over at Chigwell Hall on Saturday and saw a late Harry Payne brace help Chadwell Heath Spartans come from behind to defeat Lymore Gardens in a big top of the table clash in the Essex Alliance Senior Division.

This was second against third in the division and the hosts knew three points would see them take a firm grip on second spot and possibly reduce the gap to league leaders DTFC, whilst a win for visiting Gardens would reduce the gap to second to just a point, so this was a big game in terms of the championship picture.

So how was the teams form coming into this? Well Spartans since the new year had won two and lost two in all competitions, bouncing back from a 5-1 loss to Jolof Sports to net five themselves last time out in a 5-2 slaying of Kit Out London, whereas Gardens had netted two wins this year against Leyton Royal and Blue Marlin so were after three straight wins in the division.

The two sides had met back on December 4th, and it saw a four match winning run from Spartans ended with a bump after Gardens netted a 4-0 success, this in the midst of a decent winning run themselves, so the visitors at least had previous this campaign, so they were looking to repeat that whilst the hosts wanted to gain some revenge for that painful loss.

It looked like the visitors might repeat the performance of a few weeks ago too early on, they began the better and only took themselves seven minutes to get in front when a ball found Ryo Brown, and he ran into the box before unleashing a superb curling effort into the top corner, and it was not the start the hosts were looking for, and a perfect one for Gardens.

However, once Spartans had settled, they began to create chances, even though they were playing into a rather strong wind, and saw two Aaron Hunwicks free kicks headed off target from good positions, and then a long range effort brilliantly saved by the visitors keeper, so although Spartans went into the break a goal behind, they had the wind second half and hopefully for their case continue that momentum they were starting to build.

The continued to pin the visitors back and put a lot of pressure on the Gardens back line, but try as Spartans might they could not find a way through a stubborn visiting defence who were digging in and holding onto what was a fragile lead, but with just under fifteen minutes to go they saw that lead evaporate as the hard working centre forward Payne got onto a through ball and slotted beyond the keeper and net a well deserved leveller, could they now go on and win it?

Momentum was all with the hosts now, as well as the wind, and sure enough they were to net what proved to be the winning goal seven minutes from time when after the referee had given a penalty for handball just inside the box, Payne stepped up to convert the spot kick, this after the wind had stopped blowing the ball off its spot, he did well to maintain is composure and concentration, and it was a big goal too and handed Spartans a vital win.

A bit of a melee broke out after full time over on the far side, but after all had calmed down it was nice to see both teams shake hands and congratulate each other on a fine game, there was no quarter given out there but once the game is done it's all left on the pitch, so that was good to see that outcome.

The result sees Spartans remain four points behind DTFC (who did manage to win 5-4 today!!!) and now six points ahead of third placed Woodford East, who they play at home next weekend (oooooh!!!) and now seven points ahead of Lymore Gardens, it was a big result and will give Spartans a big boost ahead of another huge game at Chigwell Hall next Saturday. 

This result was a big blow to Gardens on the flip side and the league title has just got tougher after this result that is for sure, they are now a massive eleven points off the top having played a game more. They travel away next weekend once again, and take on second bottom Tower United looking to bounce back and hope that teams above them slip up.

Finally would just like to thank the hosts for their wonderful hospitality as always, was nice to have some beers with you all in the bar afterwards, so thank you, added to the enjoyment of the day.

Full time Chadwell Heath Spartans 2 Lymore Gardens 1

White Ensign 0 Redbridge 1

Essex Senior League, Wednesday February 9th

Burroughs Park, Great Wakering was my venue on Wednesday evening and it saw a late strike from Redbridge skipper James Barlow hand his side a huge three points against White Ensign in their Essex Senior League contest.

The hosts came into this one off the back of a 1-1 draw at Cockfosters, this after seeing their eight match unbeaten run in the division come to an end the previous midweek against local Southend rivals Southend Manor, it had been a side ravaged by injuries lately so just to get a team out is something for managers Jack Maleary and Carl Conway, but they were hoping to grab all three points here and rise into fifth as a result.

The Motormen themselves were looking for three points to take them just a point behind second placed Stansted and they came into this contest off the back of a 2-2 draw with Saffron Walden Town, this after being 2-0 up as well, and there league form of late has been mixed, with two wins, a draw and two defeats, so they really needed a win here to keep the pressure on that runners up spot.

Redbridge did start the better of the two sides, and came closest to opening the scoring early on when Rob Norris struck an effort against the post from inside the box, and they were the ones creating most of the openings/attacking play in the opening half hour of the contest, although they were unable to make this count.

Ensign managed to grow into the contest as the half wore on though and did create one decent opening when Rudy Cachicote-Da-Roche cut inside onto his right foot before firing a decent effort at the visitors goal, but keeper Michael Cordoroy got across well to beat the effort away, and it meant the game remained goalless at the half time break.

The second half continued with neither side able to get anything going in the final third, both sides build up play was ok, but when it got near the attacking areas they were struggling to create anything of note, which made for a rather frustrating contest for all concerned, and it looked as if the game had 0-0 written all over it, but with five minutes of the ninety remaining that changed.

This is because visitors skipper Barlow, who had encountered a rather frustrating evening like many others had, saw the ball rolled into his path and he fired a powerful left footed effort first time which keeper Louis Hawes saw late, and despite getting a hand to the shot could not keep it from flying into the back of the net, and this proved to be the winning moment for the visitors.

Another frustrating night for Ensign then, who have now lost two of their last three games, and have no wins in that time either, injuries are taking their toll on the side, and it's another late goal which has done for them here, they remain eighth in the table whilst for Redbridge it's a hard fought win and a big three points which takes them a point behind second placed Stansted who they play next in nine days time at Hargrave Park, that proves to be a rather big contest although the Airportmen do play twice before that game.

Ensign welcome St Margaretsbury to Burroughs Park at the weekend and will hope they can get back to winning ways and put what they hope is a small blip behind them.

Full time White Ensign 0 Redbridge 1

Southend United 2 Bromley 0

Vanarama National League, Tuesday 8th January

I was over at a rocking Roots Hall on Tuesday evening as over 8,000 saw Southend United extend their unbeaten run to eight after early second half goals from Matthew Dennis & Shaun Hobson saw them to victory over high flying Bromley. 

The Blues are slowly turning round what was a desperate season up until Boxing Day, going into the corresponding fixture against their opponents here they were fighting to try and get out of the relegation spots, and since that 1-1 draw the Blues have been on a seven match unbeaten run, five of them wins, which has seen them starting to look up rather than down.

They were up against a Bromley side though who had won four games in a row having only conceded one goal in that time so this game would really see how far the Blues had come and really test out that unbeaten record, and with a bumper crowd inside Roots Hall they were certainly going to be backed by a noisy support.

A tight first period saw the best chance fall to the visitors in the 19th minute, and it was almost a gift from the hosts, as a poor back pass from Nathan Ralph saw George Alexander pounce onto the lose ball, but hosts keeper Steve Arnold came and made a superb stop to keep the score line level, but the Blues were to take control with two quick fire goals at the start of the second period.

Two minutes after the break Sam Dalby cut inside before firing a wonderful left footed effort towards the top corner was superbly tipped onto the post by visiting keeper Mark Cousins, however, Dennis was the quickest to react to roll the rebound home and send the 8,000 plus crowd wild with delight, and then three minutes later they were to be on their feet celebrating again.

This was because a Tom Clifford delivery from the left found Hobson who stole in to power a header beyond Cousins and double the Shrimpers advantage, and Bromley now had a mountain to climb to keep their winning streak going, and break into the top three in the division as well.

The closest Bromley came to finding a goal arrived fifteen minutes from the end when Arnold stuck out a leg to deny Luke Coulson after he had broke in down the right hand side, and it meant the Blues would record a sixth win in eight games and remain unbeaten since Boxing Day, meaning they remain 13th but are still closer to the play off places that the relegation zone still.

The hosts are eleven points from seventh spot now and will believe they can make a late charge for the play offs, an impossible thought only six weeks ago, and they are now eighteen points clear of the drop zone, it's been some six weeks for Maher and Co who are seemingly finally stamping their mark on this club and side now, the desire and passion shown by the Blues is typical of what Maher was like as a player, so it is definitely shining through now.

For Bromley this was a disappointing loss, a point would have taken them above FC Halifax Town into third spot, and a win would have taken them just two points off leaders Stockport County, however, their four match winning streak comes to an end here but they are still in fourth and still in a good position going forward, despite this setback on the Essex Coast.

Finally I must say the Blues support was amazing, they did not stop singing all game and created a superb atmosphere inside the stadium, there is a real feel good factor there right now and it is so good to see as a Southend resident that they are looking to be on the way up once again, a very enjoyable evening indeed.

Full time Southend United 2 Bromley 0

 

Sunderland 1 Doncaster Rovers 2

EFL League One, Saturday February 5th

My annual pilgrimage to The Stadium of Light ended in disappointment for 2022 as League One basement boys Doncaster Rovers sprung a shock win against Sunderland to give themselves a fighting chance of survival and in turn dent the hosts promotion aspirations.

As you all know, my late father was a Sunderland fan, and around his birthday (which is 8th February) me and the step mum go up to watch his beloved Black Cats (he supported them for more then forty years until his passing in 2008) and we have probably only see them win a handful of times over the years.

This year though we really thought we were onto a winner here, Sunderland were hosting one of the worst teams in League One in the shape of Doncaster Rovers who were rooted to the foot of the division having only five league wins all season and eleven points from safety with the leagues worst goal difference too.

The Black Cats sat third at kick off and within striking distance of the automatic spots, although a run of one win in six recently and a humiliating 6-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers last weekend resulted in the sacking of manager Lee Johnson, so this wasn't ideal prep for this contest, typical I thought leading up to the game we were going to come and watch.

But on Tuesday all hope was restored with the news that Jermaine Defoe was returning to the club for what they called 'One Last Dance', and this saw ticket sales sky rocket with over 38,000 turning up to watch his return to the club, albeit he was to begin on the bench, however there was a terrific atmosphere prior to kick off and we all hoped this would lead to a commanding performance and bounce back from last weekend's loss to grab an easy three points against a Donnie side who Sunderland had strolled past in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.

But we should have known better quite frankly, as the Black Cats put in a horrid first half display, and if it had not been for keeper Hoffman, the woodwork and some wayward finishing from the visitors, Sunderland could have been well and truly beaten at the break, however, the visitors were to still go into the half time interval two goals clear.

Debutant Reo Griffiths managed to stroll clear to slot Rovers ahead midway through the first period, and then in first half stoppage time experienced campaigner Tommy Rowe fired an unstoppable effort into the far corner, and the chorus of boos that greeted the hosts at half time were well merited, it had been an abysmal display so far and to say I was dejected at the break was an understatement.

I didn't hold out much hope for a second half comeback but the hosts dominated the period but just could not find that killer touch in front of goal, seeing visiting keeper Jonathan Mitchell in the way, with one such save seeing him claw away a Ross Stewart header, although it did look like the ball had crossed the line, but we will never know, so it will go down as one of the great saves.

The hosts also struck the post as they looked to try and find a route back into the game, and with twenty minutes left Defoe and their other new signing Matete were brought on to try and galvanize the home side, but they were unable to claw back the first half deficit despite finding a breakthrough finally after 89 minutes when Corry Evans finished from close range and fell to a very disappointing loss against a side who had won only one away from home all season and had lost twelve of their fourteen away from home.

Credit must go to the visitors who dug in and made it so difficult for the hosts, and they put in a brave and courageous display to give themselves a fighting chance of maybe escaping the bottom four, who knows what a result like this can do for their confidence, it is results like this than can kick start a run of results, so who knows.

For Sunderland though it's an awful loss, they need to install a manager as soon as possible, will it be Roy Keane, will it be Grant McCann, who knows, but whoever it is needs to install some belief into these group of players before the season slides away like many have before, it's the least their suffering passionate fans deserve quite frankly who were brilliant in the second period.

Full time Sunderland 1 Doncaster Rovers 2