Hashtag United 1 Canvey Island 1 (Canvey Island won 5-3 on penalties)

BBC Essex Senior Cup Third Round, Monday 28th November

Game number 47 of the season saw me over at The Len Salmon as Isthmian Premier Canvey Island squeezed into Round Four of the County Cup after a penalty shoot out win over Isthmian North side Hashtag United on a cold misty evening in South Essex.

The hosts came into this one having won four straight in the Isthmian North division which saw them up to second spot and four points behind leaders Aveley, so they would hold no fears against Isthmian Premier Canvey Island who themselves are having a decent campaign and sit just outside the play off places in their division.

Canvey's form of late has been largely ok, November began with two wins and a draw, before they lost last time out at Essex rivals Billericay Town, and they knew they would be in a game in this one for sure, Hashtag hadn't lost at home in eight league games, winning seven of those in the process, and in fact this was the hosts third Essex derby in a row, could they make it three wins after victories over Grays Athletic and Basildon United.

This was both sides first foray into this seasons Essex Senior Cup as both received byes into this round due to their positions in the pyramid, Canvey are four time winners of this competition, with their latest one coming a decade ago when they beat Colchester United in the 2012 final, whereas Hashtag have only been competing in the competition for a handful of seasons now, so it was chalk and cheese in terms of competition experience, although that obviously counted for nowt here.

And it was the Isthmian North hosts who had the bulk of the first half openings, they did have the ball in the net too but this was ruled out for an infringement, the visitors did create openings too, and also thought they had taken the lead late in the first period after a glancing header at the near post, which turned out to be handball, found the net, at least I think it was ruled out for that, but it meant the sides went into the break all square.

The second period began more evenly and the expected tight tussle of an Essex derby played out in cold and at times misty conditions, but just past the hour mark came the break through as Canvey got their noses in front, after a cross from the left hand side found Charlie Edwards at the back post, and he sent a header goal wards which keeper Anthony Page could only parry into his own net, he would have been disappointed not to have kept the effort out, but the visitors now had a lead to hold onto.

Hashtag though kept plugging away and attacked at every opportunity, and with eight minutes to go got their reward when the ever reliable centre half Harry Haysom burst into the box to power home a close range header to set up a grandstand finish, or so we hoped.

Neither side could find a winner though, meaning the tie went to spot kicks, and after both had netted their opening two penalties, Canvey netted to make it 3-2, but The Tags skied their third one over, and with Canvey netting their remaining spot kicks, they were the ones to advance into Round Four.

A good battle then between two decent outfits who are both chasing promotion in their divisions this campaign, Canvey will also dream of a fifth County Cup title whereas Hashtag can now solely chase that dream of playing their opponents in the league again next season, although Canvey will hope they don't as they will want to gain promotion too, however they are certainly two sides heading in the right direction regardless of this result here.

Full time Hashtag United 1 Canvey Island 1 (Canvey Island won 5-3 on penalties)

 

Benfleet 0 May & Baker 2

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Saturday 26th November

My first game for almost three weeks saw me over at Park Lane, Canvey Island, and saw goals from Rob Bagnell and Kalum Bama help May & Baker to a deserved three points over promotion rivals Benfleet.

Hosts Benfleet started the day in third spot and four points of league leaders Stanway Pegasus an came into this one off the back of win at Mile End against Tower Hamlets last weekend, however, their home form has not been the best this season, although of the eighteen league games played so far they have only played five at home, which is crazy.

They have only played six at home in total so far, and their only win at Park Lane this campaign came in an FA Vase tie against Newbury Forest, so although they have no wins at home in the league in late November, that is slightly unfair having only played so little at home this campaign so far, however, they would be up against grabbing that first league home win in this one as they were up against a very good side in May & Baker.

The visitors may have been four points and four places behind Fleet at kick off but they did have three games in hand in their opponents and were looking to get back into that top five and if they were to win those games in hand would be right in the mix to be at the summit of the division, although Bakers form after a magnificent win at now leaders Stanway Pegasus in early October had not been brilliant, one win in seven in all competitions, although that win was against, you guessed it, Benfleet, as Bakers recorded a 2-0 win at Parkside in mid October.

How would this one pan out then? It was certainly competitive, as expected, but it was the visitors who carved out the best openings in what was a tough and gritty, scrappy, goalless opening forty five minutes, Benfleet keeper Oliver Johnson was certainly the busier of the two on the pitch, Bakers Jack Riddell didn't really have a save to make although the hosts did have a couple of decent openings, but it was the visitors who edged ahead just before the break.

Bama was involved in the build up and the hosts were not helped either when centre half Sonny Hartman was down when the attack was coming, he did try and get up and get back but could only limp back and whether this had a bearing on the space left available for Bagnell who knows, but the Bakers midfielder fired a lovely effort into the bottom corner and hand his side the half time advantage.

Bakers continued to have the better of the play, and eleven minutes into the second period doubled their lead when Bama, who was MOTM in my eyes, backed up his assistant in the first half with a beautiful strike from outside the box, giving keeper Johnson no chance, and you felt even with over half an hour to go the visitors were well on their way to the points.

Fleet did force Riddell into a save, his only one of the contest, thereafter, and did also fire home although they were denied a comeback chance by the linesman's flag, but apart from this they were well marshalled by a solid Bakers back line lead by the brilliant Jamie Marsh with the visitors skipper leading by example time after time.

As said though the visitors could have added more goals and came closest to adding a third when crashing a curling effort off the bar, but they easily saw out the game to record a second win in eight, both of those against Benfleet by the same score line, to take them up to sixth and only one place and one point below their opponents who dropped two places to fifth after this defeat sees the wait for their first league win at home continue. 

Full time Benfleet 0 May & Baker 2  

Midweek Round Up of Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper (14th/15th/16th November)

 

(Action from Chelmsford City 0-1 Barnet on Monday night at a packed out Melbourne Stadium, many thanks to Barnet FC (@BarnetFC) for the photo)

It was Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper replay week and there were seven ties that needed to go again after there draws in the original contests back on Guy Fawkes weekend a week and a half ago, plus one tie that did not take place that weekend and had been pencilled in for this week, let's see which sides managed to prevail to take their place in the Second Round Proper in late November.....

First Round Replays

Monday 14th November

Chelmsford City 0-1 Barnet

National League Barnet are into Round Two after edging past National League South Chelmsford City in front of a bumper sell out crowd of 3,015 at Melbourne Stadium.  The first hour or so saw chances for both, but it seemed the hosts were handed the advantage when Barnet half time substitute Sam Woods was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Louis Dunne in the 64th minute, meaning the hosts would have a man advantage for the remainder of this cup tie.  But, just eight minutes after that The Bees grabbed what proved to be the winnr when a great run down the wing by Ryan De Havilland saw him pick out Idris Kanu at the back post to head home, and they managed to hold on for the remainder of the contest to take a hard earned victory.

Tuesday 15th November

AFC Wimbledon 3-1 Weymouth

League Two AFC Wimbledon overcame Vanarama National South bottom side Weymouth, a goalless first half came and went as the visitors, who had only won two league games all season, continued to compete with a side two levels above them, but the hosts then took control after the break, breaking the deadlock when Ayoub Assal fired home into the far corner after latching onto a quickly taken free kick, and the hosts doubled their money after Assal found Harry Pell who headed into the path of Ethan Chislett to tap home with his first touch of the contest. Chislett then netted again to make it three for the hosts after the ball ran into the path of him before he sent an effort in off the post, and although Weymouth did pull one back when Brad Ash looped a header beyond the keeper, it was too little too late as the League Two side progressed.

Cambridge United 0 -0 Curzon Ashton (aet; Cambridge United won 4-2 on penalties)

It was heartbreak for Vanarama National North side Curzon Ashton as they were finally seen off by League One side Cambridge United on penalties. The visitors, who are 19th in the National North table, went toe to toe with their opponents who are three levels above them, and after 210 minutes of goalless action the League Two hosts managed to hold their nerve in the shootout to squeeze through to the Second Round of the competition.

Derby County 5-0 Torquay United

Vanarama National League strugglers Torquay United were blown away by League One Derby County as the hosts showed their class in their replay at Pride Park.  An own goal from Mark Ellis put Derby 1-0 ahead after a cross from the left bounced up and saw the defender send a header past his own keeper, and they doubled their lead to take total control of this cup tie when a ball played in to the path of William Osula saw him strike a first time effort beyond the keeper emphatically. Torquay, who came back from two goals down in the original tie to force this replay, needed to do the same once again, but the game was as good as over before half time when Liam Thompson ran onto a superb pass from inside the hosts half to run into the box, cut inside onto his left foot, and fire home his first senior goal of his career to give The Rams a three goal lead at the break.  After the break saw maybe one of the goals of the competition so far when Lewis Dobbin volleyed home an unstoppable effort from twenty yards out in off the bar via a slight touch from a despairing keepers hand to make it four for The Rams, and the hosts made it five when a shot from outside the box deflected to David McGoldrick who turned and fired a powerful left footed effort into the net to cap a fine evening for the hosts and send them into Round Two.

Gillingham 1-0 AFC Fylde

League Two Gillingham netted the only goal of the contest just before half time to finally see off Vanarama National North AFC Fylde after two tight games. The Gills grabbed the lead just before the break when after winning the ball high up the pitch, Lewis Walker had space to receive the ball and go through one on one before guiding a shot beyond the oncoming Chris Neal and give the League Two side the advantage at the break, an advantage they were to keep for the remainder of the contest to take their place in Round Two. 

Hartlepool United 1-1 Solihull Moors (aet; Hartlepool United won 4-3 on penalties)

League Two strugglers Hartlepool United needed penalties to see off Vanarama National League top six side Solihull Moors to progress into Round Two. The visitors held the lead at the break thanks to Ryan Barnetts ninth minute strike, the ball breaking to him on the edge of the box before he drilled a low effort into the bottom left hand corner, and that looked like it would be enough for the visitors to heap more misery on a Hartlepool side who have had a poor season to date, but with a minute of the ninety left the home side levelled when Wesley McDonald fired a ball across the area for Reghan Tumilty to slide home and take the game into extra time. The extra half hour didn't yield any goals meaning penalties, and it was the hosts who managed to prevail in the shootout to take their place in Round Two. 

Wednesday 16th November

Salford City 0-3 Peterborough United

A second half double from Jack Marriott sealed League One Peterborough's passage into Round Two at the expense of League Two Salford. Posh took the lead when a lovely through ball by Kwame Poku found Ephron Mason-Clark who had made a great run inside to get onto the ball before finding the back of the net with an accomplished finish, giving them a slender lead at the break. And they doubled their lead after the break when Jack Marriott made a superb run before glancing a header into the net, before the visitors sealed the contest by adding a third when Marriott got on the scoresheet again after a superb strike from range into the bottom corner.  

The other tie that took place on Wednesday was left over from Sunday 6th November after it was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, here is what happened.....

Woking 1-2 Oxford United

League One Oxford fought off a brave Vanrama National League Woking in very wet conditions in Surrey. Oxford grabbed the lead when Billy Bodin slid in to convert a ball knocked back across goal, however Woking managed to level before the break when Rohan Ince whipped home a beauty from the edge of the box into the far corner to send the sides into the half time break all square. Oxford though netted what would turn out to be the winner early on in the second period after Tyler Goodrham finished brilliantly into the far corner from an acute angle before celebrating in front of the delighted but soaked travelling fans who could celebrate a spot in Round Two as a result.

So, after all that, here is the Second Round draw which takes place on the final weekend in November.....

Saturday 26th November

AFC Wimbledon v Chesterfield

Accrington Stanley v Barnet

Barnsley v Crewe Alexandra

Cambridge United v Grimsby Town

Charlton Athletic v Stockport County

Dagenham & Redbridge v Gillingham

Forest Green Rovers v Alvechurch

Hartlepool United v Harrogate Town

King's Lynn Town v Stevenage

Oxford United v Exeter City

Portsmouth v Milton Keynes Dons

Sheffield Wednesday v Mansfield Town

Shrewsbury Town v Peterborough United

Walsall v Carlisle United

Wrexham v Farnborough

Sunday 27th November 

Bristol Rovers v Boreham Wood

Burton Albion v Chippenham Town

Ebbsfleet United v Fleetwood Town

Ipswich Town v Buxton

Newport County v Derby County

Eleven non league sides remain in the competition, with those sides in bold above, Barnet, Chesterfield, Dagenham & Redbridge, Wrexham and Boreham Wood from the Vanarama National League, Farnborough, Chippenham Town and Ebbsfleet United from the Vanarama National League South, King's Lynn Town & Buxton from the North Division, and then the lowest ranked side left, Alvechurch of the Southern Premier Central. Good luck to all those non league sides still left in the competition, how many can get through to Round Three and have the chance to draw one of the big boys, we will find out soon enough..... 

Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round Proper review (Essex Senior League/Thurlow Nunn South sides)

 (Action from the all Essex Senior League tie between Romford and Little Oakley, thanks to Romford FC (@RomfordFC) for the photo)

Remembrance weekend saw Isuzu FA Vase action take place for eight Essex Senior League and two Thurlow Nunn South sides, so let's see how they got on in pursuit of a place in the Last 64 of the competition.....

Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round Proper

Friday 11th November

Dunstable Town 1-0 Enfield (Enfield are out of this years Vase after hosts Dunstable netted an 82nd minute winner. The game was headed towards penalties when Webb received the ball before firing home to send Town into the next round and dump the ESL leaders out of the competition)

Saturday 12th November

Athletic Newham 4-0 Kennington (Athletic Newham breezed into the Third Round of the Vase after a comprehensive win over Kennington, Izekor gave the hosts the lead with a superb lob before the same man then netted again after a superb team move. Kone then got in on the act netting the hosts third before Izekor rounded things off with a fourth to complete his hat-trick and cap a good day for the home side)

Glebe 3-6 Sporting Bengal United (Sporting Bengal United put in arguably one of the greatest performances of the season so far to humble Glebe. It didn't start to well for the visitors though when Assam finished after great work from Philpot in the ninth minute to give Glebe the lead, but Sporting levelled nine minutes later after Juwara pounced on scramble inside the box. Glebe though were to have the lead at the break when Cray crossed for Philpot to head home but no one expected what was to come from the visitors in the second period, levelling the tie up once again eight minutes after the break when Juwara grabbed another, before Artmeladze then gave the visiting underdogs the lead midway through the second period. George then netted his first with just under fifteen minutes remaining, burying a one on one, and although Glebe then netted to make it 3-4 in stoppage time, George then added two more in the remaining added on time to send the Mile End side through in style) 

Lakenheath 3-2 Buckhurst Hill (Hill crashed out of the Vase after defeat at Lakenheath, Suleyman Zuhdu headed Hill in front after thirteen minutes but the hosts came roaring back after the break, levelling up proceedings ten minutes into the second period when Bailey's ball in found a diving Hawley sent the ball past the keeper, and with twelve minutes to go Young converted a penalty to give Heath the lead. Thulborn then curled home a superb goal in the 90th minute to seal victory despite Hill grabbing one back in stoppage time through Nathan Sollosi) 

Norwich United 2-0 Stansted (Two very late goals saw Stansted bow out of the Vase at Norwich United, with the game seemingly headed for penalties Davis rasping drive in the 89th minute gave the hosts the lead before a stoppage time goal from Hunter sealed the deal, the attacker breaking clear and slotting home to see the Planters progress) 

Romford 2-0 Little Oakley (Two goals inside the final twenty minutes saw Romford win the all ESL battle at Mayesbrook Park. The deadlock was broken in the 72nd minute when Restrepo jinked inside before hitting a low effort into the bottom corner, and he was on target again with three minutes remaining, heading home a cross from Sibanda to seal the hosts passage into Round Three)

Saffron Walden Town 0-2 Leighton Town (Walden crashed out of the Vase in what was their first game since the resignation of boss Jason Maher after defeat to Leighton Town. Mcclelland netted after an initial effort from Lobjoitt had struck the post bang on half time before Lobjiott sealed the deal with nine minutes to go, lobbing home on the counter) 

Tring Athletic 1-1 Burnham Ramblers (Tring Athletic won 5-3 on penalties) (Ramblers came so close to progressing once again in the Vase, but the Thurlow Nunn South leaders succumbed on penalties at Tring Athletic. A fifth minute penalty from Adeyemi had the visitors ahead, and that lead lasted until 72 minutes when Hercules supplied a decent finish from inside the box, meaning penalties. The hosts then prevailed in that shoot out to take their place in Round Three) 

Woodford Town 2-2 Fakenham Town (Fakenham Town won 4-3 on penalties) (Woodford are out of the Vase after they lost on penalties to Fakenham Town at Ashton's. Machado gave the hosts a tenth minute lead but Fakenham struck back just before the half hour mark when Robinson finished into the bottom right corner. Ten minutes into the second period Robinson grabbed another with a superb strike in off the post, but Machado then netted again for the hosts with eight minutes to go, converting at the back post to force penalties. Sadly for the ESL side they were to lose the shoot out though and see the visitors progress)

The draw for the Third Round was made on Monday and here it is.....

1. Longridge Town Vs Eccleshill United

2. Holker Old Boys Vs Squires Gate

3. Bury AFC Vs Abbey Hey

4. AFC Liverpool Vs Cheadle Town

5. Horden Community Welfare Vs AFC Darwen

6. Prestwich Heys Vs West Didbury & Chorlton

7. Belper United Vs Coventry Sphinx

8. AFC Wulfrunians Vs Brocton

9. Atherstone Town/Stone Old Alleynians Vs Stourport Swifts

10. Newark & Sherwood United Vs Anstey Nomads

11. Congleton Town Vs Lye Town

12. Highgate United Vs Walsall Wood

13. Biggleswade United Vs Lakenheath

14. Leighton Town Vs Fakenham Town

15. Whittlesey Athletic Vs Romford

16. Pinchbeck United Vs St Panteleimon

17. Norwich United Vs Newport Pagnell Town

18. Dunstable Town Vs Tring Athletic

19. Stansfeld Vs Erith Town

20. Harefield United Vs North Greenford United

21. Jersey Bulls Vs Athletic Newham

22. Sporting Bengal United Vs Deal Town

23. Larkfield & New Hythe Vs Raynes Park Vale

24. Eastbourne Town Vs Egham Town

25. Holyport Vs Peacehaven & Telscombe

26. Ascot United Vs Little Common

27. Clevedon Town Vs New Milton Town

28. Shaftesbury Vs Brixham

29. Hartpury University Vs Bovey Tracey

30. Buckland Athletic Vs Laverstock & Ford

31. Royal Wootton Bassett Town Vs Corsham Town

32. Bridgwater United Vs Cribbs

Just two Essex Senior League sides, Athletic Newham & Romford remain, and just one Thurlow Nunn South side in the shape of Sporting Bengal United are in Round Three. Athletic Newham have the best and most interesting tie as they will require a plane to get to their next game, a trip to play Jersey Bulls which should be an adventure for them.

Romford have bee drawn away to Whittlesey Athletic who are having a remarkable run for a Step Six outfit, but Romford will certainly fancy their chances of progression, and another Step Six side in the shape of Sporting Bengal United will host Kent costal side Deal Town at Mile End. I saw Deal demolish Tooting Bec two rounds ago so I know that will be a tough one for the Bengal Boys.

Holders Newport Pagnell Town came into the competition at the 2nd Round stage and after winning at the weekend will travel to Norwich United in Round Three, can The Swans defend their crown from last season, it's not done very often, only Billericay Town, Halesowen Town, Tiverton Town and Whitley Bay (who are the only side to win it three times in a row) have defended their Vase Crown, so if Newport Pagnell Town were to do it then it would be a small club to be part of.

Those third round ties are scheduled to take place on the weekend of Saturday 3rd December, I may will go to one of them but have no idea which one as yet, watch this space!!! 

Latest Midweek Round Up for Essex Non League (7th/8th/9th November)

It was another action packed midweek of local non league action in Essex and the surrounding areas so lets see what happened on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday night shall we and see the updated status of the divisions.....

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE

Monday 7th November

South Division

Chelmsford City 0-0 Dover Athletic (Chelmsford City were back in league action after their FA Cup heroics at the weekend, but they were held at home by Dover Athletic in their Monday Night encounter meaning a point a piece, and a clean sheet, for both sides)

Tuesday 8th November

National Division

Southend United 2-2 Notts County (It's now ten matches unbeaten for the Blues as they played out an entertaining draw against league leaders Notts County at Roots Hall. County, who have only lost once in the league so far this season, took the lead ten minutes before the break when a tackle from Miley came to Langstaff who slotted home, but the Blues levelled ten minutes after the break when Kensdale netted his first goal for the hosts after a corner came out to him and he looped a header into the net. County then retook the lead five minutes later when Scott fired home into the corner from outside the box, but Southend were not to be denied a point as just five minutes after the visitors took the lead, the hosts levelled after Bridge got in behind the defence before seeing his cross turned home by a combination of Powell and a defender)

South Division

Cheshunt 3-2 Chippenham Town (Cheshunt grabbed a huge win down at the bottom end of the table after netting all three points against fellow strugglers Chippenham Town. The visitors, fresh from their FA Cup giant killing at the weekend, looked odds on to continue that crest of a wave when goals from Parsons and Santos had them 2-0 up at the break, pulling them nine points clear of their third bottom opponents. But, Ken Charles then netted a second half hattrick to turn the tables and grab an unlikely and monumental three points for the hosts to net only their second win at home all season, and leaving the visitors still without an away one in eight league games) 

Concord Rangers 1-0 Tonbridge Angels (It's now three wins on the bounce for new Concord boss Rob Small as they netted the only goal of the game against Tonbridge Angels at The Aspect Arena for another important win down towards the bottom. After wins over Dover Athletic and Chippenham Town they made it three straight wins when Williamson made no mistake from close range four minutes into the second period to pull themselves out of the bottom four places)   

Before we look at the tables some worrying news from the Bath City Vs Dulwich Hamlet game that took place on Tuesday evening in the South Division, Bath player Alex Fletcher suffered a serious head injury when he collided with an advertising hording after just five minutes, and after a lengthy delay and further medical attention the game was abandoned on the agreement of both parties. Fletcher was taken to hospital and required emergency neurosurgery to stabilise his condition and was admitted to intensive care where he remains in a stable but critical condition. It's at times like this football becomes secondary, and I wish Alex and his family all the best and hope and pray he pulls through.

Right onto the latest tables in both the National and South divisions.....

National League

Southend United are in sixth spot after a ten match unbeaten run in the division, whilst The Daggers are seven points further back in mid table, Wrexham overtook Notts County at the top after the Nottingham side were held by The Blues at Roots Hall.

National League South

Chelmsford City continue to lead the way in terms of Essex sides, Braintree are seven points behind them but only two places below them, Concord Rangers latest burst of form has seen them pick up nine points in just over a week to climb out of the bottom places, Cheshunt remain in bottom three although will be buoyed by that comeback win against Chippenham Town. 

ISTHMIAN LEAGUE

Tuesday 8th November

Isthmian League North

AFC Sudbury 4 - 2 Hashtag United (The Tags suffered a set back after they were beaten at AFC Sudbury, the hosts had won all five home games this season but their 100% record looked done when the visitors held a two goal lead at the break. Cornhill headed home a Halford cross on eleven minutes before Halford assisted again, this time his throw finding Anderson to flick home eight minutes before the break. The hosts though roared back after the break and pulled one back in the 57th minute after a good finish from Ainsworth on the volley before levelling just two minutes after that following a brilliant strike from Stokes. And it was three wonderful goals in less than ten minutes for the home side when they took the lead in the 66th minute when a cross from the right was bundled home by Chatting at the back post. The Tags were rocking but made changes in search of a leveller, but with six minutes remaining conceded again as Nwachuku broke free and calmly slotted home to seal another three points for the hosts and continue their 100% start at home)

Stowmarket Town 2 - 0 Witham Town (Two second half goals were enough for Stowmarket to see of Witham, Lamb gave the home side the lead four minutes after the break before Sotoyinbo doubled that lead just before the hour mark, and in turn handed the hosts all three points to just about keep on the coat tails of the top two)

Isthmian League Velocity Cup Third Round

Billericay Town 1 - 3 Potters Bar Town (The Blues were downed by high flying Premier side Potters Bar at New Lodge to exit the Velocity Cup. Dembele gave the visitors the lead on the half hour before Aidoo doubled that lead five minutes before the break, and midway through the second period it was three when Christian-Law saw a free kick deflect home. Stevenson did pull one back with twenty minutes to go but it was too little too late for the home side)

Hullbridge Sports 3 - 2 Wingate & Finchley (North Division Hullbridge Sports saw off a second half fightback from Premier Division Wingate & Finchley to progress in the Velocity Cup. Lewis gave Bridge a second minute lead before Dutton doubled that advantage midway through the first period, and when Lewis added his second and the home sides third after 32 minutes, it looked like a comfortable evening was in store. However, Wasilion pulled one back for the visitors just before the hour mark before Kearney made it squeaky bum time for the hosts with eighteen minutes remaining, but the Bridge boys did hold on to take their place in the next round)

BBC Essex Senior Cup Third Round

Bowers & Pitsea 0 - 0 Heybridge Swifts (Bowers & Pitsea won 5 - 4 on penalties) (In an all Isthmian Premier Division tie, Bowers & Pitsea sneaked past Heybridge Swifts on penalties to reach the Fourth Round of the County Cup)

Brightlingsea Regent 1 - 3 Hornchurch (Isthmian Premier leaders Hornchurch are into Round Four of the county cup after victory over fellow Isthmian Premier side Brighlingsea Regent. The visitors took the lead after twelve minutes when Green side footed a Joseph cross home, and right on half time Stimson converted a Reid cross to double the Urchins advantage. Regent pulled one back with just under twenty minutes remaining when Thompson side footed home from twenty yards, but the visitors sealed their passage into the next round when Nash and Joseph combined for the former to steer the ball into the net) 

Let's take a look at the Isthiman Premier and North Division tables shall we.....

Premier Division

Hornchurch lead the way still in what is a congested table, the top six are only separated by just four points, whilst down at the bottom Bowers and Brightlingsea remain in the bottom four although all four only have a point between them and are still in touching distance of the ones above them.

North Division

Grays Athletic are top Essex boys in the North division although they have several other ones chasing then down as they all look towards those play off places, down the bottom though it's been a struggle for Coggeshall Town and Maldon & Tiptree who only have four points a piece after twelve games.

ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE

Monday 7th November

Ilford 0-3 FC Clacton (FC Clacton are just two points off leaders Enfield after they netted a sixth straight away win of the season, after the Sidesiders had seen a McKenzie 17th minute spot kick well saved by Pitman, they did eventually lead when Clowsley swept home the opener deep into first half stoppage time.  That lead was doubled with just over twenty minutes remaining when Charlie Collis volleyed home before an absolute rocket from substitute Tilson in stoppage time sealed a decent night's work for the Seasiders) For a more detailed look at this game, go to Scott W's blog at https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/11/08/s22-23-match-report-ilford-0-3-fc-clacton-mon-7-nov-esl/

Tuesday 8th November 

Barking 3-4 Redbridge (A stoppage time penalty from Hazelwood saw The Motormen take victory in a pulsating contest at Mayesbrook Park. The Blues took the lead midway through the first period when Leach headed home a Abdulla free kick, but just past the half hour mark Redbridge levelled when Martin powered home a header of his own. Barking though restored their lead three minutes later when Hirst saw an effort deflect home but early in the second half Redbridge levelled again when Chawner volleyed home, but Barking took the lead for a third time in the game in the 64th minute as another free kick from Abdulla again found the head of Leach who netted his second of the game. The Motorman though fought back once again and levelled just a minute later when Peterkin poked home after Bhamra lost the ball, and then a minute into stoppage time a handball inside the box resulted in a penalty for the visitors which Hazelwood converted to hand victory to the Motormen) 

Halstead Town 1-2 Takeley (The visitors came from behind to continue their superb form of late, White jumped on a poor pass from the visitors to fire the hosts ahead just before the half hour mark, but the visitors levelled ten minutes before the break through a superb free kick from Westcott. And midway through the second period Takeley grabbed the winner when Almeida-Johquill went through one and one and finished well) 

Little Oakley 2-1 Sawbridgeworth Town (Oakley kept tabs on the top three after victory over Sawbridgeworth Town, after a goalless first period goals from Thain and Rowe put the hosts two goals ahead, and although Nicolaou pulled one back for the visiting side, it wasn't enough to prevent the home side from taking all three points)

Stansted 5-0 Clapton (The Airportmen netted five as they thrashed Clapton at Hargrave Park, Mignot opened the scoring after just five minutes before he added another just eight minutes later as the hosts began the contest very well indeed.  No more goals came until the hour mark though when Coyne netted a rebound after his penalty had been saved, and then Embalo made it 4-0 in the 68th minute before Farrell rounded things off with a fifth goal near the end)

Stanway Rovers 2-0 Buckhurst Hill (Colclough and Okoh netted for hosts Stanway as they saw off Buckhurst Hill at The Hawthorns. After a goalless first half Colclough converted from close range to give the hosts the lead before Okoh sealed the points after running onto a long ball forward, controlling and then slamming home emphatically)

Wednesday 9th November

Romford 1-4 White Ensign (Evison, Portway, Kateley and Allen netted for Ensign as they pulled off a superb win at Mayesbrook Park against Romford. After a goalless first half which saw the hosts miss chances to lead, Evison rifled home from twenty yards after an Allen free kick had hit the wall two minutes after the break before Doe was then sent off for the hosts and Portway had doubled Ensign's led from the spot after Kateley had been fouled. Ensign then made it three just before the hour mark after Kateley's crisp low finish before Romford did pull one back in the 71st minute after substitute Restrepo fired home, but Ensign sealed the deal with seven minutes remaining when Allen fired home a fourth for the visiting side) For a more detailed look at this one, visit Scott W's blog at https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2022/11/10/s22-23-match-report-romford-1-4-white-ensign-wed-9-nov-esl/

Let's have a look at the latest ESL table..... 

Enfield are still the ones to beat in my view, eleven wins from twelve so far, although teams like FC Clacton, Redbridge and Little Oakley are keeping them honest at least, down at the bottom Southend Manor continue to struggle along with Clapton, with the two sides way behind the rest of the teams above.

THURLOW NUNN LEAGUE

Tuesday 7th November

First Division South

Stanway Pegasus 3-0 Benfleet (Pegasus leapfrogged Benfleet into second pot after winning their top of the table battle against Benfleet.  Issa's superb strike from outside the box after ten minutes put the home side ahead before doubling that lead with ten minutes to go when a poor header out from the defence fell to Rutter who broke into the box and finished smartly past Gislette. And with the last action of the contest Pegasus made it three when a rare mistake from Gislette saw his clearance go straight to Issa who fired into an empty net and although the score line was harsh on Benfleet, Pegasus were worthy winners) 

London Senior Trophy First Round

Wimbledon Casuals 6-0 Sporting Bengal United (Sporting Bengal United are out of the London Senior Trophy after being on the end of a hammering from Wimbledon Casuals at Stepney Green 4G)

Wednesday 9th November

First Division South

Cannons Wood 5-0 Coggeshall United (Cannons Wood are off the bottom and up two places to 17th after they thrashed now bottom side Coggeshall United in their big game down at the foot of the division. A smart finish from Simpson saw the home side one goal ahead at the break and then a dominant second half showing saw a Da Mata hattrick and one from Duberry hand them a emphatic victory) 

May & Baker 1-1 Basildon Town (A dramatic end to proceedings at Parkside saw the points shared between highflying May & Baker and mid table Basildon Town. The hosts looked to have won what was a largely scrappy contest in the 90th minute when after a reckless high boot from Onafuye had seen a penalty awarded, Lamina netted the rebound after Knight had saved.  But, the visitors made sure their was one last twist to this contest as the ball broke to Hall just inside the box and he saw a shot deflect past the keeper into the far corner to salvage a point)

Tower Hamlets 1-1 St Margaretsbury (Ten man St Margeretsbury managed to grab a draw at Mile End against Tower Hamlets, the visitors were reduced to ten men after just fifteen minutes but then lead at the break thanks to a header, Hamlets did manage to level in the second half though meaning a point a piece for both sides)

Let's have a look at the latest First Division South table.....

Burnham Ramblers lead the way in what is a very tight division, the top twelve are separated by just seven points, whilst down at the bottom Coggeshall fell to the bottom after their heavy defeat at Cannons Wood.

That concludes the mid week round up, hope you enjoyed reading it and thanks for reading too, it really is appreciated!!!

 

Ilford 0 FC Clacton 3

Essex Senior League, Monday 7th November

Cricklefield was the venue for my latest Monday night fare and saw goals from Jake Clowsley, Charlie Collis & a blockbuster from Adam Tilson help FC Clacton to a sixth straight away win, seeing off Ilford to move two points off the summit of the Essex Senior League.

The Foxes came into this one having ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions by netting a superb win at Romford on Friday night, their fifth win of the season in the division, lifting themselves to 15th spot, whereas FC Clacton sat in second spot and could close the gap to leaders Enfield with victory in this one.

The Seasiders had won seven of their last eight in all comps, with their only blip a home loss to Takeley, but their away form had been unbeatable lately, with their last loss away from home being at Stansted back on September 13th, a run of five straight wins in the division, with their latest one a 5-1 hammering of Southend Manor at the weekend.

And it was the visitors who had the chance to take the lead after seventeen minutes when they were awarded a penalty when Mekhi McKenzie was felled inside the box, but hosts keeper Tim Pitman made a superb stop to deny McKenzie from the spot to keep the game tied at 0-0.

FC Clacton continued to carve out the best openings but failed to take them, whereas Ilford also had their moments going forward to, but six minutes into first half stoppage time the visitors did manage to grab a deserved lead when the ball fell to Clowsley inside the box and he applied a decent finish beyond Pitman to send his side into the break a goal to the good.

The game continued in a rather fractious affair but with just over twenty minutes to go the Seasiders doubled their money when a header into the box fell to Charlie Collis who applied a lovely first time volley beyond Pitman, and that at point you felt the game was as good as done.

Ilford attempted to try and get themselves back into the game but could not, and a comfortable FC Clacton ended the night with the best moment of the game when substitute Tilson side footed home an absolute rocket from range, giving keeper Pitman no chance whatsoever, and capped a decent nights work for the visitors, now two points off leaders Enfield at the top of the ESL. 

Full time Ilford 0 FC Clacton 3

Harold Hill 4 Wakering Sports 1

Essex Olympian League Division One, Saturday 5th November

I made my first visit to Henderson's on Guy Fawkes day and saw a brace from skipper Jack Suters plus goals from Ash Blackburn & Joel Sampson help Harold Hill recover from a slow start to come from behind to defeat Wakering Sports in their EOFL Division One contest.

Harold Hill boss Billy Cove had kindly offered to come and pick me up and take me home from their game, so I duly took up the kind offer, and after a rather comical stop off at KFC (Billy and Abbey Dell, who was also in the car will know what I am talking about!!!), we arrived at a rather soggy Henderson's Sports and Social club.

It's a nice set up there, and a very decent clubhouse too, the pitches are of a pretty decent standard too, with some decent drainage, ideal for a day like today and for the rain we have seen fall in recent days, yes the pitch was heavy, but it was still in decent nick it has to be said, could the hosts take advantage of this and net what many thought would be a routine win.

The home side did only have one win from five in the league so far, but had drawn three others, whereas the visitors had endured a rather difficult beginning to their campaign, losing all five matches and only netting twice in those contests too, so to say it was a tough start was an understatement.

The hosts though started very slowly indeed and were stunned after twelve minutes when Sports netted a rare league goal to go in front after Ryan Curtis headed home a corner from close range, but Hill did manage to respond eight minutes later when a Sampson corner swung in from the right found the far corner via a glance on from a defenders head, helping it on it's way, and the game was tied up.

Hill then hit the bar twice in the remainder of the first period, Blackburn seeing a long range effort strike the woodwork before another Sampson corner glanced off the top of the bar, the visitors were not without their moments too and saw Curtis send a drifting effort from the right sail just over the target in one such moment, and at half time the sides were locked together at 1-1, with the visitors, who had not picked up a point all season, certainly being the happier.

Cove and his assistant George Young, who I was also pleased to catch up with after so many years, gave a decent team talk at the break, and it seemed to do the trick as Hill finally managed to get themselves on top, and netted eight minutes into the second period when Blackburn produced a superb overhead free kick to find the bottom corner and put his side into the lead.

That lead was then increased just past the hour mark when the superb Suters let fly from range to find the net with a sweet sweet strike, and this seemed to cue a more relaxed home side whereas the visitors were kind of into the attitude of here we go again, it was an important goal and one that swung the game totally in favour of Hill.

Sports to their credit kept plugging away though, this side were the Division Four side from last season, who had to step up and fill the void left by the First Teamers who had departed before the start of the season, so it was always going to be a tough season for them, but fair play they kept going and were a credit to their club.

Hill though were always threatening a fourth, and this did arrive with six minutes to go when after Jo O'Connor had been felled inside the box, skipper Suters capped off a fine performance by emphatically dispatching the penalty, and seal his sides victory and a second league win of the season.

It means that the hosts remain in sixth spot but only four points off second placed Epping Town whereas Wakering Sports remain rock bottom having lost all six so far, and I would just like to say thank you ever so much to the hosts for welcoming me as you did, I had a wonderful day, it was so good to meet you all and share your day, thank you. I also wish Abbey Dell all the best in her recovery from her ACL injury, was great to chat with you today also amongst many other lovely people I met, saw again today.

Full time Harold Hill 4 Wakering Sports 1

 

Hullbridge Sports 0 Hashtag United 3

Isthmian League One North, Friday 4th November

My latest Friday night football came from Lower Road in Hullbridge and saw goals from Olly Miles, Toby Aromolaran & Greg Halford hand Hashtag United a comfortable win over an off colour Hullbridge Sports.

Sports were using this game to kick off their 75th year celebrations and a bumper crowd of 457 were in attendance, and the home side, known for their blue and white colours, were playing in their original ones of yellow and green, so being a Norwich fan these colours were very familiar indeed, and it was a nice kit too.

Could this inspire them though? It had been a tough season to date, they were hovering just about the relegation play off places in 16th spot having only won two of their twelve league outings thus far, and they were welcoming a Hashtag side to Lower Road who knew a win would boing themselves up into the play off places on goal difference, The Tags had won six out of nine so far in the division, so on paper at least it looked like a routine away win.

The opening half hour or so certainly was not a classic as nether keeper was really tested, The Tags though were looking the more likely to find a breakthrough if one was to come and sure enough seven minutes before the break it came when after hosts keeper Lewis Greene, who had a fine game it must be said, pulled off a great reaction save although he was powerless to prevent Miles from sweeping home the rebound after the hosts defence failed to react.

Thereafter Hashtag really took control and could have added to their lead before the break, but eight minutes into the second period they did double their advantage and pretty much end the contest in many peoples eyes given how poor the hosts had been going forward when a cross to the far post saw Aromolaran climb above his marker to send a header back across goal and into the far corner.

And that as a contest was that pretty much, the home side struggled to get anything of any note going in the entire game whereas Hashtag just cruised along with a two goal cushion and never ever looked in danger of seeing this come under any threat, and if it had not been for Sports keeper Greene, the score line could have been a much wider margin.

The Tags did have one more goal in them though, as deep into added on time Aromolaran was felled inside the box and Halford stepped up to cheekily chip the ball down the middle of the goal and into the net after Greene had dived to his left, and the final whistle duly followed to end the game and see Hashtag take a comfortable win on the road.

This had been a performance to forget for the home side, and to be honest the visitors had certainly not been at their best as well, but they didn't need to be and did what they had to do and they will not care a jot about this as they now sit in fifth spot with twenty two points from their ten games played, not bad at all, Sports stay in 16th spot and will be nervously looking over their shoulders for sure.

Full time Hullbridge Sports 0 Hashtag United 3