Essex Senior League Finals Day at Oakside - Barking U23s stun Billericay Town Reserves to lift Len Cordell Memorial Trophy & Great Wakering Rovers retain Errington Challenge Cup after victory over Halstead Town

(Great Wakering Rovers celebrate retaining the Errington Challenge Cup after victory over Halstead Town at Oakside)

Essex Senior League Finals Day, Monday 4th May

It was the turn of Oakside, Redbridge FC, to host the now annual event in the Essex Senior League as a double header of finals took place, firstly the Len Cordell Memorial Trophy at lunchtime followed by the Errington Challenge Cup in the late afternoon, so this blog will cover both contests throughout the day, starting with of course the Len Cordell Memorial Trophy final.....

Len Cordell Memorial Trophy Final

Barking U23 Vs Billericay Town Reserves

This final brought together a Barking U23 side who finished down in ninth in a ESL Reserve league that ended with thirteen sides (after starting the season with fifteen before two sides pulled out) having grabbed twenty five points from their twenty four games, only six wins too, and a Billericay side that finished runners up to winners Bowers & Pitsea (ten points behind) having won seventeen of their twenty games and grabbing twenty seven points more than today's opponents.

However, one of Billericay's six defeats in the season came at home to Barking, with the visitors that day netting a 3-2 win, Billericay did win 2-0 at Barking in the return game but despite the huge gap in the finishing standings, this final could well be closer than many people would expect, it was a final after all so it's who applies themselves on the day the best and who can hold their nerve that normally come out on top.

Barking did actually get knocked out in the First Round, losing on penalties to Hashtag Reserves, but, that Tags side folded meaning Barking were put through instead, and they have taken full advantage of that, facing penalties again but winning this time against Takeley in what was a action packed Quarter Final (I did see this one myself and it's included in this blog if you are interested https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2026/02/mayesbrook-park-double-header-saturday.html)

They then thumped Rayleigh Town 4-0 in the semi final to set up a final against a Billericay side who netted sixteen goals in their three ties to get here, a 7-1 win over Hutton U23, a 4-0 win at Brentwood Town U23 before they defeated title winning Bowers 5-4 in the semi final, Billericay would certainly be favourites but it would not be easy against a confident Barking U23 outfit.

And this was evident in the early exchanges as Barking flew out of the traps and were a goal up inside three minutes, a corner swung in from the right saw Kyle Smith rise to send a powerful header towards the bottom corner, and although Billericay keeper Fred Strang got a strong hand to it, he could not prevent it from finding the net, and in the 17th minute they had doubled that lead.

Barking had a shot from outside the box deflect through behind the back line, and nobody except Barking skipper and striker Teddy Bowden reacted to this and he duly strode in behind the defence to prod the loose ball beyond Strang and into the net, leaving the Billericay side looking at each other and wondering what was going on.

Well, they did regroup and pulled a goal back midway through the half, as a corner swung in from the right by Joe Davis appeared to be glanced home by Alex Ansell across goal and into the far corner, although some did say the corner went straight in without anyone touching it, whatever happened what was certain was it was now 2-1 and Billericay were right back in it.

They could not find a leveller before the break though and the second period wasn't that old before Barking established their two goal cushion once again, the superb Nelly Mallek burst down the right before sending a lovely ball across for skipper Bowden to fire home into the roof of the net for his second and Barking's third, giving them a cushion and allowing them to breathe easier.

It was a lead they never really looked like giving up either and were the better side for the majority of the game, Billericay were not on their game today it appeared and so it was a deserved win for Barking who made the most of that reinstatement into the competition that first round defeat by winning the whole competition, congratulations to them for doing that.

Full time Barking U23 3 Billericay Town 1

Onto Part Deux of the afternoon then, the Errington Challenge Cup Final.....

Errington Challenge Cup Final

Halstead Town Vs Great Wakering Rovers

This final saw a Halstead side who finished eighth in the ESL Premier in what you could say were the best of the rest in the division after finishing several points off seventh and way off the play off places, up against a GWR side who of course were embroiled in a title battle with Little Oakley and SOUL Tower Hamlets, finished third in the end and lost in the play off semi final to eventual play off winners Buckhurst Hill to end that part of their season in disappointing fashion.

The points gap between the two sides though over the thirty eight game season was vast, nineteen points to be exact, however, Halstead had beaten GWR 2-0 at home earlier in the season, and at Burroughs Park GWR netted a 3-0 win over today's opponents, so one win each although those results were pretty academic in trying to work out who could get the win in this competition.

Halstead's route to the final saw a 2-0 win over Barking before they thumped Romford 5-1 at Mayesbrook Park to reach the Quarters, the last eight tie against Woodford was far more stressful as after a 1-1 draw Halstead needed penalties to progress, and in the semi final they saw off Hullbridge Sports 2-0 to set up today's final against a GWR side who began their quest for the Challenge Cup by netting a 2-1 win at Frenford.

They then edged past West Essex 1-0 at Burroughs Park before netting a superb 4-2 win at Roding Lane against Buckhurst Hill, and then they claimed their place in today's final by seeing off title winners Little Oakley 4-0 at Burroughs Park, and after failing to achieve promotion, GWR were no doubt desperate to claim a trophy this season to at least end it on a positive note. although of course The Humbugs wanted to end their season on a high too, who would prevail.

Well, it was GWR who drew first blood in the 14th minute, Max Harbrow was slipped in with a lovely pass and he duly fired it beyond Jack Cherry in the Halstead goal who although got a touch to the effort could not prevent it from going into the net, and to be honest they should have been further in front before the break but missed two or three guilt edged chances to go further in front.

The Humbugs had threatened themselves on occasions, but knew they needed to improve after the break to get back into this contest, they did just that and were level eight minutes after the restart when after being awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box, Kane Gilbert made no mistake from the spot and Halstead were now the ones with their tails up and GWR appeared to be losing their way somewhat, it could go either way you felt at this point.

But, GWR did regather themselves and they restored their lead in this one in the 75th minute, a great ball in from substitute Shaun Gittleson went right across goal and saw Max Gnandi with an unmissable chance and he duly tapped home from close range with the goal at his mercy, advantage GWR and they now had found their mojo again and made it three just five minutes later.

This time it was Bradley Bennett with the ball into the box, and his lovely pass was perfect for GWR skipper Ben Search, who made no mistake by side footing home beyond Cherry and into the net, and you felt it was game over now, and despite some late Halstead pressure in the nine added on minutes at the end, GWR had done more than enough to take the victory and retain the Errington Challenge Cup and at least end their season on a positive note.

Full time Halstead Town 1 Great Wakering Rovers 3

Two decent finals then, and eight goals in total, and attendances of 231 for the Len Cordell Memorial Trophy final and then 427 for the Errington Challenge Cup final, very good crowds indeed and an awesome day once again, congratulations to the winners and commiserations to the runners up, they all played their part today in two very watcable contests.

Buckhurst Hill 1 Barking 0 - Arthur Massingham's superb 82nd minute strike hands Buckhurst Hill victory over Barking in the Essex Senior League Play Off Final to send them up into Step Four for the very first time in their history

Essex Senior League Play Off Final, Saturday 2nd May

My fourth play off outing in a row and the fourth one in seven days came from Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, for a big Essex Senior League play off final, and it was between two sides who finished fourth and fifth in the standings after they both won on the road in their semi final games in midweek. 

Buckhurst Hill had been in an incredible run heading into the play offs and had finished five points ahead of Barking who also got into the play offs before the final weekend, but with them finishing in the final play off spot they knew they to win promotion they would have to do it the hard way and win on the road twice, well they achieved stage one of that in midweek, and now they faced a rampant Hill side for a place in Step Four.

Shall we see how both The Stags and The Blues won those semi final ties, below is how they achieved it....

Great Wakering Rovers 1 Buckhurst Hill 1 (Buckhurst Hill won 3-1 on penalties)

Buckhurst Hill were up against a GWR side who were in a title battle for the majority of the season, but ended up five points behind winners Little Oakley, and actually only finished above Buckhurst Hill on goal difference in the end, well, Thomas Barton handed the hosts an 18th minute lead, Harry Lusher levelled five minutes before the break, and with no further goals, the tie went to penalties, and Hill prevailed to keep their dreams of promotion going for another few days.

SOUL Tower Hamlets 1 Barking 2

And over at Mile End, Barking were taking on runners up SOUL who still had a chance of winning the title on the final day, and despite winning they saw Oakley win too to take the title by two points, Barking finished eight points behind their opponents but that meant nothing in this one, and although SOUL went in front through Samir Bihmoutine eleven minutes before the break, Barking turned it around, levelling through James Folkes midway through the second half before Ryan Pickles stoppage time winner sent the visitors into today's final.

Now these two had met in a final already this season, the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy at Billericay Town, Barking had ran out 1-0 winners in that and had also beaten them 4-1 at home in August, but, the last time the two met was the final day of the regular season only a week ago, and Hill won that 2-0 at Roding Lane, today's venue, which ultimately sees them at home tonight, had Barking won that game they would have finished fourth and Hill fifth, and it could have been a different outcome as both would have played different sides in the semi final too.

Anyway, all that was immaterial now and it was only today that counted, Hill had never been any higher than the level they are at now, Step Four was always a dream but now it could become reality, Barking of course have been at that level before and wanted to return there once again, so who could keep there nerve in front of a bumper crowd of 1,044 at Roding Lane, we would soon find out. 

The first period was certainly a cagey affair, no surprise with what was at stake, Barking were ones who probably had the better chances that did come along, but both struggled to play any free flowing football, Finlay Dorrell did have the ball in the hosts net early on but saw the flag raised after the ball had hit the net, and then Christian North had to make a smart save to deny Ryan Pickles.

Hill didn't really create much in the way of clear cut chances, which for them was very unusual, which was a credit to the visiting defence, but they almost went in front right on half time when hosts full back George Edwards curled a brilliant effort against the underside of the bar, and it would turn out to be the final action of a first half that in the main was pretty mediocre and with neither side able to find any goals.

Would either side manage to play any expansive football after the break, well not really, a similar type of contest continued as both sides tried desperately to gain an advantage, Hill were very grateful to North in their goal, he made a couple more stops, both from the luckless Dorrell in front of goal, Hill still could not find that clear cut chance to give them any advantage either, would anyone find a winner before the end came and extra time and maybe penalties would then be required.

Well, step up Arthur Massingham, on the bench for this one but being brought on in the 74th minute to try and make a difference, well, he certainly did that, as eight minutes after coming on he got the ball and ran towards the penalty area, he then cut inside onto his right foot before curling an absolute beauty beyond visiting keeper Omer Ozer who to be fair did not have much to do all afternoon, and into the top corner.

It was an absolute worldie, and completely out of context in the game itself, and it now meant The Stags had around eight minutes plus stoppage time left to keep The Blues out and win promotion to Step Four, what did, if anything, the visitors have left, they didn't have long to salvage this tie, but they could not find a way through a stubborn Hill back line.

And after a tense few minutes for the hosts, the referee brought an end to proceedings and Buckhurst Hill had completed a remarkable journey from Step Seven, even Eight at one stage, through to Step Four in only a few years, what an achievement this is for the club and for manager Mark Williams, and also chairman Simon Cornwell, these guys are good people and deserve this success, what a day for the club, and what a wonderful promotion they have achieved.

Commiserations have to go to Barking though, they more than played their part in this one and could easily have won this themselves had they taken the chances that did come their way, but their always has to be a loser in these games, and today sadly for them it was the visitors, Craig Edwards and Co have had a great season and I am sure they will be back firing again next season after a summer of reflection.

Final word to Buckhurst Hill though, amazing achievement, and now they must prepare for Step Four football next season, incredible, am sure they will celebrate a bit first before having a summer to relax before embarking on what will no doubt be a tough season next year but also a great experience too. Go well boys go well.....

Full time Buckhurst Hill 1 Barking 0

Finally it was good to spend the day with Scott W & Sam Gardiner, part of the Back Post podcast crew which sadly had to be paused in December, but good to catch up with these people as always, and a nice photo below was taken before we all left, good times and a great day all round, marvellous.....

Billericay Town 3 Chatham Town 2 - First half goals from Benton, Merrifield & Lewis-Burgess enough for Billericay Town as they survive Chatham Town fightback to set up tasty Isthmian Premier Play Off final against neighbours Brentwood Town

Isthmian Premier Division Play Off Semi Final, Wednesday 29th April

Another evening and another play off semi, this time it was the turn of the Isthmian Premier Division the tie at New Lodge between Billericay Town and Chatham Town, Essex Vs Kent, and a hug crowd duly turned up to watch to see who could make the Bank Holiday weekend final for a chance to play National League South football next term.

The hosts were looking to go all the way in this play off series, and at least get past the semi final stage after last years heartbreak when they missed out in the title on goal difference before losing at home in the play off, but they regrouped and under Danny Scopes have mounted another charge for promotion, finishing third in the division and two points behind rivals Aveley, Scopesy's old club, and miles behind runaway leaders Folkestone Invicta, who won the division by twelve points and at a canter.

This means another play off semi final, and they are up against a Chatham Town side who finished fourth and only three points behind tonight's opponents, the visitors finished ninth last season and thirteen points off a play off spot, so this season has been a much improved campaign for the Kent side, they were looking to upset the apple cart this evening and reach the play off final.

Billericay won both meetings between the two clubs during the regular season, netting a 2-1 win at New Lodge back in November before a 1-0 win in Kent in late January, both games then well competed and close, and there was no reason why tonight's game would be no different, no doubt another fiercely fought contest was going to take place in front of a good atmosphere, who could hold their nerve in such a big contest?

Well, the hosts have been in scintillating form of late, since they lost 2-0 at St Albans back on January 27th, they haven't lost and went on a run of ten straight wins until they were held by Welling United in their final league outing last time out, so to say they were coming into the playoffs in form was an understatement, in fact they have only lost two league games this calendar year, the other loss coming at home to Hashtag United, a game I attended on January 3rd, hope that's not a bad omen for the hosts!!!

That's two defeats in twenty, and seventeen wins, did Chatham have a chance, well of course they did, they qualified for this playoff on merit and will pose a stiff test for the hosts, as proven in both their league games this season, and their form towards the end of the seasn was also pretty good, after losing at Dulwich Hamlet in late February, their only two defeats came against Aveley and local rivals Dartford, that's two defeats in twelve, and before those losses they had been on a run of seven games unbeaten which had a run of five successive wins.

And they ended the season with three straight wins too, culminating in a 2-1 win over Lewis, the previous games saw them win 4-0 and 6-0, so plenty of confidence boosting from those games, so tonight's game would certainly be played between two highly confident outfits, how would it go?

Well, it looked like the hosts would cruise to the win early on, they found themselves two goals up inside the opening twenty minutes as they really settled into the tie, the opening goal was a beauty, and it came after twelve minutes, Jon Benton curling an absolute beauty into the far corner, and then in the 17th minute it was two nil, Jack Evans sending in a free kick for Frankie Merrifield to nod home at the back post, it had been the perfect start for The Blues, and the majority of the 2,717 in attendance were in good spirits.

Chatham did have a lot of the ball in the opening forty five minutes but could not find an end product, and Billericay always looked dangerous when they made their way forward, and in the 42nd minute it looked as if the tie could well be done when the hosts made it 3-0, another ball in by Evans this time found Keon Lewis-Burgess who applied the finishing touch, Chatham were furious that a free kick had not been awarded in the build up, but they now had it all to do to get back into the contest.

The large Chatham following behind one of the goals to their credit had kept singing away and encouraging their side on despite how the opening half was going, and a minute before the forty five was up they were given a life line, and yes I missed it looking at my phone, oops, but I was told it was a lovely finish from Sam Sene-Richardson and this certainly gave Chatham some hope of a revival as the teams headed into the dressing rooms.

It was weird, even though Billericay had a 3-1 lead heading into the second half, you felt some nervousness amongst the home crowd, and even the players seemed a touch nervous too, that Chatham goal right on half time had certainly given them something to think about, and the visitors sensed this knowing another goal back would really make it interesting, and Chatham certainly were doing all they could to make that happen.

The Blues though were not without their chances to seal the game and make it more comfortable, on one occasion only a spectacular clearance off the line prevented the hosts from finding a fourth, Chatham then wanted a penalty but this fell on deaf ears, much to the visitors dismay, they also struck the post too, but, in the 71st minute they found a second goal to really put this tie back in the balance, Kian Moynes thumping home from inside the box, and those Chatham fans behind that goal were now really making some noise, and the nerves amongst the home ones were cranking up somewhat.

It was tense, could the visitors complete what looked an unlikely comeback when they went 3-0 down, the home side had to survive a few nervy moments before the game was out, and seven minutes of stoppage time didn't help the heartrate amongst anyone to do with the home side, but, they did manage to hold on and see the game out, and take their place in the final on Bank Holiday Weekend.

It had been a very entertaining play off match, played in front of a big crowd under the lights in what was a decent atmosphere, but a game played in the right way with no nastiness on or off the pitch, just how it should be, so well done to all, an enjoyable night and for the hosts their promotion dreams live on for another few days. 

Full time Billericay Town 3 Chatham Town 2

So what of the other semi final tie this evening, an all Essex affair at Parkside, let's see what happened.....

Aveley 1 Brentwood Town 4

Hosts Aveley had finished runners up in the division and six points ahead of fifth placed Brentwood Town, but this meant nothing in this contest as the visitors netted three goals in added on time to take victory at Parkside.  All the goal action came after the 75th minute, it had remained goal less until then, and when Bradley Sach handed the visitors a 76th minute lead, they may have thought that would be the only goal of the contest.

But no, in the 86th minute Jesse Nwabueze levelled for the hosts and you thought ok, maybe penalties would be needed to decide this one, but, after the referee indicated their would be a minimum of FOURTEEN minutes added on, Brentwood took full advantage of this additional time, seeing Ade Cole net a 97th minute penalty before Louie Johnson than scored in the 101st minute and they made it four in the 106th minute when Jesse Okulolu netted, sending the visitors through.

Quite a dramatic end to this one then, and a sad way for it to end for the hosts who have had an incredible season, but it ends here, but for Brentwood it continues.

It all means that on Bank Holiday Monday the final will take place at New Lodge, Billericay Town Vs Brentwood Town, that will be some occasion that's for sure in front of no doubt a sold out crowd too, it is a local derby in every sense of the word, and the prize at the end of it for the winners is National League South football for next season, no biggie then.....

Fisher 1 Punjab United 3 - Jack Hopkins, Zak Byron & Will Johnson-Cole all on target for Punjab United as they stun Fisher to set up Southern Counties East Premier Play Off Final against Rusthall after they saw off Larkfield & New Hythe on penalties

Southern Counties East Premier Play Off Semi Final, Tuesday 28th April

It's play off time as the football seasons come to a close, and my second one in a few days saw me over at St Pauls, home of Fisher, who were taking on a familiar foe in the shape of Punjab United from Gravesend to see who could reach the final at the weekend and be ninety minutes away from promotion to Step Four.

The hosts had finished a distant second in the league behind runaway champions Whitstable Town (nineteen points) but it did mean a guaranteed home route through the play offs, and they were taking on a Punjab side who had finished in the final play off spot in fifth, but only five points behind their opponents this evening, and this was to be their fourth meeting with Fisher since February, so to say they were familiar with each other was an understatement.

Their first meeting in February this campaign was a biggie in the FA Vase Fifth Round which saw Punjab win 2-0 in Gravesend, and the two subsequent meetings in the league saw a 5-1 win for Fisher at St Pauls (that was three days after the Vase contest) before Punjab beat them again in Gravesend 2-1 two weeks ago, so it currently sees Punjab with a 2-1 advantage.

Play off football is different though, and those previous games will mean nothing heading into this tie, both sides will know exactly what to look out for though and know each others strengths and weaknesses, so it certainly pointed to an interesting and intriguing contest to come, although Fishers home form has been immaculate, they had won their last eleven at home netting forty nine goals in the process, which included a 5-0 win over Tunbridge Wells in their final game of the regular season.

Since mid march though Punjab's league form has been decent as well, ten games and only one defeat, which was a narrow 1-0 loss at home to champions Whitstable Town, so they were coming into this one with plenty to shout about too, they did end their season with a 1-1 draw at Snodland Town, which proved enough for them to earn that final play off spot, although they would have to play well to win at St Pauls for sure.

Whether or not the pressure of a home semi final for Fisher was too much who knows, but they were not at the races in the first half as Punjab put in a brilliant showing in the opening forty five minutes, taking the lead after just nine minutes when a superb ball in from the right by Chris Edwards found Jack Hopkins in the box and he sent a looping header into the bottom corner, slow motion like almost, and the visitors had an early advantage.

Fisher tried to respond and saw visiting keeper Mitch Beeney make a good stop before the hosts eventually lashed the loose ball well off target, I think it was from Alex Kozak, but apart from this the hosts didn't really threaten their opponents as much as many thought they would, and in fact it was Punjab who looked the likelier to find another, and in first half stoppage time, they did.

It looked to me as if a wayward effort went well wide, but the next thing I knew was the ball was then fired home, I was standing at the other end of the pitch at this point so not entirely sure what happened, but Zak Byron was the man to find the net and send Punjab into the half time break with a very handy two goal cushion, and Fisher had it all to do.

The hosts knew they had to find the next goal, and early in the second period if they were to threaten any sort of comeback, and sure enough eight minutes after the break they had that goal to really stir up the majority of the 449 inside the ground, it came when a ball sent Festos Kamara in on goal as he outpaced the back line, he still had much to do but sent a wonderful looping finish beyond Beeney and into the net, and now Fisher believed they could go on and maybe rescue this tie.

Punjab for the first time in the contest were having to cling on and dig in to try and thwart the Fisher onslaught, but fair play to them they did just that and rode out the storm, they had defended really well throughout and limited their free scoring opponents at this ground very well indeed, and with just over fifteen minutes to go, they netted a third to really put a dagger in in the hopes of the hosts chances.

Substitute Will Johnson-Cole swivled and fired an effort at goal which didn't seem powerful enough to beat keeper Isaac Ogunseri, but again I was unsighted as to what happened but the ball ended up in the net, so assuming the keeper probably should have done better going on some of the comments around me in the stand, and it meant Punjab had a two goal cushion once again.

Did Fisher have anything left, not really, and it never looked likely they would find a way back after that, and Punjab comfortably saw it out to take their place in the final and give themselves a shot at promotion to step four, as for Fisher, there decent season ends in disappointing fashion this evening, not what many of them hoped coming into these post season play offs.

Full time Fisher 1 Punjab United 3

 

So, who will the winners take on in the final, well the other semi final took place on the same evening, let's see how that one panned out.....

Rusthall 0 Larkfield & New Hythe 0 (Rusthall won 5-4 on penalties)

These two sides had finished third and fourth in the division and were separated by just two points over thirty six games, so it was no surprise that this game was as tight and tense and it appeared, neither side could find the net in ninety minutes meaning a shoot out was required, and Rusthall kept their nerve to win the shoot out and set up a home play off final against Punjab United at the weekend.

So, will Rusthall make home advantage count at the weekend and win promotion, or can Punjab win on the road once again and earn promotion to Step Four for next season, we shall find out in a few days..... 

  

Clapton Community 4 Lymore Gardens 1 - A brace from Nathan Cook helped Clapton Community see off Lymore Gardens to set up Thurlow Nunn South play off final against Rayleigh Town after they saw off Coggeshall Town

Thurlow Nunn First Division South Play Off Semi Final, Saturday 25th April

The final weekend in April saw me make a trip to somewhere that I used to visit regularly some years ago during my coverings of local non league football and the Essex Senior League, The Old Spotted Dog, and it was to see what promised to be a mouth watering clash between Clapton Community & Lymore Gardens.

Both sides were competing for a place in the Thurlow Nunn South play off final against either Coggeshall Town or Rayleigh Town, who also were doing battle over at West Street in the other semi final today, for a place in Step Five, and for many the home side were big favourites to get the job done today and set up that home semi final after finishing runners up in the division.

Clapton were close to winning the league, they finished three points behind champions Hutton having amassed ninety points in their forty games, and they had finished a whopping nineteen points ahead of today's opponents who had just squeezed into the top five themselves, the hosts were also on a run of nineteen unbeaten in the league, and were on a six game winning run too (they had won sixteen of those games on that run, including a ten match winning streak).

Despite all this though, they could not win the title, and they were up against a Lymore side who as said had just squeezed into the play offs by a point, edging out Newbury Forest & Brimsdown, this was helped by a decent run of form at the end of the season when it appeared their play off hopes were fading, one defeat in seven meant they could edge themselves into that post season lottery.

Also, if you looked at both league games these two competed in during the season, then you would fancy the hosts, Clapton won 3-0 at home and then only a month ago netted a 3-1 win at Oakside, but the play offs are a different kettle of fish, and Lymore on their day can be a match for most, which was evident in their first ever FA Vase run this season when they reached the last 16 after seeing off sides from a higher level.

The home side would again be backed by a huge home crowd once again, and after 1,712 had watched them last weekend in their final regular season game, 1,377 came through the gates for this game, an incredible effort for this level, and they were certainly creating a carnival atmosphere, and hoping their team would deliver, well James Briggs saw a powerful free kick superbly saved, but in the 19th minute the hosts were to be celebrating their opening goal.

It came after a lovely pass found Louis Brown with just the keeper to beat, again it was superbly saved but Nathan Cook was on hand to fire the rebound home and hand the hosts the advantage, and the atmosphere was cranked up a notch, Lymore always posed a threat on the counter though and did create a decent opening but saw Chris Mathers save well, despite this though Clapton were looking the better side and they duly doubled that lead six minutes before half time.

Andre Odeku burst through on goal, but with defenders chasing him down and unable to get the ball properly under control, his effort was blocked, but fell into the path of Brown who was duly wiped out by the keeper and stonewall penalty was duly awarded, Briggs then stepped up to fire home the spot kick and the hosts now had some breathing space heading towards the break.

Well, that breathing got even bigger as the game entered first half stoppage time, Brown lifting a cross towards the far post where Adam Sidky was on hand to volley past the keeper and hand Clapton a 3-0 lead heading into the break, job done almost you could say, well, after an hour it certainly game over, and the hosts added a fourth, and it was handed to them on a plate by the visitors.

Risky play at the back saw Cook bearing down on goal after a mishap, and he duly fired into the bottom corner past a stranded keeper for his second of the contest and now the home fans could really celebrate and continue what was a very enjoyable carnival atmosphere in the sunshine with a few beers, no doubt the hosts players and management still had their heads on, but they did appear to take their foot off the gas a tad for the final half hour or so.

This allowed Gardens to have a lot more of the ball, and with twelve minutes to go pulled one back when they got in on goal to fire past Mathers, but you still felt that the hosts were more than comfortable and had done the damage earlier in the contest and could enjoy the final moments of this play off tie, and maybe enjoy the superb atmosphere created in the scaffold.

No more goals were added thereafter and it meant Clapton Community would defeat Lymore Gardens for a third time this season with an aggregate of 10-2 no less, and they had in to next weekends final on the back of seven straight wins and twenty matches unbeaten, can they net one more win and grab that promotion to Step Five?

Lastly this sees Gardens excellent first season at this level and in Senior Football come to an end, but it's been a very good season, Vase Last 16 and a play off place earned, not bad at all, so well done to them on the season they have had.

Full time Clapton Community 4 Lymore Gardens 1

So, who will Clapton face at home next weekend, well the other semi final took place at West Street, Coggeshall, let's see how that one went and who would travel to East London next weekend.....

Coggeshall Town 2 Rayleigh Town 3

Rayleigh Town, who finished fourth and twelve points behind today's opponents in third, came from behind to net a fantastic win and send them into a second successive play off final in this division.  They did lead early on when Dylan Jones played in John Sasere to give the visitors a 15th minute advantage, but, the hosts levelled ten minutes before half time when Hayes nodded home an Ambrose header back across goal before the hosts led two minutes before half time when a Hollocks corner was headed in by Borein to turn the tie on it's head.  

But Rayleigh came back to level the match at 2-2 before the first half was done, levelling two minutes later when Mofi Tunde-Ojolowo smashed home from inside the six yard box to send the sides into the break all square, and it was the visitors who would strike the killer blow to win this contest, it came with fifteen minutes to go when Benny Fiadzomor out muscled a defender before driving into the box and firing home and send Rayleigh Town into next weekend's final at the Old Spotted Dog.

Commiserations then to Coggeshall Town who see their season end disappointingly, many fancied them to go on and achieve promotion through the play offs, but it's not to be and it will be Clapton Community Vs Rayleigh Town in front of no doubt another huge partisan crowd in East London, can Rayleigh surprise again and grab victory to silence the home fans, or will it be Clapton who after ten years of being this community club, achieve promotion to Step Five. We shall soon find out.....