Essex Senior League Round Up (18th/19th/20th November) - Romford bounce back with victory at Little Oakley, Walden come from behind to defeat Hullbridge, Ilford & Barking share points at Cricklefield

(Romford celebrating only goal of game at Little Oakley to take all three points in the pouring rain in North Essex, photo courtesy of Bob Knightley/Romford FC)

This week saw three Essex Senior League league games take place across Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday so let's see how those matches went:-

Monday November 18th

Little Oakley 0 Romford 1

Romford were trying to bounce back from a disappointing result last time out and try and hold onto their play off spot with the likes of Saffron Walden Town & Barking hot on their tails and threatening to replace them in that fifth spot in the division, they were up against a Little Oakley side who were trying to get back into the top ten with a win themselves. One goal proved to be enough to settle this contest playing in the pouring rain near the North Essex coast, and it went to the visitors just before the hour mark when Joe Paxman was on hand to net what proved to be the winner and hand Romford a very important three points.

Tuesday November 19th

Saffron Walden Town 3 Hullbridge Sports 1

As said above, Walden are trying to chase that final play off spot and knock Romford out of those places, along with Barking of course, The Bloods are obviously chasing more than that overall but were already fourteen points behind leaders Stanway heading into this contest, albeit with three games in hand, so they knew that for now they just needed to get into those play off spots and then see what happens further down the line. They were up against a Hullbridge side who have really struggled this season and are sitting way down in third bottom spot and five points above bottom side FC Clacton, so points for them were also necessary to put a bigger gap between them and that twentieth spot in the league. Things began well for the visitors as they caught Walden cold as after only two minutes Mechack Asuka put Bridge ahead, and it was a lead that lasted until three points before half time when Solomon Ofori levelled, and Walden then turned it around six minutes after the break when Ross Wall scored and now the visitors were having to chase the game. The hosts though made sure of the points to keep the heat on the ones above when Correy Davidson netted and kept up their chase on a play off spot.

Wednesday November 20th

Ilford 2 Barking 2

Former Mayesbrook Park tenants Ilford were up against their ex landlords in Barking at Cricklefield in a derby match, league placings didn't really mean to much in this one, The Foxes have been playing well of late and have pulled themselves well away from danger whereas Barking under the guidance of new boss Craig Edwards are challenging for a play off spot helped by two big wins against promotion rivals Saffron Walden Town & Great Wakering Rovers with the new boss having a 100% record so far in his two games in charge. The Blues got themselves ahead after ten minutes through Sam Shaban but were pegged back by Jabir Adam's 28th minute leveller as the sides went in level at the break, Juwon Akintunde then restored Barking's lead barely a minute after the restart, but Joel Appiah quickly levelled three minutes later.  Neither side could go on and win the game meaning it ended all square, thus ending Edwards perfect start to his latest spell as boss of The Blues, but he remains unbeaten at least in what was probably a decent point.

Let's look at the latest league table ahead of a full weekend fixture list:-

 And below are those weekend fixtures which all take place on Saturday November 23rd:-

Benfleet Vs Athletic Newham (2pm)

Buckhurst Hill Vs Stansted

FC Clacton Vs Saffron Walden Town (2pm)

Hullbridge Sports Vs West Essex

Ilford Vs Frenford 

Little Oakley Vs Woodford Town

Romford Vs Halstead Town

Sawbridgeworth Town Vs Barking

Stanway Rovers Vs Great Wakering Rovers

White Ensign Vs Takeley (2pm)

No doubt above game of the weekend, league leaders Stanway Rovers at home to fourth placed Great Wakering Rovers, the visitors can ill afford a loss as a home win would see Wakering fall nine points behind the leaders, an away win would certainly change the outlook as GWR would only be three behind and have two games in hand still, so you feel this is a biggie already in terms of GWR's title aspirations.

You have the old Ilford derby at Cricklefield as Frenford, whose name is devised from the slogan 'Friends of Ilford', make the very short trip to Seven Kings and I am sure it won't be friendly either, no friends on the pitch as they say, so that should be a well contested match for sure.

There are also plenty of games that see sides going for play off spots or cementing those places against sides who are trying to get themselves away from the bottom places and secure some breathing space for now, and those sort of games can be never be taken for granted, so it will be interesting to see what happens in those too, promises to be another dramatic weekend of Essex Senior League action!!! 

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Three/Four Review (Tuesday November 19th) - Daggers knock out last year's runners up Col U, Urchins see off brave Rayleigh, Regent upset Millers

 

Another week and another three BBC Essex Senior Cup ties, there was one remaining Round Three tie to be played as well as two Last 16 ties (Round Four) also taking place, let's see how those games panned out on a cold November night:-

Round Three

Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Colchester United 0

This pitted Vanarama National Daggers against last seasons runners up and EFL League Two side Col U at Victoria Road in Dagenham, both sides were entering the competition at this stage, so both were trying to avoid exiting it at their first hurdle. The Us were also trying to banish the memories of last years final when they lost on penalties to Redbridge on this very ground, well after a goalless opening forty five minutes the Us were lucky to still be in the game after the hosts struck the woodwork on three occasions in the second period. It looked like penalties would be needed to settle this tie, a very familiar scenario for the visitors, but, Daggers managed to find the goal they deserved in the 87th minute when Josh Rees jumped highest from a corner kick to nod home and send last years runners up out of the competition. Daggers will now travel to Canvey Island in Round Four.

Round Four

Rayleigh Town 0 Hornchurch 2

This was arguably the hosts biggest game of their recent history, if all history as they welcomed Vanarama South side Hornchurch to Thames Road in Concord, Rayleigh, who are in the Thurlow Nunn South, have already dumped out two Essex Senior League sides on route to this Last 16 clash, but Hornchurch, four levels above their opponents, would certainly be a totally different ball game. The Urchins, who needed penalties to see of Isthmian North Maldon & Tiptree in Round Three, were certainly hoping they would not be on the end of a huge upset, and with twenty seven minutes on the clock Femi Akinwande broke the deadlock to put the visitors ahead, turning home a ball across from Ade Yusuff to ease their nerves perhaps. And with three minutes of the first half remaining Yusuff turned goal scorer this time as Akinwande returned the favour by finding the former with a lovely through ball and saw him round the keeper and side foot home to give the visitors some breathing space. In the 82nd minute the visitors had the chance to extend their lead and seal the tie when they were awarded a spot kick after the brilliant Yusuff was fouled, but Yusuff fired the spot kick wide meaning it remained 2-0 to The Urchins, which is how it finished. A solid display from the visitors who go into the Quarter Finals, and although the hosts go out, they can be proud of how they played against a side of this quality.

Brightlingsea Regent 2 Aveley 1

Isthmian North Brightlingsea Regent were giving away two levels to opponents Aveley in this one with the visitors plying their trade in the Vanarama South division, Regent had seen off fellow Isthmian North side Redbridge in Round Three, whereas Aveley also downed Walthamstow from the same division as tonight's opponents in the last round two. It was the lower league hosts who got their noses in front though after twenty four minutes through Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards, firing a low effort through a crowd of players to find the bottom corner, and just before the hour mark the hosts doubled their lead when Fletcher Alexander Hubbard converted at the near post. The Millers though soon reduced that lead, six minutes later in fact when Ibrahim Akanbi netted for the visiting side, finding the bottom corner with an angled drive, but they were unable to find a leveller meaning the hosts would progress into the Quarter Finals.

So, after Colchester's exit, both of last year's finalists go out in Round Three, Hornchurch & Brightlingsea are the first sides into the Quarter Finals after tonight's wins, that leaves six Round Four ties still to be played, most of those will be next week, below is a recap of those ties:-

Round Four fixtures

Tuesday November 26th

Heybridge Swifts Vs Witham Town

Billericay Town Vs Chelmsford City

Saffron Walden Town vs Tilbury

Hashtag United Vs Harwich & Parkeston

Wednesday November 27th

Waltham Abbey Vs Little Oakley

TBC

Canvey Island Vs Dagenham & Redbridge

Some tasty ties to come then, by next week we should know pretty much all the Quarter Finalists as the competition gets towards the business end, that's all for now, thanks for reading!!!

Great Wakering Rovers 0 Barking 2 - Goals from Ahern & Akintunde see Barking to huge win at Great Wakering Rovers, there second one in a week against a play off rival, as Craig Edwards 100% winning start as boss continues

Essex Senior League, Saturday November 16th

Mid November, and with the season fast approaching the mid way point in terms of league games, I was over at Burroughs Park for a top seven clash in the division, and it saw Great Wakering Rovers in third hosting Barking, who are under new management of course, who sat in seventh and just four points off the play off spots.

The hosts were trying to put the disappointment of exiting the Vase last weekend, getting back to league action where they were on a four game winning streak, and trying to grab three points to at least keep them on the coat tails of the top two, they were five behind leaders Stanway, with two games in hand, and only a point off second placed Woodford, with a game in hand on them too, so if they kept winning, they were in a very good spot, or an even better one than they currently are.

They welcomed Barking side though who saw Craig Edwards return to the club to manage once again, and they certainly had that new manager bounce last time out when they saw off one of their play off chasing rivals in Saffron Walden Town 3-1 at Mayesbrook Park in one of their better performances for a few weeks, so this was going to be a decent game and a well contested one that was for sure.

It was certainly well contested, the hosts settled the quickest and were the ones in the front foot in the opening exchanges, however, it was Barking who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, as after the referee had awarded the visitors a free kick in a dangerous position on the left hand side, much to the dismay of the hosts who thought it had been given the other way, as did most of the ground (it did look harsh on the defender if truth be told) and from this free kick, Sam Edwards sent a lovely ball into the six yard box and skipper Pat Ahern got something on it and the ball spun over keeper George Martin and into the Wakering goal.

Cue more protests at the award of the free kick, one that wasn't defended well, and Barking had the lead, a lead they probably didn't deserve on balance of play up till that point, but they did create some really good chances in the remainder of the half, however, it was Wakering who had most of the play but just could not find that killer touch inside the box, and it meant Barking would go into the half time break a goal to the good.

The second period saw Barking having to soak up a lot of pressure as they held onto the slender lead, but just past the hour mark a wonderful run from Dom Locke saw him play the ball to Bradleigh Rowland, and as he burst into the box he was upended by Teddy Stacey, and the referee pointed to the spot and the hosts had a golden chance to find a leveller and maybe go on and win the game.

But, it wasn't to be as Harry Brown stepped up and saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Dan Purdue, and you felt at this point it probably wasn't going to be the hosts day, they kept up the pressure though but were always in danger of being caught on the counter, and in the 84th minute that is exactly what happened as a ball through to Juwon Akintunde saw him keep his calm before slotting in at the near post to seal another big win for the Blues.

Yes they rode their luck in this one, but going away to a big promotion rival you are always going to have to ride your luck at times, especially against such a good Wakering outfit who were lacking in front of goal today, and it saw Craig Edwards superb start to his latest tenure as Blues boss continue in superb style with a brilliant battling performance and three points.

Full time Great Wakering Rovers 0 Barking 2

So, let's now see what else went on in the division today as nine other matches took place on a full fixture list Saturday afternoon:-

Athletic Newham 0 Stanway Rovers 0

Leaders Stanway were held at Parsloes by Athletic Newham as neither side could break the deadlock, it does mean Rovers stay top though although now only two points clear of second placed Woodford.

Frenford 2 Buckhurst Hill 3

Buckhurst Hill came from behind to defeat Frenford at The Drive, Bradley Ismaili had given the visitors an eighth minute lead but an own goal in the 26th minute and a Corey Hewlett strike in the 44th minute handed Frenford the lead, only to see Buckhurst Hill level a minute later through Suley Zuhdu to send the sides into the break at 2-2.  Hill then saw keeper Toby Smith sent off in the 65th minute but it was they who won the game after Tyreece Robertson's 78th minute winner handed the visitors all three points, taking them to within five points of the top five.

Halstead Town 3 Little Oakley 2

A 105th minute winner from Owen Betts handed Halstead a dramatic win over Little Oakley at The Milbank Stadium, James Eveleigh had given the hosts the lead just past the half hour mark but saw Daniel Rowe level eight minutes before the break to see the sides go in level at the half. Dean Ager's penalty on the hour mark restored The Humbugs lead, but they were pegged back again after Darren Mills levelled in the 77th minute to seemingly earn his side a point. But with a whole heap of stoppage to come, FIFTEEN minutes into it Halstead saw Betts pop up to win the game for the hosts in dramatic fashion.

Hullbridge Sports 1 Woodford Town 3

Woodford cut the lead at the top to two points after they recorded victory at struggling Hullbridge, it was the hosts who started well and lead from Owen Bellamy's fourth minute penalty, but the lead only lasted nine minutes as Marcus Painter levelled for the visitors. Ten minutes into the second half the hosts saw Oscar Jones sent off and then five minutes later go behind after Kahlil Kirwan-Meade netted for Woodford, and with 82 minutes gone Sonny Shilling sealed the points for the visiting side who did end with ten men after Emmanuel Martins was sent off in stoppage time.

Ilford 3 Stansted 1

The Foxes netted their fourth win of the season after seeing off Stansted at Cricklefield, Mo Nur Habib gave the hosts a second minute lead, and then they doubled this lead seven minutes before the break when Daniel Izekor netted from the spot, and it was 3-0 at half time after Izekor netted again in first half stoppage time. Luke Skinner did pull one back early in the second half from the spot but Ilford saw out the game to take all three points.

Romford 1 White Ensign 3

Ellis Devereux struck twice as Ensign stunned ten man Romford at Mayesbrook Park, Devereaux handed the visitors a 34th minute lead and then the hosts saw keeper Harry Girling sent off four minutes before half time, meaning they would be on the back foot even more so. Riley Weir then handed the visitors a two goal cushion at the break when netting in first half stoppage time, and it was 3-0 when Devereaux netted his second early in the second half. Romford did manage to get on the scoresheet when Kennedy Feyi struck home a penalty in the 63rd minute, but it was Ensign who recorded a very impressive win.

Saffron Walden Town 3 Benfleet 2

Kevin Wright netted a 97th minute winner as Walden snatched a dramatic win at Catons Lane, Billy Carter had given Benfleet a 15th minute lead but Walden, fresh from their county cup win over Braintree in midweek, levelled through a Cameron Harris own goal just three minutes later. Things looked bad for Walden though just past the hour mark when keeper Jake Anderson was sent off, but Adalberto Pinto then gave Walden a 74th minute lead, but Fleet thought they had pinched a point when levelling in the 90th minute through John-Joe Salter, only to Wright pop up seven minutes into added on time to hand the hosts all the points. 

Takeley 3 FC Clacton 1

It's been quite a dew days for FC Clacton with their off field problems mounting this week, and they remain bottom of the table after another defeat, this time at Station Road against Takeley. Lanre Balogun gave the hosts a 16th minute lead, and that lead was doubled seven minutes later courtesy of Olly Miles, the visitors did pull one back four minutes after the break through Emmanuel Ikwuegbu, but Takeley quickly restored their two goal lead in the 53rd minutes when Miles grabbed his second, and the hosts went on to take all three points. 

West Essex 3 Sawbridgeworth Town 0

Hosts West came oh so close to knocking Chelmsford City out of the county cup in midweek, but they put that out of their minds as they took all three points against struggling Sawbo Town at Wadham Lodge. Jaedon Phillips handed the hosts a 12th minute lead, and they were two goals up by half time when Vanadiny Junior Mendes netted eight minutes before the break. And Yemi Adelani's stoppage time goal sealed a 3-0 win and the points.

Ok, let's see how the table looks after the latest round of games:-

Stanway's lead was cut to two points after they drew and Woodford won, Takeley go above Wakering on goal difference after the former beat FC Clacton and the latter lost at home to Barking, Romford are still just about in side the top five despite their loss at home to Ensign today, Walden & Barking of course are now just a point off them after they both won.

Down at the bottom, FC Clacton remain there and stay three behind Sawbo, who also lost, Hullbridge and Stansted both slip to 18th & 17th respectively after they lost and Ilford & Halstead both won, the latter two putting more daylight between them and the bottom side in the process.

That concludes today's blog, hope you enjoyed reading, and thank you!!!

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Three Review (12th/13th November) - Walden stun youthful Irons, much changed Clarets need penalties to see off West Essex

Evening all, thought I'd bring you up to date with the latest going's on in the BBC Essex Senior Cup as two more Round Three games took place this week, also the Fourth Round draw has also been made too, so I can bring you that as well, firstly though lets see what happened in the two Round Three ties that took place this week:-

Tuesday November 12th

Saffron Walden Town 2 Braintree Town 0

A youthful Iron side succumbed to Essex Senior League outfit Saffron Walden Town in front of 448 at Catons Lane as the hosts bridged a four level gap to take their place in the Last 16 of the County Cup on what was a superb night for the hosts as they knocked out Vanarama National League opposition. Walden had ex Iron Correy Davidson in their line up, so no doubt he wanted to do well in this contest, but it was to be a current Braintree player who was on the scoresheet six minutes before half time after Lewis Dean headed into his own net to hand the hosts a deserved half time lead.

Iron tried to respond after the break and brought on Charlie Kent for the unfortunate Dean, and he almost netted immediately but saw an effort cleared off the line by a defender, and it remained 1-0 until the 90th minute when the hosts sealed the deal as after winning a penalty, Roman Campbell rammed home the spot kick, giving the keeper no chance at all, to see Walden reach the next round of the competition, setting up a Round Four tie at home to Isthmian North Tilbury, a side they know from the league campaign last season when The Dockers won the ESL title, should be a good contest that.

Wednesday November 13th

West Essex 1 Chelmsford City 1 (Chelmsford City won 4-2 on penalties)

Vanarama National South Chelmsford City avoided a upset by the skin of their teeth as they needed penalties to see off Essex Senior League West Essex at Wadham Lodge. A much changed Clarets saw the ESL hosts take a shock lead just before the quarter hour mark when Matt McDowell found the net, City then lost skipper Cameron James due to injury, meaning Freddie Hockey had to take the armband, it certainly was not the start the visitors were looking for that was for sure. Hockey then thought he had levelled four minutes before half time but an offside in the build up meant the goal was ruled out, Kalvin Kalala then struck the post for the visitors soon after as West just about hung on to their slender lead heading into the break.

So, could The Clarets find a way back into the game or would West cause a big surprise? City made a change at halftime when Archie Tamplin, son of Glenn of course, was introduced to the side, and with the game just passing the hour mark Tamplin struck home a beautiful free kick to bring the visitors level. Charlie Ruff was then introduced midway through the half as City looked to go and win the tie, West themselves had also brought on the likes of Jaedon Phillips & Yemi Adelani too as they looked to bolster there attacking options,  however, neither side could find a winner, meaning penalties would be needed to decide this contest.

The visitors went first in the shoot out, and Ruff sent the opening kick over the bar, but the hosts saw their first kick from Adelani saved by City keeper Ted Collins, not the ideal start for either then!!! Tamplin then netted for City, as did Phillips for West, Jordan Greenidge then made it 2-1 City before Nathan Braithwaite made it 2-2 after three spot kicks each, Geofrey Okonkwo then netted for City to put them back ahead, before Collins then made another save to hand City match point. And skipper Hockey duly netted City's fifth a final spot kick to send them into the next round of the competition and set up a mouth-watering clash at New Lodge against Billericay Town.

There is just one more Round Three tie to come now, Dagenham & Redbridge Vs last years runners up Colchester United at Victoria Road next Tuesday, with the winners travelling to Canvey Island, I hope to be at that game so will bring a blog on that, and then the Round Four draw will be complete. Talking of that draw, below is how it stands ahead of that final Last 32 tie next week:-

Round Four ties (Last 16)

Tuesday November 19th

Rayleigh Town Vs Hornchurch

Brightlingsea Regent Vs Aveley

Tuesday November 26th

Heybridge Swifts Vs Witham Town

Saffron Walden Town Vs Tilbury

Hashtag United Vs Harwich & Parkeston

Wednesday November 27th

Waltham Abbey Vs Little Oakley

Ties to be arranged (likely to be arranged for week beginning Monday 25th November)

Canvey Island Vs Dagenham & Redbridge/Colchester United

Billericay Town vs Chelmsford City

Some pretty decent Last 16 ties then, that's you all up to date with the competition, thanks for reading!!!

Southend Manor 1 Rayleigh Town 2 - First half goals from Lewis Risk & Leo Clark see Rayleigh come from behind to defeat Manor at Southchurch Park & climb to sixth in the Thurlow Nunn South

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Tuesday November 12th

I stayed very local this evening as I walked across the park to see Southend Manor & Rayleigh Town do battle in a rearranged league fixture (it should have taken place last week but because of Rayleigh's participation in the County Cup to took precedent, this game was delayed a week).

The hosts came into this one off a very good performance at Coggeshall Town at the weekend, they lead 1-0 when the game was abandoned in the 88th minute due to a serious injury, but despite this they had showed that against a play off chasing side on their own ground, they could certainly mix it with them, and they welcomed a similar outfit in Rayleigh Town who after a good start to the season had dropped off in the league and had slipped down to ninth.

To be fair to the visitors though since their last win in the league a month ago at Basildon Town, they had only played two league games due to cup exploits, which they had done very well in, but those two league outings both ended in defeat without scoring, so they knew that to get back to winning ways this evening was essential to keep their themselves up with the play off sides.

Manor themselves were down in 12th spot, this after they had started the season well, a 5-3 home win over Newbury Forest was their last win, that was a month ago, the three completed games since have seen two narrow defeats and a draw, add to that the abandoned game too and their is definitely some progress lately as they look to try and turn their season back around again.

A tight and competitive game was expected, this being a local derby, and the opening twenty five minutes were certainly that, but in the 25th minute Manor got themselves ahead and it was a total disaster for visiting keeper Henry Noakes who failed to hold onto a cross into the near post, the ball slipped through his grasp and ended up going just over the line, not a moment he will want to remember in a hurry that's for sure.

Manor though were dealt a blow minutes later as after the visitors had turned a ball just wide of the target, the home keeper went down injured and spent a several minutes receiving treatment, and although he did eventually manage to stand up and lip from the field, he would not be able to continue, and with Manor having no sub keeper in the bench, one of the outfielders had to go in goal, which was not ideal.

Whether this affected the hosts for a time after who knows, but Rayleigh were to net two goals late on in the first half to go in ahead at the break, they levelled in the 41st minute after Lewis Risk's header was too powerful for the stand in keeper to keep out, and then seven minutes into added on time Leo Clark ran onto a lovely pass from Jimmy Dalton before lofting over the keeper and into the net.

Could Manor fight back? Well, it was the visitors who looked more likely to add a third for a time, one long range effort smashed back off the upright, but Manor were not without their chances too, and Town keeper Noakes made up for his first half error by making some decent stops to prevent the hosts from levelling.

Rayleigh saw a late effort come off the crossbar, but the final action saw Manor up in arms when a poor pass back towards keeper Noakes saw the hosts nip in and try and go round the keeper, but it ended with the attacker being felled, and an eventual free kick be given as it was outside the box despite some protests from the hosts who also wanted Noakes punished for his foul, no punishment though and the resultant free kick poor.

Town did manage to hold on to take battling win though, and a win that takes them up to sixth and level on points with fifth placed AS London, who occupy that final play off spot, and with a game in hand too, Manor, well they remain in 12th but can take a lot of positives from the contest too which was well contested throughout.

Full time Southend Manor 1 Rayleigh Town 2

  

My blog on the Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round featuring two all Essex Senior League ties - On Saturday I saw Takeley dump holders Romford out & on Sunday I watched White Ensign net twice to see off West Essex

Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round Proper, Saturday 9th/Sunday 10th November

On remembrance weekend the FA Vase took centre stage once again, and there were two all Essex Senior League contests, one of those involving last years winners in the shape of Romford, they had a tricky tie at Takeley, and over in Great Wakering at Burroughs Park, White Ensign welcomed West Essex.

I covered both those games, and with the game at Burroughs Park taking place on the Sunday, my first port of call was Station Road, Takeley, so without further ado, let's see how that tie went as well as the one on Sunday as the ESL were guaranteed at least two sides into the Third Round:-

Saturday November 9th

Takeley Vs Romford

Both these sides were having good seasons, and both were in the top five in the division (4th vs 5th), but today was all about Vase ambitions and for the visitors trying to emulate what they achieved last season when they went and won the whole thing on that memorable day for the Essex Senior League at Wembley in what was an all league final affair against Wakering.

Takeley though would be a very tough assignment for Romford, and that assignment got tougher in the ninth minute when they fell behind, a lovely ball in by Jack Mitchell found Jordan Wescott who sent a wonderful header over Romford keeper and skipper Harry Girling into the far corner, and the hosts had the perfect start.

The rest of the half was played at a terrific tempo with both sides looking to attack at any opportunity, Takeley keeper Jarvis Monk made some impressive saves, as did Girling at the other end as both keepers prevented any further goals in the opening forty five minutes in front of a very healthy 223 crowd at Station Road.

Romford though were to come flying out the blocks at the start of the second period, and levelled in the 48th minute thanks to a lovely side footed finish from Brendan Ocran, and then seven minutes later the visitors were ahead, Jaiden Babalola received the ball outside the box before he fired a wonderful effort into the top corner via the outstretched hand of Monk who could not keep it out, and now Romford were the ones who looked likely to go on and win this tie.

Takeley though managed to regather themselves and in the 69th minute were level after a ball from Coby Miles found Olly Miles down the right hand side, his ball in was not gathered by Girling, and the loose ball was turned home by Mitchell to set up a grandstand last twenty minutes to what had been a terrific tie.

And in the 80th minute the hosts found themselves in front as a corner swung in by Lewis Wicker was misjudged by Girling, and after the ball had gone over him it appeared to hit a defender and end up in the net for an own goal, Takeley's Alfie Attrill was in the mix, but I believe it was an own goal but whatever it was Takeley now had a lead to hold onto.

Could the holders fight back and take this tie to penalties? There was a chunk of stoppage time to be played but their cause was not helped by their keeper and skipper Girling who talked himself into a sin bin deep into added on time meaning the visitors would have to play the remaining time with a man light and an outfielder donning the gloves.

And Takeley managed to see out the remaining minutes to take a very good win and dump last years winners out of the Vase in the process, it had been a cracking cup tie played in the right way too, both sides should be credited for putting on such a show, congratulations to Takeley for coming back from what looked like a losing situation, and commiserations to Romford who looked well set to win after going in front, there will be no Wembley finale for them this season and it's Takeley who reach the Last 64 of the competition.

Full time Takeley 3 Romford 2

Sunday November 10th

White Ensign Vs West Essex

The second all Essex Senior League 2nd Round Proper Vase contest saw 11th placed Ensign hosting 13th placed West, and with only two points between them in the division, this was going to be a tight and well fought battle no doubt, with both sides eying up a place in the last 64 of the competition.

The hosts started well and were in front after just nine minutes, Taylor Jacobi received the ball on the left hand side of the pitch and he was allowed to cut back onto his right foot before he hit an effort at goal which seemed to go under the dive of visiting keeper Lewis Edwards and end up in the net, the keeper just misjudged how much the ball dipped right in front of him and this was enough to see the ball beat him and hand Ensign an early advantage.

West soon settled though after this early set back and game became more even and more what I expected it to be like, tight, physical and well contested, and the match stayed at 1-0 as the teams trudged off at the break, however with around 35 seconds on the second half clock, Ensign caught West cold with a second goal, Riley Weir having the freedom of the penalty area to strike into the bottom corner of the net and hand them a very handy cushion.

These two early goals in each other ultimately won the game for the hosts, it was a very frustrating afternoon for the visitors who had plenty of openings to make this game a totally different one to how it ended, but either poor finishing, solid Ensign defending, or brilliance from keeper Bradley Davison, who on one occasion somehow kept a Yemi Adelani effort out from point blank range (it seemed impossible for him to save it) meant that they would draw a blank in front of goal, sometimes your just destined not to score, and this was one of those days for West.

Ensign though are a young and hungry team who are full of energy and just run and run and run for the cause, they did enough to win in the end and make it through to the Final 64 of the Vase, a terrific achievement for a club who always give their all regardless, so they certainly earned this one that's for sure!!!

Full time White Ensign 2 West Essex 0

   

  

There were three other ties involving Essex Senior League and Thurlow Nunn South sides, let's take a brief look at how those fared:-

Brantham Athletic 2 Benfleet 1

Benfleet's Vase run is done for this season after they were beaten at Thurlow Nunn Premier side Brantham Athletic, Ben Dixon put the hosts ahead after just five minutes of the tie, and Calum Griffiths then doubled that lead ten minutes into the second period. Mason Shave did pull one back deep into added on time but it was too little too late for the visitors who crashed out sadly.

Great Wakering Rovers 2 Great Yarmouth Town 2 (Great Yarmouth Town won 4-3 on penalties)

Last years runners up Great Wakering Rovers are out of the competition after they lost a cracking tie against Thurlow Nunn Premier Great Yarmouth Town on penalties at Burroughs Park.  Yarmouth went in front after twelve minutes through Sam Adams, Callum Boylan brought the hosts level ten minutes into the second period, Yarmouth though restored their lead twelve minutes from time through Charlie Barber, however, Harrison Topliss forced penalties by levelling in the 87th minute. Rovers of course won the last penalty shoot out here in the Vase when winning last years semi final, but it was not to be this time round as Yarmouth prevailed to progress and mean both last years finalists have fallen at the second round stage.

Rayleigh Town 2 Harpenden Town 4

The one remaining Thurlow Nunn South side left in the competition, Rayleigh Town, succumbed to Spartan South Midlands Premier Harpenden Town at Thames Road after what was a superb cup tie. The visitors grabbed a 20th minute lead when a ball over the top was clinically dispatched by Danny Webb, but Rayleigh levelled just past the half hour mark after Lewis Risk netted after the visitors failed to clear their lines. Harpenden though went back in front right on half time when a counter attack saw Harry Andic slot home, and the visitors increased their lead early in the second period thanks to a cracking finish from Webb, Rayleigh then saw a Ollie Quick penalty saved as the hosts piled on the pressure, but then managed to net from the spot in the 87th minute through Archie Acheampong after Owen Barratt was fouled to set up a grandstand finish.  Harpenden though made sure of their progression when they netted deep into stoppage time after a free kick from Dave Keenleyside hit the bar and then was bundled home by Elliot Bailey to finally seal victory in what had been a cracking cup tie.                

So, it means that the only two Essex Senior League sides still left in the Vase are Takeley & White Ensign, so watch them draw each other in the next round, hopefully they will get good ties and hopefully they can progress, although the chances of having a side at Wembley this season diminished quite significantly this weekend.  

Barkingside 1 Brimsdown 1 - Eric Koduah nets second half penalty to earn point for frustrated Brimsdown, cancelling out first half strike from Joseph Koroma as ten man Barkingside manage to hold on to earn draw at Cricklefield

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Friday 8th November

I was over at Cricklefield on Friday evening for a Thurlow Nunn South contest between Barkingside & Brimsdown, both were having tough seasons so far, the hosts were down in 14th and just six points above Brimsdown who occupied the final relegation spot in the division.

The hosts though had actually improved their position lately, as after nine straight losses in all comps, they had won two of their last three in the league, with those wins coming at home to Cannons Wood and away at Rayleigh Town, and the other game saw them lose narrowly to Harlow Town, so the last three games had been much better for them.

They welcomed a Brimsdown side to Cricklefield who themselves had only won one game since the beginning of October, that was a crazy 5-4 home win over Southend Manor, last time out they narrowly lost at home to leaders Hackney Wick, another example of them being in the game but coming out on the wrong side, which has happened a few times this campaign, could they tip that scale the other way this evening?

Well, it was the hosts who struck first in this one, in the 14th minute, although it did come with a hint of controversy, the hosts drove forward and as Joseph Koroma looked to get past his marker, the ball bounced up and appeared to strike the arm of Koroma and send him in on goal, and with no whistle forthcoming, he continued on and fire an effort past the keeper, and although a defender tried in vain to keep the ball out, he could only help it into the bottom corner, and Side had the lead.

Apart from this moment though, the first period yielded little in the way of goal mouth action, Brimsdown did have a couple of decent openings but fluffed their lines, meaning the hosts held a slender lead going into the break.

The second period was pretty mundane too for the most part, not a lot of quality was on show as both sides struggled to get on top of each other, however, with twenty to go the game lived up somewhat, this after Brimsdown were awarded a penalty, now, the foul appeared to happen just outside the box, but after consultation with his assistant, a penalty was duly awarded, and Eric Koudah found the bottom corner of the net to level the game up at 1-1, could anyone find a winner?

The next turn of events saw Barkingside reduced to ten men as with Brimsdown's tails up after that leveller, the hosts keeper came charging out of goal and wiped out a forward who was bursting down the right, and he was shown a straight red, meaning the hosts would have to play the remainder of the game a man light and with an outfielder in goal.

Advantage Brimsdown then, well they had the chances but the stand in keeper made three of four decent stopes to prevent them from scoring, and in fact Barkingside's performance improved after the red card too, and they had some attacks themselves although they could not muster up a goal to stun their opponents.

It all meant the game would end all square, the hosts obviously being the happier of the two sides to earn a point, Brimsdown would have been very frustrated not to have taken one of those chances to win the game for sure, but the point did take Brimsdown out of the bottom three at least for now ahead of the Saturday games, Barkingside remained in 14th.

Full time Barkingside 1 Brimsdown 1

Right, lets have a brief look at what happened in the division on Saturday as seven games took place...

Coggeshall Town 0 Southend Manor 1 (Match Abandoned in second half due to serious injury)

The match at West Street had to be abandoned in the second period after a serious injury, Manor led at the break after Aaron Akoman had scored, but everything was put into perspective when hosts player Jack Charnock suffered a broken ankle and had to be taken away in an ambulance, let's hope he can make a full recovery.   

Dunmow Town 3 NW London 1

Goals from Darnell Fuller, Rehal Theobalds & Reggie Pegrum, who netted direct from a corner, handed Dunmow all three points and saw them bounce back from their mauling at the hands of Heybridge Swifts in the county cup in midweek.    

FC Baresi 2 Hutton 1

FC Baresi netted a superb and big win as they handed promotion chasing Hutton a 2-1 defeat in Ware. The hosts goals came from Teyon Weston after just four minutes and Yannick Kamanan early in the second half, and they proved enough for the hosts to take victory here.

Harlow Town 3 Enfield Borough 1

The Hawks are back top of the table after they saw off Enfield Borough, Fred Agyemang gave the hosts the lead six minutes before the break and they had time to double that advantage before half time, James Folkes netting a minute before the break, and when Jac Zielinski added a third goal just before the hour mark, the hosts were cruising. Borough did pull one back through Emre Baram in the 88th minute, but it was too little too late for the visiting side.

Hoddesdon Town 2 AS London 1

Bailey Eden netted a late winner as Hoddy took all three points against AS London, Connor Bolton have the hosts the lead eleven minutes before the break, the visitors managed to level ten minutes from time through Alie Bangura, converting a corner from Alejandro Patino, but the hosts were not to be denied and saw Eden pop up to net a winning goal and hand all three points to the hosts.

May & Baker 1 Burnham Ramblers 2

Ramblers took a very important three points on the road, seeing off Bakers at Parsloes, the visitors started quickly and led after just four minutes when Noah Hayes played a great ball through to Will Hayes, and his cross back across goal was fired home by Aiden Hayes. And two minutes after the break, Ramblers doubled their lead when Hayes played Cameron Gibbs through on goal, and the latter took it round the keeper and slotted home.  Bakers though pulled one back seven minutes later and then Ramblers were reduced to ten men after Hayes received a second yellow for wiping out an opponent, however the visitors held on to record the win.

St Margaretsbury 2 Basildon Town 1

Bottom side St Mags won for only the third time this season after they came from behind to defeat Basildon Town, Luke Winter had given the visitors an eighth minute lead, converting from a Charlie Jarvis corner, but, eight minutes before half time the hosts levelled and then went on to net what proved to be the winner in the 83rd minute, handing the hosts a huge win.              

Let's see what all these results have done to the table:-

Harlow go a point clear at the top after their win today (Hackney Wick were not in league action today) whereas Hutton's loss at FC Baresi sees them fail to close the gap to the top two, which is now ten points, AS London remain in the top five despite their loss at Hoddesdon Town who go up to ninth as a result.

Down at the bottom, their were important wins for Ramblers & St Mags, the former leaping up two places in the table as a result, sending Brimsdown back into the bottom three as a result (they had briefly come out after their Friday night draw) & FC Baresi win over Hutton saw them up to 14th, jumping over Barkingside in the process.

That's you up to date with the division, thanks for reading as always!!!    

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Three Review (4th/5th/6th November) - Holders Redbridge bow out, Harwich & Parkeston cause huge shock whilst Little Oakley & Rayleigh Town net wins over higher league opposition

There were ten more Round Three ties taking place this week in the BBC Essex Senior Cup, so ten more sides looking to join Billericay Town, Aveley & Hornchurch in Round Four, and holders Redbridge got their defence underway on Monday, so let's see how that went as well as the other ties scheduled:-

Monday November 4th

Redbridge 0 Brightlingsea Regent 3

Holders Redbridge crashed out of the county cup at their first hurdle after they were beaten by Brightlingsea Regent in their all Isthmian North tie at Oakside. Christian Frimpong handed the visitors a 20th minute lead before a penalty before the hour mark doubled their advantage, and they sealed the deal in the 71st minute with a third goal to progress into the next round.

Tuesday November 5th

Witham Town 2 Brentwood Town 2 (Witham Town won 4-3 on penalties)

This all Isthmian North contest went the way of the hosts after they won a penalty shoot out to edge out Brentwood Town at Spa Road. Brentwood edged themselves ahead three minutes before the break when Benas Vaivada found the net, but three minutes into the second half Witham were level after Adelaja fired past Minter into the bottom left corner, however, parity only lasted two minutes as Brentwood regained the lead through Romel Aarons-Royal. That looked to be enough to send the visitors through, but the hosts had other ideas and levelled three minutes into added on time after a scramble saw the hosts force the ball over the line, sending the tie into penalties, and after a dramatic shoot out, Witham were victorious after taking the shootout on a second match point to progress into Round Four.

Waltham Abbey 3 Grays Athletic 1

It was the hosts who grabbed a tenth minute lead courtesy of Nathan Koranteng, but Grays were not behind for long as Luke Hirst levelled just six minutes later, the hosts though managed to get their noses back in front ten minutes after the break through Amrit Bansual.  And the hosts sealed their passage into Round Four when Troy Chiaba added a third goal with nine minutes remaining.

Harwich & Parkeston 2 Bowers & Pitsea 1

Thurlow Nunn South Harwich & Parkeston created club history by knocking out a club three levels above them for the first time since 1990 as they saw off Isthmian Premier Bowers & Pitsea at The Royal Oak.  The hosts grabbed a shock lead just past the half hour mark when Dan Keeble bundled home a loose ball inside the box, but the visitors managed to fight back in the second half and level twenty minutes into it when Teniola's header found Samir Ali who smashed home via a deflection, and it looked like penalties would be needed to decide this tie. But, Harwich were to net a winner late on after a corner found Ewan Livingston who headed home to send the hosts into Round Four and cause quite a shock in the competition.  

Hashtag United 5 Southend United 3

The Tags saw off a youthful Blues at The Len Salmon in a very entertaining encounter in South Essex, it took the hosts just three minutes to break the deadlock as Harrison Day, on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge, slotted home, and then Josh Osude, who had returned to The Tags for a third spell, used his pace to run onto his own header before sprinting past several players and finding Sakariya Hassan to tap home and double the hosts lead inside fifteen minutes. And just past the midway point of the first half Tags made it three when Day added his second of the game, Osude setting a cross into the striker inside the box before he finished brilliantly into the far corner on the slide, and the tie seemed as good as over at this point. And Day was to complete his hat-trick ten minutes into the second period when he bundled home and stretch his sides lead. The youthful Blues did find a consolation with fifteen minutes to go after a misplaced pass was intercepted and a ball into Wood was dispatched calmly past Gidds, and they managed to pull another one back with four minutes remaining as Wood grabbed his second of the night after The Blues pounced on another error from the home side in what was a much improved second half from the visitors. The Tags added a fifth in stoppage time when Ayo Olukoga was brilliantly set up by hat-trick hero Day to blast into the top corner, Wood was then to complete his hat-trick for the Blues even deeper into stoppage time, meaning the game had seen a hat-trick for both sides, it was however The Tags who would progress into the next round.    

Buckhurst Hill 0 Canvey Island 3

Their would be no repeat of last years surprise win for Buckhurst Hill over Canvey as the Isthmian Premier visitors netted victory this time round at Myrak Park. Canvey edged themselves in front six minutes before the break when Chris Harris managed to knee home, and then nine minutes after the break the visitors doubled their advantage after a shot from Jaxon Brown was saved but the rebound was smashed home by Bradley Sach, his first goal since returning to the club.  And the visitors sealed the deal in stoppage time when Sach added another with a lovely effort from the edge of the area and see the visiting side progress into Round Four.

Little Oakley 3 Basildon United 0

Their was another surprise scoreline at The Memorial Ground as Essex Senior Little Oakley saw off Isthmian North Basildon United in North Essex. The hosts stunned the visitors by grabbing a 16th minute lead through Darren Mills, running onto a pinpoint through ball to apply the finish, and then two late goals sealed the deal and see the hosts upset their higher league opponents, Lewis Wood netting a second before Jordi Papple added a third, seeing the ESL side progress into the next round.  

Wednesday November 6th

Ilford 0 Tilbury 3

Three first half goals were enough for Isthmian North high flyers Tilbury to see off Essex Senior League strugglers Ilford at Cricklefield. It didn't take long for the visitors to grab the lead as only seven minutes had elapsed when Lindell Stewart got on the end of a Sam Bantick free kick to hand the Dockers the advantage, and just past the midway point of the first period Tilbury doubled their lead through Dan Trendall, putting the visitors in a very strong position. And they were to strengthen their grip even further just past the half hour mark when Lindell Stewart rounded the keeper to apply a finish for his second of the game, and the tie was as good as over as The Dockers reached Round Four. 

Takeley 0 Rayleigh Town 1

Thurlow Nunn South Rayleigh Town caused another upset in a cup competition as they downed Essex Senior League high flyers Takeley at Station Road. The tie looked to be heading for a goalless draw and penalties but then drama in the 80th minute as Rayleigh netted the winning goal after Leo Clark's shot was deflected into the path of Matt Tapley who managed to bundle home and send the visitors into Round Four.

Dunmow Town 1 Heybridge Swifts 9

Isthmian North Heybridge Swifts netted nine as they demolished Thurlow Nunn South Dunmow Town at Catons Lane. The deadlock was broken after twenty one minutes when Kojo Apenteng's ball in found Vinnie Bowman who managed to find the net with a combination of his head/shoulder for his first Swifts goal, and it was two for Swifts just before the half hour mark after Jack Stone ran in on goal before chipping over the keeper and find the net. And twelve minutes before the break the tie was a good as done when Swifts added a third, Stone adding his second of the contest after he rose highest in the box to convert for the visiting side. Eight minutes into the second period Swifts made it four, Bowman netting his second of the tie by smashing an effort into the bottom corner, the hosts did then manage to find the net themselves four minutes after that to reduce the deficit to three, but that four goal lead was restored just past the hour mark when Apenteng calmly slotted home.  And Apenteng was at it again, netting another by beating the keeper at the near post to make it six for the visitors with twenty minutes to go, and a rampant visitors made it seven with just under fifteen to go as Bowman completed his treble by firing into the bottom corner.  He wasn't the only man to grab a treble in this contest though, as Swifts made it eight with eleven minutes to go as Stone netted his third with a great finish under the keeper, and Stone was to add his fourth of the game with five minutes left, dribbling into an open net after Bowman had set him up following a mistake from the keeper to make it nine for the visitors and see them cruise into the next round. 

So, that's thirteen sides into Round Four, the last 16 of the competition, there are still three more ties to come to complete Round Three, those are below:-

Tuesday November 12th
Saffron Walden Town Vs Braintree Town


Wednesday November 13th
West Essex Vs Chelmsford City


Tuesday November 19th
Dagenham & Redbridge Vs Colchester United

That brings you right up to date with the competition so far, thanks for reading!!!

My blog reviewing the weekend's action (1st/2nd November) in the Essex Senior League & my two featured contests that I attended saw Buckhurst Hill grab a very late point against Ilford & Barking secure a hard fought win at Stansted

(Stansted and Barking do battle at a wet, muddy Hargrave Park on Saturday)

Essex Senior League, Friday 1st/Saturday 2nd November 

The first weekend in November (how has that happened!!!) saw me visit two grounds I've not visited since the 2022/23 season so I felt it was time I put that right in one go, so, Friday night I made the journey over to Roding Lane (Myrak Park) for a Friday evening showdown between Buckhurst Hill & Ilford, and then on the Saturday I travelled over to Hargrave Park to see Stansted host Barking.

These are two grounds and clubs I do enjoy visiting so it was certainly good to get back to see both clubs and enjoy their awesome hospitality, hopefully we would have two decent games too, let's now see how those featured games of mine went then, starting with the Friday night match up at Roding Lane:-

Friday November 1st

Buckhurst Hill 2 Ilford 2

So, as said, my Friday night fare came from Myrak Park, or Roding Lane, as Buckhurst Hill, who came into this one having picked up a total of thirteen points from a possible eighteen since the middle of September to see them rise up to seventh, took on an Ilford side who had picked up seven points from their last four league outings, taking them four points above bottom side FC Clacton and up to 17th spot.

A pretty uneventful first period ensued, with the only real clear cut chance seeing the visitors go close when they fired wide of the target after a decent run, however five minutes before half time Ilford grabbed the lead when a ball out to the right hand side was collected by winger Abdul Shobowale and he fired a ball across the six yard box and it found it's way to Daniel Izekor who literally fell over the line with the ball to hand The Foxes a half time lead.

A pretty average second half then followed, the visitors were definitely edging the contest though but could not find a killer second goal, and they were made to pay for this with 82 minutes elapsed, a loose ball finding it's way to Suley Zuhdu on the edge of the penalty area, and he made no mistake in firing into the bottom corner to level up the contest.

Ninety minutes came and went and the referee told both benches there would be a minimum of ELEVEN minutes added on, their were quite a few stoppages to be fair so maybe this was borderline correct, although it did seem a bit much, anyway plenty of time for a winner to be found, and Ilford thought they had found it when Izekor fired home from inside the box two minutes into stoppage time, but there was a lot more to come as it turned out.

Eight minutes into stoppage time Ilford were not given a clear foul and this caused a retaliation foul because of it, and that resulted in a a straight red for the visitors, much to the dismay and annoyance for the visiting side, but despite this they were surely going to come away with all three points and record a superb win in the process.

Well, not quite as the referee was clearly enjoying the spectacle and FIFTHTEEN, YES FIFTHTEEN minutes into added on time, Buckhurst drew themselves level once again, Zuhdu getting in behind the Foxes backline, and despite Wilkinson Boateng's best efforts to save the lofted effort, he could only parry up into the air and as the ball bounced towards the goal line, the keeper appeared to help the ball into his own net with pressure from Archie Hammond, and a couple of defenders too.

Unbelievably the game went on and on and almost TWENTY minutes of stoppage time had elapsed when the referee finally blew to end a pretty average contest that had a very dramatic end to it, Hill will be more than happy with snatching a point from this contest as it was barely deserved, Ilford were upset, angry, despondent & frustrated after that, and were less than impressed with the referee's performance. It certainly was a very dramatic ending that's for sure!!!  

Saturday November 2nd

Stansted 0 Barking 1

Saturday saw me over at Hargrave Park as Stansted looked to try and get back to winning ways at home and repeat there success over Frenford two games ago and pick up vital points as they look to get themselves further away from the bottom sides in the division, they were already six clear of bottom side FC Clacton. They did welcome a Barking side though who were trying to fight their way closer to the play off spots and get back to winning ways after a defeat and a draw in their last two.

Conditions were not the best, a heavy and muddy pitch and heavy drizzle made trying to play any type of football tough, the hosts though were manging to do this and edged a goalless first forty five minutes, creating the better of the openings that did come in what was an attritional game it has to be said.

It was also a game where both sets of players and people on the side-lines were arguing pretty much every single decision, challenge, 50/50, you name it, the ref was getting it right in the earhole, which wasn't helping proceedings if truth be told, although it did show how much the game and the points meant to each side.

The home side continued to edge the contest in the second period, seeing one effort beaten away by keeper Dan Purdue, and then Callum Leggatt s nearly levelled just past the hour mark when he saw a lovely effort from outside the box strike the frame of the goal, and then twenty minutes into the second half they fell behind after a ball into the near post wasn't dealt with and Sam Shaban managed to poke the loose ball over the line whilst on his back and give the visitors the advantage.

It was very harsh on the hosts who certainly did not deserve to be losing this one, but they were, and had to try and find a route back into the contest, in doing so Barking did have some chances to kill the game off as Stansted pushed forward, they could and Stansted still had a chance of grabbing a point at least if they could find a goal.

The hosts matters were not helping in the 86th minute when midfielder Luke Skinner was given a second yellow, meaning they would end the game a man light, but this did not affect the hosts who were given a golden chance to level as ninety minutes expired, the hosts struck the bar before it broke to them and Barking centre half Simon Omope committed a foul inside the box, he was given a second yellow meaning Barking would end the game with ten as well, and Stansted had a late penalty.

Skinner, the normal penalty taker, had been sent off of course, and there seemed some confusion as to who was taking it, and eventually the responsibility was handed to Charlie Portway, whether this clouded his mind I don't know, but the penalty , although struck into one of the corners, it wasn't struck with conviction and Purdue got across well to save the kick and keep his side ahead.

It kind of summed up Stansted's day, they had played some neat stuff with no reward, Barking to their credit dug in and made it difficult in what was a physical battle in poor conditions, but it was The Blues who managed to record a very hard fought win and take all the points in this one, that's football as they say, it certainly was not a pretty game by any means, but I do love a good battle in muddy conditions, was like football of yesteryear.

  

Right, let's see what else happened in the division this weekend and how it affected the league standings:-

Friday

West Essex 2 Halstead Town 1

Hosts West Essex had to come from behind to defeat Halstead Town at Wadham Lodge, after a goalless first hour the visitors grabbed the lead midway through the second period when Dean Agar struck home from the spot, but two goals in a minute with just over ten minutes remaining proved the difference in the end, Yemi Adelani levelling the contest up in the 78th minute before Joe Damrell netted a minute later to hand the hosts all three points.  

Woodford Town 0 Saffron Walden Town 1

The hosts were looking to close the gap to Stanway at the top of the division ahead of the league leaders game on Saturday afternoon, they were up against a Walden side who were looking to close the gap to the top five, well, the only goal of the game went to the visitors after Correy Davidson struck twelve minutes after half time to settle this one and see Woodford's unbeaten home record go up in smoke as a result. 

Saturday

Athletic Newham 1 Takeley 2

A late late comeback from visitors Takeley saw them defeat Athletic Newham at Parsloes, the hosts did lead at the break after Leonardo Luis De Carvalho Pedro netted five minutes before half time, and this looked like it would be enough for them to take all three points, but, in the 85th minute Lanre Balogun levelled it up before Jordan Wescott scored in the 89th minute to hand the visitors all the points. And Newham ended the game with ten men after Hassan Saleh Togba was sent off deep into added on time, rubbing salt into already gaping hosts wounds.  

Frenford 1 Little Oakley 2

Oakley took all the spoils at The Drive against Frenford, things went wrong for the hosts late on in the first period, firstly going behind to a 40th minute goal from Jack Ladbrook, and then seeing striker Warren Kayembe given a straight red deep into first half stoppage time. The game in terms of personal was levelled up just past the hour mark when Oakley saw Luke Hipkin given second yellow, but Oakley netted a second goal in the 82nd minute through Daniel Smith to double their lead, and although Jordon Elongo pulled one back for the hosts in added on time, Oakley held on to record victory. 

Hullbridge Sports 3 Sawbridgeworth Town 3

Sawbo Town came from 3-1 down once again away from home to net a very decent point against Hullbridge who looked all set to net three points when they lead 3-1 at the break.  Louis Bragg gave Bridge a fourth minute lead, and although Kieran David levelled just past the midway point of the first half, a Tobias Braney spot kick & a second from Bragg saw the hosts with a two goal cushion at half time.  Jude Collins though pulled one back eleven minutes after the break and then with 80 minutes on the clock Elijah Mambombe levelled it up and earned his side a point in the process.

Romford 0 Great Wakering Rovers 1

This was fifth against fourth in the standings and over 200 were at Mayesbrook to witness it, the hosts needed to win to go above their opponents and put a bigger gap to sixth placed Walden who won the night before, GWR knew that if they could win then it would put a four point gap to Romford, and in what was a very tough battle, Harry Brown's 50th minute goal proved the difference as the visitors took a big win on the road.  

Stanway Rovers 8 FC Clacton 0

It was top against bottom at The Hawthorns and sadly for the visitors it showed today as they were demolished by their superior opponents, FC Clacton had recently held second placed Woodford at Ashton's, but they never looked like repeating that here against a rampant league leader, and found themselves three goals down in twenty minutes courtesy of a Fletcher Hanna own goal, and further goals from Goerge Okoye & Jamie Bennett. The visitors managed to get to half time with no further damage, but the second period saw the hosts add a further five, Bennett adding another six minutes after the break before Tom Maycock netted twenty minutes into the second half. Nathaniel Mardell then added a sixth with twenty minutes or so of the ninety to go, and then Mardell & Harry Thomas added goals in stoppage time to complete the rout and go further clear at the top in style. 

White Ensign 1 Benfleet 0

Nathan Wilson's 49th minute goal proved enough for Ensign to defeat Benfleet at Burroughs Park, this despite the hosts having to play almost the entire game with ten men after Billy Bonham-Dare was sent off after just eight minutes, but as said this did not mean the hosts would lose, and they put in an heroic effort to grab the win and keep a clean sheet as well. 

Where does that leave the table, let's have a look:-

Stanway Rovers now have a seven point buffer to second placed Woodford Town, with Takeley and Great Wakering Rovers just a point further back, Romford lose ground but are still in the play off spots despite their loss on Saturday, although the gap to sixth is just four points now, Walden & Barking also have games in hand too.

FC Clacton are now three points behind Sawbo Town after their heavy defeat today, the former are in danger of being cut adrift if they cannot pick up some points too, they still have plenty of games to go of course but the predicted struggle for them has rung true so far. Halstead, who were bottom, are now four points above the bottom side despite them losing at West Essex on Friday.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed reading and as always thanks for taking the time to do so, it's very much appreciated.