Frenford 3 Woodford Town 2 - A superb strike from Fahad Nazor plus further goals from Warren Kayembe & Liam Foster see Frenford end Woodford's unbeaten start to their Essex Senior League campaign

Essex Senior League, Saturday September 28th

The final weekend in September saw me over at The Drive in Ilford/Redbridge/Gants Hill area (take your pick!!!) for an Essex Senior League contest between Frenford & Woodford Town. This was part of a full set of fixtures in the division today, with all twenty sides in action, more on those later, but for now we will concentrate on the match I was at.

Now Frenford struggled somewhat in their first season at this level last year, although they did lose a lot of games they were competitive in and could easily have won, well this season they have started much much better and were in ninth spot having played seven league games, winning three, drawing two and losing two, so a solid start for sure.

And last time out they progressed in the FA Vase when they won a entertaining match at Enfield Borough last weekend, although they would have to be right on the ball today as they welcomed the only unbeaten side left in the division and league leaders Woodford Town who in their seven league games have won six of them and drawn one, conceding, wait for it, just the one goal.

The only disappointment for Woodford this season so far though is their form in both national cup comps, they were beaten 3-1 at Benfleet in the FA Cup and also exited the FA Vase at the first hurdle when losing on penalties at Hadleigh United following a goalless draw, that would disappoint them for sure, but in terms of league form this season, they have been pretty much perfect.

And they did manage to progress in the London Senior Cup in midweek too, knocking out Hendon on penalties after a goalless draw, their last league outing saw them net four at White Ensign, could they continue this unbeaten start to their league campaign today, or could Frenford inflict their first league defeat and continue their sold start to their season.

Well, it was to be the hosts who would break the deadlock ten minutes before the break, and it was an absolute beauty too, Jordon Elongo had the ball down the right hand side and he played a pass inside to Fahad Nazor who sent a beautiful first time curling effort from outside the box over Eddie Allan in the visiting goal and into the far corner, it was a superb strike and a rare goal for the league leaders to concede.

And shortly before half time, they had conceded another, Frenford seeing Elongo get into the box and although his effort crashed off the inside of the post, the ball went across the goal and gave Warren Kayembe a simple tap in at the far post, 2-0 Frenford heading into the half time break, and Woodford's unbeaten start to the league campaign was in serious jeopardy now. 

That unbeaten start looked almost certainly to be over too on the hour mark when Frenford added a third, Liam Foster sending a cross into the mix but it ended up catching keeper Allan off guard and the ball sailed over his head and into the far corner despite his best attempts to keep it out, there was no way Foster meant to find the net, but this was the hosts day and they had a 3-0 lead and the game had a score line no body could have predicted.

Woodford tried their best to get back into the game and salvage something, but it just was not their day today, although with four minutes of the ninety to go they did win a penalty after Marcus Painter was brought down inside the box, and Chaynie Burgin stepped up to dispatch the spot kick, and then a melee ensued in the goal net as Woodford tried to get the ball off keeper Jimmy Parker so they could restart the game quickly.

The hosts were in no rush unsurprisingly and were now doing all they could to prevent Woodford from really making a game of it and make the last few minutes very nervy indeed, the visitors did manage to grab a second goal back five minutes into stoppage time when a ball to the back post saw Luke Steele find the post and the ball went into the six yard box where a mad scramble saw the ball put in by somebody (I had no idea who!!!) but according to FWP it was David Gokou, but it was anyone's guess really.

However, after another melee with Frenford holding onto the ball and Woodford trying desperately to get it back and restart the contest following the goal, the referee blew immediately after the restart and Woodford had run out of time in trying to salvage an unlikely escape, meaning their unbeaten start in the league ended here.

A fabulous win for the hosts then as their decent start to their campaign continued, whereas for Woodford they taste defeat for the very first time in the league this season, and conceded three goals in one game after only conceding one in seven league games this season, and it also meant they slipped to third as a result too.

Full time Frenford 3 Woodford Town 2

    

Right, what else happened in the division today, let's have a look:-

Athletic Newham 1 Stansted 0

It was tenth placed Newham up against thirteenth placed Stansted, both these sides have been trending in different directions recently, the hosts good start to the season has stalled somewhat, whereas the visitors have picked up after a poor one, but it was a solitary goal from Jaime Obama Nvumba that settled this one midway through the first half to hand the hosts all three points.

Barking 5 Benfleet 2

The Blues were playing only their fifth league game of the campaign due to their good run in the FA Cup, they had won half those league games thus far but were up against a Benfleet side who had taken to Step Five football like a duck to water and sat sixth in the division having won five of their eight matches so far. The Blues though had pretty much won this contest by half time after a devastating first forty five minutes, Taylor Lawrence had given Benfleet a seventh minute lead from the spot but that was as good as it got for the visitors, Marcel McDonald levelling after nineteen minutes before Juwon Akintunde gave the hosts the lead three minutes later. Ezekiel Bademosi then extended their lead just two minutes after that before Andre Anderson netted a fourth for a rampant home side just before the break, and although Sonny Hartman pulled one back just past the hour mark, Sam Shaban completed the scoring with a minute to go and cap a fine afternoon for the home side.

Buckhurst Hill 2 Takeley 1

It was 14th placed Hill against fifth placed Takeley at Roding Lane, the hosts would have been boosted after netting their second league win last time out, a late late win at Athletic Newham, but they were up against a Takeley side who have only lost one of their eight league games so far, but it was Hill who made it back to back wins for the first time this season after first half goals from Teye Okunlola & Suley Zuhdu proved enough for the hosts to take all three points, despite Lanre Balogun's second half goal for Takeley in the 64th minute to reduce the arrears. 

Great Wakering Rovers 5 Halstead Town 1

On paper this looked like only one result, second placed Rovers, and only second to Woodford on goal difference, were taking on a Halstead side who were third bottom with only four points from their seven games so far, but at half time a big shock looked on after Alfie Lambert's 35th minute goal had the visitors one goal up at the break. But, Rovers put in a superb second half showing and levelled barely a minute after the break through Harry Brown before Callum Boylan & Harrison Topliss added further goals to open up a 3-1 lead. George Frodsham was then sent off for the visitors and Harry Talbot added a late brace to hand the hosts a thumping win to take them top of the division.

Hullbridge Sports 1 FC Clacton 3

Mid table Hullbridge welcomed rock bottom FC Clacton to Lower Road knowing the pressure was all on them to win this one considering the visitors have only two points from nine games and are struggling in more ways than one this season, and when Freddie Moriaty gave the hosts a 16th minute lead, FC Clacton could have been forgiven for thinking here we go again.  But no, the visitors fought back and levelled through Luwa Luwabelwa ten minutes before half time and then took the lead with eleven minutes to go when Robert Adams netted, and the visitors sealed their first win of the season when Emmanuel Ikwuegbu scored deep deep into added on time, and hand FC Clacton a huge three points in a season that has so far been horrendous for them.  

Ilford 1 Stanway Rovers 2

The Foxes returned to Cricklefield finally for this one, and the second bottom side in the division had a tough assignment as they welcomed third placed Stanway Rovers to their shores, and it proved to not to be the winning return to Cricklefield they had hoped for as goals from Harrison Chatting and George Okoye proved enough for the visitors to take the points, despite a late goal from Joel Appiah to give the hosts some hope of a fightback. 

Little Oakley 2 White Ensign 1

It's been another solid start to Oakley's season, they sat seventh in the division after eight games played, and they welcomed 12th placed Ensign to the outskirts of Harwich knowing they would be in a tough fight against a side who always give 100% and have had a reasonable start to their season too.  Oakley were to prevail in this one though, Rory Harman gave them the lead just past the half hour mark before Bobby Rea doubled that advantage on the hour mark, Nathan Wilson netted in stoppage time to reduce the arrears but it wasn't enough for Ensign to prevent defeat here.   

Saffron Walden Town 4 Sawbridgeworth Town 1

Eighth placed Walden are starting to hit their stride now, no defeats since a shock one on the opening day, and they were welcoming fourth bottom Sawbo to Catons Lane who have only four points from their nine games so far, Charlie Morris gave Walden an early lead but Sawbo managed to hit back through Jaydon Charles. Morris though restored Walden's lead just before the break before Tom Head & Solomon Ofori netted further goals in the second period to see the hosts take all three points.

West Essex 1 Romford 3

It's been a disappointing start to the season for West, eight games played, five defeats, and the 16th placed side were welcoming a tough Romford outfit to Wadham Lodge, the visitors sat in fourth spot and had only lost one of their eight league games so far, and it started well for the visitors too as goals from Arnold Mengi & Brendan Ocran had Boro two goals up in fifteen minutes. However, the visitors then saw Kojo Feyi sent off early in the second half, and then keeper Harry Girling sent off with just over twenty minutes remaining with the hosts netting a spot kick from Yemi Adelani in that sequence of events. The nine men though not only held on, but managed to clinch the contest with a third goal when Mengi netted his second in stoppage time and give the visitors the points.     

               

Let's check out the table, broken into two because I could only grab it from my phone app as the website will not play ball at the time I wrote this!!!

Great Wakering Rovers now lead the way after they thrashed Halstead Town, Stanway are second after their win at Ilford, Woodford drop from first to third after their first defeat of the season, Romford remain fourth after their win, Takeley do remain in the top five despite a surprising loss to Buckhurst Hill, who themselves are into eleventh after that win.  

Down at the bottom, FC Clacton were the only winners in the bottom seven after their stunning comeback win at Hullbridge, Ilford replace them at the foot of the table after their home loss to Stanway Rovers. FC Clacton actually leapfrogged three sides after their win, the other two being Sawbo & Halstead who both suffered heavy ,losses today.

Well, it was certainly a day of surprising score lines, Frenford beating Woodford, FC Clacton winning at Hullbridge & Buckhurst Hill seeing off Takleley the most notable results today, it shows how competitive and unpredictable this league can be.

Anyway that is all for this blog, hope you enjoyed reading it, and thanks for taking the time to read it.  

Old Southendian 4 Bishop's Stortford Swifts 0 - Callum Ludlaim nets brace as Essex Olympian Premier leaders Old Southendian extend lead at top after grabbing all three points again Bishop's Stortford Swifts

Essex Olympian League Premier Division, Saturday September 21st

This weekend saw me turn my attention to some local intermediate football for the first time this season, and I popped up to Garon Park to see unbeaten league leaders Old Southendian host Bishop's Stortford Swifts.

This match was one of seven Premier Division match ups today, more on those later, but for now it's all about whether OS could continue their unbeaten start to their season or if Swifts could grab a fourth win of the campaign and continue what has been for them a very solid start to their season so far.

OS had played six league games thus far, winning four and drawing the other two, and they were the last remaining unbeaten side in the division and a point clear at the top, they began the season with back to back wins (against Sungate & Hashtag United Development) before they drew with Runwell Sports, they then beat Leigh Ramblers before drawing at Shenfield AFC, and then last time out a week ago they squeezed past Harold Wood Athletic.

Swifts were bang in mid table (7th) after winning three and losing three in their six games, after losing back to back games to start off their season (against Runwell Sports & Leigh Ramblers) they bounced back with victories over Old Chelmsfordians & Wakering Sports, they then lost at home to ACD United before they saw off Catholic United at home a week ago, that's three very good wins in the last four outings.

In fact that win against Wakering Sports are the only points Sports have dropped this campaign, so that result was certainly an eyebrow raiser, and showed exactly what Swifts could achieve, it was also at Cupid's too, so it was a superb away win for the Swifts, so OS would have to be very wary and on their game to maintain their unbeaten start for sure.

With less than twenty minutes on the clock the hosts were already in a strong position and already well on their way to another positive result, the opening goal coming after twelve minutes when a ball into the box caused confusion between keeper and defender and Callum Ludlaim was on hand to pounce and fire home the lose ball, and then five minutes later a corner swung in by Matt Tonking found an unmarked Ryan Still well at the back post who converted easily, and the hosts had a two goal cushion.

It did seem at this point it would be a matter of how many the hosts would manage, but as the half went on Swifts did muster some decent attacks of their own, but with moments of the first half remaining they handed the home side another goal as after a deep corner was volleyed back into the mix by Stillwell, Jack Lelliott did well to manufacture an effort at goal, this was cleared off the line by a defender but unfortunately for him straight into another defender and the ball crashed off him and into the net, and the hosts went into the break with a three goal cushion.

It had not been a vintage performance from OS despite a 3-0 lead at the break, they had done enough as they say and still got a telling off in the dressing room during the half time interval, but they were in a very good position still but set such high standards and wanted to reach those levels, and in the second half they had the chances to add further goals but wasteful finishing meant they could not add to it.

That was until midway through the second half when they did manage to add a fourth, a ball into the box was nodded back across goal from Ludliam to apply the finishing touch for his second of the game, Swifts had quite a bit of the ball after but failed to create much, OS had plenty more chances on the counter but could not add to their tally, the game kind of fizzled out in the warm conditions at Garon Park.

OS do remain unbeaten after seven league games though and open up a three point lead at the top, whereas Swifts lose their fourth game of the season and fall a place to eighth.

Full time Old Southendian 4 Bishop's Stortford Swifts 0

What else happened in the division today, let's find out:-

Catholic United 1 Old Chelmsfordians 2

OC picked up only their second win of the season after they inflicted defeat on Catholic United, who in turn have now lost back to back games, a ball across the face of goal was toe poked home by the visitors midway through the first half, the hosts levelled ten minutes before half time when James Warder powered home from close range, but minutes later OC restored the lead thanks to a header at the back post.  With no further second half goals it meant the visitors picked up the win, taking them up to tenth, whereas Catholic drop a place to seventh.   

Harold Wood Athletic 1 Shenfield AFC 0

Hosts marksman Kieron Huddart netted the only goal as Wood netted a third win of the season to see themselves into ninth, the visitors remain in fifth after this surprising defeat.

Leigh Ramblers 0 ACD United 2

ACD netted a third win of the campaign to climb into the top half of the division (sixth) after goals from Ronnie Hobbrough & James Turvey saw the visitors to victory at Belfairs, defeat for Rams means they drop a place to 11th, only four points off the bottom. 

Runwell Sports 1 Hashtag United Developmet 1

Second placed Runwell were held at home by bottom side Hashtag as the visitors earned only a second league point of the season, the hosts did grab a 29th minute lead when Charlie Kendall blasted home, but the home side were pegged back with just over twenty minutes remaining after Harry Bradbrook sent a calm low finish into the net.  Runwell remain second but lose ground to leaders OS, Hashtag remain bottom with just two points but will take encouragement from this result. 

Springfield 2 Sungate 1

Hosts Springfield are up to third after they saw off Sungate at Scraley Road, and are now four points off leaders OS having played the same number of games, whereas for Sungate they slip to second bottom on goal difference having only picked up one win from their seven league starts thus far.

 

Toby 3 Wakering Sports 2

Perhaps the most surprising result of the weekend saw second bottom and winless Toby pick up their first three points of the campaign after defeat third placed Wakering Sports at the Nursery Ground. It was even more special after the hosts came back from 2-1 down with ten men to nick it in stoppage time to spark scenes amongst the hosts.  It's a result that sees Toby climb a place to third bottom, for Wakering Sports, they drop to fourth after this very disappointing afternoon and fall five points behind leaders OS now.

Next weekend sees another round of fixtures, let's see what those are:-

ACD United Vs Wakering Sports

Bishop's Stortford Swifts Vs Toby

Hashtag United Development Vs Harold Wood Athletic

Leigh Ramblers Vs Catholic United

Old Chelmsfordians Vs Shenfield AFC

Old Southendian Vs Springfield

Sungate Vs Runwell Sports

Games to pick out see sixth placed ACD hosting fourth placed Wakering Sports & league leaders OS taking on third placed Springfield at Garon Park, those two will prove to be crackers no doubt!!!

  

  
                  

Essex Senior League Midweek Round Up (16-18 September) - Barking exit Emirates FA Cup, unbeaten Woodford top after win, Benfleet, Romford, Takeley, Great Wakering Rovers & Saffron Walden Town also pick up wins

(Action from Barking's FA Cup replay against Gorleston at Mayesbrook Park, photo courtesy of Trevor Gilbert/Barking so many thanks for this)

Have been feeling a bit under the weather this week so no football for me hence I thought I'd write a small blog on the latest goings on in the Essex Senior League, their were six more league games taking place in midweek on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday as well as Barking's Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round replay too, let's see what happened:-

Monday September 16th

Essex Senior League

Ilford 1 Romford 3

Oakside was the venue for this contest as The Foxes welcomed Romford to Barkingside, and the hosts were to end the evening with nine men as Romford took all the spoils in this one. Aundre Spencer netted from the spot after eighteen minutes to give Boro the lead, Michael Adu though netted a leveller for The Foxes a minute before the break. Kennedy Feyi restored Boro's led just past the hour mark and then the hosts saw Nik Ahamdi dismissed with seventeen minutes to go to make their task of finding a leveller even more difficult. Instead, Romford sealed the points to bounce back from defeat last time out when Kalum Bama netted two minutes into stoppage time meaning Ilford, who saw Emmanuel Wazola given a second yellow eight minutes into added on time to cap another difficult night for them.    

Tuesday September 17th

Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay

Barking 0 Gorleston 1

The Blues were looking to continue to fly the flag for the Essex Senior League by trying to get the job done second time around, they led 2-0 in the original tie in Yarmouth before seeing that two goal lead slip, meaning a replay at Mayesbrook Park, and unfortunately for Barking it wasn't to be as an own goal just before the hour mark proved decisive.  The winning moment came when Kieran Higgs was sent down the right hand side and his ball into the near post was turned home by an unfortunate defender, and with Barking unable to find a response (they thought they should have had a penalty after what looked like a foul inside the box on Jerrold Cobblah) the hosts exited the competition meaning their are no more ESL sides left in the FA Cup for 2024/25.

Essex Senior League

Benfleet 2 Little Oakley 1

Louie Rodmell came off the bench to net the winner at Woodside as Benfleet made it three straight league wins and four from the last five after defeating Little Oakley, Daniel Rowe had given Oakley a 15th minute lead but the lead lasted just four minutes when Nathan Saunders restored parity just four minutes later, and it remained that way until Rodmell, who had come on just past the hour mark, netted a 70th minute winner to earn their fifth league win in eight league starts since their promotion to this level for the very first time last season.

Halstead Town 0 Takeley 6

Takeley continued their good start to the season by hammering struggling Halstead Town at Rosemary Lane, Jadan Marzell handed the visitors a 24th minute lead before Jack Mitchell doubled that advantage three minutes before the break and there was still time for Takeley to add a third before half time after Lanre Balogun netted in first half stoppage time, meaning the contest was as good as done.  Coby Miles then added a fourth with twenty minutes remaining before Connor Clarke added another with five minutes to go. And a late penalty from Harrison Tweddell completed the rout for the visitors to heap more woe on the hosts.

Sawbridgeworth Town 1 Great Wakering Rovers 2

It took a late winner from Raheem Gray to help high flying visitors GWR to a very hard fought win over struggling Sawbo Town at Crofters, Bradleigh Rowland gave the visitors a 14th minute lead but they were pegged back by the hosts with 64 minutes on the clock through Kieran David's leveller, Sawbo though saw Stephen Smith sent off twelve minutes later, and the visitors made that extra man count as Gray netted an 86th minute winner to grab all the points for Rovers.

West Essex 1 Saffron Walden Town 2

It's now five league games unbeaten for Walden after their opening day loss, although they had to work very hard to get all three points against a tough West Essex side, Ross Wall giving the visitors a 54th minute lead before Roman Campbell doubled that lead just seven minutes later. West then saw Ryan Ramsay given a second yellow with eleven minutes to go but they managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute through Matt McDowell, however Walden did hold on to claim the spoils.

Wednesday September 18th

White Ensign 1 Woodford Town 4

Ensign welcomed the only remaining unbeaten side to Burroughs Park in the shape of a very good Woodford Town side and it remained this way after the visitors ended the latest round of games on top of the pile after netting four.  They grabbed an early lead when Michael Agboola struck in the eighth minute and then a double strike from Micah Jackson, the latter a penalty, just before half time, handed Woodford a three goal cushion at the break.  Ensign rallied after the break and saw skipper Nathan Wilson grab one back midway through the second period, however, visiting substitute Chaynie Burgin netted a clinching fourth with just over fifteen minutes remaining to make sure the visiting side left Wakering with all three points.          

 

So, what does that do to the table? Let's find out.....

Woodford lead the way on goal difference with a game in game in hand, GWR's win did take them top for twenty four hours until Woodford's win this evening, Romford, Takeley both won to enter the play off places, Benfleet are only outside the top five on goal difference after their fourth win in five, continuing their decent start to life at Step Five.

Walden remained unbeaten since opening day and are four points off those play off spots, and have two games in hand on some as well, whilst down at the bottom, West, Sawbo, Halstead & Ilford all lost to remain as they were in the bottom five places, Ensign have now lost back to back games after being unbeaten in their first five games but are only a point away from the top ten still.

That's all for now, hope your enjoyed reading!!!

Athletic Newham 2 Buckhurst Hill 3 - Suley Zuhdu nets 97th minute winner as Buckhurst Hill snatch all three points in their Essex Senior League contest at Parsloes Park against Athletic Newham

Essex Senior League, Saturday September 14th

Mid September and the second weekend of the month saw me over at Parsloes Park for the second time this season and two more sides doing battle on the main pitch at the state of the art facility in Dagenham, and it saw Athletic Newham host Buckhurst Hill in an Essex Senior League contest.

This was one of five matches taking place in the division today, and their was also an Emirates FA Cup tie involving one of league sides, more on that and the other four league games later in a brief round up of the action, but the main focus was on the game I was attending, it had large significance for the hosts as this was their first home game at their now new home after finally leaving The Terrence McMillan Stadium behind.

They join the likes of May & Baker and several Essex Alliance League sides to call this 'home', it's certainly a magnificent hub for the community and with plenty of sides using it for their games, football is always on at the venue, which is also good for the locals who can go and either watch these sides and support them, or when those sides are not playing can participate themselves in various programmes there for sure, so a very useful facility indeed.

Newham's first game there competitively saw them welcome Buckhurst Hill, Newham were sitting in sixth coming into this one and only outside the play off places by a point, and they did have two games in hand as well, athough they did see their unbeaten league start end at Great Wakering Rovers in midweek when they were defeated 3-1, that off the back of their first defeat in all comps against Amersham Town in the FA Cup, although sandwiched in between those two defeats was a 2-1 win at Frenford.

Opponents Hill sat down in 16th place in the division having lost four of their seven games so far, although in the two games I'd seen of them so far this season, a 2-0 win at Saebridgeworth Town (their only league win so far this season) and a 2-2 draw at White Ensign (they conceded a 98th leveller in that one) suggested to me they were probably better than that 16th place suggested.

They had also defeated Cockfosters 3-1 in the Vase too this season, although they came into this contest off the back of a 1-0 loss at Hullbridge Sports, a side Newham had dismantled 6-1 at the same ground last month, but it would be interesting to see how Newham's attacking prowess would match up against a tough and well drilled Hill side who themselves had plenty of weapons to hurt their opponents.

And it was the visitors who drew first blood in this one, just before the half hour mark saw a ball towards the back post hit the arm of a defender which was punished with the award of a penalty to the visitors, much to the dismay of the hosts, George Thompson duly then stepped up to convert the spot kick and Hill had the advantage, although it was an advantage that was only to last nine minutes.

This was because a lovely long ball from George Rankin split the visiting defence and allowed goal machine Jaime Obama Nvumba to run onto the pass and loft a lovely effort over Muhammed Otuyo in the visitors goal and find the net for what was his ninth goal already this campaign, it also meant the sides went into the break all square.

Hill though were to regain the lead early in the second period as when 55 minutes on the clock a ball fired into the area straight at Tyreece Robertson saw the attacker control a cushioned pass back into the path of Thompson who rifled a lovely powerful effort beyond home keeper Lindrit Beqiri and into the roof of the net, meaning the hosts would have to come from behind once again to try and grab something from the contest.

This hosts certainly tried all they could to get back to parity thereafter, and with ten minutes remaining they made their pressure tell when finding a leveller, as after a handball on the edge of the box, Alex Kozak smashed home an unstoppable free kick to set up a grandstand finish to what had been a brilliant entertaining contest it has to be said.

Momentum was with the hosts you felt, and most of us thought their would be only one winner, but football continues to throw up surprises doesn't it, and in the seventh minute of stoppage time, Oliseh Okuguni played a lovely through ball to substitute Suley Zuhdu who made no mistake by slotting beyond Begiri into the far corner and send his side wild with delight, they had soaked up a lot of pressure in this one, especially second half, but they had dug in and then snatched a point right at the end, leaving them very happy indeed.

It was utter despair though for the hosts who will be scratching their heads on how they lost this one, but it's a second league defeat in three now, whereas it's a superb battling win for Buckhurst Hill who now have two wins in the league this season, oh and I have seen both those wins too, just saying.....

Full time Athletic Newham 2 Buckhurst Hill 3   

Right, to the day's other action, starting with Barking's Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round contest at Gorleston:-

Gorleston 2 Barking 2

It was another tough away trip for The Blues in this years FA Cup as they travelled to Great Yarmouth to take on Isthmian North Gorleston who had started the season well, but Barking had dispatched Redbridge who are in the same division as Gorleston and have had a similar start too, so the visitors were certainly not lacking confidence in another upset. Well, at half time it looked as if Barking were nailed on to cause another one as an eleventh minute goal from Marcel McDonald and a further strike from Abuntunde Olawajuwon just past the half hour mark saw The Blues two goals to the good at the break, but Harley Black then pulled one back early in the second half and then Adam Tann netted a leveller with eleven minutes to go to force a replay at Mayesbrook Park next week, still in the hat though for Monday's draw despite the disappointment of losing such a commanding lead. 

Onto the other four Essex Senior League games that took place today, here is how they panned out:-

Benfleet 3 Halstead Town 2

ESL newboys Benfleet have had a mixed start to life at this level having won three and lost three so far this season, meaning they sat in a still decent eighth spot, and they were up against a Halstead Town side who up until last weekend were winless and bottom of the pile, that was until they netted a late late winner against Stansted last time out. And it was the visitors who drew first blood in this one, netting through Asa Cansdale after thirteen minutes, but the hosts roared back and levelled through Billy Carter in the 25th minute, and then took the lead four minutes into the second period thanks to Max Jobson. Aaron Russell then added another for the hosts with just 53 minutes in the clock, and although Cansdale pulled one back for The Humbugs in stoppage time, it was not enough to deny the hosts a fourth win of the season. 

Hullbridge Sports 0 Stanway Rovers 3

It was seventh placed Bridge against third placed Rovers at Lower Road, Bridge came into this one off the back of a very welcome win over Buckhurst Hill, this after a run of three without a win, visitors Rovers had recovered from their opening day loss to be unbeaten since then in the league. Reece Conway gave the visitors the lead just before the half hour mark and they took total control after the break when Joe Debell netted early in the second period, and when Debell netted again just past the hour mark, the match was as good as done. The result sees Rovers go top of the division too. 

Stansted 5 FC Clacton 1

This was an important game down at the bottom of the division, these sides have just one combined win between them so far this season, Stansted's 3-1 win at Benfleet, the hosts did manage to earn a point last time out whereas bottom side FC Clacton have just two points from eight games and have lost the last three in a row without scoring. Well, it was to start well for the struggling visitors when they grabbed a sixth minute lead through Emmanuel Ikwuegbu, but sadly for the visiting side that was as good as it got, Psaul Henry brought the hosts level midway through the first half before John Clarke gave Stansted the lead just before the break. George O'Connor then extended that lead just past the hour mark before Correy Davidson added a fourth goal a minute later, and the scoring was completed with seven minutes to go when David Limber got himself on the scoresheet to cap a brilliant day for The Air portmen and a heap more misery on the visitors who have now suffered four defeats in a row and seventh of the season.     

Takeley 1 West Essex 0

Despite Takeley's 11th placed position in the league, many have tipped them to be dark horses for the playoff places, they have only lost one of their five league games so far and come into this one off the back of a very creditable draw at Saffron Walden Town, West themselves are only two points below their opponents, but have suffered back to back defeats coming into this contest. Just the one goal was enough to settle this one too, it came after just nine minutes to, Lanre Balogun netting for the home side as they took all the points at Station Road, their third of the campaign.        

How does the table look after today's games, let's find out:-

Stanway Rovers hit the summit, they lost their first game of the season but since then have gone in a good run, Benfleet's fourth win of the season sees them into the play off places, closely followed by Takeley who have only lost once so far this campaign, Woodford, who were not in action today, are now the only unbeaten side left in the division.

Stansted & Buckhurst Hill put more daylight between themselves and the teams down at the bottom after they both netted second wins of the campaign, the only side not to have won this season are FC Clacton, who remain glued to the foot of the table after another tough day at the office today.

That concludes today's blog, it's been another decent day in the ESL, thanks for reading and until next time, take care and goodbye!!!

Sporting Bengal United 1 Basildon United 4 - Substitute Nidal Berri nets brace as Basildon United continue 100% start to Isthmian North campaign with victory over Sporting Bengal United at Mile End Stadium

Isthmian Division One North, Wednesday September 11th

I popped over to Mile End for my latest venture to see two sides who had began the season well, Sporting Bengal United were embarking on their first ever season at this level after back to back promotions from Step Six, and they were up against a Basildon United outfit who had won all three of their league games thus far.

The hosts themselves had a 100% record at home after winning both their games so far this season at Mile End, so something had to give this evening, who would prevail and keep their records going, assuming it didn't end a draw of course!!!

A lively first period ensued, Basildon having the better chances, the best one falling to Ruben Bartlett-Antwi who someone fired an effort from point blank range at hosts keeper Sidi Haidara who made a brilliant stop to thwart the striker, the hosts best opening saw the lively and dangerous Tanel Ayvaz drill a decent ball across the six yard box but no one was able to get on the end of it.

It meant a goalless first period, but the Bees got their noses in front nine minutes after the break when a brilliant run down the left by Darren Esuka saw him square a pass into the box for Karl Kayembe to run onto and side foot home beyond Haidara in the hosts goal, however, Sporting managed to respond to going behind when with just under twenty minutes to go, a square ball across goal was tapped home by Kevin Krans.

Parity though did not last long as Basildon quickly regained the lead, Nidal Berri had only been on the pitch two minutes when he managed to convert from inside the box in the 73rd minute, and then seven minutes after that the visitors extended their advantage when a flick on found Bartlett-Antwi, and after seeing two previous chances from point blank range saved by Haidara earlier in the game, he managed to round the keeper this time and slot into the net.

Sporting then laid siege to the visitors goal for the next ten minutes or so as they looked for a route back into the contest, but they just could not find that second goal that would have made the final few minutes interesting, a scrum inside the six yard box somehow saw the visitors keep the hosts out, and then another effort was deflected onto the bar as Basildon did all they could to remain two goals ahead.

The counter was always a danger for the hosts, and two minutes into stoppage time they were caught on one such counter as the superb Esuka again did excellently down the left, and he squared to Berri who eventually managed to slot past am exposed Haidara and seal the points for the visiting side, much to the joy of the travelling contingent who had come to Mile End for the evening.

Hard on the hosts who more than competed in this physical battle, they certainly made the visitors work hard for the win, but it means their 100% home record ends here and it's now two wins and three defeats in their five league matches thus far, for Basildon it's now four wins from four in the division as they go top of a very early league table, exciting times indeed for the Bees who take on second placed Bury Town at the weekend, oooooh.....

Full time Sporting Bengal United 1 Basildon United 4

   

England 2 Finland 0 - Skipper Harry Kane celebrates his 100th cap by netting brace as England defeat Finland at Wembley in their UEFA Nations League contest

UEFA Nations League - League B - Group 2, Tuesday September 10th

I was offered a free ticket for England's first home game after their runners up at the Euros, and also the first one of their latest Nations League campaign, so I said why not and so made my way up Wembley Way for the umpteenth time for England's match against Finland.

Me and 70,000 others were interested to see how interim boss Lee Carsley's first match at the home of football would go, and how they would build on a decent 2-0 in Dublin at the weekend against Republic Of Ireland, Carsley's first game in charge, and the first outing for England since that heart-breaking defeat to Spain in Germany. 

They were expected to beat a Finland side who had lost their opener in this Group against Greece by a scoreline of 3-0 in Athens, Greece are probably England's main threat in this section, and the two clash at Wembley next month in the next round of fixtures, but that is for then, for now Finland were England's target, although Finland would no doubt make it tough for their opponents.

It was a special night at Wembley too, as skipper Harry Kane was earning his 100th cap for his country, and only the tenth person to do so for the Three Lions, so a great achievement for the new Bayern Munch forward, and he was presented a gold cap prior to the anthems and was duly given a warm reception by everyone inside the stadium.

There was also a special tribute paid to ex England boss Sven Goran Eriksson who passed away recently due to cancer, and again everyone stood to applaud the great man who won forty of his games in charge of this country, which was around two thirds of them, and he gave us all hope once again when he did take charge after a period where we were not given much hope.

Ironically his first match in charge was a 2-1 win over Finland in the qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, so it seemed fitting that England's first match at home since his passing was against the same country, obviously we then went onto thrash Germany Munich in one of his most famous victories, he was a great coach and manager but more importantly a great man too, rest in peace Sven, you will never be forgotten.

There was a game to come though, and the first period saw England dominate possession but were unable to turn that into anything meaningful, Kane thought he had given the hosts the lead but saw his powerful close range header ruled out for offside, it was the only thing that was getting past Finnish keeper Lukas Hradecky, who was saving anything that was coming his way, making two excellent stops from Kane.

Finland's breaks forward were brief, but they did almost punish England on one occasion but saw an effort go just wide of the post, but this was brief as the visitors defended stoutly for the majority of the first half and made it very hard for England to find anyway past them, and they would have been more than happy with how the contest was going when it reached half time.

The second half saw England step it up a bit and Finland struggled to live with them if truth be told, and it it hadn't been for Hradecky, the score line would have been more,  and at this point England would have already been in front before they did actually find a breakthrough against a very stubborn Finnish side.

That breakthrough finally came midway through the second half, and it was who else but Kane, who after receiving a clever pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold before unleashing a thunderbolt of a strike from outside of the box which flew past Hradecky and in off the crossbar, it was a superb strike and it was only going to be something like this that would beat the Finnish keeper this evening, 67 goals and counting now for his country, Kane's record speaks for itself really.

England were now pouring forward and looking to score another to make it even more comfortable, substitutes were made, one of them being a debut for Noni Madueke, and he was to grab an assist soon after, a lovely pass from Alexander-Arnold sent the Chelsea player in down the right, and his lovely outside of the boot first time pass across the box found Kane who fired a lovely shot beyond Hradecky into the far corner, devastating from England and the match was now safe with around fifteen minutes to go. 

Another decent showing from the Three Lions then, especially second half where they really found their mojo at times, it's two wins from two now in this nations league and two wins from two for the interim boss, Finland on the other hand have zero points from two games and no goals scored, not the ideal start to their nations league campaign.

Full time England 2 Finland 0

Rayleigh Town 2 Dunmow Town 0 - Goals from Pat Mills & Owen Barratt enough for hosts to earn all three points and maintain one point lead at summit of Thurlow Nunn South

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Saturday September 7th

It was about time I gave the Thurlow Nunn South some love on a Saturday so me and my good mate Scott W decided to go and cover one of their games this weekend, and it was over at Thames Road, Concord Rangers, as league leaders Rayleigh Town welcomed Dunmow Town to the Island.

This game was part of eight matches today in the division, more on the other seven contests later, but for now the focus was on this game and hosts Rayleigh Town were having a very decent start to their first ever season as a Senior club, six wins out of seven league games meant they occupied top spot in the division by a point, the only points they have dropped so far this campaign was a 1-1 draw at home to Coggeshall Town.

In fact the only other match they did not win in ninety minutes this season so far was at Burnham Ramblers in the League Challenge Cup, although they ended up winning that one on a shoot out, so they are still unbeaten this campaign all comps, so apart from that and the one league game they have drawn, they have tasted victory in every other game this season, and on three occasions netting four goals in their wins, so they were no doubt looking to build on that superb start with another positive result at home to a Dunmow Town side who to say were inconsistent was an understatement.

Sadly for the visitors they have lost double the amount of games they have won, three wins and six defeats so far as they languish down in 13th spot, they have won big when they have won, netting five, four and three goals in their three wins, but they have had some heavy losses too, 6-0 at Hackney Wick being one of those reverses, this after a 4-1 win at home to FC Baresi.

That result was part of a three game run where they lost all three, but they do come into this contest off the back of a superb 3-0 win at AS London, a team they were smashed 4-0 at home by only a few weeks ago, so it was sometimes hard to know what Dunmow side were going to show up, they were hoping that the good one would show up today, they had to otherwise it would be a long afternoon for the visitors if they were not to against a very good Rayleigh outfit. 

The visitors were mainly on the back foot in the first period as the hosts created plenty of openings, Rayleigh came out of the blocks quickly and it was no surprise when they did get themselves ahead after just ten minutes when skipper Charlie Seaden sent in a lovely corner and found centre half Pat Mills who looped a lovely header over visiting keeper Marlan Hassan and into the net.

And it was only a combination of Hassan and poor finishing that prevented the hosts from having a bigger lead at the break, Dunmow did have fleeting moments going forward, with their number nine Darnell Fuller being the biggest threat, and with the scoreline remaining 1-0 Rayleigh knew it would only take one moment for the visitors to be level in this one.

The hosts needed a second goal but with a second period that became scrappy at times, Dunmow were beginning to believe that they might be able to grab something from this game as it looked as if Rayleigh were becoming tired, but not a bit of it, as after several changes to freshen things up, two of those substitutes combined to double the hosts lead in the 75th minute, Matt Tapley's corner into the six yard box saw Owen Barratt power home a header and give Rayleigh some breathing space.

Another one of the substitutes, Leo Clark, certainly made a big impact as well, and the hosts finished the game as they had started it, on the front foot and looking to increase their lead, but they were unable to add to the two goals they did manage and still ran out comfortable winners in the end, grabbing the three points and staying top of the pile which is the most important thing.

Full time Rayleigh Town 2 Dunmow Town 0

So, a good win for Rayleigh to continue their brilliant start to the campaign, let's look at what else went on in the division today, there were seven other games that took place:-

Coggeshall Town 2 Cannons Wood 1

Jack Charnock put in a MOTM performance for hosts Coggeshall Town who took all three points at home to Cannons Wood who were playing their first match under new boss Elliot Thompson, although the result was almost immaterial for the visitors after skipper Reece White suffered a very serious injury and was laid up on a stretcher for some time waiting for an ambulance so my best wishes to him.

  

Enfield Borough 1 AS London 3

AS London mounted a comeback in the final twenty minutes to come from behind and take all three points at Enfield Borough, the hosts led at the break thanks to a powerful strike from Rory Harding, but with 72 minutes on the clock the visitors levelled when Lamin Bangura converted a rebound. And the visitors then took the lead after Nicolas Sanchez found Kofi Billy who applied the finishing touch before sealing the points with two minutes to go after Alie Bangura netted a spot kick.

Hackney Wick 3 Brimsdown 2

Wickers are still smarting a 100% record in the division after making it seven wins from seven with victory over Brimsdown at Spa Road in Witham. The hosts saw a MOTM performance from Romaine B Wallace as the home side remained a point behind leaders Rayleigh Town with a game in hand. Jordan McNally & Alex Coster netted for the visitors but they have now lost six of their first eight in the division.

Harlow Town 4 Barkingside 0

Ishaq Ameen netted a brace as Harlow kept up the pressure on the top two with a thumping win over Barkingside at The Harlow Arena.  Cav Clarke gave them an early lead but they were unable to double their money until just before the hour mark when Fabion Simms netted, before Ameen netted a third with twenty minutes to go. And Ameen was on target again with ten minutes remaining to complete a good day at the office for the hosts.

Hutton 1 Burnham Ramblers 1

Ramblers netted a 97th minute leveller to snatch a point against Hutton at New Lodge, which was even more impressive after they saw Taylor Nicholson sent off for a second yellow just past the hour mark, and when the hosts edged ahead in the 83rd minute it looked as if the hosts would go onto take all three points.  But deep deep into added on time a great ball whipped into the box found Will Hayes at the far post to convert and grab a very well earned point for the visitors.

NW London 2 May & Baker 2

The match between NW London and May & Baker ended all square at Coles Park, meaning NW London are now two points above the drop zone and visitors Bakers remain just inside the top five on goal difference.

Southend Manor 0 FC Baresi 2

FC Baresi netted their very first win as a Senior Club after they saw off Southend Manor at Southchurch Park. A goal in each half proved to be enough, Isioma Richard netting after just four minutes to give the visitors the lead, and then with three minutes remaining they sealed their first three points of the campaign when Edson Lami found the net. 

Let's have a look at the table before ending this blog:-

The top three all won so it remained as before, with Rayleigh holding a one point lead over Hackney Wick with Harlow Town a further two points behind them, Hutton & May & Baker dropped points today against struggling sides meaning they lost ground to the top three. 

Down at the bottom FC Baresi jumped up two spots and off the bottom after they netted their first ever win at this level, Brimsdown slip to second bottom after their battling loss at Hackney Wick, it's all very tight though after a few weeks of the season.

That's all for now, thanks for reading!!!