Essex Senior League Weekend Round Up (29th/30th November) - Stanway go marching on, Woodford, Takeley, Great Wakering Rovers & Romford as they were in top five after wins, Sawbridgeworth Town net big three points down at bottom

(Frenford and Romford about to do battle at The Drive, Romford went onto claim a 4-2 win, photo courtesy of Frenford FC (@Frenfordfc))

Their was another full round of fixtures in the Essex Senior League on the final weekend in November, it started on Friday night at Ashton's, so lets see how that one went and the other games on Saturday too:-

Friday November 29th

Woodford Town 3 West Essex 0

Second placed Woodford were looking to close the gap to leaders Stanway with a win over West Essex at Ashton's, the home side were five points behind with two games in hand prior to kick off so knew a win would keep their chances of top spot in their hands and also put the pressure on the leaders ahead of their mammoth tussle with Walden on Saturday.  West themselves were looking to get into the top ten with victory, but their task was made even harder just before the half hour mark when Oliver Travell was shown a straight red meaning the visitors would have to play the remainder of the contest a man light, and deep into first half stoppage time Woodford broke through after Marko Protic guided a header back across goal and into the top corner. And in the 64th minute they doubled that lead when Sam Owusu glanced home a Luke Steele cross into the far corner before they added a third in the 80th minute when Bruno Tavares netted from the spot after winning the spot kick himself and make it five wins on the bounce.

Saturday November 30th

Athletic Newham 1 White Ensign 2

Ninth placed Athletic Newham have suffered back to back losses and were taking on tenth placed White Ensign at Parsloes knowing if they lost again they would be leapfrogged by their opponents, and the winners knew that victory could see them only seven points off a top five spot. The hosts had the edge at the break when Leonardo Luis De Carvalho Pedro struck home a 20th minute spot kick however the visitors fought back to level five minutes into the second half through Ellis Devereux's close range finish before Ensign netted what proved to be the winner in the 76th minute courtesy of Jon Evans absolute blockbuster from range.

Barking 1 Hullbridge Sports 0

The Blues are riding the crest of a wave right now under Craig Edwards, and their midweek London Senior Cup success at Haringey Borough only added to their confidence, and they knew a win over struggling Bridge at Mayesbrook Park could send them into the play off spots. Bridge themselves were trying to build on a rare success last time out which saw them pull an eight point gap to bottom side FC Clacton, well, one goal proved enough in this one and it went to the hosts, Michael Ngoo netting on the half hour mark to see The Blues great run continue.

Frenford 2 Romford 4

After dropping more points in midweek Romford knew a win here against Frenford was paramount if they were to stay in that top five, they were only one point ahead of Barking and two ahead of Walden so if results did go against them and they failed to take maximum points, both of the above would sail past them with wins, Frenford though were not going to make it easy that's for sure, they were hunting a top ten position with victory themselves. It was the visitors who struck first in the eighteenth minute through Brenden Ocran however an own goal in first half stoppage time meant the hosts would go in level at the break, but Romford retook the lead early in the second period through Kennedy Feyi. Frenford came back to level again midway through the second half courtesy of Anthony Uzoegbu but the visitors would take an important three points after Blaise Uwangji restored their lead once again in the 70th minute before Amaree Robinson-Jones sealed the win in the 88th minute.

Great Wakering Rovers 5 FC Clacton 0

This was a daunting trip for bottom side FC Clacton, up against promotion chasing Great Wakering Rovers who knew a win and a slip up from the leaders would see them just three points behind top spot with a game in hand, the visitors on paper had no chance, but this isn't played on paper, and they knew if they could muster a win could potentially go level on points with second bottom Sawbo and give themselves hope of getting off that bottom spot. But once Harry Talbot had given the hosts a fifth minute lead, they never looked back, Callum Boylan doubled their lead after fourteen minutes before he netted again in first half stoppage time to hand the hosts a 3-0 cushion at the break. Talbot then netted his second of the game when converting a 75th minute spot kick before Boylan completed his hattrick to wrap this one up in the 83rd minute and get Rovers back to winning ways in style.

Halstead Town 0 Buckhurst Hill 1

These two sides are playing some nice football currently, The Humbugs, who started the season terribly and were at the foot of the table not so long ago, are now in 16th and ten points ahead of bottom side FC Clacton, Hill themselves are punching well above their weight this season and are in eighth spot and just six points off a play off spot and looking to join the likes of Romford, Barking & Walden who are all battling for fifth place. One goal was enough to settle this one, and it came in first half stoppage time courtesy of visitors attacker Tyreece Robertson to hand them another impressive win.

Little Oakley 1 Ilford 1

Both these sides are looking to try and break into the top ten, Oakley started the day just two points off it so knew a win could put them into that part of the league, Ilford themselves were just five points off it after a run of solid performances and knew a win would take them level with their opponents just outside these places. They were ahead at the break as well, firstly because of Michael Adu's long range strike in off the post just before the half hour mark, and secondly after Wilkinson Boateng's penalty save right on half time to keep them in front. It looked like that would be enough for The Foxes to pick up victory, that was until deep into added on time when a goal mouth scramble ended with Nathan Rowe sweeping home a finish to salvage the hosts a point. 

Saffron Walden Town 1 Stanway Rovers 3

The biggest game of the weekend came from Catons Lane where league leaders Stanway had a tough looking assignment against a Walden side trying to break into the top five, Rovers knew defeat and results going against them elsewhere would really pile the pressure on themselves so this was an important match for both sides as Walden knew a win would take them only eleven points off the leaders with four games in hand. Well, the first half could not have gone any worse for the hosts, Tom Maycock gave Rovers an eighth minute lead before George Okoye doubled that cushion after just sixteen minutes, he netted again just past the half hour mark and then the hosts saw Lee Hursit sent off right on half time meaning they were three goals down and a man down, oh dear.  Roman Campbell did net from the spot early in the second half to reduce the arrears, but the damage had been done in the opening forty five minutes as Stanway took another impressive win.

Stansted 0 Sawbridgeworth Town 2

This pitted third bottom Stansted against second bottom Sawbridgeworth Town in what was also a local derby showdown at Hargrave Park, the sides were only separated by three points too so a result either way would certainly paint a different picture in the table for both sides, so this was an important game for sure. Well, the only goals of the game came inside twenty five minutes, Sawbo grabbing the lead through Joseph Fernandez after twelve minutes before the same man doubled their lead ten minutes later, and it was enough for the visitors to pick up a huge three points to draw level with their opponents in the table.

Takeley 1 Benfleet 0

Another side trying to break into the top ten were Benfleet, a solid start to their debut season at step five had stuttered somewhat, but they were only three points off this although they were up against a Takeley side sitting in third and looking to close the gap to leaders Stanway if they slipped up at all against Walden. One goal would prove enough to settle what was a scrappy encounter, and it came from the boot of Jordan Westcott from the penalty spot in the 81st minute to hand Takeley another important three points.

Right, let's see what that does to the table:-

Everyone in the top six won, it means Stanway remain five clear at the top, with Woodford, Takeley, GWR and Romford remaining in the top five, with Barking just behind, however with Walden's loss to Stanway, they now lose ground although still have games in hand despite this.  Buckhurst Hill continue to keep their unlikely play off hunt alive, whilst White Ensign boing up to ninth with their win.

Down at the bottom the only side to win in that part of the league was Sawbridgeworth Town who have now put a six point gap to bottom side FC Clacton, it was certainly a very significant win for the Crofters side at near neighbours Stansted, things right now are looking bleak FC Clacton both on and off the field, tough times indeed.

That concludes today's blog, thanks for reading and stay safe.

Essex Senior League Midweek Round Up (26th/27th November) - Romford & Ilford share the points at Mayesbrook whilst Great Wakering Rovers get back to winning ways with victory over Athletic Newham at Parsloes

 

(Action from Mayesbrook Park on Tuesday as Romford & Ilford played out a 1-1 draw, photo courtesy of Richard Brock (@Beckton86))

Tuesday and Wednesday saw one league game each take place, both were also on the good old artificial surfaces at Mayesbrook Park and Parsloes Park, so neither would be affected by the weather, so without further ado lets see how those two games panned out:-

Tuesday November 26th

Romford 1 Ilford 1

The hosts had had a slight wobble over the last week or two which saw their play off spot coming under threat, they were only in fifth spot on goal difference now with Barking & Saffron Walden Town breathing down their necks, so a positive result against Ilford was a must to try and build a gap once again. Ilford though would be a hard nut to crack, they were churning out some decent performances of late which has seen them open up a nine point cushion down to bottom side FC Clacton and were only six points off the top ten, and with Ilford once tenants at Mayesbrook Park, this was a very familiar venue for them indeed. 

Ilford were the ones to strike first in this contest too, only three minutes had gone when a good press from The Foxes saw Ahmed Dousa steal the ball off a defender on the right hand wing and flick a pass to Greg Akpele who drove into the box and although he saw his shot saved eventually by Romford keeper Qamil Dervishaj, the ball eventually found it's way back to Dousa who fired an effort through a crowded penalty area into the far corner.

Romford though would level three minutes before the break to send the sides into the half time interval all square, a corner from the right was headed out before a long range effort was fired back into the box and it deflected though to Derek Feyi who with just the keeper to beat fired into the roof of the net on the stretch for a very good finish indeed.

There were to be no further goals though in the second period meaning the points would be shared, Romford now with a one point gap to sixth placed Barking and two to seventh placed Walden having played more than the two below (two more than barking & three more than Walden) so they will be hoping that those two start slipping up otherwise Romford will find themselves outside those top five spots, for Ilford they rise a place to 16th and are starting to look up at the top ten rather than towards the foot of the table as their decent performances continue.

To watch highlights of this contest click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjJf4sNQ4EQ to check out Ashley Hanson's brilliant work, make sure to like and subscribe to his You Tube channel. You can also find him at @AshleyJHanson

Wednesday November 27th

Athletic Newham 2 Great Wakering Rovers 3

After a scintillating run of form which saw Great Wakering Rovers get right into the title race and automatic promotion, back to back defeats to promotion rivals Barking and league leaders Stanway Rovers have rocked the Burroughs Park side somewhat as their almost nailed on play off spot was now under threat from the likes of Barking & Walden who were coming up on the rails and with games in hand too. They were up against a Newham side who you didn't know what one would turn up, one who thrashed a resurgent Halstead and also held league leaders Stanway without conceding, or the one who were soundly beaten at Benfleet at the weekend.

Wakering had been the first team in the Essex Senior League this season to inflict defeat on the hosts, ending their unbeaten start to the league with a 3-1 win at Burroughs Park in early September, would history repeat itself and see the visitors complete a double over their opponents, they certainly wanted to get back to winning ways after the last two outings, but Newham would certainly pose some questions themselves, they were still in ninth spot and could maybe get back into the play off equation with a decent run of form.

Well, it didn't take long for the deadlock to be broken, the visitors finding the net after just five minutes through Dominic Locke,  and in the 33rd minute Rovers took a firm grip on proceedings when they doubled their lead courtesy of an Harold Adu-Poku own goal to go into the break with a two goal cushion and seemingly well on their way to a welcome three points. And twelve minutes into the second period Rovers felt they had all but ended the contest when Locke added his second of the game although the visitors then saw Jack Dickinson sin binned on the hour mark meaning the hosts would at least have ten minutes to try and make their numerical advantage count and and reduce the deficit to give themselves a sniff perhaps.

Well, in the 67th minute the hosts did just that by pulling one back through Leonardo Luis De Carvalho Pedro, and then in the 78th minute it was very much game on after Victor Ferrini pulled another one back, momentum was now all with the hosts, maybe that sin bin had cost the visitors dear. In the end it did not as the visitors managed to see out the remainder of the contest and take a very useful three points and end that small run of losses, whereas the hosts have now lost back to back contests in the division.

Let's look at the latest table then as we head into another round of fixtures this weekend:-

Wednesday night's win for Great Wakering Rovers was important as you can see, they now open up a seven point gap to sixth are reduced the gap to leaders Stanway Rovers as well, Athletic Newham remain ninth and are some way off a top five position as things stand.

Romford as said above are nervously looking over their shoulders after dropping points at home to Ilford, whereas the Foxes are looking up rather than down now and are in touching distance of a top ten position.

Let's have a brief look at this weekend's fixtures:-

Friday November 29th

Woodford Town Vs West Essex

Saturday November 30th

Athletic Newham Vs White Ensign

Barking Vs Hullbridge Sports 

Frenford Vs Romford

Great Wakering Rovers Vs FC Clacton

Halstead Town Vs Buckhurst Hill

Little Oakley Vs Ilford

Saffron Walden Town Vs Stanway Rovers

Stansted Vs Sawbridgeworth Town

Takeley Vs Benfleet (2pm)

No doubt about game of the day, it comes from Catons Lane as Walden host Stanway, these two were the pre season favourites for winning the division, well Stanway have certainly been the better so far and have a fourteen point cushion to Walden, however Walden do have four games in hand and if they can win this one could well believe they can still catch the leaders at some point, however a win for Rovers would certainly harm those thoughts and beliefs, so a big game indeed.

Woodford, Takeley, GWR & Romford all have games against sides in the lower half of the table so would fancy picking up maximum points, but it isn't always as simple as that in this division as we know, Romford need a result otherwise they could lose their top five position if either Barking or Walden take maximum points.

And there is an important game down at the bottom of the division as third bottom Stansted host second bottom Sawbo Town, the sides are only separated by three points, and with it being a derby too it certainly has some added spice to what is already an important game, so that should be tasty!!!

Anyway that's all for now in the ESL, thanks for reading and take care!!! 

 

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Four Review (Tuesday 26th/Wednesday 27th November) - Heybridge Swifts & Chelmsford City win derby games to reach Quarters, Tilbury, Hashtag United also breeze through to Last Eight

 

My latest BBC Essex Senior Cup blog saw five Round Four ties, the Last 16 of the competition as the ten sides involved this week were all trying to reach the Quarter Final stage and join Hornchurch and Brightlingsea Regent in the Last Eight, there were four ties on Tuesday and one on Wednesday, let's see how those went:-

Tuesday November 26th

Heybridge Swifts 2 Witham Town 0

This all Isthmian North tie pitted together two sides separated by pretty much one road and six miles as this local derby would result in one of them making the Quarter Final stage of their county cup, and it was the home side who grabbed the lead in this one a minute before the break when excellent work from Ben Allen saw him fine Jack Stone, and he turned his man inside out before seeing a deflected effort find the net. And Swifts doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute when Andy Fennell converted a rebound after Diakiesse saw a shot saved, thus sealing the contest and their place in the Last Eight. 

Billericay Town 2 Chelmsford City 3

Like the match at Scraley Road, this was also a pretty hotly anticipated local derby as both sides were only separated by pretty much one road and eleven miles in distance, the hosts were plying their trade in the Isthmian Premier these days whilst City were a league above in the Vanarama National League, although this was always going to be a tight contest regardless. It was the visitors who stuck first after just nine minutes when McConnell's cut back found Jordan Greenidge who converted from close range, and City were in total control midway through the first half when Osman Foyo curled home into the top corner to double their money. The hosts though managed to get themselves right back in the contest on the half hour mark when Decarrey Sheriff fired into the corner, and with the first half almost at an end Town levelled this one up after a Krasniqi effort eventually fell for Ade Azeez who bundled home to send the sides in level at the break. City though managed to regroup at half time and retake the lead ten minutes into the second period when Sam Gale drove forward before finding the net through the legs of keeper Donkin, and this proved to be the winning moment in the tie as City edged through to take bragging rights and a Quarter Final berth.

Saffron Walden Town 0 Tilbury 5

Ok so like the previous two Round Four derbies above, this wasn't one of those, however, these two clubs knew each other after last seasons battle for promotion in the Essex Senior League, which Tilbury won of course to gain promotion back to the Isthmian North at the first time of asking, but The Dockers would find this a challenge at Catons Lane against a very good Walden side who knocked Braintree Town out in the last round of course. As it turned out, it wasn't very close at all, Tilbury went in front after only four minutes when a keeper error resulted in an effort being blocked before Lindell Stewart stepped in to give The Dockers the early advantage, and that advantage was doubled midway through the first period after Trendall forced the keeper into another error which allowed Kieran Jones to find the top right corner and hand the visitors control of the tie. And the visitors didn't have to wait long to add to their lead in the second half when added his second of the night five minutes after the break to effectively end the contest. The contest was definitely over though twenty minutes into the second half when an Alex Hernandez free kick struck the bar and went in off the keeper, and The Dockers added another in the 90th minute after Jones won the ball back and fed Hernandez who in turn laid it off to Sam Bantick who found the far corner as The Dockers breezed into the Last Eight.

Hashtag United 8 Harwich & Parkeston 1

This contest had only one winner on paper right? Hosts Hashtag were three levels above their opponents, the home side were in the Isthmian Premier whilst Harwich were down in the depths of the Thurlow Nunn First Division North, but remember the visitors had knocked out Isthmian Premier Bowers & Pitsea in the last round so they knew they could cause a surprise if things went their way. It was to be a very long night for the visitors as it turned out, The Tags grabbing the lead after just eight minutes when Luke May-Parrott tapped home a cross from Josh Osude, and the hosts doubled that lead eight minutes before the break when May-Parrott got his second of the night by curling home into the top corner. And there was still time for The Tags to add a third and pretty much end the contest before the first half was up when Osude met a cross from Harrison Day to send The Tags into the break in complete control.  The second half was only two minutes old when Tags grabbed a fourth when the ball fell to Misha Djemail on the edge of the box for him to find the bottom corner, and it was five when Josh Rusoke planted a free kick right in the top corner for a superb goal as The Tags showed no mercy to their lower league opponents. A sixth goal soon followed too when May-Parrott completed his hat-trick when getting on the end of a Darren Foxley pass, Harwich did manage to get on the scoresheet though when Greg Rodger struck home from the penalty spot to give them some cheer on a largely difficult night, a night that saw them concede a seventh goal in the 77th minute when Day controlled a low driven cross from Matt Wooldridge before finishing into the bottom corner. The hosts night was slightly dampened when Sokes received a second yellow in stoppage time meaning The Tags would end the game with ten men, but they had the last laugh when they added an eighth soon after after Sakariya Hassan volleyed home a cross from Toby Aromolaran as Hashtag capped a fine night to reach the Quarter Finals.

Wednesday November 27th

Waltham Abbey P-P Little Oakley 

Little Oakley were scheduled to travel to Cappershotts to take on Waltham Abbey, their was a two league gap between the two sides, Abbey are in the Isthmian North whereas Oakley are now the sole surviving Essex Senior League side remaining, however, at around 1pm the match was postponed due a waterlogged pitch meaning the tie will have to be rearranged.

So we know six of the eight Quarter Finalists now, and still two Round Four games to be completed to make up the other two sides in the Last Eight, the Waltham Abbey Vs Little Oakley game will be re scheduled whilst the other Round Four tie takes place seven days before Christmas as Canvey Island host Dagenham & Redbridge, and once that happens we will know the final Quarter Final line up.

But for now that is all for the BBC Essex Senior Cup and this blog, thanks for reading!!!

Thurlow Nunn South Review (November 23rd) - Harlow Town seven clear after they win & Hackney Wick lose at Cannons Wood who along with Rayleigh Town strengthen their grip on play off spot, Burnham Ramblers & Brimsdown secure big wins down at bottom

(Action from FC Baresi Vs Hoddeson Town at Wodson Park where the sides played out a seven goal thriller, photo courtesy of FC Baresi (@Fc_Baresi))

I thought I'd bring you the latest goings on in the Thurlow Nunn First Division South from this weekend, and despite Storm Bert etc etc seven games still went ahead as planned, so without further ado lets check in and see how they went:-

Basildon Town 1 Newbury Forest 1

Newbury Forest picked up a very useful point at mid table Basildon Town to take them to just two points from safety,  the hosts went in front in the 21st minute after Dylan Jones netted, but the visitors would pick up a share of the spoils courtesy of Roberto Calvalho's 55th minute equaliser, it leaves the hosts in 11th spot and the visitors still second bottom but still only seven points off their opponents in what is a congested bottom half in the division.

Cannons Wood 4 Hackney Wick 3

A Stuart Zanone brace helped Wood win a thriller against Hackney Wick at Parkside as the visitors title aspirations took a big hit, Wick grabbed the lead midway through the first half after Mohammed Sebaihi curled a beauty into the top corner, however the hosts then netted twice in four minutes either side of the half hour mark to turn the match around and see the hosts lead at the break. Wood then increased their lead early in the second period thanks to a wonderful overhead kick from Austin Junior Nkwonta, Wick though reduced the arrears soon after when Issa Sidibe fired home a low finish but just past the hour Wood restored their two goal cushion meaning Wick had a mountain to climb. With fifteen minutes remaining they did pull one back when Leonardo Pola Lopete curled a shot into the bottom corner, but with the visitors unable to muster a leveller, Wood picked up all three points to strengthen their position inside the top five and the play off spots.

Coggeshall Town 0 Rayleigh Town 3

A brace from Benny Fladzomor plus a strike from Tommy Sykes handed Rayleigh a very impressive win at Coggeshall Town, and what made it even more impressive was the fact that the visitors were reduced to ten men after only twenty minutes when Pat Mills was sent off for a high challenge. The ten men though took the lead in the 64th minute after a cool finish from Sykes but instead of holding on to what they had, they added to their cushion in the 77th minute when Fladzomor, who had come on for Jahvid Irish on the hour mark, smashed home an unstoppable drive in off the crossbar. And as the game entered stoppage time Rayleigh added a third when Fladzomor smashed home his second of the contest to strengthen his side places in the play off spots.

FC Baresi 3 Hoddesdon Town 4

Connor Bolton's 96th minute winner settled a cracking local derby at Wodson Park as Hoddesdon moved up to eighth and only five points of the play off places. FC Baresi, who are trying to pull themselves away from the bottom three, looked in very good shape early on as a brace from Marvin Dolapo Hamilton-Omole in the 19th and 25th minute had them 2-0 up, Hoddy though pulled one back just before half time through Callum Bennison before levelling the contest up in the 70th minute courtesy of Arnis Lala. Bennison then gave the visitors the lead soon after but immediately saw Andrew Newman level the match up at 3-3 and that looked to be how it would end until Bolton prodded a loose ball over the line from close range to win the contest for the Lilywhites in dramatic fashion.

Harlow Town 5 May & Baker 1

League leaders Harlow stretched their lead at the top to seven points after they netted five at home to May & Baker, taking advantage of Hackney Wick's slip up at Cannons Wood. The hosts were dealt a very early blow when striker Jack Zielinski was forced off with an injury, meaning experienced forward Gavin Cockman had to come on and replace him, but it mattered not at least for this game as they grabbed a 22nd minute lead when Fred Agyemang stole the ball of the keeper to fire into the empty net. Fabion Simms then headed home from a corner on the half hour mark to double their advantage, only to see Bakers reduce the arrears just two minutes later through Jack Ferris, however Harlow restored their two goal lead when Agyemang netted his second of the afternoon. Cockman then got himself on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute when he finished well beyond the keeper after being found from a pass in from the right, and although the hosts then saw Syrus Gordon receive a second yellow to be sent off, Jordan Burnett added a late fifth to see the hosts complete another win.

Hutton 0 Brimsdown 2

Brimsdown grabbed a big big win to pull themselves away from the bottom three after goals from Hasan Bertug Seyhan & Flavien Stierlen helped them stun third placed Hutton at New Lodge. Hutton were attempting to try and close the gap to the top two, but it remains at ten points after they were beaten by a visiting side who now sit in 13th with a three points buffer to the bottom three.

NW London 0 Burnham Ramblers 2

Burnham Ramblers netted a very big win down towards the foot of the table after goals from Aiden Jon Brown & Immanuel Soetan helped them to all three points against fellow strugglers NW London at Coles Park. It meant that Ramblers, who were in the bottom three at the start of play and below their opponents, jumped up three places to 15th and now only behind NW London on goal difference, with a three points gap to the bottom three.

Let's check out the table after those weekend matches:-

With Harlow winning and Wick losing, the league leaders really did take control of the title run after opening up a seven point gap, the top two though are still way ahead of the rest after Hutton slipped up, Cannons Wood & Rayleigh Town also strengthened their top five positions after wins, Cannons Wood over Wick of course and Town's over Coggeshall, who lost ground to the top five as a result.

Hoddy got themselves into that particular mix themselves after a late late win at FC Baresi, the latter remaining just two points above the bottom three as a result, whereas Brimsdown & Burnham Ramblers picked up big wins to put a small amount of daylight between themselves and the bottom three.

That brings you right up to date with the division for now, thanks for reading as always!!!

Essex Senior League Round Up (Saturday November 23rd) - Stanway go five clear, Barking continue great form, Buckhurst Hill march on, Frenford win derby whilst Benfleet, Halstead & Hullbridge all pick up important wins

(Action from Hullbridge Sports 4-1 win over West Essex at Lower Road, photo courtesy of Scott W (@ScottMHC14))

Despite the threat of Storm Bert in the forecast and the windy and very wet conditions, eight of the scheduled ten Essex Senior League matched went ahead as planned, so let's see how those matches fared:-

Benfleet 3 Athletic Newham 0

Benfleet netted a very welcome three points after they saw off Athletic Newham at Woodside, after a goalless opening forty five minutes it was the hosts who broke the deadlock nine minutes after the break courtesy of Nathan Saunders, and that lead was added too in the 65th minute when Sonny Hartman netted to double the hosts advantage. And the hosts sealed the deal in stoppage time through Toby Dickinson to net a very welcome three points.

Buckhurst Hill 4 Stansted 0

Buckhurst Hill are now just five points off a play off spot after they thrashed Stansted at Myrak Park, Hill grabbed an eighth minute lead when Tyreece Robertson rounded visiting keeper Jack Dixson after a deflection and slotted home from a tight angle, and a minute before the break Hill had a second goal when Suley Zuhdu provided a fine finish after the ball had fallen to him on the edge of the box. Hill then extended that lead further in the 65th minute after a brilliant run from Bradley Ismaili was met by a pass played to Archie Hammond who slotted home, and they sealed a wonderful day at the office when they made it four in the 86th minute through Jonathan Ogunsanya after a shot from Dan Jones was saved the lose ball was buried by Ogunsanya. Stansted's poor afternoon ended with Joe Pullen being sent off after an altercation with Ogunsanya as they suffered another disappointing afternoon as they slipped to third bottom in the standings.

Hullbridge Sports 4 West Essex 1

Bridge netted four as they jumped up a place to seventeenth, just like in midweek the hosts made a brilliant start as they took an early lead through Ruben Santos, seeing his set piece find the far corner, and after just ten minutes Bridge had an even better start when a good pass from Piers Hatcliff found Mechack Asuka who found the right corner with a cool finish. However, in the 57th minute West found a route back into the contest when Matt McDowell applied a decent finish in a congested penalty area, but any nerves the hosts may have encountered were eased when they restored that two goal cushion midway through the second period after Asuka netted his second of the game, decent build up play from Jack Unwin found the striker who fired low past Emmanuel Nwosu. And the hosts sealed a very important win for their morale in the 81st minute after a defensive error allowed the ball to be played to Owen Bellamy who fired a lovely strike high into the left corner, and following this West saw Ramzi Mahmoudi & Bieron Ademi sent off to add to the visitors woes, and they ended the game with eight men after a sin bin late on too, not a good day at the office for them. 

Ilford 2 Frenford 3

Frenford came from behind at half time to win this derby at Cricklefield, putting them on the verge of the top ten as a result. It was the visitors who grabbed a 14th minute lead when Jordan Elongo found the net, however The Foxes were level midway through the first half courtesy of Greg Akpele before they had turned this match around five minutes before the break when Adama Konate found the net. Frenford though would hit back and level this derby once again when Nick Reynolds netted the visitors second in the 73rd minute, and it was Frenford who had now turned the match on it's head when they netted a winner in the 87th minute as Elongo added his second of the contest. 

Romford 1 Halstead Town 2

Halstead's revival continued as they stunned Romford at Mayesbrook Park, it looked like it could be a long afternoon for the visitors when the hosts grabbed an early lead here as Harry Elsey found the net after just eight minutes, but the visitors recovered from the early set back to level through Alfie Cleal just before the half time break to send the sides in level. And with 72 minutes on the clock The Humbugs had turned things around when Dean Agar struck home a penalty for the visitors which turned out to be the winning strike too meaning Halstead climbed to 15th and ten points above bottom side FC Clacton, a spot they occupied themselves not so long ago.  

Sawbridgeworth Town 0 Barking 2

Barking under Craig Edwards is going very well thus far, four games, three wins and a draw has seen The Blues right in the play off shake up after they netted twice to see off struggling Sawbo at Crofters. It took the Blues only nine minutes to open the scoring when Sam Shaban found the net, and seven minutes after the half time break Barking doubled that lead through Teddy Stacey and this proved enough for the visitors to go level on points with fifth placed Romford with a game in hand.

Stanway Rovers 3 Great Wakering Rovers 1

Joe Debell netted a brace as league leaders Stanway Rovers increased their lead at the top to five points after a huge three points against promotion rivals Great Wakering Rovers at The Hawthorns. It was the league leaders who drew first blood in this big top of the table clash after 14 minutes when Tom Maycock scored, curling a lovely effort into the bottom left corner, and just before the break the hosts double their lead when Joe Debell ran onto a free kick from Reece Harris to calmly volley past the keeper. GWR had the chance to get themselves a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty with 71 minutes gone after Callum Boylan was pulled back inside the box, and Harry Talbot duly converted from the spot to half the hosts lead, however, any sniff the visitors felt they had of getting something from the game evaporated when Debell added his second of the game as in the 82nd minute, converting a Harris cross after passing a ricocheting ball into the net to seal the win and open up a nine point gap to their rivals who remain fourth and are looking over their shoulders now after back to back losses.

White Ensign 0 Takeley 2

Takeley are now three points ahead of fourth placed GWR and only a point off second placed Woodford after they netted victory at Burroughs Park against White Ensign. After a goalless first forty five minutes it was the visitors who got their noses in front when a Charlie Allum corner dropped to Coby Miles, he played the ball out to Jordan Wescott whose floated ball in found John Clarke at the far post to nod home, and the visitors then doubled their lead when keeper Jarvis Monk found skipper Allum who curled home over hosts keeper Bradley Davison after shrugging off two defenders. Ensign would end the game with no points and ten men too after Robbie Allen was dismissed in stoppage time, their inability to take chances was their downfall in this one as they remain in tenth spot.

Let's see how the table looks after today's contests:-

Stanway Rovers took advantage of Woodford Town being out of action (their game at Little Oakley was postponed today) by opening up a five point gap, Takeley also took advantage of Great Wakering's loss as well as closing the gap to second spot with victory at the home of GWR against Ensign. Barking continued their terrific form under Craig Edwards to be on the cusp of the top five after Romford's slip up today, Walden were out of action after their game at FC Clacton was scrubbed today.

Buckhurst Hill are now just five points off a top five place after they turned over Stansted at Myrak Park, Frenford closed the gap to the top ten after they won the derby at Ilford and Athletic Newham & Ensign both lost, there were also wins for Benfleet, Halstead & Hullbridge down towards the bottom of the table, giving all three pretty large gaps to bottom side FC Clacton. The Humbugs revival is a remarkable one after they occupied bottom spot not so long ago themselves but are now ten points ahead of that now.

That concludes the ESL round up for this weekend, thanks for reading and until next time, take care!!!

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