VCD Athletic 2 Rusthall 0 - An own goal from George Snelling & a neat finish from Rahjan Sahni hand VCD the points to end Rusthall's long unbeaten run & practically seal the runners up spot in the SCEFL Premier Division

(Ollie Freeman's early effort which struck the post before the ball went in off visitors defender George Snelling to hand VCD an early lead)

Southern Counties East Premier, Saturday 12th April

I made my first trip to The Oakwood in Crayford, Dartford, for a SCEFL Premier Division contest between VCD Athletic & Rusthall, both were in the promotion shake up although this was a much bigger game for the visitors than it was for the hosts, as the top six below shows.

The hosts had pretty much sewn up the runners up spot in the division, and a home semi final play off tie to boot, they had no chance of catching soon to be champions Faversham Town realistically so this game was pretty much for them a chance to seal that runners up spot, for Rusthall though things were much more in the balance.

They currently occupied the other home semi final play off spot, but with only three points between themselves in third and Whitstable Town in sixth, so any slip ups could see any one of those sides fall out of the play off spots completely, and with FA Vase finalists Whitstable having games in hand too, winning was all those sides above had to do and hope that others slipped up.

Rusthall would of been confident of getting something from this game too, the hosts haven't been in the best of form in March, they started it well enough with a 5-0 win, but since then they have only one win in seven which took them out of the title run with Faversham, and in their last four games they are winless and have only taken three points from a possible twelve, not exactly promotion form that.

In contrast Rusthall are having an amazing run of form stretching back to November 9th, the last time they tasted defeat in the division, as since that loss at Fisher, they are eighteen, yes EIGHTEEN games unbeaten in the league, it's an extraordinary run of form and most certainly promotion form for sure, so on paper at least you would have to edge towards Rusthall winning this game.

And if the corresponding fixture was anything to go by, then we were in for an exciting game perhaps, the sides drew 3-3 back on November 2nd, just before Rusthall went on this amazing unbeaten run they are currently on now, that game saw VCD net what they thought was an 88th minute winner, only to see Rusthall level six minutes into added on time, let's hope for similar drama today!!!

How would this one play out then? The hosts admitted themselves that confidence was low after there difficult run since the start of March, so it was important that they started well, and with only four minutes on the clock they got the perfect start when they edged in front, Ollie Freeman striking a lovely shot from the angle across visiting keeper Serine Sanneh, and although the ball thumped against the woodwork, it flew back across the six yard box and struck defender George Snelling and ended up in his own net, very unfortunate for the visitors, but they would have to come from behind if they were to keep their unbeaten run going.

Could VCD though build on this cracking start, well they certainly had the chances to get more goals, Francis Babalola saw an effort saved at the near post by Sanneh, and Nathaniel Olawole also drove an effort across goal and wide of the far post, Rusthall though had their moments too in a prolonged first period due to several stoppages which saw the hosts lose skipper Ben Fitchett & Babalola to injuries, a worry for them going forward into the play offs for sure.

Yassin Fares was a threat down the left hand side for the visitors, he saw an early effort deflected over, and the visitors also saw an attack down that side ending with a decent save from hosts keeper Andy Walker, and they came even closer late on in the half when they saw a header glance off the crossbar and over.

This would have been a useful goal after they found themselves two behind in the 33rd minute when the hosts mounted another decent attack and a ball through found Rajan Sahni in on goal, and he kept his composure to loft beyond the onrushing Sanneh and hand VCD a very useful two goal lead at the half, a very good first forty five for the hosts, and Rusthall had it all to do if they were to keep their long unbeaten run in tact.

Could Rusthall pull of a comeback, they needed an early second half goal you felt if they were too, but they barely tested Walker in the hosts goal as they defended very well and kept visitors at arms length, you could sense the frustration amongst the visitors, they were not used to losing and were seeing their five month run going up in smoke, VCD though played it perfectly and had chances on the counter as Rusthall pushed forward in search of that goal, but they were found wanting and as time expired the hosts could celebrate a very good win, and an important one for them too in terms of confidence and momentum heading into those play offs.

This win also pretty much sealed their runners up spot, only Whitstable, who have games in hand, can deny them that, but with a sixteen point gap to them with six games to go, it would be highly unlikely, and if VCD win one of their remaining two games, it would be over anyway, VCD though will definitely have a home semi final whatever happens, although for Rusthall things are not so certain as yet.

Their first loss since November 9th sees them drop to fourth and out of the home semi final play off spot, they remain just three points ahead of Whitstable in sixth and only a point ahead of fifth placed Punjab United, Rusthall do have a game in hand over Punjab but have played three more than Whitstable, they need to win that game in hand although their final three games are against Whitstable, Tunbridge Wells and Faversham, so it won't be an easy task!!!

Finally I would just like to say what a wonderful club VCD Athletic are, they were so accommodating, gave me free entry, bought me a drink from the tea bar and a couple of Madri's after the game in the bar too, they could not have done anymore to make me feel welcome, so I was very pleased they grabbed a morale boosting win today, well done and thank you so much, it was just what I needed.

I would also like to wish Rusthall the best for the remainder of the season and I do hope they make the play offs, after the run they went on from November 9th to today without defeat is pretty special, so I feel they deserve a place in the post season, and kudos to their fans who backed them all game singing away, this despite them being behind in the contest for the most part, so I applaud them too.

A great day and a satisfying win for the hosts then, a decent crowd of 174 too, and wonderful weather at a lovely venue, marvellous stuff!!!

Full time VCD Athletic 2 Rusthall 0

 

Hutton 1 Basildon Town 0 - A first half header from Billy Titley proves enough for Hutton to edge out Basildon Town at New Lodge & strengthen their grip on the final play off spot in the Thurlow Nunn South

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Wednesday 9th April

I was over at New Lodge, Billericay, for a game that for one side could see them really help their cause to claim the final play off spot in the division, Hutton were that team, and they were hosting Basildon Town in the sole Wednesday night contest in the division.

Hutton were one of four teams vying for the final play off spot, and were in the driving seat for it, which you can see below:-

Now as you can see, it is rather tight between fifth and eighth, but a win for Hutton would see them grab a big advantage heading into the final few games of the campaign, and although Basildon Town were in tenth and way off the top five, they would have a big say in who might occupy that fifth spot, as after this game tonight they would have back to back contests against Hoddesdon Town, who were only three points off Hutton.

Hoddesdon also had to play Coggeshall Town before the season was out too, but all the sides below Hutton would no doubt hope and pray Basildon Town would get a result here and do them all a favour, Hutton obviously wanted a win to really put them in charge for that final play off spot, the hosts were unbeaten in five and had netted draws against Cannons Wood & Coggeshall Town in their last two games to keep those sides at bay.

Basildon themselves were coming into this one unbeaten in four games, although the last two of those being a disappointing home draw against basement boys St Margaretsbury and a narrow 1-0 home win against struggling NW London, Hutton then would be a challenge for sure, but with not a lot to play for, sometimes that can be dangerous for their opponents who had a lot to play for.

So, what sort of game would we get, a free flowing one with plenty of goalmouth action, or a scrappy one with lots of stoppages and physicality, well it turned out to be the latter of those two, neither keeper had a lot to do as neither side had much of a cutting edge going forward, the first forty five saw both sides have the chances of openings, but nothing came of that, and it looked as though the opening forty five minutes would end goalless.

But, in first half stoppage time Hutton managed to break through, a nice attacking move down the left saw a ball played to Solomon Asamoah whose pin point cross into the six yard box was headed home by Billy Titley, and it meant the hosts would hold a slender one goal lead heading into the changing rooms, could they build on this or would the visitors bounce back in the second period?

Initially it looked as if Hutton might be able to build on their lead, but as the half went on they began to go into their shell a bit and look to hold onto what they had, and the last twenty five minutes or so definitely belonged to Bas Town and they threatened to level the game up on more than one occasion, but their end product was lacking, meaning a lot of frustration amongst the visiting quarters.

Their was equal frustration amongst the hosts too as they were threatening to throw away points if they could not hold on, this was a big game for them and they knew what a win could do for their play off hopes, you could feel the nerves and tension from the home side as they got closer and closer to the finishing line, a line that was extended by several minutes of stoppage time.

Things did get a little bit silly in that period too, Bas Town's centre half Lewis Brown was given a straight red after a challenge over the top of the ball, causing a melee, and before the free kick was taken another Hutton player flew to the ground like he had been shot, all rather unnecessary in my view but thankfully nothing came from that, you felt the referee needed to end this game sooner rather than later before more shenanigans took place. 

And after nine minutes of added on time, the game was up, and Hutton had held on for a very useful three points which puts them four points ahead of sixth place now, they know it's in their hands for fifth spot now, if they win out, they will be in the play offs, although it's never that simple, Bas Town's unbeaten run is over but they had more than enough chances to extend that run.  A pretty poor game overall but Hutton will not care one jot, it's all about winning at this time of year.

Full time Hutton 1 Basildon Town 0

 So, this is how that run for the final play off place looks after Hutton's win:-

Hutton then have that four point buffer to Coggeshall Town now, and are only four points behind AS London who they play at New Lodge on Saturday, so they could potentially finish fourth still, and if Rayleigh also slip up snatch a home semi final berth, but their main goal is just to reach the post season, and they have given themselves a great chance of doing that now.

Saffron Walden Town 0 Woodford Town 0 - Stalemate at Catons Lane as Walden's play off chances finally extinguished after goalless draw with Woodford whose chances of the title are now all but over

Essex Senior League, Saturday 5th April

Just four weeks of the regular season remains now in the Essex Senior League, and the first weekend in April saw me over at Catons Lane as I made the SIX, yes SIX hour round journey by bus from Southend on the Essex Coast to Saffron Walden in the far North West of the county, it's a pretty big county it has to be said!!!

Hosts Walden had seen their play off hopes all but ended after a poor run of form at the wrong time, they came into this game still with a very very slim chance of edging into it, but were eight points behind fifth placed Great Wakering Rovers with just four games to go, and with GWR having an extra game to play, Walden really had to win out and hope GWR slipped up, so as said it was an outside chance at best.

And they were welcoming a Woodford side who themselves were trying to keep tabs with leaders Stanway, the two had been backwards and forwards in taking turns to lead the division, although Rovers always had a game or two in hand, and with both sides now having played the same number of matches, Woodford began the weekend five points behind the leaders, so a win was paramount for them too, so with both sides knowing a win was all they could accept, a decent battle was anticipated.

Well, as it turned out, it was a tight battle, but not decent in any way shape or form, the first period yielded two moments where a goal could have come, that was it, Walden had the best chance of the two, Kaleel Green failing to capitalise on a defensive slip and could only loft over the goal was keeper Manny Agboola off his line, and Woodford's only close moment on goal wasn't even really a chance, it was a free kick from the right which almost sailed into the far corner, but missed the goal by inches.

It was far more interesting in the boardroom at half time with a lovely portion of Chicken Fajitas topped with grated cheese on the menu, that was superb along with a lovely cuppa, it was certainly a better serving than what the football had been, and it didn't really get much better in the second half either.

Woodford came oh so close so close to scoring on a rare bit of goal mouth action, Nathan Sollosi's cross was met by the head of David Goku at the far post, and it seemed destined for the net until hosts keeper George Coton tipped the ball onto the post, it was a brilliant save, but apart from this there was very little in the way of scoring opportunities.

Walden barely threatened in the second period as Woodford saw a lot more in terms of possession in the second forty five minutes, the hosts almost won it at the death but saw a goalbound shot brilliantly blocked by a defender, and the game thus ended goalless, meaning a point a piece which doesn't really help either side.

It meant that Walden now cannot make the playoffs, although that was pretty much the case before kick off anyway, Woodford in turn will probably have to settle for runners up now as they will almost certainly catch leaders Stanway now with just three games remaining, a game that neither side wanted to lose as it turned out, and as it turned also, one that it seemed neither wanted to win either, it was a poor game.

Despite this though it was a great day, a long day, but a good one, made even better by the hosts hospitality which was excellent, so I thank them for that, always enjoy my visits to Catons Lane, even if the action on offer today was below par.

Full time Saffron Walden Town 0 Woodford Town 0  

So, no goals at Catons Lane then, what happened in the division elsewhere? There was a full list of games that took place on Saturday, let's see how they went and how it all affects the table:-

Barking 0 Stansted 0

Fourth placed Barking had all but secured their play off spot, the only thing left for them to do was to try and get a home semi final, so second or third spot, and they began the weekend four points off Takeley in third, Stansted themselves were in very different situation and were fighting for their Senior League status, they were three points from safety with a game in hand too, and a win could take them out of the bottom three on goal difference. Well, the game yielded no goals which earned Stansted a decent point, however the result at Crofters further down this page meant that survival for The Airportmen is out of their hands, Barking themselves would have been disappointed with the point, but they are guaranteed a play off spot regardless now.

Benfleet 3 White Ensign 2

Sixteenth placed Benfleet were pretty much safe with a ten point buffer to the relegation zone with a handful of games to go, they were up against an Ensign team who had almost secured a top ten finish, which is a very good effort indeed.  Mason Shave gave the hosts a 17th minute lead, but Ensign roared back to lead at the break, firstly levelling through Billy Bonham-Dare just past the half hour mark and then Jon Evans giving them the lead seven minutes before half time. Benfleet though levelled the game up through Gianni Frankis 73rd minute goal, and it looked as if the game would end that way until Cory Rider netted a 99th minute winner to hand the home side all three points.

FC Clacton 1 Stanway Rovers 5

The equation was simple for the hosts, anything but victory against league leaders Stanway and their time in Step Five would be over as relegation would be rubber stamped for the Seasiders. And even if they did record a huge shock win over Stanway, they could still be relegated anyway if Sawbridgeworth Town won, Rovers were looking to at least maintain their five point cushion at the top and almost have one hand on that trophy, and in the 25th minute Tom Maycock gave the champions elect the lead.  FC Clacton though did manage to level four minutes later through Cameron Button but that was as good as it got for the hosts, George Okoye restored the visitors lead just past the half hour mark before Jamie Bennett netted in first half stoppage time, and the writing was on the wall for the hosts you felt. Bennett added a fourth just before the hour mark, before Nathaniel Mardell capped a fine display for the visitors when adding a fifth late on, and it meant that the hosts relegation to Step Six is confirmed, and Stanway's title and promotion to Step Four is all but confirmed now. 

Great Wakering Rovers 2 Romford 0

Hosts GWR would pretty much rubber stamp their participation in the post season play offs if they beat a Romford side whose season has rather petered out in the last few weeks, seeing their play off ambitions fall by the way side, and Wakering grabbed the lead after 32 minutes through Bradley Bennett to lead at the half.  It remained that way until stoppage time, Romford saw yet another player sent off this season when substitute Byron Humbles was given a straight red before GWR sealed the win and their play off spot when Kingdom Dawson netted five minutes into added on time.

Halstead Town 1 West Essex 2

The thought of Halstead being in the top ten a few months ago when they were bottom of the league would have been a pipe dream, however they came into this one in tenth spot and a point ahead of their opponents West Essex knowing a win could really help them on the way to achieving just that. West themselves wanted the same, so knew a win here would certainly help that too, and they made an unbelievable start when Yemi Adelani & Nathan Braithwaite netted in the opening eight minutes to give the visitors a two goal lead. They couldn't build on it though and when Joel Older pulled one back in the 80th minute, nervous times were ahead, but, West held on to leapfrog their opponents into tenth spot.

Ilford 1 Buckhurst Hill 1

The Foxes have pretty much confirmed their status in the ESL for another season, they have a eleven point gap to the dropzone and in fact are more looking upwards than down in recent weeks, although a top ten finish is probably out of the question now, they were ten points from that at kick off, and they welcomed a Buckhurst Hill side who at one point harboured an outside chance of a play off run, but their form dropped off and they began this one in 12th and two points outside the top ten, although a top ten finish would still be a very good achievement. The game was to end all square though, Tyreece Robertson handing the visitors a 28th minute lead, only to see that cancelled out by Maksym Trush in the 75th minute to see the game end in a score draw.

Little Oakley 0 Frenford 1

Another side who were trying to rubber stamp a top ten finish were Oakley, they began the weekend in ninth and knew a win could certainly help them on the way to achieving this, Frenford were in 14th and seven points from the top ten, although anything now would be a bonus after all but confirming their ESL status for next season. And only one goal was needed to settle this one, and it went to the visitors in first half stoppage time through Harry Honesty, meaning Frenford picked up a very good win indeed.

Sawbridgeworth Town 2 Hullbridge Sports 1

This pitted third bottom against fourth bottom, the hosts needed a win and hoped Stansted didn't get one, a defeat for Sawbo and a Stansted win would see Sawbo drop into the bottom three on goal difference, Hullbridge themselves were eight points above the bottom two and knew a win would almost certainly confirm their safety from the drop. Things looked good at half time after Morgan Arnold's goal on the half hour mark had Sawbo ahead at the break, Bridge though fought back to level through Piers Hatcliff just before the hour mark, but in the 88th minute George Lusardi netted what could be a huge goal in the relegation battle with Stansted as his goal proved to be the winner and saw them extend their gap to Stansted and now see survival in their hands.

Takeley 1 Athletic Newham 0

Takeley still had an outside chance of the title, although they were eight points behind the leaders albeit with a game in hand, but they just had to keep winning and hope others slipped up, and also make sure they confirmed that home play off tie by finishing in second or third if they couldn't catch the leaders. Athletic Newham were the visitors to Station Road, they had dropped to 13th in the table and were three points off the top ten, and it was to be another disappointing afternoon for the visitors as Coby Miles 74th minute goal proved enough for the hosts to pick up another win and further enhance their top three position in the table.

Right, let's see what the table looks like after the latest round of results:-

Stanway are all but champions now, Woodford & Takeley have all but sewn up home play off semi finals, and Barking, GWR also confirmed their participation in the post season today as well.

FC Clacton are confirmed now as relegated, the only thing in the league to contest now is that final relegation spot, Sawbo taking a huge stride towards safety with a win today, the gap is now five points and although Stansted have a game in hand still, it's looking harder for them to survive now.

Well, that's it for today, I am going to rest up now after a very long day, hope you enjoyed reading, thanks as ever for taking the time too.