Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round (Essex Senior League) - Woodford Town put in superb display to see off Dunstable at Creasey Park to progress whilst Frenford, Romford & Hullbridge Sports all crash out

Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 5th September

The first Saturday in September saw the latest round of the Emirates FA Cup take place, the First Qualifying Round, which is the third qualifying stage of the competition, and I will be concentrating on the four Essex Senior League sides who have made it through to this stage, which is a great achievement, and those sides are Woodford Town, Frenford, Romford & Hullbridge Sports.

All four have won two ties so far to get through, and if any of them could win their latest tie, not only would it mean they were another stage further along qualifying (and only three more wins away from the First Round Proper!!!) the prize money would increase further still, which at this level is gold dust for these clubs, the magic of the cup certainly has not diminished at this level I can promise you that.

The main focus on this blog will be from Creasey Park, Dunstable, as Woodford Town travelled there along with myself as I chose this tie to go and cover, but once I have blogged on that I will then look back at the other three ties too, but as said, lets start in Bedfordshire...

Dunstable Vs Woodford Town

Now my late fathers side of the family are from this area, my grandparents lived down the road in Luton, my cousins, one of which used to grace the pitch at Creasey Park for the old Dunstable Town back in the 90s, both live in the Leighton Buzzard area, my father was actually born in Luton and grew up there, and my late uncle was also raised along with my father in Luton before living in Dunstable.

I had also never seen a game at this ground, I had been to the clubhouse before for a function, but that was it, so it seemed fitting that this would be my choice of game, considering they were up against a side I know well from covering the ESL, Woodford Town, who again are expected to challenge for promotion this season, especially after the return of Shane Baptiste as manager.

Woodford would have gone into this game confident of progressing into the next round as well, Dunstable are in the Spartan South Midlands Premier, the same level as the ESL, but sit down in 12th after six games having only picked up seven points in that time, Woodford though have only five points from four games so far and sit eighth in the ESL standings, but with it being early days the table is hard to take much from right now, and this of course is the FA Cup, so a much different proposition.

Dunstable also had already knocked out ESL opposition in the shape of Ilford at Cricklefield before seeing off North Greenford United, 4th in the Combined Counties Premier North with four wins from five, at home in the last round, so they would certainly be no pushovers, although Woodford had won at Biggleswade United, who are currently joint top of the league Dunstable play in, two rounds ago, before seeing off Sawbridgeworth Town to reach this stage.

So, although the outcome of this one was hard to call, one thing that was certain was a Step Five club making it into the Second Qualifying Round, but which one, well, Woodford began the game on the front foot, which kind of set the tone for the majority of the contest, and were ahead inside the opening fifteen minutes, a cross into the box seeing George Kebi power a header beyond hosts keeper Tyler Josephs.

Solomon Ofori had a great chance to double the visitors lead when another flowing attacking move involving Jibran Ahmed, Marko Protic & co, saw the winger in on goal but he could only fire wide of the far post, the hosts had fleeting attacks but the visiting defence stood firm and were more than a match for anything the hosts could muster, but the feeling at half time was that Woodford felt they should have been further in front and the hosts were still very much in this contest and could cause issues if the visitors dropped their levels.

The hosts tried to respond after the break and make sure they grabbed the next goal, if their was one of course, but once again the visiting back line defended well and keeper Ashlee Jones didn't have too many saves of note to make throughout the game, a testament to his defence in front of him that when the home side did attack, the formed a barrier that was hard to break through.

The more the half went on though it was Woodford who were creating the opportunities, but time and time again they failed to add a second goal that would give them some breathing space, and the more chances they passed up, you felt they might end up paying for it, the visitors were a constant threat down the flanks, and after getting down the left once again a ball into the box saw the hosts block several attempts at goal before Ahmed managed to thump the ball past Josephs and finally hand Woodford a two goal cushion in the 75th minute.

And the game was done n dusted five minutes later as Woodford added a third, Ahmed, who had been superb all game, sent in a lovely ball from the right and substitute Mohammad Lawal beat his marker to the ball to convert from close range, and the game now had more of a score line to reflect the balance of play overall, Woodford had been much better in many areas and proved too strong for the hosts.

Fair play to Dunstable, they kept going despite the now losing cause, and they were rewarded in stoppage time when they netted a consolation, Daniel Forde was superb strength to hold off his marker and fire a powerful effort beyond Jones high into the net, it was too little too late though for the home side who go out of the FA Cup and by all accounts had not performed like they could do today.

Take nothing away from Woodford though, it had been a terrific performance and they thoroughly deserved their win, and it means they are through to the Second Qualifying Round of this famous old competition, well done to them.

Full time Dunstable 1 Woodford Town 3

Let's now go onto the other three ties involving ESL clubs and see if any of those could get through and join Woodford Town in the next round.....

Frenford Vs Enfield Town

Now Frenford have started the season well, three wins from three in the league so far and wins against Spartan South Midlands side Harlow Town, a game that was moved to Frenford which certainly helped, & then seeing off Step Four opposition in the shape of Southern League One Central Haringey Borough at home to get to this stage of the FA Cup, but they arguably had the hardest of the ties between the ESL clubs for sure.

This is because they were at home to leaders of the Isthmian Premier, that's two levels above, in the shape of Enfield Town who had five wins from six so far, they entered the competition at this stage due to their level, so it would be one hell of a test for the hosts, an impossible one some may say, but this is the FA Cup, so you never know.

Frenford had nothing to lose, all the pressure was on their opponents, and a bumper crowd of 362 had turned to watch, well, the visitors did lead at the break but only by one goal after Thomas Aveoustidis netted ten minutes before the break and the hosts were still right in this cup tie, but then saw Billy Leonard double the visitors lead early in the second half to give them some breathing space.

And Sam Youngs and Leonard added late goals to rubber stamp the visiting sides authority and add more gloss to the outcome, and it was job done for the Isthmian Premier leaders, Frenford bow out and can now concentrate on continuing their excellent league form and see where it takes them. 

Full time Frenford 0 Enfield Town 4

Harleston Town vs Romford

Romford were up against a side who had started the season in similar fashion to themselves, Harleston Town, who are at the same level as their opponents in the Thurlow Nunn Premier, both have one league win so far this season, and both have won two FA Cup matches to reach this stage.

Romford had knocked out Spartan South Midlands Premier Baldock Town and then required a replay to see off Barton Rovers, who actually compete in Step Four and the Southern League One Central, whereas Harleston had won two all Thurlow Nunn Premier ties against Great Yarmouth Town and then Dereham Town to reach this round and give themselves a chance of more prize money.

This was a hard one to call, and another all Step Five clash, meaning one was guaranteed progression, but the tie was almost done n dusted inside twenty minutes as the hosts raced into a three goal lead, Jake Reed netting in the seventh and eleventh minute before a 19th minute penalty from Josh Durham had the hosts in dreamland.

It had been an awful start from the visitors, and it was one they could not recover from ultimately, Prince Sikiru did net one back midway through the second half to give the visitors some hope, but it wasn't to be and Romford crashed to a very disappointing loss and go out of the FA Cup.

Full time Harleston Town 3 Romford 1

Hendon Vs Hullbridge Sports

This would be a tough one for Hullbridge Sports, away at Step Four opposition in the shape of Hendon, who play in the Isthmian League South Central and are sitting in second spot having won three out of four in the league so far, they had already seen off ESL opposition in the FA Cup, SOUL Tower Hamlets, before beating fellow Step Four side in the shape of Southern League One Central Hertford Town, also at home, and had netted four goals in each of those home FA Cup ties.

Hullbridge though have started the season well, three wins from four in the league and two FA Cup wins, just like their opponents, seeing off Step Four opposition in the shape of Southern League One Central Hadley at home before they travelled to Combined Counties Premier North Harefield United and netted a narrow win there to set up today's tie at Silver Jubilee Park.

This would be a step up though for sure, and like Frenford one of the hardest draws between all the ESL sides in this round, but Sports had nothing to lose, again like Frenford, as all the pressure was on Hendon, but they didn't seem to worry about that and were quickly two goals up in nineteen minutes thanks to Isaac Stones & Jordan Williams, and when Reece Nicholas-Davies made it 3-0 just past the half hour mark, Hullbridge were in tatters.

They did pull one back two minutes later though through Oli Spooner, but were soon three goals behind again when Stones added another seven minutes before the break, Hullbridge were 4-1 down at half time and needing a miracle to stay in the competition.

Kieran Jones did pull one back to make it 4-2 just past the hour mark, but Stones then completed his hat trick soon after that before Radu-Mihai Stefanoaica made it 6-2 with just under twenty minutes remaining, a Taylor Lawrence penalty made it 6-3 with ten minutes to go, but the scoring was completed a minute from time when Jack Hayes put through his own goal and complete a rather humbling afternoon for the visiting side.

Full time Hendon 7 Hullbridge Sports 3

It all means that Woodford Town are now the sole representatives left in the FA Cup for the ESL this season, commiserations to Frenford, Romford & Hullbridge Sports, who all crash out but can be proud of the run they made and the money they collected for winning two games in this competition.  For Woodford, they are now just three wins away from the First Round Proper, dare to dream.....

There were six league games taking place this weekend too, as twelve sides who went out in previous rounds were continuing their league campaigns, here is a brief look at what happened today.....

Barking 4 Ilford 1

Basildon United 2 Clapton Community 0

Benfleet 1 Sporting Bengal United 0

Great Wakering Rovers 1 Harwich & Parkeston 1

Saffron Walden Town 2 West Essex 0

SOUL Tower Hamlets 0 Halstead Town 1

Arion Svarqa, Michael Okafor, Josh Gruby & Ryan Pickles were all on target for Barking as they netted four in victory over Ilford at Mayesbrook Park, Daniel Izakor had brought The Foxes level late in the first half but that was as good as it got for them, and The Bees picked up their first win of the season after first half goals from Chinedu Duru & Bade Aleketu were enough to see of Clapton Community at Gardiners Close.

A late Jacob Wiggins penalty saw Benfleet to a narrow win over Sporting Bengal at Woodside Park, GWR were held at home by Harwich & Parkeston, Louie Bloom putting the visitors ahead early in the second half but Jack Mitchell made sure of a point for the hosts when levelling in the 65th minute, and Walden saw goals second half goals from Ollie Miles & Emmanuel Okunwobi hand them a timely win after what has been a poor start to the season.

And finally, Halstead Town saw an Alfie Cleal goal ten minutes from time hand them a very handy win at Mile End against SOUL Tower Hamlets, a result that sends the visitors to the top of the table.

Here is that early season table, in case you are interested.....

That completes the bumper blog from today, hope you have all enjoyed reading!!!

Witham Town 1 Little Oakley 2 - Joe Howard & Luke Mayhew net late on as Little Oakley come from behind to defeat Witham Town & continue perfect start to their Isthmian North campaign

Isthmian League Division One North, Monday 31st August

Game three of the bank holiday ended at my spiritual football home and Spa Road, Witham, as hosts Witham Town were welcoming fellow North Essex side Little Oakley to a town a have fond memories of after being brought up here until I left at 17 when I moved to Chelmsford after leaving school.

Spa Road was also my birthplace of watching the beautiful game, as after the 1990 World Cup, an excited nine year old was taken to his first live football match by my late father to the very ground, some 36 years ago now, mad how time flies, but the ground has come on well since those days, and the club are once again competing at Step Four, a level they are consistent at now.

Their opponents though were at this level for the very first time in their history, and had began their season a few days ago, almost a week ago in fact, when they saw off local rivals Brightlingsea Regent 3-1 at home to make the perfect start to life at this level, they won the Essex Senior League last season to make their way to this division, and they were looking to continue this start to their season.

It was going to be tough against a Witham side who had won both their opening games of the league season, a 2-1 win at Bowers & Pitsea was followed up by a 3-2 home win over Takeley, so they were obviously looking to make it three wins from three and a perfect start to their campaign, it certainly all pointed to a fairly competitive fixture between two sides who are just thirty miles apart.

Both clubs had also come into this contest after disappointing exits from the FA Trophy on Saturday, both on penalties too, so a lot of similarities thus far this season, as for the game well Oakley actually had the better of the opening half hour, and created a couple of very decent openings, but Witham, whose only note of attack up till this point had been an offside goal from Sam Bantick, created two good chances themselves late on in the half, it was however an opening forty five minutes that yielded fairly low in terms of real goal mouth action, so no surprise the half ended goalless.

The second however was to be much more eventful, Oakley, just like the opening half, were the better of the two sides and looked more threatening, and saw a goal disallowed for what was adjudged to be a foul on home keeper Josh Blunkell, a free kick sent in from way out saw him go for the ball but in the referee's view impeded, the ball ended going straight into the net, but it was chalked off, much to Oakley's dismay. 

And just before the hour mark they were to be very very upset with the man in the middle, as Witham took the lead very contentious circumstances.  It looked like keeper James Askew had been fouled, but the referee decided he hadn't, and after a scramble Bantick managed to send the ball into the net, although many said that the ball had been 'punched in' in their words, I couldn't see so I cannot say if this happened or not, but the fact no foul had been called prior to that upset the visitors somewhat, and they were now behind in the contest.

Now Oakley could have let this get to them and allow the hosts to go on and maybe win the game by more, and in fact the hosts did have chances to double their lead but could not take these opportunities, but Oakley to their showed a lot of fight and bags of character, rolled their sleeves up, and went to try and grab something from the contest which in all honestly they deserved.

And with 82 minutes on the clock, they finally managed to find a leveller, a free kick being swung into the box and Joe Howard sent a glancing header into the far corner, and it was now the question if anyone could find a winner, Oakley missed two golden chances shortly after levelling, Ollie Bell somehow clearing off the line at full stretch to deny the visitors, and another cross was somehow glanced wide of the post.

One player who deserves a special mention was Oakley player Jordi Papple, son of an old school friend of mine (doesn't make me feel old at all!!!), he was superb throughout and covered every blade of grass during the game, was a threat every time he went forward, and certainly deserved to be on the side that could manage to find a winner, well, that was to be the case as the hosts gift wrapped Oakley a second goal in the 91st minute.

The home side tried to play out from the back rather than get the ball upfield, and it cost them dear, and saw Luke Mayhew laid in to fire home and send the visitors wild along with their travelling fans behind the goal, although they did have keeper Askew to thank deeper into stoppage time when he made a fantastic diving save to deny the hosts a very late leveller, but Oakley managed to hold on and record a very good win.

It means Oakley, who were an Essex & Suffolk Border League side only a decade ago, that's Step Seven and Junior Football, have now won their opening two games in the Isthmian North, Step Four, that's some rise isn't it, whereas for the hosts it's a disappointing afternoon especially after they got themselves in front, but handed their opponents a winning goal, still six points from nine isn't a bad return either.

Finally, it was nice to return to Spa Road once again, it always is, holds so many fond memories for me, it's just a shame I couldn't bring them any luck today, although I am equally chuffed for Oakley to grab a good win too as it's nice to see a side promoted from the Essex Senior League doing well in the level above, long may that continue.

Full time Witham Town 1 Little Oakley 2

Billericay Town 2 Tonbridge Angels 2 - Kent visitors head back over the bridge with a share of the spoils after they twice came from behind against their Essex hosts in a pulsating Enterprise National League South contest

Enterprise National League South, Saturday 29th August

My second game of the bank holiday weekend saw me over at a rather soggy New Lodge for an Essex Vs Kent match up in the Enterprise National League South, and it brought together two seemingly well match teams looking at the start both have made, Billericay Town & Tonbridge Angels.

The Blues were back at Step Two of the non league pyramid once again after reaching it a few years ago before slipping back, they will hope they are more prepared for it this time around, and they welcomed a Tonbridge side to New Lodge who had began the season winning both their away games thus far without conceding a goal, with their only loss being at home, however the hosts had won their only home game so far without conceding a goal.

Both had picked up six points from their three games so far, both had also scored six goals in those games combined, so a lot of similarities heading into this contest, so as said seemingly two well matched teams going head to head to see who could potentially climb above the other and into the top seven of a very early National League South table.

A good crowd of 1,065 had shown up in what was mixed conditions, and some may not have even been in the stands when the hosts grabbed the lead, the game barely a minute old when a cross came in and saw visiting keeper Nathan Harness attempt to catch the ball, but as he returned to the ground he saw it slip from the grasp and allow Jon Benton the chance to fire the lose ball into the net, and that no conceding away from home thing had vanished just like that.

It had been the ideal start for the hosts, whereas it had been a disaster for the visitors, both teams were looking to get forward at any opportunity which certainly made for a very good watch, the hosts though certainly had the better of the openings but were pegged back in magnificent style when Jaden Brown cut inside onto his left foot and bent a wonderful curling effort beyond home keeper Joe Wright and right in the 'top bins' as they say, 1-1 after 26 minutes.

The pace of play didn't let up though, and The Blues managed to restore their lead, probably deservedly so as said, and it saw two of the stand outs in the first half for the hosts combine, Charlie Ruff playing a wonderful long range pass perfectly into the path of Elliott Long, and although he appeared to be fouled inside the box, he managed to continue and fire a lovely left footed effort across Harness and into the bottom corner, 2-1 to the hosts with five minutes of the half to go.

However, in keeping with the nature of this game and half, Tonbridge were to be given a golden opportunity to restore parity prior to the half time whistle when they were, in my opinion, given a very dubious penalty, the 'foul' saw a rather theatrical fall the the ground, but the referee pointed to the spot, but, Wright managed to save the spot kick brilliantly, so maybe justice had been served, it's only my opinion, but it meant the hosts would end a frenetic half in front, and they probably deserved that too based on chances created.

It appeared their would be no let up in the tempo in the second period as pretty much straight from kick off Macauley Bonne really should have punished the visitors slack defending, but could only hit the side netting with just Harness to beat, but thereafter for the next fifteen minutes or so it was Angels who were on top, they struck the bar with one effort, and it was no surprise when they levelled once again twenty minutes into the half, a shot from the edge of the box was parried across goal by Wright, but straight into the path of Jephte Tanga who had the simple task of tapping home, 2-2, the game was now superbly poised with twenty five minutes to go.

Tonbridge had more chances to go ahead as they looked to turn this one around and win it, but The Blues began to find their feet again after what had been a rather flat second half performance thus far and not hitting the standards they had reached in the first, Ruff & Elliott again were a threat to the visitors, and Frankie Merrifield replaced Bonne to see if he could make any difference, and he was to be involved heavily in the dying moments of the contest in what was a very contentious moment.

In the last minute of stoppage time, a ball to the back post looked destined to be nodded in by Merrifield, but he looked for all money to be pulled back. manhandled even, by his marker to prevent him from getting on the end of the cross, and everyone in the ground were amazed when the referee said no penalty, unbelievable, and it meant the game would end all square, a truly wonderful contest played by two sides who wanted to attack, a it resulted in a very enjoyable watch indeed. 

Ultimately it means a point each for both, and overall I feel it was probably a fair result in the end, and both sides probably deserved something for their efforts and entertaining play, both contributed to an excellent game, and both can take a lot of positives going forward into the season ahead.

Full time Billericay Town 2 Tonbridge Angels 2

Hornchurch 1 Woking 0 - Second half substitute Aaron Rowe nets on debut as his goal proves enough for Hornchurch to make it three wins from four after battling past Woking in the Enterprise National League

Enterprise National League, Friday 28th August

My Bank Holiday weekend began in Upminster and Bridge Avenue as National League new boys Hornchurch were looking to bounce back from defeat at Carlisle United last weekend against a Woking side who had finally picked up their first win of the campaign last time out.

The Urchins have started their new season in a new division and the pinnacle of the Non League game pretty well, after they saw off fellow promotion winners from last season Kidderminster Harriers at home 3-0 on the opening day, they then went up to Barrow in Cumbria and saw them off 2-1, which was a pretty decent result for sure.

However they then came unstuck up at Carlisle United last weekend and suffered a 4-1 reverse in that one, so tonight was about trying to get themselves back on track against a Woking side who themselves were trying to build on a first win of the season last weekend when they saw off AFC Flyde 3-2, this after losing their opening two games without scoring against Sutton United & then Gateshead.

So, would the hosts bounce back and get back to winning ways, or would the visitors build on that morale boosting result last time out, well, Woking certainly had more of the ball early on but chances were at a premium, and once the hosts had settled they were the ones who actually created the better openings that did come, and they did have the ball in the net just past the half hour mark but it was rightly chalked off for offside.

The Urchins though would have been encouraged by their performance, especially as the half went on, they certainly grew into it, but The Cards then certainly had the better of the opening twenty minutes of the second period as they looked to get on top and control the game, and in their minds make the breakthrough and potentially go on and win the game.

However, they seriously lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, and despite them having a lot of the ball and having plenty of efforts at the hosts goal, I couldn't really remember the keeper making a save, and they also found the home defence rock solid throughout and a tough nut to crack for sure, frustrating both them and their almost 300 strong travelling support.

And once Hornchurch weathered that storm, they began to venture forward themselves, Aaron Rowe, who was making his debut for the hosts, came on just beyond the hour mark, and thirteen minutes after coming on, he was to be the man who broke the deadlock, as in the 75th minute he let fly from outside the box and saw his effort take a deflection which sent in beyond the keeper and into the corner of the net, sending the majority of the 1,447 crowd inside Bridge Avenue wild.

They had around twenty minutes to hold on and record a very good win, Woking applied plenty of pressure, but as said found the hosts to hard to penetrate, and with a lack of cutting edge, they were unable to find a way through, and The Urchins saw out the remainder of the game to net a third win in four games in the National League, a fabulous start to their campaign, sending them into fourth in a very early league table.

For Woking that's three defeats in four, the complete opposite to their opponents this evening, and all three defeats have seen them draw a blank too, leaving them fourth bottom in the table, albeit after just four games, but the lack of grunt up front will concern them although still early days, but for The Urchins it's a great start to the campaign, a campaign they will need to work as hard as they did this evening to be competitive, and it's so far so good.

Full time Hornchurch 1 Woking 0

  

Basildon Town 2 Rayleigh Town 2 (Basildon Town won 4-3 on penalties) - Basildon Town net stoppage time leveller before going onto win shootout against Essex rivals Rayleigh Town to progress in Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup

Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup Second Round, Wednesday 26th August

It was time for Round Two of the Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup as August winds down, and I was over at Gardiners Close in Basildon to see an Essex derby between two Thurlow Nunn South sides in the shape of Basildon Town & Rayleigh Town with a place in Round Three up for grabs.

The hosts league campaign had seen them start slowly, only one win in five so far, but it's actually five games unbeaten all in competitions for them since they lost their opening two games of the season, including a win at Essex Senior Hackney Wick in the Vase and a superb 1-0 win at home to Isthmian North Buckhurst Hill in the Essex Senior Cup, two very big results already this term.

Rayleigh's four league games so far this season have seen two wins from four games, and they were on a three match winning run in all competitions too, netting ten goals in that run too, so both sides were playing with some confidence heading into this cup tie, so we should be in for a decent game you would of thought no?

Well, although both teams did have opportunities in the opening forty five minutes, it wasn't a half to remember if truth be told, Bas Town had plenty of efforts but did not test Rayleigh keeper Josh Hudson as they were all off target, whereas the chances Rayleigh did create were, they saw one of those cleared off the line and another two well saved by hosts keeper Dino Maras, but it was a half that wasn't full of much quality and ended goalless.

The second half though was to be a different story, it began with a bang as only three minutes after the break the hosts rifled themselves into the lead, a ball was laid back into the path of Lucas Polybank and he sent an unstoppable effort beyond Hudson, but that lead only lasted three more minutes as the visitors saw Jack Hyslop equalise, totally mishitting an effort towards goal but the hosts made a mess of trying to keep it out and it ended up in the net.

And Rayleigh then turned the match around midway through the half when they got themselves ahead, a ball being knocked across goal for Nathan Elgie to apply the finishing touch from close range, and that looked as if it would be enough for them to win this tie and go through to the next round.

But, deep into added on time came a dramatic late twist, and it was a total mess at the back from the visitors that led to the leveller.  A ball into the six yard box should have easily been dealt with by either keeper or defender, but total miscommunication between them saw both go for the ball and see keeper knock ball onto defender, and the ball fell perfectly for Abidemi Lamina who could not believe his luck, and had the simple task of blasting home from a yard out with an empty net at his mercy.

It meant penalties would be needed to decide this tie, Bas Town went first and saw Hudson save, but Rayleigh then missed their third penalty meaning 2-2 after three each, and after Bas Town had netted their final kick, Rayleigh had to net theirs to force sudden death, but hit the bar instead, meaning the hosts prevailed in this tie and will take their place in Round Three which is due to take place in the third week of September.

Full time Basildon Town 2 Rayleigh Town 2 (Basildon Town won 4-3 on penalties)