Burnham Ramblers 1 White Ensign 5

Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior South, Wednesday 14th October 2020 

Wednesday’s night’s footballing fare for this week saw me over at a South Essex derby at Leslie Field as Burnham Ramblers hosted White Ensign in a Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior South contest, and saw Ensign recover from a slow start to cruise to victory against their ten man opponents.

These two had already met in the league at Burroughs Park this season and saw Ensign came away with a 3-2 win in a tight contest, so despite the hosts having only one win in six with three losses and the visitors having won four out of five of their league games, this was a derby and was sure to be tight again you felt.

And the hosts last two games, against Athletic Newham in the league and then their FA Vase tie at Newbury Forest had both ended all square (Ramblers lost the Vase tie on penalties) and those sides were top four ahead of this contest, so Ramblers knew they could compete with the better sides in this division too.

Ensign themselves knew a win here would not only see them record a double of their local rivals for the season but also take them into third spot and just three points off leaders Little Oakley with a game in hand, so three points although early on in the season was important all the same if they wanted to keep tabs with the leaders.

The visitors were also looking to make it three straight wins in the league after their disappointing loss at Wormley prior to that and after having the weekend off due to their Vase tie being postponed due to Whitton United’s positive Covid results, they were certainly fresh and raring to go.

It was the hosts though who seemed to settle the better of the two and the opening half hour saw Burnham have the better of the contest, and came oh so close to taking the lead when Tom Ranger thumped a terrific long range effort against the underside of the bar and down onto the line.

Ensign had their moments going forward as they always do, but when the hosts took the lead eleven minutes before half time you had to say it was deserved, and it was a lovely ball to the back post which found Tommy Salter who volley home from close range.

Ramblers were looking good at this moment and another tight and difficult contest looking likely for the visitors yet again, just like the game at Burroughs Park, but the following seven minutes after Ramblers took the lead saw the match swing hugely in Ensigns favour.

In the 37^th minute a moment of madness from midfielder Kristian Moore Cowell saw him panic in trying to clear from his own six yard box after a scramble and head over his keeper Adam Seal to gift Ensign a leveller, and then two minutes later Moore Cowell was given a second yellow for what the referee deemed a bookable challenge when many thought it was a fair tackle, but the hosts were now down to ten men.

And with the hosts still reeling from that setback they fell behind late on in the half when Luke Skinner sent a powerful header beyond Seal and send Ensign into the half ahead after struggling to find any rhythm for the majority of it.

Ramblers had played so well and looked good when they went ahead, but those final few minutes in the half certainly changed that and they now had to try and pull themselves back from a goal behind with a man light.

Half Time Burnham Ramblers 1 White Ensign 2

Ramblers knew they had to keep it tight initially after the break, but that went out of the window two minutes into the second period when Ensign increased their lead after a lovely ball across goal from Dom Locke saw Connor Barnby convert from close range and you felt it would be a long second half for the hosts.

Salter, who was the hosts best player in my view, did test Louis Hawes from long range as the hosts searched for a way back into this contest, but any attacking moments like that were very rare for the home side in the second half as Ensign took control of the contest, using the extra man to their advantage.

Ramblers battled gamely though but did concede a fourth goal with fifteen minutes remaining when after Luke Skinner and laid a ball to Brad Gates, his wonderful first time pass split the hosts defence and found Luke Woodward who slotted under Seal and into the net.

And four minutes later it was five as Ensign were threatening to run riot after a loose ball rolling across the box was wonderfully poked in off the cross bar with the outside of his foot by substitute Ben Austin, and the hosts looked a well beaten side by this stage.

Ensign had further chances to add more and should have had a penalty but it seemed the only person in the stadium who didn’t think it was a penalty was the man in the middle, and it left everyone scratching their heads as to why it wasn’t a spot kick.

Ultimately it mattered not as Ensign cruised to victory when at one stage in the first period it would look anything but that, but the points see them up to third and five wins from their six matches, as for Burnham well a few positives to take from this one but as said before they never recovered from that own goal and then red card late on in the half. 

They will feel that was a pivotal moment that the referee got wrong (the red card moment) but Ensign took full advantage of this to run away with it in the end, however despite this the hosts have much to work with and will win a few games this season for sure, but for now they sit 12^th with just one win from seven so far.

Also, many thanks to Ensign Reserve team boss Jack Caten for giving me a lift home, was nice to get home at a reasonable time!!! Also thanks to Adam Seal who had offered me a lift back to Benfleet after the game so appreciate the offer and sorry I could not see you after the game to tell you that I didn’t need a lift, hope you didn’t wait around for me for too long if you did!!! Sorry about that!!!

Full Time Burnham Ramblers 1 White Ensign 5

 

Fisher 2 Erith & Belvedere 0

Southern Counties East Premier Division, Tuesday 13th October 2020

Tuesday night saw me take in a rare Southern Counties East Premier Division contest as I made my first trip to the St Pauls Sports Ground in Bermondsey to see Fisher host Erith & Belvedere, and it saw Rob Brown become the hosts all time record goal scorer as 'The Fish' grabbed the points.

The hosts are managed by Ajay Ashanike, known as AJ to his mates and most people in football who know him, and of course I know him well from his Ilford and Tower Hamlets days in the ESL, so it was nice to get over there to see him and his side finally.  Was also lovely to chat to Joe Biscoe too who was also involved at Hamlets for some time, always nice to catch up with ones you haven’t seen for a while.

Fisher have had a mixed start to their league campaign, although they have recorded back to back home wins (over Tower Hamlets (who else!!!) and Glebe) so their home form at least was pretty good.  There last outing was a creditable draw at fifth placed Erith Town, keeping a clean sheet too in a goalless draw, so that would have given them confidence in this one.

The hosts had also done well in the FA Cup this season, reaching the First Qualifying Round after a home win over Horsham YMCA and then a stunning penalty shoot-out win at Tooting & Mitcham before bravely bowing out at Cray Wanderers in the First Qualifying Round.  And they are still in the FA Vase too having defeated Little Common and East Preston to set up a First-Round Proper tie away at Kennington.  So, in the cups they were doing very well this season.

Their opponents this evening, Erith & Belvedere, were not having the best of seasons so far in the league at least, winless in seven with four of those defeats, and on a three game losing streak in the division although all those games had seen them lose by the odd goal, so they could have easily gone the other way.

In the cups it was a different story though, as they had also reached the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after wins over Kennington and then Alford (that one was on penalties) before they were beaten heavily at Hartley Wintney, whilst they are also through to the First Round Proper of the Vase after wins over Loxwood and Colliers Wood United and now face a trip to Risborough Rangers.  So again, like Fisher it’s not been to bad in the cup competitions.

Both sides then came into this one off the back of decent Vase victories, and throw into the mix that these two sides grounds are separated by just eleven miles, this was a local derby as well, so as well as both sides feeling confident coming into his one, they were no doubt up for a battle and local bragging rights too, so it had the potential to be a decent match up.

The opening exchanges actually saw the visitors create the two best openings, heading wide from an early cross and then sending another effort just over from close range, whilst the hosts only real effort of note saw a skimmer from long range fielded by visitors keeper Rawan Anibara.

Anibara was to be heavily involved in the reason The Deres fell behind though in the 25^th minute, as a cross into the box saw the keeper try and punch clear under pressure on the edge of the box, but it was a poor punch and went straight to Brown who sent a brilliant left footed lob back over the keepers head and into the net, and Fisher had taken the lead with only their second effort at goal.

This also proved to be Brown’s record breaking goal on what was his 100^th appearance for The Fish, as it made him the club’s all-time record goal scorer, and it was not a bad one to take him into that position, although he did say to me on twitter later that it was a rare one as it was left footed and outside the box!!!

The home side’s performance improved after that goal for the rest of the half, and as the time ticked onto forty five minutes Fisher grabbed another goal, and it was a lovely move too, as a brilliant one two between Josh Biddlecombe and Brown saw the former drill a ball across goal for Jamie Yila to convert from close range and send the hosts into the break two goals to the good.  The visitors had started this one well but Anibara’s error saw them go behind and gave some momentum to the home side who were clinical with the chances that came their way.

Half Time Fisher 2 Erith & Belvedere 0

Fisher began the half on the front foot as they looked to end this contest with a third goal, but they didn’t really muster much early on in the half, although The Deres keeper Anibara was an entertainment throughout the contest, coming out of goal and almost playing sweeper keeper at times, he certainly made you gasp at times and probably gave his teammates/management/supporters kittens at times too!!!

As the half wore on though the visitors began to push the hosts back, whether or not because Fisher were sitting back and holding station with a two goal lead who knows but whatever the reason the hosts had to do some defending to hold onto the cushion built up in the opening forty five minutes.

The Deres won two free kicks outside the box and in very decent positions, the first one was whipped just over the bar by Marlon Patterson, and the second one from the other side of the box was thumped against the post by substitute Jamie Humphris, and that was the closest the visitors came to getting back in the contest.

Fisher themselves had some openings towards the end of the game to make it three, but either good blocks or poor finishing meant they couldn’t add to their goal tally either, but for the host’s that mattered not as they netted two first half goals to take the three points and a third straight win at home to.

Yila was my MOTM, he was superb down the left for the hosts, especially second half, and he got the second goal too after getting on the end of a wonderful move, so I was very impressed with him.  The point’s see Fisher climb into 11^th whilst for The Deres they remain second bottom having lost five out of eight and remain winless too.  They didn’t play badly tonight though and that seems to have been the story of their season so far, so I am sure if they continue to play like they do results will come. 

Full Time Fisher 2 Erith & Belvedere 0

 

 

 

Newbury Forest 1 Barkingside 4

Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior South, Monday 12th October 2020 

Start of a new week and Monday night I was over at a very soggy Oakside to see Newbury Forest host Barkingside in a Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior South contest, and it saw the visitors net four in an impressive display to end the hosts unbeaten start to the season.

Forest had surprised all but themselves so far this campaign, having won four out of five in the league (four straight wins) and had got through two FA Vase ties as well, one of those against the league leaders Frenford on their own patch as well, so they were having a marvellous start to the campaign.

Side on the other hand had lost four of their five league games, and had also lost their only FA Vase tie of the season too at home to Coggeshall United, however three of those four defeats had only been by one goal against three of the big boys in the division, so there was much to be positive about for the visitors despite results not going their way.

One weird side story to this was the fact Barkingside were playing away in……yes you guessed it…..Barkingside, as Oakside used to be the home of the visitors for sometime until they left a few seasons ago and were replaced by Forest as tenants of Redbridge, so they knew this pitch well.

Conditions were pretty awful, rain was forecast to fall for much of the evening, and indeed it was and the pitch was sodden and very heavy, so both teams knew this would be a tough one both against each other and also against mother nature and keeping your footing etc.  All I will say is I am glad there is a covered stand at Oakside!!!

Who would adapt to the conditions the better then?  Well Side began the better and probably should of led early on but missed a couple of good opportunities, Forest then responded and had a spell of pressure themselves, forcing a save from Duncan Smith on one occasion and striking the bar with another effort, the closest they would come in the opening half.

The visitors though re established their grip on the contest and in the 27^th minute won themselves a penalty after Forest defender Pat Duggan flicked the ball up to try and clear but saw the ball strike his hand, and the referee pointed to the spot, much to the amazement of the hosts.

And up stepped James Peagram, duel signed with Stansted of course, to send keeper Ollie Bessex the wrong way and put the visitors ahead in this one.

Both teams then traded openings for the remainder of the half, with the hosts screaming for a penalty on two occasions, however the referee waved away both claims, much to the hosts disgust, and after the second one Joey May protested a bit too much and was sin binned for the hosts just before the break.

However, neither defence was breached before the break meaning Side went into the half ahead and both sides headed for the warmth and dryness of the dressing rooms.

Half Time Newbury Forest 0 Barkingside 1

Side came out of the traps quicker than their opponents at the start of the second period, a bit like they had done at the start of the game, but this time they managed to find a goal as nine minutes after the break they doubled their lead as after superb work from Jack Gibbon had seen him cut inside and send an effort against the bar, Ina Martin thumped home the rebound.

Side were flying now and made it three just past the hour mark when Archie Hammond drilled a superb effort into the bottom corner from outside the box, and the visitors had a three goal cushion and Forest’s unbeaten start to the season was under serious threat now.

The hosts had come back from two goals down at the weekend against Burnham Ramblers in the Vase and when they managed to pull one back on 65 minutes when a free kick from skipper Freddie Anderson invaded everyone and also defeated an unsighted Smith to end up in the back of the net, Forest briefly harboured hopes of another comeback here. it was such a soft goal for the visitors to concede and this would have annoyed them somewhat.

But, they would have been delighted four minutes later though as they restored their three goal lead after a wonderful solo effort from Reece Simpson, as after he had won the ball back in midfield, he drove at goal and ended by firing an effort into the bottom corner for a superb goal.

The hosts did get into some decent positions thereafter as they tried to get back into the contest once again, and saw Tyrell Holder get in free down the right on two or three occasions, but his final ball was poor on every occasion and Side were able to clear the danger every time, much to the hosts frustration.

Side though had plenty of openings themselves too as they searched for a fifth goal to put the icing on the cake, a very wet cake as the rain continued to lash down, but they could not find this despite hitting the bar on one occasion after a lobbed cross bounced off the woodwork.

The final act saw May rifle an effort over the visitors bar, but it had been a largely poor evening at the office for Forest as their unbeaten start in all competitions this term came to an end, whilst for Barkingside this was a very impressive display, especially second half, as they grabbed their second win of the season, and hopefully for their sake a spring board forward to better things this campaign.

Full Time Newbury Forest 1 Barkingside 4

 

Essex Senior League/Eastern Senior South Round Up (9th,10th/11th October 2020)

 (Action from Hoddesdon Town 2-1 Woodford Town one in their FA Vase tie at Lowfield, thanks to Daniel Bielecki (@d4nn7b) for the photo)

Friday October 9

Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round

May & Baker 2 Little Oakley 2 (May & Baker won 6-5 on penalties) (Bakers are into the next round of the competition after they twice came from behind to eventually knock Little Oakley out of the Vase.  Greg Rodger put the visitors ahead six minutes before the break but Bakers levelled four minutes later thanks to a superb strike from Rob Bagnall, but seven minutes after the break Oakley restored their lead when Luke Mayhew curled home.  Bakers though fought back again with nine minutes to go as Darren Seymour headed home, and the tie went to penalties as a result, and after ten perfect penalties Oakley saw their sixth one saved, allowing Bagnall to step up fire home the winning spot kick to send the hosts through)

 

West Essex 3 Haverhill Rovers 4 (West Essex let a 3-1 lead slip as they self-destructed to crash out of the Vase after defeat to Haverhill Rovers at Mayesbrook Park.  West took the lead when Gray headed over Phillip, the visitors levelled after Walk headed into his own net, but then retook the lead after a superb solo effort from Mignot to lead at the break.  Wazola was then sent off for the hosts but they then increased their lead after Mignot netted again, but Haverhill then netted three times in 200 seconds of football to turn this one around.  Firstly reducing the arrears when Carroll turned home at the back post, and then levelled after Oteng fired home from the edge of the box, and after Medfai had been sin binned, leaving the hosts down to nine men, Bradley fired in from the angle off the post to send the visitors wild and into the next round)

 

Saturday October 10

Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round

Hadley 1 Enfield Borough 1 (Hadley won 8-7 on penalties) (Luke Ward was the hero for hosts Hadley after his two penalty saves helped see The Bricks into the next round after a dramatic penalty shoot out win over Enfield Borough at Brickfield Lane.  It looked as though Billy Baird’s first goal for the club would be enough to take Hadley through in normal time, but Elliot Harris levelled with the last kick off the game to send the tie to penalties.  Ward though saved two of the visitor’s spot kick, including the final one to see the hosts prevail)

 

Hashtag United 5 Wormley Rovers 0 (The Tags cruised into the next round of the Vase after crushing Wormley Rovers at The Len Salmon Stadium.  George Smith, who else, gave the hosts a fifth minute lead before he added his and Tags second in just the 18^th minute for his fourth goal this week for the hosts.  Then just before the half hour mark great work from Jesse Waller Lassen set up Harry Honestly for the hosts third, and it was four on 38 minutes when Waller Lassen fired into the bottom corner to cap a wonderful half for the ESL title favourites.  The second period was a much quieter affair, but Tags did add one more before the end when great work from Honesty allowed Josh Osude to tap home number five and cap a fine afternoon for the home side)

 

Hoddesdon Town 2 Woodford Town 1 (Hoddesdon Town came from behind to defeat Woodford Town at Lowfield.  The visitors led 1-0 at the break but managed to turn this one around to make the next round of the competition.  Cyrus Babaie netting one of the goals for the hosts in this one)

 

Ilford 1 Benfleet 1 (Ilford won 4-3 on penalties) (Ilford needed penalties to see off Benfleet to progress into the next round of the Vase.  Fleet led at the break after Brown’s free kick wasn’t cleared and Russell bundled home, but the hosts levelled in the second period after Adelani headed home, meaning the tie went to penalties.  And it was Ilford who prevailed in the shoot out to progress)

 

Newbury Forest 2 Burnham Ramblers 2 (Newbury Forest won 4-3 on penalties) (Forest’s amazing campaign continued although they needed a penalty shoot out to edge past fellow Eastern Senior South side Burnham Ramblers at Oakside.  The hosts trailed 0-2 at the break as well so it looked like their first defeat in all competitions was on the cards, but the hosts came back to level before the hour mark and take the tie to penalties, which Forest succeeded in to progress into the next round)

 

Park View 2 Cockfosters 2 (Cockfosters won 4-2 on penalties) (ESL leaders Cockfosters were given a huge fright by SSML One side Park View but did squeeze through on penalties in the end to take their place in the next round.  Fosters have won all six of their league games so far this season and were huge favourites to win this tie comfortably against a side a level below and had lost two of their three league games so far, but they were not at their best but did manage to get through which ultimately is all that matters)

 

Potton United 1 Clapton 3 (The Tons may not have won in six in the league, but they have two Vase victories to their name after a terrific win at Potton United to progress.  The hosts led at the break thanks to George Brinkman’s fifth minute goal, but the visitors roared back in the second period and levelled when Matthew Bentley netted just past the hour mark.  Simeon Beckford then gave The Tons the lead fifteen minutes from time before Bentley grabbed his second six minutes from time to seal a wonderful win for the ESL side)

 

Walthamstow 3 London Lions 1 (Stow saw off London Lions at Wadham Lodge for the second time this season to progress into the next round of the Vase.  It was a much more straight forward passage this time around though and new signing Monsheju gave the hosts the lead after lobbing the keeper, and it was two when after Ibe was bundled over, Toner smashed home the spot kick.  Max Kyte did pull one back, but Stow saw Ibe smash home after a flick on by Clements to seal this one and send Stow into the next round)

 

Essex Senior League

Stansted 2 Saffron Walden Town 1 (There were 253 in attendance as ten-man Stansted netted a late late winner to see off Saffron Walden Town in the Uttlesford Derby at Hargrave Park.  The Airportmen grabbed an 18^th minute lead when Hammond’s delivery fell to Moses Carvalho who stuck home from close range, but Walden levelled just past the half hour mark as a ball through to Jones saw him apply a tidy finish into the bottom right corner.  It looked like it would be a tough second period for the hosts though when substitute Greg Moorse was given a straight red deep into added on time at the end of the first period for an off the ball incident, but after keeping Walden at bay for a large part of the second period, the hosts won it in stoppage time when Ash Siddik’s cross fell to Hammond at the backpost who struck it home to give the ten men the win.  The Airportmen are now up to third and five points off leaders Cockfosters, whilst Walden’s indifferent campaign continues as they remain ninth)

 

Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior South

Athletic Newham 3 Harwich & Parkeston 1 (Athletic Newham are up to third and only a point off leaders Frenford after a 3-1 home win over Harwich & Parkeston at The Terrance McMillan Stadium in Newham.  Defeat for Harwich means they have lost four of their seven games so far and are still yet to taste victory this season too as they are down in 13^th)

 

Brimsdown 1 Wivenhoe Town 5 (Karl Swanborough netted a hat-trick in only his second game for The Dragons as they thrashed Brimsdown at Chadfields.  Swanborough gave the visitors the lead and then doubled that lead when lashing home a free kick, and the visitors had a two goal lead at the break.  Tim Dennis then nodded home number three for Wivenhoe before Dean Merrett slid home The Dragons fourth, and it was five and Swanborough’s treble when he rounded the keeper and slotted home.  Brimsdown did pull one back with the last kick of the contest through Ricardo Price, but it’s a fifth straight defeat now for the hosts and thirty goals conceded in their six games so far as their struggles continue, whilst for The Dragons they are now up to eighth following their second win of the season)

 

Frenford 5 Hackney Wick 2 (Frenford reclaimed top spot from Little Oakley after they netted five at The Drive against Hackney Wick to make it five wins out of seven in the league.  Charlie Heatley gave the hosts a fourth minute lead, and it was two in the 25^th minute after Ifeanyi Umeh netted, and Heatley netted a third on the half hour mark as Frenford went into the break three goals to the good.  Wick pulled one back nine minutes after the break, but Justin Umeh then netted Frenford’s fourth with just under twenty to go to restore the hosts three goal cushion.  Heatley then completed his hat-trick in the 77^th minute and although Hackney Wick did pull one back, it was another defeat for them, their fifth in seven)

 

Sunday October 11

Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round

Coggeshall United 3 Sporting Bengal United 2 (Coggeshall United are into the next round of the Vase after knocking out Sporting Bengal United at West Street.  The Weavers went ahead in the fourth minute after a Debell effort slipped through the grasp of Kobia and went over the line, but three minutes into the second period Sporting were level when Qist latched onto a ball into the box to round Down and fire home.  Coggeshall though restored their advantage not long after when Jaffa eventually poked home after Kobia had somehow kept the ball out initially, and then it was three when Soraf fired home a penalty after Skirmantas Bulauka went down inside the box to put some daylight between them and there opponents.  Sporting though, known for their comebacks this season, pulled one back when substitute Emerson Mario D’Jar saw his effort deflected beat Down at his near post, and in stoppage time the visitors so nearly forced penalties after D’Jar fired against the inside of the post, and it meant the hosts squeezed through to the next round of the competition)

 

Baldock Town 3 Halstead Town 2 (Halstead Town’s FA Vase campaign is over after they lost to a late header at Baldock Town.  Halstead went ahead right on half time when the keeper spilled a cross from Schelvis, but Baldock found a leveller with just under fifteen minutes to go when chipping Kendle from inside the box.  With eleven minutes remaining Baldock grabbed the lead after the hosts were played in and finished past Kendle, but Halstead levelled with five minutes remaining when Ricky rolled the ball home. But the hosts headed home with three minutes to go to win the tie and progress into the next round)

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Essex Senior League

Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior South

Buckhurst Hill 5 Catholic United 0

Essex Olympian League Premier Division, Saturday 10th October 2020 

Saturday saw me over at Roding Lane for a big Essex Olympian Premier Division clash between Buckhurst Hill and Catholic United, and it saw the hosts put in a decent second half showing to end up comfortable winners and keep up their 100% start to their campaign.

Hill sat second on goal difference at kick off behind the only other 100%’s Basildon Town, who had also won their opening four games, although the hosts had not been at their best so far this campaign, winning three of those four games by just a goal, an ominous sign for the rest perhaps.

Catholic United themselves sat fourth in the standings, four points behind the top two and had lost their first game of the season last weekend at home to Leigh Ramblers in disappointing fashion, so this would most certainly be a test of their character here against arguably the best side in the division and title favourites.

Before I talk about the game I must say what a great job Buckhurst Hill have done with the facilities there, the pitch looks immaculate and the plans they have for a stand and floodlights have been laid and once those are installed it will look fabulous, certainly a side looking to get to Senior Football sooner rather than later.

Their side are certainly capable of playing in senior football that is for sure, but the game was played in a rather subdued manor for a lot of the first half, Hill did have the best chance in the opening half hour when after rounding keeper Louis Godwin-Green a square ball across the box was side footed wide, whilst Catholic had seen a corner beaten away by Daniel Blockley.

Ten minutes before the half though the game livened up somewhat when the visitors were adamant that one of their players had been stamped on following a challenge in midfield, and a massive melee ensued which took a minute or so to sort out, and the result was a yellow card to the hosts, which did not please the visitors at all.  I personally thought it wasn’t a stamp and the guy trod on his opponent accidentally, but the visitors were very upset only a yellow had been shown.

Weather or not this affected them for the next few minutes who knows but a lapse in concentration allowed the hosts to break the deadlock in the 37^th minute and not long after that flashpoint, as Suleyman Zuhdu was played through and he slotted beyond Godwin-Green into the far corner, and the hosts had grabbed the advantage.

Hill did have openings towards the end of the period as Catholic were still coming to terms with the decision previously, although Dan Trenkel did fire a rocket of an effort a foot over at the other end as the half was almost up.  A tight first period then and although the hosts had created the better openings in the half, Catholic were certainly in this contest and had showed some attacking prowess in the first period.

The half time break saw a representative of the visitors go over to the referee and try and find out why he had not sent off the hosts player in that flashpoint, they were very upset by this and had obviously not got over it, but they had to if they were to get back into this contest.

Half Time Buckhurst Hill 1 Catholic United 0

The opening exchanges of the second period saw the hosts look to add to their lead, and they were the ones on the front foot with their best moment seeing a cross to the far stick brilliantly volleyed at goal but Godwin-Green made a fantastic save to keep the effort out.

Just past the hour mark though it was two as Godwin-Green could do nothing this time, as after he had made yet another stop to deny the hosts, this one from the brilliant Zuhdu, the ball came back out to Tyler Dolan who drilled a super effort into the bottom corner.

And two soon became three as the hosts pounced on some sloppy play from the visitors in midfield, as four minutes later after the ball was given away, it allowed Dolan to stride through and slot beyond Godwin-Green and the hosts were now in cruise control and three goals to the good.

After that it was a fairly comfortable contest for the hosts, and they also struck the bar as they looked for more goals, whilst Catholic did force Blockley into a decent stop down the other end as they looked for a consolation to at least take something positive from this game.

It looked like the game would end 3-0 though, until stoppage time when Buckhurst Hill managed to add a fourth goal in the first minute of it after the hosts caught Catholic out with a quickly taken free kick and saw Zachary Davidson get in to fire home, and then two minutes later they added a fifth when after Godwin-Green had made another save, he could only parry into the path of Joshua Banfield who fired into the empty net and cap a pretty decent day for the home side.

Stuart Marshall, the visitors boss, had a frank discussion with the officials in the middle following the full time whistle and did not look happy, assuming again it was largely regarding that flashpoint ten minutes before the break, the visitors obviously felt that could of changed the course of the contest perhaps, we will never know, but it certainly seemed like Marshall and Co were not happy about it still.

Anyway, the result sees Buckhurst Hill make it five wins from five although they remain second behind Basildon Town on goal difference after they netted four at Shenfield AFC to also make it five from five, whilst Catholic slip a place to fifth after Leigh Ramblers, who ended Catholic’s unbeaten run last weekend at The Len Forge, won their derby at Old Southendian today to go above them into fourth.

Full Time Buckhurst Hill 5 Catholic United 0

 

 

May & Baker 2 Little Oakley 2 (May & Baker won 6-5 on penalties)

Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round, Friday 9th October 2020 

Friday night saw me over at Parkside for an all Thurlow Nunn Eastern Senior South FA Vase Second Qualifying Round contest between May & Baker and Little Oakley, and it saw the hosts twice come from behind to eventually take the tie on penalties to progress.

This was only Bakers third game of the season in all competitions, they had drawn their only league game so far against Harwich & Parkeston and won at Redbridge in the previous round of the Vase to set up this all Eastern Senior South tie.

Oakley were playing in their eighth game of the season so were some way ahead in competitive action than their opponents, and they had made a superb start to their campaign, sitting top of their division having won five wins from six starts, and they had also won in the previous round of this competition against Stotfold.

So a tough assignment for the hosts you felt, although the visitors knew they would have to play well to win this tie too, and the first half certainly suggested this would be a tight contest with plenty of chances for both.

The hosts forced visiting keeper Daniel Joyce into a couple of decent stops, and also saw Carl Patten somehow scuff wide from point blank range, whilst down the other end Jack Riddell made a couple of stops to prevent the visitors from taking the lead, one which saw him tip an effort onto the post before it flew across the box and was cleared eventually.

With six minutes of the half remaining though Oakley edged ahead in this contest after Greg Rodger drove into the box before firing a left footed effort at goal which saw Riddell get his hands too but fail to prevent it finding the net, and the visitors were in front.

But they were not to go into the break ahead as Bakers pulled level just four minutes later and it was a superb goal too, as Rob Bagnall fired an effort from range towards the top corner, and although keeper Joyce got a big hand to it he could not prevent the ball finding the net, and it meant the sides went into the half time break all square.

Half Time May & Baker 1 Little Oakley 1

Oakley began the second half well and found themselves back in front seven minutes into the period when Luke Mayhew got in down the left before cutting inside and firing an effort towards the bottom corner, and although Riddell got a hand on it, he could only divert the ball into the bottom corner.

Oakley had their chances to increase the lead too, seeing one such effort cleared off the line before Mayhew got in down the left again and burst into the box and looked certain to score before he sent his effort wide of the far post, and then a cut back was blasted over the bar too when again it looked as if the visitors would increase their advantage.

The hosts were not without their second half chances too and saw Joyce save well from one attempt, and then the home side somehow headed wide at the far post when it looked easier to score, it was certainly a game of missed chances for both, but the hosts were to find a leveller with nine minutes to go.

This came when lovely work down the right flank by substitute Gabriel Odili saw his cross loop up into the air and fall perfectly for Darren Seymour at the back post and he stooped to head home from close range and send the home bench and supporters around that area wild with delight.

The final few minutes saw Oakley so nearly win the tie, as a ball to the back post was sent at goal but keeper Riddell somehow stopped it from point blank range and force the ball out for a corner, it was a tremendous stop, meaning the tie would indeed go to penalties.

After both teams had netted five perfect penalties, Oakley saw their sixth one saved by Riddell, meaning Bagnall, who had netted that cracker to level in the first period for the hosts, had the chance to net the winning penalty in the shoot-out, which he duly did, and send the hosts into the next round of the FA Vase.

A superb cup tie indeed at Parkside this evening, and quite a scalp for the hosts in only their third competitive game of the season.  Also, would like to thank Bakers joint manager Jordan Harris from giving me a lift to the game, and to Reserve team manager Jimmy Donald for giving me a lift back to Billericay after, always very much appreciated!!!

Full Time May & Baker 2 Little Oakley 2 (May & Baker won 6-5 on penalties)

 

Enfield 4 Sawbridgeworth Town 0

Essex Senior League, Wednesday 7th October 2020 

Wednesday night saw me over at the only Essex Senior League contest of the evening and the final one of this latest round of games as Enfield hosted Sawbridgeworth Town at Woodside Park on the outskirts of Bishop’s Stortford.

The hosts of course were still without a win in five league games and had lost four of those too, but new player boss Jamie Cureton was beginning to assemble a squad he believes will take the club forward, and this particular one selected for this game had a number of Stortford Reserves in it which had been loaned to them, and also the new signing Lewis Francis, who took his place up front with Cureton.

Sawbridgeworth themselves were having a mixed start to the season, having picked up eight points from their six games so far, although considering that was the number of points they had got all of last season before it was curtailed, this season was a rather large improvement from the last. And there 2-2 draw with Walden at the weekend, coming from 0-2 down at the half, would of given them more encouragement coming into this one.

It was the new look hosts though who started the better and after some early pressure they took the lead when a corner was cleared straight to Jamie Baker inside the box and he fired an effort into the bottom corner to give the home side the early advantage.

The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and only a combination of brilliant keeping from Sawbo stopper Michael Bett and wayward finishing prevented Enfield from being further ahead, whilst the visitors could only muster one effort which flew wide of the post.  Enfield also saw headers from Joe McEvoy and Cureton ruled out as they continued to search for that second goal to make things more comfortable.

The visitors did show some signs of life towards the end of the period, with one moment seeing Enfield keeper Jack Wilmott beat away an effort, but the half belonged to the hosts who held a slender lead at the break.

Half Time Enfield 1 Sawbridgeworth Town 0

Those signs of life from the visitors towards the end of the period continued early on in the second period as they pushed their opponents back initially, but Enfield soon began to carve out some openings again, and after Cureton had seen a one on one situation saved by Bett, another effort from the hosts was hacked off the line.

Enfield rifled over another chance as they were now again on the front foot, and with twenty minutes remaining finally found a second goal to double their lead when a dink to the near post saw Cureton use his strikers instincts to nod home from a yard out, and the hosts could now taste their first success of the campaign.

Sawbo almost pulled one back soon after though when a free kick from skipper Jack Cousins was brilliantly saved by Wilmott, a goal back there would have made the final part of the game interesting to say the least.

Enfield introduced Olly Mills for the final part of the contest and he was to have a big impact, firstly sealing the points for the home side with six minutes to go when driving down the right and sending a shot at goal from an angle, and Robins defender Montel Shonubi trying to stop the shot but diverting it past keeper Bett and into the net for number three.

And secondly adding a second goal for himself and four for the hosts two minutes later when curling a delightful effort beyond Bett into the far corner as Enfield were now cruising to victory.

A great evening for the new look hosts then, and a first win for them this season and new player boss Cureton, a win that takes them up two places to 15^th, whilst Sawbridgeworth, who although had their moments, would have been disappointed with this one and they remain tenth after their third loss of the season.

Full Time Enfield 4 Sawbridgeworth Town 0