Sandnes Ulf 0 Asane 3 - Goals from Sebastian Haugland, Sander Strand & Steffen Skalevik in the final twenty minutes hand visitors huge win in battle to avoid drop against hosts who sunk back to bottom of Obosligaen as a result

Norwegian Obosligaen, Saturday 3rd August

My final game in Norway on this trip before I return on Wednesday saw me over at the Oster Hus Arena in Sandnes to watch the hosts Sandnes Ulf see if they could try and grab only a third win of the season to try and close the gap to safety and fourth bottom Asane who were only four points above their opponents having played a game more, so this was a very important game for both.

Sandnes have only picked up ten points in their fifteen league games thus far, one of those came last weekend when they drew 1-1 at local rivals Bryne (a game I attended, here is that blog if your interested https://pedroslocalfootiefix.blogspot.com/2024/07/bryne-1-sandnes-ulf-1-sandnes-claimed.html) but they failed to build on that encouraging point in midweek when they were beaten 3-0 at Stabaek.

In fact four of those ten points have come against Bryne, they beat them at home 2-1 back on May 16th, which was their last win in what has been a pretty awful season league wise, although that point last weekend had at least got them off the bottom of the table, and if they could pick up a rare win today against one of their relegation rivals then things would begin to look promising.

Asane though would be a tough nut to crack, despite their lowly league position, they managed a goalless draw last time out against Raufoss, and although they were beaten by Lyn & Moss, two sides who are pressing for promotion, they did thrash Kongsvinger 5-0 away in what was an extraordinary result considering they were in a play off spot, add to that close games against other promotion hopefuls Bryne & Egersund, both 1-0 away losses, suggested they were certainly competitive against the better sides.

And before all of those games they had edged past today's opponents 1-0 up in Asane at their Asane Arena thanks to a solitary strike from skipper Kristoffer Barmen midway through the first period, so the visitors at least had better form to an extent coming into this one, so the hosts knew they could not let them win this one and extend that gap.

Sandnes could easily have lead at the break as well, Haris Brkic had a great chance from twelve or so yards out but somehow put his effort wide, Brkic was instrumental in most of the hosts attacking play during the opening forty five minutes so it was a surprise when he did miss his opportunity, their was also a decent chance for Erik Berland but he saw a left footed effort well saved by Simen Kjellevold in the visitors goal.

Asane did also have their moments too in a goalless first period, but you felt that Sandnes had certainly edged the half in terms of chances but they were unable to take them when they came their way, which probably suggests why they are in trouble down at the bottom of the table, and the second period saw both sides have openings too but neither side could find that killer instinct in the final third when they got an opportunity.

So heading into the final twenty minutes the game was in the balance, but another reason why the hosts are were they are in the league is because they then shot themselves in the foot twice in five minutes to affectively end this contest, firstly Sandnes keeper Serigne Mbaye struck a goal kick straight to the visitors who then drove back towards their goal before a ball laid through to Sebastian Haugland who rifled a lovely finish past Mbayne to send their ten supporters behind that goal wild!!!

A secondly and just five minutes later it was 2-0 to the visitors just like that, and this time it was even more of a gift from the home side, a long ball forward saw home centre half Gullbrandur Oregaard chase back with Asane attacker Sander Strand in pursuit, but what should have been an easy ball to deal with by the hosts turned out to be anything but, as miscommunication between Oregaard and keeper Mbaye resulted in the defender sticking out a boot to direct the ball away from Mbaye who appeared to be about to field to ball.

This meant the ball was put straight into the path of Strand who despite Oregaard trying desperately to take the attacker out placed the ball into the empty net to give the visitors a two goal cushion from nowhere and Sandnes now had it all to do heading into the final part of the game.

It had certainly taken the wind out of the hosts support that had come to watch this one, and it was a blow that Sandnes never recovered from as with a minute of the ninety to go, Asane attacked down the left through Strand and he played a cross into the box where Steffen Skalevik got across his marker to plant a header beyond Mbaye, and end the contest once and for all.

A huge win for Asane then who now move five points clear the the two automatic relegation places and three ahead of the relegation play off position, and their celebrations afterwards certainly suggested this was a big one too, and looking at the reaction of the home players and fans you could tell they knew this was a disastrous day as results elsewhere meant they sunk to the foot of the table once again and now are four points off third bottom and six off fourth bottom (third bottom being the relegation play off spot).

Their next two games are against the sides immediately above them (Mjondalen & then Aalesund) so Sandnes know they must take at least four points from those two games if they are to give themselves a chance to climb out of the problems they find themselves in, although the reaction and body language from players and fans alike after this one seemed to suggest they feel they may already be doomed.

Full time Sandnes Ulf 0 Asane 3

My preview of the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round ties involving Essex Senior League sides taking place between 2nd-4th August

The Emirates FA Cup gets underway this weekend and all twenty Essex Senior League clubs are involved, so below is a preview of all nineteen Extra Preliminary Round ties that are taking place from the 2nd-4th August.....

Friday 2nd August

Stansted Vs Biggleswade 

The Airportmen will be trying to build on their midweek point away at Little Oakley after such a poor start to their campaign last weekend, and they are up against Southern League One Central side Biggleswade who are yet to start their season, although it will still be a tough assignment for the hosts up against Step Four opposition.

Saturday 3rd August

Barton Rovers Vs Saffron Walden Town 

This will be a tough trip for Walden, up against a Step Four outfit in the shape of Barton Rovers who will be playing in the Southern League One Central this season, yes the hosts haven't started the season as yet, and Walden are two league games in and come into this one off the back of a 2-0 success at Buckhurst Hill and bouncing back from a surprise loss to Athletic Newham on the opening day, but this will still be a hard one for the ESL side.

Benfleet Vs Woodford Town

These two will know each other very well after they met last weekend at the same ground in the opening weekend of the league, Woodford took a narrow 1-0 win on that occasion even though they played half the game with ten men, so can Benfleet, who are making their very first appearance in the famous old competition, gain revenge for last weeks defeat and build on their terrific 6-3 win over Ilford in midweek.  It will be tough though against a Woodford side who have won both their league games thus far without conceding so the visitors will be confident of progression no doubt.

Biggleswade United Vs Frenford 

Frenford come into this one having won their opening game last weekend against Sawbridgeworth Town before they lost at home to White Ensign in midweek, and they are up against Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five) side Biggleswade United who have drawn their opening two league games against Tring Athletic & Colney Heath, so this one will be a close one perhaps although the hosts may have the edge as the game is being played at their Verdant Stadium.

Chipstead Vs Athletic Newham

It's been a decent start to the season for Athletic Newham, they shocked Saffron Walden Town on the opening day at Catons Lane before they held Romford at Mayesbrook Park in midweek, Chipstead will be plying their trade in the Combined Counties Premier South (Step Five) this season and are yet to begin their campaign, so will that be an advantage to the visitors who will be more than confident of progression in this one.

Colney Heath Vs Takeley 

Takeley have began their season having kept two clean sheets in the league in two games so far, they opened up with a 1-0 success against Ilford before they drew 0-0 at Great Wakering Rovers, so not a bad start, their opponents are Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five) Colney Heath, who have also played two games in the league so far and also have one win and one draw, so this could well be a decent match up that could go either way.

 

Eynesbury Rovers Vs Romford

Romford have began life under new management and quite a few new faces in general pretty decently indeed as their midweek draw with Athletic Newham came after their opening day thumping over one of the title favourites Stanway Rovers meaning they are unbeaten with four points from two games so far, their opponents are tenth in the standings of the United Counties Premier South (Step Five) after bouncing back from an opening day defeat to Hinckley AFC by beating Yaxley in midweek to grab their first points of the season.  How will this one go, well I feel Romford may just sneak it myself.

FC Clacton Vs Leighton Town

This was always going to be a tough season for the hosts, they almost didn't even make the start of this season and could easily have been out of Senior Football altogether due to issues off the field that saw their entire playing staff and management depart, so they are building from scratch this season and the opening two league games unsurprisingly ended in defeats to Barking & West Essex without scoring a single goal. This task against Southern League One Central (Step Four) Leighton Town will be a very hard contest for sure, and one I don't foresee their being a surprise either, even if this is the visitors first competitive outing of the new season.

Great Wakering Rovers Vs Redbridge

Rovers welcome back a familiar foe in the shape of Isthmian North side Redbridge who were an ESL side only two seasons ago, Rovers have started the season with two clean sheets and four points from two games, opening up their campaign with a 2-0 win at West Essex before they drew 0-0 at home to Takeley in midweek, Redbridge of course are a Step Four side now but I feel this will be a very closely fought contest and remember the visitors haven't began their competitive season as yet, so will Rovers have the edge because of that?

 

Harpenden Town Vs Halstead Town 

Halstead travel to Hertfordshire this weekend having only picked up one point from their opening two games in the ESL, they opened with a 1-1 draw at White Ensign before losing 4-2 at home to Hullbridge in midweek, Harpenden have played three games already this season, they lost in the Herts Charity Shield to Wormley Rovers before they won their opening league games in the Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five) at Shefford Town & Campton, and they took on Wormley again, this time in the league and played out a goalless draw in midweek. Could be a close one this, but one I feel the hosts may just edge.

Little Oakley Vs Dunstable Town

Oakley are the only side in the ESL to have drawn their opening two fixtures, they were two goals up in their opener at Buckhurst Hill before being pegged back, and they also led against Stansted until their opponents netted with ten minutes to go to deny them in that one too, so holding onto a lead seems an issue so far this season. Their opponents though have lost both their games in the Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five), losing to Colney Heath before falling to Winslow United in midweek, so Oakley may fancy progressing here as they do have home advantage too.

 

Newport Pagnell Town Vs Ilford

The Foxes haven't started the season how they would liked after a 1-0 loss at Takeley on the opening day of the season was followed up by a 6-3 loss at newbies Benfleet which saw them reduced to ten men late on as well, not ideal, and they travel to the outskirts of Milton Keynes for this cup tie against a Newport Pagnell side who have won and lost in their opening two outings in the United Counties Premier South (Step Five), thrashing Yaxley 5-1 in their opener before losing narrowly 2-1 at St Neots Town in midweek.  I expect the hosts will probably prevail in this one though.

Potton United Vs White Ensign 

Ensign have began this season well, they followed up a 1-1 draw with Halstead on the opening weekend with a fine 4-2 victory at Frenford largely thanks to an Ellis Deveraux hat-trick, can he fire again against a Potton United side who lost their opener in the Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five) at London Lions before bouncing back to defeat Baldock Town in midweek and send his side through? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, Ensign will leave nothing on table in pursuit of victory.

Sawbridgeworth Town Vs FC Romania

These two actually played each other in league games last season as both competed in the Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five) in what was a rather disastrous campaign for the home side, they have been transferred back to the ESL for this season but have begun this one with two defeats from two without scoring, suffering 2-0 losses to both Frenford & Woodford. FC Romania did not start the season well after losing their opener 3-0 at home to MK Irish, but they did bounce back by winning 3-0 at  Arlesey Town and I feel they will win through in this tie as well and progress into the next round.

Stanway Rovers Vs Maldon & Tiptree

Rovers have been installed as favourites along with Saffron Walden Town to win the ESL this season but their start hasn't been what they expected, as after losing 4-1 at Romford on the opening day they conceded late on at Barking to draw 1-1, meaning no wins from their opening two games, and they welcome Isthmian North (Step Four) side Maldon & Tiptree to their Hawthorns ground hoping to shock their opponents who haven't as yet started their season. This could be quite the game I must say and could maybe kick start the hosts season into life.

Tilbury Vs Buckhurst Hill

This was an ESL league game last season as the hosts went onto win the division and gain promotion back to Step Four and the Isthmian North at the first time of asking, however, Buckhurst Hill were the only side for some time to beat Tilbury, smacking them 4-0 at home to end their long unbeaten run, so maybe Hill will look to that to try and cause a surprise. Their league start has seen them pick up one point from two games so far, fighting back from two goals down to draw with Little Oakley before losing to Saffron Walden 2-0 in midweek, yes Tilbury haven't started their season yet, but I feel they will have the edge in this one.

Tring Athletic Vs Barking

Barking began life in the 2024/25 season with four points from their opening two games in the ESL, thumping FC Clacton 3-0 before netting a late leveller to draw with Stanway Rovers 1-1 in midweek, their opponents Tring Athletic have also picked up four points from their opening two games this season in the Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five), a 1-1 draw with Biggleswade United followed by a 2-1 win over London Lions, although I do fancy a Barking win in this one.

 

West Essex Vs Enfield 

Wadham Lodge plays host to ESL Vs Southern One Central at the weekend, West's season began with a 2-0 loss to Great Wakering Rovers before they netted a 3-0 success over FC Clacton in midweek to bounce back from that opening day disappointment.  They are up against an Enfield side who won promotion from the ESL two seasons ago although have been moved from the Isthmian North to their current league this season, and it's a league that is yet to begin, so West will at least have that advantage over them although it might be a tough assignment against a side in a league above them, but we will see.

Sunday 4th August

Grays Athletic v Hullbridge Sports 

This tie puts ex Hullbridge Sports manager Darren Manning against his current side in Grays Athletic who of course play in the Isthmian North (Step Four). Manning was of course manager when Sports won promotion to the Isthmian North a few seasons ago so this will be one he is wanting to win no doubt, however, Hullbridge have started the season on fire, netting a 5-0 win over Stansted before they won 4-2 at Halstead in midweek, that's nine goals in two games and eight of those coming in the first half of those matches,  Grays haven't yet started the season but will need to start it right if they are not to be swallowed up by the visitors attacking power. Could be a good one this. 

That concludes all nineteen ties involving the ESL sides, how many will win through to the next round in two weeks time??? 

Essex Senior League - Midweek Round Up (Wednesday July 31st) - Saffron Walden Town bounce back from opening day defeat, Romford, Athletic Newham share spoils

 (Buckhurst Hill on the attack against Saffron Walden Town at Myrak Park, photo courtesy of Richard Brock (@Beckton86))

There were two more games on Wednesday night to conclude the second round of matches in the Essex Senior 2024/25 season, let's see how those games went.....

Buckhurst Hill 0 Saffron Walden Town 2 (Att: 130)

The hosts were looking to build on their 2-2 draw at home to Little Oakley on the opening weekend, they had to fight from two goals down in that one too, whereas Walden, one of the title & promotions favourites, were looking to bounce back from a shock 1-0 home loss to Athletic Newham.  Things began well for the visitors when Darren Phillips gave The Bloods a 2nd minute lead, and with 63 minutes on the clock they doubled that lead through Roman Campbell and this proved enough for Walden to emerge victorious and bounce back from that opening day defeat.

Romford 1 Athletic Newham 1 (Att: 131)

Both these sides had began their seasons really well, and both had stunned the title/promotion favourites too, Romford struck four past Stanway Rovers on the opening day whereas Newham had gone to Catons Lane and defeated Saffron Walden Town 1-0, who would be the third side to make it two wins from two and join Hullbridge Sports & Woodford on six points from six?  Well it was the visitors who struck first when Alessio Akabuogu handed them a 25th minute lead and just like at the weekend, the hosts would have to come from behind to get something from the game, and with just over twenty minutes remaining they found a leveller through Praise Ogbebor but they were unable to find another meaning they would have to both settle for a point. The visitors were to end the game with ten men though after goalscorer Akabuogu was sent off in stoppage time.

Let's see how the table looks after all teams have now played two games.....

Following Romford & Athletic Newham's draw at Mayesbrook Park it means that Hullbridge & Woodford remain the only sides with 100% records after two rounds of games, with nine sides in total remaining unbeaten after two games, Little Oakley are the only side too have drawn both their games so far, so there you go. Still very early days though as said numerous times already.

This weekend sees no league fixtures as all twenty teams are competing in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round as the competition gets under for the 2024/25 season, lets see who the ESL sides face.....

Friday 2nd August

Stansted Vs Biggleswade 

Saturday 3rd August

Barton Rovers Vs Saffron Walden Town 

Benfleet Vs Woodford Town

Biggleswade United Vs Frenford 

Chipstead Vs Athletic Newham

Colney Heath Vs Takeley 

Eynesbury Rovers Vs Romford

FC Clacton Vs Leighton Town

Great Wakering Rovers Vs Redbridge

Harpenden Rovers Vs Halstead Town 

Little Oakley Vs Dunstable Town

Newport Pagnell Town Vs Ilford

Potton United Vs White Ensign 

Sawbridgeworth Town Vs FC Romania

Stanway Rovers Vs Maldon & Tiptree

Tilbury Vs Buckhurst Hill

Tring Athletic Vs Barking

West Essex Vs Enfield 

Sunday 4th August

Grays Athletic v Hullbridge Sports

There is just one all ESL tie in the round which sees Benfleet & Woodford Town do battle at Woodside for the second weekend in succession, Woodford won that contest 1-0 in the opening weekend of the season, can Benfleet gain revenge for that one in what will be their first ever FA Cup match in the clubs history.

It does mean that the league are guaranteed a club in the next round, but hopefully a whole gaggle of ESL clubs can win through to the next round and gain some much needed prize money as well, just getting through two rounds of this competition can make such a difference at this level, so these games are so important to them.

Anyway I wish them all the best and hope to see many of them succeed and get through, good luck!!!

Essex Senior League - Midweek Round Up (Tuesday July 30th) - Hullbridge Sports & Woodford Town make it two wins from two, Benfleet, White Ensign & West Essex grab first wins of season

(Max Jobson celebrates his and Benfleet's second goal to make it 2-2 at Woodside this evening against Ilford, picture courtesy of Richard Brock (@Beckton86))  

The second round of Essex Senior Fixtures took place in midweek, there were eight games on Tuesday so let's see how those fared.....

Barking 1 Stanway Rovers 1 (Att: 102)

Stanway were looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss at Romford on opening day and they got off to the perfect start when they grabbed a 12th minute lead when Mardell threaded a beautiful ball to George Okoye, who rounded the keeper and found the net. This looked likely to be enough to get the visitors back on track, that was until The Blues found a late leveller when a set piece led to a shot which Robinson saved, and after the ball had ricocheted around in the box Ezekiel (Izzy) Bademosi was on hand to fire home the 89th minute equaliser and salvage a point for the hosts. 

Benfleet 6 Ilford 3 (Att: 197)

Hosts Benfleet netted six at Woodside as they finally bagged their first win at this level, Max Jobson capitalising on some very poor defending from The Foxes on eleven minutes to give them the lead, however Ilford saw a great finish from Mo Nur Habib a minute later bring them level before Joel Appiah's finish from six yards made it 2-1 to the visitors after twenty five minutes. Jobson then added his and Benfleet's second to level the game up just past the half hour marl with a free header from a corner, and then three minutes after the break another mistake from the visitors allowed Rhys Fatt to find the net and give the hosts the lead. A Taylor Lawrence penalty just past the hour mark increased Fleet's lead and then Jobson made it five just two minutes after that when netting from another corner, Ilford though then reduced the arrears three minutes after that through Appiah's second of the contest. The Foxes then saw Greg Akpele dismissed for a second yellow with fifteen minutes of the game remaining, then then Lawrence saved the best till last by netting from the half way line in stoppage time to seal a wonderful win for the home side.

Frenford 2 White Ensign 4 (Att: 79)

Ensign made it four points from two games after a Ellis Deveraux hat-trick helped them to a decent win on the road at The Drive. Devereux scored his first goal for Ensign after only two minutes and then he doubled their lead five minutes into the second period before completing his hat-trick just past the hour mark to give Ensign a comfortable 3-0 cushion. That comfortable cushion though soon vanished after Emmanuel Oluwole pulled one back on 68 minutes and then Nick Reynolds made it 2-3 with six to go, making it a very nervy ending to the contest.  However, Jon Evans then netted a fourth for Ensign with three minutes to go to give them some breathing space and the hosts ended the contest with ten men after Jacob Barlow saw red for a poor challenge.

Great Wakering Rovers 0 Takeley 0 (Att: 106)

There were no goals at Burroughs Park after neither side could find the net, both sides do remain unbeaten after their opening two games though having both won their openers at the weekend.

Halstead Town 2 Hullbridge Sports 4 (Att: 192)

Hullbridge Sports incredible start to the season continued as they netted another four goals as they saw off Halstead Town at Rosemary Lane.  Just like the weekend they got off to a very fast start, Charlie Morris netting the opener after just three minutes before he doubled the visitors lead inside the opening quarter hour after a goal-line scramble ended up in the back of the Humbugs net. Dean Ager reduced the arrears on 21 minutes but immediately saw Morris complete his treble a minute later although their were complaints from the hosts that he was in an offside position, and on the half hour mark Bridge made it four whe Matt Travell put through his own net, meaning the visitors had netted four in a first half in both their league games so far. The hosts improved after the break but only had an Ade (Adebolu) Adeyemi goal midway through the period to show for it, but the damage had been done in the opening half hour as the visitors made it two wins from two.

Little Oakley 1 Stansted 1 (Att: 70)

Oakley were looking to build on their draw at the weekend where they saw a two goal lead slip at Buckhust Hill, whereas Stansted were trying to repair the damage from their 5-0 mauling at Hullbridge, well Oakley saw a Darren Mills header find the back of the Stansted net right on half time to give them the lead. but the Airportmen managed to grab their first point on their return to the ESL when Finley Gregory levelled with ten minutes remaining.

Sawbridgeworth Town 0 Woodford Town 2 (Att: 65)

Hosts Sawbo were looking to bounce back from a 2-0 loss at Frenford on the opening day whereas Woodford were looking to make it six points from six after their narrow win at Benfleet, the visitors got themselves in front just before the half hour mark courtesy of a David Gokou goal, and they sealed the points deep into stoppage time at the end of the game through Tashan Richmond.

West Essex 3 FC Clacton 0 (Att: 87)

Both these sides lost their opening games at the weekend without scoring, so no doubt finding the net first was paramount, the hosts did just that just past the half hour mark when Joel Lamb headed in at the far post, and then two minutes later and like London Buses they netted another to double their money as after a Lamb cross was blocked, a second ball into the box was turned in by Zak Oliver. And West sealed their first win of the season, and a clean sheet to boot, when Nathan Braithwaite tucked home a free-kick from the edge of the box.

So, were does that leave everyone after tonight's action, still early days obviously.....

Hullbridge Sports and Woodford are the only ones two from two, Romford & Athletic Newham have the chance to join them tomorrow if they win the game they are playing against each other, Ilford, Sawbridgeworth Town and FC Clacton have lost their opening two games, the latter two without scoring, so not the ideal start for them.

Tomorrow sees two more games to complete the second round of games.....

Buckhurst Hill Vs Saffron Walden Town

Romford Vs Athletic Newham

Walden will look to respond to Saturday's opening day loss at home to Athletic Newham, Hill will be trying to build on their draw at home to Little Oakley where they fought back from two goals down in that one, and at Mayesbrook Park two sides with winning starts against the two promotion/title favourite's go head to head to see who can join Hullbridge & Woodford on six points from six at the top, should be too decent games on Wednesday evening!!!

  

Essex Senior League - Opening Weekend Round Up (Saturday July 27th)

(Action from Benfleet's first ever game at Step Five as they took on last season's runners up Woodford Town at Woodside, picture courtesy of the wonderful Scott W (@ScottMHC14)

The 2024/25 Essex Senior League season got underway on the last weekend in July, how would pre season favourites for the title Saffron Walden Town & Stanway Rovers get on, and how would newly promoted Benfleet fare in their first ever game at this level.  Also Stansted & Sawbridgeworth Town were back in the division after a season away in the Spartan South Midlands Premier, how would they get on on their return, let's find out as well as round up all the other games from the opening weekend.....

Benfleet 0 Woodford Town 1

Last seasons runners up Woodford Town were Benfleet's first opponent at this level, and a crowd of 200 turned up at Woodside to see the clubs first ever Senior level game at this ground, so it was a big occasion for the club. One goal was to prove decisive though as Khalil Kirwan-Mead's 77th minute strike handed the visitors all three points, this despite having James Jewers sent off in first half stoppage time. More red's were to follow in a fiery end to the game as Frankie Stone was sent off for the hosts and Mike Agboola for the visitors, but sadly for Benfleet their was no fairytale start to life in Step Five and the ESL. For a more detailed look at this game, go to Scott W's blog for a report on this contest at https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2024/07/29/s24-25-match-report-benfleet-0-1-woodford-town-sat-27-july-esl/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEUVK5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfNzqMiOVUtjU1II6TGiRWcToCC_x6SX17idKYIBKnx6JJIRz8lGFUx0Aw_aem_28X1rH8RhmBmcxbw4QbeuQ

Buckhurst Hill 2 Little Oakley 2

Hosts Buckhurst Hill fought from two goals down to salvage a point against Little Oakley in front of 85 at Myrak Park. Lewis Wood handed Oakley the lead ten minutes before half time and when Gabriel Mendoza put through his own net just before the hour mark it looked good for the visiting side. Dan Jones though immediately responded for the hosts before Suley Zuhdu levelled things up midway through the second period, meaning it was a point a piece for the sides in their first outing of the season.

FC Clacton 0 Barking 3

The Blues got their 2024/25 campaign off the the perfect start with a comfortable win at FC Clacton in front of 146 at the Rush Green Bowl.  Barking are one of the fancied sides to do well this season and try and go one better than their disappointing play off semi final loss at the end of their last campaign.  They were up against an FC Clacton side who are having to rebuild somewhat after off the field issues so the result wasn't that surprising, Juwon Akintunde's 20th minute spot kick gave Barking the lead, a lead that was doubled on the half hour mark by Marcel McDonald. And Chris John added a third early in the second half to rubber stamp the Blues winning start to the campaign.

Frenford 2 Sawbridgeworth Town 0

Sawbridgeworth Town's return to the division ended in a disappointing defeat in front of 58 at The Drive, Jordon Elongo gave the hosts a sixth minute lead before Wayne Kayembe doubled that advantage on the hour mark and made sure Frenford started the season with maximum points.

Hullbridge Sports 5 Stansted 0

The Airportmen's return to the division could not have gone any worse as they were thrashed by a new look Hullbridge Sports under new management of course in front of 180 at the TJ Cottis Stadium.  The hists were in supreme form and were four goals up at the break, Zayshaun Asamoah netted on 17 & 30 minutes before Connor Hart made it three ten minutes before the break and Mechack Asuka added a fourth three minutes before the break to leave the visitors shell shocked. Jack Unwin added a fifth with five minutes to go to complete the rout and give the hosts a wonderful start to their season.

Romford 4 Stanway Rovers 1

Much has been discussed about Romford in the off season as after their brilliant FA Vase triumph last season pretty much their entire first eleven and manager etc left for pastures new, leaving new manager Kris Newby to pick up the reigns and form a squad for this campaign, add to that their move back to Mayesbrook Park after having to leave Rookery Hill after just a season, you could say it's been a testing time for the club. And when they fell behind to one of the pre season favourites in Stanway Rovers through a Harry Thomas goal after just six minutes, you could have forgiven them for feeling a bit fed up.  But not a bit of it, as they roared back to level on fifteen minutes through Chris Millar and then blew Stanway away in the second half as David Owerida gave them the lead just past the hour mark, Elliott Howson then made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute, and the new addition Shermandin Artmeladze bagged a goal for himself in stoppage time to give the hosts a big boost at the start of the season in front of 120 in Barking.

Saffron Walden Town 0 Athletic Newham 1

Walden, another pre season favourite for the title, were humbled at home by Athletic Newham in front of 227 at Catons Lane. Newham began last season by humbling then favourites Tilbury in their own back yard, and the visitors were at it again this time around too after Abdul Khamis netted in the 19th minute to prove decisive in this contest and hand the hosts a home defeat in their very first outing.

Takeley 1 Ilford 0

Hosts Takeley are fancied to surprise a few this season after a couple of seasons of mediocrity and they were up against an Ilford side who many wonder how they will fare this campaign after their struggles of last season but now have a full campaign under the stewardship of Davis & Bartlett. Takeley though took the honours in this one thanks to a Bryn Thorpe goal five minutes from time in front of 111 at Station Road.

West Essex 0 Great Wakering Rovers 2

How will last season's FA Vase Finalists Great Wakering Rovers fare this season, their are a lot of positive noises coming out of Burroughs Park for the season ahead and that they will give it a real go and winning promotion back to the Isthmian League. Well, they got off to the perfect in front of 115 at Wadham Lodge as Harry Brown, who was banging the goals in for Cannons Wood last season and is here as a replacement for the departed Boylan, gave Rovers the lead four minutes before half time. West then were reduced to ten man with twenty minutes remaining when Ryan Ramsey was dismissed, and with a minute left Tony Martin settled the points to give Wakering the perfect beginning to their campaign.

White Ensign 1 Halstead Town 1

There were 82 in attendance at Burroughs Park to witness a draw between White Ensign & Halstead Town, Asa Cansdale gave The Humbugs a 32nd minute lead but Ensign fought back to earn an opening day point when Riley Weir levelled twelve minutes after half time.

Here is the table after one game, I know slightly pointless but here we go anyway.....

There is a full round of fixtures in midweek so here are those.....

Tuesday July 30th

Barking Vs Stanway Rovers

Benfleet Vs Ilford

Frenford Vs White Ensign

Great Wakering Rovers Vs Takeley

Halstead Town Vs Hullbridge Sports

Little Oakley Vs Stansted

Sawbridgeworth Town Vs Woodford Town

West Essex Vs FC Clacton

Wednesday July 31st

Buckhurst Hill Vs Saffron Walden Town

Romford Vs Athletic Newham

So, there you go, the Essex Senior League is up and running, here's is to another season of drama, twists and turns and lots and lots of entertaining action!!!

  

Viking 1 Molde 0 - An early second half goal from Sondre Bjorshol proves enough for Viking to net a big win over top four rivals Molde and go into second place in the Eliteserien

Norwegian Eliteserien, Sunday 28th July

My second game in Norway this weekend saw me at my families most local Eliteserien side in the shape of Viking, who came from Stavanger of course, and they were up against Molde in what was billed as the game of the weekend in Norway, hence it's late slot on the Sunday evening, it was 4th against 3rd with the winners taking second spot behind leaders Bodo/Glimt.

Neither wanted to drop points as they could not give Bodo/Glimt or even Brann, who occupied second spot at kick off, anymore breathing space, Viking & Molde were level on points and only separated by goal difference, and trailed second placed Brann by two points and leaders Bodo by nine points, so a win for either was certainly on the agenda.

Both sides form coming into this one was similar, both had been on decent unbeaten runs over last four or five games before they came to a shuddering halt last weekend, Viking losing against one of their local rivals in the shape of Haugesund whilst Molde were beaten at home by surprise package of the season so far in the shape of KFUM Oslo. although Molde did bounce back in midweek to win against Danish side Silkeborg in midweek.

And when these two played each other at the start of June it was a very entertaining contest at the Aker Stadion up in Molde, although the hosts on that occasion managed to net all four goals in that contest, netting two own goals in the process to help Viking claim a 2-2 draw, so I was certainly hoping for a similar contest here at the SR Bank Arena, or otherwise known as the Viking Stadion.

A crowd of 10,622, which included around 50-100 from Molde, certainly created a decent atmosphere inside what is a superb stadium, am always impressed when I go there, and I had managed to bag myself a decent seat as well in a prime location just in front of the watching media, and at around £27 too it was very good value as well.

The Viking Hordene behind the goal to my right were vocal as always, and were throughout the entire contest, could their side give them the win that they wanted to much and send out a warning to their other rivals that they certainly meant business in this years title race and also the European spots up for grabs in those top four places.

Well, the first half of the contest they were thankful for their keeper Arild Ostbo who had to make four decent stops to keep the visitors out, the first one denied Kristoffer Haugen from the angle after he had produced a chance for himself down the left, and then Eirik Hestad was played in but saw Ostbo thwart him with another smart stop.

The third chance saw a clever corner routine from Molde as Hestad found Markus Kaasa is acres of room inside the box and his first time strike through a crowd of bodies was beaten away by Ostbo, and the fourth save came when a ball into the box by Hestad was half dealt with by the Viking back line but then for some reason they headed the ball right into the path of Emil Breivik at the back post, but Ostbo was again on hand to block the attempt at goal.

Viking had snippets of openings but barely tested Albert Posiadala in the Molde goal, the closest they came was a free kick from skipper Zlatko Tripic, but his effort flew wide of the target, it meant that the contest remained goalless at the break but with Molde certainly having the better of the chances and play for sure.

However, the start of the second half saw what proved to be the decisive moment of the contest as with it barely a minute old Viking caught their opponents cold as good play down the left saw a ball into the box before it was helped on into the path of Sondre Bjorshol who thumped a lovely first time effort beyond Posidala and handed Viking the lead in this one, what a start it was for them in the second period.

Viking now had the bit between their teeth and sensed that for the first time in the match they could grab control and maybe add a second goal to really give themselves some breathing room, they nearly found it too as again good play down the left saw the impressive Harald Tangen slipped in but his powerful effort from the angle was well beaten away by Posidala.

However, once the match past the 60-65 minute mark, Molde began to see more of the ball once again as Viking started to think about holding onto what they had perhaps, the visitors did suffer a blow when Kristoffer Haugen had to be replaced by Mathias Fjortoft-Lovik after being injured in a challenge, but the substitute caused Viking no end of problems down the left hand side as it turned out and was a real threat.

Molde continued to probe and try and find a route to goal, and in the 74th minute they thought they had finally found a way past Ostbo and the hosts back line when a ball in from Fjortoft-Lovik saw a number of players, including keeper Ostbo, challenge for the ball, and after what appeared to be a foul on Ostbo and see the ball perhaps headed from his grasp too, the loose ball was turned home by another substitute Aaron Olanare , and with no whistle forthcoming, the goal stood, much to the dismay of the home players and crowd.

But, VAR then got involved and the goal was checked for offside as it turned out, and it was deemed that Olanare was just in an offside position when the ball reached him from that header out of Ostbo's grasp, so the goal was ruled out for offside, which got a very loud cheer from the home supporters, and you felt after this that Molde were never going to find a way through as it was just one of those days for them.

Viking almost made their lives easier by so nearly adding a wonderful second goal but saw a dipping effort from Hampus Finndell glance off the top of the bar, however Viking's nerves were being shredded as they had to defend for their lives to make sure they held onto the slender advantage they had, but they managed to see it out and claim a huge win, sinking to their knees at the end in triumph as they knew how important this win could be.    

It just wasn't Molde's day in the end, they had enough chances to get something from this one but found MOTM Ostbo in supreme form, yes Viking rode their luck at times but they worked very hard for this win so you cannot begrudge them that, and they were the ones who managed to find a legitimate goal in the contest so ultimately that is what counts.

Viking climb into second spot and six points behind the leaders with a game in hand no less, and it was even sweeter as the side they climbed replaced in second was their bitter rivals Brann, who are from down the road in Bergen, Molde well this was a blow to their championship chances as they fell to fourth and remain nine points off the lead.

A good contest it was though played in front of a decent atmosphere, another enjoyable evening at Viking Stadion, or for sponsor's the SR Bank Arena, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Full time Viking 1 Molde 0

 

Bryne 1 Sandnes Ulf 1 - Sandnes claimed only second away point of season to climb off bottom of OBOS-ligaen after Matias Moldskred strike cancelled out early Eirik Saunes header for promotion chasing hosts

Norwegian OBOS-ligaen, Saturday 27th July

My second competitive encounter of the new season this time came from South West Norway and Bryne, which is about half an hour by train from Stavanger, and it was my first visit to the Bryne Stadion for a match up between two local rivals, Bryne FK & Sandnes Ulf, who are only separated by around ten miles.

After I had travelled by bus from my mothers house in Tananger to Stavanger city centre to catch the train to Bryne, I took the ten minute or so walk down to the stadium to take in the pre match atmosphere, which was mainly outside the main stand before you went into the ground, lots of home fans enjoying the live music and bar that was set up there, the weather was beautiful too so why not.

After walking around most of the outside of the ground to try and find out where I needed to go in, some friendly folk directed me around to the far end of the other side where the terrace was that I had decided to buy a ticket for, I made my way into the ground through a iron gate. The ground has one big seated main stand on one side and a rather old and dated looking terrace on the other, which houses the home fans on two thirds of it and the away fans in the other third.

There was no stands at either end of the stadium so affectively it was a two sided ground, but the rules in Norway are totally different to those ones that the FA set in the UK, so it's not uncommon for sides as high as this, the second tier in Norway, to have this, and prices were very decent as well, around a tenner to stand which is not bad at all.

A small wooden kiosk serving hot dogs, slices of pizza, fizzy drinks and hot drinks as well as confectionary were available in the middle of the terrace, although the one portable loo near the gate where you came in seemed closed, so the only way to wee was under the main stand, somewhere we could not get to unless you left the ground, so that wasn't ideal, unless there was somewhere else I missed!!!

Anyway, I picked a nice spot to stand for the game and was joined by several hundred other people by the time kick off came around, this was a bumper crowd today as it was a local derby in the sunshine, and 2,016 turned up to watch, they normally get around 1,100 to 1,200 ish so this was a much bigger crowd than normal, and I think most of the extra were on the terrace with me, so I am glad I bagged a decent spot before they all turned up!!! 

Now the hosts are enjoying one of their best seasons for some time and are right in the mix for promotion after half their games they sat third in the table well inside the playoffs and in with a chance of going level on points with top spot if they could win here today, and their home form certainly suggested they could win again, seven wins and one defeat in eight at Bryne Stadion, one of the best home records in the division.

And with them being up against a Sandnes side who had only taken one point away from home all season in six contests and were sitting bottom of the division having only picked up nine points from their thirteen games, this was even more reason to think the home side would pick up another home win in this one, although this being a derby sometimes form and positions in the table mean nothing.

Bryne nearly got themselves in front very early on when a long range effort was brilliantly turned away by visiting keeper Serigne Mbaye, but in the seventh minute he came for a cross into the mixer and was beaten to it by hosts attacker Eirik Saunes who nodded an effort into the gaping goal, leaving the keeper spread eagled on his front wondering why he had come for the cross he was never really going to get to first.

You felt it could be another long afternoon on their travels for the visitors after falling behind so early on, and the hosts certainly had enough openings to add to their lead and maybe put the game to bed, Mbaye had to make another flying save on one occasion again to keep the hosts out, but with the scoreline only at 1-0 Sandnes knew they were still in the contest, and that one moment would change the momentum perhaps.

They began to have a spell towards the end of the half and with four minutes of the half to go they did indeed find that moment when Andreas Nyhagan got down the left and sent in a ball that eventually found it's way to Matias Moldskred and he duly rifled a first time effort past Igor Spiridonov who was rooted to the spot, and just like that and despite being second best for most of the half, Sandnes Ulf went into the break all square.

Could they build on this in the second half, or would Bryne regather themselves in the second period and stamp their authority in this contest? Well, Sandnes spent a lot of the half without the ball and having to defend, but if truth be told Bryne were rather flat for times in the second half and didn't really get up to the levels they had managed in the opening forty five minutes, and as the game ticked on the frustrations amongst the home players and support was noticeable.

It really was a game they expected to win, and it wasn't happening for them, although credit to Sandnes who battled hard for each other and made it very tough for their opponents, so when the final whistle did eventually blow after around 97 minutes or so, you could not begrudge the visiting side a point, they had worked oh so hard for it and this was appreciated greatly by the travelling support who had come to cheer on their side.

A disappointing day for the hosts though who will definitely see this as two points dropped as they slipped a place to forth behind another local rival in Egersund although they are only two points off automatic promotion and four off the top, so it's still a good position to be in, for Sandnes this point, only their second away from home all season, sees them off the bottom and into double figures in terms of overall points too, it's a start as they say, and they are only four points off fourth bottom Asane, who they play next weekend, with two games in hand. Must remain positive, especially after this result today.

A good day out then in lovely Norwegian sunshine, a decent game to enjoy too in a decent stadium with a good atmosphere at times too, so thank you Bryne for having me today, it's been a pleasure.

Full time Bryne 1 Sandnes Ulf 1