Barkingside 1 Hoddesdon Town 1 - Spoils shared at Cricklefield after a deflected Jonah Evans goal cancels out Side opener from Jaeden Nathaniel

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Friday August 16th

My first competitive fixture of the new season in England finally came and it was from Cricklefield as Barkingside hosted Hoddesdon Town in a Thurlow Nunn South fixture, this was my fifth competitive fixture of the season, one in Scotland and the other three in Norway (although technically Norway's current season began before the previous season in the UK had ended, but anyway!!!).

My first friday night game of the season saw me checking out a Barkingside outfit who were unbeaten in their first three games of the league campaign, they opened up with a 1-1 draw at NW London before netting a 3-1 win against St Margaretsbury in the first home game, they then drew with 2-2 at home to Coggeshall Town before their first reverse came at home to AS London in a League Challenge Cup contest.

That game was eleven days ago so they had had a bit of a break since, so no doubt they would have been raring to go and put that loss behind them and continue their unbeaten league start against a Hoddesdon Town who after winning their first two league outings have lost two of their next three, and due to the cricket club using Lowfield, they will be playing away from home until September, which isn't ideal.

As said The Lilywhites won at Coggeshall & Dunmow to start their campaign, but losses at Southend Manor & May & Baker, albeit with a decent goalless draw at Harlow Town in between those games, has seen the visitors season stumble, although with only five games of the season gone it's still early days, could the visitors get back to winning ways here and end Sides unbeaten league start in the process? Hoddy had not played for almost a week themselves so both sides were certainly 'fresh'.

The first half certainly looked like both sides hadn't played for at least a week as well, to say there was little cohesion on either side was an understatement, and it made for a rather uninspiring opening forty five minutes, and in fact it took until the final moments of a stop start first half for any side to look like a threat when Hoddy forced hosts keeper Oliver Johnson into two saves, prior to this the only shot on target saw an Emmanuel Sergio effort from the hosts saved by Liam Nugent in the visiting net.

Chances though had been scarce, but the second half was to be a much more eventful and watchable affair, and ten minutes after the break Side grabbed the lead when a ball fizzed across the box from the right saw Jaeden Nathaniel run onto it and sweep a wonderful first time effort past Nugent and into the net, could the hosts go on and win the game now?

Well, Hoddy responded well and were level just fourteen minutes later when after Side failed to clear their lines, Jonah Evans fired an effort towards goal which took a massive deflection off a defender and went past Johnson in the hosts goal and the match was now level headed into the final twenty minutes or so, could someone be a hero and find a winner for their side?

As the game headed for stoppage time Barkingside were given a golden chance to win it when they were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box, much to the dismay of the visiting contingent, however, they were to be cheering moments later when Obi Okafor saw his spot kick thump against the post, meaning the points were to be shared.

It does mean Barkingside remain unbeaten in four league games although they have only managed to win one of those, Hoddy do earn a point but they are now winless in four after a decent start, but as said before still early days.

Full time Barkingside 1 Hoddesdon Town 1

There was one other game on Friday night in the division between two of the so called 'big hitters' in Cannons Wood & Harlow Town as the two did battle at Parkside.....

Cannons Wood 1 Harlow Town 5

Both these sides were looking to lay down a marker ahead of the weekend's fixtures and get one over a potential promotion rival come the end of the season, and also grab a win to send them into the top five positions. It started well for the hosts when they went ahead after just eight minutes, but it all started to unravel eight minutes before the break for them when they saw two players sent off to go down to nine men and Harlow seized their numerical advantage. They levelled three minutes into the second period through Cav Clarke before going in front through James Folkes, and then further goals from Denzel Effah, who netted a brace, and Leon Antione saw Harlow hammer the nine men and go into third, leaving the hosts well beaten and down in 12th, although it appears they were not happy with the officials following this defeat and pointed to that moment before half time when they went down to nine men, oops.

Here is how the league table looks after Friday night's action:-

And here are the six fixtures that take place on Saturday:-

Brimsdown Vs Rayleigh Town

Coggeshall Town Vs FC Baresi

Dunmow Town Vs Basildon Town

Hackney Wick Vs NW London

May & Baker Vs St Margaretsbury

Southend Manor Vs AS London

Rayleigh Town will be looking to build on a pretty decent start to life as a Senior club with victory against Brimsdown who have lost three of their first five this season, Coggeshall Town will fancy netting a fourth win of the season at home to winless FC Baresi's whose start to Senior life remains winless so far. 

Dunmow & Basildon will do battle trying to grab a win to shoot them towards the play off spots, and Hackney Wick will try and continue their perfect start to the season against a NW London side who have one win from four so far, and at Parsloes May & Baker will try and grab a third win of the season at home to a St Margaretsbury side who have just one solitary point from five games thus far.

Finally at Southchurch Park, Southend Manor will look to try and continue their solid start with victory over an AS London outfit who themselves will be looking to grab a second league win of the season to try and get them up the table away from the bottom three spots which they currently occupy.

Anyway enjoy the weekend and whatever game you do go and watch, enjoy that too!!!

 

Essex Senior League Review - Saturday August 10th - Athletic Newham end Hullbridge's 100% start by hitting six at Lower Road leaving Woodford only remaining 100% side after they hit four at Halstead, Ilford, Oakley & Stanway also pick up first wins of season

 (Action from Athletic Newham's 6-1 demolition of Hullbridge Sports at Lower Road, photo courtesy of Scott W (@ScottMHC14))

It was back to the grind of the Essex Senior League for eighteen of our sides, two sides were to have the weekend off as the Romford Vs Benfleet match scheduled to take place at Mayesbrook Park was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances after a serious incident involving a Benfleet player occurred on Friday night, subsequently the match was postponed and the club have since gone on record to say the following "We’re very pleased to report that the player concerned has been through surgery and is now conscious and continuing to recover in hospital. Thank you very much for all the well wishes over the past 24 hours".

The club have said more info will be released in due course, but it's good to see that the player concerned has now had surgery and is in the best care in hospital to continue recovery and hopefully make a full and as quick as recovery as possible, it certainly puts football into perspective when things like this happen.

However, there were nine games that did take place though, here is what happened.....

Buckhurst Hill 0 Great Wakering Rovers 3 (Att: 93)

Rovers made it seven points from a possible nine after they saw off Buckhurst Hill at Myrak Park, an Archie Hammond own goal after twenty five minutes handed the visitors the lead before Harry Talbot netted a second three minutes after the break. And a late Talbot spot kick sealed Rovers the points and left Buckhurst Hill still without a win this season.

FC Clacton 0 Ilford 1 (Att: 60)

Mo Nur Habib netted in first half stoppage time as Ilford won the battle of the zero percent sides at the bottom of the division against FC Clacton at Rush Green Bowl, meaning the visitors pick up their first points of the season and leave the hosts with no points from four games and without a goal still.in what looks likely to be a tough season ahead.

Halstead Town 0 Woodford Town 4 (Att: 204)

Woodford Town are now the only side with an 100% record in the division after they struck four past Halstead without reply at the Milbank Stadium, David Gokou put the visitors ahead eight minutes before the break and then Marcus Painter doubled that lead just before half time. Sam Soganile then increased that lead twelve minutes after the break, and then Stefan Balev capped a fine day for the visitors, adding a fourth goal with nine minutes remaining leaving the hosts without a win so far this season.

Hullbridge Sports 1 Athletic Newham 6 (Att: 105)

Jamie Obama Nvumba netted a hat-trick as the visitors ended Hullbridge Sports 100% winning start in emphatic fashion at the TJ Cottis Stadium, the game was only four minutes old when Alex Kozak handed the visitors the lead, a lead that was doubled through Leonardo Luis De Carvalho Pedro eleven minutes before the break. Nvumba then added his first and the visitors third just before the hour mark before he netted again just past the hour mark as Newham took total control, James Runham then made it five with fourteen minutes to go and it was six in stoppage time when Nvumba completed his treble. Aidan Brown did find a consolation goal for the hosts deeper into stoppage time, but the visitors remain unbeaten and have taken seven points from nine against some of the better sides in the division, so watch out. For a full report on this game, check out Scott W's blog at https://survivor16b.wordpress.com/2024/08/11/s24-25-match-report-hullbridge-sports-1-6-athletic-newham-sat-10-aug-esl/ 

Little Oakley 3 Sawbridgeworth Town 0 (Att: 57)

After two draws to open the season, Oakley grabbed their first win and remained unbeaten after beating struggling Sawbridgeworth Town at the War Memorial, Jack Ladbrook handed the hosts a quick start, giving them the lead with just three minutes on the clock, but they had to wait until the 71st minute before George Davis doubled their lead to give them some breathing space, Blake Keogh-Kedar then sealed the win in stoppage time as the visitors remain pointless and without a goal so far this season as it looks like they along with FC Clacton will have a difficult season based on the games thus far.  

Saffron Walden Town 1 Frenford 1 (Att: 175)

Walden's indifferent start to the season continued as they were held at home by Frenford, they had to come from behind too after Fahad Nazor had given the visitors a 17th minute lead, Walden did manage to grab a point though, making it four so far this season, when Tom Skelton levelled eleven minutes after the break, but it's not the start Walden were looking for, especially at home where they have failed to win in two games, Frenford remained level on points with their opponents having got the same record as their opponents after three, something they would be no doubt happy with.

Stanway Rovers 2 Stansted 0 (Att: 101)

Rovers backed up their superb result in their FA Cup replay at Maldon & Tiptree in midweek to net their first win in the league as they saw of Stansted at The Hawthorns. Harrison Chatting handed the hosts a 12th minute lead before a George Okoye goal with eight minutes to go sealed the points as The Airportmen's return to the league after a season away continued to disappoint, they have only one point to show from their opening three outings.

Takeley 3 Barking 1 (Att: 82)

Hosts Takeley continue to impress so far this campaign as they made it seven points from nine possible so far after they ended Barking's unbeaten start to the season at Station Road.  Bryn Thorpe gave the hosts a 21st minute lead but then saw Barking level in the 63rd minute through Marcel McDonald, Jamel Obeng then restored Takeley's lead with just over twenty minutes remaining before John Thomas netted in stoppage time to seal the hosts win.

White Ensign 0 West Essex 0 (Att: 60)

The only goalless contest of the weekend came at Burroughs Park as Ensign & West drew a blank, Ensign though do remain unbeaten after three games, West have four points from a possible seven so far so both sides will be satisfied with how the season has begun no doubt. 

Let's have a look at the table after the weekend's games.....

Woodford Town are out on their own at the top as the only 100% side left, Athletic Newham, Great Wakering Rovers, Takeley, Little Oakley, White Ensign & Romford remain unbeaten so far, FC Clacton & Sawbridgeworth both remain bottom and pointless (and goalless) after three games, but as said it's still early days.

There are no midweek games coming up this week, the next action sees nine sides in FA Cup action next weekend when the Preliminary Rounds take place, so it means only two league games have been scheduled, below are those eleven games.....

Saturday August 17th

Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round

Benfleet Vs Haringey Borough

Brightlingsea Regent Vs Romford

Lancing Vs Athletic Newham 

Little Oakley Vs Berkhamsted 

Redbridge Vs Barking

Stotford Vs Takeley 

Tilbury Vs Stanway Rovers

Walthamstow Vs Saffron Walden Town

White Ensign Vs Brantham Athletic 

Essex Senior League

FC Clacton v Stansted 

Sawbridgeworth Town v Buckhurst Hill 

How many of the ESL sides can make it through causing surprises along the way? And in the league can either of FC Clacton, Stansted, Sawbridgeworth Town or Buckhurst Hill grab a first win of the season, could be two important games already in terms of laying a marker down in those lower positions in the table and also for the confidence too, should be two good battles at Rush Green Bowl & Crofters.

Anyway that's all for now, hope your enjoyed reading!!!

Essex Senior League (Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replays) Round Up - Barking, Stanway Rovers & Saffron Walden Town all through to next round, Frenford out after extra time loss

(Tom Troubridge putting Frenford ahead in extra time against Biggleswade Town, unfortunately they could not hold onto that lead and lost after extra time at The Drive, photo courtesy of Frenford FC (@Frenfordfc))

Tuesday night saw four more Essex Senior League sides take to the pitch for replays in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round after they all played out draws at the weekend, could any of them join the five sides who have won through so far, let's find out what happened on Tuesday evening..... 

Barking 1 Tring Athletic 0 (Att: 108) 

The Blues were denied victory at Tring thanks to a 94th minute penalty for what looked like a very harsh hand ball decision against them, so they would have been determined to get the job done second time around at Mayesbrook Park, whereas Tring no doubt would have liked to have taken advantage of their fortune in the first game and get the job done at the second time of asking. Well, it looked like the tie would be headed for extra time as it remained goalless, that was until ten minutes from time when George Carbery put through his own net to hand the Blues the win and progression into the next round where they will face an away tie at Oakside against Redbridge.

Frenford 2 Biggleswade Town 4 (aet) (Att: 121) 

Just like Barking at Tring, Frenford were denied a passage into the next round at the first time of asking after Biggleswade Town netted a 98th minute penalty to force this replay at The Drive, could Frenford get over that disappointment and make sure of victory at home to take their place in the following round, or would Biggleswade take advantage of forcing such a late draw in the first game by getting the job done here? The hosts struck first on the quarter hour mark when Jordon Elongo, who netted both goals in the original game, netted again here to give the ESL side the lead, Biggleswade though hit back through Kit Brown in the 64th minute to level the contest up heading into the final twenty five minutes of normal time. With no further goals coming in normal time the contest went to extra time, and four minutes into that extra half hour Tom Troubridge restored Frenford's lead, but that lead lasted only three minutes as Biggleswade levelled once again through Scott Metcalfe. Metcalfe then netted again in the 101st minute to put the visitors ahead and they sealed their passage into the next round when Jaiden Irish added a fourth goal two minutes from the end, and in the process ended Frenford's participation in this years competition.

Maldon & Tiptree 1 Stanway Rovers 2 (Att: 176) 

Neither side could break the deadlock in Saturday's original tie at The Hawthorns, would anyone manage to score in the replay at Park Drive in Maldon and could the visitors cause a surprise by knocking out Step Four opposition away from home? The visitors were the ones to strike first and grab the first goal of the tie when Henry Barley saw a deflected effort go past Jamie Grossart in the 17th minute to stun the hosts and higher league opposition, but Maldon managed to level eight minutes into the second period through Lewis Watson, heading home a Louie Arrowsmith cross to square up this tie once again. Arrowsmith was to be involved in the next goal too, but for the wrong reasons, as his handball inside his own box resulted in a penalty for Rovers which George Okoye converted with fifteen minutes to go and earn Rovers a superb win, setting up an away tie to Tilbury at Chadfields.

Saffron Walden Town 2 Barton Rovers 1 (Att: 232) 

Walden netted late on against Barton Rovers to force this replay at Caton's Lane, this after playing a sizable part of the match with only ten men after keeper Jake Anderson was sent off before half time, could they go one better here and knock out Step Four opposition in the process? The Bloods managed to draw first erm, Blood, in this one when Tom Skelton put them ahead in the 16th minute, and then with fifteen minutes to go the scorer of the late leveller in the first game, Emmanuel Okunja, netted Walden's second of the contest to give them a two goal cushion. Barton Rovers though then pulled one back with ten minutes remaining when Ryan Neufville netted, setting up a tense final few minutes, but, Walden managed to see it out and take victory, setting up a tie at Wadham Lodge against Walthamstow.

So, a massive congratulations to Barking, Stanway Rovers & Saffron Walden Town who all win through to the next round of the FA Cup, the latter two defeating Step Four outfits to boot, meaning that's eight ESL sides through to the Preliminary Round, commiserations to Frenford who lost out in extra time this evening, but three out of four this evening is not bad no? 

The two remaining Extra Preliminary Round replays take place tomorrow evening (Wednesday) and they are below...

Ilford Vs Newport Pagnell Town (winners at home to AFC Dunstable)

Romford Vs Eynesbury Rovers (winners away to Brightlingsea Regent) 

 

Good luck to both Ilford and Romford, let's hope they can make it ten sides into the Preliminary Round!!!

Essex Senior League (Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replays) Round Up - Monday August 5th - Stansted & Great Wakering Rovers suffer narrow defeats to bow out of this years competition

(Great Wakering Rovers James White free kick finding the back of the Redbridge net in the original tie on Saturday at Burroughs Park which ended 2-2, photo courtesy of Great Wakering Rovers (@GWRovers))

This week sees eight Emirates FA Cup replays involving Essex Senior League sides following their draws at the weekend in their original ties, Monday night saw two of those replays take place, let's see what happened in those.....

Biggleswade 2 Stansted 1 

Both sides played out an entertaining contest despite the end result being 0-0 at Hargrave Park, but Stansted would have been more than happy in how they performed against a side who play a level higher then them in the non league pyramid, could they go to Bedford (this is where the hosts play their home games) and pull of a cup shock? It didn't start well for the Airportmen as Ethan Kessel put the hosts into a seventh minute lead but the ESL visitors fought back to level the tie once again as Ashaan Siddik netted just beyond the half hour mark. And it looked as if the tie would go to extra time, that was until the hosts netted an 81st minute winner through Lawrie Marsh and send the hosts into the next round to face London Lions at home. 

Redbridge 1 Great Wakering Rovers 0 (Att: 149)

These two played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with the lower level side (Wakering) twice coming from behind to earn tonight's replay at Oakside, these two know each other well after clashing in league games only two seasons ago, however, Redbridge were probably slight favourites to get the job done this evening having home advantage and being in a higher division perhaps? Well, it was the home side who broke the deadlock, just like Saturday, although not quite as early, as it took them seventeen minutes to break through this time around as Wyan Reid netted for The Motormen, this proved to be the only goal of the contest too meaning it's the higher league opponents who progress into the next round to face Tring Athletic or Barking at home, who replay tomorrow at Mayesbrook Park.

So, commiserations to Stansted & Great Wakering Rovers who bow out of the competition, Tuesday & Wednesday sees the remaining six replays take place, these can be found below and who they would face and where if they were to win their replays and make it to the next round.....

Tuesday August 6th

Barking Vs Tring Athletic (winners away to Redbridge)

Frenford Vs Biggleswade Town (winners at home to Enfield)

Maldon & Tiptree Vs Stanway Rovers (winners away to Tilbury)

Saffron Walden Town Vs Barton Rovers (winners away to Walthamstow)

Wednesday August 7th

Ilford Vs Newport Pagnell Town (winners at home to AFC Dunstable)

Romford Vs Eynesbury Rovers (winners away to Brightlingsea Regent) 

Lets hope the other six ESL clubs have better fortune than tonight's ones.....

Essex Senior League (Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round) Review - Friday 2nd-Sunday 4th August - Benfleet through after winning on debut in competition, Athletic Newham, Takeley, Little Oakley & White Ensign also go through, and eight other sides also earn replays

(Action from West Essex Vs Enfield at Wadham Lodge, here substitute keeper George Edgeworth saves a stoppage time spot kick from West's Zak Oliver to deny the hosts a replay and send Enfield through, photo courtesy of Enfield FC (@EnfieldFC))

The famous old competition got underway this weekend as 442 sides got their campaigns underway, that's 221 ties across the weekend, nineteen of those ties involved Essex Senior League sides, twenty of them all raring to go and see if they could make a decent cup run and make some money along the way, well let's see how they all fared....

Friday 2nd August

Stansted 0 Biggleswade 0 (Att: 434)

The Airportmen were trying to build on their midweek point away at Little Oakley after such a poor start to their campaign last weekend, and they were up against Southern League One Central (Step Four) side Biggleswade who were yet to start their season, well there were no goals forthcoming in the tie over ninety minutes in front of a very decent crowd at Hargrave Park, the hosts did very well to earn another crack at higher league opposition as they will replay on Monday evening in Biggleswade. For highlights of this game please click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d5d36QQx1Q and many thanks to Ashley Hanson (@AshleyJHanson) for these highlights.

Saturday 3rd August

Barton Rovers 1 Saffron Walden Town 1 (Att: 115)

This was always going to be a tough trip for Walden, up against a Step Four outfit in the shape of Barton Rovers who were playing in the Southern League One Central (Step Four) this season, yes the hosts hadn't started the season as yet, and Walden were two league games in and coming 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 the task was made even tougher seven minutes before the break when keeper Jake Anderson was sent off (he was replaced by sub keeper James Bransgrove) & when Cousins put the hosts ahead early in the second period, you felt that maybe they would go on and record victory. But no, Walden battled gamely and once the hosts were reduced to ten men with fifteen to go after Watkins Clark was sent off, Walden seized their moment as with time running out Emmanuel Okunja levelled to see this one go to a replay at Catons Lane. 

Benfleet 3 Woodford Town 1 (Att: 342)

These two knew 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 could Benfleet, who were 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.  Well, they made the first move in this game when Rhys Fatt beat the offside trap to slot the hosts ahead just before the half hour mark, although Woodford then levelled through Elo Benoit just six minutes later, however, Benfleet were not to be denied and retook the lead seven minutes before half time when Max Jobson, fresh from his hat-trick in midweek, slotted home, and then three minutes before the break Mason Shave netted to hand the hosts a three one half time lead. And with no more goals forthcoming, the majority of the 342 inside Woodside went home very happy indeed. For highlights of this game please click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-W_uGweujs&t=6s and many thanks to Ashley Hanson (@AshleyJHanson) for these highlights.

Biggleswade United 2 Frenford 2 (Att: 184) 

Frenford came 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 were against Spartan South Midlands Premier (Step Five) side Biggleswade United who had drawn their opening two league games against Tring Athletic & Colney Heath, so this one was expected to be a close one although the hosts may have had the edge as the game is being played at their Verdant Stadium. The visitors drew first blood in this one when Jordon Elongo gave them a 26th minute lead, although they were pegged back five minutes into first half stoppage time when Scott Metcalfe levelled, Elongo though restored Frenford's lead just past the hour mark and that looked likely to be enough for the visitors to progress, but in the 98th minute the hosts saw Kevin Owusu level from the spot and earn a replay in dramatic style.

Chipstead 0 Athletic Newham 2 (Att: 65)

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 were yet to begin their campaign, so would this be an advantage to the visitors who will be more than confident of progression in this one. And they duly progressed through to the next round too as after Anderson Silva Baro had put the visitors ahead seven minutes before the break, Abdul Khamis netted a second with eleven minutes to go to seal their passage into the next round.

Colney Heath 1 Takeley 2 

Takeley have begun 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 were 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 have gone either way. Takeley grabbed an early lead through a Jordan Westcott penalty but saw the hosts level with seven minutes of the first half to go through Joseph Caffrey. A replay then looked on the cards, that was until Westcott popped up to net a second penalty of the afternoon in the fifth minute of stoppage time at the end of the game and send the ESL visitors into the next round.

 

Eynesbury Rovers 2 Romford 2 (Att: 126)

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.  Well, the visitors edged ahead after just three minutes in this one courtesy of a Jonny Hall goal, and when Victor Osobu added a second for the hosts six minutes before the break, Romford had a mountain to climb. But, the managed to reduce the deficit with eighteen minutes to go when Shermandin Artmeladze converted from the spot, and with ten minutes to go Artmeladze netted again to see the visitors earn a replay. 

FC Clacton 0 Leighton Town 6 (Att: 116)

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 would be a very hard contest for sure, and so it turned out, Kyle Boyce giving the visitors a seventh minute lead before a Sam King double on 14 & 22 minutes had the Bedfordshire side cruising. Lynton Goss then made it four on the half hour mark before Boyce added a fifth in first half stoppage time, and all the hosts could do now was prevent an embarrassment, well they did only concede one more goal in the second half, a Charlie Pattison goal just before the hour mark, but by then the game was done as a contest as Leighton cruised through. 

Great Wakering Rovers 2 Redbridge 2 (Att: 150)

Rovers welcomed 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 and grabbed the perfect start when taking the lead after just a minute through Tendi Quamina, but Rovers recovered to level through Harry Brown after twenty five minutes but then fell behind again with thirteen minutes remaining when Charlie Stimson scored. Rovers though managed to fight back again to earn a replay at Oakside when James White netted with nine minutes to go.

 

Harpenden Town 3 Halstead Town 1 (Att: 155)

Halstead travelled 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 game 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. Harpenden grabbed a seventh minute lead through Ben Spaul but The Humbugs levelled through Asa Cansdale just three minutes later. Kyle Raho restored the hosts lead just before half time before Ryan Plowwright sealed the deal with just over twenty minutes to go. 

Little Oakley 3 Dunstable Town 1 (Att: 99)

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 certainly fancy progressing here as they did have home advantage too.  The hosts led 2-0 at the break after Luke Hipkin's 20th minute goal was added to by Darren Mills with nine minutes of the first half remaining, but when Ayo Akinbobola reduced the arrears eight minutes after the break, Oakley must have been thinking, oh no here we go again, but after the visitors saw Luke Lodder sent off with nine minutes remaining, Oakley sealed their passage into the next round when Adrian Cant netted in stoppage time.

 

Newport Pagnell Town 3 Ilford 3 

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 travelled 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 expected the hosts to prevail in this one though but it was The Foxes who opened the scoring on the quarter hour mark through Michael Olatunji but thereafter for a time it was the hosts who took control, levelling just two minutes later through Abraham before goals late on in the first half from Connor & Henson had the hosts 3-1 to the good. The game remained 3-1 with four minutes of the ninety remaining, but Ilford then reduced the arrears Greg Akpele before the unthinkable happened as Ilford earned a replay thanks to a 95th minute header from Mo Nur Habib, sparking wild celebrations from the visitors who looked dead and buried at one stage.

Potton United 1 White Ensign 3 (Att: 131) 

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, could 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? Well, it didn't start well for the visitors as Chris Manangu 11th minute goal had the hosts ahead, but Ensign are full of confidence right now and levelled through skipper Nathan Wilson after twenty one minutes before that man Deveraux gave the Southend side the lead with just under twenty minutes remaining. And Jon Evans added a late third to make sure of Ensign's progress as their good start to the season continued.

Sawbridgeworth Town 0 FC Romania 5

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 felt they would win through in this tie as well and progress into the next round. And so it turned out, and rather comfortably too, Jesse Friend opening the scoring on the half hour mark before Riley Horne-Haynes doubled that lead in first half stoppage time, Flavio Gyawukyem made it three in the 72nd minute, and an Ezekiel Williams penalty with eleven to go plus a late Alex Awobimpe goal capped a decent day for the Cheshunt based outfit.

Stanway Rovers 0 Maldon & Tiptree 0 (Att: 170)

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 welcomed 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 have been quite the game & could maybe have kick started the hosts season into life, but as it turned out neither side could find the net in what was a goalless encounter, so it means both will have to go again at Maldon's Park Drive to see who can progress into the next round.

Tilbury 4 Buckhurst Hill 1 (Att: 223)

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 would 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 hadn't started their season yet, but I felt they would have the edge in this one. The hosts were stunned though after just two minutes when George Thompson netted from the spot to put Buckhurst Hill ahead, and it remained that way until nine minutes from half time when Sam Bantick levelled, and in first half stoppage time Tilbury led thanks to a Alex Akrofi goal. Hill were then dealt a further blow when Ethan Daniels was sent off just eight minutes into the second half, and Bantick then added further goals on 84 & 95 minutes to finally break the visitors resolve and add some gloss to the score line for the home side.

Tring Athletic 1 Barking 1 (Att: 192)

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 did fancy a Barking win in this one.  Well, after Sam Edwards had fired The Blues ahead just before the hour mark it seemed that would be the case, that was until the won a spot kick deep into added on time and saw Gregory Deer convert the penalty to mean a replay at Mayesbrook Park is forthcoming.

 

West Essex 0 Enfield 1  

Wadham Lodge played host to ESL Vs Southern One Central (Step Four) 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 were 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 would at least have that advantage over them although it was going to be a tough assignment against a side in a league above them, it turned out to be a battle that was for sure!!! Robert Clark gave Enfield the lead just past the half hour mark, but West were given the chance to level from the spot but saw this saved by Lamar Johnson, the keeper was then sent off after giving away another spot kick, this time deep deep into stoppage time, but sub keeper George Edgeworth saved that one too!!! Enfield were to end the game with nine men after Benjamin Wyss was given his marching orders deeper into a heep of added on time, but the visitors managed to come away with the win and progression into the next round.

Sunday 4th August

Grays Athletic 5 Hullbridge Sports 1 (Att: 290)

This tie put 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 would need to start it right if they are not to be swallowed up by the visitors attacking power. It was billed as a potential cracker this one, and it was Hullbridge, just like in their two league games thus far, who made a quick start when Charlie Morris tapped home following a break down the right, but Grays fought back to level after twenty minutes when Elliott Sartorius drilled home. And Grays then took the lead just six minutes later when Alejandro Machado let fly from thirty yards out to see the hosts go into the half time break 2-1 ahead. And barely a minute after the restart Grays had increased their lead when winger Bobby Unwin cut inside onto his left foot before firing home Machado then added his second and Grays fourth of the afternoon with seventeen minutes go to, and there was still time for the hosts to seal a wonderful performance when Matas Skarna added a late fifth to send the home side into the next round.

So, well done to Benfleet (who win on their debut in this competition), Athletic Newham, Takeley, Little Oakley & White Ensign who all made it through to the next round in two weeks time, these are their matches in the Preliminary Round.....

Benfleet Vs Haringey Borough

Lancing Vs Athletic Newham

Little Oakley Vs Berkhamsted

Stotfold Vs Takeley

White Ensign Vs Brantham Athletic

And eight sides managed to earn replays in the next few days, these are those ties....

Monday August 5th

Biggleswade Vs Stansted (winner at home to London Lions)

Redbridge Vs Great Wakering Rovers (winners at home to Tring Athletic or Barking)

Tuesday August 6th

Barking Vs Tring Athletic (winners away to Redbridge or Great Wakering Rovers)

Frenford Vs Biggleswade Town (winners at home to Enfield)

Maldon & Tiptree Vs Stanway Rovers (winners away to Tilbury)

Saffron Walden Town Vs Barton Rovers (winners away to Walthamstow)

Wednesday August 7th

Ilford Vs Newport Pagnell Town (winners at home to AFC Dunstable)

Romford Vs Eynesbury Rovers (winners away to Brightlingsea Regent)

Good luck to all of those sides competing in the replays this week, how many more will get through and join the five who progressed at the weekend.....

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???