Thurlow Nunn South Review (November 23rd) - Harlow Town seven clear after they win & Hackney Wick lose at Cannons Wood who along with Rayleigh Town strengthen their grip on play off spot, Burnham Ramblers & Brimsdown secure big wins down at bottom

(Action from FC Baresi Vs Hoddeson Town at Wodson Park where the sides played out a seven goal thriller, photo courtesy of FC Baresi (@Fc_Baresi))

I thought I'd bring you the latest goings on in the Thurlow Nunn First Division South from this weekend, and despite Storm Bert etc etc seven games still went ahead as planned, so without further ado lets check in and see how they went:-

Basildon Town 1 Newbury Forest 1

Newbury Forest picked up a very useful point at mid table Basildon Town to take them to just two points from safety,  the hosts went in front in the 21st minute after Dylan Jones netted, but the visitors would pick up a share of the spoils courtesy of Roberto Calvalho's 55th minute equaliser, it leaves the hosts in 11th spot and the visitors still second bottom but still only seven points off their opponents in what is a congested bottom half in the division.

Cannons Wood 4 Hackney Wick 3

A Stuart Zanone brace helped Wood win a thriller against Hackney Wick at Parkside as the visitors title aspirations took a big hit, Wick grabbed the lead midway through the first half after Mohammed Sebaihi curled a beauty into the top corner, however the hosts then netted twice in four minutes either side of the half hour mark to turn the match around and see the hosts lead at the break. Wood then increased their lead early in the second period thanks to a wonderful overhead kick from Austin Junior Nkwonta, Wick though reduced the arrears soon after when Issa Sidibe fired home a low finish but just past the hour Wood restored their two goal cushion meaning Wick had a mountain to climb. With fifteen minutes remaining they did pull one back when Leonardo Pola Lopete curled a shot into the bottom corner, but with the visitors unable to muster a leveller, Wood picked up all three points to strengthen their position inside the top five and the play off spots.

Coggeshall Town 0 Rayleigh Town 3

A brace from Benny Fladzomor plus a strike from Tommy Sykes handed Rayleigh a very impressive win at Coggeshall Town, and what made it even more impressive was the fact that the visitors were reduced to ten men after only twenty minutes when Pat Mills was sent off for a high challenge. The ten men though took the lead in the 64th minute after a cool finish from Sykes but instead of holding on to what they had, they added to their cushion in the 77th minute when Fladzomor, who had come on for Jahvid Irish on the hour mark, smashed home an unstoppable drive in off the crossbar. And as the game entered stoppage time Rayleigh added a third when Fladzomor smashed home his second of the contest to strengthen his side places in the play off spots.

FC Baresi 3 Hoddesdon Town 4

Connor Bolton's 96th minute winner settled a cracking local derby at Wodson Park as Hoddesdon moved up to eighth and only five points of the play off places. FC Baresi, who are trying to pull themselves away from the bottom three, looked in very good shape early on as a brace from Marvin Dolapo Hamilton-Omole in the 19th and 25th minute had them 2-0 up, Hoddy though pulled one back just before half time through Callum Bennison before levelling the contest up in the 70th minute courtesy of Arnis Lala. Bennison then gave the visitors the lead soon after but immediately saw Andrew Newman level the match up at 3-3 and that looked to be how it would end until Bolton prodded a loose ball over the line from close range to win the contest for the Lilywhites in dramatic fashion.

Harlow Town 5 May & Baker 1

League leaders Harlow stretched their lead at the top to seven points after they netted five at home to May & Baker, taking advantage of Hackney Wick's slip up at Cannons Wood. The hosts were dealt a very early blow when striker Jack Zielinski was forced off with an injury, meaning experienced forward Gavin Cockman had to come on and replace him, but it mattered not at least for this game as they grabbed a 22nd minute lead when Fred Agyemang stole the ball of the keeper to fire into the empty net. Fabion Simms then headed home from a corner on the half hour mark to double their advantage, only to see Bakers reduce the arrears just two minutes later through Jack Ferris, however Harlow restored their two goal lead when Agyemang netted his second of the afternoon. Cockman then got himself on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute when he finished well beyond the keeper after being found from a pass in from the right, and although the hosts then saw Syrus Gordon receive a second yellow to be sent off, Jordan Burnett added a late fifth to see the hosts complete another win.

Hutton 0 Brimsdown 2

Brimsdown grabbed a big big win to pull themselves away from the bottom three after goals from Hasan Bertug Seyhan & Flavien Stierlen helped them stun third placed Hutton at New Lodge. Hutton were attempting to try and close the gap to the top two, but it remains at ten points after they were beaten by a visiting side who now sit in 13th with a three points buffer to the bottom three.

NW London 0 Burnham Ramblers 2

Burnham Ramblers netted a very big win down towards the foot of the table after goals from Aiden Jon Brown & Immanuel Soetan helped them to all three points against fellow strugglers NW London at Coles Park. It meant that Ramblers, who were in the bottom three at the start of play and below their opponents, jumped up three places to 15th and now only behind NW London on goal difference, with a three points gap to the bottom three.

Let's check out the table after those weekend matches:-

With Harlow winning and Wick losing, the league leaders really did take control of the title run after opening up a seven point gap, the top two though are still way ahead of the rest after Hutton slipped up, Cannons Wood & Rayleigh Town also strengthened their top five positions after wins, Cannons Wood over Wick of course and Town's over Coggeshall, who lost ground to the top five as a result.

Hoddy got themselves into that particular mix themselves after a late late win at FC Baresi, the latter remaining just two points above the bottom three as a result, whereas Brimsdown & Burnham Ramblers picked up big wins to put a small amount of daylight between themselves and the bottom three.

That brings you right up to date with the division for now, thanks for reading as always!!!

Essex Senior League Round Up (Saturday November 23rd) - Stanway go five clear, Barking continue great form, Buckhurst Hill march on, Frenford win derby whilst Benfleet, Halstead & Hullbridge all pick up important wins

(Action from Hullbridge Sports 4-1 win over West Essex at Lower Road, photo courtesy of Scott W (@ScottMHC14))

Despite the threat of Storm Bert in the forecast and the windy and very wet conditions, eight of the scheduled ten Essex Senior League matched went ahead as planned, so let's see how those matches fared:-

Benfleet 3 Athletic Newham 0

Benfleet netted a very welcome three points after they saw off Athletic Newham at Woodside, after a goalless opening forty five minutes it was the hosts who broke the deadlock nine minutes after the break courtesy of Nathan Saunders, and that lead was added too in the 65th minute when Sonny Hartman netted to double the hosts advantage. And the hosts sealed the deal in stoppage time through Toby Dickinson to net a very welcome three points.

Buckhurst Hill 4 Stansted 0

Buckhurst Hill are now just five points off a play off spot after they thrashed Stansted at Myrak Park, Hill grabbed an eighth minute lead when Tyreece Robertson rounded visiting keeper Jack Dixson after a deflection and slotted home from a tight angle, and a minute before the break Hill had a second goal when Suley Zuhdu provided a fine finish after the ball had fallen to him on the edge of the box. Hill then extended that lead further in the 65th minute after a brilliant run from Bradley Ismaili was met by a pass played to Archie Hammond who slotted home, and they sealed a wonderful day at the office when they made it four in the 86th minute through Jonathan Ogunsanya after a shot from Dan Jones was saved the lose ball was buried by Ogunsanya. Stansted's poor afternoon ended with Joe Pullen being sent off after an altercation with Ogunsanya as they suffered another disappointing afternoon as they slipped to third bottom in the standings.

Hullbridge Sports 4 West Essex 1

Bridge netted four as they jumped up a place to seventeenth, just like in midweek the hosts made a brilliant start as they took an early lead through Ruben Santos, seeing his set piece find the far corner, and after just ten minutes Bridge had an even better start when a good pass from Piers Hatcliff found Mechack Asuka who found the right corner with a cool finish. However, in the 57th minute West found a route back into the contest when Matt McDowell applied a decent finish in a congested penalty area, but any nerves the hosts may have encountered were eased when they restored that two goal cushion midway through the second period after Asuka netted his second of the game, decent build up play from Jack Unwin found the striker who fired low past Emmanuel Nwosu. And the hosts sealed a very important win for their morale in the 81st minute after a defensive error allowed the ball to be played to Owen Bellamy who fired a lovely strike high into the left corner, and following this West saw Ramzi Mahmoudi & Bieron Ademi sent off to add to the visitors woes, and they ended the game with eight men after a sin bin late on too, not a good day at the office for them. 

Ilford 2 Frenford 3

Frenford came from behind at half time to win this derby at Cricklefield, putting them on the verge of the top ten as a result. It was the visitors who grabbed a 14th minute lead when Jordan Elongo found the net, however The Foxes were level midway through the first half courtesy of Greg Akpele before they had turned this match around five minutes before the break when Adama Konate found the net. Frenford though would hit back and level this derby once again when Nick Reynolds netted the visitors second in the 73rd minute, and it was Frenford who had now turned the match on it's head when they netted a winner in the 87th minute as Elongo added his second of the contest. 

Romford 1 Halstead Town 2

Halstead's revival continued as they stunned Romford at Mayesbrook Park, it looked like it could be a long afternoon for the visitors when the hosts grabbed an early lead here as Harry Elsey found the net after just eight minutes, but the visitors recovered from the early set back to level through Alfie Cleal just before the half time break to send the sides in level. And with 72 minutes on the clock The Humbugs had turned things around when Dean Agar struck home a penalty for the visitors which turned out to be the winning strike too meaning Halstead climbed to 15th and ten points above bottom side FC Clacton, a spot they occupied themselves not so long ago.  

Sawbridgeworth Town 0 Barking 2

Barking under Craig Edwards is going very well thus far, four games, three wins and a draw has seen The Blues right in the play off shake up after they netted twice to see off struggling Sawbo at Crofters. It took the Blues only nine minutes to open the scoring when Sam Shaban found the net, and seven minutes after the half time break Barking doubled that lead through Teddy Stacey and this proved enough for the visitors to go level on points with fifth placed Romford with a game in hand.

Stanway Rovers 3 Great Wakering Rovers 1

Joe Debell netted a brace as league leaders Stanway Rovers increased their lead at the top to five points after a huge three points against promotion rivals Great Wakering Rovers at The Hawthorns. It was the league leaders who drew first blood in this big top of the table clash after 14 minutes when Tom Maycock scored, curling a lovely effort into the bottom left corner, and just before the break the hosts double their lead when Joe Debell ran onto a free kick from Reece Harris to calmly volley past the keeper. GWR had the chance to get themselves a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty with 71 minutes gone after Callum Boylan was pulled back inside the box, and Harry Talbot duly converted from the spot to half the hosts lead, however, any sniff the visitors felt they had of getting something from the game evaporated when Debell added his second of the game as in the 82nd minute, converting a Harris cross after passing a ricocheting ball into the net to seal the win and open up a nine point gap to their rivals who remain fourth and are looking over their shoulders now after back to back losses.

White Ensign 0 Takeley 2

Takeley are now three points ahead of fourth placed GWR and only a point off second placed Woodford after they netted victory at Burroughs Park against White Ensign. After a goalless first forty five minutes it was the visitors who got their noses in front when a Charlie Allum corner dropped to Coby Miles, he played the ball out to Jordan Wescott whose floated ball in found John Clarke at the far post to nod home, and the visitors then doubled their lead when keeper Jarvis Monk found skipper Allum who curled home over hosts keeper Bradley Davison after shrugging off two defenders. Ensign would end the game with no points and ten men too after Robbie Allen was dismissed in stoppage time, their inability to take chances was their downfall in this one as they remain in tenth spot.

Let's see how the table looks after today's contests:-

Stanway Rovers took advantage of Woodford Town being out of action (their game at Little Oakley was postponed today) by opening up a five point gap, Takeley also took advantage of Great Wakering's loss as well as closing the gap to second spot with victory at the home of GWR against Ensign. Barking continued their terrific form under Craig Edwards to be on the cusp of the top five after Romford's slip up today, Walden were out of action after their game at FC Clacton was scrubbed today.

Buckhurst Hill are now just five points off a top five place after they turned over Stansted at Myrak Park, Frenford closed the gap to the top ten after they won the derby at Ilford and Athletic Newham & Ensign both lost, there were also wins for Benfleet, Halstead & Hullbridge down towards the bottom of the table, giving all three pretty large gaps to bottom side FC Clacton. The Humbugs revival is a remarkable one after they occupied bottom spot not so long ago themselves but are now ten points ahead of that now.

That concludes the ESL round up for this weekend, thanks for reading and until next time, take care!!!

Essex Senior League Round Up (18th/19th/20th November) - Romford bounce back with victory at Little Oakley, Walden come from behind to defeat Hullbridge, Ilford & Barking share points at Cricklefield

(Romford celebrating only goal of game at Little Oakley to take all three points in the pouring rain in North Essex, photo courtesy of Bob Knightley/Romford FC)

This week saw three Essex Senior League league games take place across Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday so let's see how those matches went:-

Monday November 18th

Little Oakley 0 Romford 1

Romford were trying to bounce back from a disappointing result last time out and try and hold onto their play off spot with the likes of Saffron Walden Town & Barking hot on their tails and threatening to replace them in that fifth spot in the division, they were up against a Little Oakley side who were trying to get back into the top ten with a win themselves. One goal proved to be enough to settle this contest playing in the pouring rain near the North Essex coast, and it went to the visitors just before the hour mark when Joe Paxman was on hand to net what proved to be the winner and hand Romford a very important three points.

Tuesday November 19th

Saffron Walden Town 3 Hullbridge Sports 1

As said above, Walden are trying to chase that final play off spot and knock Romford out of those places, along with Barking of course, The Bloods are obviously chasing more than that overall but were already fourteen points behind leaders Stanway heading into this contest, albeit with three games in hand, so they knew that for now they just needed to get into those play off spots and then see what happens further down the line. They were up against a Hullbridge side who have really struggled this season and are sitting way down in third bottom spot and five points above bottom side FC Clacton, so points for them were also necessary to put a bigger gap between them and that twentieth spot in the league. Things began well for the visitors as they caught Walden cold as after only two minutes Mechack Asuka put Bridge ahead, and it was a lead that lasted until three points before half time when Solomon Ofori levelled, and Walden then turned it around six minutes after the break when Ross Wall scored and now the visitors were having to chase the game. The hosts though made sure of the points to keep the heat on the ones above when Correy Davidson netted and kept up their chase on a play off spot.

Wednesday November 20th

Ilford 2 Barking 2

Former Mayesbrook Park tenants Ilford were up against their ex landlords in Barking at Cricklefield in a derby match, league placings didn't really mean to much in this one, The Foxes have been playing well of late and have pulled themselves well away from danger whereas Barking under the guidance of new boss Craig Edwards are challenging for a play off spot helped by two big wins against promotion rivals Saffron Walden Town & Great Wakering Rovers with the new boss having a 100% record so far in his two games in charge. The Blues got themselves ahead after ten minutes through Sam Shaban but were pegged back by Jabir Adam's 28th minute leveller as the sides went in level at the break, Juwon Akintunde then restored Barking's lead barely a minute after the restart, but Joel Appiah quickly levelled three minutes later.  Neither side could go on and win the game meaning it ended all square, thus ending Edwards perfect start to his latest spell as boss of The Blues, but he remains unbeaten at least in what was probably a decent point.

Let's look at the latest league table ahead of a full weekend fixture list:-

 And below are those weekend fixtures which all take place on Saturday November 23rd:-

Benfleet Vs Athletic Newham (2pm)

Buckhurst Hill Vs Stansted

FC Clacton Vs Saffron Walden Town (2pm)

Hullbridge Sports Vs West Essex

Ilford Vs Frenford 

Little Oakley Vs Woodford Town

Romford Vs Halstead Town

Sawbridgeworth Town Vs Barking

Stanway Rovers Vs Great Wakering Rovers

White Ensign Vs Takeley (2pm)

No doubt above game of the weekend, league leaders Stanway Rovers at home to fourth placed Great Wakering Rovers, the visitors can ill afford a loss as a home win would see Wakering fall nine points behind the leaders, an away win would certainly change the outlook as GWR would only be three behind and have two games in hand still, so you feel this is a biggie already in terms of GWR's title aspirations.

You have the old Ilford derby at Cricklefield as Frenford, whose name is devised from the slogan 'Friends of Ilford', make the very short trip to Seven Kings and I am sure it won't be friendly either, no friends on the pitch as they say, so that should be a well contested match for sure.

There are also plenty of games that see sides going for play off spots or cementing those places against sides who are trying to get themselves away from the bottom places and secure some breathing space for now, and those sort of games can be never be taken for granted, so it will be interesting to see what happens in those too, promises to be another dramatic weekend of Essex Senior League action!!! 

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Three/Four Review (Tuesday November 19th) - Daggers knock out last year's runners up Col U, Urchins see off brave Rayleigh, Regent upset Millers

 

Another week and another three BBC Essex Senior Cup ties, there was one remaining Round Three tie to be played as well as two Last 16 ties (Round Four) also taking place, let's see how those games panned out on a cold November night:-

Round Three

Dagenham & Redbridge 1 Colchester United 0

This pitted Vanarama National Daggers against last seasons runners up and EFL League Two side Col U at Victoria Road in Dagenham, both sides were entering the competition at this stage, so both were trying to avoid exiting it at their first hurdle. The Us were also trying to banish the memories of last years final when they lost on penalties to Redbridge on this very ground, well after a goalless opening forty five minutes the Us were lucky to still be in the game after the hosts struck the woodwork on three occasions in the second period. It looked like penalties would be needed to settle this tie, a very familiar scenario for the visitors, but, Daggers managed to find the goal they deserved in the 87th minute when Josh Rees jumped highest from a corner kick to nod home and send last years runners up out of the competition. Daggers will now travel to Canvey Island in Round Four.

Round Four

Rayleigh Town 0 Hornchurch 2

This was arguably the hosts biggest game of their recent history, if all history as they welcomed Vanarama South side Hornchurch to Thames Road in Concord, Rayleigh, who are in the Thurlow Nunn South, have already dumped out two Essex Senior League sides on route to this Last 16 clash, but Hornchurch, four levels above their opponents, would certainly be a totally different ball game. The Urchins, who needed penalties to see of Isthmian North Maldon & Tiptree in Round Three, were certainly hoping they would not be on the end of a huge upset, and with twenty seven minutes on the clock Femi Akinwande broke the deadlock to put the visitors ahead, turning home a ball across from Ade Yusuff to ease their nerves perhaps. And with three minutes of the first half remaining Yusuff turned goal scorer this time as Akinwande returned the favour by finding the former with a lovely through ball and saw him round the keeper and side foot home to give the visitors some breathing space. In the 82nd minute the visitors had the chance to extend their lead and seal the tie when they were awarded a spot kick after the brilliant Yusuff was fouled, but Yusuff fired the spot kick wide meaning it remained 2-0 to The Urchins, which is how it finished. A solid display from the visitors who go into the Quarter Finals, and although the hosts go out, they can be proud of how they played against a side of this quality.

Brightlingsea Regent 2 Aveley 1

Isthmian North Brightlingsea Regent were giving away two levels to opponents Aveley in this one with the visitors plying their trade in the Vanarama South division, Regent had seen off fellow Isthmian North side Redbridge in Round Three, whereas Aveley also downed Walthamstow from the same division as tonight's opponents in the last round two. It was the lower league hosts who got their noses in front though after twenty four minutes through Kenzo Shabazz-Edwards, firing a low effort through a crowd of players to find the bottom corner, and just before the hour mark the hosts doubled their lead when Fletcher Alexander Hubbard converted at the near post. The Millers though soon reduced that lead, six minutes later in fact when Ibrahim Akanbi netted for the visiting side, finding the bottom corner with an angled drive, but they were unable to find a leveller meaning the hosts would progress into the Quarter Finals.

So, after Colchester's exit, both of last year's finalists go out in Round Three, Hornchurch & Brightlingsea are the first sides into the Quarter Finals after tonight's wins, that leaves six Round Four ties still to be played, most of those will be next week, below is a recap of those ties:-

Round Four fixtures

Tuesday November 26th

Heybridge Swifts Vs Witham Town

Billericay Town Vs Chelmsford City

Saffron Walden Town vs Tilbury

Hashtag United Vs Harwich & Parkeston

Wednesday November 27th

Waltham Abbey Vs Little Oakley

TBC

Canvey Island Vs Dagenham & Redbridge

Some tasty ties to come then, by next week we should know pretty much all the Quarter Finalists as the competition gets towards the business end, that's all for now, thanks for reading!!!

Great Wakering Rovers 0 Barking 2 - Goals from Ahern & Akintunde see Barking to huge win at Great Wakering Rovers, there second one in a week against a play off rival, as Craig Edwards 100% winning start as boss continues

Essex Senior League, Saturday November 16th

Mid November, and with the season fast approaching the mid way point in terms of league games, I was over at Burroughs Park for a top seven clash in the division, and it saw Great Wakering Rovers in third hosting Barking, who are under new management of course, who sat in seventh and just four points off the play off spots.

The hosts were trying to put the disappointment of exiting the Vase last weekend, getting back to league action where they were on a four game winning streak, and trying to grab three points to at least keep them on the coat tails of the top two, they were five behind leaders Stanway, with two games in hand, and only a point off second placed Woodford, with a game in hand on them too, so if they kept winning, they were in a very good spot, or an even better one than they currently are.

They welcomed Barking side though who saw Craig Edwards return to the club to manage once again, and they certainly had that new manager bounce last time out when they saw off one of their play off chasing rivals in Saffron Walden Town 3-1 at Mayesbrook Park in one of their better performances for a few weeks, so this was going to be a decent game and a well contested one that was for sure.

It was certainly well contested, the hosts settled the quickest and were the ones in the front foot in the opening exchanges, however, it was Barking who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, as after the referee had awarded the visitors a free kick in a dangerous position on the left hand side, much to the dismay of the hosts who thought it had been given the other way, as did most of the ground (it did look harsh on the defender if truth be told) and from this free kick, Sam Edwards sent a lovely ball into the six yard box and skipper Pat Ahern got something on it and the ball spun over keeper George Martin and into the Wakering goal.

Cue more protests at the award of the free kick, one that wasn't defended well, and Barking had the lead, a lead they probably didn't deserve on balance of play up till that point, but they did create some really good chances in the remainder of the half, however, it was Wakering who had most of the play but just could not find that killer touch inside the box, and it meant Barking would go into the half time break a goal to the good.

The second period saw Barking having to soak up a lot of pressure as they held onto the slender lead, but just past the hour mark a wonderful run from Dom Locke saw him play the ball to Bradleigh Rowland, and as he burst into the box he was upended by Teddy Stacey, and the referee pointed to the spot and the hosts had a golden chance to find a leveller and maybe go on and win the game.

But, it wasn't to be as Harry Brown stepped up and saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Dan Purdue, and you felt at this point it probably wasn't going to be the hosts day, they kept up the pressure though but were always in danger of being caught on the counter, and in the 84th minute that is exactly what happened as a ball through to Juwon Akintunde saw him keep his calm before slotting in at the near post to seal another big win for the Blues.

Yes they rode their luck in this one, but going away to a big promotion rival you are always going to have to ride your luck at times, especially against such a good Wakering outfit who were lacking in front of goal today, and it saw Craig Edwards superb start to his latest tenure as Blues boss continue in superb style with a brilliant battling performance and three points.

Full time Great Wakering Rovers 0 Barking 2

So, let's now see what else went on in the division today as nine other matches took place on a full fixture list Saturday afternoon:-

Athletic Newham 0 Stanway Rovers 0

Leaders Stanway were held at Parsloes by Athletic Newham as neither side could break the deadlock, it does mean Rovers stay top though although now only two points clear of second placed Woodford.

Frenford 2 Buckhurst Hill 3

Buckhurst Hill came from behind to defeat Frenford at The Drive, Bradley Ismaili had given the visitors an eighth minute lead but an own goal in the 26th minute and a Corey Hewlett strike in the 44th minute handed Frenford the lead, only to see Buckhurst Hill level a minute later through Suley Zuhdu to send the sides into the break at 2-2.  Hill then saw keeper Toby Smith sent off in the 65th minute but it was they who won the game after Tyreece Robertson's 78th minute winner handed the visitors all three points, taking them to within five points of the top five.

Halstead Town 3 Little Oakley 2

A 105th minute winner from Owen Betts handed Halstead a dramatic win over Little Oakley at The Milbank Stadium, James Eveleigh had given the hosts the lead just past the half hour mark but saw Daniel Rowe level eight minutes before the break to see the sides go in level at the half. Dean Ager's penalty on the hour mark restored The Humbugs lead, but they were pegged back again after Darren Mills levelled in the 77th minute to seemingly earn his side a point. But with a whole heap of stoppage to come, FIFTEEN minutes into it Halstead saw Betts pop up to win the game for the hosts in dramatic fashion.

Hullbridge Sports 1 Woodford Town 3

Woodford cut the lead at the top to two points after they recorded victory at struggling Hullbridge, it was the hosts who started well and lead from Owen Bellamy's fourth minute penalty, but the lead only lasted nine minutes as Marcus Painter levelled for the visitors. Ten minutes into the second half the hosts saw Oscar Jones sent off and then five minutes later go behind after Kahlil Kirwan-Meade netted for Woodford, and with 82 minutes gone Sonny Shilling sealed the points for the visiting side who did end with ten men after Emmanuel Martins was sent off in stoppage time.

Ilford 3 Stansted 1

The Foxes netted their fourth win of the season after seeing off Stansted at Cricklefield, Mo Nur Habib gave the hosts a second minute lead, and then they doubled this lead seven minutes before the break when Daniel Izekor netted from the spot, and it was 3-0 at half time after Izekor netted again in first half stoppage time. Luke Skinner did pull one back early in the second half from the spot but Ilford saw out the game to take all three points.

Romford 1 White Ensign 3

Ellis Devereux struck twice as Ensign stunned ten man Romford at Mayesbrook Park, Devereaux handed the visitors a 34th minute lead and then the hosts saw keeper Harry Girling sent off four minutes before half time, meaning they would be on the back foot even more so. Riley Weir then handed the visitors a two goal cushion at the break when netting in first half stoppage time, and it was 3-0 when Devereaux netted his second early in the second half. Romford did manage to get on the scoresheet when Kennedy Feyi struck home a penalty in the 63rd minute, but it was Ensign who recorded a very impressive win.

Saffron Walden Town 3 Benfleet 2

Kevin Wright netted a 97th minute winner as Walden snatched a dramatic win at Catons Lane, Billy Carter had given Benfleet a 15th minute lead but Walden, fresh from their county cup win over Braintree in midweek, levelled through a Cameron Harris own goal just three minutes later. Things looked bad for Walden though just past the hour mark when keeper Jake Anderson was sent off, but Adalberto Pinto then gave Walden a 74th minute lead, but Fleet thought they had pinched a point when levelling in the 90th minute through John-Joe Salter, only to Wright pop up seven minutes into added on time to hand the hosts all the points. 

Takeley 3 FC Clacton 1

It's been quite a dew days for FC Clacton with their off field problems mounting this week, and they remain bottom of the table after another defeat, this time at Station Road against Takeley. Lanre Balogun gave the hosts a 16th minute lead, and that lead was doubled seven minutes later courtesy of Olly Miles, the visitors did pull one back four minutes after the break through Emmanuel Ikwuegbu, but Takeley quickly restored their two goal lead in the 53rd minutes when Miles grabbed his second, and the hosts went on to take all three points. 

West Essex 3 Sawbridgeworth Town 0

Hosts West came oh so close to knocking Chelmsford City out of the county cup in midweek, but they put that out of their minds as they took all three points against struggling Sawbo Town at Wadham Lodge. Jaedon Phillips handed the hosts a 12th minute lead, and they were two goals up by half time when Vanadiny Junior Mendes netted eight minutes before the break. And Yemi Adelani's stoppage time goal sealed a 3-0 win and the points.

Ok, let's see how the table looks after the latest round of games:-

Stanway's lead was cut to two points after they drew and Woodford won, Takeley go above Wakering on goal difference after the former beat FC Clacton and the latter lost at home to Barking, Romford are still just about in side the top five despite their loss at home to Ensign today, Walden & Barking of course are now just a point off them after they both won.

Down at the bottom, FC Clacton remain there and stay three behind Sawbo, who also lost, Hullbridge and Stansted both slip to 18th & 17th respectively after they lost and Ilford & Halstead both won, the latter two putting more daylight between them and the bottom side in the process.

That concludes today's blog, hope you enjoyed reading, and thank you!!!

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Three Review (12th/13th November) - Walden stun youthful Irons, much changed Clarets need penalties to see off West Essex

Evening all, thought I'd bring you up to date with the latest going's on in the BBC Essex Senior Cup as two more Round Three games took place this week, also the Fourth Round draw has also been made too, so I can bring you that as well, firstly though lets see what happened in the two Round Three ties that took place this week:-

Tuesday November 12th

Saffron Walden Town 2 Braintree Town 0

A youthful Iron side succumbed to Essex Senior League outfit Saffron Walden Town in front of 448 at Catons Lane as the hosts bridged a four level gap to take their place in the Last 16 of the County Cup on what was a superb night for the hosts as they knocked out Vanarama National League opposition. Walden had ex Iron Correy Davidson in their line up, so no doubt he wanted to do well in this contest, but it was to be a current Braintree player who was on the scoresheet six minutes before half time after Lewis Dean headed into his own net to hand the hosts a deserved half time lead.

Iron tried to respond after the break and brought on Charlie Kent for the unfortunate Dean, and he almost netted immediately but saw an effort cleared off the line by a defender, and it remained 1-0 until the 90th minute when the hosts sealed the deal as after winning a penalty, Roman Campbell rammed home the spot kick, giving the keeper no chance at all, to see Walden reach the next round of the competition, setting up a Round Four tie at home to Isthmian North Tilbury, a side they know from the league campaign last season when The Dockers won the ESL title, should be a good contest that.

Wednesday November 13th

West Essex 1 Chelmsford City 1 (Chelmsford City won 4-2 on penalties)

Vanarama National South Chelmsford City avoided a upset by the skin of their teeth as they needed penalties to see off Essex Senior League West Essex at Wadham Lodge. A much changed Clarets saw the ESL hosts take a shock lead just before the quarter hour mark when Matt McDowell found the net, City then lost skipper Cameron James due to injury, meaning Freddie Hockey had to take the armband, it certainly was not the start the visitors were looking for that was for sure. Hockey then thought he had levelled four minutes before half time but an offside in the build up meant the goal was ruled out, Kalvin Kalala then struck the post for the visitors soon after as West just about hung on to their slender lead heading into the break.

So, could The Clarets find a way back into the game or would West cause a big surprise? City made a change at halftime when Archie Tamplin, son of Glenn of course, was introduced to the side, and with the game just passing the hour mark Tamplin struck home a beautiful free kick to bring the visitors level. Charlie Ruff was then introduced midway through the half as City looked to go and win the tie, West themselves had also brought on the likes of Jaedon Phillips & Yemi Adelani too as they looked to bolster there attacking options,  however, neither side could find a winner, meaning penalties would be needed to decide this contest.

The visitors went first in the shoot out, and Ruff sent the opening kick over the bar, but the hosts saw their first kick from Adelani saved by City keeper Ted Collins, not the ideal start for either then!!! Tamplin then netted for City, as did Phillips for West, Jordan Greenidge then made it 2-1 City before Nathan Braithwaite made it 2-2 after three spot kicks each, Geofrey Okonkwo then netted for City to put them back ahead, before Collins then made another save to hand City match point. And skipper Hockey duly netted City's fifth a final spot kick to send them into the next round of the competition and set up a mouth-watering clash at New Lodge against Billericay Town.

There is just one more Round Three tie to come now, Dagenham & Redbridge Vs last years runners up Colchester United at Victoria Road next Tuesday, with the winners travelling to Canvey Island, I hope to be at that game so will bring a blog on that, and then the Round Four draw will be complete. Talking of that draw, below is how it stands ahead of that final Last 32 tie next week:-

Round Four ties (Last 16)

Tuesday November 19th

Rayleigh Town Vs Hornchurch

Brightlingsea Regent Vs Aveley

Tuesday November 26th

Heybridge Swifts Vs Witham Town

Saffron Walden Town Vs Tilbury

Hashtag United Vs Harwich & Parkeston

Wednesday November 27th

Waltham Abbey Vs Little Oakley

Ties to be arranged (likely to be arranged for week beginning Monday 25th November)

Canvey Island Vs Dagenham & Redbridge/Colchester United

Billericay Town vs Chelmsford City

Some pretty decent Last 16 ties then, that's you all up to date with the competition, thanks for reading!!!

Southend Manor 1 Rayleigh Town 2 - First half goals from Lewis Risk & Leo Clark see Rayleigh come from behind to defeat Manor at Southchurch Park & climb to sixth in the Thurlow Nunn South

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Tuesday November 12th

I stayed very local this evening as I walked across the park to see Southend Manor & Rayleigh Town do battle in a rearranged league fixture (it should have taken place last week but because of Rayleigh's participation in the County Cup to took precedent, this game was delayed a week).

The hosts came into this one off a very good performance at Coggeshall Town at the weekend, they lead 1-0 when the game was abandoned in the 88th minute due to a serious injury, but despite this they had showed that against a play off chasing side on their own ground, they could certainly mix it with them, and they welcomed a similar outfit in Rayleigh Town who after a good start to the season had dropped off in the league and had slipped down to ninth.

To be fair to the visitors though since their last win in the league a month ago at Basildon Town, they had only played two league games due to cup exploits, which they had done very well in, but those two league outings both ended in defeat without scoring, so they knew that to get back to winning ways this evening was essential to keep their themselves up with the play off sides.

Manor themselves were down in 12th spot, this after they had started the season well, a 5-3 home win over Newbury Forest was their last win, that was a month ago, the three completed games since have seen two narrow defeats and a draw, add to that the abandoned game too and their is definitely some progress lately as they look to try and turn their season back around again.

A tight and competitive game was expected, this being a local derby, and the opening twenty five minutes were certainly that, but in the 25th minute Manor got themselves ahead and it was a total disaster for visiting keeper Henry Noakes who failed to hold onto a cross into the near post, the ball slipped through his grasp and ended up going just over the line, not a moment he will want to remember in a hurry that's for sure.

Manor though were dealt a blow minutes later as after the visitors had turned a ball just wide of the target, the home keeper went down injured and spent a several minutes receiving treatment, and although he did eventually manage to stand up and lip from the field, he would not be able to continue, and with Manor having no sub keeper in the bench, one of the outfielders had to go in goal, which was not ideal.

Whether this affected the hosts for a time after who knows, but Rayleigh were to net two goals late on in the first half to go in ahead at the break, they levelled in the 41st minute after Lewis Risk's header was too powerful for the stand in keeper to keep out, and then seven minutes into added on time Leo Clark ran onto a lovely pass from Jimmy Dalton before lofting over the keeper and into the net.

Could Manor fight back? Well, it was the visitors who looked more likely to add a third for a time, one long range effort smashed back off the upright, but Manor were not without their chances too, and Town keeper Noakes made up for his first half error by making some decent stops to prevent the hosts from levelling.

Rayleigh saw a late effort come off the crossbar, but the final action saw Manor up in arms when a poor pass back towards keeper Noakes saw the hosts nip in and try and go round the keeper, but it ended with the attacker being felled, and an eventual free kick be given as it was outside the box despite some protests from the hosts who also wanted Noakes punished for his foul, no punishment though and the resultant free kick poor.

Town did manage to hold on to take battling win though, and a win that takes them up to sixth and level on points with fifth placed AS London, who occupy that final play off spot, and with a game in hand too, Manor, well they remain in 12th but can take a lot of positives from the contest too which was well contested throughout.

Full time Southend Manor 1 Rayleigh Town 2