My blog on the Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round featuring two all Essex Senior League ties - On Saturday I saw Takeley dump holders Romford out & on Sunday I watched White Ensign net twice to see off West Essex

Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round Proper, Saturday 9th/Sunday 10th November

On remembrance weekend the FA Vase took centre stage once again, and there were two all Essex Senior League contests, one of those involving last years winners in the shape of Romford, they had a tricky tie at Takeley, and over in Great Wakering at Burroughs Park, White Ensign welcomed West Essex.

I covered both those games, and with the game at Burroughs Park taking place on the Sunday, my first port of call was Station Road, Takeley, so without further ado, let's see how that tie went as well as the one on Sunday as the ESL were guaranteed at least two sides into the Third Round:-

Saturday November 9th

Takeley Vs Romford

Both these sides were having good seasons, and both were in the top five in the division (4th vs 5th), but today was all about Vase ambitions and for the visitors trying to emulate what they achieved last season when they went and won the whole thing on that memorable day for the Essex Senior League at Wembley in what was an all league final affair against Wakering.

Takeley though would be a very tough assignment for Romford, and that assignment got tougher in the ninth minute when they fell behind, a lovely ball in by Jack Mitchell found Jordan Wescott who sent a wonderful header over Romford keeper and skipper Harry Girling into the far corner, and the hosts had the perfect start.

The rest of the half was played at a terrific tempo with both sides looking to attack at any opportunity, Takeley keeper Jarvis Monk made some impressive saves, as did Girling at the other end as both keepers prevented any further goals in the opening forty five minutes in front of a very healthy 223 crowd at Station Road.

Romford though were to come flying out the blocks at the start of the second period, and levelled in the 48th minute thanks to a lovely side footed finish from Brendan Ocran, and then seven minutes later the visitors were ahead, Jaiden Babalola received the ball outside the box before he fired a wonderful effort into the top corner via the outstretched hand of Monk who could not keep it out, and now Romford were the ones who looked likely to go on and win this tie.

Takeley though managed to regather themselves and in the 69th minute were level after a ball from Coby Miles found Olly Miles down the right hand side, his ball in was not gathered by Girling, and the loose ball was turned home by Mitchell to set up a grandstand last twenty minutes to what had been a terrific tie.

And in the 80th minute the hosts found themselves in front as a corner swung in by Lewis Wicker was misjudged by Girling, and after the ball had gone over him it appeared to hit a defender and end up in the net for an own goal, Takeley's Alfie Attrill was in the mix, but I believe it was an own goal but whatever it was Takeley now had a lead to hold onto.

Could the holders fight back and take this tie to penalties? There was a chunk of stoppage time to be played but their cause was not helped by their keeper and skipper Girling who talked himself into a sin bin deep into added on time meaning the visitors would have to play the remaining time with a man light and an outfielder donning the gloves.

And Takeley managed to see out the remaining minutes to take a very good win and dump last years winners out of the Vase in the process, it had been a cracking cup tie played in the right way too, both sides should be credited for putting on such a show, congratulations to Takeley for coming back from what looked like a losing situation, and commiserations to Romford who looked well set to win after going in front, there will be no Wembley finale for them this season and it's Takeley who reach the Last 64 of the competition.

Full time Takeley 3 Romford 2

Sunday November 10th

White Ensign Vs West Essex

The second all Essex Senior League 2nd Round Proper Vase contest saw 11th placed Ensign hosting 13th placed West, and with only two points between them in the division, this was going to be a tight and well fought battle no doubt, with both sides eying up a place in the last 64 of the competition.

The hosts started well and were in front after just nine minutes, Taylor Jacobi received the ball on the left hand side of the pitch and he was allowed to cut back onto his right foot before he hit an effort at goal which seemed to go under the dive of visiting keeper Lewis Edwards and end up in the net, the keeper just misjudged how much the ball dipped right in front of him and this was enough to see the ball beat him and hand Ensign an early advantage.

West soon settled though after this early set back and game became more even and more what I expected it to be like, tight, physical and well contested, and the match stayed at 1-0 as the teams trudged off at the break, however with around 35 seconds on the second half clock, Ensign caught West cold with a second goal, Riley Weir having the freedom of the penalty area to strike into the bottom corner of the net and hand them a very handy cushion.

These two early goals in each other ultimately won the game for the hosts, it was a very frustrating afternoon for the visitors who had plenty of openings to make this game a totally different one to how it ended, but either poor finishing, solid Ensign defending, or brilliance from keeper Bradley Davison, who on one occasion somehow kept a Yemi Adelani effort out from point blank range (it seemed impossible for him to save it) meant that they would draw a blank in front of goal, sometimes your just destined not to score, and this was one of those days for West.

Ensign though are a young and hungry team who are full of energy and just run and run and run for the cause, they did enough to win in the end and make it through to the Final 64 of the Vase, a terrific achievement for a club who always give their all regardless, so they certainly earned this one that's for sure!!!

Full time White Ensign 2 West Essex 0

   

  

There were three other ties involving Essex Senior League and Thurlow Nunn South sides, let's take a brief look at how those fared:-

Brantham Athletic 2 Benfleet 1

Benfleet's Vase run is done for this season after they were beaten at Thurlow Nunn Premier side Brantham Athletic, Ben Dixon put the hosts ahead after just five minutes of the tie, and Calum Griffiths then doubled that lead ten minutes into the second period. Mason Shave did pull one back deep into added on time but it was too little too late for the visitors who crashed out sadly.

Great Wakering Rovers 2 Great Yarmouth Town 2 (Great Yarmouth Town won 4-3 on penalties)

Last years runners up Great Wakering Rovers are out of the competition after they lost a cracking tie against Thurlow Nunn Premier Great Yarmouth Town on penalties at Burroughs Park.  Yarmouth went in front after twelve minutes through Sam Adams, Callum Boylan brought the hosts level ten minutes into the second period, Yarmouth though restored their lead twelve minutes from time through Charlie Barber, however, Harrison Topliss forced penalties by levelling in the 87th minute. Rovers of course won the last penalty shoot out here in the Vase when winning last years semi final, but it was not to be this time round as Yarmouth prevailed to progress and mean both last years finalists have fallen at the second round stage.

Rayleigh Town 2 Harpenden Town 4

The one remaining Thurlow Nunn South side left in the competition, Rayleigh Town, succumbed to Spartan South Midlands Premier Harpenden Town at Thames Road after what was a superb cup tie. The visitors grabbed a 20th minute lead when a ball over the top was clinically dispatched by Danny Webb, but Rayleigh levelled just past the half hour mark after Lewis Risk netted after the visitors failed to clear their lines. Harpenden though went back in front right on half time when a counter attack saw Harry Andic slot home, and the visitors increased their lead early in the second period thanks to a cracking finish from Webb, Rayleigh then saw a Ollie Quick penalty saved as the hosts piled on the pressure, but then managed to net from the spot in the 87th minute through Archie Acheampong after Owen Barratt was fouled to set up a grandstand finish.  Harpenden though made sure of their progression when they netted deep into stoppage time after a free kick from Dave Keenleyside hit the bar and then was bundled home by Elliot Bailey to finally seal victory in what had been a cracking cup tie.                

So, it means that the only two Essex Senior League sides still left in the Vase are Takeley & White Ensign, so watch them draw each other in the next round, hopefully they will get good ties and hopefully they can progress, although the chances of having a side at Wembley this season diminished quite significantly this weekend.  

Barkingside 1 Brimsdown 1 - Eric Koduah nets second half penalty to earn point for frustrated Brimsdown, cancelling out first half strike from Joseph Koroma as ten man Barkingside manage to hold on to earn draw at Cricklefield

Thurlow Nunn First Division South, Friday 8th November

I was over at Cricklefield on Friday evening for a Thurlow Nunn South contest between Barkingside & Brimsdown, both were having tough seasons so far, the hosts were down in 14th and just six points above Brimsdown who occupied the final relegation spot in the division.

The hosts though had actually improved their position lately, as after nine straight losses in all comps, they had won two of their last three in the league, with those wins coming at home to Cannons Wood and away at Rayleigh Town, and the other game saw them lose narrowly to Harlow Town, so the last three games had been much better for them.

They welcomed a Brimsdown side to Cricklefield who themselves had only won one game since the beginning of October, that was a crazy 5-4 home win over Southend Manor, last time out they narrowly lost at home to leaders Hackney Wick, another example of them being in the game but coming out on the wrong side, which has happened a few times this campaign, could they tip that scale the other way this evening?

Well, it was the hosts who struck first in this one, in the 14th minute, although it did come with a hint of controversy, the hosts drove forward and as Joseph Koroma looked to get past his marker, the ball bounced up and appeared to strike the arm of Koroma and send him in on goal, and with no whistle forthcoming, he continued on and fire an effort past the keeper, and although a defender tried in vain to keep the ball out, he could only help it into the bottom corner, and Side had the lead.

Apart from this moment though, the first period yielded little in the way of goal mouth action, Brimsdown did have a couple of decent openings but fluffed their lines, meaning the hosts held a slender lead going into the break.

The second period was pretty mundane too for the most part, not a lot of quality was on show as both sides struggled to get on top of each other, however, with twenty to go the game lived up somewhat, this after Brimsdown were awarded a penalty, now, the foul appeared to happen just outside the box, but after consultation with his assistant, a penalty was duly awarded, and Eric Koudah found the bottom corner of the net to level the game up at 1-1, could anyone find a winner?

The next turn of events saw Barkingside reduced to ten men as with Brimsdown's tails up after that leveller, the hosts keeper came charging out of goal and wiped out a forward who was bursting down the right, and he was shown a straight red, meaning the hosts would have to play the remainder of the game a man light and with an outfielder in goal.

Advantage Brimsdown then, well they had the chances but the stand in keeper made three of four decent stopes to prevent them from scoring, and in fact Barkingside's performance improved after the red card too, and they had some attacks themselves although they could not muster up a goal to stun their opponents.

It all meant the game would end all square, the hosts obviously being the happier of the two sides to earn a point, Brimsdown would have been very frustrated not to have taken one of those chances to win the game for sure, but the point did take Brimsdown out of the bottom three at least for now ahead of the Saturday games, Barkingside remained in 14th.

Full time Barkingside 1 Brimsdown 1

Right, lets have a brief look at what happened in the division on Saturday as seven games took place...

Coggeshall Town 0 Southend Manor 1 (Match Abandoned in second half due to serious injury)

The match at West Street had to be abandoned in the second period after a serious injury, Manor led at the break after Aaron Akoman had scored, but everything was put into perspective when hosts player Jack Charnock suffered a broken ankle and had to be taken away in an ambulance, let's hope he can make a full recovery.   

Dunmow Town 3 NW London 1

Goals from Darnell Fuller, Rehal Theobalds & Reggie Pegrum, who netted direct from a corner, handed Dunmow all three points and saw them bounce back from their mauling at the hands of Heybridge Swifts in the county cup in midweek.    

FC Baresi 2 Hutton 1

FC Baresi netted a superb and big win as they handed promotion chasing Hutton a 2-1 defeat in Ware. The hosts goals came from Teyon Weston after just four minutes and Yannick Kamanan early in the second half, and they proved enough for the hosts to take victory here.

Harlow Town 3 Enfield Borough 1

The Hawks are back top of the table after they saw off Enfield Borough, Fred Agyemang gave the hosts the lead six minutes before the break and they had time to double that advantage before half time, James Folkes netting a minute before the break, and when Jac Zielinski added a third goal just before the hour mark, the hosts were cruising. Borough did pull one back through Emre Baram in the 88th minute, but it was too little too late for the visiting side.

Hoddesdon Town 2 AS London 1

Bailey Eden netted a late winner as Hoddy took all three points against AS London, Connor Bolton have the hosts the lead eleven minutes before the break, the visitors managed to level ten minutes from time through Alie Bangura, converting a corner from Alejandro Patino, but the hosts were not to be denied and saw Eden pop up to net a winning goal and hand all three points to the hosts.

May & Baker 1 Burnham Ramblers 2

Ramblers took a very important three points on the road, seeing off Bakers at Parsloes, the visitors started quickly and led after just four minutes when Noah Hayes played a great ball through to Will Hayes, and his cross back across goal was fired home by Aiden Hayes. And two minutes after the break, Ramblers doubled their lead when Hayes played Cameron Gibbs through on goal, and the latter took it round the keeper and slotted home.  Bakers though pulled one back seven minutes later and then Ramblers were reduced to ten men after Hayes received a second yellow for wiping out an opponent, however the visitors held on to record the win.

St Margaretsbury 2 Basildon Town 1

Bottom side St Mags won for only the third time this season after they came from behind to defeat Basildon Town, Luke Winter had given the visitors an eighth minute lead, converting from a Charlie Jarvis corner, but, eight minutes before half time the hosts levelled and then went on to net what proved to be the winner in the 83rd minute, handing the hosts a huge win.              

Let's see what all these results have done to the table:-

Harlow go a point clear at the top after their win today (Hackney Wick were not in league action today) whereas Hutton's loss at FC Baresi sees them fail to close the gap to the top two, which is now ten points, AS London remain in the top five despite their loss at Hoddesdon Town who go up to ninth as a result.

Down at the bottom, their were important wins for Ramblers & St Mags, the former leaping up two places in the table as a result, sending Brimsdown back into the bottom three as a result (they had briefly come out after their Friday night draw) & FC Baresi win over Hutton saw them up to 14th, jumping over Barkingside in the process.

That's you up to date with the division, thanks for reading as always!!!    

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Three Review (4th/5th/6th November) - Holders Redbridge bow out, Harwich & Parkeston cause huge shock whilst Little Oakley & Rayleigh Town net wins over higher league opposition

There were ten more Round Three ties taking place this week in the BBC Essex Senior Cup, so ten more sides looking to join Billericay Town, Aveley & Hornchurch in Round Four, and holders Redbridge got their defence underway on Monday, so let's see how that went as well as the other ties scheduled:-

Monday November 4th

Redbridge 0 Brightlingsea Regent 3

Holders Redbridge crashed out of the county cup at their first hurdle after they were beaten by Brightlingsea Regent in their all Isthmian North tie at Oakside. Christian Frimpong handed the visitors a 20th minute lead before a penalty before the hour mark doubled their advantage, and they sealed the deal in the 71st minute with a third goal to progress into the next round.

Tuesday November 5th

Witham Town 2 Brentwood Town 2 (Witham Town won 4-3 on penalties)

This all Isthmian North contest went the way of the hosts after they won a penalty shoot out to edge out Brentwood Town at Spa Road. Brentwood edged themselves ahead three minutes before the break when Benas Vaivada found the net, but three minutes into the second half Witham were level after Adelaja fired past Minter into the bottom left corner, however, parity only lasted two minutes as Brentwood regained the lead through Romel Aarons-Royal. That looked to be enough to send the visitors through, but the hosts had other ideas and levelled three minutes into added on time after a scramble saw the hosts force the ball over the line, sending the tie into penalties, and after a dramatic shoot out, Witham were victorious after taking the shootout on a second match point to progress into Round Four.

Waltham Abbey 3 Grays Athletic 1

It was the hosts who grabbed a tenth minute lead courtesy of Nathan Koranteng, but Grays were not behind for long as Luke Hirst levelled just six minutes later, the hosts though managed to get their noses back in front ten minutes after the break through Amrit Bansual.  And the hosts sealed their passage into Round Four when Troy Chiaba added a third goal with nine minutes remaining.

Harwich & Parkeston 2 Bowers & Pitsea 1

Thurlow Nunn South Harwich & Parkeston created club history by knocking out a club three levels above them for the first time since 1990 as they saw off Isthmian Premier Bowers & Pitsea at The Royal Oak.  The hosts grabbed a shock lead just past the half hour mark when Dan Keeble bundled home a loose ball inside the box, but the visitors managed to fight back in the second half and level twenty minutes into it when Teniola's header found Samir Ali who smashed home via a deflection, and it looked like penalties would be needed to decide this tie. But, Harwich were to net a winner late on after a corner found Ewan Livingston who headed home to send the hosts into Round Four and cause quite a shock in the competition.  

Hashtag United 5 Southend United 3

The Tags saw off a youthful Blues at The Len Salmon in a very entertaining encounter in South Essex, it took the hosts just three minutes to break the deadlock as Harrison Day, on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge, slotted home, and then Josh Osude, who had returned to The Tags for a third spell, used his pace to run onto his own header before sprinting past several players and finding Sakariya Hassan to tap home and double the hosts lead inside fifteen minutes. And just past the midway point of the first half Tags made it three when Day added his second of the game, Osude setting a cross into the striker inside the box before he finished brilliantly into the far corner on the slide, and the tie seemed as good as over at this point. And Day was to complete his hat-trick ten minutes into the second period when he bundled home and stretch his sides lead. The youthful Blues did find a consolation with fifteen minutes to go after a misplaced pass was intercepted and a ball into Wood was dispatched calmly past Gidds, and they managed to pull another one back with four minutes remaining as Wood grabbed his second of the night after The Blues pounced on another error from the home side in what was a much improved second half from the visitors. The Tags added a fifth in stoppage time when Ayo Olukoga was brilliantly set up by hat-trick hero Day to blast into the top corner, Wood was then to complete his hat-trick for the Blues even deeper into stoppage time, meaning the game had seen a hat-trick for both sides, it was however The Tags who would progress into the next round.    

Buckhurst Hill 0 Canvey Island 3

Their would be no repeat of last years surprise win for Buckhurst Hill over Canvey as the Isthmian Premier visitors netted victory this time round at Myrak Park. Canvey edged themselves in front six minutes before the break when Chris Harris managed to knee home, and then nine minutes after the break the visitors doubled their advantage after a shot from Jaxon Brown was saved but the rebound was smashed home by Bradley Sach, his first goal since returning to the club.  And the visitors sealed the deal in stoppage time when Sach added another with a lovely effort from the edge of the area and see the visiting side progress into Round Four.

Little Oakley 3 Basildon United 0

Their was another surprise scoreline at The Memorial Ground as Essex Senior Little Oakley saw off Isthmian North Basildon United in North Essex. The hosts stunned the visitors by grabbing a 16th minute lead through Darren Mills, running onto a pinpoint through ball to apply the finish, and then two late goals sealed the deal and see the hosts upset their higher league opponents, Lewis Wood netting a second before Jordi Papple added a third, seeing the ESL side progress into the next round.  

Wednesday November 6th

Ilford 0 Tilbury 3

Three first half goals were enough for Isthmian North high flyers Tilbury to see off Essex Senior League strugglers Ilford at Cricklefield. It didn't take long for the visitors to grab the lead as only seven minutes had elapsed when Lindell Stewart got on the end of a Sam Bantick free kick to hand the Dockers the advantage, and just past the midway point of the first period Tilbury doubled their lead through Dan Trendall, putting the visitors in a very strong position. And they were to strengthen their grip even further just past the half hour mark when Lindell Stewart rounded the keeper to apply a finish for his second of the game, and the tie was as good as over as The Dockers reached Round Four. 

Takeley 0 Rayleigh Town 1

Thurlow Nunn South Rayleigh Town caused another upset in a cup competition as they downed Essex Senior League high flyers Takeley at Station Road. The tie looked to be heading for a goalless draw and penalties but then drama in the 80th minute as Rayleigh netted the winning goal after Leo Clark's shot was deflected into the path of Matt Tapley who managed to bundle home and send the visitors into Round Four.

Dunmow Town 1 Heybridge Swifts 9

Isthmian North Heybridge Swifts netted nine as they demolished Thurlow Nunn South Dunmow Town at Catons Lane. The deadlock was broken after twenty one minutes when Kojo Apenteng's ball in found Vinnie Bowman who managed to find the net with a combination of his head/shoulder for his first Swifts goal, and it was two for Swifts just before the half hour mark after Jack Stone ran in on goal before chipping over the keeper and find the net. And twelve minutes before the break the tie was a good as done when Swifts added a third, Stone adding his second of the contest after he rose highest in the box to convert for the visiting side. Eight minutes into the second period Swifts made it four, Bowman netting his second of the tie by smashing an effort into the bottom corner, the hosts did then manage to find the net themselves four minutes after that to reduce the deficit to three, but that four goal lead was restored just past the hour mark when Apenteng calmly slotted home.  And Apenteng was at it again, netting another by beating the keeper at the near post to make it six for the visitors with twenty minutes to go, and a rampant visitors made it seven with just under fifteen to go as Bowman completed his treble by firing into the bottom corner.  He wasn't the only man to grab a treble in this contest though, as Swifts made it eight with eleven minutes to go as Stone netted his third with a great finish under the keeper, and Stone was to add his fourth of the game with five minutes left, dribbling into an open net after Bowman had set him up following a mistake from the keeper to make it nine for the visitors and see them cruise into the next round. 

So, that's thirteen sides into Round Four, the last 16 of the competition, there are still three more ties to come to complete Round Three, those are below:-

Tuesday November 12th
Saffron Walden Town Vs Braintree Town


Wednesday November 13th
West Essex Vs Chelmsford City


Tuesday November 19th
Dagenham & Redbridge Vs Colchester United

That brings you right up to date with the competition so far, thanks for reading!!!

My blog reviewing the weekend's action (1st/2nd November) in the Essex Senior League & my two featured contests that I attended saw Buckhurst Hill grab a very late point against Ilford & Barking secure a hard fought win at Stansted

(Stansted and Barking do battle at a wet, muddy Hargrave Park on Saturday)

Essex Senior League, Friday 1st/Saturday 2nd November 

The first weekend in November (how has that happened!!!) saw me visit two grounds I've not visited since the 2022/23 season so I felt it was time I put that right in one go, so, Friday night I made the journey over to Roding Lane (Myrak Park) for a Friday evening showdown between Buckhurst Hill & Ilford, and then on the Saturday I travelled over to Hargrave Park to see Stansted host Barking.

These are two grounds and clubs I do enjoy visiting so it was certainly good to get back to see both clubs and enjoy their awesome hospitality, hopefully we would have two decent games too, let's now see how those featured games of mine went then, starting with the Friday night match up at Roding Lane:-

Friday November 1st

Buckhurst Hill 2 Ilford 2

So, as said, my Friday night fare came from Myrak Park, or Roding Lane, as Buckhurst Hill, who came into this one having picked up a total of thirteen points from a possible eighteen since the middle of September to see them rise up to seventh, took on an Ilford side who had picked up seven points from their last four league outings, taking them four points above bottom side FC Clacton and up to 17th spot.

A pretty uneventful first period ensued, with the only real clear cut chance seeing the visitors go close when they fired wide of the target after a decent run, however five minutes before half time Ilford grabbed the lead when a ball out to the right hand side was collected by winger Abdul Shobowale and he fired a ball across the six yard box and it found it's way to Daniel Izekor who literally fell over the line with the ball to hand The Foxes a half time lead.

A pretty average second half then followed, the visitors were definitely edging the contest though but could not find a killer second goal, and they were made to pay for this with 82 minutes elapsed, a loose ball finding it's way to Suley Zuhdu on the edge of the penalty area, and he made no mistake in firing into the bottom corner to level up the contest.

Ninety minutes came and went and the referee told both benches there would be a minimum of ELEVEN minutes added on, their were quite a few stoppages to be fair so maybe this was borderline correct, although it did seem a bit much, anyway plenty of time for a winner to be found, and Ilford thought they had found it when Izekor fired home from inside the box two minutes into stoppage time, but there was a lot more to come as it turned out.

Eight minutes into stoppage time Ilford were not given a clear foul and this caused a retaliation foul because of it, and that resulted in a a straight red for the visitors, much to the dismay and annoyance for the visiting side, but despite this they were surely going to come away with all three points and record a superb win in the process.

Well, not quite as the referee was clearly enjoying the spectacle and FIFTHTEEN, YES FIFTHTEEN minutes into added on time, Buckhurst drew themselves level once again, Zuhdu getting in behind the Foxes backline, and despite Wilkinson Boateng's best efforts to save the lofted effort, he could only parry up into the air and as the ball bounced towards the goal line, the keeper appeared to help the ball into his own net with pressure from Archie Hammond, and a couple of defenders too.

Unbelievably the game went on and on and almost TWENTY minutes of stoppage time had elapsed when the referee finally blew to end a pretty average contest that had a very dramatic end to it, Hill will be more than happy with snatching a point from this contest as it was barely deserved, Ilford were upset, angry, despondent & frustrated after that, and were less than impressed with the referee's performance. It certainly was a very dramatic ending that's for sure!!!  

Saturday November 2nd

Stansted 0 Barking 1

Saturday saw me over at Hargrave Park as Stansted looked to try and get back to winning ways at home and repeat there success over Frenford two games ago and pick up vital points as they look to get themselves further away from the bottom sides in the division, they were already six clear of bottom side FC Clacton. They did welcome a Barking side though who were trying to fight their way closer to the play off spots and get back to winning ways after a defeat and a draw in their last two.

Conditions were not the best, a heavy and muddy pitch and heavy drizzle made trying to play any type of football tough, the hosts though were manging to do this and edged a goalless first forty five minutes, creating the better of the openings that did come in what was an attritional game it has to be said.

It was also a game where both sets of players and people on the side-lines were arguing pretty much every single decision, challenge, 50/50, you name it, the ref was getting it right in the earhole, which wasn't helping proceedings if truth be told, although it did show how much the game and the points meant to each side.

The home side continued to edge the contest in the second period, seeing one effort beaten away by keeper Dan Purdue, and then Callum Leggatt s nearly levelled just past the hour mark when he saw a lovely effort from outside the box strike the frame of the goal, and then twenty minutes into the second half they fell behind after a ball into the near post wasn't dealt with and Sam Shaban managed to poke the loose ball over the line whilst on his back and give the visitors the advantage.

It was very harsh on the hosts who certainly did not deserve to be losing this one, but they were, and had to try and find a route back into the contest, in doing so Barking did have some chances to kill the game off as Stansted pushed forward, they could and Stansted still had a chance of grabbing a point at least if they could find a goal.

The hosts matters were not helping in the 86th minute when midfielder Luke Skinner was given a second yellow, meaning they would end the game a man light, but this did not affect the hosts who were given a golden chance to level as ninety minutes expired, the hosts struck the bar before it broke to them and Barking centre half Simon Omope committed a foul inside the box, he was given a second yellow meaning Barking would end the game with ten as well, and Stansted had a late penalty.

Skinner, the normal penalty taker, had been sent off of course, and there seemed some confusion as to who was taking it, and eventually the responsibility was handed to Charlie Portway, whether this clouded his mind I don't know, but the penalty , although struck into one of the corners, it wasn't struck with conviction and Purdue got across well to save the kick and keep his side ahead.

It kind of summed up Stansted's day, they had played some neat stuff with no reward, Barking to their credit dug in and made it difficult in what was a physical battle in poor conditions, but it was The Blues who managed to record a very hard fought win and take all the points in this one, that's football as they say, it certainly was not a pretty game by any means, but I do love a good battle in muddy conditions, was like football of yesteryear.

  

Right, let's see what else happened in the division this weekend and how it affected the league standings:-

Friday

West Essex 2 Halstead Town 1

Hosts West Essex had to come from behind to defeat Halstead Town at Wadham Lodge, after a goalless first hour the visitors grabbed the lead midway through the second period when Dean Agar struck home from the spot, but two goals in a minute with just over ten minutes remaining proved the difference in the end, Yemi Adelani levelling the contest up in the 78th minute before Joe Damrell netted a minute later to hand the hosts all three points.  

Woodford Town 0 Saffron Walden Town 1

The hosts were looking to close the gap to Stanway at the top of the division ahead of the league leaders game on Saturday afternoon, they were up against a Walden side who were looking to close the gap to the top five, well, the only goal of the game went to the visitors after Correy Davidson struck twelve minutes after half time to settle this one and see Woodford's unbeaten home record go up in smoke as a result. 

Saturday

Athletic Newham 1 Takeley 2

A late late comeback from visitors Takeley saw them defeat Athletic Newham at Parsloes, the hosts did lead at the break after Leonardo Luis De Carvalho Pedro netted five minutes before half time, and this looked like it would be enough for them to take all three points, but, in the 85th minute Lanre Balogun levelled it up before Jordan Wescott scored in the 89th minute to hand the visitors all the points. And Newham ended the game with ten men after Hassan Saleh Togba was sent off deep into added on time, rubbing salt into already gaping hosts wounds.  

Frenford 1 Little Oakley 2

Oakley took all the spoils at The Drive against Frenford, things went wrong for the hosts late on in the first period, firstly going behind to a 40th minute goal from Jack Ladbrook, and then seeing striker Warren Kayembe given a straight red deep into first half stoppage time. The game in terms of personal was levelled up just past the hour mark when Oakley saw Luke Hipkin given second yellow, but Oakley netted a second goal in the 82nd minute through Daniel Smith to double their lead, and although Jordon Elongo pulled one back for the hosts in added on time, Oakley held on to record victory. 

Hullbridge Sports 3 Sawbridgeworth Town 3

Sawbo Town came from 3-1 down once again away from home to net a very decent point against Hullbridge who looked all set to net three points when they lead 3-1 at the break.  Louis Bragg gave Bridge a fourth minute lead, and although Kieran David levelled just past the midway point of the first half, a Tobias Braney spot kick & a second from Bragg saw the hosts with a two goal cushion at half time.  Jude Collins though pulled one back eleven minutes after the break and then with 80 minutes on the clock Elijah Mambombe levelled it up and earned his side a point in the process.

Romford 0 Great Wakering Rovers 1

This was fifth against fourth in the standings and over 200 were at Mayesbrook to witness it, the hosts needed to win to go above their opponents and put a bigger gap to sixth placed Walden who won the night before, GWR knew that if they could win then it would put a four point gap to Romford, and in what was a very tough battle, Harry Brown's 50th minute goal proved the difference as the visitors took a big win on the road.  

Stanway Rovers 8 FC Clacton 0

It was top against bottom at The Hawthorns and sadly for the visitors it showed today as they were demolished by their superior opponents, FC Clacton had recently held second placed Woodford at Ashton's, but they never looked like repeating that here against a rampant league leader, and found themselves three goals down in twenty minutes courtesy of a Fletcher Hanna own goal, and further goals from Goerge Okoye & Jamie Bennett. The visitors managed to get to half time with no further damage, but the second period saw the hosts add a further five, Bennett adding another six minutes after the break before Tom Maycock netted twenty minutes into the second half. Nathaniel Mardell then added a sixth with twenty minutes or so of the ninety to go, and then Mardell & Harry Thomas added goals in stoppage time to complete the rout and go further clear at the top in style. 

White Ensign 1 Benfleet 0

Nathan Wilson's 49th minute goal proved enough for Ensign to defeat Benfleet at Burroughs Park, this despite the hosts having to play almost the entire game with ten men after Billy Bonham-Dare was sent off after just eight minutes, but as said this did not mean the hosts would lose, and they put in an heroic effort to grab the win and keep a clean sheet as well. 

Where does that leave the table, let's have a look:-

Stanway Rovers now have a seven point buffer to second placed Woodford Town, with Takeley and Great Wakering Rovers just a point further back, Romford lose ground but are still in the play off spots despite their loss on Saturday, although the gap to sixth is just four points now, Walden & Barking also have games in hand too.

FC Clacton are now three points behind Sawbo Town after their heavy defeat today, the former are in danger of being cut adrift if they cannot pick up some points too, they still have plenty of games to go of course but the predicted struggle for them has rung true so far. Halstead, who were bottom, are now four points above the bottom side despite them losing at West Essex on Friday.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed reading and as always thanks for taking the time to do so, it's very much appreciated.  

BBC Essex Senior Cup Round Three Review (28th/29th/30th October) - Billericay see off Concord, Aveley topple Stow & Hornchurch need penalties to see of Jammers

 (Action from Walthamstow Vs Aveley on Tuesday night at Wadham Lodge)

This week saw Round Three of the BBC Essex Senior Cup get underway with three fixtures, I decided to attend two of those games, Monday night at Thames Road, home of Concord Rangers, and then Tuesday night's fare from Wadham Lodge, home of Walthamstow of course, there was also a Wednesday night game from Park Drive in Maldon, which I was unable to attend, but I will include this in my blog as well.

Anyway lets see how these games go and who managed to prosper in the competition and reach Round Four, the last 16 of the cup:-

Monday October 28th

Concord Rangers 0 Billericay Town 2

Monday night saw me over at Thames Road for a Third Round tie between Isthmian North Concord Rangers & Isthmian Premier side Billericay Town, the hosts therefore giving up one step in the non league pyramid as a result.

The Blues had played eleven league games this far and were the only unbeaten side left in their division, and were only second on goal difference, Concord on the other hand are in a period where after rising up three levels afew years ago to the second tier in non league, they have dropped two levels recently and were down in 13th spot in their division having had a mixed start to their campaign.

Billericay then were obvious favourites to win this tie, and had it not been for the brilliance of home keeper Rory Myles, making three superb stops, one being a superb double save, then the Blues could well have been three goals up at the break, they did have other opportunities as well as they were proving to strong for their opponents, however it looked like Concord would get to the break level.

But, three minutes before the break The Blues were to break through when a ball into the box from full back Jay Porter found Frankie Merrifield and the latter turned and fired an effort at goal which took a slight deflection before finding the net to give the visitors a more than deserved half time lead.

Could the hosts respond and stun their higher league opponents, well on the hour mark a second Blues goal certainly made it a bigger mountain to try and scale, a nice ball played into the path of De-Carrey Sheriff saw him burst past his marker and send a finish through the legs of keeper Myles and into the net.

The visitors seemed to then take their foot off the gas a bit and this allowed Concord to get a bit more into the game and give their opponents a bit more to think about, but if truth be told the visitors were always in control and kept Concord at arms length, and this resulted in them taking the win and progressing into Round Four.

Tuesday October 29th

Walthamstow 0 Aveley 4

Tuesday night saw me make a rare trip to Wadham Lodge, well recently anyway, as Isthmian North Walthamstow hosted Vanarama South Aveley, so that is a two division gap in the non league pyramid, the visitors had made seven changes from their league game at the weekend though, would this give the hosts a chance of a shock result?

Stows league start had been mixed at best, five wins and seven defeats leaving them down in 14th spot, Aveley themselves were sitting second bottom in their division although they are a club certainly punching above their weight right now, and last seasons play off achievement was superb to say the least, they were still expected to win this tie though despite all the changes made for this cup tie.

Stow though were the side to create the best chances in the opening half exchanges, a downward header from point blank range bounced over the bar, another effort struck the post, and there were other chances that were straight at keeper Carey Bloedorn, Aveley did have a lot of possession but hadn't really created much, but then just before the half hour the visitors took the lead when the wonderfully named Razzaq Coleman De-Graft cut inside and sent a left footed effort into the bottom corner.

That meant Aveley held a slender lead at the break, but after half time the Vanarama South outfit took complete control and by the hour mark had all but killed off this tie, De-Graft added a second when he fired another left footed effort inside the near post three minutes after the break, and then Ibrahim Akanbi struck home a wonderful free kick just before the hour mark to give Aveley a comfortable three goal cushion.

It felt after this is was a matter of how many the visitors would get, they did manage to add a fourth goal in the 81st minute when a free kick into the box was headed back across goal and centre half Nathan Carlyle who applied the finishing touch into the bottom corner as Aveley cruised into Round Four of the competition.

Wednesday October 30th

Maldon & Tiptree 1 Hornchurch 1 (Hornchurch won 4-1 on penalties)

The third and final Round Three contest of the week came from Park Drive, Maldon, as Isthmian North Maldon & Tiptree hosted Vanarama South Hornchurch, so just like Tuesday nights game, the hosts were giving up two levels in terms of the non league pyramid.

A goalless first period made way for a eventful start to the second period, Maldon took the lead two minutes into it when after a cross had been punched away, the ball was returned into the box where a header down found Sonny Dutton who applied the finishing touch, and then just four minutes later the visitors were down to ten men after Jazzi Barnum-Bobb committed a professional foul to deny the hosts going through on goal, advantage Maldon then surely?

Well, not quite, as two minutes after that sending off, The Urchins levelled as a deflected effort from Darren McQueen found the net for a leveller, and with no further goals forthcoming, the tie went to a shoot out, which the visitors dominated to progress into Round Four of the competition.

So, that's Billericay Town, Aveley & Hornchurch through to Round Four, there are another thirteen Round Three ties to come over the coming weeks, here are those fixtures:-

Monday November 4th

Redbridge Vs Brightlingsea Regent

Tuesday November 5th

Witham Town Vs Brentwood Town

Waltham Abbey Vs Grays Athletic

Harwich & Parkeston Vs Bowers & Pitsea

Hashtag United Vs Southend United

Buckhurst Hill Vs Canvey Island

Little Oakley Vs Basildon United

Wednesday November 6th

Ilford Vs Tilbury

Takeley Vs Rayleigh Town

Dunmow Town Vs Heybridge Swifts

Tuesday November 12th

Saffron Walden Town Vs Braintree Town

Wednesday November 13th

West Essex Vs Chelmsford City

Tuesday November 19th

Dagenham & Redbridge Vs Colchester United

That's the BBC Essex Senior Cup right up to date, thanks for reading!!!