12/04/2025 – Weekly Round-Up

ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE            2024 / 2025

WEEKLY ROUND UP       @       12/04/2025.

In the chase for Division One honours, Great Bentley needed to not only win their last three matches but to also improve their goal difference to overcome Gas Recreation who have completed their games. With an eight goal, thrashing of Little Oakley Reserves, (four for Brown {D}), one part of that quest has been reached, they just must win their next two matches which are against, Lawford Lads and Cavendish.

With the season, drawing, to a close, there are still crucial championship deciders to be played, sadly in the Premier Division, second placed, Brightlingsea Town, who only need a point to become runners-up, had to call off their penultimate game against champions, Kings Park Rangers, who celebrated anyway and received the trophy from Alison Stanford and Michael Willmore on Saturday. There were two other matches, Barnston beat East Thurrock by four goals to two and Belle Vue Social with an end of season flourish beat Hatfield Peverel, hitting three without reply.

In the single Division One match, lowly Cornard United Reserves surprised third placed Dovercourt Rovers winning by four goals to one which leaves the visitors in third place with one game remaining.

Division Two had five matches, the top two teams, Tavern and The Rodings shared four goals, Earls Colne Reserves scored eight (three for Clifford {L}), against Boxford Rovers and remain in third place, Great Bentley Reserves went one better with nine (four for Britton), against Great Bradfords, Gas Recreation Reserves won against White Notley Reserves whilst Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves drew with Roman Rovers.

Hatfield Peverel Reserves had already won Division Three and continued their good form to secure a win by four goals, against Oyster, Great Bentley Reserves scored five against Tiptree Jobserve to stay sixth, but in their local derby, second placed West Bergholt lost at home to rejuvenated Wormingford Wanderers, however, third placed Barnston Reserves (three for Smith), could only draw against Roman Rovers Reserves.

The top of Division Four remains neck and neck, leaders Silver End United Reserves scored three against Tollesbury, Harwich & Parkeston “A” scored four against Hedinghams United Reserves, the teams have yet to meet on the last Saturday of the season. Tendring Borough stay fourth after beating Roman Rovers “A” and finally Mersea Island beat Abbey Fields.

Reserve Knock-Out Cup final

The first cup final of the season will be played on Good Friday, 18^th April 2025 at Little Oakley FC, kick-off is 11.00am, the finalists are Alresford Colne Rangers FC Reserves and Earls Colne FC Reserves, both teams play in Division Two.