16/03/2024 – WEEKLY ROUND-UP

ESBFL – WEEKLY ROUND-UP for 16/03/2024.

It might haven taken “extra-time” but congratulations to Cressing United FC who won through to the “semi-final” of the Essex Junior Cup when beating Benfleet Reserves, an equalising goal from Miller (J) in normal time and a goal in extra-time from Collier secured their place. Next Saturday they play Fairlop Rovers FC at home, the winners will play ESBFL, team, Thorpe Athletic FC in the final. Incidentally those two teams also meet in Division One on Wednesday evening at Holland FC, that could be worth a visit.

There were six matches in the Premier Division, leaders Colne Athletic overcame a spirited fightback from second placed Brightlingsea Town, the seasons surprise team is Dedham Old Boys who now sit third after beating local rivals Lawford Lads, bottom team Alresford Colne Rangers, scored three but still lost to Hatfield Peverel, Earls Colne thumped, Belle Vue Social, lowly White Notley beat Sudbury Sports and Tiptree Heath got the points against Barnston.

Three matches were played in Division One, mostly, involving teams at the top end, with the demise of “The Rodings First Team” the division has been adjusted, leaders, Thorpe Athletic, with a depleted team, went nap against Wormingford Wanderers, third placed, Kings Park Rangers went two better when beating Tiptree Jobserve but second placed, Dovercourt Rovers lost by the odd goal against unpredictable CO4 Ultra’s.

Division Two sees four teams in contention, fourth placed Frinton & Walton beat leaders Bradfield Rovers by a solitary goal and Cavendish surprised, odd-on-favourites Gas Recreation with a last minute, winner. Hedinghams United narrowly edged out Colne Athletic Reserves and Cornard United Reserves got only their win of the season at home to Boxted Lodgers.

Little Oakley Reserves moved up to second place in Division Three when beating Lawford Lads Reserves, whilst Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves made the long trip to Barnston worthwhile, to come home with three points.

Stillwaters went back to the summit of Division Four, when beating Tendring District, Oyster slipped up again against Silver End United Reserves, Roman Rover Reserves beat FC Clacton ”A” and Great Bradfords were the days second top goalscorers hitting eight against bottom team Abbey Fields.

In another tight Division, Great Bentley “A” moved back to the top after beating third placed West Bergholt Reserves, Boxted Lodgers Reserves won, as did Roman Rovers “A”.

In the COVID Cup, Ramsey & Mistley hit nine against Kelvedon Social and in the Knock-Out Cup, Stanway Rovers Community Reserves, scored seven, perhaps as expected when beating Division One, Tavern.

There were six Tommy Thompson Cup ties with a home victory for Great Bentley Reserves, then Boxford Rovers, Dedham Old Boys Reserves, Gosfield United, Mersea Island Reserves and Flitch United won away from home, that last match went to penalties with the Third Division Team beating their highly placed Second Division opponents, White Notley Reserves.