18/01/2025 – Weekly Round-Up

ESSEX & SUFFOLK BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE            2024 / 2025

WEEKLY ROUND UP       @       18/01/2025.

The previous Saturday, only five matches survived, all were played on 3G pitches, is that the way forward!

These matches saw victories for Barnston, Kings Park Rangers and Tiptree Heath in the Premier Division, Tiptree Heath Reserves in Division Three and Harwich & Parkeston “A” in Division Four.

A full match programme was played last Saturday with thirty-two games plus an outstanding Essex Junior Cup tie that saw Great Bentley Reserves, as the last ESBFL representative team, bow out, in a match, much delayed because of an earlier abandonment.

There were seven matches in the Premier Division, lowly, Belle Vue Social beat Dedham Old Boys to leap-frog them in the bottom three, Earls Colne, Stanway Pegasus Reserves (three for Hudson), and Tiptree Heath all won, the other three matches, Brightlingsea Town against Barnston, Cressing United against Alresford Colne Rangers and Thorpe Athletic against East Thurrock Community were all drawn.

Division One had five matches with wins for Frinton & Walton, who move up to second, Great Bentley and Little Oakley Reserves, who are now third, elsewhere Dovercourt Rovers and Bradfield Rovers scored two apiece and bottom team, Cavendish drew with unbeaten leaders, Gas Recreation.

Seven matches were also played in Division Two, unbeaten leaders, The Rodings, won, as did Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves (three for Hodgson), Dedham Old Boys Reserves, Great Bradfords, Earls Colne Reserves, Roman Rovers and Tavern.

There were no drawn matches in Division Three as Barnston Reserves (three for Warnes), Hatfield Peverel Reserves, Ramsey & Mistley, Silver End and Tiptree Heath Reserves won at home and Elmstead Market won on their travels.

Finally, Division Four had seven matches, leaders Harwich & Parkeston “A” (three for Smith) won again whilst Brooklands beat second placed Silver End United Reserves who lost for the first time in the league. Bradfield Rovers Reserves, Tendring Borough, Mersea Island and Roman Rovers “A” all won whilst Tollesbury hit the net seven times (three for McArthur and four for Trussler), when beating Abbey Fields who scored six, spare goalkeeper, anyone!

Sadly, Stillwaters Reserves have withdrawn from Division Four of the competition and their playing record has been expunged.