18/11/2023 – Weekly Round-Up

ESBFL – WEEKLY ROUND-UP for 18/11/2023.

          The weather tried to disrupt the fixture list again last Saturday, fourteen games did fall foul of the weather but twenty-five survived, Essex (12) & Suffolk (3) County Cups took precedence, however, those postponed County Cup matches will be played the following week so a number, of fixture changes, will be required.

          Colne Athletic progressed in the Essex Premier Cup, beating Barnston, away, their next opponents are Tiptree Heath and the other ESBFL teams that still retain an interest are, Brightlingsea Town and Earls Colne.

          In the Essex Junior Cup, CO4 Ultra’s, on penalties, after extra-time, Gas Recreation, Great Bentley, Mersea Island, Thorpe Athletic and Tavern, after extra-time, progressed, and Cavendish won handsomely, three for Childs, in the Suffolk Primary Cup.

          The only two ESBFL teams in the Junior Trophy, Great Bentley “A” and Brooklands, both lost, to Witham Town, Reserves and “A” respectively.

          Three goals from Smith ensured bottom team, Alresford Colne Rangers got their first points and the better of Lawford Lads, the team just above them in the Premier Division, there were also victories for Tiptree Heath, Belle Vue Social and Silver End United.

          In Division Two, free, scoring Bradfield Rovers stay top and White Notley Reserves stay third after convincing wins over respectively, Boxted Lodgers and Hedinghams United.

          There were only two games in Division Three, all affecting the lower reaches of the division, second bottom, Lawford Lads Reserves, by beating bottom team, Prettygate, moved above Tollesbury who lost to Barnston Reserves.

          You must feel sorry for Division Four, bottom team, Abbey Fields, they increased their goals scored tally, by five, or fifty percent, but third bottom, Wormingford Wanderers Reserves went one better, three for Clarke, to win by the odd goal in eleven!

          Four matches were played in Division Five, second top, Boxted Lodgers Reserves were held by mid-table Mersea Island Reserves and West Bergholt Reserves moved up to third when beating bottom team Kelvedon Social. Elsewhere Assington Stanley got the better of Hedinghams United Reserves whilst Elmstead Market hit six against Ramsey & Mistley Reserves who scored three themselves.