ESBFL – Weekly Round-Up for 23rd March 2019 – John Campany

Essex & Suffolk Border League Round – Up 23rd March 2019.

There were a couple of shocks in the Knock Out Cup quarter finals that saw second division AFC Sudbury ‘A’ prevail over Premier side Hedinghams United at Kings Marsh Stadium Friday evening, and Brantham Athletic Reserves strong performance at Wormingford Wanderers.

The young Sudbury side won through to the semi final winning 2-1 with a very late goal from Ethan Mayhew being decisive. The other goal scorer was Ellis Girling.

Brantham who have been relegated from the premier division maintained there cup form by easily beating Wanderers 4-0.

In the big clash at Bromley Road the holders Gas Recreation defeated Alresford Colne Rangers comprehensively 3-0 with goals from Ryan Dale, Harry Hewes and Jonathan Ogunsanya.

In the other quarter final, Lawford Lads faced a tricky tie at Cressing, but came through unscathed with a 3-0 win, there goals coming from Oliver Mann, the league’s leading scorer with 34 goals, Harry Miller and Harry Parkes.

The semi final draw will see underdogs AFC Sudbury ‘A’ meet Lawford Lads, whilst Gas Recreation will be strong favourites to reach there second consecutive final against Brantham Athletic Reserves.

In the Premier Division Tiptree Heath maintained their title aspirations in a five goal thriller at Barnston winning 3-2 to condemn the home side to junior football next season. Joe Chester got a brace and Max Hawkins a third as the championship race continues with both Tiptree Heath and Gas Recreation on 58 points, but the champions have a game in hand and a far better goal difference that will be worth another point.

Next week ‘Gas’ travel to Lawford Lads whilst Tiptree Heath face a tough encounter at Ford Lane against third place Alresford Colne Rangers.

Elsewhere in the Premier Little Oakley Reserves beat White Notley 3-2 with the home goals from Mathew Geen, Samuel Poole and Christopher Stratton and for the visitors Josh Goodey and Lee Ifield were on target.

Hatfield Peverel was held at home by Kelvedon Social 1-1. Lewis Nial gave the home side an interval lead and Paul Barnes replied for the visitors.

In the First Division leaders Tiptree Engaine were beaten at Ford Lane by the now joint leaders Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves 1-0. Both sides have 50 points, but Flitch United who were without a game are a point behind with a game in hand.

Next week the leaders are without matches giving Flitch the chance to capitalise with a home game against Boxted Lodgers.

In Division Two Long Melford Reserves strengthened there promotion hopes when winning at Stoneylands 4-2 against Mersea Island. With three games to go they are well placed in second spot but, AFC Sudbury can catch them with games in hand. The home scorers were Andrew Fisher, Sam Newton and a brace from Will Howe. Ryan Mahon scored the visitors goals.

Meanwhile division two champions Stanway Pegasus were thumping Ramsey & Mistley 6-0 to complete there successful debut in the league with 75 points that included one defeat from there 26 matches.

Dedham Old Boys Reserves and Great Bentley Reserves are battling for the runners -up spot in Division Three behind Gosfield United. Dedham are three points clear of Great Bentley having beaten Oyster 2-0 with goals from Mathew Randall and substitute Keir Brown whilst Great Bentley were winning at Hedinghams United Reserves 3-2.

Currently the leading scorer – League / Cup matches is Oliver Mann, Lawford Lads with 34 goals. In second place Aaron Collier whose tally is 31 for Cressing United. In third Ryan Johnson for Barnston Reserves with 28 and jointly in fourth Ashley Collins 27 for Tollesbury and Jake Gilder 27 for Gosfield United..

John Campany.