ESBFL – Weekly Round-Up for 30th March 2019 – John Campany

Essex & Suffolk Border League Round Up 30th March 2019.

Gas Recreation took advantage of Tiptree Heath’s failure to beat Alresford Colne Rangers to move two points clear at the top of the Premier Division with a resounding second half display at School Lane defeating Lawford Lads 5-2.

In contrast Tiptree were held at Ford Lane 2-2 and are two points behind ‘Gas’ having played a game more.

The league leaders were drawing 1-1 at the interval, but stormed through in the second half. The visitor’s goals came from Aston Firkins, Harry Hewes, Luke Taylor and a brace from substitute Ryan Taylor to keep their league and cup ‘double’ hopes very much alive. Lawford’s marksmen were Oliver Mann and Jack Wood.

Goals from Joe Chester and Harry Hazell were not enough at Arlesford, but Tiptree remain in touch with crucial games to come.

West Bergholt had a fine win over Dedham Old Boys 4-1 with goals from Luke Bloomfield, Gareth Gibson, Jonny Murrells and Lee Townrow, but will possibly finish in fourth place that will be a disappointment by their standards.

Kelvedon Social had a narrow 2-1 win at the Brantham Leisure Centre beating the bottom side. Martin Young scored both goals.

Goals from Kieran Baker, Christopher Bowles, Peter Brough, Joseph Hurd and one each from substitutes Lee Barrett and Michael Stephan proved too much for Little Oakley as Great Bentley romped to a 6-0 victory at Heckfords Road.

In the First Division Flitch United moved closer to the title and promotion with a strong performance to overcome Boxted Lodgers 5-1. With one match to go they are two points clear of Tiptree Engaine and Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves.

Next Saturday in their final match Flitch will win the title and gain Senior football, subject to ratification, if they beat visiting Bures United, whilst second place Tiptree Engaine will become runners – up and promotion, if they beat Boxted Lodgers.

Meanwhile Alresford will be hoping for a slip up from either of the top two whilst they will be engaged in the Reserve Knock Out – Cup against Wormingford Wanderers.

In Division Two there was a surprise as champions Stanway Pegasus went down 2-1 at Harwich Rangers and Tollsbury beat second place Long Melford Reserves 2-0.

In Division Three runners – up spot will be fought out between Dedham Old Boys Reserves and Great Bentley Reserves both on 47 points and each have four matches to play.

The advantage had been with Dedham Old Boys, but they were beaten by Tavern 4-2 whilst Great Bentley went second winning 4-0 at Barnston Reserves.

Elsewhere Elmden Rovers overcame Harwich & Parkeston Reserves at the Royal Oak winning 2-1. There scorers were Benjamin Hartley and Lennard Tulloch – Marsh whilst Ross Purll replied for the home side. For Rovers it has been a successful season following there entry to the league this season and will finish mid table.

Oyster completed there program with a emphatic 6-2 win at Tiptree Heath Reserves. Their goals were shared around with Sam Barker, Alex Barnett, Connor Eden, Alex Pacey, Ben Scholes and substitute Matt Barker on target. Tiptree replied through Sean Watson and Ben Foster.

Another strong away performance saw Tiptree Jobserve ‘A’ beat Hedinghams United Reserves 5-2 at Lawn Meadow.

AFC Sudbury reached the final of the Tommy Thompson Cup by beating Cavendish 4-1 and will now meet the winners of Stanway Pegasus or Long Melford Reserves on Wednesday the 24th April at Stanway Rovers Ground. On target were Samuel Girling, Joe Osborn and a brace from Ethan Mayhew.

John Campany.