30/12/2023 – Weekly Round-Up

ESBFL – WEEKLY ROUND-UP for 30/12/2023.

Another reduced programme this weekend, these were the last matches to be played in 2023.

Seven matches were played in the Premier Division, Colne Athletic strengthened their lead at the top when beating Barnston down on the “Austin Arena”, this extended lead was helped by Silver End United dropping points at Dedham Old Boys who had led by three goals before the visitors got a point fighting back to get a draw. Brightlingsea Town move up to third after beating Hatfield Peverel, Horne scored three of the five for Stanway Rovers Reserves, in their victory, Stanway Pegasus Reserves also had a comfortable win, as did Sudbury Sports, less so Tiptree Heath whose solitary goal came from a contested penalty at Earls Colne.

The only game in Division One was postponed just before kick-off.

Two games were played in Division Two a home win for Boxted Lodgers and an away win for Gas Recreation who stay sixth and third respectively.

Division Three had four matches, second placed Flitch United were held by Gas Recreation Reserves, Dedham Old Boys Reserves stay top after another win, this time, at Little Oakley Reserves, Gosfield United stay third after hitting five against Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves, Prettygate got only their second win of the season and Lawford Lads Reserves got all three points on their away-day to Barnston Reserves.

A first win of the season and first points for Abbey Fields in Division Four, where three games were played, those points were enough to lift them off the bottom of the table, the others saw victories for Brantham Athletic (Development) and Silver End United Reserves.

There were three matches in Division Five, Hedinghams United Reserves won, as did Assington Stanley who go second after West Bergholt (Reserves) could only draw against Mersea Island Reserves.

The first round of the Amos Cup saw four matches played, Bradfield Rovers, Cavendish (four for Taylor {H}) and Hedinghams United won in normal time whilst Frinton & Walton beat Wormingford Wanderers on penalty kicks.