ESBFL Round-Up to Saturday 10th August 2019 by JOHN CAMPANY
ESBFL Round-Up to Saturday 10th August 2019 by JOHN CAMPANY
Last season’s Champions Gas Recreation FC defeated Tiptree Heath FC, last season’s Runners-Up in the Essex and Suffolk Border League’s season opener for the AV Lee Cup.
The final took place at Brantham Athletic FC on Wednesday evening and it was a case of ‘villain turned hero’ as Gas keeper Glen Morrison settled an absorbing final with the champions prevailing after extra-time and penalties.
Gas were leading 2-0 just before the interval but that advantage was halved after their keeper conceded a penalty.
This gave impetus to Tiptree’s improved second-half performance and they deservedly took the game into extra time.
However, a further 30 minutes could not separate the sides, the match finishing 2-2 with Aston Firkins and an own goal on target for Gas while James Chesney and Charlie Green, a penalty, replied for Tiptree.
Enter the mighty Morrison, who brilliantly saved the opening two Tiptree spot-kicks.
For good measure, he then powered home the third kick for Gas, meaning they won the penalty shoot-out 4-2.
The league programme commenced on Saturday.
In the Premier Division, Little Oakley FC Reserves made a great start at Hatfield Peverel FC, winning 4-0 with two goals from Ross Brazitis and one each from Josh Caudill and Robert Pratt.
Great Bentley FC also started well, with Jack Murray’s side defeating West Bergholt FC 4-1.
It was a goal apiece at half-time, but the home side ran out easy winners with goals from Joseph Hurd and Dale Brown.
Earls Colne FC made an encouraging start to their campaign, taking a point on the road against Alresford Colne Rangers FC at Ford Lane.
In a 1-1 draw, Brett Bellamy got Rangers’ goal while Ronnie Edwards ensured a point for the visitors.
Gas followed up their midweek cup success with a 1-0 victory at promoted Tiptree Engine FC, thanks to a goal from Jack Gregory.
There were six goals shared at School Lane, where Lawford Lads FC were held by White Notley FC in a 3-3 draw.
The visitors’ goals came from Lee Ifield, Sean Radley and substitute Robert King.
Oliver Mann hit two while Nicholas Bolingbroke added the third.
In Division One, promoted Gosfield United FC opened their account with a 2-2 draw at Church Road against visiting Bell Vue Social FC.
Dean and Jake Gilder were the home scorers and Josh Grimes replied with a brace.
Cressing United FC impressed with a 4-1 home win against Little Oakley FC “A”, with goals from Craig Copas, Daniel Miller, Robert Olding and substitute Daniel French.
Gary Stanford scored the consolation goal.
Stanway Rovers FC Reserves, new to the league, were given a shooting lesson at the Hawthorns from visiting Colne Athletic FC, who rattled up four first-half goals and finally won 6-2.
Their goals came from Ryan Ellis, Luke Goldie-McSorley, Luke Rogers, Josh Vaughan and a Scott Yearling brace.
Rovers replied through Charlie Davis and Christian Walsh.
There was a goal feast at Brundon Lane, where Sudbury Sports FC beat visiting FC Clacton Reserves 9-3.
In another high-scoring match, Bures United FC beat Mersea Island FC 7-1.
In Division Two, the highlight was a convincing performance from promoted Elmden Rovers FC against Rowhedge FC, winning 7-1.
There was a fine display from Ben Justice, who hit the net four times.
However, not to be outdone, Lennard Tulloch-Marsh weighed in with a hat-trick to give the Clacton-based side a near perfect start to their campaign.
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