ESBFL – Round Up to Saturday 05th October 2019 by John Campany

Essex & Suffolk Border League Round – Up 5^th October 2019.

Hatfield Peverel FC returned to form with a vengeance when entertaining fourth place Great Bentley FC. It was dynamic performance by the home side, but more specifically Lawrence Hale who helped himself to six of the goals in the 7-2 thrashing. It is the second time that Hatfield FC have hit eight in the league this season and Hale has now netted fourteen so far this season

Great Bentley FC’s plight was not helped with the sending off of Jack Burch, whilst Charlie Durling and Joseph Hurd replied.

Also, in the Premier Division ambitious Stanway Pegasus consolidated their position at the top of the table with a 5-1 win at Little Oakley FC Reserves in a feisty affair where both sides were reduced to 10 men at the final whistle. The visitors had eased into a 4-1 interval lead with goals from Max Booth, Sam Clark, Josh Dillon and a brace from Reife Marangou with a solitary reply from Robert Pratt.

Flitch United FC maintained their purple patch with a 1-0 home win leapfrogging Alresford Colne Rangers FC to move into second place, whilst the visitors have now dropped to third. Daniel O’Brien was the marksmen to extend their unbeaten sequence to seven games.

Sam Cripps was the two goal, hero for West Bergholt who travelled to Barnston AFC and picked up useful points, whilst Dedham Old Boys FC were victorious at Brantham Athletic FC Reserves 2-1 with goals from Liam Macklin and Mathew Randall to inflict more pain on the struggling side firmly placed at the bottom of the table.

Gas Recreation FC’s faltering season continues when held at Bromley Road by Earls Colne FC who gained a valuable point. Aston Firkins and Jonathan Ogunsanya were on target for ‘Gas’ whilst Ronnie Edwards and Callum Tracey ensured parity.

It was left to two substitutes, Ryan Knill-Jones and Benjamin Turner to get Tiptree Heath FC over the line with second half goals beating Lawford Lads FC 2-0.

White Notley FC picked up a vital point on the road after some indifferent results that have seen them slip down to 15^th place in the table. A 2-2 draw at Tiptree Engaine FC was much needed after such an encouraging start to the season. The home side were well served by goal scorers Jordon Marsh and Harry Runicles with Josh Goodey Patrick Wilkinson responding.

In Division One, leaders Colne Athletic FC were held by the Islanders of Mersea 2-2 and now hold a slender one point, lead at the summit. In contrast this was a welcome point for Mersea Island FC as they get accustomed to life in Division One. The home side’s scorers were Andy and Dan Gibbons with the visitor’s marksmen Luke Goldie–McSorley and Scott Yearling.

At the Rush Green Sports Centre, FC Clacton Reserves continue to maintain their fine start to the season with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Stanway Rovers FC Reserves to strengthen their second place in the table. They now trail the leaders by one point, but have two games in hand. Cameron Dolphin hit two with one each from Lyndon Bramhall and Bradley Smith, whilst Christian Walsh got the consolation goal.

An Alfie Adams hat trick and one from Shane Temple set up an easy 4-0 win for Sudbury Sports FC at Alresford Colne Rangers FC Reserves whilst Bures United FC romped to a 6-0 success over Wormingford Wanderers FC with a brace from Thomas Bailey and Courtney Prince and a goal each from Adam Dolling and Ashley Drew.

There was a goal feast at the Lorkin Daniel Playing Field where West Bergholt FC Reserves beat pointless Boxted Lodgers FC 8-5. The remarkable statistic apart from the game’s thirteen goals was that ‘Bergholt’ produced eight different scorers whilst Paul Goddard struck four goals for Boxted.

In Division Two an Ashley Collins hat trick was enough to cause an upset as Tollesbury FC beat leaders Shrub End United FC 3-0 thus inflicting their first defeat of the campaign.

Hedinghams United FC and Tavern FC both took advantage and trail the leaders by two points. Indeed Hedinghams, who are enjoying happier times this season, overwhelmed Harwich Rangers 8-0 with a hat trick from Jonathan Ashdown and two each from Jamie Chandler, Callum Tyler and one from Charlie Whalley, and remain unbeaten.

Tavern FC also continue to progress, retained there unbeaten tag by defeating Hatfield Peverel FC Reserves 2-0, their marksmen being Reese Barnard and Ben Fowler.

There was a notable first win of the season for Rowhedge FC who defeated Gas Recreation FC Reserves 3-2 with a brace from Siyam Izycki and a third by Aaron Riley. Aaron Williams responded for the visitors with both their goals.

In Division Three, Lawford Lads FC Reserves maintained their position at the top with a resounding 8-1 win at Cavendish FC Reserves. Amongst the goals were Oliver Davis, Harvey Robinson, Chris Upton and Fabrice Williams.