ESBFL – Round Up to Saturday 19th October 2019 by John Campany

Essex & Suffolk Border League Round Up 19^th October 2019.

Saturday saw the second round of the prestigious Essex Premier Cup and there were notable successes for Border League sides. The teams who have moved into the third round are, Gas Recreation FC, White Notley FC, West Bergholt FC, Earls Colne FC, Lawford Lads FC, Tiptree Engaine FC and Alresford Colne Rangers FC. Stanway Pegasus FC could join them with their second-round tie scheduled for this Saturday.

Probably the most meritorious was Earls Colne FC’s victory over Old Southendian’s FC from the Premier Division of the Essex Olympian league. Their goals came from Kieran Adams, Benrico Stripe and Callum Tracey and will now travel to West Bergholt FC in November for an all Border League clash.

‘Bergholt’s’ home draw was earned with a solitary goal from Liam Springett at Galleywood FC.

Lawford Lads FC were involved in a thrilling tie defeating Harold Wood Athletic Reserves after extra time. The Lads trailed at half time 2-1, but stormed back to draw level on 90 minutes, but triumphed with further goals in extra time. Their goal machine Oliver Mann spearheaded their success with a hat trick to bring his seasonal tally to 15 thus far, whilst Adam Punchard and Macauley Watson completed the scoring. They now have a plumb tie entertaining the holders Buckhurst Hill FC at School Lane.

Tiptree Engaine FC were taken to penalties in their tie at home to Ilford FC Reserves after sharing two goals after extra time with Adam Collier on target. The Border League side prevailed 8-7 on penalties to send them into the next round where they will travel to Lakeside FC.

At Ford Lane Alresford Colne Rangers FC triumphed against Toby FC, 2-1 with Elliot Aves and Gareth Evans ensuring their passage into the next round where they travel Waltham Abbey FC Reserves.

In the all Border League clash White Notley FC overcame Tiptree Heath FC in a tight tie with a solitary goal win and have an attractive home tie at Oak farm against Grays Athletic FC Reserves.

Gas Recreation FC who played a week earlier beating Old Forresters FC are drawn at home against Epping Town FC who beat Great Bentley FC, 3-1. Flitch United FC also exited the competition sustaining a heavy 6-1 defeat at home to Leigh Ramblers FC.

This Saturday Stanway Pegasus FC have the chance of joining the third round at home to Corinthians FC, if they dispose of Redbridge FC Reserves.

Meanwhile, Brantham Athletic FC Reserves have lifted themselves from the bottom of the table with two great wins. In mid week they beat Alresford Colne Rangers FC, 2-1 at the Leisure Centre with goals from Kieran Lawler and Jonathan Lee and then followed up on Saturday with a spectacular surprise success at home against leaders Stanway Pegasus FC in a seven-goal thriller. On this occasion it was two goals each from Samuel Gunn and Louis Mott to inflict a third defeat upon the leaders.

There was another notable success at much improved Barnston AFC when Joshua Hutchins came off the bench to get a late equaliser against champions Gas Recreation FC in a 1-1 draw, Luke Taylor responded for the visitors.

Hatfield Peverel FC earned the points against visiting Dedham Old Boys, 2-1 with goals from Ryan Pitt and Cosmin Rotaru to move into fourth place. In the First Division, Colne Athletic FC moved to the top with a resounding win at home over Wormingford Wanderers FC, 7-0 with a brace each from Luke Goldie-McSorley and substitute Joshua Milburn and a goal apiece from Ryan Brown, Josh Vaughan and Ben Fowler.