ESBFL – Round Up to Saturday 02nd November 2019 by John Campany
Essex & Suffolk Border League Round Up 2nd November 2019.
There is an exciting promotion race developing in Division One with the main challengers being Colne Athletic FC, Gosfield United FC, Sudbury Sports FC and Tiptree Jobserve FC.
Present leaders ‘Athletic’ top the table following a fine 4-1 win at Belle Vue Social FC and hold a five point, lead but have played more games than their rivals. They were indebted to Scott Yearling who hit a hat trick, his 13th goal of the season, whilst Conor Howard replied.
Second place Gosfield United FC’s match was lost to the weather enabling both Sudbury Sports FC and Tiptree Jobserve FC to take advantage.
Third place ‘Sports’ enjoyed their Friday evening fixture at the Mel Group Stadium by beating Stanway Rovers FC Reserves 4-0 and trail the leaders by five points but have two games in hand. Jake Banyard and Shane Temple both scored twice.
Tiptree Jobserve FC remain unbeaten with a narrow victory over Cressing United FC and are also five points behind Colne Athletic FC, but arguably have the advantage of three games in hand. On target were Perrie Flatts and Elliott Pateman.
Elsewhere Mersea Island FC gained an away success at Stanway Pegasus FC Reserves by a solitary goal from James Rutter, whilst West Bergholt FC Reserves beat Alresford Colne Rangers FC Reserves, 2-1 with goals from Joe Steel and Scott Cannon.
Match of the day in Division Two featured the two top sided who switched positions following Hedinghams United FC’s 3-1 win over the former leaders Shrub End United FC. The new leaders remain unbeaten with an impressive eight wins and two draws from their ten matches.
The other challengers saw Tavern FC move into third place following a fine win away to Tollesbury FC, 3-2 who slip to fifth place, whilst fourth place Great Bentley FC Reserves won at Bromley Road defeating Gas Recreation FC Reserves 3-1. The visitor’s scorers were Connor Bennett, and brace from Samuel Winney.
Third Division leaders St. Osyth FC were involved in an exciting clash at Cage Lane beating Boxted Lodgers FC Reserves by the odd goal, in a nine goal, thriller to stay two points clear of chasing Lawford Lads FC Reserves.
The goal feast was lead by the visitors Kalon Harms with a brace and Mason Garey, Ben Mann and Jack Panton completing their tally. For the ‘Lodgers’ Vinny Flynn, Danny Griffith, Jack Keeble and Simon King replied.
Lawford Lads FC Reserves maintained their challenge with a 2-0 win at Kelvedon Social FC through Joseph Wilkins and Fabrice Williams, and Harwich & Parkeston FC Reserves have moved into third place, three points behind the leaders with a comprehensive 5-2 win at Stanway Athletic FC with two goals each from Lewis Button, Robert Good and one from Adam Strange.
There is such an inconsistency in the Premier Division title race that at least six of the challengers could end up champions. Leaders Stanway Pegasus FC slipped up by dropping points at Great Bentley FC in a 2-2 draw whose scorers were Charlie Durling and Louis Olymbios. Equally, second place Tiptree Heath FC were held at home by Hatfield Peverel FC in a 3-3 draw. A Charlie Green brace and one from Harry Hazell was insufficient as the visitors replied through Lawrence Hale and two from substitute Christopher Hill.
A James Osborne goal was enough for Alresford Colne Rangers FC to see off the visit of bottom side White Notley FC, whilst West Bergholt FC continue to play catch – up with a resounding win at plucky Brantham Athletic FC Reserves 5-2 to move into fifth place.
Champions Gas Recreation FC were held at Little Oakley FC Reserves in a 1-1 draw to drop to mid table. John Campany.
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