ESBFL – Round Up to Saturday 09th November 2019 by John Campany

Essex & Suffolk Border League Round Up 9^th November 2019.

There were mixed fortunes in the second round of the Essex Junior Cup. FC Clacton Reserves, Alresford Colne Rangers FC Reserves and Lawford Lads FC Reserves made it through to round three, whilst there were defeats for Kelvedon Social FC and Tiptree Heath FC Reserves.

Great Bentley FC Reserves await the decision from the County FA following the controversial abandonment of their tie with visiting Lakeside. ‘Bentley’ held an interval 3-1 lead when the game came to an abrupt halt.

Clacton’s win away to Assington was achieved after extra time. The score after 90 minutes was 1-1, but ended 3-1 with goals from Andreas Antoniou – Garcia, Cameron Dolphin and Jake Richardson.

Alresford Colne Rangers FC Reserves won the all Border League clash at Colne Athletic FC 2-1 that was a fiery encounter with both sides reduced to 10 men by the final whistle. Josh Vaughan got the home goal and had Ryan Ellis red carded whilst goals from Ross Nash and Roger Smith saw ‘Rangers’ through to the next round. Steven Roberts was the recipient of the second red card.

Lawford Lads FC Reserves trounced Eastleigh at School Lane 7-1 to move into the next round.

The draw for the fourth round will see another Border League clash with Alresford Colne Rangers FC Reserves entertaining Lawford Lads FC Reserves at Ford Lane thus ensuring that the League will have a side in the quarter final stage. Elsewhere FC Clacton Reserves have been rewarded with a home tie against Roydon FC who beat Brentwood United FC.

If Great Bentley FC Reserves prevail following their abandonment, they will travel to play Bowers United FC U23s.

Also, congratulations to Bures United FC who progressed in the Suffolk Junior Cup to reach the third round winning 5-2 away to First & Last FC a team based near Lowestoft!

In the Premier Division the top four sides maintained their challenge with each winning their matches.

Stanway Pegasus FC had a narrow 2-1 win at Dedham Old Boys FC to retain top spot but are being pursued by the chasing trio of Tiptree Heath FC, Alresford Colne Rangers FC and Flitch United FC.

Second place Tiptree Heath FC were involved in an eight goal, thriller at Earls Colne FC winning 5-3. The visitors are three points behind the leaders with a game in hand, whilst the home side are languishing in the danger zone in the bottom three. Keiran Adams scored twice and Benrico Stripe, but the visitors replied with two goals each from Charlie Green and Cameron Ward and one from Callum Hunt.

Alresford kept the pressure on the leaders with an amazing 6-5 victory at Tiptree Engaine to remain in close contention in third place, four points behind ‘Pegasus’ with two games in hand. The visiting marksmen were a brace from Elliot Aves, and a goal a piece from Hassan Ally, Gareth Evans and Chay Hammerton.

Flitch United FC are also well placed in fourth, again four points behind and a game in hand.

At this stage of the season it’s anybody’s title and West Bergholt FC who did not play cannot be discounted, not to mention champions Gas Recreation FC who can be assured of putting in a run over the weeks ahead.

Brantham Athletic FC Reserves picked up an important point at the Leisure Centre drawing 2-2 with Barnston AFC but remain in 15^th position. Jonathan Lee hit both goals for the home side.

In Division One with Colne Athletic FC in cup action, Gosfield United FC took advantage to consolidate second place winning 2-1 at Stanway Rovers FC Reserves with goals from Jake Gilder and Ryan Vickery who also received a red card. Michael Whittle replied for the home side.

However, Tiptree Jobserve FC reinforced their credentials by out playing Boxted Lodgers FC and winning 6-1 at Cage Lane to remain unbeaten. In third place, they are two points behind the leaders with two games in hand.

Mersea Island FC are now getting acclimatised to Division One following their promotion and secured a fine 2-1 win at home to West Bergholt FC Reserves with goals from Andy and Dan Gibbons. Christopher Sambou replied.

In Division Two the top three remain on course each winning their matches.

Leaders Hedinghams United FC thrashed Tiptree Engaine FC Reserves 9-0 to remain unbeaten, whilst second place Shrub End United FC won 2-0 away to Brantham Athletic FC “A”. Meanwhile third place Tollesbury FC had a narrow 2-1 at home against Elmden Rovers FC.

In Division Three, St Osyth FC remain on top with a two-point advantage over Lawford Lads FC Reserves who were in cup action. They triumphed with a 4-1 win over visiting Hedinghams United FC Reserves with prolific scorer Kalon Harms getting two more bringing his seasons tally to 21. Ben Mann and Jack Panton were the remaining scorers.