ESBFL – Round Up to Saturday 16th November 2019 by John Campany

Essex & Suffolk Border League Round – Up 16^th November 2019.

The Border League Knock – Out Cup was the primary attraction Saturday which saw 15 First Round Proper ties played.

There was a giant killing act where Division Two side Harwich Rangers FC sprang a surprise defeating Premier Division Hatfield Peverel FC 3-2. Lawrence Hale and Joel Older scored for the visitors, but were undone by ‘Rangers’ marksmen Leroy Eade, Andrew Hammett and Chris Johnson. The junior side have been drawn at home against another senior side Earls Colne FC in the next round.

Also, from the Second Division, Tavern FC gave a good account of themselves losing out in a seven-goal thriller to Premier Division, Dedham Old Boys FC. The 4-3 win for the visiting senior side was achieved through their scorers Ryan Leeworthy, Tristan Moseley and one each from substitutes Mathew Halsey and James Parker, whilst Karl Clark, Michael Lockhart and Ashley Tappenden replied for the home side. In the next round the ‘Old Boys’ travel to second division side Tollesbury FC.

There was no such shock at Third Division, St. Osyth FC who were comfortably beaten by ‘Holders’ Gas Recreation FC. The home side scored first but trailed 2-1 at half time, but the league champions turned on the style with three second half goals. Aston Firkins and Callum Rogers each hit two with the other from Harry Hewes. Kalon Harms got the consolation for the Saints.

‘Gas’ will now have a home draw and will entertain Colne Athletic FC leaders of the First Division at Bromley Road who beat visiting Cressing United FC 3-0 with goals from Daniel Bradley, Luke Rogers and Scott Yearling.

First Division, Bures United FC made progress beating Third Division, Little Clacton FC 4-2. Ashley Drew scored twice whilst Jack Hubbard and Courtney Prince completed their tally. Taylor McAndrew scored goals for the visitors.

Bures United FC will now have a home tie against either Premier leader’s Stanway Pegasus FC or Sudbury Sports FC whose tie was abandoned and is subject to Essex and Suffolk County FA’s who will need to adjudicate the circumstances of the abandonment.

Alresford Colne Rangers FC went through at Ford Lane following their fine win against fellow Premier side, West Bergholt FC 4-2. The home side were held 1-1 after 45 minutes, but cruised home to win with goals from Elliot Aves, Aiden O’Brien and a brace from Gareth Evans. Liam Close and Jack Harrington responded for ‘Bergholt’.

Flitch United FC fought a spirited second half fight back at Great Bentley FC in another all Premier tie. ‘Bentley’ had taken a 3-0 interval lead through Keiran Baker, Louis Olymbios and Jack Vaughan, but replies from James Oates and Billy Sykes were in vain and Great Bentley FC will now travel to Tiptree Jobserve FC in round two.

A goal from Macauley Watson enabled premier Lawford Lads FC to triumph over First Division promotion hopefuls Gosfield United FC to set up a visit to FC Clacton Reserves in Round Two who thrashed Kelvedon Social FC 9-0. There were hat tricks for both Lyndon Bramhall and Samuel Thompson and a brace from Sean Hillier.

Elsewhere White Notley FC were seeking some respite from Premier League action, but there loss of form continued losing their tie against visiting Tiptree Engaine FC 3-1 who will now meet Stanway Athletic FC or Mersea Island FC.

Shrub End United FC continue to enjoy their season as the Division Two side put out Belle Vue Social FC from Division One 4-2 with goals from Ryan and Terry Amass and a brace from Samuel Knill- Jones and now will travel to Alresford Colne Rangers FC.

Unbeaten First Division, Tiptree Jobserve FC just got the better of Premier side, Little Oakley FC Reserves. It was 4 a piece after extra time, but Tiptree Jobserve FC won through on penalties 4-3 and now face another Premier side Great Bentley FC at home.

In the only Premier Division match Brantham Athletic FC Reserves gained a creditable result at second place Tiptree Heath FC in a thrilling 4-4 draw to move outside the bottom two albeit they have played more games than their basement dwelling rivals. ‘Heath’ are now two points behind leaders Stanway Pegasus FC on level games played. The home side’s scorers were Charlie Green and Benjamin Turner with two each and the Athletic marksmen were a brace from Louis Mott and one each from John Donnachie and Jonathan Lee.

In Division Two, leaders Hedinghams United FC extended their lead at the summit by five points overwhelming visiting Gas Recreation FC Reserves 12-1. ‘United’ remain unbeaten and have amassed a goal difference of 48 that should provide the basis of promotion in April.

There scorers saw hat tricks from Jonathan Ashdown and Callum Tyler and a goal each from Jamie Chandler, Callum Johnston, Ashley Taylor, Charley Walley, Joe Lewis and Jamie Weston.