ESBFL – Round Up to Saturday 01st February 2020 by John Campany
Essex & Suffolk Border League Round – Up 1st February 2020.
Both Border League sides exited the Essex Premier Cup against Essex Olympian league sides at the quarter final stage on Saturday.
Gas Recreation FC was beaten at fellow League Champions and Holders of the Cup – Buckhurst Hill FC. Following a good first half they led 1-0, but, were eclipsed in the final 45 minutes going down 6-1.
For West Bergholt FC who also travelled, they went agonisingly close holding the Division One leaders Chingford Athletic FC to 2-2 after extra time, before being eliminated 7-6 on penalties.
In the Premier Division, Stanway Pegasus FC march on at the top with a convincing 4-0 win at home to second placed Tiptree Heath FC to open up a six-point gap from their rivals.
However, third place Great Bentley FC, beaten just twice in the league, beat fourth placed Flitch United FC away from home. It was a crucial victory, to put them nine points behind the leaders, but with four games in hand, a tall order, but not beyond the realms of possibility to win their first Premier League, Championship. The goal scorers for ‘Bentley’ were Dale Brown, Charlie Durling and Louis Olymbios.
Earls Colne FC earned a point that keeps them reasonably safe in 14th position against strugglers Brantham Athletic FC Reserves who will do well to avoid the drop with only seven league games remaining. The host’s scorers were Kieran Adams and Harry Salter whilst Brantham’s marksmen were Louis Mott and Mathew Simpson.
Basement side White Notley FC continue to struggle, but nevertheless gained an important point at Hatfield Peverel FC in an exciting 3-3 draw. For the visitors, Peter Falco found the net twice and Regan Farley – Hearn got the third.
Mid table Lawford Lads FC had a comfortable win at School Lane over visitors Barnston AFC 3-0 with Oliver Mann getting a brace bringing his seasons tally to 24 whilst Macauley Watson made it three. As for Barnston AFC they are experiencing a better season, but still remain relegation candidates, but a few more points should seem move to safety from there precarious 13th position.
Little Oakley FC Reserves had a good 3-2 win at Tiptree Engaine FC with goals from Harry Harvey and Harry Windred.
Elsewhere Alresford Colne Rangers FC and Dedham Old Boys FC shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Ford Lane.
In Division One, Cressing United FC maintained the pace as leaders, with a crushing victory over visiting Bures United FC, 7-2, whilst Boxted Lodgers FC shocked fourth placed Gosfield United FC 4-0 with a convincing win at Cage Lane where Paul Goddard hit another two goals bringing his tally to 24. Danny Griffiths and Keith Hammond completed the scoring.
At Mile End Sports Ground, the hosts Belle View Social FC found visitors FC Clacton Reserves in clinical finishing form, through the two goals scored by Ross Nash to keep them in the hunt of a promotion place.
Tiptree Jobserve FC currently second, look strong candidates for one of the promotion spots, following a crucial win over Colne Athletic FC at Florence Park. The 1-0 victory came courtesy of substitute Toby Booty and sees them four points behind Cressing United FC with three games in hand.
In Division Two, the top two Hedinghams United FC and Shrub End United FC were both successful on the road winning 1-0 and 5-1 at Great Bentley FC Reserves and Tiptree Engaine FC Reserves respectively, whilst in Division Three leaders St Osyth FC had a fine win at Cowley Park against Harwich & Parkeston FC Reserves 2-0 and hold a nine point lead over Lawford Lads FC Reserves.
John Campany.
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