ESBFL – Round –Up 03rd October 2020. (JC)
Essex & Suffolk Border League Round –Up 3rd October 2020.
Oh, what a difference a week makes!
Last week’s ’entertainers’ White Notley FC, were beaten for the first time after four successive wins by the vastly improving West Bergholt FC who under the management of Lee Townrow are seemingly having a renaissance. Indeed, four straight victories have hauled them into second place, only two points behind there fierce rivals ‘Gas’ with a game in hand.
In fact, the leaders were given a rude awakening in mid week, that saw Dean West’s side beaten by Brantham Athletic FC Reserves at the Leisure Centre by a solitary goal. It was a feisty affair with James Lee (Brantham) and James Gregory (Gas) taking early baths having received the displeasure of referee Rhys Collins.
It appeared that the partisan support from the Bromley Road faithful merely inspired the home side! However, Saturday was redemption day, and a trip to Tiptree Heath FC secured a 3-1 win to ensure top spot with goals from Harry Hewes, Jack Stoneman and Jack Urwin.
There was good news for Felixstowe & Walton United FC Reserves who having suffered five straight losses managed to open there account with a 3-0 win at Barnston AFC with goals from Kadir Akbaba and a brace from Caleb Palmer. It looks ominous for Barnston AFC who have yet to yield a point from five matches and another struggling season seems inevitable, on current results.
Also, in mid-week Sudbury Sports FC were in action at Walsham-Le-Willows FC in the final of the Suffolk Junior Cup 2019/2020 against Halesworth Town FC. It turned out to be a ten-goal thriller, but “Sudbury” failed at the last hurdle to a very good “Halesworth” side losing 6-4.
There were three drawn games in the Premier, firstly Flitch United FC looking for their first win were held at home by Little Oakley FC Reserves both sides sharing four goals with James Stranders the home marksman and James Eades responding. They occupy second from bottom in the table but have games in hand whilst ‘Oakley’ are in 13th position having achieved one win from their opening seven games.
Earls Colne FC gained a creditable point at Strangers Corner, Brightlingsea, holding Colne Athletic FC 1-1. The newly promoted Club have made an encouraging start to senior football and are fourth just four points of the leaders whilst Earls Colne FC are quickly establishing themselves as draw specialists this being there third one pointer. The scorers were Joe Hawkins for the home side and Benrico Stripe for the visitors.
The third drawn match saw Alresford Colne Rangers FC gain a point at ‘The Drift’ against Dedham Old Boys FC 1-1. This was encouraging for the visitors who had lost there three previous matches. On target for the home side was the dependable John Vitelli.
Stanway Pegasus FC achieved a fine 4-1 win inflicting a first defeat for Great Bentley. ‘Pegasus’ have now won three of there four games.
In the First Division, Dunmow Town FC thrashed Shrub End United FC 9-2 at the Community Centre, to move to the top ahead of Belle Vue Social FC on goal difference and have amassed thirty-one goals in the process. Dunmow Town FC, a new club, have impressed in this their first season in the league, and some glowing tributes have been made, none more so than the sporting comments by Saturday’s opponents’. Both sets of personnel were respectful and complimentary, so refreshing and so good to note that the hosts were also magnanimous in defeat.
Meanwhile Belle Vue Social FC were not very sociable hitting five past a bewildered Holland FC “A” to maintain their impressive 100% record thus far. It’s a funny old game! Holland FC “A” struck nine goals last week but conceded five Saturday! The winners were well served with a brace from both Alex Drennan and substitute Josh Grimes with the scoring completed by Joshua Chapman.
Third placed Alresford Colne Rangers FC Reserves maintain pressure on the top two with a resounding 5-1 win at Ford lane over visiting basement side West Bergholt FC Reserves. Their goals were equally shared with Robert Cant, Robert Czapla, Lewis Hargreaves, Russell McLean and Ross Nash on target.
In Division Two, the chasing pack made up ground on Harwich & Parkeston FC Reserves who were idle having played in mid-week. Second place Cavendish FC defeated visiting Hatfield Peverel FC Reserves at Melford Road to reduce the gap to seven points with two games in hand. Haydn Taylor grabbed a hat trick and one each for Ross Martin, Lloyd Finch, Addy Ray and substitute Charlie Holmes completed the rout.
Gas Recreation FC Reserves moved into third on level points with Cavendish FC following a comfortable 5-2 win over Stanway Athletic FC.
In Division Three, Thorpe Athletic FC continue their bright start, but it was a close fought match winning 3-2 against pointless Oyster FC Reserves. There was a brace for Bailey Barnard and Harry Hulstrom was again on target. Ryan Christian and Jack Eaglestone replied.
Division Four leaders, Frinton & Walton FC maintained their excellent start winning for the fifth consecutive time against Cavendish FC Reserves, albeit by the slender margin of 2-1. Their goals came from Ryan Harrington and Joshua Lake with a consolation from James Hurst.
John Campany
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