The Magic of the Cup: Leyton Orient FC v Stevenage FC: Checkatrade Trophy 30 August 2016 and Barkingside FC v Coggeshall Town: Essex Senior Cup: 31 August 2016

This week the football is all about the magic of the Cup(s). Tuesday was match 17 of the season for me with the Checkatrade Trophy tie at Leyton Orient and match 18 on Wednesday at Barkingside in the Essex Senior Cup. Then this weekend, its back to the FA Cup

Match 17:  Leyton Orient FC v Stevenage FC: Checkatrade Trophy 30 August 2016

The Checkatrade Trophy is probably not a trophy that you are familiar with. If I told you it was the Johnstone's Paint Trophy or formerly the Leyland Daf Trophy or the Sherpa Van Trophy, you may know what it is.

This year the powers that be decided to reinvent this competition. Instead of it being a competition for the sides in the lower 2 divisions, with the prize of a day out at Wembley for sides who would otherwise never get there. The obvious reorganisation would be to invite some Conference sides into the competition to make the numbers up. 

No, the powers that be decided the way to inject life into this competition is to allow Premiershit and Championshit sides to play U23 sides in the competition. By U23 sides, I mean sides that are a mix of U23 and over 23 players.

The fans across the country voted with their feet. As witnessed by the attendances 

You may ask why I went to the game at Orient. A good question. I went because the price for my ticket was right and because I was meeting my good friends Tony & Lisa. I got a ticket for free. At that price I can't complain.

Once into the ground it was clear the crowd was not going to be the highest of the season.

The crowd was given as 876 with 47 visiting fans. The one good thing was the Stevenage fans did not bring that bloody drum this time.  The Stevenage fans were given the whole of the North Stand, which is normally the family stand. 47 fans in there looked a little lost.

The game itself was effectively over after less than 15 minutes when Stevenage had a man sent off for a stupid and needless elbow. After that there was no doubt who would win. The only surprise was it was only 1-0 at half time. 

The final score was 3-1 to Orient. The plus points were it was an Orient win and Paul McCallum scored twice as he continues his return to fitness after missing most of last season with injury.

The match was noticeable for the players making more noise than the fans. There was not much to write about the game, it was instantly forgettable. The plus points were I used the time at the game to book car hire for my forthcoming trip to the USA and did some on line shopping.

Barkingside FC v Coggeshall Town: Essex Senior Cup: 31 August 2016

There was a time that the County FA Cup competition was a major competition. Not anymore it seems. Tonight I went again to Cricklefield to watch Barkingside play Coggeshall Town. Although Barkingside were drawn away, they hosted the game. I understand that Coggeshall conceded home advantage as their floodlights have not been installed yet.

Coggeshall Town are in step 6 of the Pyramid (Level 10) and a division below Barkingside. On this basis you would expect Barkingside to win.

Arriving at the ground there were a lot of people around. Far more outside the ground than normal. These extra people all seemed to be smartly dressed and of Afro Caribbean origin. They were unlikely to be Coggeshall fans or officials. It turns out that they had hired the bar and catering facilities for a wake. It seemed strange walking into the ground past ground eating and drinking and listening to reggae music.

Admission as usual was £7 including the free programme. Into the ground and a few regular faces were there ground hopping. A catch up on where everyone else had been  in recent days and then it was kick off.

Barkingside had made numerous changes for tonight's tie. The game was played on Essex time and kicked off a few minutes late. The game was scoreless after the first 15 minutes although that was down to dreadful finishing rather than any good defending. 

Barkingside took the lead mid way through the first half and were still deservedly leading 1-0 at half time. 

In the second half, Coggeshall had far more of the play and it was only down to bad finishing that they hadn't equalised when a great strike for them was blocked on the line by one of their own players who then managed to scoop the ball over the bar! I am not sure how he did that.

Eventually the ball was in the Barkingside net, not via a Coggeshall player, but a great strike into his own net by the Barkingside no 6. Surely now, Coggeshall would carry on to win? Well, they may have done if their no 9 had not stupidly left his foot in when challenging the keeper. He got  a second yellow card and was sent off.

Barkingside  were slow to take the advantage of the extra man. It was only in the last couple of minutes that they produced any real chances and these were met by excellent saves from the Coggeshall goal keeper.

There is no extra time in this competition so it was straight ot penalties. Barkingside first kick was saved and Coggeshall scored. The next 2 penalties each were scored. Then Barkingside put the 4th penalty over the bar. This meant that if Coggeshall scored it was over.

You can see by the lack of reaction from the Coggeshall players how little this win meant. Sadly these competitions are seen as a nuisance rather than an important trophy.

Another pleasant evening at Barkingside with the usual welcome. The Crowd was a massive 52 which would hardly cover the rental of the pitch.

I am sure i will be back watching Barkingside soon. however this Saturday its FA Cup duty for me.

Erm.......Waltham Forest FC v Sawbridgeworth Town FC: Essex Senior League: 24 August 2016

So, match 15 of the season and my 7th game in 10 days took me to Wadham Lodge, the home of Waltham Forest FC for their Essex Senior League Tie against Sawbridgeworth Town FC. On paper it should be a home banker. Waltham Forest have a 100% record in the league and have been scoring for fun. Sawbridgeworth meanwhile had drawn their first two league games.

Wadham Lodge is an interesting ground. It is home to Wadham Lodge FC as well as Waltham Forest FC. Both clubs play in the 9th tier of English football.  Behind both goals are covered terraces that run the length of the pitch. On one side there is a small piece of uncovered terracing running part of the pitch and on the other side is a long covered stand running around 1/2  the length of the pitch. The ground is definitely one of the better grounds in the Essex Senior League and one could easily host football at a higher level. The only thing I did not notice was whether there was a second set of turnstiles anyway into the ground.

Right, enough of my love in with the ground, and onto the game. Unlike the night before, there were a number of ground hoppers present, and league officials as well. A chance to discuss previous nights games. Some had been to Stanway Rovers v Barking in a 2 hours long cup tie. Some had gone to Clapton in a league game and I had of course been to Bowers v Waltham Abbey.

Admission is £7. I have no idea about programmes as they had sold out before I got there. Given the small crowd at the ground, I presume a minimal number  of programmes had been printed.

The game kicked off, according to Essex time, ie it was 3 minutes late kicking off.  It seems to be an unwritten rule that all Essex games kick off late. The first half was full of lots of commitment and passion, but sadly all to little in the way of real chances. Waltham Forest were probably the better side, but Sawbridgeworth battled hard and prevented any real chances for Waltham Forest.

Half time came and went with still no score. The second half was more of the same. Lots of effort and passion, but little in the way of excitement for the fans. However, for the second time this season I saw one of the Waltham Forest officials sent from the touchline. The referee refused to restart the game until the said official had not only left the dugout but left the ground/ gone to the changing rooms. This I was advised by one of the former league officials was the correct action by the referee and answers my query from the game at Redbridge in FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round. 

Again like at Redbridge I did not hear or see what the person did to be sent off, but 2 sendings off in first 3 weeks of the season is not very impressive. Respect Campaign, remember that?

Anyway, with 7 minutes left, Waltham Forest finally scored. They probably just deserved to win.

The game itself was a tight affair with little exciting incidents, but that should not be taken as a lack of effort by either side.

Waltham Forest describe the game here

One thing to comment on was how warm it was last night during the game. The temperature was still above 70 F at the time the game kicked off and never dropped much. It was a tee shirt and shorts weather for the spectators never mind the players. Despite this, there were a couple of flashes of lightening during the second half and a brief shower of rain. None of that did anything to reduce the temperature or humidity

For me, that is it until next week in terms of football. I am off to see my lady this weekend, so football is going to have to take a break.

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Bowers & Pitsea FC v Waltham Abbey FC: FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay: 23 August 2016

After watching Saturday’s enjoyable 2-2 draw at Waltham Abbey I   decided to make my 15th game of the season at Bowers for the replay.

I went to Bowers a number of times at the end of last season, watching them in a couple of FA Vase ties as well as at least one league games. Bowers won promotion from the Essex Senior League (level 9) to the Rymans League Div. 1 North (level 8) despite having to cope with an incredible fixture backlog and a very heavy pitch. Bowers showed great resilience and fitness last season to win promotion. I enjoyed my visits to Bowers and they were clearly a club rooted in the local community and with a big clubhouse that did more than open on match days.

THE GOOD

There were several good things about my trip to Bowers. This first thing being how good the pitch looked compared to the end of last season. Clearly the groundsman has done a lot of work and he can be proud of his efforts.

The ground itself seems to have had a bit of a tidy up. The whole ground looked clean and smart. It is a very small ground with only a small bit of terracing. The main covered standing is behind one goal and consists of converted shipping containers with part of the side cut off. These have had lighting added. A simple, cheap and effective solution to the problem of providing the required covered standing.

The main stand at Bowers houses, the PA announcer, the seats, the director’s box, and the food hut. It consists of 4 rows of seats and runs 1/2 to 2/3rds of the length of the pitch. Simple, low rise but effective. Again a good value for money solution and far more attractive than the metal stands seen at many grounds.

However, the main item under “the Good” for me had to be the game which was a feisty, hard fought but entertaining cup tie. Very early on, Waltham Abbey took the lead with a goal after around 2 minutes. After 8 minutes, Waltham Abbey were 2 up. Bowers seemingly caught cold and were facing a hammering.

Bowers, like last season showed their fighting spirit and fought their way back into the game. Going forward and in midfield, Bowers looked decent, but every time Waltham Abbey attacked the looked like they would score. Credit should be of course given to the Waltham Abbey forwards for their effort and skill.

Bowers pulled a goal back before half time with a penalty for handball. A silly penalty to give away.  So 1-2 at half time.

Midway through the second half, Bowers equalised with a lovely strike. Before I had time to tweet that goal, Waltham Abbey went straight up the pitch and scored. 2-3 now.

Bowers kept plugging away, but late on were caught by a quick counter attack and at 2-4 it was too much for them to do. After all the hard work in the 1st tie at Waltham Abbey, Bowers let themselves down with some sloppy defending and failing to pay attention.

The game was a feisty affair and the referee did well to avoid having to send anyone off. 

The game was played with the passion and commitment sadly so often lacking at the higher levels of the game.

Another good thing was the use of the Bowers & Pitsea youngsters as mascots. The encouraging of families and children to the game is something that is to be praised, which makes the matters under the heading below of THE UGLY even worse. 

THE BAD

The cruel people would say the bad should be the Bowers defence. I think that would be harsh. They were simply lacking experience at a higher level and sadly lost concentration at times.

For me, the bad was the admission price which at Bowers this season is £9. This is a 50% increase on last season and makes Bowers one of the highest charging clubs in the Rymans League Div 1 North. For example Waltham Abbey charge £8 as do Romford. Although Aveley are charging £10 this season. 

I appreciate that Bowers have gone up a level, but a 50% increase to be one of the most expensive sides to watch is a bit steep.  Obviously it is up to Bowers what they charge, but being so expensive relative to other clubs will put off the ground hoppers and infrequent visitors.

At a time of stagnant price rises, a 50% increase is excessive. The moving up a level will not increase the travelling of the club significantly as the Essex Senior League has a large geographic footprint as well.

On a positive note, the programme at £1.50 was cheaper than many other clubs are charging this season.

THE UGLY

No, not the female sat near me. (She was actually rather attractive, not that I noticed). The ugly for me was the language of one of the Bowers & Pitsea officials who sat at the press desk at the back of the Directors box and proceeded to berate the referee with foul and abusive language. His language was inappropriate per so, but even more so when he was sitting immediately behind women and children. 

He was wearing a Bowers & Pitsea training top and proceeded to take his frustrations out on the referee with his abuse. Now, as a regular football fan, I understand and appreciate the passion involved in the game. There is a huge difference between passion and abuse. 

Its rather ironic that at the ground there are signs advertising the FA Respect campaign when a club official is clearly showing no respect to the referee. There is also a big advert for RESPECT on the front of the match programme.

It would  perhaps have been slightly less obvious and slightly less ugly if the foul mouthed male had not chosen to position himself at the back of the Director's box immediately behind women and children. I am not sure what sort of example this is presenting to those young players who were mascots or to anyone else at the game.

It leaves a sour taste in the mouth and makes me less likely to want to return to watch football at Bowers.It is a shame that the behaviour of one individual should let down all the other friendly welcoming volunteers at Bowers.

Bowers are a club that have made massive steps forward and I am sure will continue to do so. 

Waltham Abbey are at home to Wingate & Finchley in the next round of the cup on 3rd September 2016.

Late Late Late: Barkingside FC v Takeley FC: Essex Senior League: 22 August 2016

Its definitely a case of the Late Show tonight.

LATE 1

When I left work I was still in 2 minds about what game to attend. I thought I had the choice of 3 games:

1. West Ham U23s v Newcastle U23s at Dagenham & Redbridge
2. Tower Hamlets v Ilford
3. Barkingside v Takeley

The West Ham game was a 1900 ko and the other 2 were 1945 ko. By the time I had cycled the 13 miles home from work, had a shower and stuffed my face there was not time to get to Dagenham for kick off in that game. So you could say I was late for that game.

LATE 2

Tower Hamlets v Ilford FC was postponed tonight with some players already at the ground.  It was realised  that the ground had been double booked with an athletics event, so the game was postponed at the last minute. 

Only in Essex, only in Essex.

A very late postponement. 

LATE 3

Fortunately I had already decided to go to Barkingside v Takeley instead of Tower Hamlets. I did not know the Tower Hamlets game had been postponed until I saw in the ground at Cricklefield Stadium,one of the regular Essex ground hoppers who had said yesterday that he was going to Tower Hamlets tonight.

I chose Barkingside for the second Monday in a row mainly because it is nearest ground to my home. Its always a friendly club and its a shame that they do not get better attendances. Its only £7 admission and that includes a programme. If you are a season ticket holder at a league club, then its only £5 to get in. You can't go wrong at that price.

Tonight's visitors Takeley were top of the table. Barkingside were not far behind, despite a heavy defeat on the opening day of the season and a 7-2 defeat on Saturday in the FA Cup.

Taking my seat in the stand just before kick off and Takeley attacked from the outset and with their second effort they took the lead, with only 28 seconds on the clock. That beats yesterday's 2 minutes at Romford for the visitor's there, Hullbridge.

The early stages of the game looked like Takeley were going to dominate. They were on top and seemed comfortable. However, as the half went on, Barkingside played themselves back into the game. Hard work rather than great skill it seemed, but that was rewarded when Barkingside scored a great equaliser with an unstoppable, well placed effort. 

Half time, after decent first half saw the score still 1-1. Takeley attacked at the start of the second half, but were unable to score in the first 28 seconds of this half. It took them all of 3 minutes of this half to take the lead. Like the first half, Takeley dominated the first part of the half with Barkingside coming good later on. Right at the death, Barkingside were attacking and there was a coming together of 2 players just inside the penalty area. The referee immediately whistled and gave a free kick outside the area. I think this was a double error by the referee:

1. The coming together in my opinion was not a foul
2. The coming together was definitely inside the penalty area. At this point we were stood square onto the incident.

So, a last minute direct free kick to Barkingside, and again a great strike resulted in a goal as you will see  from the video before

A get out of jail card for Barkingside and Takeley will be disappointed, but they failed to press home their advantage when ahead.

A very late goal to earn a point for Barkingside

The crowd of 101 certainly got value for money. 4 goals and 2 sides playing with passion and commitment. All this for only £7 including programme. Why would you want to pay from £20  to £60+ for a professional club game?

Hopefully tomorrow I will get to the Bowers & Pitsea FC v Waltham Abbey FA Cup Replay. The result of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Waltham Abbey

Still on the Road: Romford FC v Hullbridge Sports FC: FA Cup Preliminary Round: 21 August 2016

Game 13 for me and my third FA Cup tie of the weekend. Thanks to Romford and their landlords Thurrock, both being drawn at home in the FA Cup this weekend, Romford had to move their game from yesterday.

The 13:30 kick off meant that I had to meet my friends earlier than normal for breakfast today. As usual, I was late setting off to cycle to the cafe, so had to push myself. Why is there always a head wind when you are in a rush cycling? Anyway after chewing the cud over breakfast and putting the world to rights and slaughtering the FA for everything it does or doesn't do, it was time to race home, get changed and head down to Thurrock's Ship Lane ground.

Romford are now in the Rymans League Div. 1 North. This is the third incarnation of the club. The last incarnation went bust after trying to get into the Football League. The club history can be found here.

Romford now play their home games outside of Romford. They ground share with Thurrock FC some miles from Romford. The ground at Ship Lane is one of the best non league grounds in Essex. Possibly second best now Dagenham & Redbridge have been relegated into the National League.

Photo of ground# "borrowed" fellow ground hopper Dan Wilson @essexfootie 

The ground reflects the fact that Thurrock had several seasons in the Conference South. There is covered terracing behind both goals, the main stand in the picture above down one side and on the far side is a covered stand running the length of the pitch, incorporating seating at one end and terracing at the other with a TV gantry straddling the halfway line.

I saw Hullbridge in the FA Cup last season when their run was ended by Grays Athletic at Millfield. That was a day remembered  by me for the foul and abusive language from the Hullbridge bench and their team for the whole 90 minutes. They were a disgrace to the game that day. I have had clients prosecuted for less abusive language.

As the teams lined up today, I wondered what sort of game we would encounter. Romford this year have changed from yellow and blue stripped shirts to hooped shirts. These look more like rugby shirts. As Hullbridge warmed up, Romford looked as though they were practising scrummaging.

Hullbridge Sports are from the Essex Senior League, a division below Romford. You would not have realised it from the way the game started. In the first minute, Hullbridge were unlucky not to be 1 up when a great move resulted in a shot beating the keeper but striking the post.

Hullbridge continued to pile on the pressure and after 2 minutes they were a goal up. They continued to look lively. Romford seemed to be out of sorts. A lack of commitment ? Caught cold by the attacking nature of the Hullbridge play?

Ronford got back on level terms on 8 minutes  and from then on gradually took control of the game. They got a second goal midway through the first half and then on the stroke of half time they were awarded a penalty. 

Romford deserved to be ahead, but 3-1 flattered them and was a  bit harsh on Hullbridge. The second half started with Romford scoring again. 4-1 up. Game over and an easy win for Romford. Would this be another hiding like last season up the road at Millfield?

Clearly Hullbridge had not read the script and kept on battling. It didn't look like they were going to score, then with around 15 minutes to go, they scored a second goal. 4-2 down and  surely too little too late, it was a consolation goal to make the score look respectable.

The right at the end, Hullbridge scored again to make it 4-3 and cause a few squeaky bum moments for Romford. Then just to keep the excitement going, a Hullbrige player was sent off, I believe it was for something he said to the referee.  Said play left the field and game continued, but despite the clear FA rules the player did not go to the dressing room, but walked round the pitch behind the barrier and watched the game stood next to the home dugout. Surprisingly no official seemed to notice this. If referee was aware of it, then an FA charge could well follow for the player.

A thoroughly enjoyable cup tie with lots of twists and turns to keep the crowd, including many ground hoppers happy. At £8 for admission and £2 for the programme it was excellent value and a good way to spend a Sunday lunchtime;


One thing that did amuse me was one of the  advertising hoardings around the pitch. I have never seen an advert for "Explosive and Narcotic Search Dogs" at a football match before. I wonder what call there is for these amongst the spectators at Romford or Thurrock games.