Crashing Around East London & Essex

A few games to catch up on since I last blogged. As I am not currently at home, I have not been able to upload pictures. These will follow later

Spennymoor Town 1 v 0 Corby Town Northern Premier League Premier Division 29 August 2016

My first visit to see Spennymoor town play since their exciting playoff win last season at home to Northwich Victoria. Promotion and the opening of a new pub, The Moors Tavern are 2 significant events in the intervening period. In the days after that promotion play off victory, Spennymoor announced the release of several stalwarts of that side. My initial thoughts were of pessimision, but I was wrong. Spennymoor subsequently announced the signing of several players with Conference National League experience. Today was my first chance to see the new look side, but first a visit to the new pub. 

The pub has been shut for some time. It was formerly the Salvins Arms but has now been refurbished and is leased to Spennymoor Town to use as a pub/ community attraction/ base.  First impressions were favourable. It looks smart and is very popular. Another positive is that it means the club has opened the Tees Crescent Turnstiles again as these are nearest the pub.

The ground itself has been subject of a summer tidy up and a lot of work on the pitch. I think the pitch probably looks better than I have ever seen it.

The game itself was the most one sided 1-0 win I have seen. An early goal for Spennymoor settled the game. However on the basis of chances, Spennymoor should have had double figures. Sides cannot afford to waste the number of chances Spennymoor did.

Still last season these sides were 2 divisions apart andthe fact Spennymoor have deservedly outplayed Corby shows how far the club have come on

The delay in writing this has seen Spennymoor score 5 gols away from home on a couple of occasions, so hopefully the Corby game (and by all accounts the games before that) was a case of the new players getting used to each other.

Harlow Town 3 v 1 Romford FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round 3 September 2016

This was a game I nearly did not get to, and the reason for that is also the reason for the tardyness in my blogging recent games. 

The evening before this game, I was hit by a motor car whilst cycling home from work. So what? you say. Well at the time of the accident I was cycling in a segregated cycle lane – ie segregated from the motorised traffic. Little things like that never stopped the motorist from managing to drive his car into me. I initially thought I was ok, but after getting home, I was sick twice in next 12 hours- possibly the shock of ending up under a car with its wheel stopping about 6 inches from my head.

So first thing on the Saturday morning I went to A&E where they spent 5 hours carrying out various forms of scans and treating my wounds. I had bruising to neck and shoulders, hip, backside, arms, wrist and legs amongst other places. I have injured my wrist, so typing has been painful, hence the tardiness.

Anyway, after getting released from A&E, I headed up to Harlow to wach the game. That in itself was probably not a good idea as sitting in a seat for 90 minutes was not the most comfortable with my injuries.

Harlow Town won promotion ot the Rymans League Premier division in the play offs last season. Today they were facing Romford who are in the division below Harlow. I have to say I expected a comfortable Harlow victory.

Today was also non league day, but Harlow seemed to have not got into the spirit and even though there were no Premiership games on today, the crowd at just over 300 was a little disappointing.

As if reflecting this, the Harlow performance in the first 45 minutes was very disappointing. Romford were deservedly leading 1-0 at half time. Harlow did not seem interested in the first half. I tweeted at half time that a potential cup upset was on the cards.

I am not sure what was said at half time in the Harlow dressing room, but it was a different team in the 2nd half. However, Romford battled all the way and it took 2 pieces of brilliance from Alex Read (who else?) to turn the game Harlow’s way. Romford conceded a 3rd at the death when their goalkeeper went up for a corner and Harlow broke away and scored a 3rd. The score line flattered Harlow and was a little harsh on Romford.

Waltham Forest 1 v 3 Stansted Essex Senior League 7 September 2016

Learning my lesson about the need to recouperate after my accident, I decided not to go to the Ascot v Tonbridge Angels FA Cup tie on 4th September and also forego games on Mon 5 and Tues 6 September. However my the Wednesday, I was suffering withdrawal symptoms and decided to head to Wadham Lodge for what should be an easy home win.

As ever, my prediction skills were way off. Waltham Forest were woeful and were rapidly 3-0 down . This would be Waltham Forest’s first defeat of the season and they were playing a side from near the bottom of the table. They were well and truly beaten.

Positives about the game Well the cup of tea was good, the programme was excellent and I met a fellow ground hopper, Brian who ended up here after going to see FC Romania play without realising the game had been switched venue.

As far as Waltham Forest are concerned, things must get better.

Wadham Lodge FC 2 v 0 Barkingside FC Essex Senior League 14 September 2016

This was my 3rd visit of the season to Wadham Lodge, but my first time watching Wadham lodge play. They share their home with Waltham Forest (see previous report). Before tonight’s game Barkingside were 4th top and Wadham Lodge 4th bottom. 

Wadham lodge scored a penalty in the first half and got a second mid way though the 2nd half to win 2-0. Barkingside had I think one effort, a weak header,  on target all game. They had numerous chances, but failed to get any on target. Some were easier to score than miss!

One oddity near the end of the game came when the Wadham lodge keeper completely lost the plot with one or more of his own players and for several minutes was effing and blinding at one or more of his defenders and it appeared he was going to fight his own players. Eventually, the referee had to intervene and calm the goalkeeper down.

What the cause of this incredible behaviour was I have o idea. It was even more suprising given his side were cruising to victory. I and several other spectators remained at the end just to see what the keeper would do at the full time whistle. The answer is very little. To be hoest, the referee should have sent him off, but I don’t think he booked anyone in the game, preferring to talk to players and if necessary their captains as well.

A deserved win for Wadham Lodge, and a wake up call for Barkingside.

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.

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.

The Manor at the Forest: Waltham Forest FC v Eton Manor: Essex Senior League: 17 August 2016

Game number 10 of the season saw me making my first visit of the season to Wadham Lodge, the home of Waltham Forest. However its not my first time seeing Waltham Forest as I saw them in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on 6 August when they won at Redbridge.

Tonight was a league game in the Essex Senior League. Before the game Waltham Forest had won all three league games they had played this season and Eaton Manor had won two and lost one of their three games

Wadham Lodge is an interesting venue. It must be one of the best venues at Step 5, certainly in the Essex Senior League and has hosted Rymans League Football before. The ground has covered standing at either end and a main stand that runs 2/3rds of one side. This has several rows of seats. The other side of the ground has the dugouts and in between them a few steps of uncovered terracing.

The ground is situated in a sports complex with 3g pitches and a main clubhouse which is situated immediately outside the ground.

Admission is now £7, a reduction from £8 according to the sign on the turnstiles. I never saw the programmes on sale and never bothered to ask for one. They were in existence as others had them.

There were several ground hoppers at the game. Quite a few were ones I had seen on Monday at Barkingside. 

After Monday's game kicking off early, tonight we reverted back to  Essex Senior League time and the game kicked off late. It didn't take Waltham Forest long to have the first real effort. This was a shot just over the bar.

The early stages were dominated by Waltham Forest, and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 20 minutes. 

The game was hard fought and always threatened to boil over. Both sides looking for opportunities to square up to each other. Eaton Manor did have a glorious chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty. A very poorly struck penalty was easily saved.

In the second half it was again Waltham Forest on top. Things then got worse for Eaton Manor when they had a man sent off for  a 2nd yellow card after a foul. From the resulting free kick Waltham Forest scored a second goal.

Strangely enough from this point on Eaton Manor played better than at any stage before. They eventually pulled a goal back and kept taking game to Waltham Forest, but were unable to add to the score.

Right at the death, Waltham Forest missed a gilt edged chance to make it 3-1, but it mattered not as they got all three points anyway.

The good points about tonight's game were:
1. There was no bloody drummer(s)
2. The game was played by players with passion and commitment for the love of the game
3. The game and company were so good, I forgot to check on the Newcastle score until I heard the result on the radio as I left the car park. The night got better then when I learned they had won for the first time this season and by 4-1. Hopefully that kick starts the season.

Tomorrow there is no football for me as I have other commitments. The weekend is hopefully three FA Cup ties in three days for me.