Essex Senior League – Saturday 11th August

Burnham Ramblers took the lead twice against FC Romania, but the Wolves were unleashed by Ion Vintila as his side went on to win the game 8-2. William Howard fired Ramblers into a 3^rd minute lead; Sergiu Pitaru then equalised in the 18^th minute, before Charlee Hughes restored Burnham’s lead in the 21^st minute. Cosmin Anton levelled up in the 28^th minute and then after that it was a goal spree from the hosts. Florin Pop bagged a hat-trick after scoring in the 45^th, 47^th and 50^th minutes, Toby Cleaver scored a brace, as did Anton who bagged his second in the 77^th minute. The win now sees FC Romania top on goal difference.

Takeley continued their good start to the campaign with a 2-0 home win over Redbridge. Jason Todd and Mitchell Das both hit the target in the first half and the win sees them sit second in the table.

James Peagram was the other hat-trick hero of the day as he scored all the Ilford goals in a 3-0 win at Enfield 1893. It took only until the 3^rd minute for Peagram to open his account and he then completed his goal scoring feat by scoring twice more in the second half.

Jeffrey Idemudia’s goal for Hackney Wick was cancelled out by Gavin Cockman and Lewis Francis who both scored braces. The 4-1 win for the Robin is their first of the season and moves them up to seventh.

Basildon Town left it late against Wadham Lodge as Jack Renew captured all the points by scoring the winner in the 90^th minute.  Shamrez Darr had equalised for Wadham Lodge in the 86^th minute, while Basildon’s other goal was claimed by Tommy Barton who put his name on the score sheet in the 66^th minute. The 116 in attendance was the biggest ESL attendance of the day and at the moment things are looking rosy in the Basildon United camp.

Michael Mignot scored his fourth goal of the season in West Essex’s 2-0 win over Waltham Forest. Victory was secured in the 83^rd minute via an own goal.

Southend Manor took the lead in the 15th minute against Great Wakering Rovers through Michael Hopkins. But Great Wakering pulled level in the 40th minute via a sublime Neil Richmond free kick. It was as tight as derby games go and in the end both teams have to settle from a point apiece.

Barkingside eked out a 1-0 win over Stansted with Michael Ogboin towering above the Airportmen’s defence to place a header beyond the keeper.

Oscar Mendez’s 1^st minute goal for Sporting Bengal United wasn’t cancelled out by Hullbridge Sports until deep into first half stoppage time. Angus Poole was the provider and then the visitors took the lead via an own goal in the 48^th minute. Cody Cameron equalised for Sporting Bengal in the 52^nd minute, but Tommy Cox then scored the winning goal in 80^th minute which secured a 3-2 away victory.

Clapton’s indifferent start to the season continued after they were held to a goalless draw by Woodford Town (2017).

Barkingside may have been bombed out of the FA Cup but they have now won their opening two league fixtures. (Pic by Pete Dudley)