Essex Senior League
Redbridge have opened up a seven point lead at the top of the table and will be aiming to go into the Christmas break with that tally remaining intact. Ilford will be hosting the leaders at Cricklefield with Allen Fenn’s men looking to play the Christmas Scrooge by putting one over their local rivals. The Foxes were beaten 5-1 in the corresponding fixture but then gained revenge when they beat Redbridge 3-1 in the Errington Challenge Cup. With James Peagram in Ilford’s ranks means that Redbridge will have to keep it tight at the back. The Motormen have plenty of fire power themselves and this could be a real Christmas cracker of a local derby.
FC Romania sit in second place and take on a Barkingside outfit that are on a losing run of seven. The Wolves are unbeaten in thirteen and have to be favoured to pick up another three points as they look to keep the pressure on Redbridge. The visitors will be looking to spring a surprise however as they don’t want to see in the New Year with a relegation battle on their hands
Basildon United take the short trip to Great Wakering Rovers with both teams still in the mix as they have two games in hand on Redbridge despite sitting fourth and fifth respectively. A win is required for either side to keep their involvement in the title still alive as the season enters January. Great Wakering have won their last seven league games but Basildon have won their last three and are more than capable of breaking that winning streak. However wins this one will go into the January in a good position to launch a title bid.
Takeley will be glad to return to action after their last two games were postponed. The former table toppers tasted defeat at Basildon the last time they played and need to get games and wins back under their belts. Local rivals Stansted provide the opposition and looking to leave Station Road with a win over their local rivals. Both need to win this one; Takeley to keep their hand in the title business, while Stansted need points to keep them away from the relegation places.
Hullbridge Sports sit at the bottom of the table and entertain Sawbridgeworth Town, while Hackney Wick sit second from bottom also have a home encounter against Waltham Forest.
Fixtures
FC Romania v Barkingside
Great Wakering Rovers v Basildon United
Hackney Wick v Waltham Forest
Hullbridge Sports v Sawbridgeworth Town
Ilford v Redbridge (KO 1pm)
Southend Manor v Burnham Ramblers
Takeley v Stansted
Tower Hamlets v Woodford Town (2017)
Wadham Lodge v Sporting Bengal United
West Essex v Clapton