Essex Senior League
Great Wakering Rovers secured a 1-0 win over Ilford in midweek which now sees them leading the Essex Senior League table. Goal difference currently separates them and Redbridge, who have been knocked down to 2nd. And whilst the Motormen don’t have a game on Saturday, the new leaders can open a three point lead if they beat Sawbridgeworth Town at Crofters End. The Robins win some, lose some and beat Basildon United at the start of the month and then lost the next game against FC Romania. That means they are capable of beating the title chasing outfits, but Rovers have been able to win games by high scores as well as eking out slender victories. Iain O’Connell wants to get his side back into the Bostik North at the soonest opportunity and a win for Great Wakering, which would make it nine games unbeaten, would put them in a great position to make that a reality.
FC Romania entertain West Essex a few days after they shared a point with fellow-promotion candidates Basildon United. That game ended surprisingly goalless. If Ion Vintila’s troops have another gun-shy showing then they could find themselves paying the penalty as the visitors are more than capable of scoring goals themselves. FC Romania have drawn their last two and a win here could see them top the table if Great Wakering taste defeat in their game.
Basildon United may have games in hand but need to beat Barkingside at Cricklefield to keep in touching difference of the top two. The Bees went into February unbeaten in eight; that came crashing down at the hands of Sawbridgeworth Town, then postponements meant that they didn’t have another game until midweek’s goalless draw at FC Romania. That means they have lost a bit of momentum and need to get back to posting points on the board. They currently sit 4th with 61 points from 27 games. An improvement in form has seen Barkingside move away from the relegation zone. They are not out of it totally so need to add points to the table themselves. Unbeaten in four going in they should provide Basildon with a fair test.
Hullbridge Sports are still battling relegation but have started to pick up points and they are unbeaten in four. However Hullbridge remain 19th and so very much the wrong side of the relegation line. They host a Wadham Lodge side that are one place below them in the table and it’s a game that both teams need to win. It’s the classic relegation six-pointer and both sides won last weekend so both have some momentum going into this encounter.
Saturday 24th February
Essex Senior League
Barkingside v Basildon United
Clapton v Sporting Bengal United
FC Romania v West Essex
Hullbridge Sports v Wadham Lodge
Sawbridgeworth Town v Great Wakering Rovers
Southend Manor v Ilford
Tower Hamlets v Stansted
Waltham Forest v Enfield 1893
