BBC Essex Premier Cup
The Semi Final stage interestingly throws up two local derbies, as Old Southend host Catholic United, while Buckhurst Hill make the short journey to face Waltham Abbey Res. Both are intriguing; in the case of Old Southendian they won’t be fazed by meeting Olympian Premier Division opposition as the Division One team have ended the interest of Manford Way and Frenford in the previous two rounds. For Catholic United this season has all been about redemption. Having lifted the silverware last season, they then lost out on a player technicality meaning the Cup was handed to Harold Wood Athletic. This season they have put together another excellent Premier Cup run that has seen them blow away their opponents including Witham Town Res. Being within a whisker of reaching another Final would complete part of Catholic United’s redemption. But Old Southendian will be up for this and having casued an upset in the last round are capable of doing so again.
The other tie is also very interesting in that Waltham Abbey Res. find themselves in terrority that very few Reserve teams find themselves in. The Essex Senior League Reserves Division leaders are within one game of reaching the Final. The last Reserve team to do so was Brentwood Town Res. in 2007/08. Of course if Waltham Abbey Res. get to that stage they will be hoping to emulate Witham Town Res. achievement in 2005/06 – they only Reserve team to have lifted the trophy thus far. Buckhurst Hill also come into the game in good form. They are looking in a good place to gain a promotion straight back into the Prokit UK Essex Olympian League’s Premier Division. Currently sitting second, they have games in hand with the title within their grasp. Their Premier Cup campaign has seen them rifle 23 goals, conceding only once. Along the way they have knocked out recent winners Gas Recreation 5-1 away and Kelvedon Hatch 5-0 in the last round.
Prokit UK Essex Olympian League
Premier Division
Frenford can extend their lead at the top of the table if they can win their home game against Canning Town. The visitors sit 11th and lost the home encounter in February 1-0. Should Frenford complete the double over their opponents then it will also see them open up a five point lead.
Saturday 10th March
BBC Essex Premier Cup Semi Finals
Old Southend v Catholic United
Waltham Abbey Res. v Buckhurst Hill
Prokit UK Essex Olympian League
Premier Division
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts v Harold Wood Athletic
Frenford v Canning Town
Manford Way v Leigh Ramblers
