Essex Senior League

The weather forecast may put a dampener on things, but if the forecasters have got it wrong then the ESL goes into Easter Saturday with some crucial games at the top end of the table. Redbridge are back on top, with Great Wakering Rovers in second; a mere two points separating them. However the top two whilst tussling for the League Title are also now opening up a gap on the teams below them. Therefore Basildon United, currently 4^th, need to beat leaders Redbridge on Saturday to keep their own promotion push in good health after the Easter games. The Bees did Hullbridge Sports a favour in midweek by agreeing to host the game at their own Ho Ho Stadium. Hullbridge however dented Basildon’s promotion wagon by winning the game 4-3. Should the Bees fail again on their own patch on Saturday it would mean their promotion charge would be damaged even further. Redbridge go in to the game knowing the finish line is within distance. Either side can win this as both sides have potent fire power. Redbridge offer up Brian Moses the League’s top scorer, while Basildon have the 2^nd and 3^rd highest scorers in Marcus Bowers and James Peagram. It’s hard to think of either team going for a 0-0, so expect goals in a game that has vital importance in the promotion hunt.

Great Wakering Rovers also travel to a team that still have their hand in, due to having games in hand, but who also need to post all the points on the board to keep their promotion charge on track. Takeley go into the game in 5^th place, a massive nineteen points behind Great Wakering. But they do have six games in hand. However a Great Wakering win would make Takeley’s task even harder as it would then mean the Station Road outfit would also require the top two to end the campaign leaking points. Great Wakering were able to snatch a point at Southend Manor last week, so if Takeley bring their A game then they could pick up a valuable win. They failed to do that last week at Redbridge and if they have a similar result this weekend then it does make Takeley’s promotion challenge a little bit harder to achieve. Wakering are on a twelve game unbeaten streak and as we come into the business end of the season it is hard to see that good form suddenly disserting them.

FC Romania meanwhile have to beat Sporting Bengal United on Saturday to keep the top two within touching distance.

Hackney Wick play West Essex on Friday night needing to win to keep their slender relegation survival hopes alive. Their recent 2-0 win over Clapton was overturned due to a player registration infringement, meaning they now sit adrift at the foot of the table with hope running out fast. Anything but a win at Mayesbrook Park places them in real danger. Burnham Ramblers, winless in seven sit second from bottom and entertain Woodford Town 2017. Wadham Lodge sit one place above Burnham travel to Ilford, while Stansted are looking over their shoulders and therefore that should act as a stirrup as they host an Enfield 1893 side that sit 11^th.

Essex Senior League

Friday 30^th March

West Essex v Hackney Wick

Saturday 31^st March

Basildon United v  Redbridge

Burnham Ramblers v  Woodford Town 2017

Clapton v  Sawbridgeworth Town

FC Romania v  Sporting Bengal United

Ilford v  Wadham Lodge

Southend Manor v  Barkingside

Stansted v  Enfield 1893

Takeley v  Great Wakering Rovers

Tower Hamlets v  Hullbridge Sports