Prokit UK Essex Olympian League – Saturday 18th August Preview
Harold Wood got their season off to a flying start last Saturday with a 5-0 win over Great Baddow. They have a slightly tougher assignment this Saturday as they play Springfield, who last season finished 3rd. Harold Wood finished two places lower and these two teams will be hoping to have another strong season with the aim of wrestling the title from a strongly-fancied Catholic United. It’s a tough start for Springfield who open their season at Harold Wood Recreation Park, whereas Harold Wood got their engine started in emphatic style last time out. Buckhurst Hill made a quick return to top tier of the Olympian League having been relegated the season before. They lifted the Division One title and Essex Premier Cup on route. Buckhurst Hill could be a team to look out for this season. Old Southendian provide the opposition, having also come up from Division One last season. It was a league re-organisation sees the Southend-based club now in the top tier and they will be looking to show that they are capable of holding their own in the Premier Division. Kelvedon Hatch had a mid-table finish last term and open their season with a home game against Great Baddow. The visitors started off last Saturday and were promptly given a rude introduction into life in the Premier Division as they were turned over 5-0 by Harold Wood Athletic. Kelvedon Hatch are another of the Premier Division’s established sides, usually a strong outfit and it will be another tough test for the visitors. Hutton finished Division One Runners-up last season, an achievement that now seems them taking their place back in the Premier Division after they were relegated back in 2012/13. They open up their account with Bishop’s Stortford Swifts. Meanwhile Rayleigh Town and Leigh Ramblers face-off in an early season local derby – with both teams already having posted a win on the board.
Fixtures
Buckhurst Hill v Old Southendian
Harold Wood Athletic v Springfield
Hutton v Bishop’s Stortford Swifts
Kelvedon Hatch v Great Baddow
Rayleigh Town v Leigh Ramblers
