By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
Phoenix Sport
John Chubb
In football this week we saw Leyton Orient continue their fine start to the season in League Two of the EFL, goals from Harry Smith, Theo Archibald and Aaron Drinan securing a 3-1 victory away to Bristol Rovers which saw Kenny Jackett’s men rise to second place in the table.
In the National League, Dagenham & Redbridge‘s unbeaten start to the 2021/22 campaign ended as they were beaten 1-0 at Wrexham, and knocked off the top of the table by Chesterfield.
And Southend United continue to struggle to adapt to life at non-League level.
The Shrimpers are now 19th in the National League, having not won since the opening day of the season and a stoppage-time goal saw them succumb to a 1-0 defeat away to Torquay United.
A number of our local teams were involved in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.
And there was joy for Billericay Town in our featured tie, as they clinched their first win of the season.
George Wind’s second-half goal clinched a 2-1 victory away to National League South rivals Braintree Town.
There were also victories for Chelmsford City, another National League South side who overcame a terrific challenge from Essex Senior League minnows Little Oakley to win 2-1, and Isthmian Premier League sides Hornchurch and Bowers & Pitsea who also went through.
Hornchurch beat Essex Senior League side Walthamstow 4-1 at Bridge Avenue, whilst Bowers won 2-0 away to fellow Isthmian Premier League outfit Bishop’s Stortford.
Barking and Great Wakering Rovers both exited the competition, but Concord Rangers and East Thurrock United earned themselves replays.
Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South action saw Benfleet keep their place at the top of the table, despite a 4-1 loss away to Buckhurst Hill.
Meanwhile in local Rugby, there were once again defeats for Rochford Hundred and Westcliff in National League 2 South.
In London 1 North, Chingford beat Leighton Buzzard 21-6, Southend Saxons scored a 45-14 victory over Brentwood and Thurrock were beaten 54-12 away to Sudbury.
London 3 Essex clubs made their long-awaited return to action, and there were victories for Braintree, Dagenham, Epping Upper Clapton and Harlow, whilst in the also returning Essex 1 there were wins for Writtle Wanderers, Bancroft, Millwall and Billericay.
This week’s playlist:
Michael McDonald – Sweet Freedom
Matt Johnson – Sunshine
Steve Miller Band – Abracadabra
Johnny Marr – Spirit Power and Soul
Oasis – Roll With It
Eruption – I Can’t Stand The Rain
Abba – Don’t Shut Me Down
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man – Alone (Nothing But Thieves Remix)
The Jam – Start!
Killers – In The Car Outside
Prodigy – Out Of Space
Dave Clark Five – Glad All Over
Hipsway – The Honeythief
Weeknd – Take My Breath
Slow Readers Club – Tell No Lies
Cliff Richard – Wired For Sound
Adam and the Ants – Prince Charming
Soft Cell – Tainted Love
Boomtown Rats – Rat Trap
Cheryl Lynn – Got To Be Real
