By JOHN CHUBB
@JohnCphoenixfm
Phoenix Sport
John Chubb
In EFL League Two Leyton Orient secured a point away to Barrow thanks to Omar Beckles’ 69th minute equaliser, and are still in the play-off positions, although other results meant they dropped to sixth.
In the National League Dagenham & Redbridge were top of the table just over a week ago, but three successive defeats have resulted in Daryl McMahon’s men dropping to sixth.
Their latest loss came away to second-placed Boreham Wood, who won 2-0.
Also in the National League, a truly dismal afternoon and a low point in the history of Southend United saw them crash to a 4-0 defeat at home to Chesterfield.
The match was disrupted by more fan protests against the club’s chairman Ron Martin, and the Shrimpers are now without a manager or coaching staff, as Phil Brown and his assistant Craig Fagan were sacked straight after the final whistle.
In the National League South, Billericay Town were playing their first match following the midweek departure of manager Kevin Watson, who was sacked after a dismal start to the 2021/22 campaign.
Former Heybridge Swifts boss Jody Brown was appointed as Watson’s successor on the eve of their trip to Dulwich Hamlet.
But Dan Brown – who had been put in temporary charge – was at the helm as Town notched their first league win of the season, as goals from Anderson Pinto and debutant Kweku Lucan gave them a 3-1 victory in front of a record home crowd of 3,334, one which took them off the foot of the table.
But it wasn’t such a good afternoon in the NLS for Concord Rangers, Chelmsford City and Braintree Town, all of whom suffered defeats.
In the Isthmian Premier League, East Thurrock United had a much-needed win at home to Hornchurch whilst Bowers & Pitsea slipped to a 1-0 defeat against leaders Kingstonian.
The FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round saw quite a few local teams involved including Brentwood Town, who had sacked manager Adam Flanagan a few days earlier following a third successive Isthmian North defeat at home to Aveley on Tuesday night.
On the eve of their Trophy tie away to Corinthian, the club announced the appointment of former Chelmsford City, Braintree Town and Aveley boss Rod Stringer as their new manager.
And Stringer saw his new charges progress to the next stage, goals from Rob Harvey and Josh Gray securing a 2-1 victory for the Blues.
Basildon United scored a superb 5-2 win away to Colney Heath to also go through to the next stage, thanks to a goal from Paul Shane, plus braces from Luke Hurst and veteran striker Bertie Brayley.
There were also Trophy triumphs for Great Wakering Rovers, Heybridge Swifts, Waltham Abbey, Witham Town, Canvey Island and Harlow Town.
But Barking, Tilbury, Maldon & Tiptree, Hullbridge Sports, Romford and Aveley all exited the competition.
In the Essex Senior League Redbridge continued theit fine start to the campaign, a 3-2 triumph at St Margaretsbury ensuring second place for the Motormen on goal difference behind leaders Stanway Rovers.
The only local Rugby this week took place in the English National League Two South, where Westcliff were once again defeated this time at Hinckley, who won 66-5.
But there was a narrow win for Rochford Hundred who continued their battle to find their feet at National level, as they secured a narrow 22-21 victory away to Old Albanian.
This week’s playlist:
Rainbow – Since You’ve Been Gone
Ocean Flaws – Hologram
Tim Burgess – Empathy For The Devil
Slow Readers Club – Tell No Lies
Luther Vandross – Give Me The Reason
Abba – Don’t Shut Me Down
Equals – Baby Come Back
Glen Campbell – Rhinestone Cowboy
Royal Blood – Oblivion
Sam Fender – Get You Down
Kooks – Ooh La
Weeknd – Take My Breath
Aztec Camera – Oblivious
Sigrid – Burning Bridges
Johnny Marr – Spirit Power and Soul
Status Quo – Ice In The Sun
Genesis – Abacab
Killers – In The Car Outside
Liam Payne – Sunshine
Kate Bush – Wuthering Heights
Nick Heyward – Whistle Down the Wind
Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever
Ed Sheeran – Shivers
Blossoms – Care For
Bee Gees – You Should Be Dancing
