In League One, Dagenham and Redbridge’s match with Exeter City was postponed due to Adam’s Stansfield death earlier this week. Colchester United started off their home campaign with a tough opener to Sheffield Wednesday who defeated The Daggers 2-0 last week. A fairly even match saw Colchester United take the lead with a spectacular effort from Andrew Bond who was plucked from non-league Barrow in the summer. However, Alan Irvine brought on Neil Mellor to form a three man attack alongside Clinton Morrison and Marcus Tudgay. This proved to be an astute substitution with Mellor scoring in the 82nd minute to muster a draw for the Owls.
Dropping down to League Two, Southend United played a hard fought game with Aldershot Town away at the Recreation Ground. With the game looking to be heading for a draw after few chances, Colchester United target Marvin Morgan scored in the 81st minute to give Southend United their first league defeat of the season.
The Non-League season kicked off today and for the Essex sides competing in Blue Square Conference South, it proved to be an exceptional start. Chelmsford City travelled to Hampshire side Basingstoke although arrived in less than fortunate circumstances after traffic congestion caused them to arrive late, thus the game being moved to a 3:15pm kick off. However despite the less than ideal preparation, the Clarets made a great start by going a goal up in the 17th minute by the impressive Matthew Lock after being set up by new signing Sam Higgins. Nevertheless, the adversity that had plagued their trip looked to have taken its toll. Two minute later, Basingstoke was awarded a penalty after a Marlon Patterson foul, which Rob Rice converted. But Chelmsford were able to settle and two substitutions by Pennyfather obstinately changed the game. Billy Bricknell replaced Higgins while John Martin came on for Stephen Reed. The two men immediately made an impact, a header by Bricknell rattled the post in the 66th minute, however the rebound was met by Martin to make it 2-1. Bricknell then netted a goal himself, his first since joining from Billericay after good work once again by Lock in midfield. A nervy finish resulted in Basingstoke pulling a goal back, however Chelmsford held on to win 3-2, a result Pennyfather will no doubt be delighted with.
Braintree Town also opened their account with an emphatic 3-0 win over Steve King’s Farnborough Town. Braintree Town have a made abundance of changes to the squad since Rod Stringer arrived, including losing star striker George Purcell to York City. Be that as it may, goals weren’t a problem at Cressing Road. The impressive Sam Lechmere was at the heart of everything Braintree were able to produce. A 5th minute corner from the winger was headed home by Bailey-Dennis. Braintree then extended their lead on the half an hour mark, Lechmere once again involved and unselfishly set up striker Sean Marks to score. Lechmere then capped off a fine performance by scoring low drive before the break to mark off a brilliant opening day win for the Irons.
Thurrock FC weren’t able to make it an Essex whitewash in the Conference South but made an impressive comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw at Ship Lane. After a dreary first half, St Albans took a quick fire 2-0 lead with goals from Drew Roberts and Inih Effiong in the space of three minutes. However Cliff Akurang who returned to the club after a venture in League football with Dagenham and Redbridge and Barnet showed his worth by scoring two goals, one of them a contentious penalty in the 73rd minute.
The Ryman League still doesn’t commence until next week. AFC Hornchurch take on Cray Wanderers at home, Billericay Town are also at home against Tonbridge Angels. Canvey Island have a tough away trip at Margate while Aveley go to Horsham. In the Ryman League North, Brentwood Town, Grays Athletic, Harlow Town, Heybridge Swifts, Tilbury, Maldon and Tiptree, AFC Sudbury, Romford, Redbridge and Ilford are all in action.
Shaun (D&R)
