Weekend Round-Up 21/08/2010

A reverse of fortunes for Colchester United this week as the U’s were on the right side of an 83rd minute goal. Ian Henderson stealing all 3 points at the depth against a resolute Rochdale side. Andy Bond continued to impress as he added to his goal tally, putting united ahead in the 38th minute. Rochdale equalised within minutes of starting the second half, Dawson unopposed heading home from a corner. After going in front late on Colchester managed to hold on and gratefully take 3 points back to North Essex.

Dagenham & Redbridge were encouraged with the news that Lee Hughes was sidelined with a groin injury but John Still will rue the missed chances during a positive first half. Josh Scott hitting the woodwork was the closest of the Dagenham opportunities. Notts County came out stronger after half time and went ahead on 54 minutes, Craig Westcarr slotting home after a neat move from County’s Ben Davies. Daggers will undoubtedly be looking forward to playing at Victoria Road, Tranmere are the visitors next Saturday.

Southend United have now suffered successive losses after a 3-1 defeat to a strong Port Vale side. The Shrimpers got off to a less than ideal start when Justin Richards put Vale 1-0 up on 5 minutes; this was followed by a second after half time. It was 3-0 on 83 minutes before an own goal by Gareth Owen. Southend find themselves 22nd and will need to start picking up points soon to avoid slipping into a relegation dog fight.

It’s still looking good at the top of the Blue Square South as far as Essex teams are concerned. Chelmsford City made it 3 wins out of 3 games and go top of the league with a brace from Dave Rainford. Takumi Ake made it 3 on 46” and effectively wrapped up the points for City. Braintree Town drew away at St. Albans City whilst Thurrock failed to hold on to a 2-1 lead and eventually drew 2-2 with Boreham Wood. It was Elliot Godfrey who grabbed an 83rd minute equaliser and robbing Thurrock of all 3 points.

Billericay Town find themselves on top of the pile this evening with an impressive 3-0 win over Tonbridge Angels. AFC Hornchurch secured an opening day win against Cray Wanderers, 1-0 was enough to secure all 3 points. Canvey Island, Aveley and Concord Rangers all picking up a solitary point after all drawing their respective fixtures.

Grays Athletic began their life in the Ryman League North with a 1-0 defeat against Harlow Town at their make shift home in East Thurrock. Brentwood Town currently occupy top spot with a convincing 5-0 home thrashing of Leyton. Maldon and Tiptree won their first ever competitive league fixture, a 2-0 triumph over Potters Bar in front of an attendance of just 57. Meanwhile, Heybridge Swifts managed a sure start, beating Tilbury 1-0 at Scraley Road. Romford beat Cheshunt 2-1, East Thurrock drew 1-1 with Great Wakering Rovers whilst Redbridge lost 1-0 away to AFC Sudbury and Ilford drew 2-2 away at Waltham Forest.

Camulodunum

Weekend Round-Up

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)

Opening Day Fixtures

Colchester United kick off league 1 with a long trip to Exeter City. They’ll be hoping to avoid defeat especially in the same manner they lost last season. The 2-0 defeat at the beginning of April summed up the end of the season for Colchester United; a disappointing performance in a match where we really should have attacked from the off and walked away with 3 points and a clean sheet.

Forget that though, first game often means nothing in relation to the rest of the season, beating Norwich 7-1? Point proved.

Dagenham & Redbridge begin life in League 1 with a dream away fixture at relegated Sheffield Wednesday. With no pressure on Daggers at all, I fancy them to spring a surprise – even a draw would be a brilliant result. This will be a great day for all Daggers fans and staff.

Southend United and their new look squad welcome Stockport County to Roots Hall on the opening day. Both relegated from League 1 last season and suffering monetary problems must be looking to bounce straight back up. I hope so anyway, I miss the rivalry already!

Braintree Town commence their season with a home fixture against newly promoted Farnborough. Farnborough ran away with the ‘Zamaretto Premier League’ title last season, so they’ll be no push-overs. Braintree have replaced striker George Purcell with ex Colchester United youth team product, Jamie Guy. Guy seemed to lose his way at Colchester and went out on loan to several clubs, hopefully regular football and goals will help rekindle the potential U’s fans saw in him.

Chelmsford City The Clarets travel to Basingstoke Town on the 14^th August, Chelmsford will be hoping to improve on their playoff disappointment last season and push for promotion to the Conference Premier.

AFC Hornchurch begin their campaign on the 21^st August, against Cray Wanderers. Horchurch struggled against the Wanderers last season having been defeated twice and not managing to score in either fixture. AFC will want to end this run of poor form against Cray and start another season in the Ryman Premier well.

Billericay Town face Tonbridge Angels at home first game of the season. Tonbridge will feel like last season was an opportunity missed having missed out on the play-offs due to a poor run-in, picking up a mere 4 points from their last 5 games. The Blues strengthened their squad with the signing of widely experienced midfielder Micah Hyde and will hope to see what their current squad can achieve.

Canvey Island make the trip around the Thames estuary to visit Margate for their season opener. Finishing just 5 points above Margate last season, Canvey will be wanting to start well and grab what could be a crucial 3 points come the end of the season. Canvey will want to repeat last season’s good form against Margate last season which included a 2-1 away win.

Aveley FC travel to Horsham on the first day of the season on the back of a strong season in the Ryman Premier. Despite losing their manager and many players to Braintree Town, Aveley fans will see how this season unfolds under the guidance of Alan Kimble.

Camulodunum

Essex XI

After a week of debate, sweat and research (We won't lie, our Ryman Premier League knowledge was pretty rusty). We have came up with our very own Essex XI.

The Eleven have been based on player's respective performances in their own league, rather than on ability. We have tried to take into account most of the Essex Teams within the non-league pyramid. We believe the selection is a good reflection on last season's performances at Essex clubs. Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree.

Just click the Essex XI tab on the top which will take to you to the selection or click here

SOTD (D&R) and Camulodunum (CUFC)