WEEK 27 REVIEW: Round-up of all the league and cup action from the weekend

COUNTY CUP

Despite the inclement weather, it was a glorious afternoon for Woodford East on Saturday as the league’s remaining representatives in the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup took their place in the final with a terrific display against Clapton Community at Wadham Lodge. All the goals were scored in the first half as Halil’s side won 3-1, setting up a mouthwatering final against Catholic United on 13^th April at Billericay Town.

DIVISION THREE CUP

The only other surviving cup tie at the weekend saw Glendale make the trip to Romford to face Flyers Under 23s in quarter final action, the winners confirming their place in the last four. Two first half Dales goals from Zack Clark and Mo Mboupe put them ahead with a Flyers goal early in the second half pulling one back but the Dales held on to win 2-1 and go through to the last four.

SENIOR DIVISION

Another weather impacted weekend meant that only one Senior Division game could proceed which saw a goal-filled encounter at Lakeside as FC Baresi hosted DTFC. The visitors were in sparkling form in front of goal, winning 11-0 to restore their lead at the top of the division going into the final eight games of the campaign.

PREMIER DIVISION

In the Premier Division, Dagenham United moved level on points at the top of the table with a solid 6-1 win at home against Athletic Newham Under 23s at Castle Green. Shaquille Martin was the main man with a hat-trick for this side with Ancuba Cassama, Chris Mascall and Charlie Fiander also finding the net.

Also at the top end of the table Crookz United secured another three point haul but had to do things the hard way, coming from 2-0 down against North East Lions to win 3-2 and enhance their promotion credentials. Shane Thomas and Tashan Benjamin both struck for Lions but their efforts proved in vain as Luke Stewart, Stephane Trah and Abdouaziz Jeng netted in reply for United.

It was three wins from three for the promotion chasing sides as Wapping also secured victory with a 2-0 home win against London Park City in Hackney. That result enabled the hosts to stay third in the table, picking up a ninth league win of the season in the process and will games in hand still on the side immediately above.

DIVISION ONE

The goals were once again flying in down in Division One where Belfry put continued their excellent league form this season with a hard fought 4-2 win against Renegade at Hainault Rec.  The James’, Kieran and Warren, were both on target, adding to efforts from Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Daniel Osborne.

The theme of four was also witnessed at London Playing Fields where Ilford Reserves put in a top performance to defeat Wanstead in a 4-0 scoreline, bouncing back to winning ways. Ollie Miracco scored twice with Rio Clements and Mario-Angelino Lipetz one apiece to help their side move three points clear of their opponents in fourth.

Completing the division’s action, another game of fours as Kwanzas London Sport and Newham Wanderers scored four apiece in a 4-4 draw in Beckton. Nuno Dentampol scored a brace, adding to efforts for Wahid Hussain and Robertson Morais for Wanderers as the sides shared the spoils, the teams staying a couple of points apart in the league.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, the leaders, Unitey, lost the opportunity to extend their lead at the top as they slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Rainham Working Mens Club in a five goal thriller. Bubintende Masadi and Ahmed Dousa got on the Unitey scoresheet but Rainham efforts from Nick Tormey, Connor Kain and Sean Tormey sent the points home with the visitors.

Another side who were involved in a surprise result were fourth placed Fairlop Rovers who fell to an away defeat against Redbridge Community who made it three games undefeated with a 5-3 win. That result took the team to eighteen points, giving them plenty of hope to avoid the drop this season in the process.

There were two big results affecting things towards the bottom as Ryan Under 23s all but assured themselves of safety in the division with a 3-0 home win against St Francis at Wadham Lodge. That kept the Chingford based side on a good run of form, their seventh win of the season, taking them to twenty-three points while Saints continue their search for crucial league points.

DIVISION THREE

Just one game survived the deluge in Division Three which saw a tight game take place between bottom of the table Terin and a promotion chasing Royal Forest Reserves at Oaks Park High School. Alex Thomas and Suheil Shekh found the net for Terin but those goals proved insufficient as Robert Evans scored twice and Jack Warren once to take the Trees to a 3-2 win, moving them second in the standings.

DIVISION FOUR

The sole game in Division Four was a big one affecting the top of the table as Chingford Harriers ensured they stay top of the pile with a 4-1 home win against Avondale Rangers in the early game at Peter May. Jake Clarke scored for Rangers but two Harriers goals in reply for Darnell Lamothe plus strikes from Alex Diner and Suleman Yusuf were enough to take their side to an important win.

Photo Credit: Clapton Communiy FC