WEEK 33 REVIEW: Colebrook Royals confirmed as league champions

PREMIER DIVISION

The new league champions of the Essex Alliance League were crowned at the weekend as Colebrook Royals secured their maiden title with a crucial victory away at London Cranes. Their 4-1 win confirmed the win that they needed to move above runners-up, United London, and ensure the silverware will be heading to Chigwell with a game to spare.

Many congratulations to George and his players on a simply superb achievement in what has been an excellent season for the team.

DIVISION ONE

East Ham Inter have moved level at the top of the Division One table with Docklands Albion aided by a high-scoring victory on Saturday against Melbourne Sports. Amalraj Kakumanu was the hero with five goals which, added to strikes from Mihail Dodow and Danjel Petrov, helped them to a 7-4 win. Billy Howe, Jordan Green, Scott Lincoln and John Shubert got the Mels consolation goals as their own season nears it’s end.

Forest Green’s wonderful run of form in the league continues as they moved up to fourth in the table having been rock bottom only a matter of weeks ago. Their latest victims were Cowley Community as Green beat their local rivals 3-1 through goals from Warren Lynch, Kristos February and Marcel Destouche.

In the day’s other match in the division, Singh Sabha Barking remain in the driving seat for the second promotion place but their charge was halted somewhat as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Three Colts. That result means that, were they to win all of their matches remaining along with their closest promotion rivals, they would go up on goal difference so much still to play for.

Docklands Albion could wrap up the league title next Saturday as they head to Cowley Community for a double header. Four points from six would be enough to confirm a league and cup double with a treble still possible too.

DIVISION TWO

In Division Two, Chingford Athletic Reserves took advantage of their rivals, ACD United, being in cup action at the weekend as they won at home against Rainham Working Mens Club to go back to the top of the table. Goals from Riley Bowers, Jack Knowles, Luke Primett and Michael Boahene helped them come from behind to win 5-3 going into the final weeks of the season.

Were either of the top two sides were to slip-up going into those crucial matches, Lymore Gardens are ready to swoop in and take a promotion place as they lie just three points behind the second placed side with two games remaining. They were huge 11-0 victors on Saturday against St Francis with hat-tricks from Andre Graham and Alex Osbourne adding to strikes from Dushane Powell, Bradley Williams, Eugene Goumou, Lee Benjamin and Paul Roberts.

DIVISION THREE

In Division Three, congratulations to Chigwell who, following the results at the weekend, have joined FC Baresi in confirming promotion this weekend as they put ten goals past New Star Soccer without reply to confirm at least second place in the league.

That outcome was made possible as Old Esthameians and FC Baresi had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw in Newbury Park. Two goals for Delano Lloyd were equalled by two strikes from Old E’s as Baresi dropped league points for only the second time this season. However five points from their remaining four matches will be enough to secure the title.

A quite incredible match in Chadwell Heath rounds off the division’s action as Gatcliffe almost pulled off one the most incredible comebacks, coming from 8-1 down at half time to pull it back to 9-6 but ran out of time in a thrilling 10-6 win for Kitroom. Mark Makeri done significant damage with five goals with Jamshid Madadi scoring twice and one each from Justin Cummins, Omar Wilson and Tyrell Imbert. In reply, Michael Desmond and Simplice Lukuamusu netted braces with John O’Brien and Tom Waite each scoring too.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four there was a hugely important match for Brooks City who travelled to Brentwood United Reserves once again this weekend knowing that a win was crucial to maintain their chances of runners-up in the division. City led 2-0 at the break and despite a United goal in the second half, they held firm to leave themselves in the driving seat as they head to Avondale Rangers in a fortnight needing a win to be promoted.