MATCH REPORTS 18TH MAY 2013

Division One

With Manford Way’s game being called off due to Britannia being unable to field a side Chipping Ongar knew a win by nine clear goals over already relegated Herongate Athletic would give them the title. A mixture of determination and a small slice of luck Herongate Athletic held out for half an hour before Chipping Ongar took the lead through Tony Martin and then they added two more to go in 3-0 up at half time, which included one of David Gipps five of the afternoon. The second half continued as the first had been with Herongate Athletic always looking to try to catch Chipping Ongar on the break whilst defending as if their lives depended on it. All Herongate Athletic’s efforts clearly took their toll as the floods gates opened after 73 minutes which was the start of four Chipping Ongar goals in a twelve minute spell leaving them to score one goal in the final five minutes to take the title. With three minutes to go disaster struck for Chipping Ongar with a stray pass going to a Herongate Athletic player twenty five yards out who coolly lobbed the ball into the open goal to shatter Chipping Ongar’s hopes and leave them rueing the six times they had hit the woodwork earlier in the game.

Division Two East

This was the tightest Division in the League with both promotion positions and the title being decided on the final day of the season. Cricketers Horndon Saxons sealed the title by one point thanks to their two all draw at Sporting Club Woodham. The runners up spot went to White Ensign who pipped Hawkwell Athletic on goal difference following their 4-1 win at FOBS (East Hanningfield)

Division Two West

Runners up Collier Row finished their season in style with a 3-1 win over Hale End Athletic

Division Three East

A Warren Backhouse hat trick was enough to give Chelmer Vets a 3-0 win over Silver End United but was only enough to give them the runners up spot as Writtle beat Henderson Casuals 5-1 to seal the title.

Division Three South

Yet another Division with issues being sorted on the final day of the season. Runwell Town confirmed their promotion with a 4-0 win over Hockley & Hawkwell. Ford Basildon finished third as they won 3-0 against Sporting Club Woodham Reserves. A good final result for Benfleet as goals from Anthony Clarke, Dominic Markham and Ian Webb gave them a point against runaway Champions Little Thurrock Dynamos A.

Division Three West

Debden Sports completed their first season in the League with a 3-1 win over Paringdon.

Division Four East

Hutton Old Boys Reserves completed a promotion and Cup double thanks to a 2-0 win against Horndon. Luis Ruiz’s goal for Hannakins Farm Reserves wasn’t enough as they went down 2-1 against Ford Basildon Reserves.