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Match Report
November 30th
League Division 1
Ford Sports Ground
Old Esthamiens 5 Loughton Town 2
The Old Es kept up their impressive form of late with a hard-fought win against local rivals Loughton Town. A seven-goal thriller with a fine second-half hattrick from Ibrahim Sidibe helped secure the three points.
For those who can remember, the season's opening day fixture was on a warm summer day back on September 7th, 2024. The Battle of Loughton was played on a small, narrow, bobbly hard pitch, that saw Harry Evans go to hospital with a broken collar bone, alongside a dozen other red and yellow card offenses that left the Old Es nursing injuries and bruises for weeks. The encounter was won 3-2, but animosity was in the air. This was no friendly return fixture.
Despite that, the focus of the day was not revenge, but three points. A calm disciplined performance was needed to keep pace with the league leaders, who lay a tantalizing three points away. Thankfully, the rain had stopped and the ground was soft and in good condition meaning that football could be played today. A chance to narrow the gap.
The Old Es warmed up and practiced defending corners. Offensive corner routines were not practiced as full focus was given over to defending set plays. Loughton are a strong powerful team and they use their physicality well at set pieces. As the team went through the defensive drills, a Loughton player watched from afar, somewhat confused by a team practicing and being organised.
The Es lined up with essentially the same group of players as the previous fixture, with the only changes being that Jamie Brown returned in goal and Johnny Clayton started at right back. Milo McCartney was again playing at left-back alongside the reliable old guard of Joe Higgins and Nathan Wilson playing in central defense. In midfield Kane Williams partnered Les Moyo with Shaun Vickers, playing slightly to the right and Danny Harris, the club captain, playing left wing. Brad Harris continued in the number 10 position, playing just behind Henry Gray who led the line at centre forward.
The game kicked off with Loughton passing the ball around the back four, which was slightly unexpected, before launching the ball forward to the centre forward; that’s more like it. Battle commenced and the tackling was hard but fair The linesman on the other hand, who was a Loughton supporter, was very biased, bordering on out right cheating. Fearful of the speed of Old Es forwards, the linesman enjoyed flagging for offside at every opportunity, even when and Old Es player was in his own half. The keenness to raise his flag soon started to grate on nerves.
After fifteen minutes, it was becoming clear, who the better team was as good football started to open up the Loughton back line. The first goal followed shortly afterwards, when Milo McCartney won a 50/50 loose ball inside the Loughton half, then played a neat one-two with Danny Harris. Milo continued his run and drove to the byline crossing the ball with his left foot across the six-yard box which was calmly tapped home by Shaun Vickers. A finely worked team goal.
Soon after, Nelson Goncalves entered the game on the right side, replacing Shaun Vickers. Full squad rotation was being used today, and as the opening clashes settled down more attacking guile was being brought on to control the game.
The second goal came shortly afterward, as Brad Harris rifled a shot off the bar which bounced towards the edge of the box where Danny Harris steadied himself and scored with a fine first time shot managing to keep a rising ball down. A very well-taken goal. Danny then picked up the ball, and placed it under his shirt racing back to the centre spot, waving to his heavily pregnant girlfriend who was cheering him on from the sides.
The game was going well. The Old Es were in control, they were playing better football, and, looking more dangerous in the attacking areas, but football springs surprises. With halftime approaching, the fabled clean sheet was shouted out just as Loughton won a free kick about thirty yards out on the right side. The Loughton big boys salivated at the chance to head the ball, or jump on someone’s toes; either would have pleased them. You could feel their excitement and tension at the opportunity. The ball was launched directly at the goal, route one. Jamie Brown came through a crowd of players and managed to get a fist to the ball, which landed near the edge of the penalty box. A Loughton forward took a touch and crashed the ball home.
The Loughton number 10 celebrated by shouting to the old ES bench,
“You should have practiced more set pieces mate. Huh huh.” He laughed at his own joke. No one joined in.
Shortly afterward, the referee blew for half-time. The Old Es were in control of the game, but Loughton remained a threat from set plays. A tough second half was expected.
Half time 2-1
Ibrahim Sidibe came on at left wing allowing Danny Harris to move to right back replacing Johnny Carson, who had taken a hard kick on the ankle in the first half. Shaun Vickers returned to action in centre midfield replacing Kane Williams. The second half then started and within five minutes, Loughton scored from another corner. Another set-piece goal. Our friend shouted.
“You should have practiced more corners mate. Huh huh.” It wasn’t funny the first time.
Some Old Es head's dropped for a moment as the second goal went in. After all the good football played, to concede two goals on either side of half-time was hard. Then a few moments later Loughton won another corner, and a header was cleared off the line, which is why you practice defending corners. A man was set on the front post and cleared the ball away.
The wake-up call had definitely sounded. The home team were fired up now and started passing the ball around the visitors who were now tiring, more gaps were opening, and space was appearing between the lines.
The ball was now passed forward, finding Henry in the inside right channel, Ibrahim came in from the left wing and collected the cross just inside the penalty area, one touch, and the ball was in the back of the net. 3-2. A great team goal. Shortly afterward, Brad Harris got away from his man down the left side, crossing the ball for Ibrahim who shot early making the score 4-2. The game was won.
Matthew Pemberton came on for Henry Gray who had had a fine battle with the centre-halves, he smiled as the opponents shared a few words as he left the field, but at 4-2, the argument was won.
Queba Embalo replaced Danny at full-back and was immediately involved in a seat of neat passing moves numbering over twenty passes that moved the ball around the pitch followed by tired Loughton midfielders.
Then another goal of the season contender. Ibrahim picked up the ball inside his own box, skipping past a weak challenge he started running towards the centre circle. Three Loughton midfielders converged but none of them managed a tackle or foul, as Ibrahim sped away into the opposition half. At this point, the crowd feared for his life and limbs, running at that speed towards the Loughton defenders. Everyone fully expected a foul at any moment, but none came, and Ibrahim out paced the last defender with both legs still attached to his body, beating the goalkeeper with a low powerful strike. The crowd went wild. What an individual goal. Ibrahims recent warm weather training had paid off.
The game ended shortly afterward and the players shook hands.
“where did you get him from mate?” Said the Loughton Number 10 pointing at Ibrahim.
“I don’t know, but we practice that goal in training” came the reply.
Three more points were gained, keeping the Es on the coattails of the league leaders who also won their fixture 3-1. However, the goal difference gap had been narrowed for the second week running. It remains very tight at the top of the league.
Next week Leyton City is the next opponent. The only league team to have beaten the Old Es this season.
It promises to be another great game. Revenge for the defeat, is in the air?
Come along and watch your team play.
What else are you doing when Saturday comes?
AI Video coverage sponsored by Major Housing Association
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Jamie Brown
Johnny Clayton
Milo McCartney
Nathan Wilson
Joe Higgins
Les Moyo
Danny Harris
Shaun Vickers
Kane Wiliams
Brad Harris
Henry Gray
Substitutes
Ibrahmin Sadibe
Nelson Gonclaves
Matthew Pemberton
Queran Embola
Match Report
November 23rd
League Division 1
Ford Sports Ground
Old Esthamiens 9 Freetown FC 3
Hello Supporters
After a week off, the Old Es were back in action at home against Freetown FC, in a League One fixture. A very wet game saw a dozen goals, three penalties, and three points for the Old Es.
The turbulent day started with storm Bert blowing a gale across the country early on Saturday morning. In the words of AA Milne, it rained, and it rained, and it rained. Would the game be called off? The Ford groundsman advised that the game was on, and to be fair, the ground was soft but playable.
As the team arrived, the midday sky was gloomy grey, as the rain softened to a fine drizzle, the day was milder than of late, which was welcome, but it was very wet. The weather teased for a brief moment suggesting it might improve, but then the rain returned as a squall, as the wind changed direction again. Would the pitch hold up to another downpour, should the team take the wind in the first half? Lots of questions. The players found their long studs and pulled them out of the loft. This was not a game for modern short studs or perhaps modern footballers. It felt like a game of yesteryear.
So, it may have been apt, that the team arrived in their new Royal Blue, Old Es team jackets, retro in design, with a blue and white collar, emblazoned with the club badge, finished with elasticated cuffs and waistband. The squad looked uniform, smart, and 1970s chic cool. Maybe long mustaches could be grown to complete the look? Perhaps, another day?
Several controversial selection decisions were now made. Chameleon, the AI cameraman was rested today. It was decided this was not a match for a tripod set up in possible 40mph wind gusts. Alongside Chameleon, Jamie Brown was also rested in goal due to a nasty collision which happened on Thursday at training. It was not worth risking the best keeper in the league on a slippery pitch against this opposition. Nelson Goncalves was also rested, tight groins and mud are not happy bedfellows, and a week’s rest was prescribed. Several changes then from the planned lineup. The players were disappointed but took the decisions well.
The Old Es casually started the warmup, some more players then arrived, late, also in a casual manner, it was all a bit, well, casual. Definitely not the attitude or start one had come to expect from the team of late. Several were grumbling about tactics, team selection, and global warming. The Manager gathered the players together before the start and let go with both barrels. The team was told in no uncertain terms what was expected. The three Ms. No moaning, mistakes, or bad misses. This was the holy trinity of weekend football, and it was drummed home. Notice was taken and focus was restored.
A 3-0 scoreline was demanded at halftime. The team accepted the challenge. Would it be followed?
Across the other side of the pitch, Freetown FC players also started arriving in the rain in drips and drabs. There appeared to be little structure to their team or warmup. The Freetown manager requested a delay to kick-off due to some of their players not being on time. The referee quite rightly said “No!” 2.00 pm kick-off was scheduled and the light was fading fast. Would it still be light at 4.00 pm? There was no time for delays or a late kick-off in the fading autumn gloom.
Freetown FC had now assembled twelve players, so the game could kick off on time. A rumour was heard later, that two of their players were late due to slow service at McDonalds. However, it wasn’t made clear if they were working or dining there. Nobody said it was easy managing at this level.
The Old Es changed line up formed up in a 451 shape. Johnny Clayton was playing in goal today with Stef Popescu coming in at right back, with Milo McCartney again playing at left-back. The reliable old guard of Joe Higgins and Nathan Wilson formed the central defence with Kane Williams and Les Moyo resuming their central midfield axis. Shaun Vickers, back in the side after a toe injury, started on the right with Danny Harris, the club captain, also back in the side playing left wing. Brad Harris resumed in the number 10 position, playing just behind Henry Gray who led the line as centre forward.
A competitive tough and experienced team was fielded today, ideally suited for a muddy game in the wind. The 3 Ms were repeated, with no Mistakes, Moaning, or bad Misses. Three points were vital today as Ocean Pacific, the league leaders lay six points ahead with a +9-goal difference advantage. Today was the game in hand and a chance to gain ground on the leaders could not be squandered.
The referee blew his whistle to start the game, and the Es kicked off, launching a ball towards the Freetown right back, which was miscontrolled and cleared for a throw-in. Pressure started early and Freetown was being overrun already. The good start got even better as within ten minutes, Henry Gray drove into the 18-yard box where he was pushed, pulled, and finally thrown to the ground. The referee hesitated for a moment, possibly out of confusion regarding what the defender was trying to do, but finally gave a clear penalty, but for some unknown reason, the referee did not award a clear yellow card. Nonetheless, Henry stepped up and rifled the ball to the keeper's right side. 1-0.
A few moments later, it was penalty number two. Danny Harris, drove into the box chasing a ball played over the top. The covering defender practiced his own form of jujutsu, bringing Danny down and gaining a submission all in one move. Another clear penalty which was awarded and another clear yellow card was not given. Henry stepped up and smashed the ball into the roof of the net making the score 2-0.
Brad Harris then curled a beauty with his left foot, into the top corner from twenty-five yards. 3-0. Game over. Now it was about goal difference. Could the Old Es pull back the +9 in one game? Another penalty was awarded. Henry stepped up for his hat trick of penalties and smashed it against the bar. The ball ricocheted out, into the middle, a scramble, and the ball was cleared for a corner.
The pressure continued, then Henry who was enjoying the Freedom of Freetown, shot a rocket of a shot, from twenty-five yards past the shell-shocked keeper, who now must have wished he had stayed in McDonald's with his lost friends. You could see that this was starting to hurt, but football is a funny old game, and then a bizarre goal came out of nowhere, as the Freetown forward picked up a loose ball and hit a shot that was half-blocked by Joe Higgins. The ball went high, very high, and then came down and dipped under the bar. A fluke! But the jammy goal made the scoreline 4-1. Freetown rejoiced.
“One more goal before halftime,” they jumped for joy, as they picked up the ball and sprinted to the centre circle. Their spirit was lifted, renewed energy flooded through the players, and for a brief moment, they looked like a team. Some hasty defending had to be done.
A few moments later, the game was killed off again. A ball by Nathan Wilson from the right found Les Moyo in the box, the midfielder rose high and his glancing header landed to the right of the goalkeeper, making the score 5-1. The fine headed goal made Freetown’s head finally drop.
Then another cross from the right-hand side and Les again was in the zone, not a header this time, but an overhead kick, which would have been a wonder goal, if only his foot had connected with the ball. More pressure was exerted, and a corner was cleared. But the Old Es continued to push hard. Henry, who had not scored for 15 minutes, and was feeling a bit left out, scored his fourth goal just before the referee blew for halftime. The players came off to warm applause from the few supporters who had braved the elements of the day.
Halftime 6-1. The league leaders, Oceans’ goal difference was down to five goals now. If the Es could win 10-1 the difference would be eradicated. A target was set for the second half. There could be no let up. Games like this are rare, and the opportunity had to be taken to close the gaps.
Queba Embalo came on for Stef at right back, whilst Tahmid Ahmed and Ola Kareem replaced Shaun and Danny on the wings. The Es were throwing youngsters with pace against a tired and dispirited back line.
The second half started with an early goal, to Freetown, poor defending allowed the forward to tap in an easy goal. That was not supposed to happen. The Old Es, target was ten, but every goal conceded was a goal against the goal difference target set by the league leaders.
The team pushed on, Danny Harris returned to action along with Shaun, and the pair combined well to create a fine goal making the second half score 1-1. The intensity remained high and the target was still very much in mind. Then, the maddest goal of a mad day. Johnny Clayton gathered the ball, and trying to maintain the intensity, threw the ball to Milo at left-back with speed. The ball, however, came off Milo’s heal as he sprinted away, and the ball careened into the path of the Freetown forward who was so surprised by his good fortune, he completely miskicked the chance, wrong footing Johnny in goal, and the ball bobbled over the line. 2-1 down second half! This was not how the script was supposed to play.
The Old Es stepped up the pressure again, and a second goal from Brad Harris made the score 8-3. The team continued the pressure, the desire of every player was clear. Milo following in off a goalkeeper parry tapped the ball into an empty net to make the score 9-3. Three minutes left. Could the Old Es score ten? A final chance, but no, it wasn’t to be. The referee blew his wet whistle. The game ended with three good points, and six goals improvement to goal difference tally, a fine performance.
The players came away happy with the day's work. The effort had been ten out of ten but only nine goals had been scored.
Next week, another home game against Loughton Town. Why not come along and watch your team play?
What else are you doing when Saturday comes?
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Johnny Clayton
Stef Popescu
Milo McCartney
Nathan Wilson
Joe Higgins
Les Moyo
Danny Harris
Shaun Vickers
Kane Wiliams
Brad Harris
Henry Gray
Substitutes
Tahmid Ahmed
Ola Kareem
Queran Embola
Match Report
November 9th
League Division 1
Noak Hill Sports Complex
Romford
Alpha FC 1 Old Esthamiens 1
Hello Supporters.
A thrilling 1-1 draw on Saturday. Two points dropped a good point gained? Only at the end of the season will we know. But another good strong performance from the team.
The Old Es were playing away again, that’s three matches in a row, away and this time, the team was playing in the most easterly game yet, way past the Romford shopping centre, against FC Alpha, a team based around a set of Eastern European players.
Noak Hill Sports Complex is a smaller sports facility compared to many of late, but the pitch was enormous. Easily the largest football pitch in the league, almost Wembley in size and dimension. Today would require a lot of running.
As the players arrived, a veteran game was finishing and on the referee's whistle, the old players, some with grey beards exited the large 3 G pitch very slowly and gingerly. It was great to see men of a certain age still playing the great game, but there was some worry that several of the older gentlemen, might not reach the touchline before the start of the next game.
The Old Es’s finally entered the pitch and warmed up. A new corner drill was to be practiced today in secret. However, two FC Alpha KGB agents were nonchalantly standing around, pretending to fix the nets and other such things. The warm-up drill was changed until the coast was clear. Eventually, the opportunity presented itself to practice V1 and V2 drills, two corner routines providing a clear plan for scoring from a corner. Old Es’s statisticians will know that the team has yet to score from a corner this season. Unfortunately, training night is not on a full-size pitch, so time is short to practice corner routines and set plays. Today, V2 was also being introduced, a corner routine, that provides a variety of movement and deception. The first set of players, take the opposition defenders away, leaving the last man to attack the ball unchallenged. After a few attempts, it worked, in practice. Would it work during the game?
The team then practiced a Rondo routine, keeping the ball in a tight circle to warm up the legs. The weather had become chillier. Late autumn chill. Some of the players, were now wearing skins under their shirts. Winter football was not far away. The mist was heavy and the sky was grey, which gave the pitch a slippery shine. The ball would run today on this surface.
The referee arrived. It was the same referee as last week.
“Not him again!” some sighed as the ref entered the field and shook hands with the manager and coaches of both teams before writing some notes in his notebook. Some suspected that Henry’s name was being added now, to save time later. Discipline was again mentioned. This ref likes a booking, but he does control the game. There are a lot worse officials in the league.
The referee blew his whistle and called both sets of players together around the centre circle to mark remembrance day. Some had forgotten it was Remembrance weekend, but arms were linked and heads were bowed in solemn respect as a minute silence was honoured. Both sets of supporters stood still and quiet, except a young lady on the side from Alpha whose telephone call to Bucharest was more important. Chameleon the AI cameraman gave her a hard stare. As did one or two others on the side. Noticing, she reluctantly, walked away from the side lines, carrying on her conversation which was obviously very important - to her at least.
The Old Es kicked off in a 4231 formation, mostly unchanged from last week's excellent performance with Jamie Brown in goal, Johnny Clayton, coming in at right back and Milo McCartney again playing at left-back. Nathan (aka Beans), started alongside Joe Higgens at centre-back. Les Moyo captained the side again, accompanied by Kane Williams in midfield. Brad Harris played just behind Henry Gray who was playing as centre forward with Harland Taylor on the left and Nelson Goncalves on the right. A strong lineup.
The Old Es had beaten Alpha at home earlier in the season, but Alpha had improved significantly since then and their results had picked up of late. Alpha had changed, they seemed to have had more new signings than Chelsea. It was a completely new team and they were a good young fit side at that.
The message before the game was patience. Wait for Alpha to blow themselves out. They were expected to come out like a train and it was important to remain compact on this large pitch and weather the storm, before exerting authority, and picking them off. As predicted, the game started at a brisk pace, with Alpha having the majority of the ball and proving to be a good footballing team, comfortable in possession but not getting behind the Old Es back line, who were comfortable holding a midline, however, the ball was being played in the Old Es half.
Then a mistake. Beans passed across the face of the goal and the ball was well-read by the Alpha number forward who stole possession, pushed the ball to his left, and rifled a shot from the edge of the box into the lower left corner. A quick well taken goal. 1-0 after ten minutes.
A few moments later, a good save by Jamie Brown, saving high to his right, keeping the game alive. The resulting corner was punched away. Things needed to improve. The Old Es stepped up their game. Some words were said. Tackles came flying in and more aggression helped to regain authority as the frenetic pressing of Alpha started to wane. The midfield started to gain control. Alpha were less keen now and some started shouting very loudly when tackled. One particular culprit screamed every time he was touched, which was very off-putting to the Old Es players, as most of them couldn’t stop laughing at him. Finally, the referee booked him for screaming out of tune and play-acting.
The game became more direct. The ball was then won by Johnny Clayton in right midfield and a chip over the top set Brad Harris clear, holding off the defender, cutting inside, and making it 1-1. Shortly afterward, the Es had a corner, Nelson shot, blocked by the defender, the chance feel to Johnny Clayton on the edge of the box, which flew over the bar.
Harland was next through in the inside channel, the ball bounced, a flick to the defenders left and a blatant hand ball, stopping an effort being shot at goal. Sending off surely? No said the mystic ref. Yellow card. The resulting free kick struck the wall, The Alpha player blocked the shot but was down. That hurt.
The tide had turned.
Halftime 1-1
Johnny was replaced at halftime by Blue Walsh who came on at left back with Milo returning to right back. All the team had to do was win the second half. Continue with the pressure. No mistakes. Go long on the large pitch and find the wide men.
Alpha's defence was solid but they offered less and less going forward in the second half, with Jamie in goal dealing with a small number of tasks without fuss. Alpha's fouling became an art form. Another hand ball from a player with a yellow. No said the ref. Another foul, push on Milo, a second yellow for number 7. No said the ref. If Alpha had finished with 9 players, they would have been fortunate.
The Old Es had their chances to win the game however. Yet another corner, V1 used, chaos, cleared off the line. A shot, the keeper made a good save. Another shot, just wide. Brad Harris cut inside from the right, left foot shot from twenty-five yards, off the bar. Magic, luck, skill, and effort, rules of the game. None were rewarded today.
At 80 mins Dipro Adip replaced the very tired Henry Gray, and the game settled for a draw as both teams had given their all. The referee blew to end a very hard-fought game, and a few limped off, as a sign that the Old Es had battled today for only one point. It felt like two points had slipped away. FC Alpha however, were happy at the final whistle; the Old Es were not.
Seven points had been earned from three away games and only two goals had been conceded in 270 minutes of football; a great set of stats, but it felt like it was not enough, as the players slumped to the ground. The draw felt like a defeat, especially as Ocean Pacific, the league leader had won again. The gap at the top widened by two more points.
The autumn chill felt chillier as the players headed to the changing rooms disappointed and bruised but looking forward to the next match, a home game, (finally at home) against Condor FC. A game between the two best defences in the league. Will it be a 4-3 classic?
Come along and watch your team play.
What else are you doing when Saturday comes?
Click to watch the match highlights
Alpha FC 1 -0
A chance
Old Es 1-1
Hitting the bar
AI Video coverage sponsored by Major Housing Association
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Jamie Brown
Milo McCartney
Johnny Clayton
Joe Higgins
Les Moyo
Nathan Wilson
Brad Harris
Kane Wiliams
Harland Taylor
Nelson Goncalves
Henry Gray
Substitutes
Sahir Ahmed
Dipro Adib
Stef Popescu
Blue Walsh
Queran Embola
Match Report
November 2nd
League Division 1
Wadham Lodge
Walthamstow
West Essex Reserves 1 Old Esthamiens 3
Hello Supporters.
Another good win for the Old Es
The match was played at Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow, the home pitch of West Essex Reserves (WER) and coincidently the last pitch that the gaffer had played on over 15 years ago, scoring his last-ever goal. Would it be a happy return? The answer was yes with a strong, disciplined, hard-working performance that delighted everyone, including the West Essex Reserve manager who was very complimentary about the Old Es football after the game. A well-run, good sporting team.
The Old Es arrived in good time for the earlier 1.00 pm kick-off. Wadham Lodge is a large multi-purpose Football Facility with several floodlit astro pitches and tiny changing rooms, designed more for 5-a-side team changing than an 11-a-side team. Dressing room 4 was allocated to the team, which was an apt number as it had about enough room for four players to get changed.
Some background music was put on using a portable iPhone speaker to get the team in the mood as players bunched up trying to get changed in the tight space. In the opposite changing room, West Essex arrived with a 1980s-style music box with the volume turned up to 11. The Old Es shut the door to keep the noise out. If WER could play as well as they danced it was going to be a tough day today having won 5 out of 6 games so far this season, matching the Old Es league record. Two teams on the same points, but with vastly different tastes in music.
The players quickly made their way to the 4G pitch to get away from the dreadful music to find that the pitch was marked out for multi-use, with red lines for hockey, yellow lines for five aside, and white lines for soccer. It was not very clear what line was what. The ref was going to find it hard to read the lines today, or was he? The team soon discovered that the referee was an experienced official, who had refereed in this league for many years and was known to a great deal of the older players in the team.
“Oh no!” was the collective groan from the old guard when he finally arrived. The light misty rain, which was clearing, covered the refs' glasses, making it hard for him to see, as he raised his glasses to write in his notebook. Would this small vision impediment affect his performance today?
“Don’t speak to this ref.” The coaches all said. The referee or “Mr. Sin Bin” as he was affectionally christened was known to like an early yellow, and any excuse to get his new shiny sin bin card out of his pocket was to be avoided. During the Pre-match team talk, discipline was drummed home. WER are a young fit energetic side, so organisation was key today, and keeping 11 men on the field was vital on this large pitch.
The Old Es warmed up, and then slowly walked over to the penalty area furthest away to run through some corner drills; a new set-piece routine was being introduced today. The players walked through the drill quietly to avoid giving anything away. No running. Top secret deception was key. Diagonal decoy runs, staggered starts, and accurate delivery, all were surreptitiously practiced at a walking pace to avoid detection. Would this hard work pay off during the game? The answer was No. However, work in progress.
Les Moyo was captain on the day as Danny Harris's knee kept him out of today’s fixture. WER won the toss and elected to change ends, trying to gain a small psychological advantage. There are fine margins at this level.
The Old Es kicked off in a 4231 formation, mostly unchanged from last week's excellent performance with Jamie Brown in goal, Alex Baker-Merry, coming in at right back and Milo McCartney switching to left back. Les Moyo and Joe Higgins continued at centre-back whilst Kane Williams and Shaun Vickers resumed their partnership anchoring the midfield. Brad Harris played just behind Henry Gray who was playing as centre forward with Harland Taylor on the left and Nelson Goncalves on the right.
The game started at a brisk pace, with WER having the majority of the ball and proving to be a good footballing team, comfortable in possession and winning three corners in the first fifteen minutes. Jamie Brown was asked a few questions from long range, but all were comfortably answered and saved.
Then a classic Old Es turnover in midfield. Nelson coming in from the wing was found in the centre circle, a turn followed by a deftly weighted through ball which cut through the centre of the defence, Brad Harris broke the offside line and was clean on goal. The keeper came out, a jink to the right and a sidestep to the left and the ball was rolled into an empty net. 1-0.
The game resumed. WER again attacked and hit the Old Es brick wall. The ball was cleared by Alex into midfield where it was controlled by Nelson who looked up and found Harland Taylor with a deft flick over the top Harland, coming in from the left, out paced the covering defender, and finished with his left foot, 2-0. Harland peeled away, celebrating his goal by poking his tongue out at the opposing fullback and waving his fingers in his ears. Yes, discipline was key today. Mr. Sin Bin however, was not happy, his finger wagged, his head nodded from side to side, and out came the first yellow card. The misty glasses were raised and placed on his head while number 7 was added to his notebook.
A few moments later, a throw was awarded to WER about 25 yards from the goal, a very wrong decision, which saw Harland kicking the ball away in disgust. Gasp! went the management team on the side, followed by “NOooh” from the supporters. The entire right-hand side of the pitch looked at Mr Sin Bin who kept his card in his pocket. “Phew,” sighed everyone.
The game settled into a familiar pattern, WER kept the ball well, then lost it against the Old Es back line. Harland then found Nelson floating in from the right side, putting him through the middle with the defender closing in. The ball was clipped over the goalkeeper and landed the wrong side of the crossbar. A chance to kill the game. Nelson looked on with total dismay, hands on head. How did that happen? The Old Es however, were not finished with near misses, another attack, the keeper was again all over the place and a shot was struck into the centre of the goal blocked by the covering defender who cleared away the shot.
Shortly afterward, Brad Harris was put through again in the inside left channel, three defenders closed in, the keeper closed down, the ball bobbled towards goal, and a boot cleared the ball away, as all four players were left on the floor.
The Old Es continued to dominate. Tackles were won, and the energy level was high, resulting in a fabulous goal, coming from a thirty-yard angled delivery from Nelson, from the inside right channel that was floated to the far post, which was caught clean by Harland who volleyed into the net. The ball didn’t touch the floor. A goal of the season contender and a comfortable 3-0 lead.
3-0. Half time.
The team talk at half-time was all about shape and discipline. The game should have been out of sight, but an early goal from WER would open up the game again. One more goal and the opposition would cave. Keep it tight. No mistakes.
“Goals win games, clean sheets win leagues.”
Henry was replaced as Centre forward by Ibrahim Sidibe bringing more pace to the attack. As WER was expected to press to get back in the game, space was to be expected to be found in the wide areas.
The game restarted and the Old Es won the first tackle, WER looked deflated. More pressure and another shot was cleared off the line by the WER covering defender. It could have been 6 by now.
Shaun Vickers was replaced on the hour, by Stef Popescu who slotted into centre back and Les Moyo stepped forward into midfield. Tahmid replaced Nelson on the right wing. Henry returned to replace the tiring Harland at 75 minutes, who had run himself into, the ground and Ibrahim went to the left wing.
The Old Es were sitting deeper now. Absorbing pressure and closing the gaps but space was opening between the midfield and forwards. Legs were tiring. However, Ibrahim was enjoying the space on the left and was causing problems down the wing culminating in a thunderous shot from 25 yards that was well saved by the WER keeper. The killer fourth goal however, was not to be.
With little more than ten minutes to go, WER won a corner which was whipped in beyond the far post, the ball was clipped back across goal into the danger area, a looping header was floated back into the six-yard box, and a WER forward headed the ball over the line. A scrappy tired goal making the score 1-3. Would there be a rally, a surprise ending?
Johnny Clayton came on up front to replace the bruised Henry who had taken some big hits battling alone up front, and he was straight into the game. His experience was on show as the big man held the ball up and chased down the defenders helping the team to close out the match.
The ref blew the final whistle. A good professional second half was over, a well-managed and contained half. It could have been six but 1-3 was the final score. The players were slightly upset, it should have been a clean sheet but they smiled as they shook the ref's hand. The ref wasn’t that bad in the end. Don’t know what all the fuss was about?
A good sporting game. Not a bad tackle on show. Goal-mouth action, really good football played by both teams. A very enjoyable afternoon.
Next week. The Old Es are Away again. That’s three away games in a row.
FC Alpha in Romford
All this away traveling, and not a moan in sight.
Come along and watch your team play.
What else are you doing when Saturday comes?
Click to watch the goal highlights
AI Video coverage sponsored by Major Housing Association
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Jamie Brown
Milo McCartney
Alex Baker-Merry
Joe Higgins
Les Moyo
Shaun Vickers
Brad Harris
Kane Wiliams
Harland Taylor
Nelson Goncalves
Henry Gray
Substitutes
Tahmid Ahmed
Ibrahim Sadibe
Stef Popescu
Johnny Clayton
Match Report
October 26th 2024
League Division 1
Parsloes Park Hub
Dagenham
Leymour Gardens U23 0 Old Esthamiens 2
Hello Supporters
Another win for the Old Es’ in a tight game played by two good footballing sides on artificial grass. Those who missed it missed a feast of football.
The game was played at Parsloes Park, Dagenham, a large modern purpose-built complex of artificial football pitches and training facilities, dedicated to the late great Bobby Moore.
Upon arrival, a young lady at reception handed over the key to the dressing room in exchange for a £20 cash deposit. The changing rooms were clean and modern, but had the feeling of a Russian detention centre, with dim strip lighting which only half lit the room making it hard to find anything in the kit bag. Harsh narrow wooden benches ran along the sides. The showers, however, worked, and neither scolded nor froze the players when you turned them on. These changing rooms were luxurious compared to the old days. How times have changed?
The game was away, at 3.00 pm kick-off, and in Dagenham, would the squad assemble on time? The answer was almost yes. A strong group of sixteen players were selected with most of the squad being fit and available. The Old Es’ were ready and focused. After the defeat last week, 3 points were needed.
Lymore Gardens has several teams, and the U23 team was originally developed to support younger players. Today, however, it seemed that Under 23 was more of a weight category than age limitation, with some very large defenders on show. A few incidents over the last few seasons also meant that today was a bit of a grudge match. Would today be a red card feast? The message from the coaches was all about keeping cool, no cards, no mistakes. Provocation was to be expected and ignored.
“They can win the arguments; we will win the points.” Everyone agreed, but how many would keep their promises? Today was a test at many levels including the first use of “Chameleon,” our new “Artificial Intelligence,” powered camera. Sitting on a 14-foot-high tripod, the camera, would automatically track the ball and record the game in full high definition. Sound recording, on or off, was optional.
Chameleon however, suffered from a few glitches, one was that Lymore had an array of assorted colour balls, which meant that the new ball replacing the one that was kicked over the fence, was a different colour. No doubt Chameleon's AI user testing in California had never considered this major sporting event, nor had the designers considered the effect of substitutes playing “keepy-uppy,” on the sidelines. Chameleon panned left and right as spare balls bounced around. The good news, however, was that most of the key action was captured including both goals. Highlights coming soon.
The pitch was relatively new and in excellent condition, complete with floodlights and a dugout for the manager and squad to sit in. The supporters, seeing the seats free, soon took up residence in the dugout, making themselves comfortable, which meant that the players, who now had nowhere to sit, stood and crowded the technical area.
The pitch was large, easily 15 yards longer, and 5 yards wider than the Old Es’ home pitch at Ford's. Acres of space to run into, the linesman would be busy today as runs behind were to be expected.
This brings us to the subject of referee’s assistants. In every game, both sides allocate a person to run the line for the ref. The Old Es’ are incredibly lucky to have Kevin Higgins who does a tremendous job every week for the club, running the line and Kevin is a particularly good and fair lino.
Now, we all know that some linesmen from the opposition can be a little biased. Most of them are grumpy substitutes doing a “half” for the team, so will obviously favour their side in the tight calls, and this is tacitly understood. On Saturday however, we had a very keen person, who took on the role a bit more earnestly than most and took every opportunity to flag offside whenever the ball was played forward. The linesman even managed to flag Henry offside whilst he was in his own half. The crowd in the dugout, mostly made up of wives and girlfriends, showed their displeasure, and soon things became a little heated. The assistant coach of Lymore came over to smooth things over. After a short discussion, the “lino” kept his flag down, restricting his flagging to when a forward was only a yard onside. Things improved.
The Old Es’ started in a changed formation of 4231 with Henry Gray back in the side after injury, leading the line as number 9 supported by Brad Harris, who took up the number 10 role just behind the forward, with Ibrahim Sidibe and Matthew Pemberton taking the wide positions. Shaun Vickers and Kane Williams created a strong midfield two, with Les Moyo dropping to centre-back beside Joe Higgins. Danny Harris and Milo McCartney took the full-back spots with Jamie Brown in goal.
The Old Es started well, playing good football which resulted in several long-range efforts that were well saved by the Lymore Keeper, who had a very good game. Pressure was now building, Henry was put through, but the keeper was quick off his line and smothered the shot, the ball ran loose, a scramble, which ended as a corner. The Old Es were getting closer.
Then a mistake, the Lymore centre half lost control of the ball, Ibrahim, who was getting some rough treatment from the defenders, nicked the ball, broke through, the keeper came out fast, a jink to the right, the keeper went down, a turn to the left and tap in. A well-taken goal that Jimmy Greaves, a lifelong friend of Bobby Moore, would have enjoyed.
Half Time 1-0
A few changes were made at half-time. Henry came off along with Matthew, as Tahmid Ahmed came on the left wing and Harland Taylor came on at right wing with Ibrahim going forward into the number 9 role. New legs and fresh pace were added to the attack. Raw speed was causing problems in the wide-open areas and more space was going to appear as legs tired. The second half continued in much the same way, with both defenses doing well, and the fullbacks making good covering runs. Ibrahim was fouled again. Then again. Then Tahmid picked up the ball in midfield and drove forward before being rugby tackled to the ground 25 yards from goal. A three-man wall lined up to face Brad Harris whose ferocious left-foot shot kept on rising as it hit the back of the net, making it 2-0. Twenty minutes to play, surely that was the winning goal. Lymore Gardens, however, were not finished but Ibrahim was, as he limped off. Karim Kadri went to right wing and Harland went up front as number 9, giving Lymore defenders some new legs to kick.
The pressure was now building with Lymore, searching for a goal, pushing more and more men forward trying to make the breakthrough. A good corner was taken followed by a melee in the six-yard box, then a shot at full power at close range, brilliantly blocked by Les Moyo, but Les was down. The ball had hit where you would least want it. At first, the management team on the side thought it was a head injury, but fortunately, they had the wrong end of the stick. But Les was in serious distress and was unable to continue. Stef Popescu came on at right back and Milo went to centre back.
15 minutes to play, then another strong attack and a Joe Higgins challenge resulted in a penalty. If the penalty was converted, the game was set for a rousing finish. A few Lymore Gardens players jostled for the ball wanting to take the kick. Finally, their number 10 stood over the ball, breathed, and waited for the whistle. Jamie Brown, who nearly saved a penalty in the last game set himself. Number 10 shot to the keeper's right, high with power. Save! Jamie got both hands to the ball and pushed it around for a corner. The crowd went wild, the players jumped on the keeper. Surely now the team was home and dry. The corner came in, resulting in another goal-mouth clearance. Everyone was protecting the Old Es’ clean sheet. Shot, block, shot, and finally the ball ballooned over the bar.
The Old Es’ counter-attacked with Tahmid getting in on the act and blazing over the bar and fence with his left foot. Another new coloured ball. Chameleon looked confused. The ref blew a few moments later. 2-0 final score. Another zero for the defense making it three clean sheets in six league games, the best defense in the league held firm.
A good day indeed, along with top-of-the-table Ocean Pacific being held at home by Loughton Town. The Old Es are now only four points off the leaders with a game in hand and a visit to Ford's home ground to come soon. It is getting exciting at the top.
Next up. Away again playing West Essex at Wadham Lodge.
A game between two sides with equal records this season.
Come along if you can.
What else are you doing when Saturday comes?
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Jamie Brown
Milo McCartney
Danny Harris
Joe Higgins
Les Moyo
Shaun Vickers
Brad Harris
Kane Wiliams
Ibrahim Sadibe
Matthew Pemberton
Henry Gray
Substitutes
Tahmid Ahmed
Karim Kadri
Harland Taylor
Stef Popescu
Match Report
October 19th 2024
League Division 1
Ford Sports Ground
Old Esthamiens 4 Leyton City 5
Hello Supporters
Another thrilling all action game on Saturday. For those that were unable to attend, you missed nine goals and countless penalty box incidents. It was edge of the seat stuff, including a dodgy penalty, the Old Es hitting the post with minutes to go and Jamie Brown pulling off another top draw save. It was a basketball game at times, but you couldn’t keep your eyes off it.
The Old Es were missing several regulars for this match, so the game plan was to start solid, be tight and hit Leyton City on the break. Leyton had shipped in fifteen goals in the last four games, so the Old Es forwards were licking their lips. If the back line held tight today, we win.
The team were set up to play a 451 shape, with the enthesis on counterattack. If Leyton could be drawn on, the pacy forwards would be able to break into the space left behind and win the game.
Things started well, that was until the third minute, when the Old Es goalkeeper who is normally a man of the match contender, had a mad moment, missing an easy cross which landed at the feet of a startled Leyton forward. Open goal 1-0. “We go again,” shouted the captain.
Leyton came searching for the second goal, pouring down the right side gaining ground, but no real chances were created. Then the trap was sprung, as Ibrahim collected the ball on the left hand side of the halfway line unmarked, with only one defender to beat it was a race to goal. It turned out not to be a fair race and within seconds the teams were even.
The game restarted in the same pattern. Ten minutes later, Nelson received the ball on the right side, dinked inside and chipped the keeper to make it 2-1. Leyton were looking worried. They had all the ball, but the Old Es were picking them off. Words were said. The game became more even now with Leyton dropping off. They were wising up.
The Old Es started to get more of the ball and were looking more threatening. The ball was being passed around more and confidence was growing. Then, a badly placed pass was intercepted in the centre circle. The Leyton forward was quick and in a flash he was bearing down on goal equalising.
The game restarted, the Leyton bounce was back and they continued to cause a number of problems, especially down the right flank, with skilful pacy wingers pushing the defence back towards goal. The boys in midfield were running hard but were being outnumbered and out run. Jamie in goal, pulled off a top save in his left-hand top corner. Pressure was building, but few meaningful shots were getting through. Then another goal for the Old Es, a copy of the first in many ways, as Ibrahim, escaping his marker on the left, cut inside and buried the chance with a powerful shot into the roof of the net, making the score 3-2 at half time.
Half Time 3-2
The Old Es were leading, but the team came off disappointed. The vibe was that of being beaten because Leyton had most of the ball. It was a strange team talk, leading but disappointed. The team changed shape to a 442 formation with Brad Harris dropping from centre forward to add more bodies into the midfield. Harland Taylor came on at right full back to add some more pace against Leyton’s tricky winger. Maybe it was a mistake to change. Whilst Leyton had most of the ball, the Old Es were hitting them hard on the break. The front three were causing a lot of problems and had the beating of the Leyton back line.
The game restarted with Leyton on the front foot. The Old Es dropped deeper and deeper as the attacks intensified. The back four were winning many challenges but the ball kept coming back. Leyton’s pressure soon paid off, scoring a soft goal which should have been cleared, followed shortly afterwards, by their right winger, diving over Joe’s leg and winning an Oscar nomination and penalty for his efforts. Jamie Brown, nearly saved the spot kick, diving to his right hand side getting a glove to the ball, but he could not keep it out. The score was now 4-3. Leyton were now flying, finally scoring a good passing goal with their wide man finding himself free at the back post after a clever interchange. 5-3 down. Heads dropped a little. The players had worked hard and some were running on empty. It was not to be our day. Or was it?
A few changes were made, and the team rallied. Ibrahim broke again and scored his Hatrick. Three goals, all break aways. Heads went up. The Game was not over. The Old Es pushed forward with the last reserves of energy to try and grab the equaliser. A corner was won, the defenders sucked in deep and ran the length of the pitch, into the box to get the equaliser. The corner was miss hit by Milo who slipped, the defenders moaned at the quality of the delivery as the ball went along the floor, no one reacted, it hit the front post, a scramble and a Leyton boot just cleared. A free kick was awarded shortly afterwards, twenty-five yards from goal. The shot was blocked by the Leyton wall which stood firm. The Old Es pushed again, but the referee blew the final whistle.
It was a good sporting encounter, a chaotic exciting watch. The neutrals liked it as both teams battled to the end. Those that represented the old club gave it a real go. Nothing but praise for the effort including the referee who had a very good game. Sadly, the winning run had to come to an end, but it took five goals to end it. But that’s football.
Special thanks to Kevin Higgins for all the match day help.
Back to winning ways next week. Why not come along and watch.
What else are you doing When Saturday Comes?
COYEs
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Jamie Brown
Queba Embalo
Milo McCartney,
Joe Higgins
Brad Harris
Kane Wiliams
Blue Walsh
Ibrahim Sadibe
Nelson Goncalves
Adib Dipro
Joe Coffey
Substitutes
Sahir Ahmed
Tahmid Ahmed
Karim Kadri
Harland Taylor
Ben McDonald
Match Report
October 12th 2024
League Division 1
Ford Sports Ground
Old Esthamiens 4 Old Barkabbeyans 1
Hello Supporters
Another, thrilling all action game on Saturday. For those that were unable to attend, you missed a cracker.
A 4-1 win, a sending off, sunshine, a torrential downpour, yellow cards awarded for fouling diving, and simulation. Both the posts and crossbars were rattled, and both keepers pulled off top saves. We even had a back heal. The game had everything !
The match started well, the Old Es’s were back in their familiar 433 shape, gaining control of the midfield. The Old Barkabbeyans had set up in a fluid 352 formation, which seemed to confuse both teams at the beginning. There was acres of space on the Old Barks’ flank, as the two full backs were playing very high. The Old Es started to make good progress down the right-hand side, with Milo McCarthy and Tahmid Ahmed, creating a number of chances down the flank.
A corner was won, a half chance, but the Old Barkabbeyans broke clear, their pacy forward charging in on goal. Joe Higgins came across to cover just as Nathan Wilson, who was playing his first game of the season at centre back, took the ball and the man resulting in a foul and yellow card. A free kick was awarded twenty yards from goal very central. The ball was struck well, dipping inches over the crossbar. A close call, a big moment.
The goal kick was taken and the Old Es regained control of the midfield. Then Henry Gray was put through, but he was flagged offside when clearly on. A few moments later, the Old Es broke the line again, only for offside to be called for a second time. Finally, Nathan Wilson, delivered a long ball that found Henry in the box, onside this time, and with defenders appealing and with only the goalkeeper to beat, the ball was smashed into the net to make it 1-0.
The Old Barks started barking at each other, as their defence was finally breached. The Referee then sin binned their defender for talking out of turn, and over explaining to the Ref how to run the game. One goal down, one man down, could the Old Es capitalise on the Old Barkabbeyans disadvantage?
Within five minutes, the answer was given, as Henry, who was struggling with a hamstring injury, was found just outside the box by Shaun Vickers; a good pass, a good first touch, powerful shot, goal. 2-0.
The Old Es were playing good football now, cutting through the Old Barkabbeyans back line, time after time. Then another through ball opened the static defence. A half shot and block sent the ball spinning into the six-yard box, a scramble, as bodies dived into the melee, ending when both the left back and the ball bounced over the goal line; the final touch coming off Tahmid Ahmed for his first goal of the season. 3-0. Game over, or was it?
The Old Barks tricky forward was up to his tricks again, receiving the ball in his own half and running direct at the defence. Nathan, who uses the nickname of “Beans,” came across to cover, pulling out of the challenge before contact. The forward however, had other ideas, he dived and screamed, convincing no one on the pitch that there was any contact, except the referee, who took out a second yellow card from his pocket. Beans was off.
“441” the manager cried from the touch line as Les Moyo dropped into centre back and the wide players tucked inside. It was going to be a long 50 minutes. The game was not over after all.
The Free kick was taken and the shot went high and wide. If that effort had gone in, then the game would have turned on its head. Half time was blown a few moments later. Time to regroup.
Half Time 3-0
Brad Harris came on upfront, to play the lone striker role. Henry, happy with his two goals, limped off.
The four-man midfield were instructed to run themselves into the ground, the subs would come on after an hour to carry the game home. The first fifteen after the restart were critical. If the scores remained the same by at the hour mark, the game would be won. However, if the Old Barkabbeyans, scored after the restart, a battle would be on with the ten men holding on.
Strangely, the Old Barks came out in the second half in the same formation. Keeping a three-man defence against a lone striker. Brad chased and harried but naturally with the extra man the Old Barks started to gain territory, but few real chances were created. The Old Es back four expertly marshalled by Joe Higgins and man of the match Les Moyo were as solid as ever. A long-range shot was well saved by Johnny Clayton in goal. It would require a good strike to beat Johnny today.
Then the heavens opened, rained lashed down and strong winds helped keep the ball in the Old Es half. The supporters on the side headed to the bar to take cover from the rain, (that is what they claimed) as the monsoon lashed down.
The Old Es midfield, continued to battle in the slippery conditions, coping well as the ground become very wet. Discipline was maintained, the shape was held. No gaps or spaces for the opposition to work on.
Brad Harris, on his own up front, was causing all sorts of problems for the three-man defence, who were struggling with his pace and power. There was oceans of space on the flanks, as the Old Barks kept pushing on in the hope of getting that all important next goal.
Then an attack down the right, driven on by Matt Pemberton, who was starting his first game for the club, crossed for Kane Williams, who burst un marked from midfield, making no mistake with a powerful shot taken from the edge of the box, 4-0. The game was effectively over.
Matt Pemberton then left the field having run himself into the ground. Blue Walsh came in at left back and Danny Harris moved into midfield. The shape remained solid. A clean sheet was now the target.
As the rain and storm passed over, and the supporters returned, the Old Barks’ storm also subsided. It was the Old Es that now looked most like scoring, with another effort hitting the post followed by a shot that bounced off the bar. Then Brad Harris, chasing a long ball down the middle, gave a delicate chip over the defender and keeper, who was way off his line. The ball bounced, shaved the post, and went wide. Another chance: Shaun Vickers cut inside, shot, the defender did well, and managed to get the block in. Surely another goal was coming?
Towards the end, Sahir Ahmed replaced Tahmid, and Fabio Balde came on for his first game of the season, replacing Danny Harris who was carrying a knock. The game was easing now into the final stages, but all credit to the Old Barks, they wanted a goal, and the Old Es wanted a clean sheet which would mean the team had managed 3 ½ league games without conceding a goal. That zero was on everyone’s mind now. 92 mins on the clock. A corner, “surely it’s over ref?”
The corner was delivered long, outside the box to a forward who caught the ball on the volley, crashing the ball into the top of the net with his left foot. From corner to goal without touching the floor. The Ref then blew for full time. The Old Es’s clean sheet was lost to the last kick of the game, a wonder goal.
The players walked off deflated, some fell to their knees, it felt like a loss. The enormous effort put in to keep that clean sheet was heroic. Everyone including the spectators were soaked and exhausted. A true battling performance. However, after a moment of reflection, the mood lightened. The smiles and jokes returned, it was after all, a very good win. Four league games, 12 points, only 3 goals conceded so far.
I suggest, dear supporters, you would have been proud of your team today. A very good result indeed.
Thank you to Kevin Higgins assistant coach and all the supporters that showed up. The noise and support was very welcome.
Next week. Another home fixture against Leyton FC
Hope you can make.
What else are you doing when Saturday comes?
COYE's
(Come on you Es)
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Johnny Clayton
Milo McCarthey
Joe Higgins
Danny Harris Capt
Nathan Wilson
Henry Gray
Kane Wiliams
Les Moyo
Shaun Vickers
Tahmid Ahmed
Matt Pemberton
Substitutes
Brad Harris
Sahir Ahmed
Blue Walsh
Fabio Balde
Harland Taylor
Match Report
October 5th 2024
Fenton Cup Game
Round Two
Bancroft Rugby Ground
Buckhurst Hill
Score
Buckhurst Way 4 Old Es 0
Dear Supporters,
Not the result that we were hoping for. Round two of the Fenton Cup, a competition, that the Old Es have won in the past. Our opening game of the cup was against Buckhurst Way a solid Division 3 side, two leagues below the Old Es. Whilst not being complacent, the team were expecting to go through to the next round, and everyone arrived in good spirits and in shirt sleeves, as the early autumnal sunshine created the ideal conditions for playing football.
Everyone had turned up on time, all in kit and read to play, all except one player, (there is always one, but we move on). Clean sheet was the order of the day, after all, the team had gone 225 minutes without letting a goal in. Three hundred minutes was the call. Another clean sheet, and the Old Es would surpass three hundred and fifteen-minutes mark without conceding. Something to work for.
Bancroft Rugby Ground was a rugby facility for Bancroft’s public School. Association Football was not the main sport played at this venue. On arrival some big men were throwing a strange shape ball at some school kids. It was all a bit strange. There was no lock on the changing room doors, so obviously everyone is very trusting in this part of the world. As the weather was very pleasant, the team got changed by the side of the pitch, which was the other side of the playing fields, maybe a quarter of a mile away, across a number of Rugby pitches. In the dim distance, a very long way from the club house stood some lonely Association Soccer goals that showed us the direction. The team trundled over bobbly ground carrying their bags, like sherpas on an adventure, carrying kit, balls, and the managers folding table amongst other things.
The ground was bumpy, very bumpy not watered roll or treated. The lines must have been painted by Picasso, not one was straight. On arrival at the pitch, we found that the goals were on wheels and were in the wrong position and had to handled into position, they were also an odd shape, the cross bar for one of the goals had sunk by a few inches in the middle. In the centre circle a dog had left us welcome present, which had to be cleared before a ball was kicked.
Buckhurst Way then turned up, in all Navy Blue. Big lads, not a very skilful warm up routine, but they were big. Some probably played with another odd shaped ball on their weekend off. The Opposition then asked for a team sheet pad, as they had lost or forgotten theirs. No problem, we are professional, we have spare. Huh Amateurs.
The Ref then turned up a bit flustered, he had got lost and noticed that his new Black Football Association referees’ uniform would colour clash with the Navy shirts of Buckhurst. So, he brought out a bright yellow shirt that had seen better games. It was a little tight. It wasn’t a good look. He then asked, in his snug yellow top.
“Are we OK to play on a pitch with a wonky cross bar?”
A difficult question really. If we said no, the game would be called off, and postponed. Could we have claimed the result? Would that be in the spirit of the Old Es?
So, we said. “Not a problem, we shoot low anyway.” A joke was made of the terrible state of the pitch and off the Ref went to inspect the corner flags.
Somehow, we knew this was not going to be a normal day, but the team was confident.
The Old Es won the toss for kick off, which was the last thing they won in the entire first half. Buckhurst Way were direct and played long ball but they were winning the 50 50s. The Old Es tried to play football, which was a mistake, pass, bobble bobble. Oh dear. There was not much of threat from Buckhurst all the same, direct yes, but not dangerous, until that is; two mistakes, and two goals conceded all within the first 30 minutes. Buckhurst then had a corner which was half cleared, the ball was sent back into the box and hit the crossbar. Luckily, the cross bar was three inches lower than regulation, so the ball stayed out. That’ll teach them. Private school playing fields and the cross bar was bent. The game continued.
Then another mistake, leading to a rash challenge and a penalty. Strangely the referee got that decision correct. Johnny Clayton in goal, made himself big. Staring down the opposition forward. The lad calmly walked up and side footed onto the post. Hi missed. A change in fortune. Half time arrived. Time to regroup.
Four substitutions. On went the cavalry. The Old Es were two down to Loughton earlier this season and came back to win 3-2. This team were not as good as Loughton. They were bigger, but not better. A comeback was on the cards. The Es started the second half much better, playing more direct to the forwards. Then a foul, an argument and the captain decides to get himself sin binned for 10 minutes for explaining to the referee the error of his ways. Chaos. Shortly afterwards 3-0 Game over.
Heads dropped. The manager fumed; players lost discipline. The game turned ugly as tackles went in. Buckhurst Way had a few players who started hitting the dirt faster than a war film. The game was now horrible. The camera man showed up late, but luckily he didn’t have his camera equipment ready. It was one of those days. So, apologies for no match coverage. Maybe it was better that way.
The game ended 4-0. The Old Es had lost the first game of the season. It was not a good feeling. Lots of bruises and no goals scored. Words were said, a few home truths shared, and the players trouped off. The only positive, was that it was a warm day, the league position has not suffered, and we don’t have to play on that pitch again this season.
Next week, a home game, on a football pitch against an old foe, The Old Barkabbeyans FC.
Come along and watch. That should be a good game.
What else are you doing when Saturday comes.
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Starting Team
Johnny Clayton
Curwin Hutson
Blue Walsh
Brad Harris
Stef Popescu
Danny Harris Capt
Les Moyo
Shaun Vickers
Harland Vickers
Tahmid Ahmed
Nelson Goncalves
Substitutes
Henry Gray
Sahir Ahmed
Blue Walsh
Tahmid Ahmed
Ola Kareem
Match Report
September 21st 2024
Castle Green Centre
Dagenham
Score
Freetown FC 0 Old Es 2
Another good win for the Old Es.
A quick thank you to Johnny Clayton who was Team manager on the day and assisted by Kevin Higgins. Also special thanks to Mr Chairman Chris Wood. Massive contribution on the sides from all the back-room team.
Match Report
Going into the game the Old Es had a number of hitches to preparations. Our regular Thursday night training session had to be cancelled owing to a fire at a nearby light industrial unit. Emergency services locked down the area and access to the training facility was denied. No pre match training, no team tactics. What’s App was used to communicate team information, not the ideal start to the weekend.
The following day Harland Taylor (wide forward) and Kenny Avebuan (Midfielder) had to pull out owing to minor injuries. This was on top of four first team players who are out with team long term injuries and four other players who were missing due to planned absences owing to work and family commitments. Even the team manager, Stephen Butler, was off in Germany at a wedding. Johnny Clayton stepping into the management role. All hands-on deck for this match. This was a test for the squad.
As the team arrived in Dagenham, the weather started to turn ever greyer the closer the players came to the ground. The boys warmed up well, shape and tactics were discussed, a clean sheet was spoken about again and again. The team was ready, focused, but the game was delayed as the referee arrived late having been held up in traffic. The omens were looking ominous. Concentration was key. Focus.
Finally, the game kicked off and the heavens opened, the pitch became slippery and wet and good football became harder to play. Freetown, who had lost their previous two league games, were up for the points today. The home team started well and put the Old Es under pressure, but the Old Es defence is strong and managed the initial onslaught well.
Then, within 10 minutes Henry Gray, the leagues’ top goal scorer (5 in 2 games) slipped on a greasy uneven pitch and had to come off with a suspected hamstring injury. Another injury. New signing, Ibrahim Sidibe, went on to lead the line up front.
Within 10 minutes following a long clearance from keeper, Jamie Brown, Ibrahim sprinted after the ball, comfortably outpacing the defender, and quickly bringing the ball under control beating the covering defender before launching a blistering shot from the edge of the area which settled into the corner of the goal. The Old Es were out of the starting blocks. The low midfield block had dented Freetown’s initial wave, and the team were now gaining possession of the ball, the rain eased a little. Within 5 minutes, left winger Tahmid, put a well-placed cross into the box and Brad Harris, playing in midfield for the day, had a comfortable tap-in.
2-0 Half Time
Second half: Freetown came out with renewed energy and vigour and put together some good moves in midfield. The Old E’s back line warriors were at work again and not for the first time this season were the heroes of the day remaining solid and impenetrable. Freetown struggled to make a shot on target and the E’s defended set plays and corners well. Joe Higgins playing Centre Back won everything and thoroughly deserved his Man of the Match award.
The pressure mounted in the final 10 minutes and the game became even more physical as Freetown pressed for a goal. Jamie Brown, made a couple of his trademark one handed saves to protect the clean sheet. However, the enduring image will be that of big man Stef Popescu chasing an opposing attacker out of the box and launching a superbly timed sliding tackle which took man and ball off the field. This was cheered by the players, as much as a goal. A symbol of a great defensive performance and the desire to keep the clean sheet.
The final whistle was blown and the team shook hands having maintained their 2-0 advantage and another clean sheet. That is now 225 minutes without conceding a goal. Three league games, 3 wins, 9 points, only two goals conceded all season and second in the league on goal difference.
We were very proud of the Old Es today. These games shape seasons.
A week off next weekend. A chance to lick the wounds and get some players back. A cup game awaits on 5th October. It should be another great game.
See you there.
What else are you doing when Saturday comes?
Match Day Squad
Assistant Manager Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Team
Jamie Brown
Alex Baker
Stef Popescu
Blue Walsh
Brad Harris
Joe Higgins
Les Moyo
Tahmid Ahmed
Kane Williams
Henry Gray
Nelson Goncalves
Substitutes
Johnny Clayton
Ibrahim Sidibe
Match Report
September 14th 2024
Ford Sports Ground
Score
Old Es 4 FC Alpha 0
Hi Supporters.
What a good day
A quick thank you to Johnny Clayton and Kevin Higgins. Massive contribution on the sides.
Also thanks to Mr Chairman Chris Wood and Capt Danny Harris.
Excellent team work all around. Thanks team.
Match Report
The Old Es scored four goals and could have easily have made it six! The team truly dominated the game, and kept their cool under the warm sunshine. It was a professional performance that showcased everything that the team have been working on. Hard work, passing, pressing and teamwork!
Knowing that Alpha would start strong, the Old Es started in their regular 433 formation, which turned to a 451 when the opposition had the ball. - No space, - no mistakes.
Jamie Brown in goal had little to do, but managed a few shots cleanly and without fuss. After the heroics of last week, today was a easier day with the gloves. The Old Es back four were strong disciplined, like bouncers on a nightclub door. No one was getting passed Curwin Hutson, Joe Higgins, Bradley Harris and Danny Harris today. Meanwhile, the midfield was ticking over with Leslie Moyo and Shaun Vickers leading the press and Kane Williams stealing the show with his man of the match performance bossing the midfield.
Then Nelson Goncalves had a chance, chipped the keeper, narrowly over the bar. Then another chance that went wide. The Old Es were starting to dominate the game.
On the half-hour mark, Shaun Vickers sent Harland Taylor clear who rounded his marker showing off some fancy footwork, cutting inside and scoring with his right foot, followed by Premier league class celebration. Henry Gray, not wanting to be outdone, quickly made it 2-0 after being found by a clever pass from Danny Harris. Alpha were now struggling with the heat and closing down was hurting. Gaps were starting to show. A good delivery by Bradley Harris allowed Henry Gray to bag his second and make 3-0 at half time.
Half Time 3-0
Cool down. Water. Lots of water. It was warm. Kenny Avebuan came on for Shaun to bring some fresh legs to the midfield. As the second half started, again the Old Es were tight. Then a moment. A split second loss of concentration, allowing Alpha a golden opportunity to score, but their forward decided to kick it wide instead. A chance and a warning. Gaps were closed, tight tight, no space for Alpha to play. Nothing else was given.
The Old Es started to dominate again, with Kenny, who is maturing into a fine midfielder, driving into the ever larger spaces opening up in midfield pushing the opposition back.
Tahmid Ahmed came on the left wing teasing the opposition full back with some great touches. A chance. What a shame the ball went narrowly over, it would have capped off a fine second half performance.
Johnny Clayton, replaced Curwin Hutson, who had a very strong game at right full back on the hour mark, and slotted in tight with the Joe Higgins playing right sided centre back. Blue Walsh came on at left back for Danny Harris, and was immediately into the game. The two full backs were compact, solid and played some excellent quick ball into the midfield. Sahir Ahmed came on for Nelson and immediately kicked the opposition full back. It showed a willingness to win the ball. The players shook hands. No harm done. The referee, who had a good game, said a few words but kept his card in his pocket.
Then a bit of magic. The fourth goal. What a goal. Highlights below. I won't describe it. Just watch it.
A very good day indeed.
Match Day Squad
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Assistant Coach Kevin Higgins
Team
Jamie Brown
Curwin Hutson
Brad Harris
Joe Higgins
Danny Harris Capt
Les Moyo
Shaun Vickers
Kane Williams
Henry Gray
Harry Evans
Nelson Goncalves
Substitutes
Johnny Clayton
Kenny Avebuan
Sahir Ahmed
Blue Walsh
Tahmid Ahmed
Match Report
September 7th 2024
Loughton Sports Ground
Scoreline
Loughton Town 2 vs Old Es 3
Click to watch the full match
Match Report
Where do I start? What a game.
Two down after half an hour....
The match between Loughton Town and Old Es was a thrilling encounter, with Loughton taking an early lead with two goals in the first half hour. Loughton's direct play and effective set pieces caused trouble for the Old Es defenders, but Jamie Brown's top saves kept the Old Es in the game.
Loughton are a big strong side who unsettled the defenders with long balls and set plays. Their delivery from corners and free kicks was especially good. During the opening phase, Jamie Brown in goal kept the Old Es in the game with a string of top saves. The Old Es tried to play football, but the pitch was hard and bumpy, as were Loughton Town.
Further high balls into the box soon created more chances, with both of Loughton two goals coming from second ball opportunities after the Old Es failed to clear.
The day was warm and sticky, playing football was difficult on a dry bumpy pitch, and the referee, who had a good game overall, didn’t give a thing; hard but fair tackles went flying in.
This was now a battle.
The Old Es came fighting back. The intensity of the first half hour started to wane, as the Old Es started to gain control of the ball in midfield. Then, Harry Evans had a bad fall on the hard ground, and had go to hospital for an x-ray. Unfortunately, the injury was a bad one and a broken collar bone was the result.
Things were not going according to plan.
A few changes were needed.
Olawale Kareem came on, taking up the left forward position in a 4-3-3 formation. The Old Es started to play more direct now, using pace into the channels to push back the tough Loughton back line. Space was appearing in the midfield as legs began to tire in the warm weather. Nelson Goncalves was then found by Henry on the edge of the box and scored, jinking past the full back and neatly scoring with his left foot.
Within five minutes, the equaliser. Henry Gray scored a screamer into the top left corner from the edge of the box. The Old Es were now dominating the game, and with only a few minutes to half time Henry scored again, with a near-post angled shot to the goalkeeper’s left making the score 2-3.
A few words were exchanged between the players, and a Loughton Town defender head butted Henry Gray, who to his credit stayed on his feet and didn't react. The manager substituted Henry immediately, as rolling substitutions are allowed, to prevent any cards being shown. Time to calm down.
Why wasn't their centre half sent off? No idea. Not even a yellow. I think it’s fair to say that the ref let the game flow.
Tahmid came on the left forward position and Ola went centre forward. The half ended.
At half time Kenny Avebuan replaced Kane Williams to get some fresh legs into the midfield. Stef Popescu came on at right back for Curwin Hutson. The bench was being used, to create maximum energy. Both teams had put a lot of effort into that first half.
In the second half, the game finally become more open. At one point there was an outbreak of football, as more space was found in the centre of the field. The Old Es were now hurting Loughton with pace down the flanks.
Loughton were now blowing hard, the day felt warmer and some players were feeling the heat and the physical nature of the game. The Old Es stayed organised and compact in the middle, magnificently organised by Les Miyo, who had a fine game. The team were now feeding the pacy wingers who were pushing back the Loughton back four. Foul... foul... foul... No yellow cards. The wingers got up and went again. A good shape remained and control of the game was held: Thamid and Ola both going close to sealing the match.
Loughton, however, were not finished. In the final few minutes they piled on the pressure, with Jamie Brown again pulling off a top save to effectively take the points.
The game ended with a shot by the Old Es that went narrowly wide. The referee blew his whistle. Both sets of players shook hands, knowing that they had been in a game.
Bruised. Battered. Happy.
3 points to take home.
What a great game to start the season.
Rosta
Manager Stephen Butler
Assistant Coach Johnny Clayton
Team
Jamie Brown
Curwin Hutson
Brad Harris
Joe Higgins
Danny Harris Capt
Les Miyo
Shaun Vickers
Kane Williams
Henry Gray
Harry Evans
Nelson Goncalves
Substitutes
Stef Popescu
Kenny Avebuan
Olawale Kareem
Tahmid Ahmed