Essex Senior League - The Title Goes West?

[Thorpe Groyney]

A seminal point of the season last night. Following on from Romford's 1-0 win at title rivals Enfield on Saturday, they went to Lower Road last night and, in a real grudge match (due to the home manager's actions when the match was originally postponed) won 2-1 at Hullbridge Sports. At the same time second placed Takeley suffered a shock 0-1 home defeat against London APSA.

Unbeaten Romford now have a seven point lead over Takeley with 10 games left, with Enfield a further 4 behind. Southend Manor, though, still have an outside chance after their 5-1 thumping of the Bees at Southchurch Arena last night. In fourth, with 2 games in hand, and the top two still having to play each other, we could yet be celebrating an unlikely Southend title triumph this season. Especially if the Bees, for whom results and performances depend on what they feel like on the day, decide to do a number at Mill Field on Saturday.

If you can, get yourself to an ESL game this season, especially now it is the title run-in (the last match of last season had three separate teams still in with a chance of the title and promotion to the Ryman League!). Cheap to get into, entertainment almost guaranteed one way or the other, you get the occasional gem of a player on view as well, and the food is to die for. The burgers alone at Southend Manor are worthy of the admission fee.

 

[Thorpe Groyney]

It's now in the bag. In stark contrast to last season, which went down to the last kick of the last game, Romford now have a 13 point lead thanks to a 4-0 thumping of second placed Takeley. It's just a matter of whether or not they get the job done before the end of March.

Basildon United, meanwhile, have continued their renaissance, their latest triumph, 3-1 over Sawbridgeworth Town cementing their 5th position, and already more than twice as many points than last season. They have also retained the Programme Of The Year Award, which is absolutely no surprise to me, and I'm sure has made club owner Dave Cusack proud.

Keep looking out, though, for Southend Manor, their 5-2 thumping of Stansted keeping them well in the hunt for runners-up. Captain Jason Jay is also a staunch Shrimper and made it down to Brighton last week when Manor had a late postponement. I would say he deserves to play at a higher level but for daring to leave The Hive he instead deserves the pox.

Next weekend is derby day, Basildon United v Bowers & Pitsea. Believe me, this is just as intense as any other. Expect just as many red cards as goals.

 

[manor15]

Up the Manor!! Southend Manor top 3 I reckon.

 

[Silencer]

Up the Manor....

With a town this big, it is a shame that a few more shrimpers dont pop down when the Blues are out of action or when Blues fans cant make games when the Blues are away from home!

Nice cosy clubhouse, decent bar and great food. The football aint bad either.

Manor first team coach is also a member of the SUFC Kickz programme!