Woodford Town: Essex Senior League side agree groundshare with Daggers

Essex Senior League side Woodford Town have agreed a groundshare with National League club Dagenham & Redbridge. 

The agreement means that the Woods will play their Essex Senior League home matches at Victoria Road from the new season.

Woodford announced on their Twitter feed this morning: "We have been working hard to get our new ground ready for the new season. However due to constraints and the need to meet League deadlines, this move will not happen until the 2019-2020 season. However we are very pleased to annouce that we will be playing @Dag_RedFC next season".

It is no secret that the club has been trying to return home to Woodford, or the London Borough of Redbridge at the very least, since the club was reformed last season. Woods chairman Tony Scott earlier in the year asked Redbridge Council at a council meeting whether they "shared his ambition to bring Woodford back to the borough". The council responded to that by stating that they did share Mr Scott's ambitions.

The club has been working on a new home at Ashton's Playing Fields in Woodford, which is a stone's throw from their former Snakes Lane ground, but now that move looks set to happen in 2019. The move also means that Woodford will leave last season's temporary home of Broxbourne Borough's Goffs Lane, which has sparked rumours that Eton Manor could return there, after they were placed in the Eastern Senior League South for 2018-19.

Ashton Playing Fields in Woodford, where Woodford Town FC hope to move into for the start of the 2019-2020 season

Meanwhile, Woodford have also announced that they will introduce concession entry prices for Dagenham & Redbridge season ticket holders and that their pricing structure will be announced shortly.

The news has been well received by fans and people across the ESL alike.

Enfield boss Matthew Hanning tweeted: "Look forward to taking my @EnfieldFC to @Dag_RedFC this season. I have Grown up over there with Dad being a director over there for so long so will be great for me personally. It’s a Lovely pitch , lovely facility’s well done all @woodfordtownfc"

Victoria Road, home of Dagenham & Redbridge FC, where ESL side Woodford Town will stage their home games next season

The news will be welcomed with all involved with Dagenham as well, with the National League side's well documented off-the-field problems, so any income generated from a groundshare would be helpful to the Daggers' cause.

News of the Day - Friday 1st June 2018:

Here is your latest news from the local grassroots football scene in our region on Friday 1st May:

Basildon Sign Moses:
Basildon United have signed Redbridge striker Brian Moses. Moses makes the step up to the Bostik North, after finishing second in the ESL's goalscorers charts last season with 33 goals, one behind The Bees' very own Marcus Bowers.

Bees boss Marc Harrison told Basildon's Twitter page: "Brian is a player that we really admired from last season and are delighted to have signed him. We feel he can play alongside current strikers in the team and form a partnership of the highest quality".

On the move, Moses also @official_bufc: "I'm excited about this move and can't wait to get going and score goals for Basildon and for the club to have a great season"

Defender Tarbard extends stay Barking:
Barking manager Justin Gardner has secured his second signing of the summer, by securing the services of Blues' defender Ricky Tarbard.

Tarbard has signed a one-year-deal at Mayesbrook Park after making 119 appearances so far for the club, and he was an integral part of Barking's 2016-17 ESL title win.

Hashtag United set to join Eastern Senior League, with Broxbourne reprieved from Step 7 drop:
You-Tube online set-up side Hashtag United are set to join the Eastern Senior League, following Broxbourne Borough's appeal victory from their demotion to Step 7.

Broxbourne had originally been demoted from the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division down to the Herts County League (Step 7) by the FA, but the Goffs Lane side appealed the decision. That decision had a knock-on effect with Hashtag being placed in Spartan South Midlands Division One, a decision which wasn't welcomed by some member clubs in that league.

Borough's successful appeal though sees them rejoin the Spartan League at Division One, having finished bottom of the Premier Division last season. Hashtag are moved across to the new Eastern Senior League South, and will play their home matches at Haringey Borough's Coles Park in Tottenham, a decision the club are happy about, with the company's foundations based in Essex.

Hashtag's lateral movement also brings the current number of teams in the new Eastern Senior League South to 20, however this number could change with some ground grading & other issues reportedly still ongoing with some of the proposed constitution.

Peter Butcher Funeral:
The funeral of the late Peter Butcher will take place this coming Monday.

Butcher, who was Hornchurch secretary, whilst also taking up roles in the Essex Senior League and the Isthmian League, and a former sports editor at the Romford Recorder, sadly and suddenly passed away last month at the age of 67. 

The funeral will take place at South Essex Crematorium, Ockendon Road, Upminster, RM14 2UY, with refreshments afterwards at AFC Hornchurch's clubhouse in Bridge Avenue. 

Herts Charity Shield Draw:
Sawbridgeworth Town will host London Colney at Crofters in the First Round of the Herts Charity Shield. 

John Watters' side met Colney at the same stage last season and were heavily beaten 5-0, so will want to avoid the same this time around.

At the time of writing, we are unable to find who our other ESL representees in Hoddesdon Town & St. Margaretsbury, will face. 

Romford submit planning permission for Westlands site:
Romford have submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Havering in relation to Boro' moving back home and playing their games in a 3G community facility at Westlands, in the west of the town.

Chairman Steve Gardener told the Romford Recorder: "The fundraising online has gone really well. We have reached our initial target of £2,000 but the bill was £4,500, so we are still going ahead with fundraising to see how far we can get. I would like to thank the generosity of the supporters and the general public for not only donating, but also making some lovely comments about how nice it would be to see Romford back home again".

Gardener also told the Recorder's Jacob Ranson that the club expects to hear back from Havering Council in the next 12 weeks or so. Paul Martin's side will groundshare with National League South side East Thurrock United this season as they look to build on last season's great escape in the Bostik North.

Hornchurch sign Clark whilst captain Styles retires:
Bostik North champions AFC Hornchurch have signed former Thurrock midfielder Jordan Clark. Clark scored 8 goals in 39 appearances for Fleet last season. 

Meanwhile, club captain Elliot Styles has decided to retire after 541 appearances and 12 years at the Bridge Avenue the club. The former Clapton, Ilford and Redbridge player played in all positions for the club in midfield, defence and even in goal! 

The Urchins have also announced they will play an Arsenal U23 side in pre-season on Tuesday 31st July at Bridge Avenue.

Pete & Scott W's Midweek ESL Predictions vs Richard Brock

East London Radio's Pete Dudley and Scott W will be making a prediction for every single Essex Senior League fixture this season.

Saturday's contestant was Andy Wilkins, and he managed to score 50 points, whilst the overall winner was Scott W with 110 points.

The contestant for the first midweek of the season is Richard Brock. Richard is a regular pundit on the Grassroots Football Show and is a lifelong supporter of Ilford FC. He is also a member of the groundhopping community, and you may have seen him at several of the Essex Senior League grounds over the years. 

Contestant Leaderboard (up to & including 29/07/17):

Andy Wilkins

50

Staff Leaderboard (up to & including 29/07/17)

Scott W	110
Pete	100

This season, the scoring will work like this:

10 points for a correct result (win/draw/defeat)

30 points for a correct exact score

Score Predictions:

Match:	Pete:	Scott:	Richard:
Burnham Ramblers v Stansted	0-2	1-1	0-2
Great Wakering Rovers v Barkingside	2-1	3-2	2-1
Hackney Wick v Tower Hamlets	1-1	2-2	3-3
Hullbridge Sports v Southend Manor	0-2	1-2	1-1
Redbridge v Sawbridgeworth Town	3-1	2-1	2-1
Takeley v Waltham Forest	2-1	3-1	3-1
West Essex v Sporting Bengal	3-1	3-0	4-0
FC Romania v Enfield 1893	2-0	1-2	4-2
Ilford v Clapton	2-2	2-1	2-2
Wadham Lodge v Woodford Town (2017)	1-1	2-2	1-0

KEY: Fixtures for Tuesday 1st August in blue, fixtures for Wednesday 2nd August in green

Burnham Ramblers v Stansted (Tues 1 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: Both sides lost their opening games of the season at the weekend, Ramblers letting a one-goal lead slip whilst Stansted eventually succumbed to Great Wakering Rovers, so both will want to bounce back. I fancy the visitors to get the points here. Prediction 0-2

Scott:  Burnham welcome Paul Pittuck’s side to Leslie Field. With both sides falling to defeat on Saturday, it is arguable that this match is more important for the hosts. I reckon that this will be a tight contest that will end with honours even. Prediction 1-1

Richard: This is a conservative estimate, considering the home side's opening day defeat and their evident pre-season struggles. Prediction 0-2

Great Wakering Rovers v Barkingside (Tues 1 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: Rovers got their season off to a winning start with victory against Stansted at Burroughs Park whilst for Barkingside this is their first game of the new season after no game at the weekend. Should be a good one this but one I feel GWR will sneak. Prediction 2-1

Scott: Rovers welcome a new-look Barkingside outfit to Burroughs Park. The hosts will be looking to get another home win under their belts though new ‘Side boss Michael Walther will certainly be looking for a good performance in his first league match in charge. I reckon Rovers will edge this one though and come away with all three points. Prediction 3-2

Richard: Barkingside will give Wakering a game. However with decent, experienced signings such as Nobbs and Nash, I think home advantage will count. Prediction 2-1

Hackney Wick v Tower Hamlets (Tues 1 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: Wick began life as a senior team with a come-from-behind win against Burnham Ramblers at Leslie Field and they now welcome local rivals Tower Hamlets for another tough assignment after the visitors pushed Redbridge all the way at the weekend. I feel this one may end all-square. Prediction 1-1

Scott:  Hackney Wick welcome neighbours Tower Hamlets to the Old Spotted Dog. Hamlets impressed in a battling effort on Saturday though the new-look side will certainly look for greater consistency this term, starting here. Wick picked up a decent win at Burnham though I reckon the visitors here will give them a stern test in what could be a good game for the neutral. I believe this will end in a spirited draw. Prediction 2-2

Richard: I will be at this game. Although Hackney Wick got a good result at Burnham, they might find a Tower Hamlets side, who pushed title-favourites Redbridge all the way, a much sterner test. Prediction 3-3

Hullbridge Sports v Southend Manor (Tues 1 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: Sports played out a 2-2 draw with Waltham Forest at Lower Road at the weekend and now welcome local South Essex rivals Southend Manor to Lower Road for which this is Manor's first league game of the season. Manor held Witham Town and Grays Athletic to respectable draws in their final two warm up games and I feel they may get the win here too. Prediction 0-2

Scott: Hullbridge welcome Southend Manor to Lower Road in what is the visitors’ first league match of the campaign. Manor have added some decent players to their squad and the latter half of their pre-season has gone quite well. Hullbridge may need to be on-form to stop the visitors if they find there verve going forward. I reckon Manor will prevail here. Prediction 1-2

Richard: Two sides whom I would expect to be in mid-table come the end of the season, so I'm feeling a draw. Prediction 1-1

Redbridge v Sawbridgeworth Town (Tues 1 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: The hosts left it very late to turn around their match against Tower Hamlets at the weekend but it was a very well-earned three points whilst Sawbridgeworth Town began the season disappointingly after falling to a home loss to West Essex. The Robins could have done without this difficult fixture and I feel Redbridge will take another three points in this one. Prediction 3-1

Scott: Redbridge welcome Sawbridgeworth to Oakside. Both sides had contrasting fortunes at the weekend, and the Watters brothers will definitely be seeking some improvement from their side. Redbridge will also seek to avoid a last-gasp win which they managed last weekend, though the art of ‘winning ugly’ is a trait they’ll want to keep if they are to challenge for promotion this term. It is hard to see past the hosts in this one though they may well have to work for it. Prediction 2-1

Richard: I think Sawbridgeworth will be a good side this season, they will push Redbridge all the way, but I think it will be the Metropolitan Essex side who will come out on top. Prediction 2-1

Takeley v Waltham Forest (Tues 1 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: The hosts began their season with a win against Sporting Bengal United at the weekend and they welcome another East London side in Waltham Forest to Station Road looking to make it two from two. Forest were held by Hullbridge Sports at the weekend so will look to go one better here but I feel the hosts will take the points. Prediction 2-1

Scott: Marc Das’ side welcome Waltham Forest to Station Road. The hosts started well in dispatching Sporting Bengal at the weekend; though if Forest keep the intensity they showed v Hullbridge on Saturday then they may give Takeley a bit of a headache. I still expect the hosts to be too strong though and take the points. Prediction 3-1

Richard: Takeley are one of my tips for the title and will be a tough side to beat on their own patch. Prediction 3-1

West Essex v Sporting Bengal United (Tues 1 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: Barking-based West Essex grabbed a fantastic win at Crofters against Sawbridgeworth Town at the weekend whilst Sporting Bengal were beaten at Takeley. I'm expecting another good win for the hosts here though. Prediction 3-0

Scott: West Essex welcome Bengal to Mayesbrook Park, on the back of an excellent win on Saturday. Again, if the hosts keep up their energy levels and good play, then they could well pick up another victory here. That said, I also think Imrul Gazi will want an improved performance from his Bengal side. Prediction 3-1

Richard: West Essex will improve this season, but I can see it being another season of struggle for Bengal. 

Prediction 4-0

FC Romania v Enfield 1893 (Wed 2 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: The Romanians got their season up and running with a 2-0 win at Wadham Lodge on Saturday and they welcome Harlow-based Enfield to Cheshunt in what is the visitors’ first game of the campaign. I think the hosts will probably take the points here though. Prediction 2-0

Scott: FC Romania welcome Enfield to Theobalds Lane. The hosts started their season well with a win on Saturday, while the visitors start their campaign here. Romania will want to make it two wins from two matches though Enfield have recruited well and in numbers during the summer and I have a gut feeling that they may pull off a surprise win here, if they find their rhythm in what I reckon will be a hard-fought encounter.

Prediction 1-2

Richard: Romania are always a strong side especially at home, Enfield have improved a lot through the summer, but Romania will continue their traditionally good home form. Prediction 4-2

Ilford v Clapton (Wed 2 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: Cricklefield hosts a mouth-watering clash between Ilford and Clapton on Wednesday and both teams experienced differing fortunes at the weekend. The Foxes thumped nine-man Woodford Town 5-0 at Goffs Lane whilst Clapton fell to a disappointing 2-0 loss at Basildon United. This should be a decent game though and one I feel will end in a point each. Prediction 2-2

Scott: Ilford welcome Clapton to Cricklefield. Allan Fenn’s side will be buoyed by their goal-scoring prowess on Saturday and will surely look to capitalise against a Clapton side surprisingly beaten at Basildon at the weekend. If the hosts are on-form, then they could well pull off an important win in this one. Prediction: 2-1

Richard: I'm looking forward to this neighbouring Borough of Newham versus Borough of Redbridge derby, and I can see it being an entertaining draw. Prediction 2-2

Wadham Lodge v Woodford Town (2017) (Wed 2 Aug, 19:45 BST)

Pete: Both sides lost their opening games at the weekend so will want to bounce-back no doubt from those disappointments. And with visiting management Tony Ievoli and Neil Day ex-Lodge it added an extra dimension to this one considering there are ex-Lodge players in Ievoli's squad too. Draw I feel in this one. Prediction 1-1

Scott: Wadham welcome Woodford to Kitchener Road, in a match which sees ex-Lodge manager Tony Ievoli come up against his former club. I have no doubt that both sides will be up for this one and Woodford will certainly look to banish the memory of Saturday’s loss at home to Ilford. This one may well be an entertaining clash though I reckon it’ll be honours even. Prediction 2-2

Richard: Woodford have experienced management in Tony and Neil who will get things right just like they did at Wadham, but I do feel that the home side will come away with a narrow win. Prediction 1-0

If you fancy being a contestant in this season's Predictions then please contact us on Twitter @ELRFootball

Gordon Brasted Trophy: Holders visit Cricklefield; West Essex meet Bees in both cups

Gordon Brasted Trophy holders Takeley have a tricky start to the defence of their title, as they travel to East London to face Barkingside at Cricklefield in the first round.

Redbridge will face local rivals Woodford Town 2017 and Southend Manor host FC Romania in the other pick of the first round ties.

Incredibly, as well as being drawn together in the Errington Challenge Cup, West Essex will play Basildon United at Mayesbrook also in the Gordon Brasted Trophy.

Potential second round local derbies could see Great Wakering meet Hullbridge if the visitors beat Sporting Bengal, Burnham could play Southend Manor in another South-East Essex derby clash.

First Round: (Ties to be played week commencing 9th October):
Hullbridge v Sporting Bengal United
Southend Manor v FC Romania
Tower Hamlets v Stansted
Barkingside v Takeley
Woodford Town 2017 v Redbridge

Second Round: (Ties to be played week commencing 24th October):
Burnham Ramblers v Southend Manor OR FC Romania
Hackney Wick v Barkingside OR Takeley
Sawbridgeworth Town v Tower Hamlets OR Stansted
Great Wakering Rovers v Hullbridge Sports OR Sporting Bengal United
Waltham Forest v Woodford Town 2017 OR Redbridge
Ilford v Enfield 1893
Wadham Lodge v Clapton
West Essex v Basildon United

Quarter-Finals: (Ties to be played week commencing 13th November):
Waltham Forest OR Woodford Town 2017 OR Redbridge v Ilford OR Enfield 1893
Sawbridgeworth Town OR Tower Hamlets OR Stansted v Burnham Ramblers OR Southend Manor OR FC Romania
Hackney Wick OR Barkingside OR Takeley v Great Wakering Rovers OR Hullbridge Sports OR Sporting Bengal United
Wadham Lodge OR Clapton v West Essex OR Basildon United

Errington Challenge Cup: Takeley start defence at home to Sports; Motormen host Foxes in 169 derby

Takeley will begin their defence of the newly-renamed Errington Challenge Cup at home to Hullbridge Sports, after the draw was made on the Grassroots Football Show on Thursday night.

Marc Das' holders won the competition (formerly known as the Essex Senior League Cup) by beating M11 corridor rivals Sawbridgeworth Town 1-0 back in May, and they will meet Rob Hodgson's Hullbridge in the second round after both clubs received a bye. The tie of the first round sees fancied title favourites Redbridge and Ilford clash at Oakside Stadium in a 169 derby, and another local clash sees Woodford Town 2017 and Waltham Forest meet.

Notable second round ties see last season's runners up Sawbridgeworth Town host Burnham Ramblers, whilst Clapton & Hackney Wick could go head-to-head in a Hackney derby at the Spotted Dog should the Tons overcome Southend Manor at Southchurch Park in their first round tie

Errington Challenge Cup:
First Round: (Ties to be played week commencing 9th October):
Redbridge v Ilford
Woodford Town 2017 v Waltham Forest
West Essex v Basildon United
Barkingside v Enfield 1893
Southend Manor v Clapton

Second Round: (Ties to be played week commencing 30th October):
Redbridge OR Ilford v Wadham Lodge
Barkingside OR Enfield 1893 v West Essex OR Basildon United
FC Romania v Woodford Town 2017 or Waltham Forest
Takeley v Hullbridge Sports
Stansted v Sporting Bengal United
Southend Manor OR Clapton v Hackney Wick
Sawbridgeworth Town v Burnham Ramblers
Great Wakering Rovers v Tower Hamlets

Quarter-Finals:
Sawbridgeworth Town OR Burnham Ramblers v Redbridge OR Ilford OR Wadham Lodge
Southend Manor OR Clapton OR Hackney Wick v Stansted OR Sporting Bengal
Barkingside OR Enfield OR West Essex OR Basildon United v Takeley OR Hullbridge Sports
Great Wakering Rovers OR Tower Hamlets v FC Romania OR Woodford Town 2017 OR Waltham Forest

Join our Fantasy Premier League for your chance to win FA Vase Final tickets

Ever seen yourself as a future Premier League manager? Then you can put your managerial credentials to the test by joining the East London Radio Fantasy Premier League.

We are setting up our own league called the "ELR Premier League", via the Premier League's Official Fantasy League via premierleague.com. There will be a prize for the league winner, or highest public contestant win - and that is a day out at Wembley Stadium for next season's FA Vase Final, which is the showpiece of the grassroots football calendar. You never know, you might see an Essex Senior League side in action there!!

The winners, or highest placed contestant of the East London Radio Fantasy Premier League will 

win a pair of tickets to the 2018 FA Vase final at Wembley, which was won last season by

Northern League side South Shields. (Pic credit: The FA)

So come and join us for your chance to win! All you need is to visit the website: fantasy.premierleague.com, create your team and your team name - and join the ELR Premier League with the following code: 998841-239153

It could be you!

Redbridge 5 - 1 Newbury Forest

SAT, 22 JUL 2017 | PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY | OAKSIDE

Redbridge continued their pre-season preparation with a 5-1 win over tenants Newbury Forest in the Len Cordell Trophy at Oakside Stadium. Scott W (@ScottMHC14) was there for East London Radiol

Oakside tenants Redbridge and Newbury Forest competed in the Len Cordell Trophy on Saturday.

Credit: Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a very wet afternoon at Oakside, new-look Essex Senior League side Redbridge took on Essex Olympian League Division One side and tenants Newbury Forest in the traditional pre-season ‘curtain-raiser’ for the Len Cordell Trophy.

The match began fairly evenly as Forest looked to get their noses in-front before Ricky Eaton & Joey May’s side found their proper rhythm. Redbridge forward Brian Moses had one of his side’s early chances, heading over the bar from a corner on ten minutes. Forest, to their credit, did not wilt and forced the Motormen ‘keeper into two saves in the first 20 minutes. Redbridge gradually found their feet going forward though and took the lead on the half-hour through a cool finish by winger Jason Reynolds-Blanche, passing the ball into the right corner from a narrow angle.

Forest had chances to level, though Redbridge extended their advantage with two goals in as many minutes with new signings Sipho Mytanda and Calvin Poku getting on the score-sheet, the latter was a drilled low effort into the left corner.

Half-Time: Redbridge 3 – 0 Newbury Forest

After the break, the rain really lashed down which made conditions awkward for the players. Both sides had chances in the first 15 minutes of the half, Moses once again denied by the impressive Forest ‘keeper. Newbury Forest got one back mid-way through the second half through a good free-kick tucked into the right corner from 18 yards. This seemed to gee the Motormen up further as with 70’ on the watch, Moses got the goal he deserved, a tap-in following an unselfish pass by full-back Eljay Worrell.

Forest could’ve clawed another goal back, but for a good save from the home ‘keeper from a 20-yard free-kick on 74’. Though to be fair, the last 15 minutes saw the hosts have a series of chances, with the Forest ‘keeper pulling off four good saves in this period of time. Redbridge did get another goal though, six minutes from time as midfielder Patrick Damali slotted home from close range. Straight after the goal, Damali drilled another shot wide though Redbridge did more than enough in the second half to deserve the win and the Len Cordell Trophy!

What next?
Redbridge host Essex Olympian Premier side Canning Town at Oakside on Tuesday (kick-off 19:45 BST), before they host Tower Hamlets in their ESL curtain raiser next Saturday (15:00 BST).