Friday, 6 November 2015

Predictions - 7th November

Predictions is back this week and from now on we are giving you the chance to go head-to-head against our hosts Adam and Pete. After a couple of rounds of predicitions, Pete currently leads Adam 30-20.

Going head-to-head against the dynamic duo this week is Wadham Lodge manager Tony Ievoli,


 who has enjoyed a fantastic start to life back in the ESL taking his side up to fifth in the table.

Reminder, players get ONE point for correct result, and THREE points for a perfect score.


Match:
Pete:
Adam:
Tony:
Barking v Enfield 1893
4-0
5-0
5-0
Basildon v Wadham Lodge
2-1
1-2
2-2
Bowers & Pitsea v Clapton
3-2
2-3
3-2
Burnham R v Southend M
0-2
2-1
2-2
FC Romania v Newham
2-0
3-0
3-1
Ilford v Sawbridgeworth
1-1
1-1
1-1
Sporting Bengal v Hullbridge
2-2
3-1
3-2
Stansted v Tower Hamlets
2-1
0-1
2-1
Takeley v Greenhouse Sports
1-2
2-2
2-3
Waltham Forest v Eton Manor
2-0
1-0
2-2
Arsenal v Tottenham
4-2
1-0
3-1

Previews:

Barking v Enfield 1893:
The Blues are hitting some form again under manager Glenn Golby and take on an Enfield side utterly demoralised after there 6-1 home loss to Waltham Forest last weekend.  Can't see anything other than a home win here.
Pete's Prediction: 4-0
Adam's Prediction: 5-0
Tony's Prediction: 5-0

Basildon United v Wadham Lodge:
The Bees will have a difficult challenge as they welcome high flying Wadham Lodge to the Hive on Saturday. Both sides are in good form and both will be confident of a result. It's such a hard one to call but I favour Basildon just only because they have home advantage.
Pete's Prediction: 2-1
Adam's Prediction: This is going to be a great match up both sides in rich veins of form, it is definitely a hard one to call, but I am going to go with my gut instinct and fancy the Londoners to go down there and nick a win. 1-2
Tony's Prediction: 2-2

Bowers & Pitsea v Clapton:
Another big fixture at the weekend sees Michael Walther take his Tons side to title favourites Bowers in what is another tough one to call. Bowers come into this off the back of a tough Vase win whilst Clapton are unbeaten in the league since the opening day. Again due to home form I see Bowers edging this contest just.
Pete's Prediction: 3-2
Adam's Prediction: Clapton seem to be Bowers' bogey team of recent years and for some reason I am expecting the Tons' good run against them to continue. It again will be tight. 2-3
Tony's Prediction: 3-2

Burnham Ramblers v Southend Manor:
Trying to predict a Burnham result recently has been tough after an up and down campaign so far. Manor on the other hand have been unlucky in a few games this season but in Rhys Fatt have one of the inform striker's in the league so will always be a threat up front. Another side story to this game is former Manor keeper Lawrence Priddle dons the gloves for the hosts after his return to football. However I can see the visitors taking the points in this one.

Pete's Prediction: 0-2
Adam's Prediction: 2-1
Tony's Prediction: 2-2

FC Romania v Newham:
Hosts FCR come into this one after a magnificent comeback win in the Vase last weekend and will look to continue their decent league form this term at home to one of the unluckiest teams in the ESL in Newham who have played way better than there lowly league placing suggests. I do expect a home win though.
Pete's Prediction: 2-0
Adam's Prediction: 3-0
Tony's Prediction: 3-1

Ilford v Sawbridgeworth Town:
Another titanic tussle takes place at Cricklefield on Saturday as Ilford hosts league leaders Sawbridgeworth Town. Allan Fenns hosts have been flying high since season and will prove a stern test to Sawbos unbeaten league record this season for sure. I expect that record to still be in tact come 5pm though but also expect Ilford to gain a point.
Pete's Prediction: 1-1
Adam's Prediction: The third game of Super Saturday sees a mouthwatering tie between Fennie's Ilford and Dassy's Sawbo. This again is a huge one to call, but I am going to sit on the fence for this one. 1-1
Tony's Prediction: 1-1

Sporting Bengal v Hullbridge Sports:
Another decent matchup at Mile End sees Sporting Bengal United and Hullbridge Sports lock horns in a mid table clash where there is nothing to choose between the sides. Bridge won 6-0 the last time they visited the Capital but this will be far from easy as the hosts are a very decent outfit under Anwar Uddin this term. I am expecting a draw here.
Pete's Prediction: 2-2
Adam's Prediction: Hullbridge have been in inconsistent form of late, while Sporting seem to be improving every week so I am going to go with a home win here. 3-1
Tony's Prediction: 3-2

Stansted v Tower Hamlets:
Jason Maher takes charge of his first home game for Stansted as they welcome a goof footballing side in Tower Hamlets to Hargrave Park. The hosts have had a somewhat inconsistent season to date and come up against a Hamlets side who have done everything but score in a lot of their games hence there false lowly league position. I expect this to be tight but am expecting Stansteds new boss to pick up a win.
Pete's Prediction: 2-1
Adam's Prediction: To be fair we have not had a lot of luck in front of goal recently, we have played well in a lot of games, and I fancy our luck to change tomorrow, against a Stansted side who look like they could be going through a transitional period. 0-1
Tony's Prediction: 2-1

Takeley v Greenhouse Sports:
Another interesting matchup at Station Road sees Takeley hosts Greenhouse Sports with both sides coming into this one after midweek games. The hosts escaped mile end with a draw on Wednesday whilst Greenhouse defeated Stansted at Coles Park so both teams will be looking to build on that. I have a sneaky feeling Greenhouse will pull of a result here.
Pete's Prediction: 1-2
Adam's Prediction: Fancy a draw here. 2-2
Tony's Prediction: 2-3

Waltham Forest v Eton Manor:
Forest will be boyd by the fact they smashed Enfield 6-1 at Barrows Farm last time out for their first win of the season and no doubt they will be confident of another win at home against Eton Manor who are also recently under a new management team. I can see Forest recording back to back wins for the first time this season with a win here.
Pete's Prediction: 2-0
Adam's Prediction: Interesting game, Eton Manor drew 2-2 with high fliers Clapton last week, but Forest will be full of confidence after last week's win and I fancy them here. 1-0
Tony's Prediction: 2-2

Arsenal v Tottenham:
Pete's Prediction: 4-2
Adam's Prediction: We have to get a response after what happened in Munich, ideally I want to win 50-0 against them lot but it won't happen. Realistically I think we will nick a win, last gasp winner will be crazy, a dream come true (sorry Tone). 1-0

Tony's Prediction: Arsenal will win, but it will be lucky (!) 3-1


Do you have what it takes to take on Adam and Pete, then let us know.

Friday, 18 September 2015

Pete and Adam's Predictions - 19th September:


Match:
Pete:
Adam:
Basildon v Waltham Forest
3-1
3-0
Burnham v Takeley
2-1
2-1
Eton Manor v Sporting Bengal
2-2
1-3
Hullbridge Sports v Newham
2-0
3-2
Ilford v Enfield 1893
3-0
4-1
London Bari v FC Romania
1-3
2-2
Sawbridgeworth v Clapton
2-2
2-1
Stansted v Southend Manor
3-2
0-0
Tower Hamlets v Barking
1-1
2-1
Wadham Lodge v Bowers & Pitsea
0-2
2-1


Previews:

Basildon United v Waltham Forest:
The Bees have had a decent start under Craig Gillam this season and seem much more equipped for a shot at the top ten this time round They will still be smarting from last weekends FA Cup defeat to Hullbridge Sports so I see them as a wounded animal and a more dangerous opponent on Saturday for Waltham Forest who themselves have endured a retched start to the season with five defeats from six and having conceded almost four goals a game on average.I can only see this going one way and that is the way of the hosts.
Pete's Prediction: 3-1
Adam's Prediction: 3-0

Burnham Ramblers v Takeley:
Ramblers have had a mixed start to life back in the ESL and crashed out of the FA Vase last week to a spirited Sporting Bengal United side but then producing a decent display last time out to hold Hullbridge Sports to a 1-1 draw. Takeley have one win from four league games in what has been a slow start to the season for them. I am going to go for a narrow home win on this one.
Pete's Prediction: 2-1
Adam's Prediction: 2-1

Eton Manor v Sporting Bengal United:
Hosts Manor are yet to record a league victory this season in five games but have drawn three of those matches. Last time out they fell to a 4-2 defeat at Hargrave Park against Stansted although they did battle back from 2-0 down to 2-2 at one stage, showing they fight and make things hard for their opponents. Sporting as I said in the above review had a spendid come from behind win in the Vase at Burnham last week and at the weekend drew 0-0 with FC Romania so are much more solid this time round. I can see this one finishing all square.
Pete's Prediction: 2-2
Adam's Prediction: Sporting are on a good run of form at the moment, and I think that will continue at the V&E Sports Ground. 1-3

Hullbridge Sports v Newham:
Sports need no introduction after their well documented FA Cup win at Basildon United last weekend although they would have been disappointed to only take a point at Burnham Ramblers during the week. Newham haven't played since they lost 4-2 at Basildon United a week ago on Wednesday so will either be fresh and raring to go or out of match sharpness. Sports are a tough nut to crack on their own Lower Road pitch so I'm expecting a home win in this one.
Pete's Prediction: 2-0
Adam's Prediction: These two have had a good start to the season. Hullbridge will be buzzing after their cup win and their draw that his pitted them against Grays Athletic. Newham seem to be a match for any time and I am expecting a tight game, but Hullbridge will just come out on top, but there will be goals. 3-2

Ilford v Enfield 1893:
The Foxes bounced back from last weekend's disappointing defeat at Southend Manor to triumph at Tower Hamlets on Monday evening thanks to a late penalty whilst Enfield 1893 haven't played since their mightly disappointing FA Vase loss at Debenham LC two weekends ago and with three defeats from three in the league it hasn't been a particulary easy start for the Barrow's Farm side. I can't see anything other than a comfortable home win for Allan Fenn's boys.
Pete's Prediction: 3-0
Adam's Prediction: 4-1

London Bari v FC Romania:
Bari are another one of those sides who are without a league win this season and come up against the unpredictable Romanians at the Dog on Saturday. Bari managed to hold Barking to a goal less draw last weekend so will take heart from that whilst FC Romania also scored a goal less draw at Sporting Bengal United last weekend. I expect the Romanians to triumph in this one though.
Pete's Prediction: 1-3
Adam's Prediction: 2-2

Sawbridgeworth Town v Clapton:
The Robins have done the job in the games they have won and sit third in the table after they defeated Burnham Ramblers 2-1 last time out at Crofters. Clapton have won four of their five league games after smashing five goals past Southend Manor last time out to sit in second spot behind Bowers & Pitsea so this game is possibly game of the day in the ESL. I believe this will finish as a draw as both sides can score goals but also concede as well.
Pete's Prediction: 2-2
Adam's Prediction: Game of the day for me. Sawbridgeworth seem to be THE form team at the moment and they are doing so well at the minute lying third in the table. Clapton are in form too, and there will be good, but Sawbo have shown they can be a force at home so I have to go for a home win. 2-1

Stansted v Southend Manor:
The Airportmen grabbed their first league win of the season during the week after a 4-2 win over Eton Manor at Hargrave Park which was a good result for them following the disappointing defeats to Stanway Rovers and Bowers & Pitsea before that. Southend Manor have had a solid start and after winning 2-0 against Ilford last weekend saw themselves come totally unstuck against a ruthless Clapton side in midweek finding themselves 5-0 down at the break in an eventual 5-1 loss. I can see the hosts sneaking this one though and make it back to back victories.
Pete's Prediction: 3-2
Adam's Prediction: 0-0

Tower Hamlets v Barking:
Hamlets have had an up and down start to this season which is no surprise considering the young squad they have. Barking should be wary of the threat posed by the young Mile End side though as they can cause any side problems in this division. Barking need no introduction but have struggled in front of goal in many of their games, missing chances and not picking up the wins as a result although a 3-0 home win over Waltham Forest on Tuesday would of given them some confidence. I can see this one being a draw though.
Pete's Prediction: 1-1
Adam's Prediction: Tower Hamlets' beat Barking 3-0 last season at Mile End, and narrowly lost the reverse game 1-0, in what I think were their two best performances of the season. The young team were unlucky to lose to Ilford on Monday night but this will be a good game again. Barking haven't got the best of records against at Mile End, they haven't beaten TH/BGU there, and have only won 3 of 12 ESL meetings. I have a feeling we might get a win again! 2-1

Wadham Lodge v Bowers & Pitsea:
Finally over at Wadham Lodge Matchday Centre we have Tony Ievoli's Lodge side up against Rob Small's Bowers & Pitsea team. Lodge sit in 4th spot after one defeat in six in their first ESL campaign and it could of been even better had they taken chances presented to them in the last two outings at Hamlets and Eton Manor. They do struggle defensively from time to time though and come up against the 100% record of Bowers & Pitsea who now have goal machine Lewis Manor back amongst their ranks. Lodge will really have to be on their game if they are to get anything from this one and I am going to go for an away win here as I think Bowers will prove just to much for the Lodge boys.
Pete's Prediction: 0-2
Adam's Prediction: I don't know but I just have this funny feeling and instinct that Wadham Lodge might turn them over. 2-1

Thursday, 17 September 2015

Grassroots Football Show: 17th September

Hello all,

Another Thursday means another show, and a look at the local grassroots scene in East London.

My co-host Mr Dudley is in Norway until the end of the month, so joining me tonight is Ilford's manager Allan Fenn.

We will be looking back at the action that has taken place in the past week, and a detailed look at Monday's game between Tower Hamlets & Ilford which are of course the two teams that myself and Allan are involved with.

Tuesday night saw Haringey Borough & Barkingside clash in what could already be classed as a 6-pointer at the bottom of Ryman North. Barkingside won the game 3-2 and we will have reaction to that as well. 

Our game last night was due to the Newham derby between Newham and London Bari at Tilbury's Chadfields stadium but this was called off along with two other ESL games due to the heavy rain we had yesterday.

Also tonight we are looking forward to the weekend's action and furthermore we will be revealing who our GFS Manager of the Month for August is.

So tune in to Grassroots Football Show tonight from 8:00pm on East London Radio

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Adam and Pete's ESL Predictions - 22nd August

Adam and Pete will give their predictions each week for all the ESL fixtures. A perfect score awards them three points, a correct result awards one point. Play along at home and see you get on:

Fixture
Pete
Adam
Bowers v London Bari
4-0
6-0
Clapton v Enfield
2-0
2-1
Eton Manor v Barking
1-3
0-4
FC Romania v Wadham Lodge
2-2
2-1
Hullbridge v Greenhouse
3-1
4-0
Ilford v Stansted
1-1
3-2
Sawbridgeworth v Newham
1-2
1-1
Southend Manor v Takeley
1-1
1-0
Sporting Bengal v Tower Hamlets
1-2
1-2
Waltham Forest v Burnham
3-3
1-3
Previews:

Bowers & Pitsea v London Bari:
Saturday 3pm, Len Salmon Stadium:
RESULT 2-0
Pete's Prediction: 4-0
Adam's Prediction: 6-0

Clapton v Enfield 1893:
Saturday 3pm, The Old Spotted Dog:
RESULT 3-0
Pete's Prediction: 2-0
Adam's Prediction: 2-1

Eton Manor v Barking:
Saturday 3pm, V&E Sports Ground:
RESULT 1-1
Pete's Prediction: 1-3
Adam's Prediction: 0-4

FC Romania v Wadham Lodge:
Saturday 3pm, Theobalds Lane:
RESULT 2-0
Pete's Prediction: 2-2
Adam's Prediction: 2-1

Hullbridge Sports v Greenhouse Sports:
Saturday 3pm, Lower Road:
RESULT 2-0
Pete's Prediction: 3-1
Adam's Prediction: 4-1

Ilford v Stansted:
Saturday 3pm, Cricklefields:
RESULT 2-1
Pete's Prediction: 1-1
Adam's Prediction: 3-2

Sawbridgeworth v Newham:
Saturday 3pm, Crofters:
RESULT 2-2
Pete's Prediction: 1-2
Adam's Prediction: 1-1

Southend Manor v Takeley:
Saturday 3pm, Southchurch Arena:
RESULT 1-1
Pete's Prediction: 1-1
Adam's Prediction: 1-0

Sporting Bengal v Tower Hamlets:
Saturday 3pm, Mile End Stadium:
RESULT 3-1
Pete's Prediction: 1-2
Adam's Prediction: 1-2

Waltham Forest v Burnham Ramblers:
Saturday 3pm, Wadham Lodge:
RESULT 1-4
Pete's Prediction: 3-3
Adam's Prediction: 1-3

In week one, Pete scored SIX points including ONE perfect scores.
Adam scored SEVEN points and no perfect scores.

This week's Grassroots Football Show is available to listen to by clicking here:




Saturday, 8 August 2015

Opening Day Fixtures - 8th August

See below our local team's fixtures from around the area on the opening day of the season:

Ryman Premier Division:
Dulwich Hamlet v Canvey Island
Enfield Town v Tonbridge Angels
Wingate & Finchley v Brentwood Town

Ryman Division One North:
AFC Hornchurch v Cray Wanderers
AFC Sudbury v Romford
Bury Town v Aveley
Haringey Borough v Dereham Town
Redbridge v Witham Town
Thurrock v Barkingside

Essex Senior League:
Barking v Ilford
Basildon v Clapton
Bowers & Pitsea v Greenhouse Sports
Burnham Ramblers v Enfield 1893
Hullbridge v FC Romania
London Bari v Eton Manor
Sawbridgeworth Town v Sporting Bengal
Southend Manor v Waltham Forest
Takeley v Tower Hamlets
Wadham Lodge v Stansted


Everyone at East London Radio would like to wish everyone all the best for the new season 2015-16.

Thursday, 6 August 2015

Grassroots Football Show - 6th August & Our Predictions

Evening one and all, or should I say morning, as its the early hours of Friday morning writing this.

Late one tonight! No live show either this evening as Pete had to work late, and I had to the battle through the chaos of London's Tube strike to be at the Essex Senior League meeting. But we did have a great show in store tonight. 

We met Martyn Fitch, chairman of Essex Senior League new boys Wadham Lodge, who are starting a new era and adventure in their club. I must admit he was a fantastic guy to talk to, really passionate about the cause, and came across as a real football man who wants to take his club to the highest level he possibly can.

Martyn told us about how the club started, how they managed to get to the Essex Senior League and their ambitions short term and long term. It is a good listen, and he knows what he is talking about. We wish them all the best of luck for their debut senior season, and I feel with the nice football that Tony Ievoli's teams play they will finish comfortably.

Martyn also helps us with our predictions for 2015-16 with the season starting on Saturday. I still think Burnham are destined for an instant Ryman return, and with a new committee there, and Willo back as manager they will do it. They have players that went up three years ago, so they and Willo will know what it takes to get out of this very difficult league.

Bowers and Smallsy will push them very close, whilst Barking won't be far behind. Ilford and Allan Fenn will surprise a few people and will push them too.

I also feel that my club, Tower Hamlets will have a great season. We have a great young squad who play exciting, attractive football. The youngsters will need a year I feel to adapt the senior league, but a top 6 finish is not beyond them. And I believe that they will progress well in the cup competitions and I fancy the boys to finish 6th. Then next season once they've adapted to the ESL, I can see them as genuine title contenders.

It's going to be an interesting season. I would like to wish every club the best for the season. No show next week as I'll be in Portsmouth topping up my tan lol!

Listen to the show this week by clicking below:
Grassroots Football Show - 6th August

Saturday, 1 August 2015

Today's Friendlies

It's the last Saturday before the season officially starts for our local grassroots clubs. See the list of today's games (local teams in bold). 

Saturday 1st August 2015:
AFC Uckfield Town v Clapton
Frenford Senior v Sporting Bengal
Ilford v Braintree Town Reserves
London Lions v Wadham Lodge
London Tigers v Greenhouse Sports
Newham v Tilbury
Northampton Spencer v Haringey Borough
Redbridge v Newbury Forest
Three Bridges v Barking
Thurrock v Enfield Town
Waltham Forest v Enfield Town XI
Welwyn Garden City v Romford

Thursday, 30 July 2015

First Show Back: 30th July 2015

Good evening all, its Adam here and welcome to the new blog for the Grassroots Football Radio Show on East London Radio.
We will be here providing all the latest news from around the grassroots game locally around East London, the rest of the capital and the South East. 

Tonight was our first show back on the air after our summer break, and what a return it was. We met Robert "Bobby" Kasanga, who in April 2015 co-founded Hackney Wick FC. And he did this to try to give Hackney a football club to represent the borough and on the show he explains about how the club came into being and his ambitions for the future.

He was joined by Blaise and Zoe, two lovely young ladies who play for Hackney Wick's women's team. The two girls up until a few weeks ago had never played or been involved with football before in their life before they joined the Wickers, except Zoe who said she had been to a couple of Portsmouth games (Play Up Pompey!). 

Listen to when we discuss the stigma attached to women's sport, it was good to talk about. I see football as a sport anyone can play regardless of your gender, race, disability, religion or sexual orientation.

Thanks to the guys below we had a lot of fun as you can see below. Please click the link below to listen back to this week's show. We are back next Thursday from 8:00pm when our guests will be Wadham Lodge FC's chairman Martyn Finch and their manager Tony Ievoli.

Thanks
Adam

Grassroots Football Show - Thursday 30th July 2015