WEEK 36 REVIEW: Round-up of all the Corinthian League action from the weekend

SENIOR DIVISION

The Senior Division action began on Thursday evening last week as Hatch Lane saw their title hopes take a bit of a dent, held to a goalless draw against FLY up in Epping. It was a case of defences on top in the game, Hatch missing the chance to increase a gap at the top of the table ahead of a busy last few days of the campaign.

Flyhouse Athletic and Baiteze Squad met on Sunday in a key double-header with Flyhouse knowing they could remain in full control with a six-point haul. But the first game ended in a 3-3 draw with Gabriel and Solomon Ogunwomoju both scoring, alongside Kieran James, before producing a 4-1 winning performance in game two with James netting two and Kai Brown and Solomon one apiece. That leaves things interestingly poised ahead of the midweek deciders this week.

DIVISION ONE CUP

It was the Division One Cup taking the limelight on Friday evening with Gants Hill and Critics taking to the arena at Mayesbrook Park. Mauthoor put Hill ahead in the very first minute but Deyonte Anthony levelled it up a minute later. Florence and Corrigan put Critics 3-1 up at the break and, despite an improved Hill showing in the second half, Dean Florence struck a Critics fourth late on to earn his side the trophy.

DIVISION TWO

On Wednesday evening, Debden Sports Reserves and Leytonstone Athletic brought their seasons to a close with the experienced Benas Vaivada making the difference between the sides with a hat-trick performance for Sports. Charlie Thomas and Harry Maslin both struck also to make it a 5-1 win for the hosts, confirming a fourth placed finish.

DIVISION THREE CUP

Sunday morning’s cup final action came from Parkside with Valence United and United Amateurs both looking to end the season on a high. United Amateurs took an early lead through an own goal before Rowan Newland struck twice leading up to half-time to give Valence a 2-1 lead at the break. Ruben Carvalho levelled things up on the hour but two further Newland goals in the latter part of the game completed a memorable day for him and his Valence side who ended up 4-2 winners.

DIVISION THREE

The race for the title in Division Three continued on Wednesday with two key fixtures, including a vital win for Colebrook Royals who put themselves in a strong position with a 7-0 win away at Valence United. Ivan Machado and Phorell Brooke both scored twice, Ben Sitki, Joe Cole and Paul Noonan also striking to keep the charge going.

Also on Wednesday, another key game saw United Amateurs ensure themselves of a tilt at the title or promotion as they overcame Upshire Forest at Town Mead in a 4-1 winning scoreline. Luke Robinson scored for Forest but two Jack Chawner goals, plus goals from Ruben Carvalho and Thomas Cardnell turned the game in United’s favour.

On Sunday, another key fixture saw the battle of the top two with Colebrook Royals taking on Ainslie with both sides knowing the significance of a win. And it was Phorell Brooke who added to his haul from midweek with a vital contribution, netting the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win for Colebrook Royals to keep them top and in pole position ahead of Wednesday night’s showdown.

DIVISION FOUR

City Site’s bid for a top two finish took a bit of a delay last midweek as they were held to a score draw in an entertaining game with Eastern Avenue in Dagenham. Harry Watkins, Robert Garvan and James Cole all found the back of the net for the hosts to ensure they took a valuable point ahead of their weekend’s promotion deciding fixture.

That game on Sunday for City Site did provide them with the opportunity they needed to take a top-two finish as they defeated Horse & Well in a 7-0 scoreline to move above Warren Senior into a runners-up spot. Alex Paraskeva scored twice with Aloisio Santos, Harry Watkins, Robert Garvan, Frederick Mattock and Billy Cole goals taking them over the line.

CHARITY CUP

On Sunday afternoon, the West Essex Sunday Charity Cup had Corinthian representation once more with AC Milano and Brook Athletic renewing old acquaintances with a repeat of the recent London Cup final. Buoyed on by another big crowd, AC Milano were quick out the blocks once again but Brook were a good match with neither side creating a great deal during the game, defences on top. But with a shooting looming, Brook popped up with the latest of winning goals to earn a 1-0 victory.