WEEK 1 REVIEW: Round-up of all the Corinthian League action from the weekend

SENIOR DIVISION

Reigning champions East London Ballers began the defence of the title with an incredible 8-7 win on Sunday, edging a classic against Brook Athletic. Bruno Tavares’ five-goal performance led the way, Shawn Joseph, Steven Carvell and Chaka Barnett adding the others. Shomari Barnwell scored a hat-trick in reply with Samir Bihmoutine netting two, Elton Tettey and Rio Mudhar-Hedley the others.

Promoted Colebrook Royals took the honours in a 2-1 victory against Yeni Bogazici in the Chigwell derby. Jamie Redington’s first half strike from the halfway line for Royals was levelled by a Conor Russel goal before Nick Chrysanthou’s late goal gave the visitors the points.

Over in Newbury Park, AC Milano began their season with the visit of a Baiteze Squad under new management and it saw the visitors need to come from behind to take a first win of the season. Yassin Fares and Danylo Hubynets grabbed the Baiteze goals to win it 2-1.

DIVISION ONE

Repton Park lead the way in Division One after the first weekend, netting themselves a 4-2 home win against FC Galaxy. George Johnson, Elliot Bron, Thomas House and Jayden Ambrose scored the hosts’ goals to make a winning start.

Sitting in second place on goal difference are Woodford Town who made a winning start to life in the second tier after earning a 3-1 home victory against Daglanta at Whitbreads. Luke Dimond scored twice with Morgan Radley adding the other to put the gloss on the result.

It ended all square in the division’s other fixture from Newbury Park where Upshire Forest took a lead into the break from Leighton Hughes-Franklin. But a second half leveller from St Augustines’ Callum Daniels meant the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

DIVISION TWO

Warren Senior lead the way in Division Two after the opening round of games, earning themselves a solid 6-0 home victory over Northbrooks. Jake Willis scored two, Alfie Boland, George Breen, Anthony Cooke and Ainsley Breshani adding the others for the hosts.

Also earning a first day win were Barking & Dagenham Wanderers who were in good form against debutants CSM London at Robert Clack. Adam Burgess, Berty Frith, Elie Fanga and Harvi Shehi all struck in a 4-1 win with Steven Lambert netting in reply for the visitors.

There was an opening day success for East London Ballers Reserves as they opened their account for the season with a hard fought 2-1 win against Colebrook Royals Reserves in Beckton. Oscar Simmons struck with the Royals goal but efforts from Husnain Ahmed and Junior Milla gave Ballers the points.

DIVISION THREE

Promoted Prospect Protégé took the honours on the opening day against fellow elevated Debden Sports Reserves, netting a 5-1 win at Chigwell Lane to top the table. Charlie Dillon, Archie Kieran, Jayden Thiongo, Jack Ross and Emmanuel Alo all struck with Samuel Blackshaw scoring Sports’ effort.

Another great result for a promoted side saw Byron Red Star earn an opening day win with a 4-1 success against Euro Stars at Hylands Park. Sion Daley scored two, Daniel Shobande and David Goff one each while Ayanle Aden struck for Stars for their first ever goal.

It was a victory for Romford Town Flyers also as they started their new campaign with a win under their belts, beating Condor Reserves in a 3-1 scoreline. Ethan Grodent, Bubacarr Touray and Clinton Oduku were all on the scoresheet in the victory.

DIVISION FOUR

It was a good start to the season for East London Ballers Under 23s on their debut as they took maximum points in a 5-0 opening day win against Eastern Avenue. Jan Desai and Mohammed Malik both struck twice with Jahvann Menzie adding the other for the visitors.

As games go, the East Park Rovers and Cardinals Athletic proved to be a real classic as Cardinals Athletic fought back to take a point in a 5-5 draw. Liam Adams’s hat-trick and a Joshua Fagbohun effort had given Rovers a strong lead but Daniel Acquaye’s double plus strikes from Alfie Bull, Mohamed Suko and Hisham Hassan meant the sides couldn’t be separated by the end.

It was a winning start following promotion for Valence United A who edged their way past East End United in a five goal game, Valence winning 3-2 courtesy of goals from Ryan Knight, Enzo Victoriano and James Hobday. Peter Brinton-Quinn scored both goals for East End in reply.

Completing the division’s action were another promoted side where May & Baker EC earned the honours on the opening day with a 2-0 home victory against Colebrook Royals A. Robbie Farrell and Shane Hovell grabbed a goal each to set Bakers on the way to three points.

DIVISION FIVE

The early league leaders in Division Five are Epping Town as they racked up a super 6-0 win at the weekend over Mansfield Rangers. Joseph Bothwell was the main goal-getter with a four-goal haul, Jordan Paul and Andrew Smith adding the others to make it a winning start.

Athletic Newham made a good start too in their game against May & Baker EC Reserves, netting four without reply in Dagenham in a 4-0 win. Jamie Brandon, Ronnie Wilson, Jack Andrews and Jack Field scored the goals to make it a winning start.

A tight game at Parsloes Park was settled by just a single goal in the end as London Legacy’s first outing of the season saw them earn a 1-0 win over United Amateurs. Mohamed Noor was on target for the hosts to make it three points for his side.

DIVISION SIX

Promoted Gatcliffe lead the way after one week of the new season, netting themselves a 4-2 home win against Lonsdale in Dagenham. Kalium Fletcher grabbed his customary double for Lonsdale but two Donte Auguste goals plus one each from Nico Bunduku and Dane Young proved too much.

Chingford Athletic’s first run out of the season saw them taking on Newroe United in Debden and it was the hosts who took the spoils by full-time as Bradley Williams, Serjan Culaj and Maamoon Khan goals made it a 3-1 victory, Daniel Munroe scoring the United goal in reply.

After relegation last season, Legacy City made a winning start to their new season, edging a close game against promoted Valence United B. City were 2-1 winners with a goal each from Frankie Ishmail and Ronnie Challis, cancelling out a goal from Jordan Cook.

Emerson & Upminster’s first run out in Division Six saw them take a point against Coppice Row, the sides sharing the points at Hall Lane. Oliver Morgan scored the Emerson goal with Max Bartlett on target for Row as the game ended 1-1.

It was a high-scoring draw in the division’s remaining game as Newbury Kings and Warren United found their shooting boots in a 3-3 draw. Oliver Regan started the season in fine form once again, netting all three for Warren in their first game following promotion.

DIVISION SEVEN

Ace Athletics lead the way by the virtue of alphabetical order after gameday one, taking all three points in a 5-1 home victory against Barkingside. Raphael Anto scored for ‘Side but a Thomas Alexander hat-trick along with efforts from Riley Boyce and Bailey Pryce made it an Ace win.

The same scoreline was reflected in the match for debutants Collier Row Under 23s as their bow in senior football saw them record a comprehensive 5-1 home win at Forest Row, defeating fellow debutants Higham Park Rangers.

It was a winning start for Zone 4 Athletic over in Rainham as Jerome Greenidge’s double plus goals from Marcos Haley and Jesse Santos carried them to a narrow 4-3 win over Romford Bullsharks, despite a Zachary Bussell hat-trick for the hosts.