WEEK 30 REVIEW: Day of glory for Docklands Albion and Goresbrook

SPRING CUP FINAL

On without a doubt the hottest day of the year so far, the Spring Cup came to it’s conclusion for another season as Epping Forest Falcons took on Goresbrook at Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow in the final.

In front of huge crowd in excess of one hundred spectators, an even start saw few chances as the players adapted to the warm conditions. Samuel Berry opened the scoring mid-way through the first half, bundling a set-piece over the line for 1-0. A second goal followed soon after as Ricky Cripps’ looping cross from the right flank evaded the efforts of the Falcons keeper and found the top corner for 2-0. And as the half drew to a close, a classy run and finish from Liam Coney saw Goresbrook go into the break with a 3-0 lead.

After half-time the game evened out somewhat with the hot weather clearly taking it’s toll on the pace of the game. Epping Forest Falcons continued to battle with Ryan Lawless showing a touch of class in the middle of the park but they couldn’t find that magical ball in the final third to test Jack Riddell in the Goresbrook goal. The final whistle confirmed the silverware heading back home with promotion chasing Goresbrook.

DIVISION ONE CUP

The final cup finalist was confirmed on Sunday as two of Division One’s finest met in Walthamstow with Chingford Celtic hosting Corinthian Cup winners, Barking. Danny Cook scored twice for the cup winners with Jordan Cook scoring a third for Barking but a quite remarkable seven-goal solo performance from Celtic’s Robert Teppett proved different class as he powered his side into the final with all the goals in a 7-3 win. They will now take on Aldborough Hatch in the final on 7^th May at Thurrock.

DIVISION ONE

Much credit must go to the battling qualities of Dagenham United in Division One who, despite a difficult season, have ploughed on to the end and have now secured a maiden league win of the season, beating Barking & Dagenham Wanderers 7-4 at Manor Road. Nick Read scored twice for Wanderers with Dylan Plunkett and Ricky Brown also netting for the visitors.

The other game in the division saw both Warren United Reserves and cup finalists Aldborough Hatch complete their league campaigns as the sides played out a five-goal thriller. Darren Burns and James Masters both netted for Warren but a Keith Green double and a Stefan Attfield strike gave Hatch a narrow victory and a fifth placed finish.

DIVISION TWO

Congratulations must go to Docklands Albion in Division Two this week as they won the league title without needing to kick a ball on Sunday. A point was all they needed and with opponents, Morfdown Elect, unable to field a side, the title was secured and celebrations got underway in Walthamstow! Congratulations to all concerned with the club on a terrific debut season.

Leading the chase for promotion are Park Tavern but their hopes were put on ice for a little while yet as bottom side Lonsdale moved off the bottom of the table and boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop, romping to a shock 7-3 win. David Hornsby scored twice for Tavern with Jack Blackburn also netting but hat-tricks for both Anton Gjergji and Kalium Fletcher plus a Gary Lynch effort were enough to secure three vital points.

DIVISION THREE

Wanstead United have moved to within one victory of securing the Division Three league title following a closely fought 2-1 win away at Partizan CMC at the weekend. Jason Branche and Shaun Clarke goals secured them an important victory meaning that a win in their next game will see them pip Upshire Reserves to the title in what has been a terrific battle.

DIVISION FOUR

Rounding off the weekend’s action, SL Menfica moved to within two victories of completing a perfect season as they saw off Grey Area in a 5-2 victory to make it thirteen wins from thirteen matches this year. Jordan Clark netted himself a hat-trick with Lewis Clark and Richard Beard also on the scoresheet to cancel out Calli Barnard and Ryan Blake goals for the visitors.