Today I am at Epping Town v Wadham Lodge at Stonards Hill in the Essex Olympian League Division 1.

In the 1970's this ground was used by Epping who were an Isthmian League side. They folded.

The current new side were formerly called Coopersdale.

They took over the ground and joined the Olympian League  changing their name to Epping Town.

The ground itself is in a nice setting on a road to the north of the town centre.

There is  a section of concrete terracing on the nearside of the pitch plus a small covered enclosure.

The rest of the pitch is railed off with the remains of the floodlight supports from the previous teams still visible on the far side.

The current side have been on a bit of a slide of late. Last season I went to watch them at Haroldwood and only 4 players turned up for the fixture.

That season they were relegated.

This season, they lie second bottom of the league.  They have new management  but unfortunately they have stopped issuing programmes.

Last week, they lost 8-1 at home This week they put up a more spirited performance although overall the match was poor.

It looked as if nobody was capable of scoring on either side.

With 2 minutes left however, Carl Mullins popped up and won it for Wadham Lodge with a dubious looking offside goal which stood. 

Full time 0-1

Attendance 15

No food drink or programme

Basildon Town v Stambridge United

Today I am at Basildon Town v Stambridge United at the Salex Sports Ground in the Essex Olympian League Division 3.

 

Basildon Town's ground is only a stones throw away from their Essex League rivals Basildon United.

 

Both grounds have an excellent view of the 'onion', a famous local landmark.

 

There is a comfortable clubhouse with Guinness placards on the entrance walls, but no stand or covered terracing. 

 

With a cold westerly wind blowing Stambridge played some very good football, creating many chances in the first half but by half time they had to be content with a solitary goal scored by James Roberts.

 

Half time 0-1

 

On 70 minutes  however, Basildon were back in the match with an equaliser and shortly afterwards  a winner.

 

Goals coming from Adam King and Daniel Lee Wilkins.

 

Full time 2-1

 

A word of praise must go to the referee who handled  the match very well particularly through a feisty patch towards the end.

 

Attendance 16

 

Programme complimentary and good

 

Drinks in Clubhouse

 

 

Another club I would heartily recommend for a visit.

 

 

Eynesbury Rovers v Potton United

Eynesbury Rovers v Potton United at the Alfred Hall Memorial Ground

in the United Counties Division 1.

 

Today I am at another very friendly club, Eynesbury Rovers.

 

The ground is tucked in the corner of a housing estate. A pay box is the first thing you approach at the gate to the car park.

 

There is a pile of flagstones ready to be laid shortly to complete the hard standing around the ground.

 

A small covered enclosure is sited on the half way line. Opposite is the small main stand, next to which is a kiosk selling food and drinks.

 

The clubhouse and dressing rooms are behind the main stand.

 

If it had not been for a large tree being bare of leaves, you would have

thought it was the start of the season.

 

The playing surface was in excellent condition for the time of year.

 

Potton's goalkeeper Aaron Longey was injured early on in the game.

 

Simon Pearce was his replacement.

 

Eynesbury scored a bizarre own goal by Ross Randall on 35 minutes.

It looked as if the goalkeeper had time to stop the ball from going over the line but somehow it did.

 

Half time 1- 0

 

Barry Albone sealed a well deserved victory for Rovers on 69 minutes.

 

Full time 2-0

 

Attendance 113

 

Programme average

 

Food and drinks available.

 

I would  heartily recommend this club for a visit