On This Day

As we drew slowly towards the end of the century, kick off times were switched all over the place due to Scotland playing England at Hampden Park, the visitors winning 2-0 thanks to Paul Scholes.

Concord Rangers kicked off at 11.30am against Brentwood and won
2-0 with goals from Danny Heale and Andy Wooley. Saffron Walden Towm managed three without reply at East Ham United and took over top place, a point ahead of Brentwood and two ahead of Southend Manor who, at high noon, themselves won 4 0 at Hullbridge Sports, Wagstaffe, Nicks and a brace from Ben Barnett, another ESL player that made it to the Football League and Leyton Orient.

As we have reported in the last two 'On this Days' it was 2nd Round FA Vase day but our reigning Champions Bowers United lost
1-3 to their Eastern League counterparts, Wroxham despite a goal from prolific scorer David Hope, Ilford lost 1-2 at Watton United and Burnham Ramblers drew 0 0 with Letchworth, having to replay. Four clubs had played on the Friday night, Sawbridgeworth Town winning 2-1 at Basildon United and Woodford Town with success at Leyton 1-0. That goal in the 60th minute produced the story that Nathan Thomas scored for Woodford Town on 6th November, 'netted from close range' for Barking at Tilbury on Tuesday and was responsible for the 60th minute winner!

East Ham United produced three players for an Essex County Representative side that met the Army at Braintree Town FC though lost 1-2. Ben Barnett led the scorers list along with Michael Gore and Nathan Thomas, all with 10.

In the top division of the Football League, Fulham were beaten 1-3 by Barnsley with a very limited programme.

Finally as it is Remembrance week and aside from the Essex Senior League we go right back to November 1918 and the glory days of Brentford FC who were competing in an emergency league in its final season, due to the cessation of competitive football, called the London Combination and in going on to eventually win it, beat Tottenham Hotspur 7-1 on 9th and drew at Chelsea 2-2 on 16th. Players were paid £2 a week plus expenses.

Rob Errington