On This Day

On 8th October 1988, Woodford Town were top of the 17 club table four points ahead of Brightlingsea United though with three more games played, Woodford Town beat Maldon Town 2-1 but the major focus was on the FA Vase Preliminary Round which saw success for East Thurrock 1-0 at Arlesey Town, Burnham Ramblers 4-0 over Brightlingsea United, Ford Utd 2-0 at Shillington and Stansted 2-1 against Downham Town thanks to Stuart Atkinson and Steve Clarke, later in the 1990’s to shine with St Albans City against Romford but exits for Bowers United 2-6 at Felixstowe, Sawbridgeworth Town 0-2 by Chatteris and Canvey Island 2-4 aet at Wroxham. One other game that day was a 0-6 defeat for bottom of the table Eton Manor at Walthamstow Pennant in the London Senior Cup.

Basildon United Reserves were sharing top spot with Burnham Ramblers Reserves and Stambridge Reserves and the leading goalscorer with 6 were Johnny Kemp of Sawbridgeworth Town and Steve Warner of Burnham Ramblers.

The 12th October and it was all eyes of Brightlingsea United’s floodlight opening. Paul Mariner switched them on at North Road in front of 432, prior to a friendly with Colchester United. Despite the added illumination of sheet lightening and torrential rain, Mario Walsh gave the 'U’s a 1-0 lead then, in the 24th minute, Paul Mariner himself made it 2-0. In the second half, Stephen Grenfell scored from the kick off and Tony English made it 4-0 in the 70th Minute but this was Brightlingsea’s night and they were able to score through Chris Green in the 83rd minute. A Superb 32 page programme was issued by Kim Lay for 20p. East Thurrock United were hopeful of installing theirs by December.

Finally the League put out a message to all clubs to adhere to Rule 10 and supply sandwiches with tea at least at half time which was not being adhered too and that was 38 years ago, interesting!

Rob Errington