On This Day

ON THIS DAY NOVEMBER 7th 1987

Thirty Eight years ago seems so far away but the main news of the day was in the F A Vase second round where we had three clubs competing but only one victory. Woodford Town lost 1 5 at Braintree Town and Canvey Island went out after extra time 2-3 at Hoddesdon Town, the first ever F A Vase winners. So the glory went to East Thurrock United 1 0 victors over Sussex County League, Eastbourne Town. They would be drawn away at Chalfont St Peter of the Vauxhall Opel League.

Leading the League were Brentwood a point ahead of Halstead Town but sadly, in bottom place without any point in ten games were Maldon Town. Highest score of the day was East Ham United 5 0 Burnham Ramblers. This was the season when first teams were allowed to play alongside Reserve sides thus it was called Division One. The three to mention were Southend Manor, Stambridge and St. Osyth. The latter would only play the one season owing to the ground not been suitable but nevertheless had the best Match Programme in the whole League thanks to Colin Lamb’s efforts. Leading the table were Southend Manor who won 7 0 at Coggeshall Town, a club that still had no points.

In their first ever Senior Section season, Purfleet were in ninth place and drew 0 – 0 with Chelmsford City Reserves who were allowed to be in our top division but which was scuppered when Reserve teams were barred from playing at Step 5.

There was one Essex Intermediate Cup result, Port of London Authority beating Halstead Reserves 4 0.

The leading scorer was Steve Parnell of Halstead Town just ahead of Johnny Kemp of Sawbridgeworth Town. Jason Coles of Southend Manor led the Division One.

One page of the Centre Spot was dedicated to Billericay Town’s brilliant F A Vase success in 1976 against Stamford 1 0 aet. They also beat Hatfield Town, Crown & Manor, Epping Town, Norwich School Old Boys Union, Hungerford Town, Cadbury Heath and Farnborough over two legs.