On This Day

Just 39 years ago and it was only the third game of the new League season on this day and the champions from 1983-84, Maldon Town, had seen owner Terry Ramsden move to take over Walsall FC along with Tommy Coakley. The current champions, Witham Town drew 1-1 with East Thurrock whilst the runners up and Harry Fisher Memorial Cup holders Wivenhoe Town had left for the Isthmian League. Coggeshall Town, the 1985-86 Sportsmanship winners, had been given one month to advise if they wished to play in the Senior section or Division One (they chose the latter). Sawbridgeworth Town beat League Cup holders, Ford United 3-2 at Rush Green despite all the Press reporting it to be a 2-0 home win, so went top of the League.

Loughton Athletic changed their name to Woodford Town Reserves and Purfleet joined Division One.

In the League, Brightlingsea drew 1-1 with Bowers United, Burnham Ramblers beat Purfleet 3 0, Canvey Island won 4-1 against Stansted, East Ham United beat Maldon Town who had a totally new team 2-1, Eton Manor lost 0-1 to Chelmsford City (Reserves) and Halstead Town drew 0-0 with Brentwood. Southend Manor, a Division One club played Woodford Town in a friendly losing 1-5. Steve Tilson later of Southend United had already scored three times for Bowers United.

Our fixtures were now appearing in the London Times but under the title, 'Essex County League' - it was quickly remedied!