November 2004

The Essex Senior Cup fourth round tie against Thurrock has been arranged for Tuesday December 7th kick off 7:45pm.

In the Essex Senior Cup fourth round we have an attractive home draw against Conference South Thurrock, fresh from their F A Cup exploits, due to be played by December 11th.

Our London Senior Cup Third round tie at home to Ryman Division 1 side and old Athenian and Isthmian League rivals Bromley, another successful F A Cup side this season, will be played on Tuesday December 21st. The winners are away to the winners of Waltham Abbey or Thamesmead Town v Sporting Bengal United ties. Looking further ahead the winners of that would have a home quarter final against Tooting & Mitcham United or Welling United, leading to a home semi final versus AFC Wimbledon, Fisher Athletic, Hendon or Croydon Athletic.

Chairman Peter Webster has issued a message which includes the following:-

“I would like to thank club manager Dennis Elliott and all of his staff for their superb efforts in keeping the club running following the sad loss of Andy Aldridge. It is at times like this that the community atmosphere which has been created at this club shines through. Our primary goal remains promotion and we are undoubtedly capable of reaching our target when one considers that we have played four matches against the top two sides, winning three and drawing one of them. There is a long season ahead and Dennis and I fully appreciate that we must continue to improve our efforts both on and off the pitch if we are to achieve our aims. The players have performed superbly in recent weeks but they must remain totally focused and maintain their commitment and work rate regardless of any circumstances we may face. Every player in our squad is critical to our success and I am confident that we have a squad of players who are all equally capable of contributing to our objective. This year’s youth team is sponsored by Property Facilities Group plc and as part of their sponsorship they are assisting with our intention to set up teams at under 16 level and below, as well as to provide coaching and training facilities for young people in the Barking and Dagenham area. Sportsmatch, the government’s sponsorship incentive scheme for sport, has awarded us £4,000, which is much appreciated. I will let you know of our detailed plans for developing this scheme in due course. “

We are happy to announce the welcome return of another Ex Blue as Goalkeeper Sam Whitby has taken over from Robin Ruston in the Reserves. Sam enjoyed participating in a 6-2 win at Brentwood on Saturday. Robin has stepped up to the First Team squad to cover for Tony Tucker – a role previously filled by Mark Parker until his arm was broken recently. 

A benefit evening is being organised by the club to commemorate Andy and raise funds for his family. It will take place on the evening of Friday November 26th at the Clubhouse.

Congratulations to Tony Myers’s who’s Reserve Teams won 6-2 at Brentwood on Saturday and took us to second place in the Essex, Hertfordshire and Bordering Counties Combination Premier Division.

Following their FA Youth Cup exit last Thursday the Under 18's got back to winning ways with a 2-0 over Springfield in the Second Round of the Essex FA Pelly Cup.

In the Third Round the Under 18's are away to Great Wakering Rovers on a date to be advised and in the Eastern Junior Alliance League they will also be away to Canvey Island which will be played on November 28th.

The Under 18's last night were knocked out of the FA Youth by Farnborough in the first round proper by losing 0-2 at Mayesbrook Park.

Sam Taylor hopes to be fit again for tomorrow’s game but Ben Willis and Wayne Vaughan are not expected to be back in contention for two to three weeks

With the Reserves - Manager Tony Myers has signed Ricky Mackin, a member of our Youth side of a few seasons ago, and Ben Turner, who joins his brother Joe. Both debutants repaid Tony’s faith in them by scoring at Grays on Wednesday night.

Following our exciting 5-3 extra time win at Grays Athletic on Wednesday evening the Reserves travel the short distance to Harold Wood to meet Harold Wood Athletic in the third round of the Essex Saturday Premier Cup. Among the familiar faces and old friends at Harold Wood is Alan Marson, who was part of the management partnership which took us to promotion from the Ryman League Division 2 to Division 1 in 2001.

The Club has received praise from Referee Mr. David Buck, who wrote to the Southern League after officiating in a recent home game, praising the club for the improvements to the floodlights and pitch.

Following their 3-0 win over Yeading on Monday the Under 18's opponents in the second qualifying round have been revealed. They are Thame United who beat Hitchin Town by two goals to one and should they be victorious they will face either Cheshunt or Hornchurch at Mayesbrook Park.