RYMAN PREMIER - THE RACE TO STAY UP

At the turn of the year the Ryman Premier Division's relegation zone is currently occupied by Hendon, Bognor Regis Town, Billericay Town and Waltham Abbey. All these clubs will want to get on a winning run to lift themselves out of the dreaded drop zone. With Dartford looking Champion's elect at the top of the table the race at the bottom is very tight indeed with just thirteen points seperating The Abbots in bottom postion and Tooting and Mitcham United in 5th place so it is not impossible for a team at the bottom to turn their season round and reach the end of season play offs. From the bottom upwards The Cold End looks at each of the current bottom four team's chances of surviving the drop.

WALTHAM ABBEY
Town's near neighbours and rivals from Capershotts have had a dismal first season in the Ryman Premier winning only four games since former Ware and Harlow Town boss Glen Alzapiedi took over the hot seat from Tony Tillbrook and Andy Purcell in late August. Three away victories at Bognor Regis Town, Cray Wanderers and Canvey Island was eventually followed by a home victory versus Hendon on the 21st November. The 1-o victory was their first win after 9 home games. Alazapiedi has brought in Andy Keepence, Xaniel Doku, Josh Cooper and the returning Jordan Bostock from Brimsdown Rovers amongst others since he took over. Just five players remained in the starting line up on Boxing Day that started the season on the 15th August. They need to find a goalscorer with Billy Holland top scoring with only 7 goals from 18 league games but with a manager of Alzapiedi's quality they can stay up but need to start winning at home with their next two league games at Capershott's looking tough against Boreham Wood (10th place) and Kingstonian (3rd place). Current fifth bottom Cray Wanderers visit on the 30th January which is a must win game and may be considered a relegation six pointer for the Essex side.

BILLERICAY TOWN

Brian Staham's team have picked up form over the last few weeks winning three in a row against Boreham Wood (2-0 home), Tonbridge Angels (1-0 away) and smashing Canvey Island 4-1 at home on Boxing Day . This was after winning only one game in their first thirteen league matches. Another team that is much changed from the opening day of the season with only five players starting the Boxing Day game that started on the opening day of the season. It's good to see ex Town centre-back Chris Wild playing regularly for the The New Lodge side since he departed from Goldsdown Road. They are desperately short of goals, scoring only 14 in 16 games, take into account the 4 goals scored against Canvey and it reads only 12 in 13 games. Billy Bricknell scored a hat-trick in the Canvey game to up his season's total to only four goals and he is top scorer. Their Goals Against colum is at the other end of the scale as The Blues have only let in 19 goals all season with only table toppers Dartford on 16 goals ahead of them in the goals conceeded total. This is even more impressive when you see they have kept 5 clean sheets in 16 league games and two games have been lost 1-5 and 0-4 at home to Kingstonain and Carshalton Athletic. Take these two freak results out of the form line and Statham's team have only conceeded 10 in 14 games which has to considered play-off form. They have only lost six games with only only Dartford (1 game lost) and 4th placed Wealdstone (2) bettering them.
With games in hand over most teams above them I can see no problem's in Billericay staying up and if they can get a goalscorer I can even see them pushing for a play-off place come May.
Their return match with Canvey Island is scheduled for the 2nd January (according to reports they dominated the Boxing Day game and didn't allow the visitors to attack) and with The Islander's conceeding more goals in their 2-5 loss at home to Dartford on Tuesday night skybet.com's odds of 2/1 for an away win look very good value indeed. Look for the Essex side to move up the table in January as they have four home and three away games which makes it a possible 21 points to play for.

BOGNOR REGIS TOWN
Enfield FC fans of old will always have fond memories of visiting Nyewood Lane in the 1990's. The game is 1993 sticks in the memory of many fans; Their used to be a bookies at the ground where you could bet on the result of the game and with Enfield is 3rd place in the Premier and the home side already relegated at the bottom on the table there was a small amount of money put on a 0-5 victory for the E's. With the score at 0-5 with only minutes to go supporters were busy discussing how they would spend their winnings only for E's Legend Carl Richards to get a sixth and run celebrating towards the travelling fans who comically berated him for scoring and ruining their bet. The 92/93 season was a poor season for Bognor with their first league victory coming on the 28th December in 3-2 home win versus Bromley.

Above - The programme for the 0-6 game on the 17th April 1993.

The Rocks have had an eventful couple of season's with relegation from the Blue Sqaure South last year following a seven point deduction for fielding an unregistered player and the clubhouse burning down. Club legend Jack Pearce is now General Manager and Darin Kilpatrick who spent most his playing career at Nyewood Lane is now in the manager's hot seat. A famous name is also playing for the Rocks this season in Charlie Oatway the 17 year old son of Brighton HA legend Anthony Philip David Terry Frank Donald Stanley Gerry Gordon Stephen James Oatway aka Charlie Oatway. Oatway Junior has made a good start to his career netting four times in 19 league games.

They have had a good Christmas period with an away 2-0 win on the 15th December at Cray Wanderers and a home draw versus Horsham. The stand out result was the unexpected surpise victory on Monday away at 4th placed Kingstonian. The 3-1 win was only their fourth in the league with the above Cray victory along with home wins over AFC Hornchurch and Ashford Town (Middlesex). They also had a fantastic result in a 3-3 draw at Dartford on the 7th November in front of 1,295 people.

Out of the last nine points on offer Bognor have got seven which is good going. Like Billericay their form has upped in December so they can also stay up if it continues. However, Teams around them do have games in hand so this could be their downfall.

The cold end has always had a soft spot for The Rocks and hopes they can stay up this season. Happily I can also report the clubhouse has been re-built and is now open for supporters to use.

HENDON

The selling off and destruction of the historic Claremont Road will ring bell's for the old E's fans. It was terrible to see and The Don's (following the aborted plans to play at the Barnet Copthall stadium) have now entered into a long term deal to share at Wembley's Vale Farm. Former Enfield keeper Gary McCann has been manager for over four years now and is a firm fan's favourite being assisted by Hendon legend Freddie Hyatt.

The 3-0 Boxing day win at Harrow Borough was welcomed by fans and management alike. They have won six of seventeen league games but also lost eight games which has put them down the bottom of the table winning 7 points out of the last 18 points on offer. McCann has a settled side with only 4 players different in the Boxing Day stating XI than on the opening day of the season, Two of the changes were on the bench on the opening day. The Don's have the same goalscoring problems that seems to be the case with all the teams down the bottom of the table, James Bent top scores with only 4 goals in 15 league games. Like Billericay they have a good defensive record only conceeding 28 goals which is encouraging for McCann seeing as most of the teams up the top of the league are at about that level. Hendon, like all the current bottom four can stay up.

The verdict from the cold end is that anyone with a poor run of form from 5th placed Tooting & Mitcham downwards can be pulled into the relegation dog fight. Only nine points seperate 5th place with 19th placed Hendon in the 4th relegation spot. What price the bottom four now will be totally different at the end of the season??? It's going to be very interesting watching.

LINKS

ryman league official website

greensnet - hendon fc

bognor regis town

billericay town

waltham abbey

the famous isthmian fans website

SNOW.....FROST....AND NOW WATER - GAME OFF!!

The immense amount of rain that has fallen in Ryman country has virtually wiped out the fixture list for tonight's games with Enfield Town's home fixture versus Harlow Town being postponed at 5pm after a pitch inspection. Not surprisingly there was alot of standing water on the Goldsdown Road pitch.

Out of the twenty six games due to be played in the Premier, Division One North and South only four have survived and with the rain still falling lets hope for the supporters they finish.

Wingate and Finchley's home game with Northwood is the only survivor in the North Division.

The Town last played way back on Tuesday 15th December so it's been a nice winter/Christmas break for the players.

Hopefully the pitch will have dried out by Saturday for the eagerly awaited New Year Derby clash with Cheshunt.

THE BIG BANK HOLIDAY SPARTAN DOUBLE HEADER PART TWO

Langford V Oxhey Jets
Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division
Kick Off 3pm

Forde Park is a lovely picturesque stadium with Langford being a very friendly welcoming club with a brilliant tea-bar that serves drinks in proper cups. Full Marks go to the club staff for getting the pitch ready as it was pretty severe frost overnight in Bedfordshire. Langford also deserve a pat on the back for reducing the admission prices for today's match to half price meaning it was only £2.50 entrance for what was a brilliant game of football. A gesture of good will for New Year!!


Above - Ex Southill Alexander player Adam Wombwell on the ball for Langford

Both team's are languishing in mid-table (12th v 13th) of the Premier Divsion with Langford recently adding ex Southill Alexander coach Tony Armitage to their bench along with ex-Bishop's defender Adam Wombwell who was making his 2nd appearance in the centre of defence for the home side.


Above - The frosty, snowy and Icy conditions at the edge of the pitch

This was a fantastic game with both team knocking the ball around playing some impressive football, Oxhey Jets soaked up the pressure from the home side and hit on the break racing into a 0-2 lead at half-time. Tim O'Mara playing on the left hand side of midfield impressed for the Jets dropping back into the hole behind the front two and showing some good pace when required. It was really against the run of play at half-time and most people thought Langford may get back into the game in the second half as they had had much of the possession but no real chances of note.


Mark Wright came on as substitute for Langford in the second half, He is a big tall player who stepped into the centre-forward position and caused Jet's back four and keeper all sorts of problems. Langford quickly scored a goal through Lee Harman and then Wright scored with a tap in following some great work on the left wing by Ben L'Honre. It was all Langford by that point but Oxhey broke and made it 2-3 again against the run of play. The temperature was dropping and it was getting very cold and frosty but the action on the pitch warmed everyone watching up and it was Wright again who made it 3-3. He then had another good header well saved by Steve Duce in the Jet's goal and a goal which was ruled off-side, If you look at the footage below you will see a Jet's player running back who probably played him onside.

Jet's rallyed and made it 3-4 with a quick break up field and it was looking like this was going to be the final score unitl Ben L'Honre scored by chipping the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box.

A superb game full of goals and incident played out in a sporting fashion by both teams who deserved a share of the spoils.

FINAL SCORE - 4-4 ATTENDANCE - 82


Above - Mark Wright taps in Langford's 2nd goal after some excellent work on the left hand side by Ben L'Honre


Above - Mark Wright head's Langford's 3rd goal


Above - Mark Wright again...this time a great save for the Jet's keeper Steve Duce.


Above - Mark Wright's disallowed 'offside goal'...Look closely and you will see a Jet's player running back which possibly played Wright onside

THE BIG BANK HOLIDAY SPARTAN DOUBLE HEADER PART ONE

WODSON PARK V TOTTERNHOE
Spartan South Midlands League Division Two
Kick Off 12pm

Wodson Park were only formed in 1997 and have risen through the Hertford and District League and Herts Senior County League to where they play now in the third tier of the SSML. They did play in the middle of the athletics track behind Ware's Wodson Park ground but this season have been ground-sharing in the main stadium.

This was a real battling performance from both sides who gave 100% at all times with a few well timed crunching tackles flying in. Proper football!!! Totternhoe were undone by Wodson twice in the first half by two well taken goals. The second half was very entertaining with Totternhoe pushing Wodson all the way to get back into the game to no avail. They played really well but never really had a decent chance to make a game of it.

Wodson Park charge you £2 entrance and £1 for a twenty page programme. Great value for money.

FULL TIME - 2-0 ATTENDANCE - 55

Above - Steve Horsey scoring Wodson's 2nd goal

WEATHER PERMITTING-THE HAWKS SET TO FLY INTO TOWN

Marvin Samuel's new look Harlow Town team are set to visit Enfield Town tomorrow night with the weather playing a part in if the game will go ahead. It'll be interesting to see if Brimsdown Rovers match versus Leverstock Green is played this afternoon at Goldsdown Road and to see how the pitch holds up. There is a full Ryman North league programme over three days this week starting today when Heybridge Swifts are due to play Brentwood Town. The Swifts will be confident following their local-derby Boxing Day victory at Maldon Town against a hard to break down/tough to beat (lost one game in seven since beginning of November with three clean sheets and conceded only seven goals) Brentwood side. Heybridge are good at Scraley Road so I can see this one either being a close victory for the home side or a score draw.

Harlow Town are having a terrible season as along with the financial problems reported at Barrows Farm the Hawks were knocked out of the FA Cup at Kingsbury London Tigers and find themselves cut adrift at the bottom of the table following their 10 point deduction. Club legend Marvin Samuels took over the hot-seat at the beginning of December and results have improved with one win and one draw in four matches. The 2-0 win versus Romford on the 12th December was only the club's third league victory this season. Samuels needs wins fast to close the gap on Leyton, Cheshunt, Ware and Redbridge at the bottom of the table as he attempts the impossible looking challenge of keeping the Hawks up. They are 13 points away from safety at the moment so as the experts say 'mathematically' it can be done. Samuels has brought in a number of new faces to the club since joining with Lionel Leonard and Toby Ajola making their debuts versus Ware on Boxing Day.

Harlow had several chances to win the game in the closing moments after the lights went back on against a Ware side who have run Lowestoft close in the past few weeks so it'll be another hard game for Enfield Town with the Hawks desperate for points.

In the pick of the other games strong at home East Thurrock United should beat poor travelling Concord Rangers at Rookery Hill, Lowestoft Town should comfortably beat Maldon Town at the Wallace Binder Stadium (they won 3-0 in the league cup a few weeks back)

The Potters Bar Town V Ilford and Romford V Redbridge games are close ones to call. I can see both being close with Romford just about beating Redbridge who are poor on the road and the game at The South Mimms Travel stadium will see Potters Bar gain their first home league victory since September, Adam Lee's team showed some fighting spirit coming back after going 3-0 down to Northwood on Boxing Day to loose narrowly 3-2 .

VCD will easily beat Leyton at Oakwood continuing their brilliant form with the Ware V Cheshunt game being close and maybe another draw. The game between W&F and Northwood is another good game with David Norman's team strong at home versus Northwood who have won 4 of their 8 away games, Another one that's too close to call.

Waltham Forest take on Thamesmead Town on Wednesday night at Cricklefields.

SEASON'S GREETINGS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL FROM THE COLD END.

THE COLD SNAP CONTINUES...

If the freezing and snowy conditions continue it could cause the Ryman and local football programme on Boxing Day to be near-enough wiped out as it it did so on Saturday. Happily the cold end can report that the forecast from Christmas Eve onwards is for it to warm up a bit with a Maximum of 8 degrees on Boxing Day when Enfield Town are set to play Cheshunt. Lets hope the snow melts by then so supporters can enjoy a Christmas Feast of Football. Here are some pictures of some of the local grounds in the snow today -


WOODSON PARK - WARE.




The view from afar of Theobalds Lane, Cheshunt. The venue for Enfield Town's match on Boxing Day.

Hertingfordbury Park - Hertford Town.

THE RYMAN NORTH - HOME AND AWAY - WHO'S THE BEST TEAM??

As regular readers will know I like a small wager now and again especially on the Ryman North and that most of my bets never win with The Director being the specialist in profit on our Division. The following HOME and AWAY tables for the division may help you in making a decision for the forthcoming matches should the treacherous conditions clear up and the games go ahead.

HOME FORM PERCENTAGE OF GAMES WON

TOP 5
1. Lowestoft Town 88.88%
2. Concord Rangers 77.77%
3. East Thurrock United 75.00%
4. Thamesmead Town 72.72%
5. Tilbury 70.00%

BOTTOM 5
18. Maldon Town 27.27%
19. Brentwood Town 20.00%
20. Harlow Town 18.18%
21. Ware 10.00%
22. Leyton 0.00%

AWAY FORM PERCENTAGE OF GAMES WON

TOP 5
1=. Lowestoft Town 66.67%
1=. Potters Bar 66.67%
3. East Thurrock 60.00%
4. Enfield Town 54.55%
5. Northwood 50.00%

BOTTOM 5
18. W&F 20.00%
19. Heybridge Swifts 18.18%
20=. Redbridge 11.11%
20=. Harlow Town 11.11%
22. Tilbury 10.00%

There is no surprise to see Lowie riding high up the top of the home and away leagues. Concord, East Thurrock United, Thamesmead Town and Tilbury all make the top five. All win 70%+ of their home league games so can consider their grounds as fortresses.

Enfield Town come in at 9th place on the home form table winning 50% of all home games. With the recent change in management at Harlow Town and Ware I think it is reasonable to say both teams will climb out of the bottom five fairly soon. The surprise in the away form is Potters Bar are joint top and Tilbury part of the fortress five are rock bottom. If we apply these figures to the Boxing Day games due to be played the following may be good bets:

Brentwood Town V Lowestoft Town -
20% v 66.67%. AWAY WIN

Cheshunt V Enfield Town -
36.36% v 54.55%. AWAY WIN

Concord Rangers V Great Wakering Rovers -
77.77% v 40.00%. HOME WIN

Harlow Town V Ware -
18.18% v 27.27%. TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Ilford V Romford -
33.33% v 27.27%. TOO CLOSE TO CALL.

Leyton V Wingate & Finchley -
0% v 20%. STATS SAY TOO CLOSE TO CALL BUT W&f WILL BE ENCOURAGED BY PERFORMANCE AT FORTRESS THAMES ROAD RECENTLY

Maldon Town V Heybridge Swifts -
27.27% v 18.18%. TOO CLOSE TO CALL.

Northwood V Potters Bar Town -
33.33% v 66.67%. STATS SAY AWAY WIN BUT MAYBE TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Redbridge V Waltham Forest -
30.00% v 40.00%. TOO CLOSE TO CALL.

Thamesmead Town V VCD Athletic -
72.72% v 36.36%. HOME WIN.

Tilbury V East Thurrock -
70% v 60%. TOO CLOSE TO CALL.

So from the above statistics a bet of Lowestoft Town, Concord Rangers, Enfield Town and Thamesmead Town may be successful but fact it's Boxing Day and local-derbies form may go out of the window. A bet of draws at Harlow Town, Ilford and Redbridge may be better.

The cold end hopes the weather clears up as clubs will be counting on these Boxing Day fixtures to bring in a bumper crowd and much needed revenue.

SNOW WIPES OUT RYMAN LEAGUE FIXTURES

ONLY GAMES AT THE PILOT FIELD AND CROWN MEADOW ESCAPE THE ICY CONDITIONS

As expected the snow and ice has wiped out the fixture list in the Ryman League today with only two matches confirmed as ON across the three Divisions.

On the South Coast Hastings United take on Boreham Wood in the Premier Division and the game between Lowestoft Town and Thamesmead Town in our North Division is the only other game confirmed on.

The Trawler Boys have underlined their title credentials this week announcing the signing of Joe Francis from Blue Square North Corby Town. The Striker has always scored goals wherever he has played and was named Southern League player of the year in 07/08 when he netted 23 times for Premier Division Champions Kings Lynn. Francis has signed a 2 and 1/2 year contract at Crown Meadow.

All the games in the Spartan South Midlands League and Essex Senior League are all off so it's either braving the High Street for some last minute Christmas shopping or stay in the warm in front of the telly!! The cold end is opting for the second option.

ENFIELD TOWN V BRENTWOOD TOWN

If the game does go ahead tomorrow (there is a pitch inspection at 10:45am) Enfield Town can point towards an excellent home record against The Blues in the league.

Since 01/02 in the ESL we have played Brentwood 6 times in the league winning 4, drawing 2 and loosing 0 with a GF record of 17 and GA record of 4.

Since their promotion to the Ryman League Brentwood Town have been a much stronger side since the ESL days with the two draws being in 07/08 (0-0) and 08/09 (2-2).

thecoldend

THE SNOW & COLD SNAP - MORE PICTURES

This morning The Cold End went past Broadhall Way the home of Blue Square Premier Stevenage Borough FC. They are scheduled to play Barrow at home tomorrow afternoon but from the pictures you can see it will be a miracle if the the game goes ahead or indeed if any game in the North London or Hertfordshire/Essex area goes ahead.

FORMER E'S MANAGER UP FOR THE NOTTS COUNTY JOB

Former Enfield FC (and England) player-manager Peter Taylor has recently declared himself interested in the current vacancy at Notts County following the swift exit of Hans Backe from the club. If Sven stays at The Magpies as reported and Taylor gets the job it'll be remarkable to think two ex England bosses are in-charge at a League Two side.

Here is a article from the Enfield Independent's "UP THE E'S" section from January 1991 which brings back memories of the season Enfield FC had under Taylor where Paul Furlong remained loyal to the relegated E's and played alongside Taylor and Martin Robinson up front.

Unfortunately it's a familiar defeat versus the E's somewhat bogey side Aylesbury United on January 5th that the paper reports on.

* Click on the picture to enlarge and read the article.

http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/

COLD SNAP SET TO EFFECT RYMAN NORTH COUNTRY

The scene across the South East of England this morning.

Let it snow!!! The overnight sprinkling of white magic will have a massive effect on the Ryman North fixtures tomorrow if it doesn't warm up. The question is will any of the games make it and bring back memories of the Enfield FC Merthyr Tydfil FA Trophy game all those years ago?? The England V Wales snowball fight in the 2nd half was one of the best memories I have of following the old Enfield FC.

ORANGE BALLS ARE ON STAND BY!! WRAP UP WARM IF YOUR VENTURING OUT!!

THE ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE RACE FOR PROMOTION

The cold end has always had a passing interest in the Essex Senior League after Enfield Town gained promotion in 2005. Since we were champions the League has been won by the reformed AFC Hornchurch, Brentwood Town, Concord Rangers and Romford all of whom are holding their own in the Ryman League.

This season the league looks set for an exciting Championship race with only 5 points separating current league leaders and longest serving members Stansted and seventh placed Hertfordshire based Enfield FC 1893.

The Airportmen are one point ahead of Burnham Ramblers who must be considered favourites with three games in hand over Stansted and five in hand over 3rd place Sawbridgeworth Town. Sawbo and Stansted will have to carry out a large amount of work on their respective grounds should they wish to be considered for promotion. The Hertfordshire club's form is on and off as they beat Burnham Ramblers 4-2 on the 21st November and then a few games later were thrashed by 9th placed Witham Town 5-0 who are settling into ESL life with what appears to be a season of consolodation following relegation from the Ryman last season.

In 4th place are Takeley who have taken to ESL life brilliantly since joining last season (3rd place finish) with Basildon United in 5th place followed by debutants Bethnal Green United and then EFC 1893 FC.

Bethnal have had a great season considering they have jumped two steps up from the Middlesex County League with two stand out victories away from home at Sawbo (4-0) and EFC 1893 (5-0).

EFC 1893 FC who have ex-Towner Billy Healy amongst their ranks and are having a quite season to their standards down in 7th place after being runners-up for the past two years.

So with the games in hand that Burnham Ramblers have the league title looks like its there for the taking (although on the 5th December they lost 1-2 at home to title rivals Stansted). If they won their games in hand they would be eight points ahead of Stansted and an incredible nineteen points ahead of Sawbo currently in 3rd place.

RANDOM FACTS ABOUT THE ESL SEASON SO FAR

Top crowd of the season so far has been 152 for the Barkingside V Stansted match on the 26th October. Lowest crowd of the season has been the 5 (five) people who turned up for the match between London APSA and Southend Manor two days previously. APSA who play at The Terrance McMillan Stadium in The London Borough of Newham are struggling to attract fans from the Plaistow/East Ham area where they are based with an average crowd of 16. Last season's average crowd was 20 and in the previous 07/08 season they averaged 20 people as well.

Table toppers Burnham Ramblers and 2nd placed Stansted are joint top scorers so far with 34 goals.

The team with the worst defence is bottom of the league. Mauritus Sports have conceded 45 times in 15 games. 3rd placed Sawbo are the next team with a leaky defence with their net being breached 31 times in 18 games.

Tiptree United and Bowers&Pitsea are yet to draw a game.

Stansted have the most draws with six in 16 games which may be there downfall in the race for the Championship.

Barking haven't won on the road and have only scored 3 times in 6 away games. In four of these games they have failed to find the net.

Burnham Ramblers have a perfect record on the road winning 4 of 4 scoring 11 and letting in zero goals.

Every team has won at least one game at home with only Mauritius Sports and Barking without a win on the road.

Mauritius Sports picked up their only point on the road in the 3-3 draw at Burnham on the 26th September.

Since joining the league from the 08/09 season Mauritius have only won 5 games. Four last season at home to Takeley, Burnham Ramblers, London APSA and Hullbridge Sports and one win this season at home to Takeley. The above draw with Burnham was only their fourth point won on the road and they are yet to win away from Home in the league.

Newcomers from the ECL Tiptree United are the only ESL side left in the FA Vase and have the luck of the draw so far having home ties in all rounds. Barkingside, Harefield United, Cogenhoe United and Beckenham Town have all been beaten so far with St Ives Town of the UCL visiting for a Fourth Round tie in the new year. The Jam Makers have a good history in the competition being runners up in 01/02.

Wes Bocking of Basildon United heads the top scorers chart with 15 goals so far this season

THE RYMAN NORTH WEEKEND PREVIEW - MATCHES PLAYED ON 19TH DECEMBER

East Thurrock United V Leyton

Leyton who have slipped into the Divsion's relegation zone following their recent poor run of form face a tough trip to Rookery Hill to play East Thurrock United. The East Londoners haven't won since the 24th October when they shocked Concord Rangers winning 1-2 at Thames Road. Since then they have lost five league games and drawn two. The Rocks have had a bit of a blip on the road of late with defeats at Romford and Thamesmead Town but their form at home is brilliant winning 6 of their 8 league games only conceeding 5 goals. Their last three home games have finished in wins of 6-1, 4-0 and 3-1.
COLD END VERDICT - A COMFORTABLE HOME WIN

Enfield Town V Brentwood Town

The big match at Goldsdown Road between the two Towns. Brentwood have been on a good run of form up until last weekend's defeat to the new look Ware side going eight matches without defeat. Brentwood have won 4 of their 9 games on the road suffering defeats at Waltham Forest, Tilbury, Cheshunt and Thamesmead Town. Since the defeat to The Mead on the 10th October they have won away at Harlow Town, Maldon Town and Leyton together with an impressive 2-2 draw at usually strong at home Wingate and Finchley. Brentwood's team has changed considerably since their opening day of the season defeat to Enfield Town on the 15th August. Only four players in Donovan Wilson, Danny Glozier, Steve Good and substitute George Lay reamained in the team which lost 0-1 to Ware last weekend.

Wilson who plays right back and Glozier who plays left back are both very good players going forward. I'm sure Ben Hammond and Sam Byfield will be trying to keep them busy defending on Saturday.

Manager Les Whitton assisted by ex Bishop's Stortford and Arsenal Legend Martin Hayes have steadied the ship since the early season upheaval at the International Arena so they will prove a good test for a confident Enfield Town team.

Since the beginning of October The Blues have amased 18 out of 33 points on offer (54.55%) against Town's record of 27 out of 48 points (56.25%) so everything is pointing towards a closely fought hard game.
COLD END VERDICT - IF TOWN PLAY AS WELL AS THEY HAVE BEEN IN THE LAST THREE MATCHES IT'LL BE A HOME WIN

Great Wakering Rovers V Harlow Town

An interesting game where Rovers who have been stuttering of late with two wins in their last six league games face Marvin Samuel's Hawks side who will be confident following their 2-0 home win versus Romford last weekend. The team who played in this victory contained a number of debutants brought to the club by Samuel including a new goalkeeper in Callum Horton and no less than three new player's in the back four. Rover's have a very leaky defence for a side in the top half of the table conceeding 33 in their 21 games (cold end note - Enfield Town have conceeded 30 in 21 games) against Harlow who have let in 45 goals in 20 games who will be encouraged by the clean sheet last weekend.
COLD END VERDICT - A CLOSE GAME THAT'S HARD TO PREDICT. GWR ARE NOT ON FORM AGAINST A NEW LOOK HAWKS SIDE THAT NEEDS WINS BADLY TO CLIMB UP THE TABLE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

Heybridge Swifts V Ilford

Chris Wood resigned as The Fox's manager after last weekend's 0-3 home reverse versus VCD Athletic and has been replaced by former assistant Colin Walton as Caretaker boss for the forseeable future. They have dropped down the league since their great start to the season and face a tough task visiting Scraley Road to play Jekyll and Hyde team Heybridge Swifts. They have lost at home to VCD Atheltic, thrashed Redbridge 4-0 at home then lost 4-0 at East Thurrock and last weekend had a brilliant win at Tilbury with pacey striker Sam Adejokun getting both goals in the 0-2 win.
COLD END VERDICT - ILFORD ARE A POOR SIDE TRAVELLING AWAY FROM THEIR CRICKLEFIELD STADIUM SCORING ONLY 5 TIMES IN 10 GAMES AGAINST THE SWIFTS WHO ARE USUALLY STRONG AT HOME MEANS IT HAS TO BE A HOME VICTORY FOR WAYNE BOND'S SIDE. ALTHOUGH A CHANGE OF MANAGER FOR THE FOXES MAY GIVE THE TEAM THE BOOST IT NEEDS.

Lowestoft Town V Thamesmead Town

The Ryman League North match of the day as 1st takes on 2nd at Crown Meadow. The Trawlerboys seem to be unplayable at home with seven wins and one defeat entertain a South London side who will be in a confident mood following three good home wins versus Northwood, East Thurrock United and Concord Rangers together with an away draw at Ilford following their "blip" where they didn't win a game in four matches. The Mead face a round trip of 240ish miles to travel to the lovely Suffolk coast on the Saturday before Christmas.
COLD END VERDICT - THE TABLE TOPPERS SEEM TO BE UNBEATABLE AT HOME AT PRESENT AND HAVE ONLY CONCEEDED TWO GOALS IN IN EIGHT GAMES SCORING 25 IN THE PROCESS AGAINST THE MEAD WHO HAVE ONLY SCORED SEVENTEEN IN TEN GAMES ON THE ROAD WINNING ONLY 40% OF AWAY GAMES. THE MEAD'S FRONT PAIRING OF CABLE AND CONSTABLE WILL KEEP THE LOWESTOFT BACK FOUR BUSY BUT I CAN ONLY SEE ANOTHER HOME WIN COME 5PM SATURDAY.

Potters Bar Town V Tilbury

The Scholar's who can't seem to win at home (last win way back on the 19th September) entertain The Docker's who have only won one game on their travels at Ware 1-0 on the 31st October.
COLD END VERDICT - THE SCHOLAR'S TO WIN AT HOME IN A TIGHT ENCOUNTER WHICH POSSIBLY COULD END IN A DRAW

Romford V Cheshunt

The Boro who didn't trouble the home keeper in their loss at Harlow last weekend face Cheshunt who have lost four in a row albiet by very narrow margins (1-0, 1-0, 2-1 and 1-0) have been unlucky not to get anything from their last two games conceeding a last minute goal in the 1-2 defeat against Concord Rangers and being hit on the counter attack by Waltham Forest last weekend. Baring Boro's shock win versus East Thurrock they haven't won since the 7th November which indicates both sides are low on confidence and form.
COLD END VERDICT - COULD GO EITHER WAY BUT I'M SIDING WITH A CHESHUNT 0-1 VICTORY.

VCD Athletic V Northwood

Wood were soundly beaten in midweek by Carshalton Athletic in the FA Trophy travel to still in-form VCD Athletic who have won 21 points out of 24 on offer in last 8 games with only a narrow defeat at Lowestoft Town being their only blip.
COLD END VERDICT - A LOW SCORING ENCOUNTER WHICH VCD SHOULD WIN AS I THINK NORTHWOOD MAY SUFFER A TROPHY HANGOVER.

Waltham Forest V Maldon Town

Two teams who have just played Town face off at Cricklefield's stadium. Both teams looked somewhat dodgy at the back but also played some good football up front in the games versus Town so there will be goals.
COLD END VERDICT - A SCORE DRAW POSSIBLY 2-2

Ware V Concord Rangers

An improving Ware side will be full of confidence following their midweek draw versus Lowestoft Town in a game they should of won being 2-1 up going into injury time only for The Trawlerboys to get a very late equaliser face Concord Rangers who lost what sounds a firey match at Thamesmead Town on Tuesday night (http://forums.footballwebpages.co.uk/forum.jsp?id=18&thread=9840)
COLD END VERDICT - RANGERS WHO DON'T TRAVEL WELL WINNING ONLY 3 IN 8 GAMES ON THE ROAD FACE A TOUGH GAME VERSUS WARE WHO HAVE ONLY LOST 1 OF THEIR LAST 7 GAMES.

Wingate and Finchley V Redbridge

One of the home bankers of the weekend with Redbridge winning 1 in 9 on the road against W&F's home form of 6 wins in 9 matches. W&F were unlucky not to get a point at Thames Road last weekend conceeding a last miunte goal which gave Concord all 3 points. The Motormen have conceeded 9 goals in their last two matches scoring zero goals with their last away win coming back on the 18th August.
COLD END VERDICT - EASY HOME WIN FOR W&F

The expert that is THE DIRECTOR will give you his weekend treble and advice regarding the above matches soon.

THE RYMAN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE (NORTH) - THE FAN'S VIEW

We all know Lowestoft Town have taken our Division by storm this season and if they keep up their brilliant form there is a high chance they will be crowned Champions this season. The cold end is always keen to get an opposing fan's view of the league so here is part one of "The Fan's view" where a Trawler Boy's fan answered the following questions about the season so far:

1) Is the Ryman North a higher or lower standard than the Eastern Counties League??
On the face of it this season so far I'd say that ECL appears to be a generally higher standard but I'm gauging that against our own team who have worked very hard all round, have a great set up and pedigree behind the scenes and added to the strength and depth of the squad since joining The Ryman.

2) Who are the best team you've played in the league this season so far?? (question asked prior to the Ware midweek game)
Of those matches that I've seen I'd say best teams have been Ilford and, surprisingly maybe, Leyton. Ilford played well although their goal did come as a result of a free kick that wasn't - but that's football. Leyton were a skillful bunch individually, keeper took the banter well and they didn't loose their discipline and start kicking lumps out of our guys. I didn't see it but I'm told that they even applauded our support - a very respectful touch not see often enough.

3) Best visiting fans so far this year at Crown Meadow??
For me it was the Ilford bunch. It was also a nice sunny afternoon with footie, banter and beer - even if we lost.

4) Best opposing player seen this season??
The Ilford goalie played an absolute blinder. I'm not sure but I think that he's hardly played for them since - something about hoping for an offer from a higher standard? He was good though and the Ilford boys said that he'd played very well in a game earlier in the season too and got some stick from the opposing fans.
We got some good natured banter going with him during the game and had no alternative other than to congratulate him on his performance at the final whistle.
(cold end note - Pape Diagne played in goal for The Foxes at Crown Meadow and produced an inspired display in keeping a clean sheet. Rob Budd who played against Enfield for Ilford has shared keeping duties with Diagne at Cricklefield this season)

5) Did ECL teams bring more away fans to Crown Meadow??
There were more away fans in the ECL but that could be attributed to local rivalries, local knowledge and shorter distances.

6) For a club who get 700-800 at home your away support of 50-80 should be more?? Is it case of the increased travelling has put some people off or has it always been a hardcore that travel away?
The home gate is very good and continuing to grow. Having taken 15000 to Wembley in the Vase a few years ago, the semi last season, the League success, 350-400 to Wrexham in the first round of the FA cup recently the occasional town fan has had their interest and enthusiasm buoyed. The hardcore fans do travel away whenever possible. Again there's a good set up at the club that arranges the coaches for every away game. And they'll take as many as possible. All are volunteers who enjoy the club - and good on them all.

The cold end thanks 'Joseph Conrad' as he posts on the Lowestoft Fans Forum for taking his time out to give us his thoughts. See you in February!

WHEN WILL ANOTHER MATCH BE PLAYED AT COLES PARK??

* Coles Park - Pictured this week where there are some unplayable areas on the pitch.

The Cold End spares a thought for Town's close neighbour's Haringey Borough of the SSMFL Premier Division who haven't played a home game at Coles Park since the 24th October. The pitch at "the real white hart lane" has had some area's unplayable due to the heavy rain over the last few months. Since their last home game versus Harefield United ex Enfield manager Tom Loizou's side have lost at Kingsbury London Tigers (Premier Cup), Tring Athletic, Aylesbury, Broxbourne Boro, Hanwell Town and Colney Heath.

Their London Senior Cup game versus Fisher FC has been called off several times so in order to get it played the 'home' tie now takes place at Champion Hill where Fisher are sharing on Wednesday 23rd December.

The next scheduled home game for Borough is against Royston Town on Monday 28th December.

Sport London E Benfica of the SSMFL Division One who ground-share at Coles Park haven't played a home game since the 23rd September (coming up to nearly 3 months) and are next scheduled to play Holmer Green on the 2nd January 2010.

When the pitch gets back to normal the ground is sure to be a very busy one as Boro and SLEB play catch up with the home games they have missed. The cold end hopes for both clubs this is sooner rather than later.

ANOTHER FOUR GOALS AND ANOTHER THREE POINTS

On a very chilly night Town started versus Waltham Forest as they had done against Maldon Town on Saturday when a Michael Bardle deflected shot hit the right hand post which was unlucky not to make it 1-0.

Forest's goalkeeper Sam Tanner wore the number 33 on his back and decked out with tracksuit trousers on he had the appearance of an Eastern European stopper from the 1980's playing in the UEFA cup. In tonight's Baltic conditions it was certainly like playing somewhere like Russia or Poland in the middle of winter.

Town looked in a confident mood and it didn't take long for them to break the deadlock when Liam Hope received the ball on the edge of the box to pass to Ben Hammond on the right hand side to put a fabulous cross to Adam Wallace at the far post who couldn't miss and put the ball in the back of the net.

It was 2-0 shortly after when Paul Marks broke into the box wit the ball and was tackled from behind at the same time by Ryan Olivia and Pedro Knight, It wasn't a nasty foul but one of the two player's appeared to make contact with Marksy and not the ball with Referee Mr Evatts close by signalling for a penalty kick.

Rudi Hall placed the ball down on the spot with the referee whistling for it to be taken Forest keeper Sam Tanner decided to stand slightly off centre which is a bit of an understatement as he stood by his left hand post leaving Rudi with near enough the whole goal to aim at. Unsurprisingly Rudi's kick went in and it was all good at 2-0.

It was 3-0 when Sam Byfield's high looping corner from the right hand side looked like it was going in the top corner of the goal anyway with Tanner helping it in by palming it for good measure.

So far so good with The Stags unable to get forward due to Town's adventurous forward play. This changed towards the end of the half as the away side got going up front with Peter Smith's hard and low shot on target being well saved by Rob putting the ball over the bar from close range. Danny Gabriel nicked the ball past Rob with the outside of his boot but fortunately around the goal as well with Robert Carter also having a shot off target.

HALF TIME 3-0

Forest started where they had left off in the second half when they hit the cross-bar from close range and had a goal ruled out for being off-side. Steve Newing on the Enfield bench made his feelings known towards the team at this point.

It seemed to do the trick as somewhat against the run of play Town made it 4-0 when Adam Wallace squared the ball over from the right-hand side to Sam Byfield just inside to the centre of the penalty box whose shot went past Tanner in the Forest goal.

Des Thomas then left the field to be replaced by Andre Humphrey-Modeste for the away side. Thomas has had better days at Goldsdown Road as he is famous for once scoring a hat-trick of penalties for Stanstead against Town on 30th October 2001 in the ESL.

Humphrey-Modeste seemed to add some spark to Forest's play and they probably played the better football in the last 10 or 15 minutes in what was a disjointed period due to a raft of substitutions by both sides.

Town had good chances with Byfield stinging the Hands of Tanner with a good shot, Mark Kirby had a good header in front of goal which went high and wide and Adam Wallace had a goal ruled offside.

Forest threatened to make the game competitive with two late goals from Robert Carter and Danny Gabriel but eventually ran out of time with Town the team deserving of a victory.

FULL TIME 4-2.

Enfield have now scored four goals in each of their last three league games which is really good going. The cold end sends congratulations out to the team on another great hard working team performance!!!

The cold end MOM was Adam Wallace for his effort, hard work and commitment shown contributing with one goal and one assist. Ben Hammond was brilliant in the first half as was Rudi Hall throughout the game. Rudi seems to be more disciplined than in years gone by and is back to his best forming a good partnership at the heart of the midfield with Paul Marks. Sam Byfield also had a good game and looks a danger of the left hand side.

ETFC
Blackburne, Blower, Bardle, Smith, Kirby, Marks (Moore), Hammond (Valenti), Hall, Hope, Wallace (Lockie), Byfield
Subs not used - Turner and Bonfield.


OTHER RYMAN GAMES TONIGHT - THE COLD END MAKES A CLEAN SWEEP OF PREDICTIONS.

As predicted in the cold end's midweek preview East Thurrock United beat Heybridge Swifts at home by 3-1, Thamesmead Town won a close battle with Concord Rangers 2-1 and Ware got a good 2-2 draw at home to Lowestoft Town who had to rely on a late equaliser to take a share of the points. Northwood went down 0-5 at home to Carshalton Athletic in the FA Trophy.

THE STAGS VISIT GOLDSDOWN ROAD

Enfield Town welcome The Stags of Waltham Forest tomorrow night for another all important Ryman League Divsion One (North) match. Its a case of 4th plays 11th in what will be another tough game for Steve & Del's side.

Phil Miles is the man in charge at Cricklefield at present having been in the hot-seat since September this year. He has previously managed at Chatham Town, Greenwich Borough and Slade Green with Ray Bagnall and Terry Mallins making up the management team for The Stags.

Forest have won their last two league games at Harlow Town (0-2) on the 5th December and Cheshunt (0-1) on Saturday. Between these two games The Stags went down 0-1 at home to Premier Canvey Island in the Championship Manager Cup. They have a fairly decent away record winning 4 out of 9 games adding victories at Maldon Town and Romford to the above two teams.

Forward Danny Gabriel ex of Heybridge Swifts and Leyton seems to be their main goal-threat having scored 8 times in 22 league and cup games. Peter Smith, a midfielder and new signing from Thamesmead Town has got his Stags career off to a good start scoring the winner on his second appearance against Cheshunt. They also count Andre Humphrey-Modeste and Victor Boyle-Renner amongst their ranks. Boyle-Renner had a spell as Assistant Manager with the team a few years back. Sam Tanner should be the man between the sticks for Forest tomorrow night who has played for Leyton and Stanstead amongst others.

In their game on Saturday against Cheshunt The Ambers seemed had most of the possession but couldn't convert this into chances and Forest scored the only goal on the game on the counter attack.

With this in mind Forest may play the same game as VCD successfully did in our last home game. An early goal like on Saturday would be great!!!

http://www.bwin.com make Town odds-on favourites at 3/4 with an away win at 53/20 and a draw at 5/2.


ANOTHER LONG MIDWEEK TRIP FOR THE TRAWLERBOYS

There are three other league games being playing tomorrow night with Lowestoft Town making another long midweek trip to Woodson Park to take on rejuvenated Ware. Tony Faulkner and the players brought in from Broxbourne Borough have injected some much needed confidence in the Hertfordshire team who have now only lost one game in six scoring ten and letting in nine goals. Ryan Wade who missed a few opportunities against Brentwood on Saturday will be eager to score against the division's top side to prove he can mix it at this level.
Lowestoft who won 5-0 at Redbridge on Saturday with four second half goals could even afford the luxury of bringing on a 16 year old as substitute will be in a confident mood. VERDICT - With the player's Ware have brought in the cold end is confident they will pull away from the relegation zone and they will give the Suffolk side a good game but Lowie may have too much for them tomorrow. The cold end has a sneaky feeling that Ware may get some sort of "result" with wither a draw or a shock win.

EAST THURROCK TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS AGAINST MALDON

Maldon Town showed they are capable in front of goal on Saturday by creating three good chances and The Rocks have recently shown they can be beaten by loosing to Romford and Thamesmead Town. However, The Rocks are very strong at home loosing only one (way back in August surprisingly versus Brentwood) in seven games conceding only 4 goals and will be far too strong for Maldon so THE VERDICT is an easy home win.

CONCORD TO COME UNSTUCK SOUTH OF THE RIVER

Concord Rangers who have played their get out of jail card on the last two Saturday's with last minute winners against Wingate and Finchley and Cheshunt face the long trip South of the River to play The Mead who will be in a confident moor following their great wins at home to East Thurrock and Northwoood. Couple this with Concord winning under 50% of their games on the road THE VERDICT is that 2nd placed Thamesmead will win a closely fought game.

THE COLD END ALSO WISHES THE BEST OF LUCK TO NORTHWOOD WHO FACE PREMIER DIVISION CARSHALTON ATHLETIC IN THEIR F.A TROPHY REPLAY FOLLOWING THEIR IMPRESSIVE 1-1 DRAW ON SATURDAY. THE WINNERS OF THIS MATCH PLAY WORCESTER CITY AWAY IN THE NEXT ROUND.

MAGIC TOWN MASH MALDON

*Maldon's fixture board outside their ground looked like it needed updating

Town brushed aside Maldon Town in a confident and upbeat display of stylish attacking football to go fourth in the Ryman League Division One (North) table today.

On a very chilly day in East Essex the start to the game couldn't of been any better when a Sam Byfield cross went through a crowd of players in the box to Ben Hammond just inside the penalty box to shoot home past Darren Smith in the home goal to make it 1-0 to the Town. The first thing the Maldon stopper had to do in the game was pick the ball out of his own net after only 20 seconds of play.

Maldon looked a big physical side when they came out of the tunnel and most of their play went through impressive Captain Stan Murvo in the centre of midfield; The home side nearly got back into the game when a shot on target was expertly saved at point blank range by the returning Rob Blackburne in the Town goal.

Town were tremendous going forward with Hammond and Byfield on the wings and the Hope/Wallace front pairing causing many problems for the Maldon back four. Wallace is a different player to the one which started the season for Town, He put in 100% effort today holding the ball up brilliantly and running his socks off tracking back very impressively on numerous occasions.

Town made it 2-0 when Byfield put another great cross over from the left to Wallace at the far post whose header found Bardle whose header went over Smith into the net via a nick of the crossbar. Bardle had started this move off with a pass to Byfield and then ran forward into the box.

Maldon came back at Enfield and had another good chance to get back into the game but found Rob Blackburne in inspirational form who tipped a great shot around the left hand post.

"you can't stop me scoring....you just can't stop me scoring!!!"

Paul Marks then capped off a fine first half performance for Town making it 3-0 when Wallace holding the ball up put a through ball to Hammond on the right hand side of midfield whose cross was headed in by Marksy who ran off towards the Town fans gathered on the side of the pitch shouting confidently 'you can't stop me scoring...you just can't stop me scoring' which made most of the team and fans chuckle. Long may this continue for a player who has been a goalscoring revelation from midfield this season...six goals in sixteen league games.

*Steve Newing gives his midfield players instructions from the communal technical area whilst Maldon Manger Colin Wallington watches on

It was always alot to expect the second half to live up to the first and it was Maldon who controlled the first twenty minutes of the second period without ever troubling the Town back four. Town appeared to sit back happy in the knowledge the 3 points were in the bag already.

It was 4-0 when a high looping cross from a now very confident Byfield on the left was headed in at the back post by Wallace. Maldon continued to play some nice football backed by their goalkeeper Smith who continued to loudly shout instructions and advice to his team-mates despite being down by four goals. You have to admire his enthusiasm for the game and he was given a deserved rousing round of applause by the Town faithful behind his goal at the end of the match. "KINGY HOOK IT" was his favourite shout every time centre back Paul King got the ball at his feet. Maldon did have one good chance when a shot on target was well saved by a the flying dive of Blackburne.

Liam Hope who deserved a goal for his efforts had a good shot on target well saved by Mr Loud and was then unlucky when his "goal" was ruled offside after some great play by Paul Marks. Hope's luck will change and is due a goal on Tuesday night.

A superb team performance from Town which was very enjoyable to watch. The cold end's man of the match goes to Sam Byfield on the left wing who made three of the goals in his best game for Town so far. Ben Hammond with his industry, effort and enthusiasm as always also stood out as did Adam Wallace up front. Rob Blackburne returning in goal deserved his clean sheet with the three great saves he made.

Special mention has to go to referee Mr Margetts who had a great game. I can't remember him booking anyone during the game. There were one or two clumsy late challenges that other over-zealous referees would of shown the yellow card for. Instead Mr Margetts waited and had a quiet word with the player which seemed to do the trick. Well done to him and his two assistants for letting a tremendous game flow perfectly.

ETFC
Blackburne, Blower, Bardle, McKay, Kirby, Marks, Hammond (Lockie) , Hall (Moore) , Hope, Wallace (Valenti), Byfield.
Sub not used: Turner

*Town supporters shelter from the rain in the second half - The glory of the Ryman League!!!

THE COLD END RECOMMENDS

From time to time I like to recommend some websites which may interest readers of the cold end. Here is a list of some of the websites the cold end has been reading recently:

European Football Weekends
http://www.europeanfootballweekends.blogspot.com/

Cold Tuesday Evenings - Mainly about Basingstoke Town but it does stray off topic
http://coldtuesdayevenings.blogspot.com/

Two Hundred Percent - Well written professionally produced football website with many articles on non-league issues.. The cold end's favourite website.
http://www.twohundredpercent.net/

The Famous Isthmian Fans Website and Forum - A particularly informative site on Ryman issues including a forum which is always good to read to find out what fans of other clubs are thinking.
http://isthmianfans.co.uk/

THE WEKEND RYMAN NORTH PREVIEW

BRENTWOOD TOWN V WARE

Town escaped with 1-0 away win at Leyton last Saturday thanks to an 86th minute Dean Pennant headed goal from a Danny Glozier free kick. Pennant signed from Waltham Forest was one of two debutants in Brentwood's side in E10 with ex Canvey Island striker Ian Luck signed from Aveley also making his first appearance. Glozier who has played against Enfield Town for Brentwood and AFC Hornchurch is one of the best left-backs in the league with his free kicks and crosses into the box being a constant danger to opposing sides,this coupled with him being a penalty specialist makes him a very handy player. Reis Noel and Darren Blewitt the Brentwood centre backs have also been playing very well in their current eight game unbeaten run. The game in Leyton looked to be a frustrating afternoon for Brentwood who had had enough chances to put the game to bed but came up against a resolute Leyton side who had been thrashed at Lowestfot the week before.

New Ware boss Tony Faulkner will be very encouraged by the 3-1 win at Great Wakering Rovers last weekend. A game they dominated from start to finish with goal-scoring machine Ryan Wade who followed Faulkner from Broxbourne Borough getting his first two goals for his new club. Ex Towner Luke Marshall is also among a clutch of players following the manager from Goffs Lane to Woodson Park as is Sam Ruff (Boro's young player of the season last year) who was the other goal-scorer on Saturday.
Ex Stevenage Borough youngster Thomas Mustapha was named as man of the match against GWR. Ware played out a local derby in midweek against SSMFL St Margaretsbury in the Herts Senior Cup which as reported they lost 1-0. Ware were missing all the players who followed their manager from Goffs Lane as they were cup tied from an earlier round.

VERDICT - A CLOSE GAME TO CALL WITH RESURGENT BRENTWOOD TOWN UNBEATEN IN EIGHT LEAGUE GAMES BUT WHO STRUGGLED TO BEAT A POOR LEYTON SIDE LAST WEEKEND FACING FAULKNER'S NEW LOOK WARE SIDE WHO WON EASILY AT AN OUT OF FORM GWR SIDE WHO APPARENTLY HAD SOME FIRST TEAMERS OUT OF ACTION. WITH THE NEW PLAYERS RECRUITED BY WARE I THINK THEY MAY JUST SHADE THIS ONE.

CHESHUNT V WALTHAM FOREST

The Ambers down in 19th place face The Stags currently in 12th place. Cheshunt were very unlucky not to get a point at home last Saturday versus Concord Rangers who scored a last minute winner in the 1-2 win in a game Cheshunt were leading whereas Forest won 0-2 away at Harlow Town in what was described as a routine victory.. This was Forest's third away victory in eight games after they beat Maldon 0-1 on the opening day and Romford 3-4 on the 10th October. Bob Dearie's Cheshunt side have lost 5 of their last 6 league games but have won four of their ten home league games agianst Redbridge, Ilford, Tilbury (who don't travel well) and Brentwood.

VERDICT - ANOTHER CLOSE ONE TO CALL, THE AMBERS WERE UNLUCKY VERSUS CONCORD LAST WEEKEND AND THE STAGS WIN AGAINST HARLOW WAS THEIR FIRST IN SEVEN LEAGUE GAMES. POSSIBLY A SCORE DRAW.

CONCORD RANGERS V WINGATE AND FINCHLEY

Fortress Thames Road is unlikely to be broken by poor travelling W&F. The Rangers have got over their poor spell of three defeats in a row with victories over Harlow Town and Cheshunt. They have won 6 of 8 league games at home only letting in 4 goals whereas as David Norman's Wingate side don't like scoring on the road with only 7 goals in their 9 games (2nd lowest scorers on the road ahead of only Ilford on 5).

VERDICT - AN AWAY WIN OR DRAW WILL BE A SHOCK RESULT. EXPECT CONCORD TO RUN OUT EASY WINNERS.

HARLOW TOWN V ROMFORD

The Hawks who have conceeded the most goals at home (29 in 10) meet Boro the side who have conceeded the most on the road (25 in 10) at Barrows Farm.
Marvin Samuel has been busy recruiting new players for the struggling Hawks with goalkeeper Callum Horton signing from W&F, central midfielder Trevor Elliott and winger Tasar Hassan have also been recruited from Kent League side Fisher FC. Samuel has also been reported to want to sign up to four defenders. Boro were 3-2 shock winners versus East Thurrock last weekend which is their only win in last six games.

VERDICT - THERE SHOULD BE GOALS GOALS GOALS!!! HARLOW WILL BE ENCOURAGED BY THE GOOD PERFORMANCE AGAINST THE DAGGERS IN MIDWEEK BUT ARE WITHOUT A WIN IN ELEVEN GAMES. ANOTHER CLOSE GAME TO CALL WITH POSSIBLY A SCORE DRAW BEING THE OUTCOME.

ILFORD V VCD ATHLETIC

The Vicker's on form winning five of their last six games and in their last four away games have beaten Potters Bar Town, Enfield Town and Heybridge only loosing narrowly to Lowestoft Town 2-0 should continue their good form at Cricklefields. Since the beginning of October The Foxes have only three wins against Redbridge, Harlow and Leyton in their 11 league games gaining a creditable draw at home to Thamesmead Town last weekend.

VERDICT - PAUL FOLEY'S VICKERS SIDE TO GAIN ANOTHER WIN AT THE EXPENSE OF CHRIS WOOD'S FOXES SIDE IN A LOW SCORING GAME.

LEYTON V POTTERS BAR TOWN

Struggling Leyton haven't won at home in the league this season but were very unlucky not to take a point against Brentwood last weekend may get the chance of win should the Potters Bar that turned up against Town last Saturday turn up in E10. The Scholar's good record on the road (five wins in eight games) against Leyton's dismal home record (o wins in 9 games with only 6 goals scored) points towards an away victory.

VERDICT - THE SCHOLAR'S CAN'T BE AS POOR AS THEY WERE AGAINST TOWN AND BRENTWOOD HAD MANY CHANCES TO KILL THE GAME OFF AGAINST LEYTON LAST WEEKEND. THEREFORE, AN AWAY DAY WIN IN LONDON FOR ADAM LEE'S SIDE.

MALDON TOWN V ENFIELD TOWN
THE BIG MATCH PREVIEW

The Wallace Binder Stadium hosts Enfield Town's travelling army this weekend where the home side down in 15th place in the league have won only three in ten home league games. Tilbury on the 5th Septemer and more recently W&F and Ilford have been beaten with Harlow Town and Thamesmead Town drawing and Waltham Forest, Romford, Cheshunt, Northwood and Brentwood all coming away with three points.

In mid September then Maldon boss Stuart Nethercott left the club with Essex Senior League club Tiptree United's boss Colin Wallington (who had previously managed Maldon) installed as Manager. The Jam Maker's chairman also took over at The Wallace Binder Stadium with the two club's coming under a broad umbrella of control and both playing at Maldon's ground. Tiptree's stadium at Chapel Road has been apparently been acquired by other people who will take over the ground. More information on - http://www.maldonandburnhamstandard.co.uk/archive/2009/09/18/Sport+%28mbs_sport%29/4637225.Shock_changes_at_Maldon_Town_and_Tiptree_United/

Maldon lost at home to Lowestoft Town 0-3 in the Championship Manger cup on Tuesday night in a match that the Trawler Boy's didn't play their full first team due to some of their players coming down with Flu. The Suffolk side could of won the game by a few more as they had lots of chances.

Town's back four will not have to contend with 6foot 3 inch forward Sean Beverney on Saturday. The Guyan has over 50 caps and 20 goals for his country has returned to his home country for International duty and is due to return after christmas. He has scored 3 times in 5 league and cup games this season and did have a trial at League Two side Macclesfield Town in the pre-season. His strike partner Jack Jeffries known as JJ has played for Grays Athletic prior to signing for Maldon also played for West Ham United and Leyton Orient as a youngster. JJ is top scorer with 6 goals in 12 league and cup games.

VERDICT - IF TOWN PLAY AS GOOD AS THEY DID VERSUS POTTERS BAR WE SHOULD COME AWAY WITH THE THREE POINTS. WE HAVE NOW ONLY LOST TWICE ON THE ROAD SCORING 20 AND LETTING IN 12 GOALS.

REDBRIDGE V LOWESTOFT TOWN

Redbridge gained a shock win at home to Concord Rangers on the 7th November but have since lost at home to Maldon Town (1-3) and beat Cheshunt (1-0). Last weekend they were thrashed by Heybridge Swifts away 4-0. Lowestoft just keep winning and winning even with some first team players missing as stated against Maldon Town. They are still the only unbeaten side away from home in the league.

VERDICT - ANOTHER WIN FOR THE TRAVELLING TRAWLER BOYS AGAINST 18TH PLACED MOTORMEN

THAMESMEAD TOWN V EAST THURROCK UNITED

East Thurrock United now look like the only challengers to Lowestoft Town for the league title and following the shock result at Romford got back to winning ways in style beating Heybridge Swifts 4-0. Thamesmead have a good home record with only Lowestoft Town and Enfield Town winning at Bayliss Avenue but have stuttered of late with only one win in six games. East Thurrock love to score goals with 41 in 16 games so far this season and their quality strike force of Steve West and Sam Higgins will always hit the back of the net at this level.

VERDICT - EASY AWAY WIN BY TWO CLEAR GOALS.

TILBURY V HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS

The Swifts last two games have been won 4-0 at home and lost 4-0 away (as above to East Thurrock) and have a terrible record away from Scraley Road with only one win in ten games. Tilbury have one of the best home records in the league and as I've stated before are turning Chadfield's into a fortress (seven wins in nine games with only one defeat on day one of the season to Potters Bar, their last four home games have been won 2-0, won 4-1, won 2-0 and won 4-1).

VERDICT - ANOTHER HOME WIN FOR THE DOCKERS.

The director will return later in the week with his treble of the week which will hopefully bash the bookies on Saturday.