ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE OPENING FIXTURES

The beginning of the 2025/26 Essex Senior League starts in a little over a week's time with some Friday night football action. It's local derby time as West Essex host Romford at Wadham Lodge whilst at Burroughs Park White Ensign welcome SOUL Tower Hamlets. 

The East London side return to Step Five for the first time since 2022 when they were relegated from the Southern Counties East Premier Division. The newly merged club who joined forces with SOUL FC last summer were promoted via the SCEL Division One play-offs.

SOUL have recently announced two impressive signings.

Samir Bihmoutine, 31, who has previously played for Wingate & Finchley, Enfield Town, Braintree Town and Ware amongst other clubs after starting his career with Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth. 

Jason Hallett,38, is a name well known around local non-league circles. He has previously played for a number of clubs including Waltham Abbey, East Thurrock United, Canvey Island, Chelmsford City and Walthamstow scoring goals wherever he has played. 

It's great to see Harwich & Parkeston back at Step Five for the first time since the 2009/10 season when they pulled out of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division mid-season. The Shrimpers amazing Royal Oak ground is a favourite among many non-league fans and will be a very welcome away trip in the Essex Senior League. They travel to Great Wakering Rovers on the opening Saturday of the season before hosting Halstead Town in mid-week. 

Hackney Wick and Sporting Bengal United also return to the league with The Wick promoted back up from the Thurlow Nunn First Division South and United dropping down after a one season stay in The Isthmian League North Division. 

It's been a real up and down roller coaster ride for Sporting Bengal United over the past few years with relegation to Step Six at the end of the 21/22 season followed by two promotions via the play-offs to Step Four and relegation at the end of the last campaign. For a club of their size to get to that level of football was a huge achievement for all involved - I'm sure they will up towards the top of the table this season. 

FRIDAY 25th JULY

West Essex v  Romford 

White Ensign v SOUL Tower Hamlets FC

SATURDAY 26th JULY

Barking v Basildon United 

Benfleet v Frenford 

Great Wakering Rovers v Harwich & Parkeston 

Hackney Wick v Woodford Town 

Halstead Town v Sporting Bengal United 

Ilford v Buckhurst Hill

Little Oakley v Athletic Newham 

Saffron Walden Town v Hullbridge Sports 

TUESDAY 29th JULY

Athletic Newham v Great Wakering Rovers 

Basildon United v Benfleet 

Frenford v Ilford 

Harwich & Parkeston v Halstead Town 

Hullbridge Sports v Little Oakley FC

West Essex v Woodford Town 

WEDNESDAY 30th JULY

Buckhurst Hill v SOUL Tower Hamlets 

Romford v Saffron Walden Town 

Sporting Bengal United v Hackney Wick 

White Ensign v Barking