The Essex Senior League title race is heating up as the Christmas break is fast approaching. Sporting Bengal currently leads the way but with only one automatic promotion spot up for grabs, let’s look at some of the favourites that could take home that top spot! (stats correct as of Friday 15th December).
1st - SPORTING BENGAL UNITED
Starting with the leaders, newly promoted Bengal finds themselves with a narrow 1-point cushion over Tilbury in second, and after suffering defeat on Wednesday night at home to Great Wakering Rovers have played two extra games. Despite this, the East London-based side has had a phenomenal run going on a 5-game winning streak in the league. A massive turnaround from the start of the season which saw manager, Steve Clark, pick up the league’s award for November Manager of the Month. A man who has helped this success has been Sheri Artmeladze who has netted 17 times in 18 league appearances for The Bengal Tigers ranking him fourth in the league’s top scorers list.
2nd - TILBURY FC
The Dockers went into the season as favourites after being relegated from the Isthmian North last season. However, a surprising start to their campaign left them goalless in their opening two fixtures. But wow have things turned around! Marc Harrison and Liam Wallace’s side went on a magnificent 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions and are still yet to be beaten in the league since August. Star striker, Roman Campbell has converted 13 times in the Essex Senior League since re-joining for his second stint at the club. Tilbury have also just announced their latest addition of Ben Marlow from National League North side, Bishop’s Stortford, making many believe they have what it takes to go all the way!
3rd - WOODFORD TOWN
Woodford Town were leading the way and had a healthy gap at the top, but since hitting a difficult run of form now sit 4 points adrift from Bengal out in front. The Woods have also recently taken another massive blow in young striker, Luke Parrot, leaving the club to join step 3 side, Hashtag United. But this hasn’t affected their goalscoring capabilities as the last time they failed to score in the league was the 13th of October when they faced a heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Tilbury. Nathan Sollosi is one of the names commonly found on the scoresheet and being involved in a core with born leader and captain, Eli Benoit, Woodford Town are very much up for the fight!
4th - ROMFORD FC
After already spending a season in the Essex Senior League following their relegation from the Isthmian North, Romford had a brilliant start to the campaign, as they went their opening 8 league games without a defeat. But recently, The Boro have had a change of scenery as they have moved into their own ground at Rookery Hill which is the former stadium of East Thurrock United. Since the move, Romford have had some massive results at their new home including a dramatic 2-1 victory over Woodford, courtesy of a Kris Newby cross-cum-shot. However, The Blues do now sit in fourth place, with some ground to make up if they want to snatch that top spot.
Comments