The Capital League is Back

[Sponsor of Beer]

As the Capital League returns to a two division format for 2011-12, the League Secretary has helpfully met the request for away fixtures until the QE is complete and available.

 

Town start the season with a trip to old friends AFC Hornchurch on Thursday 18 August, kick off 19:45 at Bridge Avenue.

 

The remainder of the Eastern Division constitution for the coming season is Billericay Town, Braintree Town, Brentwood Town, Chelmsford City, Cheshunt, Ebbsfleet Town, Enfield 1893, Harlow Town & Potters Bar Town.

 

Hopefully EU will be able to provide some analysis before he disappears off on holiday.

 

[Sponsor of Beer]

Kick off confirmed 19:30 on Thursday, Dave Axcell officiating.

[Sponsor of Beer]

A fine two one win last night to kick off the season.

 

Jamie Smyth's injury time winner (to add to his opener)securing all 3 points, after the Urchins had equalised in the 89th minute.

[Eastside Urchin]

I was hoping to go but thought that after the downpour we had just before kick off that the game would be off,after spending 7 grand on the pitch in the summer it seems that playing on it may of cost the club dear as it took a hammering from what I hear.A very young urchins side which will be our capital league side played but by the sound of it they more than held their own,very encouraging for the future.

[Sponsor of Beer]

Here's the view from the bech:

 

Capital League - AFC Hornchurch 1 ETFC Reserves 2

 

After torrential rain all-day an ETFC reserves team comprised entirely of under 18’s all bar one made their way to play Hornchurch FC on a wet Thursday evening in Upminster Essex.

 

ETFC started well in a 4:3:3.formation and were by far the better team in the first half in terms of passing and movement.  At times tough we were caught a little square at the back to the more physical and Direct Hornchurch team.  Consequently Hornchurch had a couple of good chances but ETFC Captain and Goal Keeper Charlie Crawley with his composed defence overall coped well. However going forward the young Enfield Beasts were really hurting Hornchurch with some great movement and inter-play and only lacked a final end product with the game surprisingly reaching halftime goal-less.  In the second half ETFC buoyed by their first half performance we went up a gear and started to pin back Hornchurch.  ETFC continually probed down the flanks especially to the quick and tricky Connor Bolton who was terrorising their fullbacks and combining well with the relentless Rhys Hunt who was providing some excellent overlapping full back runs.  On the other flank Kieran Pearce at 16 years of age played in front of fellow new comer Daniel Laurent who both made an impressive capital league debuts.  Eventually after some great passing again we got our deserved breakthrough and went 1 up via a well taken Jamie Smyth strike. How we were not 2 or 3 up after 20mins of the 2nd half was down to some excellent Hornchurch defending against our relentless pressure.  Scott Hayes in the centre of the park was now running the show and playing with a real swagger supported well by his lieutenants Andrew Folan and Izci Eren who both looked dangerous in front of goal.  However the tension was rising as ETFC failed to convert our dominance into a 2nd goal and Cem Aytac and Ciaran Dolan were much busier and solid at centre half as Hornchurch started to seek an equaliser.  Hornchurch were physically strong and well organised and whilst we played the better football everyone could sense that inevitably Hornchurch's best chance would come from a set piece.  As feared after being pinning Hornchurch in their own half a long ball from a disputed free kick we conceding another cheap free kick on the edge of our box 5mins from time. A low skimming strike past the wall into the Corner gave Hornchurch the unlikeliest of equalisers. However although disappointed the young lads rallied quickly, didn't panic and continued to play their quick 1 touch football that cut through Hornchurch for Jamie Smyth man of the match to strike a cruise missile half volley winner from just inside the penalty box to seal a great performance and win for the youngsters seconds from the end. Great all round performance from every player and a fitting end to great game witnessed by some loyal ETFC fans who supported the young guns in the rain.  Everyone left buzzing and looking forward to our next game away to Billericay Town on the 31st of August where once again we hope to pit the young beasts against the blues in preparation for our FA Youth cup game on the 6th September.  Hope to see you all there and thanks for your fantastic support.

[Eastside Urchin]

I wish we was still called Hornchurch FC but unfortunately we are called AFC Hornchurch nowadays

 

 

 

Sorry for being a wee bit pedantic