Epping Town v Jolof Sports

Friendly

Saturday 1st August 2020

Kick Off 14.30 Actual 14.38

Epping Town 2 Jolof Sports 2, attendance 16

55’ 0-1

81’ 1-1

82’ 1-2

90’+ 1, 2-2

@ Ashton Playing Fields

Chigwell Road

Woodford Green

IG8 8AA

No Admission or Programme.

The earlier game had kicked off late, but with this being less than four miles away, it meant I still arrived at 14.21 and the game then kicked off eight minutes late anyway.

This was Essex Olympian League versus Essex Alliance League. Jolof Sports always looked the better team and were physically fitter and stronger in all areas. The draw certainly flattered Epping.

The venue is a large playing field. When you enter, there is the car park and changing room/reception buildings, with a floodlit athletics track to the left. This is where Woodford Town are supposedly going to be ‘building’ their new ground, although there is no evidence of this at the moment and the pitch is in an absolutely dreadful state. Beyond this is a synthetic hockey pitch, then a huge expanse of grass, with the pitch used today being in the far left hand corner, running parallel with the M11, which is behind the trees along the left hand touchline. There were two other games taking place on adjacent pitches.

Above : The goal posts could do with a lick of paint!

Debden Park v Dagenham United

Friendly

Saturday 1st August 2020

Kick Off 12.15 Actual 12.24

Debden Park 3 Dagenham United 1, attendance 17

1’ 1-0

35’ 2-0

38’ 2-1

70’ 3-1

@ Debden Park High School, 3G Pitch

Willingale Road

Debden

Loughton

IG10 2BQ

No Admission or Programme.

It was 20 weeks ago today that I last watched a match ‘live’, meaning a run of 139 blank days without football, as a result of restrictions imposed following the Covid-19 pandemic. It was good to get out to watch some sport again, even if it was just for a friendly.

The match was Mid Essex League versus Essex Alliance League. Debden Park were always on top, but Dagenham kept it close throughout. Despite it being very hot, the game was played with just a quick drinks break midway through each half.

Despite it being a ‘cage’, it shows just what can be done with a little bit of thought as far as spectator viewing is concerned. Two decent sections of bench seating built into the grass banking meant this felt like a proper ground.