COOKE SIZZLES TO FIRE ILFORD
ILFORD recovered from a desperate start in desperate conditions to hold Tower Hamlets to a 1-1 draw at Cricklefield Stadium. Tower’s Wale Odedoyin scored after three minutes. But after that, they couldn’t get past Isaac Nkozi, a tower of strength in Ilford’s defence. Ilford’s Tony Cooke leveller while veteran striker Chris Stevens spurned two great chances to win the game. Ilford boss Allan Fenn told The NLP: “Having come back in the second half we probably should have won.” Tragedy struck Wadham Lodge when one of their players died suddenly overnight so their match against leaders Redbridge was called off. Third placed Basildon United lost 3-1 at home to Sawbridgeworth Town. Marcus Bowers scored for Basildon but James May, George Pullen and Toby Cleaver sealed the victory. Clapton overcame Enfield 2-1 at Barrows Farm. Jeffrey Cobblah put them two-up before Ado Odukoya pulled one back. Stansted won at Southend Manor, courtesy of Stefan Neilson’s early goal. Second-half goals from Great Wakering Rovers’ Nathan Dewberry and Chris Bryan saw off Sporting Bengal United at Mile End Stadium. Waltham Forest moved further away from danger after a 19th-minute goal from Vicente Belho overcame fellow strugglers Burnham Ramblers. West Essex beat Woodford Town (2017) 3-2, James Bromley, Joe Lefley and Michael Mignot scoring in 15 second-half minutes. Bottom club Hackney Wick led at home to Barkingside. But Roddie Lemba bagged a hat trick and Mattheus Santos, Kofi Billzu, Michael Ogboin and James Briggs completed a 7-1 rout.