Sabha’s back-to-back wins six months apart
Teams remember Prince Philip ahead of their return to action
The East Berkshire League made its much-anticipated return to action on Saturday after a five-month pause to the season due to the coronavirus outbreak, writes
Rob Stevens.
Since the enforced suspension back in October, League officials had been planning for a re-start with clubs voting to resume with the current constitution in a Special General Meeting earlier this month.
It means there will be a mouth-watering schedule of football over the coming weeks until the new End Of Season date on Saturday 26 June, with titles and relegation to battle for and against across all four divisions.
There was however time for reflection before kick off last weekend as clubs and officials paused for a minutes silence in memory of Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh. The League would like to pass on its condolences to Her
Majesty The Queen, The
Royal Family and all those affected by the terribly sad news last week.
Singh Sabha had to wait six months between their first and second matches in the Premier Division this season but made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 victory over Britwell. Dillon Bains and Jovan Bains were on the scoresheet
for the hosts in a good-quality game. Aydn Coomber was on target for Britwell who are taking the positives from their first league defeat of the campaign.
Slough Heating Laurencians A beat KS Gryf 3-1 in the derby match at the Polish Club, elevating them above their rivals in the table to fourth place.
Iver Heath maintained their perfect winning record in Division One after thrashing bottom side Hambleden 5-0 thanks to goals from Ryan Partington, Carl Elcombe, James McIntyre, Jack Poole and Liam Connor.
Debutant Vincent van Lembergen was the star player for Hype Train in their 1-1 draw at Hounslow Wanderers. The Belgian was given the Captain’s armband and led the defensive line brilliantly. Jack Reddings scored from the penalty spot on his first start for Hype Train.
Old Windsor Reserves got their campaign under way with a 3-1 home win against Townmead with goals from Lex Young, Callum Pitcher and John Cook as well as a man-of-the-match performance by James Ashu.
The unbeaten Eton Wick moved three points clear at the top in Division Two thanks to a 2-1 victory over Stoke Poges Saints Reserves.
Pundit FC are hot on the heels of the leaders after a 2-1 win at Chalvey Sports A. The Chalvey keeper kept his side in the game at times but the hosts were undone by a late winning goal. Jamie Dobson netted for the losing side.
FC Baylis United inflicted a first defeat on AFC Cressex after a narrow 1-0 success at the Holmer Farm Recreation Ground, whilst Phoenix Old Boys 4s won a five-goal thriller at AFC Winkfield Reserves 3-2. Joel Burton bagged a brace for Phoenix and there was also an unfortunate Winkfield own goal.
The Development Division is in its inaugural season and provides an opportunity for younger teams (maximum of five players over the age of 23 in a match day squad) to make the transition into adult grassroots football.
Chalfont St Peter moved to the top of the table after an emphatic 10-0 win at bottom side Pinewood Panthers, while there was nothing between Wokingham & Emmbrook and Sandhurst Town in a 2-2 draw at Cantley Park. To enter the East Berkshire League or for further information about the league please email secebfl@hotmail.com