High-energy performance seals victory for title-chasing Old Southendian – 1st Feb 2025

The first match of February was a welcome return to the Essex Olympian League, with this Premier Division match between title-chasing leaders Old Southendian and Wakering Sports at a chilly Garon Park, who are having a fine season in their first one as a step 7 side & are still chasing a top-four spot. The cold did not affect the Greens as they pushed forward early on, with quick forward Nathan Elgie’s decent effort being gathered by young Sports custodian Joe Barnett. Elgie & skipper Nick Henesy were breaking forward on the flanks to good effect in the early stages, and Sports could not thwart them. The pressure did tell as the opening goal arrived on 14 minutes, with a fierce strike by Matt Tonking being too strong to hold for the unfortunate Barnett. Altan Ali’s side were certainly keen to maintain the pressure & the goals with the visitors being starved of possession.

The lead was extended on twenty minutes when talisman Mitchell Ali played in Ruben Philip on goal and Philip’s low drive past Barnett duly found the net. Even at this point, you felt Wakering would have to show character to stay in the contest. To their credit, they did start to show the spirit which has seen them reach this level, in itself a commendable achievement. Just past the half hour, a good strike by forward Dave Watson had to be blocked for a corner. The trio of Connor Fardyga, Ciaran Sweeney and Watson were looking lively, though OS were resolute in their defending and restricting ball time for Gary Hanger’s team. Wakering did have a half-chance four minutes before the interval, as defender Edward Johns’ header rattled the crossbar. Overall, the forward line of OS were creating problems with their fast passing game, with Nathan Elgie, Mitchell Ali, Ruben Philip, Nick Henesy and Neil MacLean all passing the ball quickly & finding good rhythm in out-pacing the Wakering midfield.

HT: Old Southendian 2 – 0 Wakering Sports

The break came at a good time for the visitors but Old Southendian were certainly keen to outwork their opponents and create chances, almost at will. That mindset was further shown a minute after the break when Philip shot wide of the left-side post & Ali’s curling drive went just wide soon afterwards. Wakering did as the half went on gather the ball and strive to utilise their own passing game on the artificial surface at Garons. On 49 minutes, a decent run and good cross in by Sweeney down the right found the head of Aaron Cooper but he couldn’t get the power on it to bypass home goalkeeper Johnathan Pitts, who gathered. Pitts was in action again just short of the hour as good initial work by Fardyga created a chance for Watson but his strike drew a good save out of the OS goalkeeper.

At the other end, the likes of Mitch Ali, Neil MacLean and Ruben Philip were continuing to pose problems. We nearly saw a stellar goal but after Philip got past three defenders with his pace and quick feet on the ball, Barnett did well to deny him. Scott Bassett has scored a few goals of late for Sports & his good strike fizzed wide of the right-side post but this was not to be his team’s day. Old Southendian did get a third goal five minutes from time as Mitchell Ali fizzed a low drive right into the left corner, giving Barnett little chance and seal a good afternoon’s work for his team.

Full-Time: Old Southendian 3 – 0 Wakering Sports

In summary, the sheer pace of their passing game and the defensive workload saw the ‘Old Boys’ to a well-earned victory in their quest to win an elusive EOFL Premier Division title and possible elevation to Step 6. To their credit, Wakering Sports kept battling, particularly in the second half and created a few chances themselves. Altan Ali’s OS side have got past many sides in the last 12 – 15 months at this level and Wakering Sports will learn a lot about competing with a high-energy side like OS are.

For victors Old Southendian, playmaker Mitchell Ali added a good goal here in what is another super season for him at this level. More than that though, he showed he is a hugely important link between midfield & attack and his movement made the Sports defence work hard throughout. Full-back Billy Taylor had a fine match also, making several good clearances and passed the ball well out of defence in addition to a good work rate/. Midfielder Neil MacLean also added a lot to his team’s high-pace passing ‘give & go’ set-up and showed hguile and good passing. Finally, a mention for left-sided forward Nathan Elgie who really pushed down thank flank to good effect, putting a number of fine crosses into the penalty box and also made good incisive breaks from the channel.

For Wakering Sports, defender Edward Johns did and admirable job of dealing with the amount of pressure OS were putting on his team in making them defend, showing decent positioning and being up for the battle. Forward Connor Fardyga showed enough here to get a sense of why he’s having a super goal-scoring season, as he made several probing breaks forward & had a couple of chances to test the opposition backline. Midfielder Aaron Cooper had a good game also and tried to instigate some forward moves as well as aiding his team in defence. Lastly, forward Dave Watson showed some good skill at times, particularly in the second half when Wakering had more time on the ball.