Match Preview

With thanks to Richard M for the research............

Wednesday sees The Blues return to action in the 3rd Round of the Essex Senior Cup, playing Athletic Newham FC, at Mayesbrook Park, home of Barking FC.

To my recollection, the two sides have never met, perhaps not surprising as Athletic Newham were only founded in 2015, as Lopes Tavares London, named after their Chairman. The club changed its name to Athletic Newham in 2020.

In the last 8 years Athletic Newham have come a long way, from junior football via the Essex Alliance League and Eastern Counties League, earning promotion to the Essex Senior League in 2021.

Success has continued with a great run in the FA Vase in 2021/22. Littlehampton Town were defeated 5-0 in the last 32 and a 5th round tie beckoned. Sadly Athletic Newham were found to have played a suspended player and were expelled from the competition.

The fact that the reinstated Littlehampton made it all the way to the Final at Wembley will no doubt fuel Athletic Newham's desire to have a similar run themselves. This season they qualified for the last 64 with a good win away at Wembley FC, progressing on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Their reward is a home tie against Erith Town and along with the clutch of other Essex teams still involved in the Vase, we wish them every success.

In the League, Athletic Newham are currently 7th in the Essex Senior League having played 17 games with 9 wins and 8 losses. They reached this round of the Senior Cup after a 4-2 win at Stansted in the 1st round, followed by a 5-1 thumping of Romford at Mayesbrook Park.

With that background, it will come as no surprise that Athletic Newham have plenty of firepower, with leading marksman Richard Kone scoring 18 in 17 games. Daniel Izekor has scored 10 in 17 games and Joel Appiah has 7 in 18 games. The Blues defence has been warned!

For Blues this is an important game and the last chance this season for a Cup victory after first time defeats in FA Cup, Trophy and Velocity Cup. A win is long overdue and Wednesday night would be a great place to start before the crucial League game at Stowmarket on Saturday.

COYB!