Saturday 30th August, 2025 | Buckhurst Hill 0-2 Hullbridge Sports | Essex Senior League Premier | Attendance : 76
By Harry Biggs
Buckhurst Hill FC couldn’t extend their winning run from their FA Vase triumph, falling 2–0 to Hullbridge Sports at Roding Lane on a wet and miserable Saturday afternoon.
Mark Williams made just one change to the side that advanced against Basildon United in the Vase. It came late, with Ethan Daniels injured in the warm-up and Daniel Sayer stepping into defence. Christian North retained his place in goal, with Sayer joining Harris, Edwards, and Foster at the back. Williams captained the team, partnered in midfield by Banfield and Maltese. On the wings, Levi Burgin—impressive against Basildon—was joined by Tyler Dolan and Reece Lee Simpson in a front three.
First Half: Stags on Top but Wasteful
The opening 45 minutes belonged to Buckhurst Hill, who dominated but failed to score.
Within two minutes, Callum Maltese struck a fine free-kick that was denied by visiting goalkeeper Alexandru. The Stags won set pieces regularly, but Alexandru proved equal to every effort, saving another two from Maltese and one from Banfield.
The turning point of the match arrived in the 28th minute. After an off-the-ball clash between Burgin and Hullbridge’s Taylor Jacobi, Jacobi appeared to shove Burgin to the ground and stamp on him. Following consultation with his assistant, the referee brandished a red card for Jacobi. Burgin received only a yellow for his part in the incident.
Hullbridge’s first real chance came from a free-kick that flew just wide, while Buckhurst Hill’s best opportunity fell to Simpson, who saw his effort deflected for a corner. Despite their dominance, the hosts went in goalless at the break.
Second Half: Hullbridge Strike Back
The momentum shifted dramatically after the interval. Ten-man Hullbridge took the lead within ten minutes when North brought down a visiting forward in the box. Tobias Barney stepped up and confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1–0.
Williams turned to his bench, bringing on Tony Martin and Alfie Padington for Simpson and Burgin. But Hullbridge soon doubled their advantage. Dolan surrendered possession in midfield, allowing a ball over the top for substitute George Briton-Watkins, who rifled into the top corner past North to make it 2–0.
Further changes followed, with Hammond replacing Banfield and Nicolaou coming on for Sayer as Williams chased the game. Chances did come—the best falling to Hammond, who blazed over from close range after Dolan’s cross—but the cutting edge was absent.
Late on, Padington picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge, summing up a frustrating afternoon.
Full-Time: Missed Chances Costly
Despite controlling the first half and playing much of the game with a man advantage, Buckhurst Hill failed to capitalise. Hullbridge, clinical on the counter, took their chances and left Roding Lane with all three points.
TEAM :
North 🧤, Foster, Edwards, Harris, Sayer, Williams ©, Maltese, Banfield, Simpson, Burgin 🟨, Dolan
SUBS NOT USED :
Padington 🟨 (57’ – Burgin), Hammond (64’ – Banfield), Nicolaou (74’ – Sayer), Martin (57’ – Simpson), Daniels