Rivals of newcomers Great Wakering Rovers in the Ryman League Third Division look like coming in for a lot of Flack in the coming season.

There were those who suggested that, when the village side gained promotion to the Ryman from the Essex Senior League during the summer, striking star Flack might find the exertions of the higher grade beyond him.

After all, Flack has been knocking in the goals for Rovers for many years and, now in his mid-30s, is undoubtedly in the autumn of his career.

However, the doubters couldn't have been more wrong on the evidence of the early games in Wakering's new challenge.

They've played three League matches and one League Cup game so far and Flack has already hit the target no less than three times.

He grabbed the only goal of this latest encounter after 26 minutes . . . beating an opposing defender, knocking the ball round the goalkeeper, and then winning a chase to knock it into the unguarded net.

That was enough to secure the points, but manager Eddie Nash will feel a little uneasy at his side's inability to kill off poor opposition after totally dominating the proceedings.

Tommy Dalgarno and Khan Stephens both hit the woodwork at various times, but far too many clear chances were spurned and at this level that's something teams just cannot afford to do too often.

Tonight Rovers take a break from Ryman challenges to visit Schweppes Essex Senior League Brentwood in the Essex Senior Cup (3pm), but they'll be back in League action on Saturday with Abingdon Town the visitors in Division Three

Rovers will return to a more normal 3pm kick-off for that match following the 1pm start on Saturday, brought about to avoid clashing with England's European Championship clash.

It's mine - Great Wakering Rovers and Camberley do battle

Picture: STEVE 0'CONNELL

Hullbridge leave it late for leveller

Hullbridge Sports have kept up their reputation for fightbacks in the Schweppes Essex Senior League.

Having ended the 100 per cent record of Burnham Ramblers when they drew 1-1 with a last-minute goal on Monday, Hullbridge did it again at the weekend when they drew 2-2 at Ilford, who themselves had won every previous match.

Keith Pullen gave Hullbridge a fifth minute lead which Chris Stephens equalised after 33 minutes. Ilford looked on their way to another success when CJ Emmanuel gave them a 74th minute lead, but the home side were unable to deal with a last-minute inswinging corner which went in off a home player.

Concord Rangers have made a bright start to the campaign, but were the latest side to find that Eton Manor, traditional whipping-boys over the last couple of years, are a much-improved team.

Paul Tresadern gave Manor, enjoying their best ever start to a campaign, a 29th minute lead, but player manager Steve Knott earned a share of the spoils 12 minutes from time.

Burnham are back on top of the table following a 2-0 win at East Ham.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.