Upminster 1st XI welcomed Bishops Stortford to Coopers in a top of the table clash on Saturday, with Upminster looking to continue their quest for promotion and preserve their unbeaten record this season.
Upminster started the game brightly, pressuring the Stortford defence before an early short corner from Jamie O’Dell put the home side 1-0 ahead at half time.
Stortford levelled from their own short corner straight after half time as Upminster were unable to clear the ball off the line after an initial post save from Harry Jenkins. Upminster responded brilliantly with two quick fire goals of their own – O’Dell again from a short corner and then Tendo Kimuli with a smart deflected finish.
As Stortford withered under relentless Upminster defensive pressure, led by man of the match Tobi Dunlea, Upminster stretched their lead to 4-1 as O’Dell completed his hat-trick with a stunning dragflick into the top left of the goal.
Victory was secured five minutes from time as Tendo Kimuli doubled his tally for the game, much to the delight of the crowd, scoring Upminster’s 5th and ensuring they ran out worthy winners.