1948-49 Eastern Counties League

Trainer: ?

The Eastern Counties League's first season commenced on 31 August 1935 and by the end of the following season there were concerns about the league's viability. Essex clubs had left to join the newly-established Essex County League, however, four new members (Colchester United Reserves, Cromer, Newmarket Town and Norwich CEYMS) were recruited. The following season the league expanded to 13 clubs as two of the Essex clubs rejoined (the Essex County League had been a failure with only five members completing the season and was not continued).

The 1939-40 season started, but was abandoned after the outbreak of World War II. After the war ended in May 1945 a meeting was held in late June to see whether the league could be restarted. However, a further meeting on 28 July decided that too few clubs were ready to resume footballing activities as many were unable to sign players and some grounds remained under the control of the armed forces. The league finally resumed for the 1946-47 season with ten clubs.

Prior to the start of the 1948-49 season the league was expanded to 16 clubs, largely through the addition of the 'A' teams of four London clubs, West Ham United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

On the road with the Eastern Counties League side

Photographs by kind permission of West Ham United player Ron Wilson

HARWICH AND PARKESTON : Eastern Counties League

Royal Oak

2 - 3

21 August 1948

48_08_21 Harwich & Parkeston v. WHU ECL - Back

Our first experience of Eastern Counties League football revealed that keen and clever opposition can be expected in this competition; four of the five Football League clubs whose “A” teams played were defeated in the opening encounters, Chelsea alone registering a success. But our XI containing seven amateurs made a very good showing against a strong, robust side before 2,500 spectators, losing 3-2 though a late goal, after being one down at half-time

HARWICH AND PARKESTON : Eastern Counties League Cup

Royal Oak

1 - 10

28 August 1948

48_08_28 Harwich & Parkeston v. WHU ECL Cup

48_08_28 Harwich & Parkeston v. WHU ECL Cup - Back

We will not attempt to make excuses for a crushing defeat at Harwich, suffice it to say, greater experience was the decisive factor. Despite that set-back we are not disappointed with our newly-formed XI. Among them are several promising youngsters, who have youth very much on their side. During the week one of them – George Petchey – became the latest addition to the playing staff; George a 17.5 year-old inside-forward from Hornchurch, has been combining well with his younger partner – Jimmy Barrett (Junior) and we have great hopes of this pair as a future wing in our XI’s