A trip to Runwell awaits this afternoon as Catholic United face Runwell Sports for the league return this season, having won the home tie 2-1. efore we go into Runwell's league season so far, Let's start with some history between the sides.

Since 2003 United have faced Sports just 7 times with United winning five, Sports two.

The first match between the sides took place in October 2011, an Essex Premier Cup Preliminary Round match which saw Tim Knights United side lose 3-1. The following three matches saw current Chairman James Paviour, then manager of United, win all three games he faced against Runwell, scoring 8 conceding just 2.
The two matches in March 2017 which United won 3-1 and 2-1 away and home respectively, saw United gain promotion from the EOFL Division 1, finishing second behind Basildon Town.

As we entered the Simon Thomas era of management, United have faced Runwell three times in the EOFL Premier Division, United winning twice, losing once, scoring five conceding two. In all three games, United have had five different goalscorers.
Left footer Dave Collins remains United top scorer against Runwell with two goals.

Runwell find themselves mid-table with 28 points in the bag after 24 games. The season couldn't have started any worse for today's hosts. Despite winning their opening game at Toby FC, they then went three games without a win before a home win against Shenfield stopped the streak. Sport best win in the league came just last weekend, the 6th April, a 5-2 home win against Bishops Stortford Swifts. A 9-1 victory at home to Sudbury Sports in the Anagram Records Trophy represents their best cup win this season.