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The Manor welcomed Concord Rangers
today to Tilbury, the last time these two sides met
in the league was the first game of the season back
in August when the Manor promised so much back then
winning the game 1-5. Today sees almost a different
Manor side with only a few remaining players from August
still in the squad.
The opening 15 minutes both sides looking to attack
without threatening a goal at either end. Manor Skipper
Chris Barratt taking a knock as he goes to ground hurting
his wrist but is able to carry on.
Paul Docherty Manor's midfield Dynamo looking really
up for this game, Doc only making the bench last Monday
against Sawbo battling for every ball and covering every
inch of grass!.
Kirk Whitelock Manor Manager playing a 3-5-2 formation
today allowing the Manor to attack in numbers and crowd
Concord out in defence.
The Manor playing a solid off side trap which appears
to be frustrating Concord. Manor's back 3 of Reading,
Beattie and Barrett look rock solid as they soak up
the Concord pressure. The best chance of the game so
far, Hammond breaks free down the Concord right, shrugs
off a Challenge from Concord Defender Collins and heads
towards Goal, Concord keeper quick off his line comes
out to challenge, Hammond forced to go wide angle to
tight to shoot unselfishly passes the ball to his left
into the path of Powell who forces a corner after a
heavy challenge by Concords Skipper King.
The Manor looking really confident and piling on the
pressure. Doc, Lobe and Coker really on their game today.
Concord have a go from 25 yards, starting the move
down the right and cutting the ball in to the path of
Briggs who forces an outstanding save from Carl Prince
Manor keeper.
Billy Powell Manor striker playing his first home debut
looking dangerous as he attacked down the left handside,
Billy playing off Chris Hammond, the pair becoming a
real nuisance to the Rangers defence. 26 minutes on
the clock and Powell controls a high ball on his chest
40 yards from Concords goal, pulling the ball wide down
the left cruises round an approaching defender, Powell
seeing Docherty surging into the area sends a great
pass two yards from Docs feet, Paul Docherty then poleaxed
and the referee showing no signs of hesitating as he
points to the spot. Steve Reading steps ups to take
the penalty kick, with minimal run up strikes the ball
firmly into the top left hand corner of the goal, Brightly
Concords keeper managed to get a touch as the ball cracked
the back of the net 1-0 to the Manor.
Concord come straight back at the Manor, with a ball
played across the Manor goal-line just out of reach
for an approaching Concord Striker.
Hammond and Powell appear to swap over temporary to
confuse the Concord defence, this having an affect as
Powell's pace had an immediate impact as he attacked
down the Rangers left handside. Hammond strength playing
a big part in holding the ball up to play some fabulous
through balls to Powell, a truly great understanding
by these Manor strikers and possible fruitful partnership
in the mist.
Another home debut given to Ray Coker, Ray looking
really sharp today has great talent on the ball and
fabulous pace which Powell took advantage of for most
of the afternoon.
42 minutes now gone and the Doc on an absolute stonker
of a run through the centre, with the ball at his feet
he charges solo into a packed Concord defence, Powell
moving to his left, Hammond offering support from the
rear and Coker to his right, a real mouth-watering move
from Docherty which nearly lead to Manor's second goal.
Powell collecting the pass down the left, looked up
and sends a great ball over the defence and out for
a corner, Powell takes quickly and the ball cleared
only as far as Hammond who hits the ball from 18 yards
on the volley forcing Brightly to make a fantastic save.
Last attack of the half, Connolly using his blistering
pace down the right skips past a Rangers defender and
shoots Brightly well positioned to make an easy save.
The second half and Manor pick up where they left off.
Hammond & Powell combining well, Powell with a delicate
back heel into the path of Hammond as he attacked down
the centre, try's to shoot under pressure out for a
corner. Concord now look to take the game a bit more
seriously, as they pick up the pace and attack the Manor
down the centre of the park, a long ball over the Manor
defence, Danny Beattie running back towards his goal
collected the ball and passed back to his keeper, under
hitting the ball allowing a Rangers player to nip in
and steal the ball and plant it in the net making it
1-1.
The game losing its flow slightly with a few hold ups,
however, this is short lived as Powell attacks down
the Concord right and slices in a great ball to the
feet of Hammond who rounds the keeper to make it 2-1
to the Manor.
A nothing incident is sparked off when the Manor's
Prosper Lobe is given a red card for allegedly striking
an opponent. The Doc quick to prevent more trouble as
he keeps the disputing players apart. The Manor now
down to 10 men and the feeling is uneasy as Concord
look to try and take advantage of the situation.
Concord take a corner The Manor show signs of desperate
defending, however, Steve Reading and Danny Beattie
taking control and sending the ball out of the danger
area.
Tony Marsh who has been a revelation for the Manor
over the past few years steps it up a gear, motivating
and helping to clear the lines and making room down
the left in turn taking the pressure off the Manor defence.
Concord get caught off guard as The Manor counter attack,
Docherty collecting the ball from the half way line
and pushes forward deep into the Concord half, noticing
Graham Chester unmarked sends a delicate ball to Chester's
feet, Chester rounds the keeper but is pushed to far
to the by-line, looks up and passes a great ball to
Docherty who slots the ball into the net 3-1 to the
Manor.
As the clock ticks by the Manor finish the game comfortably.
A great team performance today, Whitelock and Jenkins
I am sure learned much about the new blood and their
capabilities today.
Manor Man of the Match
Paul Docherty - Covered every inch
of grass
Team from: Prince, Reading, Marsh, Beattie, Barratt
(Capt), Lobe, Connolly, Docherty, Powell, Hammond, Coker.
Subs: Chester, Jenkins, Dowling, Richards.
Manor Scorers, Reading (Pen
26) Hammon (62) Docherty (81)
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