Eton Manor stepped out into the freezing fog tonight to play their old rivals Sawbridgworth Town. Saw'bo, before tonight, were already Group A winners in the Essex Senior League Cup and through to the next stages had nothing to lose in this cup game.

Above: Steve Whitelock Jrn and Senior before the kick off.

The game got off to great start for Saw'bo as they tested the Manor defence time and time again, they broke the deadlock in the 9th minute 0-1. The Manor continued to absorb the pressure until the 17th minute when the Robins netted their second from a set piece 0-2.

Prosper Lobe playing up front worked tirelessly for the Manor and created an opportunity for Glenn Connolly who took his shot well from 25 yards only to be saved by the Saw'bo keeper. 27th minute and Saw'bo collect the ball from the middle of the park and send a long ball down the right, Matty Marsh defending with steel like determination. 33rd minute and Saw'bo again attack in numbers Steve Richards pushing a fierce shot over the bar for a corner.

Tony Barnes looking strong in the Manor defence turned out of a tight spot to set the Manor up for their next attack. Sending a high ball down the right to Lobe, a neat through ball to Connolly as he goes for goal, cutting inside and lining up his shot which is saved by the Keeper.

35th Minute and Lobe collects the games first yellow card after a challenge on a Saw'bo player.

42nd minute and Sawb'o attack again this time sending the ball just over the bar. The Fog now drifting over the pitch and visibility is very poor. Concerns are raised whether the game can continue. The Ref signals play on for the remaining 5 minutes of the half.

The second half and after an inspection by the officials the game is decided to play on! Visibility now extremely poor. The ball colour changed to bright yellow and then orange to assist the play. Spectators unable to follow the game completely due to the visibility now down to 30 yards.

Richards tested again when Saw'bo attack down the right, the ball swung high into the Manor area, shooting opportunity was crushed as Richards flies out of his area to stop any danger.

The Manor seemingly doing better in the Fog. The Manor now stepping up their game grab a goal back from Chris Hammond a few yards from Goal. The Robins now loosing their grip on the game as the Manor attack in packs on the Saw'bo defence. The Manor now playing 3 up front looking for an equaliser. Tony Barnes shooting from 10 yards out with only the keeper to beat fires his shot directly at the keeper who gratefully palmed it away. Saw'bo find themselves on the back foot as the Manor take a free kick 30 yards out of the area, Joe Morritt shoots and hits the post! The Manor now looking comfortable and a goal seems on the cards. The Saw'bo bench realising the danger make two substitutes to beef up the Robins defence. Saw'bo now playing 5 in the middle in an attempt to prevent the Manor onslaught. The Manor still trying to sniff out an equaliser in the 76th Minute Chris Hammond fires his shoot and crashes the bar, the rebound into the path of Bradley Mills who sends the ball over the bar. The Manor now full of confidence and continue to run at the Saw'bo defence. 78 minutes and Tony Barnes receiving a straight red card after the referee spotting an off the ball incident. The Manor now down to 10 men, continue to push the Saw'bo defence. 89 minutes and the visibility slowly improving the Manor's last attempt as Lobe hits a shot from 20 yards only to be saved by the Keeper.

The Manor looked far the better team in the second half. If the Braves could only be as consistent in both halves the they would be in a far better position in the league. Some good performances tonight from the Manor, Paul Docherty back from injury looked composed, Tony Barnes had it not been for his red card incident would have been a contender for Man of the Match. Bradley Mills Manor skipper for the night worked hard and at just 17 years of age shows the confidence Kirk Whitelock has in this youngester. Steve Richards let in two goals, but in the first half made some tremendous saves. Glenn Connolly showing his silky skills down the right wing.

Manor Man of the Match goes to Chris Hammond Scored Manor's only goal and is showing great potential.

Chris Hammond Manor Man of the Match

Scorers : Eton Manor Hammond (57)

Team: Manor: Richards, Fullbrook, Reading, Barnes, Marsh, Mills, Docherty, Morritt, , Lobe, Hammond, Connolly. Subs: Jenkins, Jones, Whitelock, Barrett, Prince, McDonald.

Next game is away to Bowers & Pitsea in the Essex Senior League on Saturday 11th December kick off at 3pm.