Stansted hit first, attacking down the centre of the park, Tony Mercer lifting the ball high into the Manor area just out of reach of the oncoming Stansted striker Tharik Hussain.

From there on the Manor attacked in droves, 6 minutes Morritt free kick just wide of the post, 7 minutes Marks heads just over the bar from a Manor corner. The Manor looking slightly disjointed due to new inclusions into the squad, seven regular Manor players out suspended or injured, Prosper Lobe and Errol Gastaule playing their first home game debuts for the Club worked tirelessly to gain possession. 19 minutes again the Manor working hard and committed to each tackle without looking threatening.

Carl Prince The Manor Keeper called into action on the odd occasion and looked in control. 24th minute and the Manor suffering from keeping possession, showing great control on the ball but the final delivery constantly going to the opposition. The best chance of the first half was in the 28th minute when Prosper Lobe battled through the middle and shot from 25 yards beating Steve Wright the Stansted Keeper but the ball just wide of the post. 32 minutes and Stansted's turn to attack, down the right lofted the ball into the path of Graham Bennett who was now running towards goal with just Prince to beat, Prince spotting the danger came out early blocking the ball with his legs out for a corner.

The Manor having much of the play but could not penetrate or create any defining chances. Docherty skipper for the day kept the Manor alert and was a constant source of encouragement all afternoon. Gastaule The Manors No 9 tried desperately to find opportunities, however, no service for the new boy meant anything he created he had to make himself. Armstrong playing up front tried to battle hard but was squeezed out time and time again by the Stansted back four.

Some great defending by Marsh and Barnes kept things solid at the back. Connolly playing right back gave the Manor pace and skill in defence, but that pace and skill was badly missing down the right wing, this meant the Manor had to attack down the centre and was constantly crowded out.
10 minutes from the end of the first half a local fire causes problems as smoke carries across the Manor goal and clouded the view, the referee allowing the half to finish however concerns are raised whether the game can continue, The fire brigade are called and the game continued 10 minutes late.

The second half continued much as the first with the Manor taking all of the possession, 51 minutes into the game and Lobe collecting the ball in his own half and runs towards the Stansted goal, gains a yard from the on coming Stansted defenders and lets loose a shoot great save by Steve Wright.

52 minutes and Morritt this time 30 yard thunderbolt just over the bar, 53 minutes and Morritt again collects the ball and noticing the keeper off his line fires a shoot just wide of the post. The Manor now raining in on Stansted but couldn't get into the final danger area to convert. Full credit to the Stansted defence who seemed organised and able to control the ball back out of any danger. 58 minutes and Stansted breakaway down the right, Tony Marsh sweeping across his goal, taking the ball off the feet of a stansted striker just before he was able to shoot.

59 minutes and Lobe setting up Bradley Mills who sends the ball once again over the bar. The Manor enjoying long periods of domination, Marks and Docherty desperately trying to feed the ball to the Manor Strikers.
65 minutes and against the run of play Stansted gain a chance from another silly lost possession incident by the Manor midfield. Stansted collect the ball and Leon Antoine running 40 yards sweep's the ball into the danger area and Stansted Score 0-1.

The Manor continued to keep the pressure on Stansted for the rest of the half and simply ran out of ideas. Armstrong, Lobe, Marks and Morritt all coming close but simply couldn't convert. The final 5 minutes was a tense affair however, Stansted taking all three points on the day.

The Manor missing the experience of key players today, there were some signs however, with these key players back combining with the recent new signings things will only improve for the Manor.

Full credit to Tony Mercer and his boys, they came with a game plan to crowd out the Manor and succeeded, their defence looked strong and in control for most of the game as they soaked up the Manor Pressure.

Manor MOM: Prosper Lobe, Has "talent and strength" would be interesting to see him play with a full strength Manor team.

Teams: Eton Manor, Prince, Connolly, Marsh, Barnes, Morritt, Docherty, Marks, Lobe, Mills, Armstrong, Gastaule, Subs Jones, Fullbrook, S.Whitelock, Richards.

Next game is away to Woodford United in the FA Vase 2nd Round Proper on Saturday 20th November kick off at 3:00pm, coach will leave from Barking & East Ham Football Club, Lodge Avenue Dagenham, meet at 10:30am for Departing at 10:45am sharp.