The potential for this game being called off would have been a real option but for the hard work and determination of the grounds staff at Hullbridge, due to heavy rain falls all week they Managed to cleared large areas of water from the pitch during the morning. To cap it all the Referee arriving at the ground at 14:55pm gave the team officials a few more headaches to contend with.The game finally kicked off at 15:15.

The Manor with their Skipper Jon Quinn back at the helm after a lengthy injury looked in good shape. The Manor were first to show they mean business when the enthusiastic Manor Striker Billy Powell took on the Hullbridge defence to plan his shot just wide of the post.

Hullbridge nearly capitalising on a Manor error as the Braves defence were caught napping and allowing Hullbridge space to have a shot on goal, Carl Prince covering with ease.

Paul Docherty Manor midfield Powerhouse has found his form during the last 4 games looked superb again today, sending a fabulous ball over the Hullbridge defence right into the path of Powell who charges towards goal, the Hullbridge keeper quick to react by racing out of his of his area, Powell managing to get his shot on target, before being challenged, full credit to the keeper who timed his run well and kept hold of the ball.

Another wave of attack this time Urfat Hussain playing on the Manor right, sent a great ball into the Danger area, this time Chris Hammond who shrugs off two attempts to deposess him and sends a screamer from 25 years just landing over the bar.

The Manor now dominating proceedings, Quinny proving to everyone watching how important he is at the Manor with his constant encouraging and motivating gives the Manor a separate edge to their game and acts as a 12th man.

Danny Beattie preventing Hullbridge from scoring on the counter attack, Beattie racing back 50 yards and sweeps the ball out of danger.

Chris Hammond takes up the play down the right handside, this 19 year old striker looks so strong, he manages again with ease shrugs off attempts to stop him by the Hullbridge defence, sends a great ball into the area, Ray Coker sending the ball inches over the bar.

Flashes of skill from the Hullbridge frontmen as they attack down the Manor right, ball sent in quickly and brilliantly controlled but the shot was tame.

The best chance so far for the Manor saw Quinny deep in the Hullbridge half, controlled a high ball well and opened up the Hullbridge defence to find a yard of space, briefly looking up for a split second then fired in his shot, and then watched helplessly as it crashed off the post, the ball falling right into the path of Powell who unceremoniously blasts the ball over the bar.

Hussain looking composed on the ball sends a delightful chip to Powell and despite a few heavy challenges on the light weight striker manages to keep the ball at his feet as he speeds off towards goal, sending the ball just wide.

Once again the Braves advance on The Hullbridge goal, this time its Quinny with the ball at this feet sends Chris Hammond down the left Hammond cutting into find an angle and plants his shoot just over the bar.

The Manor unfortunate with their attempts on goal and could have been at least 5 goals to the good by now. In the 40th minute Hammond driving forward hits another cannon towards goal this time the keeper making an excellent save.

43 minutes on the clock and sees a sublime ball over the top catches out the Hullbridge advancing defence, Billy Powell who is legendary for timing his runs to perfection, with the ball now at his feet runs towards goal and calmly places the ball into the bottom right hand side of the net 1-0 to the Manor.

The second half begins with a Manor defensive error that allows Hullbridge through the centre, dealt with brilliantly by The Manor keeper Carl Prince.
The game settling into a midfield battle with both teams finding it hard to make an impression, until finally Hammond speeds off down the right hand-side, using his strength to gain a few yards towards the Hullbridge goal, eventially sending the ball into a packed defence, the ball goes out for a corner. The Corner taken short, Quinny in possession with his back to goal in the penalty area was upended by a strong challenge and the referee not hesitating to point to the spot. The Penalty taken well by Steve Reading 2-0 to the Manor.

The Manor now looking comfortable as they sit on the two goal advantage and appear relaxed as they bring down the shutters in defence. Tony Marsh as always playing some fine football as he keeps things under control on the left hand-side. Danny Beattie becoming one of the Manors most consistent players getting better each game he plays. Barratt and Reading look so solid in defence and these two having a great understanding and awareness of each-other.

Chris Hammond goes down under a fierce challenge, needing treatment off the pitch its decided to take no chances with the young striker and is replaced by David Dowling a solid defender.

The Manor now sitting back and allowing Hullbridge to stream forward, Carl Prince in good form today as he saves from point blank range to keep a clean sheet.

The Manor midfield continue to pour enthusiasm on the game, Quinny, Docherty and Coker look tremendous going forward as a unit.

Hullbridge take a free kick 25 yards out, Prince having to make a brilliant save to squash the danger. Hullbridge attack again, this time sending a high ball into the Manor area and Prince having to punch the ball clear.

Ray Coker on the end of another Manor attack this time heading the ball just over the ball.

Hullbridge come close, forcing the Manor back and using the flanks to create space, Hullbridge sending in a great ball into a packed defence, the ball falling kindly for Hullbridge and with the goal begging just needed a simple tap in, Carl Prince spotting the danger managed to get his body behind the shot and pull of a remarkable save.

Manor's last attack of the game sees Billy Powell steam off down the left to the corner flag, and semingly just looking to keep possession with his back to goal and holding off two defenders, suddenly turned quickly leaving behind the defenders! With the ball at this feet just before the penalty area sends a fierce pass into the area onto the foot of Barratt who had ran half the length of the pitch to get into position to score making it 3-0 to the Manor.

The final whistle came after 10 minutes of injury time. This was truly a great team performance by the Manor. There were 11 candidates for Man of the Match today however, one player who is probably the Manors most consistent performer at the moment " Danny Beattie" Danny's work rate the entire game was total. We look a better team defensively with Danny playing.

Manor Man of the Match

Danny Beattie - Consistant Performer

Team from: Prince, Reading, Marsh, Beattie, Barratt, Quinn (Capt), Coker, Hussain, Docherty, Powell, Hammond, Subs: Dowling, Richards, Chester, Connolly.

Manor Scorers, Powell (43) Reading (58)(Pen) Barratt (90).