The Manor playing their first game for 3 weeks looked up for this encounter against their old rivals Basildon United.

The Bee's coming off 3 straight wins looked confident as they sprayed the ball around the park for the first few minutes of the game, until the 7th minute which saw the Manor's Midfield dynamo Prosper Lobe get caught in possession 30 yards out of the Manor area, Matt Shepard who looked lively all afternoon slipped a ball into the path of a waiting striker who blasted his shot off the legs of the Steve Richards Manor keeper, the ball rebounding to the feet of a waiting Bee's player to make the score 0-1.

The Braves reply immediately with Glenn Connolly down the right slipping a fabulous ball to Skipper Nicky Mitchell who volleyed a fierce shot just wide of the post.

13 minutes gone and an ugly incident involving the Manor's Prosper Lobe and The Bee's Billy Thompson, resulted in The Bee's skipper Rob Russell being booked for arguing.

20 minutes on the clock and more controversy as The Bee's attack down the Manor left and into the Manor area, the ball running towards the line saw Chris Barratt play the ball off the legs of a Basildon striker, who then went to ground in a poor attempt to convince the Referee's assistant he was fouled, The linesman with a clear view flagged for a goal kick, the Referee who was having trouble keeping up with play throughout the game decided to give a penalty!! 0-2.

Both sides now finding it difficult to keep the play flowing, The Manor working had to find an opening and nearly did when Chris Barratt took his chance from 35 yards which saw the ball crash off the bar.

The second half Dave Jenkins deciding to bring on all three substitutes, Quinn, Marsh and Docherty on for Mills Lobe and the injured Reading.

The Manor looking more in control second half keeping possession well and looked the better side. Chris Barratt again coming close when his shot was cleared of the line.

Paul Docherty back from a lengthy break working hard down the right sent in a superb ball to Chris Hammond who was clean through only to be flagged for offside!.

Basildon's Billy Thompson sent off for a second yellow offence.

Jay Felice and Chris Hammond starting to combine well up front for the Manor. Felice gathering the ball down the right, from just outside the area picked his spot and curled a ball towards goal, hitting the underside of the bar and bounced up into the path of Chris Hammond who nodded the ball into the net. 1-2.

For the most of the period it was all Manor as they were unlucky not to equalise. Jon Quinn back from injury looked in great form. More chance for Connolly, Hammond and Fleice thwarted by a tight Basildon defence.

With hardly no injury time played the final whistle blow and the Bee's showed their relief. The Manor worked hard today and showed a good overall performance.

Special mention to Jay Felice who looked superb all afternoon, showed great appetite for the game and worked extremely hard all afternoon.

Manor Man of the Match: Below : Jay Felice, showed great appetite for the game

Team: Manor :Richards, Reading, Mitchell, Beattie, Barratt, Connolly, Mills, Lobe, Morris, Felice, Hammond. Subs: Docherty, Quinn, Marsh, Dowling, Whitelock.

Manor Scorer : Chris Hammond

Next Game Wednesday 23rd February 19:45 kickoff Aveley V Eton Manor in the Qtr Final of the Thameside Trophy.