The game kicking off 15 minutes last due to an RTA involving Eton Manor players and inparticular Manors Keeper Carl Prince who had to receive medical treatment.

The Braves start the game lively, first serious attack from a corner which saw Paul Docherty sending the ball just wide after a great flick on by Connolly.

Southend turn on the heat sending a great ball wide to the right, into the path of a Southend player who heads towards goal, Steve Richards Manor keeper spotting the danger comes out to challenge and despite carrying an ankle injury puts his legs in the way to block a great opportunity for Southend.

Both side not taking their opportunities but The Braves still having more possession. Eton Manor get their break in the 23rd minute when the Braves press on goal, Connolly sending a ball into the area, the referee spotting a deliberate handball points to the spot! Steve Reading steps up and competently putting the ball into the net 1-0 to the Braves.

More confusion in the Southend defence, as the Braves attack down the centre, a high ball into the box and Southends keeper clearly calls, but defenders get in his way and finally cleared for a throw!

Lee Smith young Eton Manor Midfielder working hard in the centre of the park, but fears of an injury is a reality as he struggles through the game.

Steve Richards to the rescue once more as Southend striker finds himself in a one on one situation with the Braves Keepers, who keeps his head to block once more.

The Manor back four looking strong for most of the game, Barratt, Beattie, Marsh and Reading working as a unit, until Southend finally hit back with a well worked goal, making the score 1-1.

Now deep into injury time, Richards coming out once again to clear the danger and upends a Southend player, referee not hesitating to point at the spot. Richards making amends by performance acrobatics to his left to make a tremendous save keeping the score line 1-1 at the break.

The second half explodes into life when from the kick off Southend manor work a throw and covert their opportunity to make it 2-1.

From here on it was chance after chance for the Braves, The first from a corner Manor Skipper Chris Barratt heads the ball straight in to the hands of the Southend keeper.

Bill Powell looking lively sending a fierce shot wide of the post. Chris Hammond also missing a few opportunities to find a much needed equalizer.

Ray Coker involved in anther Braves attack passing the ball into the path of Connolly who shoots straight at the keeper.

Paul Docherty trying his luck from 20 yards forcing the keeper to palm it out for a corner. You could sense it wasn't going to be Eton Manor's day. The game finally ending 2-1 to Southend.

The Braves deserved something from this game , but were denied any points by a stern Southend defence.

Highlights was Manor Keeper Man Of the Match Steve Richards who despite carrying an injury himself, still managed to put on a superb performance and save the Braves on more than a few occasion. Fabulous penalty save proving he is a capable keeper.

Manor Man of the Match

Steve Richards - Superb Penalty save.

Team from: Richards, Reading, Marsh, Beattie, Barratt(Capt), Smith, Coker, Docherty, Connolly, Powell, Hammond, Subs: Dowling, Jenkins, Chester, The Sogg, .