These 3 points were long overdue as a battling Manor side overcome Romford today at a sunny Tilbury. With virtually a full strength squad to pick from, Manager Whitelock stuck by the team that had come close in their last couple of matches, leaving the recent signings on the bench waiting for their chance.
It was Romford who started the more lively, and Prince was called into action on a number of occasions in the first 15mins, but nothing really threatening. As the first half went on, Manor found themselves slowly creeping more into the game, as captain Johnny Quinn & Paul Docherty started to take control of the middle of the park, covering just about every inch of ground, giving the opposition a torrid time with well timed tackles and neat passing it was the home side that looked the more likely to score and it was Chris Hammond who put the visitors keeper to work first, as he latched on to a Docherty through ball, he hit it first time as he tried to lob the advancing Finn, who just managed to scramble back and retrieve the ball on the goal line. Romford had their chances but found the centre back pairing of Chris Barratt & Danny Beattie a little to strong for their liking. The only problem both Manor and Romford had in the first half was where a goal would come from, as the game was looking to be a bit of a stalemate and goalmouth action was few and far between. 0-0 at the interval and all to play for in the second period, this game desperately needed a goal.
Into the second period and both sides started brightly, Prosper Lobe came on up front for the tiring Hammond, (who seemed to be suffering with a heavy cold) and immediately had the visitors panicking as he made a surging run through the middle of the park only to be brought down unceremoniously by a late Romford challenge. This set the pattern for the game as time after time both sides were penalised for poor challenges, but despite this it was Manor who looked the more likely to break the deadlock, as first Steve Reading had a fine header saved by the keeper and then Joe Morritt saw two good efforts go the wrong side of the post. It was then Morritt who turned villain as he lost the ball on the half way line, Romford broke away and despite a last ditch challenge from Barratt, Jordan Tolan smashed the ball into the net past the diving Carl Prince. Manor captain Johnny Quinn rallied his troops, and soon the Manor were creating more chances as a Morritt cross was met by Steve Reading a goal looked imminent, but the ball went inches over the bar, and it was the impressive Morritt who again saw a 40yd free kick strike a Romford defender and bounce to safety. ( such was the ferocity of the strike, the defender was knocked back some 10 feet )

The game was now opening up as Manor pushed forward looking for an equaliser, spaces were appearing in their defence, but the ever present Tony Marsh and inform keeper Carl Prince ensured the visitors stayed frustrated. Manor gave a debut to Lee Smith, as he replaced the tiring Chester, with Quinn now moving into a strikers role Manor were going all out for the equaliser. With time running out and a number of players looking jaded, it was Morritt who looked to be replaced, until Romford conceded yet another free kick some 40yds from goal, he suddenly raced over to take the kick, took a long look at the goal and then proceeded to strike a superb left foot drive into the bottom corner of the net, leaving the hapless Finn grasping at thin air, it was to be Morritt’s final but decisive contribution to the game as he was replaced by David Dowling for the final 5mins. Both sides went looking for a last ditch winner as the final whistle drew closer, but both were surprised as 90mins came and went, as the clock reached 97mins Manor won a free kick and a quality ball into the box by Connolly had the Romford defenders panicking, the ball eventually dropped to Manor’s Chris Barratt who’s first time strike seemed to be cleared off the line, but the Assistant Referee who was inline with the goal, lowered his flag and raced back to the halfway line, indicating that the ball had crossed the line and Manor were now in the lead. With almost 10mins extra time played the Ref brought proceedings to a conclusion, and with it Manor’s first league points since before Christmas.
Every player was in contention for MOM, but after some hard deliberation it was given to Chris Barratt, a solid game and the winning goal just edged it for him.
Also a special mention for Quinny, Doc, & Glen who ran themselves into the ground.

Manager, Whitelock said after the game: “ What a win, well deserved, but hard work, couldn’t fault the commitment today, we just need to get a lot fitter for next season, it was nice to see me old muckker Larry back, we’ve missed him at the games, he was our lucky charm today, (mind you I wouldn’t fancy all 20 stone of him hanging on me key ring) well done the lads”

Team from: Prince, Reading, Marsh, Barratt, Beattie, Connolly, Quinn, Docherty, Morritt, Chester, Hammond. Subs: Lobe ( 45mins for Hammond) Smith (75mins for Chester) Dowling (85mins for Morritt) not used Richards, Hussain.