The Manor kick off their last game of the 2004/2005 season in glorious sunshine against Sawbridgeworth, last time these two sides met was late in March when Sawb'o took control of the game and claimed all 3 points by winning 3-0.

The Manor looking slightly out of shape in the opening few minutes, allowing Sawb'o some room down the right, stand in Skipper Chris Barratt showing a no nonsense approach and clears any danger.

Sawb'o looking sharp attack in numbers down the centre sending the ball down the left shoots from 30 yards the ball picking up speed and goes well over the bar!.

Another Manor error sees Sawb'o take advantage as the ball sweeps from the left across goal, Steve Richards fumbles the ball as it drops to the far post and Sawb'o striker smashes the ball into the net, clipping Chris Barratt on its way making it 1-0 to the visitors.

Undeterred the Manor regain their composer and attack Sawb'o down the right, Glenn Connolly's speed causing concerns in the Robins defence. Bill Powell finding some room in the centre to feed off a Connolly cross, cancelled out by the keeper as he comes out to claim the ball.

The Manor send a high ball into the Sawb'o half, Powell showing fabulous skill as he controls the ball then speeds off towards goal, beating a defender and laying the ball on to Chris Hammond too close to the Sawb'o keeper.

Sawb'o pick up the pace after absorbing some Manor pressure, pushing forward in numbers and creating some space down the Manor left, the ball played deep into the area, resulting in Steve Richards who was Carrying a ankle injury coming out slightly late and upending a Sawb'o attacking, the Referee not hesitating points to the spot. Richards who went the right way but the ball hitting the net after the ref ordered a retake. Sawbo score making it 2-0.

The Manor getting involved with poor officiating and receiving a few yellow cards in the process unnecessary.

The Manor now on the back foot as Sawbo charge at the Manor defence, some great football by the Manor back four and in-particular Danny Beattie, Steve Reading, Tony Marsh and David Dowling prevented Sawb'o scoring any more in the first period.

The second half saw the Manor's new determination shine through, with some great runs by Chris Hammond and Bill Powell nearly getting their rewards in the opening few minutes. The introduction of Manor favouirt Urfat Hassain gave the Manor some pace down the right.

Steve Richards off injured and stand in keeper Steve Reading takes the ownership of keeping goal. A revitalised Lee Smith using his strength and speed to control the middle of the park, keeping possession and releasing the ball at the right times allowed the Manor to attack in numbers. This permitting Paul Docherty back into the game as he constantly weaved in and out of the Sawbo defence.

The Closest chance came to Paul Docherty as the goal went begging and was left at his mercy cracked the underside of the bar from 10 yards out. Had The Braves scored then you could sense the outcome may had been different. Manor debut for new boy Sammy Walsh on for David Dowling.

Tony Marsh receives a straight Red for unsporting behaviour the Manor down to 10 men. Lee Smith dropping back in defence proved how versatile this young Manor player is!

The Manor continue to put the pressure on the Sawb'o defence, Powell coming close again with a great run down the right and smashing the ball across goal but it was not to be, instead Sawbo hit on the counter and score making the final score 3-0 to the visitors.

The Manor currently rebuilding the team and will look to their new signings to build new foundations for the Club. The good spirit in the Manor camp at the moment is very evident, win lose or draw this team appear very resilient and thrive on team work. David Jenkins Manor first team coach is confident once he gets his players fit that they will be a force to be reckoned with!

Additional motivation within the squad at the moment is the introduction of Striker Graham Chester who has been a mountain of support finding new facilities and offering much needed support allowing the Manor new direction for the future.

There has never been a better time then right now to be involved with Eton Manor Football Club. If you want to be part of the history of our famous old club then contact Paul Tandy on 07970 515593 or alternatively email him Paul Tandy

Manor Man of the Match

lee Smith- Great Talant.

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