"Little to cheer about" said The Braves Boss Kirk Whitelock, as a well-drilled Sawbridgeworth left Chadfields with all the points. “Well beaten” was Whitelock’s response "We were never at the races and got exactly what we deserved”.

Omens not good from the start, Sawbo dominate proceedings, Manor lacking the fluency of last week, but not helped by some fussy judgements by the officials.

10 minutes gone – Sawbo takes the lead and it’s been on the cards, mishit shot wrong foots Carl Prince, Sawbo striker is behind Prince and surely off-side as he slots home, goal given despite protests from the home team.

14 minutes – First Manor attack of any sort, Wallace and Hammond combine to force corner.

19 minutes – Braves skipper Steve Reading into book for fairly innocuous challenge.

20 minutes – 2 –0 Sawbo as Manor fail to deal with corner. It’s head tennis in the Braves box and advantage Sawbridgeworth.

35 minutes – It’s been all Sawbo, elements in their favour but good value for the lead.

36 minutes – Manor change, twisted back for Lee Canham – replaced by Ryan Whyche. Whyche into the action early, leaves his mark with two thundering challenges

41 minutes – More confusion in Manor defence, smart double save by Prince defies the visitors.

Half –time – Chance for the manor to reassess the situation, Manor striker Ricky Defreitas on for Charlie Tarten, as Braves opt for two up front.

51 minutes – Ray Coker back from injury, but now booked for mistimed tackle.

54 minutes – Ryan Whyche booked, Manor bench hold breath as he repeats the offence a minute later …… this time it’s no card

62 minutes – Sawbridgeworth counter attack, forward through but Carl Prince again does well.

68 minutes –Manor’s first shot in anger, Hammond connects well but long-range effort lacks his usual power.

75 minutes – Matty Spicer, closest effort so far, first time flick agonisingly wide of far post.

80 minutes – Normally lethal from set pieces “Van” Hammond balloons ball into local fairground, sums up Manor’s day so far.

89 minutes – Skipper Steve Reading links up with attack, works position but is well wide from 18 yards.

90 minutes – final whistle blown, it’s three minutes early, but comes as something as a relief. Sawbo worthy winners as the Braves recent run of good comes to an abrupt end.

Last word to Kirk Whitelock “A bad day but no need to press the panic button, young Ryan did well and Wallace and Reading gave their all, but a few players hid today. Brentwood next week and maybe a few changes to be made, we'll have to see.

Manor Man of the Match

Steve Reading – Always committed in losing cause.

Manor Team:

Prince, Coker, Canham, Reading, Quinn, Wallace, Pearson, Connely, Spicer, Tarten, Hammond. Sub, Bastin,Whyche, Parker, Day, Dixon, Kendall, Townsend.

.