The Manor field another changed side in this League Cup encounter against Bowers & Pitsea, injuries and suspensions have forced Whitelock to give 7 new debuts starters in recent weeks.

The Manor using two up front, Adie Skyers back from injury and big bustling Centre Forward Danny Hunt carrying a thigh injury, however, this new partnership nearly paying dividends when Hunt lays a great ball into the path of Skyers who sees his shot blast just over the woodwork.

The Braves looking lively in the opening minutes, using the flanks to create opportunities as they open up the Bowers defence time and time again.

It's Bowers turn to pressure, with some neat one touch football, force a corner. Skipper Reading collects from the corner and brings the ball to the halfway line, looks up and notices Skyers on another of his darting runs down the right hand side, Skyers collects and heads towards goal, just inside the penalty area unselfishly squares the ball to Hunt who mistimed his run and watches the ball trickle over the line for a goal kick. Early warning signs for Bowers.

New signing and playing his debut for the Manor was Jamie Johnson, talented No 4, using his speed to create some space in the centre of the park, has a great throw which caused Bowers one or two problems.

Ray Coker also back from injury took his chance from 30 yards, keeper saved well to keep the scores level.

Jamie Wallace, Manor midfield mistral creating havoc down the Bowers left, Wallace leading by example giving 100% commitment all over the pitch, came close himself from a 25 yard free kick, just wide of the up rights.

Skyers again this time being the provider as he sends Wallace down the right, Wallace rounds a defender and cuts a low ball into the path of Danny Hunt who is crowded out.

Bowers proving they are no push over as they attack the Manor goal, Carl Prince having to pull off a brilliant save low to his right, out for a corner, the ball driven in high, Prince again alert to the danger comes out to palm the ball clear.

Skyers trying to sniff out a goal, collects the ball wide down the left, linesman keeping is flag down as Skyers chases a long ball, Bowers keeper forcing Skyers to his right, Skyers rounds the keeper but scuffs his chance as the ball goes out of play for a goal kick!

Bowers have they best spell and best chance of the game, the ball played over the top of the Manor defence, as Bowers charge down the Manor right, a great ball swung on to the back post and hit with force on the volley, just off target.

30 minutes gone and Bowers enjoying their best spell of the game, coming close on a few occasions and Prince having to be at his best to keep the scores level.

31 minutes and Skyers off on another run down the Bowers left, out for a corner. Corner taken quickly, Hunt using his strength to get into a goal scoring opportunity and slices the ball home from close range, 1-0 to the Braves.

Hunt nearly making it two when he collects the ball down the left and heads toward goal, Bowers keeper standing going to ground and collects the ball off of the feet of the Manor striker.

The Manor now back in form and showing their silky smooth skills, Wallace and Hunt Joining forces to open up Bowers again only to see the ball go over the bar.

Terry Hunt Manors hard working midfielder showing great determination to prevent Bowers creating any danger, commanding the Manor left hand-side, and forcing Bowers back at every opportunity.

2nd period of the game, and The Manor look a different side, Bowers changed their formation and Marc Massey Bowers Manager making some tactical changes with his players attitude, Bowers now look a more determined side and prevented the Manor from having it all they own way.

Bowers now in possession as they attack the Manor goal, some great foot work from Bowers results in an early goal making the scores level 1-1.

Bowers now creating many chances, forcing a corner, luckily Manors Mattie Marsh on hand to clear the danger.

The Manor trying to keep possession and working hard for one another, however, Bowers new found confidence is too much for the Manor to handle as again their speed off down the Manor right and come close again this time Prince coming to the rescue.

The Manor making 3 quick changes, Liam Coleman on for Danny Hunt, Chirrs Hammond on for Adie Skyers, Danny Mercer on for Ray Coker.

Deep into the second period and Bowers looking really confident, The Manor playing far to deep and allowing Bowers to much room in defence.

A rare second half Manor attack sees Paul Docherty playing his last game for the Braves, hit a looping high ball into the danger area, Bowers keeper palms it over the bar, quickly followed by a great opportunity from Liam Coleman who twists and turns the Bowers defence inside out, finally releasing the ball to Hammond 5 yards out, but, Hammond slides in a few seconds late and doesn't reach the ball in time to slot it home.

90th minute and Prince plays a short ball to Docherty, who was immediately put under pressure to clear the ball up field, Bowers take the advantage and push forward and score making it 2-1 on the night. The last attack was Bowers who were unlucky no to have gone 3-1 up when they hit the post in the dieing seconds of the game.

The Manor need to keep a settled side, injuries and Suspensions no doubt are having there affect on the Braves performances at the present time. With 9 senior players coming back form injury, Whitelock will be pleased to see his side more settled.

Some fabulous performances tonight, Alan Griffiths looked solid in the Manor defence, but one other in-particular that stood out was midfielder "Terry Hunt" The Manor's No 8, whose work rate and commitment can not be challenged. Hunt was one player on the pitch that should not have been on the losing side.

Manor Man of the Match

Terry Hunt

Manor Team: Prince, Griffiths, Skyers, Johnson, Reading Cpt, Docherty, Wallace, T.Hunt, D.Hunt,Coker, M.Marsh, Subs: Mercer, Coleman, Evans, Hammand, Jenkins.

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