The Manor worked hard on a boggy pitch today against a very resilient and useful Sawbrigdworth side.

Two early corners to the Manor gave the perception that the Manor boys were up for this game and a result could be on the cards, however, the Braves didn't really threaten the Robins defence until the 15th minute when Hammond shot a 35 yard screamer into the roof of the net, only to be disallowed due to the free kick being indirect.

Manors Alan Griffiths working really hard in the Manor defence, gives no quarter and leads by example, time and time again thwarted Saw'bo's attacks.

25th minute and some great build up play by the Manor saw Lewis sweep down the right and square the ball into the danger area, Jamie Wallace arriving a second late as the ball screams across goal.

Saw'bo's turn to pressurise the Manor in the 29th minute, Carl Prince the Manor keeper holds his ground to make a great save.

At this stage of the game the Manor looking Solid, Chris Barratt using his 6ft 3in frame to good effect as he users his height to prevent Saw'bo attacking down the middle.

Manors Ray Coker is full of running, his lack of match fitness due to injury was not evident today as he charged at the Robins defence.

Carl Prince called into action once more, palms down a great effort and collects before a Saw'bo striker regains his balance.

Saw'bo draw first blood when Manor Skipper Steve Reading penalised for a late tackle on the edge of the Manor box, a quickly taken free kick puts the Robins in front 1-0.

Saw'bo still on the prowl force Prince into action again, this time Prince blocks the ball form point blank range.

2nd half and the pitch starting to break up, late tackles seem part of the game as the pitch becomes very boggy in places and injurer's start taking there toll for both sides. Saw'bo keeper goes down in a heap as Marsh clips him with a sliding effort.

The Manor nearly equalise when Ray Coker wins a free kick 30 yards from goal, Hammond picks his spot and forces the keeper into making a great save to his left.

The Manor continue to pressure the Saw'bo defence, again Saw'bo shot stopper called into action this time Hammond fails to get a good connection on the ball but still forces the keeper to make a good save.

Ricky Defreitas trying to find some space but Saw'bo pack out their defence giving the Manor very little chance to create anything.

Manor's last chance of the game from a fabulous ball down the right from Danny Mercer into the path of Ricky Defreitas, Saw'bo keeper alert as he swipes the ball from under the feet of the Manor striker.

The Manor can consider themselves unlucky not to get a pint from the game. Saw'bo have great experience and have learned how to hang on to a lead, something this young Manor team must learn themselves.

On to Wednesday evening the 9th November, when the Manor boys play in the Essex Senior Cup third round away against Stanway Rovers, kick off at 19:45.

MOM goes to Alan Griffiths, works relentantlesy for the team, also a constent source of motivation.

Manor Man of the Match

Alan Griffiths

Manor Team: Prince, Barratt, Reading Capt, Marsh, Lewis, Coker, Griffiths, Wallace, Mercer, Hammond, Defreitas. Subs: Hunt, Richards,

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