The Manor were hosts to another Senior East London Football Club today, namely Sporting Bengal United, who play their Football in the Kent Premier League. The Manor without first team experience of Carl Prince, Steve Richards, Peter Kana, Tony Marsh & Adie Skyers all not available. So with both Manor keepers away, Whitelock decided to call up Ex Memorial Sports stopper Darren Smyth.

This was another great opportunity for Manor Manager, Kirk Whitelock to have a look at his big squad of players, with so many new players coming into the team and places up for grabs, Whitelock was obviously keen to make sure that all his players got a fair run out today.

The Manor look the more composed in the first 15 minutes, some fabulous one touch football mainly orchestrated by Manor's Captain Johnny Quinn, back at the helm after a lengthy lay off due to a broken leg, continued to cause Bengal problems in the middle of the park, another top performer today was Jamie Wallace, who recently signed from Tring Athletic was voted last weeks Man of the Match, looked superb again today and full of running, opened up the Bengal defence to lay on Billy Powell who struck his shot well only to see it hit the bar.

Bengal themselves playing some great football, showing bags of enthusiasm worked hard for one another and were quick to counter attack. Ex Manor favourite Urfat Hussian, now playing for Bengal playing his normal right back role looked very composed on the ball.

Manor Defender Chris Barratt goes to ground holding his back after a heavy challenge, Whitelock takes no chances and brings the big defender off.

The Bengal keeper was tested once again this time, Hammond carrying a foot injury skipped past two defenders and sliced the ball low and hard, but collected well by the sprawling keeper.

Alan Griffiths, having his first start for the Manor today, is fast gaining a reputation as a no nonsense defender, Griffiths nicknamed "Monster" by his team mates, shows no fear as he goes in for tackles 100% committed.

The Braves finish the first half with a flurry of chances, Lee Smith combing well with Jamie Wallace as Billy Powell tries again to open up the solid Bengal defence, forces a corner. Powell takes it quickly onto the head of Griffiths who nods it just over the bar.

The second half Whitelock calls all change which sees, Terry Hunt, Jason McCarthy, Hammed Elamir, Neil Day and Ryan Bapstiste on.

The Manor stand-in keeper Darren Smyth called into action when Bengal was given a penalty after Ray Coker was judged to have pushed a player. Darren Smyth stand-in keeper guessing correctly and makes a great save to his right.

Terry Hunt working hard down the left teamed up well with Jason McCarthy, Hunt flicking the ball over his head right in to the path of McCarthy with the ball at his feet turns & heads towards goal, the keeper quick off his line, comes out to block with his body.

Hammed Elamir, Manor's new midfielder looks pacey and has got great appetite for the game, he works hard and shows a never say die attitude, creates a great chance for Ryan Baptise 10 yards from goal but is muscled off the ball. Elamir involved in a silly incident and was sin binned for 15 minutes!

Paul Docherty Manor's midfield powerhouse was left on the bench in the first half, looked keen to make that No 8 shirt his for next Saturdays first league game against Hullbridge Sports, there's no doubt Manor are a better team when Docherty is on his game, forcing his way through packed defences is his trademark and showed again today what a difference he makes.

Bengal pickup another Penalty, Darren Smyth again keeping his eye on the ball and stays on his feet to collect the ball, making it a double penalty save for the Braves.

The Manor now playing flowing Football and contain Bengal in the middle of the park, some great flashes of Football from Ray Coker & Paul Smyth allowing the Manor to keep possession and push forward. Steve Reading Manor defender having a much better second half, winning the high balls and creating so much of the Manor play.

Johnny Quinn coming close when he hit a scorcher from just outside the area, the keeper fumbles the ball catching the post as it goes out for another Manor corner.

The Manor finished the game as they started, using the flanks to create opportunities and showing great heart and spirit as they go forward. Special mention to Ray Coker who is improving with every game, a real dogged performer and battles for every ball.

With one more Pre Season friendly to go next Tuesday night against Waltham Forest before the start of the Season next Saturday against Hullbridge, Whitelock will be content that the current Manor squad looks full of energy, this talented array of players, if Whitelock is able to keep them together, will produce some shocks within the Essex Senior League this season and that's a guarantee!.

Manor Man of the Match

Above: Ray Coker, Battling performance.

Manor Team: D.Smyth,, Coker, Reading, Quinn (capt), Barratt, Smith, Wallace, P.Smyth, Griffiths, Hammond, Powell Subs:, Hunt, Soggy, Baptiste, Elamir , Docherty, McCarthy, Day.

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