The Manor and Romford meet for the 4th time in what can only be described as roller-coster season. Both teams struggling to find their form or any consistency with team selection.

The Manor Physio working over time to patch together an injury filled Manor squad before the kick off. A few not making the deadline, Chris Hammond pulling out moments before Kick off, also Kendall, Dixon, Spicer, Taren, Smith, Nicholls and Prince all not available for selection, leaves Whitelock scratching his head in disbelief. Thankfully, the Manor having a strong contingent of youngsters which allows the Manor to field a talented and optimistic side.

The opening 15 minutes prove to be a dull affair with the Manor just edging the game. Manor strike partners Darren Adams & Graham Chester chasing down every ball. The Romford defence looking untroubled as they keep calm under some intense Manor pressure.

Manors Ryan Whyche holding firm in the middle of the park, using his height and strength to feed the Manor front line.

Romfords first serious chance and should have capitalised when they break through a resolute Manor defence, working the ball down the left and into the Manor penalty area, just a delicate chip was required to find a free Romford player on the back post, instead the ball sent flying over the head of the dejected Boro player and out for a Manor goal kick.

The Manor turning up the heat, Adams with the ball at his feet heads off towards the Romford goal, with Chester to his right was let down by his last touch as Romford scramble away another Manor wasted opportunity.

Romford playing a dangerous offside game catch the Manor out time and time again.

Manor Corner taken quickly, the ball swung out to Glenn Connolly who smashes the ball over the bar.

The Manor continue to push down on the Romford goal. Adams getting frustrated as the Romford back four keep their shape and deal with the threat.

Romford catching the Manor on the counter, Barratt knocks the ball clear for a corner, Romford float in a dangerous ball which saw the Manors young keeper Richard Bastin confidentially collect.

The first half finishes with a flurry of attempts from both teams without the threat of a goal.

The second period and Boro Boss Mark Reed must have had a few sharp words with his players as Romford attack with more venom Forcing another Corner which see's The Manors Chris Barratt clear the danger.

The Manor now start to dominate the game once more, using the flanks to open up the Romford defence, Darren Adams coming close, finds a few yards of space on the edge of the box, but, the Boro keeper does well to hold onto the stinging shot.

Johnny Quinn containing the midfield, set up another Manor attack to Mark Clarey who bursts through the Romford defence, sending a great ball into the path of Chester who sends the ball just wide of the post.

All change as the Manor bring on young Dean Pearson who breaths some life down the left handside, using his speed to weave past the Romford defence and sets up Adams for a half chance before getting crowded out by a packed Boro defence.

The Manor continue to push Romford and finally get their rewards in the 73rd minutes when the ball is floated into the Boro box and onto the head of Ray Coker, who guides the ball over the head of the Romford Keeper, making it 1-0 to the home side.

Skipper Steve Reading, keeping things tight as he vocally organizes his defence. Constantly motivating and encouraging his players forward.

As the Manor try and run down the clock, seemingly got the game under control as they try and steal another goal, the Braves continue to put the Romford defence under pressure, this time Barratt nodding the ball just over the the Romford woodwork.

The last few minutes sees the game thrown into turmoil, after some bizarre events, the referee allowing play to continue after the ball went out of play!, directly from the incident Romford equalise making it 1-1.

The game concluded with a point each. The Manor could feel aggrieved however, continue to pay the price for not taking their chances earlier in the game. Both teams plus the Match Officials!! will not be in any hurry to remember this scrappy affair. A tough game after a long tough season.

Manor Man of the Match

Chris Barratt - Dependable Defender

Chris Barratt

Manor Team:

Bastin, Coker, Reading, Whyche, Clarey, Wallace, Barratt, Connolly, Chester, Adams, Quinn. Sub, Pearson, , Jenkins, Jones, Parker.

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