Sub zero temperatures at Chadfields and little to warm the cockles. The seasiders grab the spoils as an unchanged Manor flounder on the bumpy surface. “Frustrating” said Braves boss Kirk Whitelock “we gambled after Tuesday night but it never really happened, lack of hunger from some players and an off day for others”.
The boss’s assessment again spot on, Manor chase the game throughout as a determined Southend Manor gain in confidence.

The start of the game is scrappy, only to be expected on a very hard Tilbury pitch. The Braves find it hard to reproduce the cohesion from their previous game as the Seasiders force the pace.

3 minutes – Graham Chester well wide from distance, but at least prepared to have a go.

5 minutes – uncharacteristic hesitation from Matty Marsh, Southend should really do better from games first real chance.

8 minutes – Ray Coker tries his luck. Well-struck effort easily saved.

18 minutes – head injury to Jamie Wallace, Physio Sue Abercrombie attempts to stem the flow of blood. 10 man Manor nearly take the lead, free header for Steve Reading, but can’t get the accuracy.

19 minutes – Wallace still off and it costs his side dear, swirling deep cross is fumbled by Richard Bastin, Johnny Hodges on hand to put the visitors ahead.

Glen Connely’s free kick met by the Braves skipper, Steve Reading, for the second time header is off the mark.

40 minutes – 2 – 0 to the visitors. Unnecessary free kick conceded by Lee Smith. Smart thinking by Jason Jay, low free kick evades everyone, and it’s in off the far post. Real body blow for The Braves.

Half time – Manor disappointed but management confident they can turn things around, players need to have the same belief. Quinn and Adams prepare for action early in second half.

50 minutes – expected switch by Kirk Whitelock, it’s a double change. Johnny Quinn for Dean Pearson, extra attacker as Darren Adams replaces an out of sorts Joe Dixon. Instant improvement in tempo, Quinn does well , Adams powerful shot is cleared for a corner.

60 minutes – The Braves on top, but Southend score against the run of play. It’s a clear penalty, Marsh the guilty party. This time Bastin has no chance as Jason Jay slots second of the game.

70 minutes – 5 minutes of pressure from the Braves, finally rewarded on the 76th minute. Wallace and Smith combine to set Graham Chester, Smart finish 1-3 and game on.

78 minutes – tempers fray as bustling Darren Adams tangles with visitors defence, credit to the spirit that the game has been played in, as the situation soon calms, aided by sensible refereeing.

79 minutes – penalty appeals from The Braves, cut short by flag for off-side. Few protest, by and large the officials have got it right today.

81 minutes – game set and match to Southend as they make 4 –1. Richly deserved hat trick from Jason Jay, he’s been the games outstanding player, and there’s no begrudging the visitors their celebrations.

90 minutes – only pride to play for, deflated Manor go through the motions, Mark Clarey on as late substitute, but is well wide from 20 yards, sums up the Manor performance.

Kirk Whitelock reflective after game, “Well done to Southend, worthy winners on the day and an honest bunch of lads” Some players given chance today and didn’t take it, there will be changes Tuesday night, so places up for grabs. All in all, a day to forget”.

Manor Man of the Match

Ray Coker – Getting back to his best

Ray Coker

Manor Team:

Bastin, Coker, Reading, Marsh, Smith, Wallace, Pearson, Connely, Tarten, Dixon, Chester. Sub, Clarey, Whyche, Parker, Quinn, Adams, Prince.

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