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Job done for
a competent Barkingside team, they leave Chadfields
with three valuable points to take them into pole position
for play-offs. Credit to Manor old boys James Morris
and Grant Smith they played their part in repelling
a spirited home side, hell bent on revenge after previous
encounters. “well pleased” said Manor boss
Kirk Whitelock, “Battled hard tonight and gave
Barkingside a scare. Our Boys were up for this and it
showed.”
Good team performance
from the Braves, but lack of organisation at the 20th
minute mark put ‘The side’ ahead. After
a catalogue of errors from the home side, bad marking
creates the original danger, Mark Clarey completes slapstick
slicing ball past his own keeper. Tough break for the
Manor, but they hit back with the best football in recent
weeks. Chris Hammond was inches off target with trademark
free kick, whilst Lenny Nicholls is denied by linesman’s
flag, when set to score.
Half time arrives;
it’s been a pulsating 45 minutes, all the pressure
on ‘The side’ as they need the win, the
Braves with nothing to lose battle on until the break.
Second half begins
and the Manor slow out of the blocks. Danger man Michael
Beggs in on Richard Bastin, young keeper stands his
grounds and makes fine stop.
Second half turns
into end to end battle, Manor midfield have settled
their differences and now look a well organised unit.
Couples of changes for the Braves, Tarten and Chester
into the fray as a determined Whitelock goes for broke.
No further score but Manor push visitors all the way.
"The Side" threaten themselves but Chris Barrett
commanding in the air, to keep his side in the game.
Last few minutes a tetchy affair. Barkingside killing
time as the Braves look for a deserved equaliser.
Final whistle
and the spoils to a relived Barkingside team, now firm
favourites for the play off place. A step forward for
a resolute Manor, they end a inconsistent season on
an encouraging note and can look forward to next season
with some optimism.
Manor
Man of the Match
Chris Barratt
- Commanding aerial display
.
Chris
Barratt
Manor
Team:
Bastin, Connelly, Clary Reading, Barrett, Quinn, Whyche,
Jones, Parker, Nicholls, Hammond, Subs Chester, Nicolls,
Jenkins, Day.
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