There was little seaside fun on offer as the Manor exited the Thameside Trophy on a bitter night at Southchurch Park.

Credit to both teams, despite the near artic conditions they produced an entertaining encounter which stayed in the balance to the very end.
In this tale of two Manors, it was designately Southend who made the early impact, three minutes gone and the home side edge in front capitalising on a rare moment of indecision from skipper Steve Redding.
1 - 0 down but this current Manor side are made of sterner stuff. Despite a depleted squad of only 14 players, they begin to dominate proceedings.

On the 12 minute mark they pull level, Glen Connelly's deep cross being met with some aplomb at the far post, by in form striker, Chris Hammond. It's "Van" Hammonds 12th goal of an ever more productive season and nothing less than the visitors deserve.
From here on real ebb and flow to this Cup tie, Southend looking dangerous on counter attack, but Manor holding the upper hand as Tarten and Quinn pull the strings in a congested midfield. A rejuvenated Johnny Quinn goes nearest to breaking the deadline on his long overdue return to the Manor fold, forcing a fine stop from the home keeper, as he tries his luck from the edge of the penalty box.
Another setback for Manor on the half hour, midfield powerhouse Lee Smith, suffers a cut head, but bravely drops back to centre back, as manager Whitelock is forced to reorganise.

Half time arrives Manor slightly edging an absorbing half on a frozen pitch, somewhat surprisingly passed fit by officials!
Second half starts, The Manor again slow out of the blocks as the home team gain ascendancy. Lee Canham on for the injured Mark Clarey and immediately shows the workrate and industry so missed for the last six weeks.

Midway through the second half and it's Southend ahead with a controversial strike. Smith and Barrett appear to push up and play Southend striker off-side, but the flag stays down leaving Whitelock fuming. Barnett does the rest with a clinical strike.
16 year old Lewis Jones now on for Terry Hunt, as Manor look for goal to take tie into extra time. Jamie Wallis again influential, but Chris Barrett comes closest to levelling with a powerful header inches off the mark. This proves to be the final throw of the dice for Manor. Southend counter attack in injury time and it's all over, Barnett clinically despatching 20 yard curler despite best efforts of Manor defenders on goal line.

Manager Whitelock disappointed at final whistle, but reserves praise for his team. "I'm full of admiration for these lads, we came a long way with a depleted squad. None of us thought the game should be played, but the ref passed it fit and they just got on with it. I've got an honest bunch of players and I thought we gave Southend a real battle, I've no complaints, maybe the breaks didn't go our way but that's football at this level. We move on from here and wish Southend all the best in the next round."

Man of the match going to the Manor's Lee Smith, Blood and Guts Performance.

Manor Man of the Match

Lee Smith

Manor Team:Prince,Clarey,Barrett,Redding,Connely,Tarten,Hunt,Smith,Quinn,Wallis,
Hammond, Subs: Day, Jones, Canham

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