Shock of the day at Leslie Fields and its rampant Manor who spring the surprise. Terrific result for the Braves to continue their recent mini revival.

“Reward for our efforts on and off the pitch” said a delightful Braves boss Kirk Whitelock. “Fully deserved we were up for a scrap and good value for the win, we never let Burnham play and you could see their frustration.
It was a plumped up Manor who set the pace early doors, adjusting quicker to the sandy playing surface at Springfield Road

The Manor look to take the game to the Ramblers early in the game. Midfield battles rage which sees the Manors Quinny taking first place!

14 minutes – First warning sign for the Ramblers and its Chris Hammond doing the trespassing. Low drive beats keeper, bur rebounds off post and to safety.

16 minutes – First Burnham attack, smart save from Carl Prince, shows strong hands to retrieve the rebound.

18 minutes – Period of pressure from the home side, the Manor conceding too many free kicks in dangerous areas. Defence looking good as 26 Steve Portway is kept at arms length.

21 minutes – Manor ahead and its that man Chris Hammond. Quinn fouled edge of box, Hammond does the rest. Low, hard effort perfect for the uneven surface and leaves home keeper, no chance.

28 minutes – Sweeping move from the Braves, Jamie Wallace finds Dean Pearson inside the full back, Pearson in on goal, but well struck effort is scrambled away.

30 minutes – Elements in their favour, the Manor come close again. Wallace involved twice after good work for Matty Spicer’s, first time effort on target but Burnham keeper does well to block

33 minutes – Manor two up and it’s Burnham not learning their lessons. Heavy tackle on Tarten, Hammond free kick only parried. Johnny Quinn on hand to score

39 minutes – Re-shuffle from the Manor, Tarten not fit to continue, Ryan Whyche replaces as midfield battle hots up.

40 minutes – Rare moment of hesitation gives Portway first sight of goal, prolific striker out of luck this time.

Half –time - Manor in driving seat, but management guard against complacency. Burnham with the wind second half and desperate for the points, they know the Ramblers will come at them from the restart.

48 minutes – Burnham apply early second half pressure. Carl Prince back to his best and looking assured under pressure seems to be thriving on the competition for his place.

53 minutes – Spicer from 25 yards well struck effort on target but easily dealt with.

55 minutes –Portway getting closer this time inches over.

65 minutes – Hammond goes through the pain barrier plays on after intensive treatment.

71 minutes – Second Manor change, Matty Spicer for Glen Kendall.

75 minutes – Final change, Steve Parker for Hammond. Whyche goes up front as coaching staff work overtime to reorganise.

15 to go – Burnham pressing hard but Manor standing firm and not looking troubled. Home side getting frustrated as day not going to script.

89 minutes – Lifeline for the Ramblers to set up grandstand finish, Portway hits post but rebound bundled over line.

91 minutes – Portway gets goal side of Manor defence, cross come shot collected by Prince at second attempt. Burnham’s last chance surely gone.

98 minutes – Referee still playing, Manor bench puzzled by the excessive extra time. Controversy right at the death, ball kicked out of Carl Prince's hands. Ramblers score but linesman has clear view of incident, goal disallowed. Huge relief for the Braves supporters, the right decision, despite Burnham’s protest.

99 minutes – All over, Manor have the scalp of the leagues second place team and deserve their celebrations. Sporting response from home side, well beaten on the day.

Last word from the Manor boss “It’s been coming all year and today was our day, new boys did well, Reading, Williams and Wallace again all quality. Very happy tonight”.

Manor Man of the Match

Jamie Wallace - Quality

Manor Team:

Prince, Williams, Marsh, Reading, Quinn, Wallace, Pearson, Connely, Spicer, Tarten, Hammond. Sub, Bastin,Whyche, Townsend, Parker, Day, Dixon, Kendall

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