David and Goliath at the bridge as the Braves take the battle to runaway league champions. “Big effort” said Braves Boss, Kirk Whitelock. “Boys gave their all and could have nicked something from the game tonight”.

Stirring fight back from the Braves, two down in 35 minutes, they make the Urchins fight all the way for the points.

Drizzly night in Upminster, but the Manor quickly into their stride. Wallace round goalie early on but angle becomes too much. Lee Smith booked after a hard challenge and now walking a disciplinary tight rope.

Ryan Whyche also in the book on 27 minutes, but the late tackles coming in from both sides on a slippery surface. Unfortunate injury to Lee Sontag, as the game simmers beneath the surface. Ray Coker stays on the pitch after handball, the Ref being lenient only shows a yellow.

Half and hour gone and the Braves matching the Urchins all over the park, enthralling midfield battle with Smith, Charlie Tarten and Whyche at the heart. Eastside crowd barracking The Manor's Johnny Quinn but the Manor discipline holding firm.

36 minutes and disaster strikes for the Manor, an in swinging corner not dealt with and AFC Hornchurch ahead, tough on Ray Coker after brilliant goal line block.

40 minutes. Déjà vu for the Braves and the Urchins 2 up. Contentious decision for second time but defending again not up to scratch.

Half time – Manor down but not out. Manor management do best to refocus their team. A nasty Knock for Jamie Wallace, who was replaced by Chris Hammond as the Braves top scorer with 13 goals this season enters the fray.

Second half – Manor out of the blocks the fastest and descend on the Urchins goal, another heavy challenge from Skipper Steve Reading draws the inevitable yellow card.

Despite the many taunts from the Urchins fans the Manor skippers attitude seems to lift the side.

The Braves continue to press, Billy Drake always a handful for the Urchins as they seek to counter attack. It’s a fairly even half, but Manor edging the ascendancy.

70 minutes – Lifeline for the Manor and another goal mouth scramble. Hint of an AFC handball before Graham Chester slams in the rebound.

75 minutes – more Manor pressure Stephen Parker on for Charlie Tarten in midfield reshuffle

84 minutes – so near for the Manor, Hammond’s goal bound strike hits Chester and Hornchurch able to clear.

88 minutes – Chris Barrett now up front and causing problems. Last throw of the dice sees free kick in “Van” Hammond territory, for once he’s off target.

92 minutes – Manor still pressing, final whistle brings relief to the AFC Hornchurch faithful, pushed all the way by a spirited Manor side.

Kirk Whitelock commented, “Hats offs to the Champoins tonight, thought our lads worked hard and competed in all areas on the pitch".

"Congratulations to AFC Hornchurch, fabulous people at the Bridge, have helped the Manor more then once this season, we truly wish them every success for the furture" said Whitelock....

Manor Man of the Match

Johnny Quinn- Big match performance by the Mighty "Q"

Johnny Quinn

Manor Team:

Bastin, Coker, Reading, Whyche, Smith, Wallace, Barratt, Connolly, Tarten, Chester, Quinn. Sub, Pearson, , Dixon, Hammond, Parker, Clarey.

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