The Manor Travelled once again to their good friends London Colney today in a preseason friendly. Sporting their new Red away kit endorsing their new sponsor The George IV. London Colney wasted no time as they pile on the pressure early in the game. This Colney side looking younger/fitter and certainly more organised then last year. The Manor knew 1-4 win last season would be a bit more difficult to repeat.

The Manors new Slovakian Striker Peter Kana who's Double strike last week which sunk Conference side Canvey Island, looked sharp again today, using his tradmark left hand-side, despite the pouring rain, Kana looked to exploite an opener , Kana, having several chances, but was unable to convert due to some resolute defending by this busy Colney side.

Bill Powell's turn to find the net, Powell with the ball at his feet, attacks the goal down the right, shrugs off all attempts to spoil his opportunity, lines up his shot, in turn hits a fine ball from 25 yards keeper goes to ground to collect.

The Manor now in control of the game and looking solid in Midfield, Lee Smith and Jamie Wallace combining well as they take the game to Colney, some great supply by Jason McCarthy to Kana Down the left caused the Colney defence one or two problems.

Colney's turn to attacked, big centre forward David Robinson looked strong as he forces a corner from the fast approaching Manor defenders of Steve Reading and Ray Coker.

Robinson again collecting the ball down the left getting within 30 yards and instead of have a shot unselfishly sends the ball into the path of an oncoming striker who blasts the ball over the net!

20th Minute and Manors first corner, ball falls to the feet of Kana who hits the ball just over the bar with a looping shot which left the keeper stranded. Kana continued to cause problems for Colney again coming close this time from 10 yards out but sees his chance cleared off the line.

Colney picking up their game and start to look dangerous, using the flanks to create opportunities, you could have been forgiven for feeling, it was just a matter of time before the deadlock is broken, Parkinson again showing great composer as he attacked the Manor defence, this time Manor Tony Marsh stopping the battling centre forward.

Peter Kana desperately trying to break down Colney's defence, he came close once more when he collected the ball just inside the Colney half, using great pace eased down the left hand-side, turning the defence inside out, found a few yards of space and fired in a great shot, Colney keeper having to make a spectacular save.

41st minutes and the deadlock broken, some confusion in the Manor defence allowed David Parkinson his opportunity which he took well to make the score 1-0 to Colney.

The Manor looked frustrated as they tried to contain a very good Colney side, 44th minute Powell booked for dissent.

The 2nd half saw a few changes, Manager Kirk Whitelock keen to use all his players and give them a fair run out, with many new players coming into the team, some of which coming back from injury, so these games are important to see what talents you have within the squad, Colney however, only making 3 subs all game seemed content on keeping the flow of their game consistent.

Changes for the Manor saw, Chris Barratt, Steve Reading, Lee Smith, Paul Docherty, Tony Marsh, Jason McCarthy and Billy Powell, make way for Adie Skyers, Alan Griffiths, Chris Hammond, Paul Smyth, Terry Hunt, Ryan Baptiste and Club Capt Johnny Quinn.

The Manor taking a few minutes to compose themselves and did well to keep possession, the battling Colney striker David Parkinson continued to run at the Braves defence and come close on several occasions.

Kana nearly bringing the score level when he forced the keeper to produce a fabulous save from Close range.

Carl Prince Manor keeper called into action this time from a great shot from the left, palming the ball over the bar for a corner.

Click on picture below to enlarge

Club Capt Johnny Quinn back from a serious injury looked fit, creating chances is his trademark and didn't disappoint today, as he sent a fantastic ball down the right hand-side and into the path of Adie Skyers, who clearly beat the offside trap and was racing towards goal, only to be flagged for offside?

Manor continue to dominate but failed to convert their chances, Jamie Wallace playing some great football and who's work rate was commendable, he continued to be the driving force within the middle of the park for the Braves.

Manor looking the more likely to score at this stage and didn't disappoint, from a free kick Wallace sending a high ball onto the head of Alan Griffiths who sets the ball up for Paul Smyth who slots the ball home, 1-1.

Ryan Baptiste and Chris Hammond combine well 25 yards from goal, Baptiste lining Hammond up who blasts his shot over the bar.

Against the run of play that Man Parkinson who had tormented the Manor defence all afternoon capitalising on a Manor defensive error and slices the ball home past the outstretched hands of prince making it 2-1 up to the home side.

London Colney end the game the strongest and miss several chances to finish the game off. The Manor looking frustrated and disjointed couldn't capture the form that saw them see of quality opposition in Canvey Island last week.

A good game of football played in the right spirit, a couple of silly incidents during the game but thankfully sensibly refereed which allowed the game to flow and as a result entertained the crowed.

Manor unfortunately didn't take their opportunities in the first half and subsequently become frustrated in the process, however, some real positives from the game today for the Manor Management to ponder:- Alan Griffiths debut looked impressive, strong defender and great in the air. Paul Smyth, on the surgeons table on the Monday and by the Saturday scoring his first goal for the Manor, Paul proving to be a great motivator, very vocal and encourages some of the younger players. Club Capt Johnny Quinn came through 45 minutes today, Johnny coming back from injury with a broken leg looked fit and showed flashes of what made him player of the season for the Manor last year. Jamie Wallace proving what an all rounder he is, not only a great goal scorer, but made himself busy all afternoon and voted Manor Man of the Match.

The Manor now have a powerful squad of players, the team spirit continues to grow as these players gel. With every shirt number up for grabs and no one guaranteed a start, this is without doubt the best squad of players the Manor have had in years.

Manor Man of the Match

Above: Jamie Wallace:- All rounder

Manor Team: Prince,, Coker, Reading, Marsh, Barratt(Capt), Smith, Wallace, Docherty, McCarthy, Kana, Powell Subs:Griffiths, Hunt, Richards, Baptiste, Skyers, Hammond, Quinn.

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