The Manor welcome their old friends and Essex Senior League rivals Bowers & Pitsea to Chadfields. Bowers having a reasonable season so far lay in mid table position, the Manor however, struggling currently to field a settled side name 3 new signings on the bench today. David Annobil makes a welcome start coming back from long term injury.

The Manor put under immediate pressure go a goal down in the 3rd minute. the ball driven down the left, a great cross into the box sees the ball bundled over the line 0-1 to Bowers.

15 minutes gone and the game thrown into a midfield tussle, Bowers coming the closest, the ball driven into the box and Manor Keeper tips the ball over the bar for a corner.

Bowers come close from close range, the Manor Keeper Darren Smyth blocks a fierce shot from 5 yards out for a corner.

Manor reduced to 10 men when Jason McCarthy on the hedge of his own area gets caught in possession, McCarthy does well by chasing back to regain possession, but lashers out with his feet after being cynically challenged from behind, the referee not hesitating as he gives the temperamental Manor defender is marching orders.

Darren Smyth once again to the rescue as he tips a fierce 20 yard looping ball over the bar, out for a corner.

Bowers front man Dean Allan comes close as he weaves his way past David Annobil, gets to the edge of the Manor area and fires the ball just inches past the post.

Its all Bowers now as they rain down on the Manor defence. The Manor back row being made to work hard as they everything they have onto keeping this forceful Bowers team out.

Despite going down to 10 men the Manor continue with the front pairing of Chris Hammond and Anton Stevenson, both chasing every ball and defending from the front.

With the clocking ticking down Bowers winning their 3rd corner in 2 minutes, Manor defender Devon Saunders being made to work exceptionally hard to contain a powerful onslaught by the Bowers front men.

With seconds left on the clock in the first period, Bowers looked to have secured their second goal, and would have done but for Tony Marsh with a spectacular diving header kept the ball out of the net. The first period finishing 0-1 to Bowers.

The second half saw the Manor make some changes. Chris Hammond making way for new signing Michael Badura.

Bowers looking confident on the ball as they attack the Manor goal, the ball cleared for a corner, Darren Smyth the Manor keeper showing his presence as he collects the ball from a packed penalty area.

55 minutes and David Annobil makes way for Stephen Parker.

Bowers rain down on the Manor once more some desperate defending by Chris Barratt, blocking a volley of shots before finally being cleared by Manor skipper Paul Smyth.

Charlie Tarten working hard down the right, collects the ball from the half way line and sped off towards goal, sending the ball into the box to Anton Stevenson who slices the ball just over the Bowers goal.

The Manor looking more composed begin to pass the ball over the park, the pace of Anton Stevenson is causing the Bowers defence some worries.

Bowers take a free kick from 25 yards out, Darren Smyth showing safe hands as he scoops the ball up.

Stevenson using his pace down the right hand-side, gets to the by-line and sends the ball into the box, over the heads of his advancing team mates and cleared for a throw.

Manor make their 3rd and final substitute, Ray Coker making way for another new signing Mark Debono.

Bowers still looking dangerous as their head off towards the Manor goal, Manor defender Chris Barratt makes a fantastic, sliding tackle to bring the ball away to safety.

Manor free kick on the edge of the box, Stephen Parker steps up and smashes the ball bottom right hand corner, the Bowers keeper quick to react and makes a fabulous save down low to his left, out for a corner.

The Manor now looking the more likely to score as they bombard the Bowers goal, the ball whipped into the edge of the area to Devon Saunders who appeared to be leaning back when he let loose his shot, the ball blasted over the bar.

The 10 Manor men playing now with a lot more confidence, as they spray the ball over the park, young Stephen Parker making a big difference to the Manor midfield, along with Mark Debono. However, Bowers still looking strong when they push forward, the Manor defence still having to be on red alert.

As the clock ticks down to 90 minutes the Manor finishing the more positive. Rightly so Bowers sitting back and absorbing the pressure take the 3 points.

Manor Man of the Match

Devon Saunders - Resilient & Versatile Defender

Devon Saunders

Manor Team:

D.Smyth, Marsh, Saunders,McCarthy, Barratt, Coker, P.Smyth (Capt), Tarten, Annobil, Stephenson, Hammond.

Subs Edwards, Parker, Debono, Badura.

Att: 20