Eton Manor go into this game today with the prospect of writing “Club History” as a win today against Southend Manor will see them through to the Final of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy, the last time a Senior Eton Manor side made it to a final was back in 1938 when the Manor were beaten by Romford in the London Cup. So everything at stake today as the Braves prepare for this Semi Final Clash.

The Manor make a few changes for this game, out goes Israel Toko who impressed last week at Home to London APSA, capturing Man of the Match award plus scoring the only goal of the game. In comes the Manor's inform Striker Anton Stephenson ‘who missed last week’s fixture through suspension. Also back from a lengthy break due to injury is the versatile Bradley Nelson ‘who makes the subs bench today. Manley Brown has been working hard on his fitness makes the starting 11 ‘as he slots into midfield.

The visitors Kick off in the bright winter sunshine and show their immediate intensions by raising the pace of the game. It appears obvious that this game means much too both sides and needing to be at their defensive best.

The game continues to be battled in midfield, neither side getting a clear cut chance. The first shot on goal was from the visitors when they break from the middle, choices to feed the ball both left or right, chooses to spray the ball right over the heads of the retreating Braves defence and in to the path of a running striker, with the ball at his feet and just inside the box smashes the ball goal bound, the Braves keeper Andy Hall quick to react ‘as he makes an acrobatic save to his left to push the ball out for a corner.

Skipper Steve Willis, commanding his backline, giving the Sea-Siders no room to be creative in the Manors last third.

Defensive midfielder Neil Barratt 'winning everything in the air, using his 6ft 3" frame to good effect as he nods the ball into the path of Liam Mulcare ‘who users his awesome pace to launch a Manor attack 'down the right, Mulcare curves a magnificent ball into the box to Kunle Adeoye 'who tries a half volley the ball deflecting off a yellow shirt and out for a corner.

39th minute and the Braves playing some great one touch football, the ball now in the Braves half, Willis feeds Jordan Childs ‘who dummies the ball into the path of Courtney Mclean, Mclean with his back to goal, cleverly back heels the ball to Neil Barratt who is now surrounded by yellow shirts, Barratt places the ball into the path of Anton Stephenson ‘who makes his run towards goal with defenders in toe users his strength to find an extra yard, with the ball at his feet drives into the box and plants the ball low into the left hand side of the net, 1-0 to the Braves.

The visitors continue to press hard, however the Manor backline looking solid, Neil Barratt commanding the centre of the pack breaks-up a Southend attack on the stroke of half time.

The second period and the Braves come close in the first few minutes. Jason Fox bringing the ball to the halfway line, into the path of Danny Dobson ‘who forces his way through the centre, sprays the ball wide to Childs ‘who is now in Southend's box ‘he tries a looping shot just wide of the post.

Southend starting to look tired, the outcome of this game looking to be dependant on the levels of fitness and this now telling ‘as the visitors struggle to contain Stephenson and Adeoye ‘who look like scoring with every attack.

55 minutes and the Manor extend their lead, Manley Brown pushes forward with the ball at his feet, getting within 35 yards of Southend’s goal, noticing Adeoye making his run chips the ball to Adeoye with his back towards goal just outside the area, Adeoye turns and crushes the ball goal bound, the ball hit with such venom ‘that it was still rising as it hit the back of the net, fabulous goal which puts the Braves now in the driving seat.

The Braves making their first substitute, the hardworking Danny Dobson off for Bradley Nelson.

The Braves now playing some great football and appear full of confidence ‘as they rain down on the visitors goal, Jordan Childs surges forward from behind play and scores from close range, but adjudged to be offside!!

Another substitute, play maker Bradley Brotherton on for Manley Brown. Brotherton straight into the action as he sends Mulcare off down the right, Mulcare weaves past two yellow shirts placing the ball across goal and into the path of Stephenson ‘who does really well to find the room in the crowded box to hit his shot goal-bound, Southend’s keeper making a fine save to his right, the ball rebounding back out to Nelson 'again the keeper needing to be at his best as he palms the ball out for a corner.

The Braves making their final substitute, Ray Coker on for Jordan Childs.

Eton Manor keep possession look to avert any danger ‘as the clock ticks down. The final whistle indicating a victory for Eton Manor for a thoroughly deserved place in the final against the other Semi Finalist winners today Concord Rangers who beat Enfield 1893 2-1.

Some excellent displays today, the front paring of Stephenson and Adeoye was evident for all to see what a terrific understanding these two have, both scored 27 goals each this season in all competitions and proved once again if you give either of them half a chance they will score. Good also to see Manley Brown getting back to match fitness, created the goal for Adeoye and proved solid in midfield today, however, it was Eton Manor’s Neil Barratt ‘who took Man of the Match honours today, Barratt proving a colossus in the center of the park, winning almost everything in the air ‘playing a big part in the victory.

Southend Manor came to spoil the party, used their game plan to good effect and proved difficult opponents, gave everything 'but in the end simply run out of steam.

A massive win for Eton Manor, justice for all the hard work and effort from everyone connected to Eton Manor Football Club, special praise to all the players and coaching staff ‘but in-particular first Team Manager Graham Chester 'who took nothing for granted towards the build up of today's game.

Manor Man of the Match

Neil Barratt - A Colossus in the Manor Defence

. Neil Barratt

Manor Team:

Hall, Mclean, Fox, Willis (Capt), , N.Barratt, Brown, Dobson, Mulcare, Stephenson, Adeoye, Childs.

Subs Addai, Leary, Brotherton, Coker, Nelson.

Att: 33