Eton Manor face Concord Rangers for the 4th time this season, the spoils so far in favour of the Essex Senior League Champions and Winners of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy, winning 2 out of the 3 previous meetings this season.

Concord Rangers kicks off in the blazing heat in front of 513 spectators at the Bowers & Pitsea Ground.

Opening 15 minutes sees both sides battling in midfield, Concord come close in the 16th minute; Danny Heale hits a long range effort which sails over the bar.

18th Minute and the Manor take the lead. A great pass to the feet of Anton Stephenson by Neil Barratt. Stephenson in to the box and clips the ball past Concords keeper and into the net. 1-0.

20th minute and the Manor strike again from a corner kick, this time Manley Brown the supplier onto the head of Midfield battler Lee Smith who delays his run into the box to head home Manor’s second. Click here to view the goal.

The Manor continue to push Concord hard, come close, Brown spraying the ball wide to the right, Jason Fox takes flight down the right, cutting into the box and from a tight angle fires in a shot which just sneaks past the post.

27 minutes, Concord now picking up the pace and drive forward, pinning the Braves back into their own half. Concord drive in a corner kick and Heale smashes home from close range to make the score 2-1.

30 minutes on the clock and Concord now in determined mood, level the score; Shane Oakley chases a long ball through the middle and does well to slide the ball past the Manor’s No 1 Andy Hall. 2-2.

Jamie Wallace combining well with Manley Brown, who allows the ball to run into the path of Lee Smith, Smith smashes the ball towards goal ‘but just wide of the post.

38th minute and the Manor regain the advantage, Manley Brown once more the supplier, sending Anton Stephenson down the right, Stephenson using his upper body strength to Stave-off two Concord defenders ‘as he goes towards goal and drills the ball into the net, 3-2 to the Manor.

Second half and the Manor makes some adjustments to the defence, Jason fox sustaining a groin injury makes way for Chris Barratt.

Jamie Wallace received the ball from Courtney Mclean, Wallace fires in from 18 yards and Concord keeper does well to palm the ball clear.

Concord free kick, driven in well by Danny Heale, however, Andy Hall palms the ball over the bar. Click here to view Hall's Save.

The Men in yellow now pushing the Manor back in to their own-half. The Manor defence made to work really hard to hold off a wave of Concord advances.

Manor free kick 25 yards out, Stephenson hits a good shot towards goal, Hussy pushes the ball over the bar, a great save by the Concord Keeper.

Last 10 minutes and the Manor come close, Stephenson on the end of a set piece and from inside the 6 yard box tries to swivel on the spot to turn the ball into the net, however, Hussy again shows great anticipation and clears the danger.

Last remaining minutes of normal time and Concord continue to drive forward. Manor defenders having to make gigantic effort’s to keep Concord Rangers out.

The referee allowing a few extra minutes over and above the recommended 3 minutes, which to the Eton Manor faithful seemed more like 3 hours. However, the match official finally signalling game over to the great joy of the Manor players ‘who were asked for a Warriors performance and delivered exactly that”

Some notable performances today, however, without doubt a great Manor team performance was needed to win against a Concord Rangers side that has dominated the Essex Senior League this season.

The trophy lifted by Eton Manor Skipper and Man of the Match Steve Willis, assisted by Mr Eton Manor himself, Club Chairman ‘Reg Curtis.

A great day for the Manor folk, who have strived hard to bring success to the Club and finally get the reward that they rightly deserve.

Manor Man of the Match

Steve Willis - Cammanding Performance

Steve Willis

Manor Team:

Hall, Mclean, Willis (Capt), Reading, Smith, N.Barratt, Fox, Brown, Stephenson, Wallace, Coker.

Subs ,Adeoye, C.Barratt, Deji. Brotherton

Rangers Team:

Hussey, Ing, Ogilvie, Trenkel (Capt) Easterford, Heffer, Oakley, Cowley, Begg, Heale, Hayzelden.

Subs T.Lee, Scopes, Hully, Collier

Att: 513