The Manor held title chasing Ilford to a hard fought draw today. The last time Manor played the mighty hoops back in October the outcome was identical. As expected from the first whistle this local derby was always going to be a fiery affair, with Manor fielding no less then Six England LD winners against the Irish last week.With Johnny Quinn and Danny Midford missing through suspension and Delroy Forde and Manor Captain Gary Scales out with injuries Manor still proved that they were no push over. With Pamplin leading from the front and Fola alongside The Manor showed great skill and determination on the ball as they pushed forward. Ilford looked the more likely to score in the first half and tested the Manor keeper Carl Prince. Ilfords defence started looking decidedly hesitant and were forced into errors. Once again Pamplins presence up front was causing all sorts of problems and proved how much Asa had been missed in the last 4 games. The second half The Manor seemed to believe the game was there for the taking, with Fola causing Ilford all sorts of problems down the left handside and nearly came close and could have scored were it not for a few dodgy offside decisions. The Manor Midfield dominated in the second half, Lee Whitelock playing some class and brilliant one touch football and the ever young Tony Marsh giving his normal 100% gave the Manor the slight edge. Lewis Passfield took Man of the match honours by showing real determination to win every ball within 5 yards of him this allowed the Manor to break through the middle and unsettle the Foxes defence. With 10 minutes to go Asa Pamplin chased a seemingly lost cause and challenge the keeper who fumbled the ball, Asa quickly seized the opportunity and tucked the ball in the back of the net, the referee pointing to the centre circle with the Manor support celebrating a fine goal, only to be called back by the lineman who convinced the Referee that Asa had handled the ball! The battle continued end to end and Ilford coming the closest in injury time. Manager Kirk Whitelock said after the game, “ I’m proud of all the boys today, we proved that The Manor are up there with the best of them, and like the last time we played Ilford could have taken all 3 points, but again we’re happy with a draw.I would like to thank Ilford for giving it their all today and wish them well for the rest of the Season.

Team: Prince, G.Smith, Marsh, Nielson, Snazel, Marks, L.Whitleock, Passfield, Morris, Fola, Pamplin, Subs – J.Smith, Young, Jenkins, Richards, Barrett.