It was the usual mix of difficult pitch and blustery wind at Southchurch Park for the meeting of the Manor's. Last season's 2-1 win here by the visitors was Southend Manor's only home league defeat of the season, however, in all honesty the Braves never looked like repeating the trick this season.

Not for the first time in recent games the Braves were found wanting early on and a lively Southend Manor took the lead midway through the half with a goal from the exposed Braves left flank. Gradually the visitors edged their way back into the game and scored a well deserved equaliser from the hard working Lloyd Butler and went in at the interval pleased to be on level terms with the slope and wind advantage to come in the 2nd half.

After the break the Braves dominated proceedings for the first 15 minutes but were unable to get in front. Mid-way through the half however the visitors imploded. Firstly the visitors gave away possession high up the field, but then inexplicably allowed the Southend Manor forward a free run in on goal. 'Keeper Nick Wilson slipped as he came from goal allowing the home side to retake the lead.

From that point the visitors collapsed and some awful defending and crass decision making in midfield allowed the home side to run in two further easy goals and the Braves were left wondering what might have been as they were soundly beaten 4-1.

Manor Boss Kevin Durrant was fuming afterwards and slammed his team's performanced. He said: "We were gutless and clueless today. It's not acceptable and we must do better."

Man of the Match

Courtney Linton - Worked hard in a losing cause.

Manor Team:

1 Nick Wilson
2 Alan Browne (replaced by number 16)
3 Joe Nightingill (replaced by number 14)
4 Chris Barratt
5 Neil Barratt 
6 Michael Marin 
7 Paul Marin
8 George Durrant 
9 Lloyd Butler - 1
10 Courtney Linton
11 Tom Nyama (replaced by number 12)

12 Aaron May
13 Michael Wakefield
14 Dean Frett 
15 Paul Norris
16 Andrew Gibbons