The Braves came into the game without 8 first team squad members due to injury, for this league match against high flying opponents. Conditions were far from ideal as a blustery wind proved troublesome for both sides. Manor keeper Michael Wakefield made good early saves to keep the Braves in contention and the Manor striker Courtney Linton fired one over at the opposition end from a Michael Marin free kick.

The first real chance was fashioned by the Braves when Scott Lovett played in Alan Browne whose shot was beaten away by the Witham keeper. Play switched to the other end and an innocuous Witham attack somehow resulted in a goal when the Braves were unable to effectively clear the ball, 1-0 to Witham.

After the break the Braves had a little of the wind behind them although by now it had moderated compared to the 1st half. Nevertheless the visitors stuck to their game plan, defended resolutely and tried to catch the home side on the break.

The tactic paid off as they forced a Witham defender to concede a corner with a sliced clearance and Michael Marin delivered a great ball for George durrant to sdteal in front of the home defence and head the equaliser. Witham poured forward to try and snatch the winner and had the Braves under severe pressure but the team stood firm and almost snatched the winner themselves with a Scott Lovett effort.

The game ended with the home side on the offensive but unable to make any further decent chances and the Braves securing an excellent point.

Man of the Match

Alan Browne - The Manor's most dangerous weapon down the right hand side.

Manor Team:

1 Michael Wakefield
2 Tony Hadley
3 Michael Marin
4 Chris Barratt 
5 Neil Barratt 
6 Scott Lovett
7 Alan Browne
8 Dean Frett (c)
9 Billee Shaw (replaced by number 12)
10 George Durrant
11 Courtney Linton

12 Andrew Gibbons
14 Paul Norris