Michael Georghiou struck a 30 yard screamer to secure all three points in the battle of the Manor's at Southchurch Park. Eton Manor started the brighter of the two sides with Neil Barratt having a header harshly ruled out, before Duane Miller saw a snapshot volley from the edge of the area tipped over by the home 'keeper.

The breakthrough eventually came from the penalty spot. A half cleared Eton Manor corner was knocked back into the area in the direction of Danny Alleyne who was inexplicably tugged back by a defender and the referee was left with no alternative but to award a spot kick. Courtney Linton stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and give the visitors a well deserved lead.

It was a lead that could have been extended soon after when Alleyne cut the ball back to Duane Miller inside the area. His effort beat the goalkeeper, but was cleared off the line by some last ditch defending.

4 mintues before half time Southend Manor were given a chance to level. A ball in from the left found the Southend striker in space, the linesman flagged for offside, but as the ball broke into the challenge between striker and 'keeper the referee gave a penalty. After discussions with his linesman the decision stood and Chris Baddeley stepped up to beat Nick Wilson and bring the scores level.

The early stages of the second half were more even and Southend Manor started to deliver some dangerous crosses into the visitors area, however, Nick Wilson and skipper Richard Simpson were in commanding form.

Then 15 minutes into the second period came Georghiou's moment of magic. The central midfielder scored his first competitive goal for the club with a sensational strike which nestled in the top corner of the Southend Manor net.

Courtney Linton almost got in to make it 3 soon after, but the ball rebounded off his shin in a challenge with the keeper and trickled wide.

The last 10 minutes were the home side's best period of the match. As the visitors got edgy in sight of the victory Southend Manor piled bodies forward and when a free kick bounced around the area Nick Wilson was at his athletic best to turn away a goalbound effort.

Jerry Nkrumah, on off the bench, could have sealed it late on, but Eton Manor held on for a vital victory to close the gap to their hosts who still sit just above them in 3rd place.

Man of the Match

Richard Simpson - Another outstanding defensive display.

Manor Team:

Steve LAMBERT: Jason FOX, Kieran KING; Jamil SYLLA, Joe ELLUL , Liam ALLEN; Junior YIADOM-KONADU, Fabio JESUS, Manley BROWN (Captain), Jakovo Odasi-Ulkueku, Liam MULCARE.

Substitutes: Tom QUERRY, Alinani MOUNTER , Alan EAMES, Beckley LOUKMAN, Antonio YOTOV, Ricardo AMADO.