The Braves came to this semi final against Burnham Ramblers, brim full of confidence after their recent good results. Strangely though they took a good 15 minutes to get the long journey out of their legs and it was the home team that bossed the opening period.

There was a distinct lack of goal mouth action, neither side created much until a pass out by the Manor was intercepted down the left flankand keeper Nick Wilson was left stranded as the ball flew over him and nestled in the goal, 1-0 to Burnham. The visitors, driven on by their excellent skipper Dean Frett , now came into the game strongly.

Jerry Nkrumah was as combative and lively as always up front and after a slick passing move he played in Dean Frett who guided the cross expertly past the Burnham keeper to level the scores, 1-1.

The Manor defence were untroubled by the home attack and if anyone looked likely to score it was the visitors, however neither side was able to break the deadlock and at half time the score remained 1-1.

After the break, Scott Lovett soon came on for the Manor and his strength and ability up front helped take the game to the opposition. Unfortunately , from a Burnham corner the Manor made a hash of clearing it out and the home side restored their lead with a simple tap in.

The Braves have bags of character though and were soon taking the game to Burnham again and good movement down the left saw Scott Lovett turning the home defence inside out and his pin point cross was tucked gleefully away by Jerry Nkrumah, 2-2.

The visitors had quite a few chances blocked by resolute Burnham defending and one felt the game might be edged by the Manor. However, this was not to be the case as outrageous decision by one of the assistant referees led to the home side being credited with their 3rd goal with the 'goal scorer' being offside by a considerable margin. There was to be no coming back from this as Burnham go on to win by 3-2 and will meet Enfield 1893 in the Final.

After the game emfc.co.uk spoke with Eton Manor Club General Manager Alex Lee who said "In Football we accept some decisions are marginal and can go either way but Burnham's third goal was just inept and the referees Assistant was plainly wrong. I thought our Boys put on a courageous display which deserved more from the game. Burnham had played a full part in this see saw match and we wish them good luck in the final against Enfield"

Manager Kevin Durrant was dismayed after the game he said" I felt justifiably robbed by the crass decision that gifted the home side the winning goal, that said I thought Burnham played with plenty of heart and gave a spirited performance, we truly wish them well for the Final"

Manor Man Of the Match

Dean Frett- Tireless Performance.

The Manor's next game is at home to Southend Manor in the Essex Senior League on Saturday 28th March 2009, Kick off at 3pm.

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.