The Manor started this game with a passion and tempo that Manager Kevin Durrant had demanded in his pre- match talk. They immediately took the game to their opponents Enfield 1893 and easily had the better of the opening exchanges.

Wide players Tom Nyama and Courtney Linton worked up and down the flanks tirelessly and with Dean Frett making late forays forward to support the tigerish Jerry Nkrumah Enfield were under extreme pressure. Joe May was his usual skillfull self and Michael Ghiorghiou, in a holding mid field role was discipline personified.

The Manor back four of Danny Alleyne, Richard Simpson, Neil Barrett and Joe Nightingill were unfazed by any attacking threat by Enfield. The Braves keeper Nick Wilson was his usual confident self and this whole team ethic constantly had Enfield on the back foot.

The Manor suffered a blow when Alleyne had to leave the field with a hamstring problem but his replacement, Carl Bailey slotted in with no problem. The Manor fashioned many good half chances during the opening 45 minutes but the opposition defence stood firm until on the stroke of half time when Courtney Linton was put clear through but his fierce strike was off target.

Come the break, 0-0. The Braves soon got back into their stride after half time and continued to look increasingly in control of a now feisty game. Excellent work by the 3 officials stopped any over zealous play escalating into anything too serious.

It came as no surprise when the Manor went in front after sustained pressure down the right flank, a Carl Bailey throw-in was headed on by Neil Barrett and Courtney Linton was on hand to apply the finishing touch. A text book goal and 1-0 to the Manor.

Enfield now started to ring the changes in a desperate attempt to salvage a point but the Braves stood up to anything thrown at them and stood firm and resolute . The work ethic had to be seen to be believed as both teams went at it hammer and tongs with play switching fast from end to end.

For all their huff and puff the opposition were unable to blow the Manor house down and the game ended with the Braves worthy winners, Enfield are to be congratulated for their contribution to an excellent match.

Manor Manager, Kevin Durrant said" I asked my squad to stand up tall and not back down tonight and they did me proud. They were always there for one another and fully deserved their result. This is the standard we have been looking for and lets take it into our remaining 2 games

Man Of the Match

Joe Nightingill - Brilliant game at left back

The Manor's next game is at home to Burnham Ramblers in the League on Thursday 23rd April 2009, kick-off at 7:45pm.eam:

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.