The Braves held out during the last 10 minutes of the game under immense pressure from a dogged and organised Thamesmead side. Had it not been for the heroics of Manor's No 1 Darren Smyth, keeping a clean sheet the score-line could have been much different.

The result was always going to be secondary for both teams, as these games are all about performances. The Manor Management need these games against quality opposition such as Thamesmead, to assess the fitness of the players plus to ascertain their own playing level, players such as Carl Bailey, proved as he did against Tilbury last week that he is very comfortable at this level of football, Bailey seems to have slotted in well into the back four 'as if, he has played there all season.

Second half performance of Tazewell Thompson, who looked menacing up front, had a perfectly good goal disallowed, had it been given, would have helped his confidence no end.

Regular players also showing improvements on last year, Manor goal scorer Ricky Defreitas seems to be maturing, Ricky playing with a much better attitude this year could prove to me his best season yet.

Tony Marsh, took part in both games today and played a total of 180- minutes of hard slog football, great appetite for the game and a favourite amongst his team mates.

Also good to see old boy Jenko get 90 minutes in the reserves game today, great asset to the Club, with bags of passion.

The ever present Chris Barratt, who goes quietly about his business and gives 100% every time, you know what you are going to get with Chris each time he pulls on a Manor shirt.

It was great to see midfield battler, Charlie Tarten have a good game today, he chases everything and panics defenders into making mistakes, honest, hard working and reliable player.

All in all a good team performance today, Whitelock appeared overjoyed with his current squad of players. With Jamie Warren on board as a Manor Coach and the welcome presence of Paul Smyth, constantly motivating from the touch line, a good spirit appears to be forming down at the Manor.

Last word to for the Manor Man of the Match - Darren Smyth, Manor keeper, played outstanding today. Commanding in his area, vocal and supportive' but never negative. Great signing by Whitelock.

Manor Man of the Match

Darren Smyth - Commanding Performance

Darren Smyth

Manor Team:

D.Smyth, Clarey, , Marsh, C.Barrett, Bailey, Coker, Wallace, N.Barrett, Tarten, Gayle, Defreitas

Subs Chester, McCarthy, Thompson, Jenkins, Ukalgwa, Ekebcha, Holland, Leary.