The Manor resources were stretched going into this league match with Top striker Danny Clarke still injured and the influential Joe May unavailable. Furthermore another change was enforced in goal with Jamie Merralls becoming the 5th Manor keeper of the season.

The home side were soon on the attack when a misplaced back pass allowed Courtney Linton a run on goal but he put his effort over the bar. Tha action immediately switched to the other end and the visitors striker fortunately fired over when in a one on one with the manor keeper. Both sides were prepared to attack and the Braves again went close after a great run by Richard Simpson down the right flank ended with the ball being fired across the visitors goal with no Eton striker available to apply the finishing touch, This was soon followed by a decent shot by Manny Sackey that was saved by the visitors keeper and then Tom Nyama fired just over after an incisive run.

The best chance for the Braves came after a great back header by Scott Lovett played in Courtney Linton but the finishing shot was fired just over the crossbar. Southend were not to be outdone and they capitalised on poor decision making by the home side, firstly with a poor throw in and then being caught in possession in the wrong area and they struck an excellent opener from 25 yards, giving the Braves keeper no chance. 1-0 to the visitors.

Stung into action the home side soon had the ball in the visitors net only for the goal to be ruled out by a dubious offside decision.At the interval the Braves were still the solitary goal adrift. After the break the home side continued to press for the equaliser and were marginally the better of the sides but the visitors looked dangerous on the odd breakaway.

With 60 minutes gone, skipper Dean Frett laid a superb pass through the visitors defence, only for Tom Nyama to delay his finish which allowed the visitors keeper to bravely save at his feet. Southend went close when a fierce goal bound shot was brilliantly turned over by the Braves keeper. Manager Kevin Durrant threw on defender Chris Barratt up front to add some height to the Eton attack and this ploy almost paid instant dividends when a fierce shot him, looking a certain goal, was deflected just wide for a corner. Not to be outdone the visitors had a good chance but once again failed to capitalise .

The game now entered added on time and with Danny Alleyne on up front it was his persistence down the left flank that enabled Scott Lovett to lay back a great ball for Sid Nelson to drive home the well deserved equaliser for the Braves.

Man of the Match

Sid Nelson - Strength, quality and a superb goal.

Manor Team:

1 Jamie Merralls
2 Richard Simpson
3 Joe Nightingill 
4 Carl Bailey
5 Neil Barratt
6 Manny Sackey
7 Sid Nelson - 1 
8 Dean Frett (c)
9 Courtney Linton (replaced by number 15)
10 Scott Lovett
11 Tom Nyama

12 Tony Hadley
14 Michael Georghiou
15 Danny Alleyne
16 Chris Barratt
17 Andrew Gibbons