Essex Senior League
Venue: Southchurch Park
Attendance: 40
2018-19 Season – Match 19
Saturday 6th October 2018 – 3pm KO
Southend Manor : Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks
West Essex : Red & Black Striped Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks
Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: ScottMHC14)
In what you might describe as ‘ghastly’ conditions, Southend Manor welcomed West Essex to Southchurch Park. The hosts were not only missing the likes of Mo Kargbo, Lee Delf and Nathan Dewberry but also their manager Adam Peek, who is enjoying his stag do, best wishes to Adam on that. This meant Reserve team boss & ex-Rochford Town gaffer Garry Pond stepped up to be manager for the day. As for West, Jack Coker continued between the sticks and skipper Tom MacLeod reverted to centre-back with Symeon Taylor and Cameron Gray supporting focal point Izzy Ogedi-Uzokwe in attack.
Before kick-off, the elements signalled their intent with blustery conditions evident. Though before this report turns into a weather-based one, the opening to the match saw few chances to speak of though Manor midfielder Benn Smith lofted a drive over visiting custodian Jack Coker’s crossbar. West responded through an effort from 18 yards by midfielder Callum Bloss was parried by returning Manor goalkeeper Klinton Makayabo.
Manor were perhaps edging the game in terms of passing moves at this point though Stags forward Izzy Ogedi-Uzokwe was giving the Manor back four a good test though to be fair the backline did well. On the half-hour, ever-tricky winger Rhys Fatt darted down the middle and got his effort away though Coker did well to save. Coker was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the opening half, doing well to deny skipper Robbie Norris’ pile-driver and then tip wide Charlie Barlow’s wind-assisted free-kick towards the end of the half.
In recent matches, West have started to clamp down on conceding goals and although they didn’t have the better of the oppurtunities thus far, that ‘steel’ was evident.
Half-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 0 West Essex
After the break, Manor had further chances to take the lead though forward Charlie Little and Barlow’s drives were both saved by Coker. Seven minutes after the interval, West had a decent chance of their own as from James Bromley’s sharp delivery, forward Cameron Gray thumped a header off-target. Only a minute later though, what ended up being the decisive goal came as from Bromley’s corner, MacLeod headed on at the back stick for Gray to head home in a congested penalty area.
Manor found Coker in fine form again on 58 minutes as Little’s effort was denied and although the hosts did look threatening down the flanks through Fatt and fellow winger Dylan James, their final ball didn’t quite materalise. At the other end, West pushed for an important second goal though centre-back Nick Walk’s header was saved by Makayabo. Manor cenre-back Ore Mosuro spurned a late chance by heading over the bar though in fairness, the hosts gave everything in terms of effort though that unfortunate ‘familar story’ of chances missed ultimately cost them.
Full-Time: Southend Manor 0 – 1 West Essex
West will be pleased with another battling three points with forwards Symeon Taylor and Izzy Ogedi-Uzokwe and right-back Sanchez Hardy standing out alongside the impressive Coker today. Finally, credit to both sides for the effort and resolve they showed in poor conditions today.
Teams
Southend Manor | Manager (for the day): Garry Pond
Klinton Makayabo (GK), Charlie Cobb, Grant Webb, Robbie Norris (Capt), Oreoluwa Mosuro, Kye Jude, Rhys Fatt (Jordon Chambers 82′), Benn Smith, Charlie Little (Aaron Baldwin 73′), Charlie Barlow, Dylan James (Matthew Smith 70′)
Booked: Norris | Subs Not Used: Dias
West Essex | Manager: Kwame Kwateng
Jack Coker (GK), Sanchez Hardy, Josh Kane, Tom MacLeod (Capt), Nick Walk, James Bromley, Callum Bloss (Samraj Gill 80′), Greg Frederick, Izzy Ogedi-Uzokwe (Tom Woodbridge 68′), Symeon Taylor, Cameron Gray (Joe Lefley 70′)
Goal-scorers: Cameron Gray [53′]
Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Ahmed
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