Essex Senior League – Premier Division
Venue: Southchurch Park
Attendance: 45 (Est)
2022-23 Season: Match 24
Saturday 5th November 2022 – 2pm KO
Manor: Yellow & Black Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks
Clacton: White & Red Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue Socks
Clacton power to big win at Manor to stay second
Southend Manor 1 – 5 FC Clacton
Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
The Non-League journey finally returned after an unexpected fortnight away, as FC Clacton visited Southend Manor, in an Essex Senior League match which saw both sides wanting the points, but for very different reasons. Clacton were second pre-match, while Manor were still looking for their first win this term. Recently-appointed gaffer Alex O’Leary named loanee stopper Harry McKie in goal, with a defence comprised of full-backs Joe Burton & Kevin Toualeu and centre-backs Charm Dube and skipper Tobi James. Adalberto Pinto was in central midfield, alongside Mo Kamara. Ben Bayoko and Billy Knott were the wingers in support of forwards Deimar Queni and Harrison Day.
Clacton by contrast are having a very good start to the season but lost out last week at home to Takeley. Manager Tom Austin fielded Luke Avenell between the posts for Clacton, with a backline of centre-backs Chris Ribchester and utility player Charlie Thompson, with full-backs Jenson Mulqueen and captain Billy Wales. Their central midfield included Toby Harms & Charlie Collis, with brother Teddy Collis and Jake Clowsley on the flanks. Mekhi McKenzie led the forward line here, with support from Jack Johnson.
The conditions really highlighted the onset on winter but then again it is November now, and Clacton started the stronger of the two sides, showcasing their possession game pretty without creating an avalanche of chances. However, that latter detail was soon sorted out as Tom Austin’s side surprised no-one by taking a 15th-minute lead. The assist went to centre-back Chris Ribchester as his lofted ball in from just outside the penalty area found forward Mekhi McKenzie and his low finish gave home stopper Harry McKie little chance. The Seasiders had scored 25 league goals prior to today’s match and that clinicial finishing was shown again five minutes after the opening goal, as winger Jake Clowsley’s fine cross from the right flank found McKenzie and after his initial attempt was blocked, his finish went high into the net to double the lead.
Manor were decent in getting their passes from defence to midfield but their final ball was not good enough to pierce the resolute Seasiders backline and therefore test goalkeeper Luke Avenell. Forwards Deimar Queni and Harrison Day were both willing runners but there was very little for them to latch on to. It could’ve been worse for Alex O’Leary’s side before the interval as Clacton winger Teddy Collis made a fine run down the left wing, evading two defenders before playing in Clowsley with the latter’s powerful strike being well parried away by McKie.
HT: Manor 0 – 2 Clacton
Unsurprisingly, the hosts rung the changes after the interval with three substitutions made. Darby, Manyewe and Attwood all entered the action in place of James, Bayoko and Knott. There was a distinct need of a change of fortune and it nearly cropped up four minutes into the half. A fine free-kick from the right by central midfielder Adalberto Pinto found the run of full-back Kevin Toualeu and his powerful header wasn’t far wide of the right-sided post. But before they could build-up any momentum, Clacton grabbed a third goal on 52 minutes. McKenzie was in the action again as patient build-up from a set-piece saw skipper Billy Wales loft the ball into the far post area and McKenzie’s well-directed header found the net for his treble here and an 11th league goal of the season.
That goal really made the challenge more difficult for Manor, and this time Clacton were not in any frame of mind to concede territory. Charlie Collis’ free-kick was parried over by the over-worked McKie before the hour mark though Clacton finished the match strongly to take the points. Firstly, a good darting run by substitute Reuben Cowler ended with a fine low finish on seventy-five minutes before a Teddy Collis spot-kick made it five seven minutes later. Manor did get something from the game with moments remaining as replacement Joe Darby was played in well by O’Leary’s pass and his low finish defeated Avenell to get a consolation. Even so though, the Seasiders were comfortable winners and all credit to them.
Full-Time: Southend Manor 1 – 5 FC Clacton
In summary, Clacton were comfortable for the vast majority of this match and their resolute defending gave a resounding answer as to what the outcome was going to be in this game. Manor unfortunately could create enough chances to test Seasiders custodian Luke Avenell, despite the occasional decent forward move. Clacton’s finishing & final ball were far superior as they remain in second spot after this match.
Several visiting players stood out today. Forward Mekhi McKenzie had another really influential match, scoring three good goals, provided a constant threat and also showed high work rate. Congrats to him. Also, Chris Ribchester had another fine game in defence for Clacton, with full-back Jenson Mulqueen bursting down the flank from right-back, putting in some good crosses & lastly Jake Clowsley once again showed his quality from the right flank, putting in fine passes to create chances well.
For Manor, forward Deimar Queni stuck to his task and showed a high work rate, and made some good darting runs down the channels as well. Full-back Kevin Toualeu also did well, showing high energy and made good tackles. Midfielder Mo Kamara also had an alright game & a word for substitute Joe Darby who showed good finishing to claim his late goal.
I’d just like to wish both sides a good remainder of the campaign.
Teams
Southend Manor | Player-Manager: Alex O’Leary | Assistants: Kudus Oyenuga & Jack Morris
Starting XI (Subs): 1 Harry McKie (GK), 2 Joe Burton, 3 Kevin Toualeu, 5 Charm Dube (16 Murphy Duncan 75′), 6 Tobi James (Capt) (17 Rgee Manyewe 46′), 4 Adalberto Pinto, 7 Ben Bayoko (15 Niall Attwood 46′), 8 Mohamed Kamara, 9 Deimar Queni, 10 Harrison Day (14 Alex O’Leary 75′), 11 Billy Knott (12 Joe Darby 46′)
Goal-scorers: Joe Darby [89′]
Booked: Kamara | Subs Not Used: None
FC Clacton | Manager: Tom Austin | Assistant: Ryan Salter
Starting XI (Subs): 1 Luke Avenell (GK), 2 Jenson Mulqueen (16 Fletcher Hanna 76′), 3 Billy Wales (Capt), 5 Chris Ribchester, 6 Charlie Thompson, 4 Toby Harms, 8 Charlie Collis (15 Adam Tilson 68′), 7 Jake Clowsley (14 Rueben Cowler 58′), 9 Mekhi McKenzie (12 Jordan Lartey 68′), 10 Jack Johnson (17 Joe Hillier 76′), 11 Teddy Collis
Goal-scorers: Mekhi McKenzie [15′, 20′ & 52′], Reuben Cowler [75′], Teddy Collis [pen 82′]
Booked: None | Subs Not Used: None
Referee: Daniel Ripton
Assistants: Gary Telling & Ray Parmenter
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