Stansted 4 v 3 Eton Manor

[Mr Manor]

Great game to watch and played in great spirit by both sides. Some great banter between the players and benches. Handled really well as usual by Rob Whitton. Well supported by a young linesman, although the other put his flag up whenever a Manor player was within 2 yards of a Stansted defender. Manor scored first through Billy Powell and we dominated for 30mins until the offside trap was broken and Stansted equalised. Manor chnaged shape from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 after Reading went off injured. 2nd half and Stansted scored direct from a freekick and again after the offside trap was broken. Manor got back in it when Powell scored again from a corner but we conceded within a minute after a mistake at the back. Chris Hammond scored a great solo goal with 10mins to go but despite 8mins injury time we couldn't break through. Apart from a few mistakes another great team performance and things are looking positive.

 

I really enjoyed the game tonight. We are showing signs of becoming a very good side next year. The players who have come in have the experience that we were missing. Billy Powell is quality. He hasn't played or trained for a year but when he is fit he will be excellent. The attitude and committment is back now and the new players have really fitted in well. Carl Prince made, what I would say, is one of the best saves I've seen for a long while. Marshy was superb as usual combining really well with Ray Coker who again played really well. Doc and Lee Smith were great in centre mid and Glen Connolly played the best game I've seen him play for ages. The pair upfront are really linking up well. So the signs are there and I'm really looking forward to next season with these players.

[theabbeyabbott]

Spoke to Reg on Sunday and he says the new boys from Canning Town have really given your side a pep, well done...slow down though when you meet us soon eh???????

[Mr Manor]

Yeah they have. I think there was some apprehension as to whether they were good enough for this level but not only is their ability good enough but their attitude is superb. 100% every game and the team spirit is sky high. Even after defeat last night everyone was so positive unlike before. All the players are really gearing up for next season so it should be good. Fear us Abbey!!!!! (ha ha)

[Mackie. D]

Agreed, all the above comments are ringing true, but the one thing missing from the equasion is the return of David Jenkins to the Manor. This boy has come back after a spell at Barking & East Ham & Clapton, his main role now is coaching, but he has had an inspirational effect on all the players and some of the comments made by the senior players have been very encouraging indeed. It will be hard for any one to replace this lad, he is worth his weight in gold and the club will only go forward with him at the helm. Manager Kirk Whitelock is over the moon with Jenko and is not adverse to telling everyone just what a good job he's doing, so yes, great new signings, great team spirit, nice football and a top coach. QUALITY.

[Mr Manor]

I'm sure Jenko will appreciate your comments! Hindsight is a great thing! We are finally back to the great team spirit and atmosphere from last year when we were unbeaten and did not concede a goal for so long. Great team both on and off the field and it was good that everyone was there last night. Next year should be great for us at the Manor

[theabbeyabbott]

lets hope you can get back on track and continue to make progress after your hiccups this year. Someone please tell Reg he has to run too on a Sunday when i 'm playing along side him ta.....ha ha

[Nikki 50/50]

hows ur ankle / foot?!

 

hahaha...

[Mr Manor]

Thanks Abbey. To be honest I think we expected ourselves to be in your shoes. Showed great promise last year but unlike you we didn't build on it. I'll pass you comments on to Reg. Why can't you do the running for him anyway????

[theabbeyabbott]

something to do with 18 stone and a well paid for beer barrel strapped to my midrift!

[Mr Manor]

I'll contact him immediately!!!