Southend Manor 0 London APSA 1

Essex Senior League, Monday 17th March 2014

Another day another match at the Southchurch Arena, Southend-on-Sea as Manor played their third home game in six days.  APSA were the visitors and this was their third visit to South Essex in five days such is the fixture congestion currently.  Anyway the game began with both teams trying to stamp their authority on it and Manor had the first shot on goal when Brenden Cavalier’s effort from outside the box was tipped over the bar by APSA keeper Manuel Selva.  APSA were dangerous going forward themselves too and their pacey forwards were giving Manor’s back line something to think about.  Manor’s new keeper Matthew Walker, in for the injured Lawrence Priddle, was tested with a few efforts but none of these were that testing in truth and were saved easily.  Charlie Little was causing a few problems down the right but his final ball either wasn’t accurate enough or he had no one to pass the ball too, as Manor lacked that cutting edge in front of goal.  Max Drury, Manor’s full back, went on a couple of runs down the wing but these came to nothing too.  Charlie Bridgeman, Manor’s forward, went on a good run before the half but his ball into the box found a defender again and was cleared.  The second half was much the same to be honest with both teams having their attacks but not creating anything noteworthy.  Kye Jude was a rock at the heart of the Manor defence as always and Dean Smith Shaw, Manor’s skipper, was as robust as ever in midfield.  As the half wore on APSA began to gain control and as the half entered its final ten minutes they started to put more pressure on Manor’s backline.  With seven or so minutes to go they thought they had a penalty when Walker’s challenge was deemed legal by the referee, much to the annoyance of APSA.  However with four minutes to go another challenge from Walker involving an APSA forward and Kye Jude resulted in a penalty for the visitors.  Fahad Nyanja coverted the spot kick to send Manor to a very disappointing defeat.  But they go again on Wednesday as they visit the Mile End Stadium to take on Sporting Bengal United.  No rest for the wicked as they say!!!  UP THE MANOR!!!