Essex Senior League | Saturday 14th January 2023 | Catons Lane | Attendance 285
Saffron Walden 1 – 3 Buckhurst Hill
Scorers:
H Nalbant 5′ & 76′
S Shilling 31′
Report by Anthony Mercer
Buckhurst Hill returned to winning ways, with a well-deserved 3 points on the road at Saffron Walden.
On a very wet afternoon on a heavy pitch, Buckhurst Hill flew out of the blocks and went in front after 5 minutes when Harry Markatis ran into the box, before being brought down. Leading scorer Hassan Nalbant stepped up, only to see his kick blocked by keeper James Young, but Nalbant was first to the ball and hit the ball into the net.
2 minutes later Saffron Walden had a good chance when Ryan Melaugh’s free-kick was well saved by debutant Adi Connolly in the visitors goal. Despite the conditions it was an entertaining game and Buckhurst Hill had a good chance on 18′ when Conor Tyrrell’s blistering effort was well saved by Young.
Saffron Walden drew level on 28 when a free kick from the right found Joe Pullen unmarked who headed into the net. The lead lasted just 3 minutes when Ezekiel Bademosi charged down the right, before crossing into a busy penalty area, the ball was picked up at the back post by Sonny Shilling, who took a touch, before curling beautifully into the net and past the outreach of Young.
The heavy conditions hampered both sides, but both sides started the half well. On 54 Ollie Williams charged down the right, before crossing, which evaded the onrushing Buckhurst Hill players and away to safety.
The Stags took charge of the game and defended in numbers as the half progressed and found the all-important goal on 76′ when midfielder Harry Markatis played a long ball through to Nalbant who ran through and calmly finished into the bottom left corner to make it 3-1. Substitute George Johnson saw his effort well tipped wide before Bademosi was in front of goal one on one, but Young recovered well to deny the striker his team’s 4th. After the game manager, Mark Williams commented on the afternoon.”Very pleased with the result and application of the players. We had a very young team out and on a very difficult surface. They worked their socks off.
Saffron Walden were dangerous on set pieces, but bar their goal we defended very well”
The result leave’s the Stags in 9th spot. Buckhurst Hill’s next game sees them entertaining Stanway Rovers next Saturday.
Team
Connolly, Olagbaju (Johnson 71), Halford, Harris, Moore, Tyrrell, Williams (Deaney 71), Markatis, Nalbant, Badamosi and Shilling (Rowland 61)
Subs all used
