Essex Senior League | Tuesday 24th January 2023 | Myrak Park | Attendance 80
Buckhurst Hill 1 – 2 FC Clacton
Scorers:
H Nalbant 59′
Report by Anthony Mercer
Buckhurst Hill came up just short against 3rd place FC Clacton on Tuesday night, with the game decided by a penalty for the visitors, to see them keep close tabs on 2nd place side Redbridge in a hard-fought and physical battle.
Buckhurst Hill saw the return of Nathan Sollosi, who caused problems early on for the visitors.
Buckhurst Hill started well, with Sonny Shilling seeing his free kick just wide, before Hassan Nalbant seeing his shot well saved. Nalbant saw a header saved on the half-hour mark before FC Clacton took the lead on 39 from a corner that was not cleared and the ball fell to Mekhi Mckenzie who fired home.
Just before the break, Ezekiel Bademosi could have done better when one-on-one with the keeper, who saved.
Seconds into the second half Nalbant saw his effort tipped over as the Stags pushed hard for a deserved equaliser.
On 59 they were rewarded with a free kick that was sent into the box and Jayo Olagbaju was pushed into the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Leading scorer Hassan Nalbant scored to the keeper’s left.
FC Clacton had a good chance on 72 when Max Bradford ran through and unleashed a good effort that crashed off the bar and away to safety. The playoff hopefuls were rewarded for the pressure on 74 when they were given a penalty for a foul in the box and Charlie Collis scored from the spot, despite a reasonable effort from Connolly.
On 82 Clacton defender, Chris Ribchester who had been in the thick of the action was dismissed for a second yellow card and it was Clacton who were holding on. Defender Alfie Harris’ low shot in the final minute was the closest Buckhurst Hill got to get a draw.
Despite the defeat, the result leave’s the Stags remain in 9th spot. Buckhurst Hill’s next game sees them make a short trip to Redbridge on Saturday.
Team
Connolly, Olagbaju, Rowland, Harris, Moore, Tyrrell (Williams 73), Shilling (Johnson 73), Markatis, Nalbant, Badamosi (Moss 73) and Sollosi
Subs Unused: Deaney and Wynter
