Saturday 26th August 2023 | Myrak Park | Attendance 70 | ESL Premier League
Buckhurst Hill 3 – 1 Ilford FC
Stags Scorers:
Alfie Harris 15′
Tobi Nicol 26′, 62′
Report by Adam Connolly
In what can only be described as a comfortable triumph for the Stags, the lads put on a commanding performance. Taking the reins from the get-go and dictating play in the initial 15 minutes, the home team were duly rewarded with a corner. It was from this set piece that Ilford’s defense faltered, leaving an opening for the clinical Alfie Harris to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net.
Buckhurst Hill maintained their relentless pressure, with Callum Berg’s sublime left-sided maneuvers catching the eye. A precision pass, slicing through the opposition’s defensive lines, found Charles Nicol in a prime position. Nicol seized the opportunity and clinically dispatched the ball past the beleaguered goalkeeper, marking his presence on the scoresheet.
The second half saw Ilford stage a valiant resurgence, a determined side eager to claw their way back into the contest. A fruitful 10-minute spell ensued, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the home team. They broke free down the left flank once more, with Callum Berg orchestrating the play. His incisive run allowed him to reach the byline, and with pinpoint precision, he squared the ball. Waiting in the perfect spot was Charles Nicol, who made no mistake, securing his second goal of the match.
Yet, Ilford’s resolve remained unbroken. In the dying embers of the game, a long-range free-kick created chaos in the Stags’ defense, leading to a scramble in the box. Eventually, the ball found its way into the net, giving Ilford a late consolation.
It was a performance that left no room for doubt, as the Stags secured a well-deserved three points, underlining their dominance on the pitch.
