Buckhurst Hill FC 2-1 Hullbridge Sports FC
8’ Josh Samuels,
55’ Chandler Wray
40’ 🟥 Daniels
27th April 2024 | Essex Senior Premier League | Att: 61
By Harry Biggs.
After an eventful 23/24 season in the Essex Senior League, Buckhurst Hill FC capped off their season of highs and lows with a 2-1 victory over visitors Hullbridge FC.
Before the match, I spoke to assistant manager Adam Connolly who reflected on his first season at the club. He said, “The team has proven that on their day, they are a hard team to beat.” He also mentioned, “He thoroughly enjoyed The Stags’ cup run and felt the group deserved the trip to EFL League Two side Colchester, which they received.”
In team news, Mark made a few changes from their 0-1 defeat to Great Wakering, with Alex Reed replacing Qamil Deruishaj in goal, and Henry Clark wearing the armband due to Ollie Williams not being available.
Kickoff and within 30 seconds, the visitors took the lead, our admin missed the ball hitting the net but heard the Hullbridge cheer! Seven minutes later, The Stags responded as Samuels picked the ball up just outside the box and fired it straight into the top corner to level the score at 1-1. Samuels nearly picked up his second of the game just after as his shot was just over the crossbar. From Samuels’ shot, the visitors’ goal kick was taken quickly, and they nearly caught Reed off his line with the shot fired straight at the Buckhurst Hill keeper who was off his goal line. Captain Clark was the next player to come close to the Hullbridge goal as his shot was just over. Next, Chandler Wray came close as his shot was just driven wide. After Wray drove through on goal and was elbowed in his face, forcing the game to be paused for some time while physio Steve worked his magic. It took the referee some time to produce his final call, but he produced a yellow card, which proved to be quite controversial.
Nine minutes later in the 40th minute, Daniels tried to defend a charging Hullbridge player but clipped him as the player turned, and the Buckhurst Hill defender went down just outside the penalty area. The referee gave a foul and yet again gave himself a long time to consider his decision, he then reached for his back pocket and produced a red card which was influenced by the visitors crowding the referee, awaiting The Stags to go down to ten men for the remainder of the game. Straight after, Mark was forced into a tactical change as Max Nicholson was brought on just before the break.
In the second half, Buckhurst Hill dominated, and just after the break, Chandler Wray netted to make it 2-1 to The Stags. Straight after, Wray delivered a beautiful corner to Harris, whose volley was just over the bar. The Stags were really going for it now as Samuels’ efforts were just over the bar. Mark went on to make a few changes before the end of the game as Licheri was brought on. Another corner, this time driven in by Wray, and Nicholson’s header was just wide. Just before full-time, the visitors had one more chance, but it was defended well by Wheeler. A well-deserved 3 points for The Stags on the final day of the season with a 2-1 victory.
After the game, I spoke to one of the Buckhurst Hill goalscorers, Chandler Wray, who said, “I have really enjoyed this season” and described it as “a rollercoaster.” Finally, I spoke to manager Mark Williams, who said, “The season has been very tough, and the lads had a very good start to the season.” He also mentioned, “That when this group of players come together, they can compete against anyone.” He finally said, “The new addition of Adam Connolly really helped him out and thought they have definitely improved from last season.”
A message from your chairman Simon Cornwall: Great win today and brilliant updates on Twitter. A great way to end the season with three points and achieve our highest points tally in the Essex Senior League. With a completely new squad and a very limited budget, our objective this season was to avoid relegation which we achieved. We have had numerous challenges, which we have come through and reaching the quarter-finals of the BBC Essex Senior Cup and playing away to Colchester United was a pinch-me moment and will live in our memories forever. We have seen numerous players from our youth teams make their debuts this season, so the pathway is really taking shape, we have had numerous successes across all our age groups, so a positive season all around. We now plan for the season ahead and set our objectives to move up the football pyramid. Thank you, everyone, for all your support.
And congratulations Alfie on winning the Supporters Player of the Year. You are everything this club stands for and our ethos and values. It has been wonderful to see you come through our youth system into our first team and now one of the first names on the team sheet. The club is so proud of you, and it has been a pleasure to see you grow into a lovely young man.
Finally, a message from me, Harry Biggs, your Buckhurst Hill Matchday social media. It’s been an absolute pleasure to bring you coverage over the past few games at Myrak Park and looking forward to continuing into the 24/25 season.
The 23/24 season is over for Buckhurst Hill, and what a ride it’s been. Thank you to all the fans who have supported the club home and away, and we hope to see you all soon.
