Saturday 7th September, 2024 | Buckhurst Hill 0-1 Hullbridge Sports | Essex Senior League Premier | Attendance : 141
By Harry Biggs.
A late penalty was the only point in Saturday’s game that could split Hullbridge and The Stags after a 95th minute spot kick was given to the hosts which cost Buckhurst Hill a vital point in the 24/25 season.
Mark made a few changes to Wednesday’s late draw to White Ensign away from home as Ted Buchanan dropped to the bench and was replaced by Jude Carolan who would end up playing the majority of the game at left wing due to Khadean Campbell being replaced after just 34 minutes with a head injury. Jimi Feeley came into the side to earn his first start for The Stags after being on loan from Isthmian Premier side Redbridge, Suley Zuhdu was also available to start up top for Buckhurst Hill and Lucas Willison was on the bench for The Stags after not being available to Wednesday nights game.
Onto the 90 minutes now and The Stags started well by keeping the majority of possession and having a few spells down both sides of the pitch with also being able to have a go at the Hullbridge defense. The hosts would have a dangerous set piece crossed in after just 13 minutes and the header was just wide of Smith’s goal. Two minutes later and Jones would nearly score for Buckhurst Hill as Zudhu and Tacine would link up to deliver a brilliant ball into the box which was received by Jones who’s shot somehow went wide but to his relief, the linesman has his flag up for offside to just give Hullbridge a warning.
Jones would have another effort 15 minutes later after he received a brilliant ball from Tacine but his shot was blocked and another chance was over for The Stags. Then a moment which made Hullbridge hearts stop as Zudhu spotted Hullbridge keeper Shamshoum off his line and decided to volley the ball from the halfway line which was saved by the hosts’ keeper brilliantly to deny The Stags the opener.
The Stags would have the ball in the net just before half time but would be disallowed as Dan Jones made a brilliant run towards the box and chipped the Hullbridge keeper but to Shamshoum’s relief the linesman had his flag up for offside.
The second half now and The Stags started well again as Zudhu nearly netted one for Buckhurst Hill as he made a brilliant run into the hosts penalty area but the linesman would have his flag up for offside despite him being miles behind play. Smith would be tested for The Stags a minute later as he made a fingertip save to deny Hullbridge a one goal advantage.
The Stags would have two more big chances before the end of the 90 minutes as a clever corner was crossed in by Buchanan and Hammond was there to meet the cross but his two shots at close range somehow did not end up in the Hullbridge net as Shamshoum pulled off two brilliant saves. The Stags would get one more chance as another brilliant corner was crossed in by Buchanan and the cross this time was received by Harry Markatis but his shot went whiskers wide and The Stags would still have to search for a winner. Then in the dying seconds of the game Hullbridge would find themselves in a brilliant position as their striker drove through The Stags defense and was then brought down by a helpless Smith in goal. The player seemed to get up and laugh at the referee and then everyone knew, yes he had dived. Up stepped Freddie Moriaty for Hullbridge who sent Smith the wrong way and grabbed a lucky and some might say undeserved three points for Hullbridge. It finished 1-0 to Hullbridge at the TJ Cottis Stadium as The Stags are on the road next as they search for another 3 points in the 24/25 season.
TEAM :
Smith (GK), Feeley, Carolan, Okuguni, Ogunsanya, Daniels, Tacine, Williams ©️, Jones, Zuhdu, Campbell.
SUBS :
Buchanan (34’ – Campbell), Willison (66’ – Williams), Harris (66’ – Daniels), Hammond (66’ – Tacine), Markatis (73’ – Jones).
Next Up For The Stags :
Saturday 14th September – ESL – Athletic Newham (A)
Next Home Fixture :
Saturday 21st September – FA Vase – Newbury Forest (H)
