Saturday 23rd November, 2024 | Buckhurst Hill 4-0 Stansted FC | Essex Senior Premier League | Attendance : 52
By Harry Biggs
The Stags claimed all three points at home with a dominant 4-0 win against Stansted FC on a rainy and windy Saturday afternoon.
Manager Mark made three changes to the side that faced Frenford in their previous outing. Muhammed Otuyo replaced the suspended Toby Smith in goal, while Oliseh Okuguni returned to the starting lineup for the first time since his injury against FC Clacton in early October, taking Quincy Warner’s place in midfield. Up front, Youcef Tacine was absent, and Dan Jones joined Zuhdu and Robertson to complete the front three. On the bench, Tim Moncur made his first appearance this season after a break, alongside Jonathan Ogunsanya, who returned from injury.
Match Action
The visitors had a penalty shout in the opening minute, but the referee waved away their claims. Just two minutes later, Dan Jones had The Stags’ first chance but fired narrowly wide.
The breakthrough came in the 9th minute. Tyreece Robertson capitalized on his deflected first effort, retrieving the ball and rounding the Stansted goalkeeper to score from a tight angle. Moments later, Otuyo preserved The Stags’ lead with a brilliant double save, holding onto the ball under pressure.
Zuhdu came close to doubling the lead around the half-hour mark. His free kick from the edge of the box just missed the target, and moments later, he dazzled with a solo run through the Stansted defense, only for his long-range shot to be superbly saved by the visiting keeper.
Just before halftime, Zuhdu found his goal. After Dan Jones’ effort was saved by Stansted keeper Dixson, the ball fell to Zuhdu at the edge of the box, and he calmly slotted it into the bottom corner.
Second Half
The second half began with Otuyo called into action again, making a brilliant save to deny Stansted. The rebound, miraculously, stayed out of the net despite an open goal opportunity.
The Stags extended their lead in the 65th minute through Archie Hammond. A fantastic run by Bradley Ismaili ended with a pinpoint pass across the goal, which Hammond expertly converted to make it 3-0.
Just minutes later, Robertson almost added a fourth with a curling effort from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the post. Zuhdu also had another chance to seal the contest, but his attempt went wide.
In the 85th minute, substitute Jonathan Ogunsanya added the fourth goal. A saved shot from Dan Jones slipped out of the keeper’s hands, landing at Ogunsanya’s feet, and he smashed the ball into the top of the net.
The match ended on a sour note for Stansted as Joe Pullen received a red card for headbutting Ogunsanya after a heated confrontation.
Full-Time
The Stags deservedly secured a 4-0 victory in challenging conditions. With this win, Mark’s side climbs the Essex Senior League table and edges closer to the playoff spots. Next up, The Stags travel to Halstead Town, eager to secure another three points.
TEAM :
Otuyo 🧤, Ismaili, Carolan, Okuguni, Harris, Gregory 🟨, Hammond ⚽, Williams ©️, Jones, Zuhdu ⚽ 🟨, Robertson
SUBS :
Padington (66’ – Hammond), Feeley (80’ – Ismaili), Moncur (63’ – Okuguni), Torseillo (66’ – Gregory), Ogunsanya ⚽ (80’ – Zuhdu)
REMAINING GAMES IN 2024 :
Saturday 30th November, 2024 – Halstead Town (A) – Essex Senior League
Saturday 7th December, 2024 – Athletic Newham (H) – Essex Senior League
Saturday 14th December, 2024 – Takeley (A) – Essex Senior League
Saturday 21st December, 2024 – Romford (H) – Essex Senior League
Friday 27th December, 2024 – Woodford Town (A) – Essex Senior League | CHRISTMAS RODING VALLEY DERBY !!
