

Wednesday 15th January, 2024 | Buckhurst Hill 3-3 Benfleet | Essex Senior Premier League | Attendance : 64
By Harry Biggs
The Stags’ start to the new year came with a bittersweet outcome as they let a 2-0 half-time lead slip to end the game in a 3-3 draw against 13th-placed Benfleet FC.
Mark Williams named his first starting XI of 2025, with The Stags returning to action for the first time in three weeks following multiple postponements due to poor weather and a short break over the festive period. The team featured five changes from their last outing against Woodford Town. Frankie Licheri made his first start of the season after recovering from injury, joined by Tim Moncur, who had been on the bench against Woodford. Jonah Gregory returned to the line-up alongside Alfie Harris at the back after missing several games through injury.
However, The Stags faced a significant setback as their usual front three were unavailable. This gave opportunities to Dan Jones and Jaime Obama-Nvumba to start up front, with Obama earning his first start under Mark Williams. The bench saw a proud moment for Buckhurst Hill FC, as young attacker Teddy Longman was included for the first time in his career following years of dedication in the reserve team and youth system—a day for both Teddy and his father Ken to cherish.
First Half
The Stags started the game strongly, dominating possession and limiting Benfleet’s chances. Within five minutes, Dan Jones found the net, but his effort was ruled offside. The team showcased some excellent attacking play, reminiscent of “prime Brazil,” with intricate passing and sharp movement. One such move saw Oliseh Okuguni come close, but his shot narrowly missed the target.
In the 22nd minute, Buckhurst Hill broke the deadlock with a rare goal from Alfie Harris. A brilliant build-up play culminated in Harris powering the ball past the Benfleet keeper to make it 1-0. Just moments later, Jaime Obama-Nvumba doubled the lead with a stunning strike from outside the box, sending the ball into the top corner and celebrating with a dance to savour the moment.
The Stags picked up their first booking in the 39th minute when Licheri was cautioned for a tackle on Benfleet’s Billy Carter. Just before half-time, Muhammed Otuyo made a fantastic fingertip save to deny Benfleet, ensuring The Stags entered the break with a two-goal advantage.
Second Half
Mark made a tactical change at half-time, replacing the booked Licheri with Jude Carolan. However, disaster struck almost immediately as Benfleet capitalised on a misstep in The Stags’ passing, with Toby Dickinson scoring within seconds of the restart. Shortly after, Benfleet found the net again, but the goal was ruled offside.
The visitors kept piling on the pressure, forcing Otuyo into another crucial save. However, Benfleet’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute when a poorly cleared corner allowed them to level the scores at 2-2.
The Stags responded ten minutes later when Dan Jones restored the lead with a well-placed finish after a clever pass from Okuguni. Mark Williams made substitutions to bolster the defence and secure the win, introducing Khadean Campbell and debutant Teddy Longman.
Despite their efforts, Buckhurst Hill struggled to hold onto the lead. Benfleet found an equaliser in the 87th minute through substitute Giovani Frankis, who ensured the visitors left Myrak Park with a share of the spoils.
In the closing moments, The Stags pushed for a winner. Longman’s powerful strike was saved, and Jones came close but was denied by a last-ditch block. At the other end, Otuyo pulled off a sensational save to prevent Benfleet from snatching a late victory.


Post-Match Thoughts
After the game, Mark Williams and Ted Buchanan reflected on the team’s performance, discussing the importance of game management and how the team’s second-half drop-off cost them what could have been a crucial win.
TEAM :
Otuyo 🧤, Foster, Licheri 🟨, Moncur, Harris ⚽, Gregory, Padington, Williams ©️, Jones ⚽, Okuguni, Obama – Nvumba ⚽
SUBS :
Carolan (46’ – Licheri), Ismaili (82’ – Obama – Nvumba), Warner (81’ – Williams), Campbell (66’ – Moncur), Longman (74’ – Padington)
UPCOMING GAMES:
Saturday 18th January, 2025 – West Essex (H) – Essex Senior Premier League
Wednesday 22nd January, 2025 – Athletic Newham (H) – Essex Senior Premier League
Saturday 25th January, 2025 – FC Clacton (H) – Essex Senior Premier League