Saturday 1st March, 2024 | Buckhurst Hill 2-4 Halstead Town | Essex Senior League Premier | Att : 72
By Harry Biggs
The Stags Fall Short Against Halstead Town
The Stags returned to home soil on a sunny Saturday afternoon to face familiar opponents, Halstead Town. The Humbugs secured all three points in this encounter, defeating Mark Williams’ Buckhurst Hill.
Mark made several changes to the side that suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to FC Clacton in their last outing at Myrak Park. Euan O’Neil and Alfie Padington started up front alongside new signing Khris Oti. Another recent addition, Levi Burgin, partnered with Ollie Williams and set-piece specialist Archie Hammond in midfield. At the back, Chama Torsiello replaced Ethan Daniels, who was unavailable.
The Buckhurst Hill bench also saw notable changes, including the return of Sonny Shilling. A familiar face at the club, Sonny has already made over 80 appearances for The Stags and boasts an impressive goal record—his presence will be a crucial addition to Mark’s squad. Another exciting inclusion was young talent Esteban Oya, who earned his first-team call-up after playing a vital role in the reserves’ title push.
Match Action
From the first whistle, The Stags piled on the pressure. Within the opening minute, Euan O’Neil’s header forced a save from Halstead’s reliable keeper, Jack Cherry. Just four minutes in, Buckhurst Hill took the lead when O’Neil found the net with a deflected effort. His initial shot was cleared off the line by a Halstead defender, but he made no mistake with the rebound—giving The Stags an early advantage.
Buckhurst Hill nearly doubled their lead when Archie Hammond’s free kick sailed just over the bar. Halstead responded with a chance of their own in the 23rd minute after a foul on the edge of the box by Ollie Williams, but the resulting free kick was blocked by the wall, and the follow-up effort went well over the bar.
A controversial moment followed when The Stags had a strong penalty appeal waved away. O’Neil weaved through the Halstead defense before being tripped inside the box, but the referee dismissed the claims, leaving Buckhurst Hill frustrated.
Halstead then turned the game on its head, scoring twice in quick succession. In the 38th minute, Joel Older and former Stags player Owen Betts capitalized on defensive errors to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.
However, Buckhurst Hill struck back just before halftime. Alfie Padington latched onto a long ball following a Halstead corner and expertly chipped Cherry to level the score at 2-2 going into the break.
Second Half
At halftime, Mark made two substitutions, introducing debutant Esteban Oya and welcoming back Sonny Shilling after two seasons away.
Unfortunately, the second half did not go in Buckhurst Hill’s favor. A turning point came early on when Halstead was awarded a penalty—under nearly identical circumstances to The Stags’ earlier appeal. This time, the referee pointed to the spot, and Joel Older confidently converted to restore Halstead’s lead.
The Stags pushed for an equalizer, with Jude Carolan narrowly missing the top corner and Khris Oti forcing a strong save from Cherry. However, Halstead extended their lead in the 73rd minute when Lester Ward struck past Anthony Page to make it 4-2.
In an attempt to salvage the game, Mark introduced new signing House and the returning Kai Peters, replacing Padington and Hammond. Despite continued efforts, The Stags couldn’t find a way back, and Halstead held firm to take all three points.
A frustrating afternoon for Buckhurst Hill, who will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
TEAM :
Colvill , Foster, Carolan, Hammond, Harris, Torsiello, Burgin, Williams ©️, Oti, Padington , O’Neil
SUBS :
Shilling (46’ – O’Neil), Peters (72’ – Padington), Oya (46’ – Burgin), House (79’ – Hammond), Buchanan
UPCOMING GAMES:
Saturday 8th March, 2025 – Little Oakley (A) – Essex Senior Premier League
Saturday 15th March, 2025 – Stansted (A) – Essex Senior League
Saturday 22nd March, 2025 – Hullbridge Sports (H) – Essex Senior League – NON LEAGUE DAY
