Saturday 15th March, 2025 | Stansted FC 2-1 Buckhurst Hill | Essex Senior League Premier | Att : 85
By Harry Biggs
Last Minute Agony
The Stags were back on the road last Saturday for an away game against Stansted FC, known as “The Airportmen.” Unfortunately, despite a strong performance, Buckhurst Hill fell short once again against an ESL side in 2025, as Stansted secured all three points.
Mark made two changes to the side that suffered defeat against Little Oakley. Ethan Daniels returned to the defence after missing the last two matches, while Alfie Padington started on the wing. The bench featured the introduction of Jason Balde, who eventually made his debut for The Stags. Balde has been a standout player in the reserve side after progressing through the club’s youth system.
First Half
Both teams started brightly, with the hosts having their first shot inside seven minutes—a volley from inside the box that narrowly missed the post. Buckhurst Hill responded with promising attacking play, as Archie Hammond and captain Ollie Williams combined well in midfield to set up Khris Oti, but Stansted’s goalkeeper, Samuel Butler, was quick to clear the danger.
However, The Stags suffered an early setback when Padington was taken down off the ball after just 19 minutes. The referee missed the challenge, leaving the Buckhurst Hill bench furious. Padington was forced off and replaced by debutant Jason Balde.
Balde made an immediate impact, nearly scoring within 30 seconds of his introduction, but Butler pulled off a crucial save. The Stags continued to push forward, with Stansted resorting to some rough tackles. Ollie Williams was elbowed off the ball, and although the referee awarded a free kick this time, there was no further punishment. Hammond delivered a dangerous cross to the back post, inches away from Balde’s outstretched foot—another let-off for Stansted.
The visitors went close again just two minutes later when a cross into the box seemed destined for Sonny Shilling at the back post. However, unaware of his teammate’s position, Oti attempted an overhead kick instead, sending the ball just over the bar.
Buckhurst Hill finished the half strongly, with both Hammond and Shilling testing the keeper, but Butler stood firm. Despite a dominant display, The Stags went into the break level at 0-0.
Second Half
At halftime, Mark made a defensive change, bringing on Chama Torsiello for Preston Knight.
The second half began with Buckhurst Hill continuing to create chances. Just five minutes after the restart, Alfie Harris nearly put The Stags ahead. The unmarked defender controlled the ball beautifully in the box and struck a volley against the crossbar, with Stansted once again escaping unscathed.
A minute later, Buckhurst Hill earned a corner, and Ted Buchanan forced Butler to punch the in-swinging cross off his line.
Stansted had their chance to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Liam Foster brought down an opponent in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, but Anthony Page produced a stunning save, diving low to his left to deny Stansted’s penalty taker. The game remained level—game on!
Mark then made another substitution, bringing on Levi Burgin for Sonny Shilling in midfield as The Stags pushed for a breakthrough.
Moments later, they found it. Archie Hammond fired Buckhurst Hill into the lead with a brilliant strike into the top corner, giving Butler no chance. After a loose ball landed at his feet inside the penalty area, Hammond took a touch and smashed it home to put The Stags 1-0 up.
Hammond nearly doubled his tally in the 80th minute when he struck a volley from distance after Page had punched a corner clear. His effort looked destined for the net, but Butler managed to clear it off the line.
Late Drama
Unfortunately, The Stags couldn’t hold on. With just six minutes left, Stansted equalized. A defensive lapse allowed Jamie Luke Bennet to slot the ball past Page, punishing Buckhurst Hill for failing to clear their lines.
Mark made his final change, introducing young prospect Esteban Oya for Hammond in midfield.
Buckhurst Hill had one last opportunity to snatch the win. With three minutes to play, Oti found himself in a great position inside the box, but he blazed his shot well over the bar—a frustrating end for a striker who had worked tirelessly throughout the match.
Then, in a dramatic twist, Stansted snatched victory in the dying moments. Another defensive error from The Stags gifted substitute Charlie Portway a golden opportunity, and he made no mistake, securing all three points for the hosts as Hargrave Park erupted.
In the midst of the celebrations, Stansted’s manager was sent off for protesting a referee’s decision, adding further controversy to an already chaotic finish. Moments later, the final whistle blew—Stansted 2-1 Buckhurst Hill.
Looking Ahead
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Buckhurst Hill now turns its attention to Non-League Day this Saturday, where they will play in front of a big crowd with the Premier League Trophy by their side.
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TEAM :
Page 🧤, Foster, Buchanan, Harris, Knight, Daniels, Hammond ⚽️, Williams ©️, Oti, Shilling, Padington
SUBS :
Carolan, Balde (19’ – Padington), Torsiello (46’ – Knight), Burgin 🟨 (67’ – Shilling), Oya (84’ – Hammond)
UPCOMING GAMES:
Saturday 22nd March – Hullbridge Sports (H) – Essex Senior League – Non League Day
Tuesday 25th March – Saffron Walden Town (A) – Essex Senior League
Saturday 29th March – West Essex (A) – Essex Senior League
