Saturday 22nd March, 2025 | Buckhurst Hill 1-1 Hullbridge Sports | Essex Senior League Premier | Att: 411
By Harry Biggs
An incredible day for Buckhurst Hill FC unfolded on Non-League Day with a special visit from the Premier League Trophy and England legend Stuart Pearce at Myrak Park. A fantastic attendance of 411 fans came to support The Stags on an action-packed day. The club also raised significant funds for Non-League Day’s sponsor and fellow kit sponsor, Prostate Cancer UK, in support of their 45 Campaign, which saw Alfie Harris don the number 45 shirt for one game in honour of the charity.
Turning to team news, Mark Williams was unavailable, so Ted Buchanan stepped in to take on managerial duties for the afternoon, assisted by reserves managers Kev Mohan and Ken Longman. Buchanan made five changes to the side that suffered a late defeat to Stansted last time out. Three of those changes were in defence, with Carolan, Torsiello, and Marquel Cadette coming into the backline. Meanwhile, at the other end of the pitch, youngsters Alex Georgiou and Jack Ferris both earned starts, with Ferris returning from an injury sustained earlier in the season against FC Clacton.
Moving onto the action, The Stags started brightly, with Khris Oti nearly capitalising on an early chance, only for the visiting keeper to react quickly and smother the ball before Oti could get a shot away. Alfie Harris, playing in an advanced role, also tested Hullbridge’s keeper Alexandru, but his shot was well saved.
After 11 minutes, Oti had another opportunity, but once again, Alexandru denied him. Buckhurst Hill’s attacking intent was clear, but they couldn’t find the breakthrough. Three minutes later, The Stags won a free-kick, expertly taken by Archie Hammond and swung into the area. Defender Ethan Daniels met it with a powerful header, but his effort narrowly cleared the bar.
The Stags came agonisingly close to scoring just after the 20-minute mark when Hullbridge somehow kept the ball out amidst a goalmouth scramble. Oti’s double effort was saved, and with the keeper stranded, Ferris latched onto the ball and fired at goal, only for a Hullbridge defender to clear it off the line with a remarkable diving header.
Despite Buckhurst Hill’s dominance, Hullbridge punished them with their first real chance of the game after 35 minutes. A misplaced pass from Liam Foster left The Stags exposed, allowing Piers Hatcliff to drive into space and slot the ball past Page into the bottom corner, giving Hullbridge an unexpected 1-0 lead.
The Stags almost responded immediately. Straight from the restart, Alex Georgiou took on a long-range effort, but his shot flew inches over the crossbar. The half ended with Archie Hammond receiving a booking, becoming the first Buckhurst Hill player in the referee’s book.
As the second half began, The Stags continued to pile pressure on Hullbridge. Just after the break, Ferris saw a powerful effort well saved by Alexandru. Four minutes later, Hammond attempted a volley, but his shot sailed just over the bar.
Despite their relentless attacking, Buckhurst Hill couldn’t find a breakthrough. A well-worked set-piece routine from Hammond set up Chama Torsiello, who laid the ball off for Harris, but his shot flew over the bar, wasting another promising chance.
Sensing the need for change, Ted Buchanan made a double substitution, bringing on Esteban Oya and new signing Fenton Kehinde, who made his debut for The Stags, replacing Torsiello and Foster.
The equaliser finally came just four minutes after the substitutions. Oti set up Hammond on the edge of the box, and the midfielder struck a clean shot into the bottom corner, levelling the scores with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Mere seconds after the restart, Hammond nearly put The Stags ahead, but his effort went just wide of the post, much to Hullbridge’s relief. Another change saw Jack Ferris replaced by Alfie Padington as Buckhurst Hill pushed for a winner with the home crowd behind them.
Youngster Esteban Oya came close to scoring his first goal for the club, but his shot cleared the crossbar with six minutes remaining. The final chance of the match saw every Buckhurst Hill player involved in a fantastic attacking move, culminating in Hammond firing just over the bar. The Stags had to settle for a draw on this special Non-League Day.
Though The Stags couldn’t cap off the occasion with three points, the club extends a huge thank you to every fan who joined in for an unforgettable day at Myrak Park. Here’s to the next Non-League Day!
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Cadette, Carolan, Harris ©️, Torsiello, Daniels, Hammond ⚽🟨, Foster, Oti, Georgiou, Ferris
SUBS :
Padington (73’ – Ferris), Balde, Oya (61’ – Foster), Burgin (78’ – Georgiou), Kehinde (61’ – Torsiello)
UPCOMING GAMES:
Saturday 29th March – West Essex (A) – KO 3PM – Essex Senior League Premier
Wednesday 2nd April – White Ensign (H) – KO 7:45PM – Essex Senior League Premier – Final Game Under The Light This Season !
Saturday 5th April – Ilford (A) – KO 3PM – Essex Senior League Premier
