Wednesday 26th March, 2025 | Saffron Walden 0-1 Buckhurst Hill | Essex Senior League Premier | Att: 99
By Harry Biggs
The Stags returned to winning ways on Tuesday night with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to sixth-placed Saffron Walden Town, thanks to a decisive goal from Alfie Harris.
Once again, Mark Williams was unavailable, so Ted Buchanan took charge of The Stags from the dugout. Buchanan had previously overseen a 1-1 draw on Non-League Day in front of a packed crowd, the Premier League Trophy, and England legend Stuart Pearce. Only one change was made from Saturday’s game against Hullbridge, with Jack Ferris dropping to the bench and Sonny Shilling coming into the starting lineup.
Moving onto the action, The Stags put in a strong performance, reminding travelling fans of the side that had been pushing for the playoffs at the end of 2024. Saffron Walden had an early chance inside the first 10 minutes when Liam Foster lost possession, allowing the hosts an effort on goal, but the shot flew over the bar.
The first real opportunity for The Stags came in the 17th minute when Alex Georgiou saw his shot deflected just wide of the post. Buckhurst Hill were pushing for an opener and nearly found it before the half-hour mark, as Archie Hammond’s strike was well saved by the hosts’ young keeper, George Coton. Just three minutes later, another golden opportunity went begging. Hammond played Khris Oti through on goal, but Oti’s shot soared over the bar after a last-ditch defensive effort put him off balance.
The Stags had two major chances before the break but failed to convert. Both involved the link-up between Hammond and Oti. First, a brilliantly delivered free-kick from Hammond found Oti in the box, but he somehow blazed his effort over the bar from close range. The next chance was even more baffling—Sonny Shilling played a fantastic pass to Hammond, who dribbled through on goal. However, Oti, desperate to score, took the ball off Hammond’s feet and struck a shot that was saved, only to then be flagged offside, much to the frustration of Shilling and Hammond.
As the second half began, the question remained: would The Stags be punished for failing to take their chances?
The first opportunity after the restart was yet another wasted chance. A well-delivered corner found Georgiou on the edge of the box, whose shot was saved by Coton. The ball spilled directly to Oti, who had an open goal to aim at but sent his shot over the bar.
The breakthrough finally came in the 62nd minute. A brilliant attacking move saw the ball played across goal to Alfie Harris, who fired his shot into the net to give The Stags a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
Buchanan then made his first change of the evening, replacing Oti with Jack Ferris on the wing. Harris nearly doubled his tally a few minutes later, but his shot went over the bar after Coton had initially made a good save. Georgiou and Hammond also tested Coton before the 78th minute.
Ted made his second substitution, bringing off Georgiou for Alfie Padington. Shortly after, Walden had their best—and only real—chance of the second half. A swift counterattack saw Kaleel Green attempt a chipped effort, but experienced goalkeeper Anthony Page was equal to it, keeping The Stags ahead and making three points look even more likely.
Buckhurst Hill had the opportunity to put the game to bed with 10 minutes remaining. Padington’s shot was saved by Coton, and follow-up efforts from Shilling and Harris were also kept out. Now focusing on securing the win, Buchanan made his final change with five minutes to go. Sonny Shilling, who had put in an impressive performance, received a standing ovation from the travelling supporters as he was replaced by youngster Esteban Oya.
With five minutes of normal time remaining, the referee added three minutes of stoppage time, which ultimately stretched to six. In the closing moments, every player fought to protect the lead, with Foster, Torsiello, Carolan, and Hammond all chasing down and winning possession. Their efforts paid off as The Stags secured a vital three points on the road after an outstanding performance.
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Cadette, Carolan, Harris ©️ ⚽, Torsiello, Daniels, Hammond 🟨, Foster, Oti, Shilling, Georgiou
SUBS :
Padington (75’ – Georgiou), Oya (84’ – Shilling), Burgin, Ferris (66’ – Oti)
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 !
