Saturday 29th March, 2025 | West Essex 2-0 Buckhurst Hill | Essex Senior League Premier | Att: 112
By Harry Biggs
The Stags dropped points again away from home with a defeat to West Essex on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Mark Williams was back in the dugout for Buckhurst Hill, reclaiming the reins from Ted Buchanan. He made two changes to the side that secured three points against sixth-placed Saffron Walden in midweek. The first change saw the return of captain Ollie Williams, who replaced Marquel Cadette, named on the bench. A familiar face, Suley Zuhdu, also featured, playing in a rare midfield role alongside Archie Hammond up top, with Shilling and Georgiou operating out wide.
The game got underway at Wadham Lodge, but from Buckhurst Hill’s perspective, there was little to celebrate. The hosts, however, made an immediate impact, breaking the deadlock within just five minutes. A defensive mistake by The Stags allowed Zak Oliver to slot the ball past Anthony Page, handing West Essex an early lead. Just four minutes later, Page was called into action again, making a brilliant save to deny a long-range effort.
Buckhurst Hill registered their first effort on goal after 12 minutes, with Alex Georgiou testing West Essex’s keeper, Edwards, who comfortably gathered the shot. The Stags came close again just before the half-hour mark, as another Georgiou strike whistled past the post, momentarily stunning the hosts. Moments later, Suley Zuhdu dribbled skillfully through the West Essex defense, but the final interception denied him a chance to unleash a lethal shot.
With that, the first half concluded, and The Stags trailed by a single goal, dampening their spirits as they headed into the break.
The second half offered little in terms of goalmouth action. Mark Williams made a double substitution just after the hour mark, bringing on Ferris and Oti in place of Shilling and Georgiou. Minutes later, West Essex nearly doubled their lead with a shot that skimmed past Page’s post.
However, The Stags carved out a golden opportunity in the 68th minute, with substitute Jack Ferris at the heart of it. A well-placed through ball found Ferris, who controlled it brilliantly before Edwards bravely smothered his effort, putting his body on the line. The save led to a lengthy stoppage in play, as Edwards looked doubtful to continue due to a knock. Despite this, he soldiered on. During the delay, Williams made another change, with Cadette replacing Carolan, who had picked up a minor injury earlier.
Two minutes later, Buckhurst Hill nearly found an equaliser. Zuhdu created a chance out of nothing, dazzling his marker with skill before whipping in a cross that deflected into Edwards’ hands, extinguishing The Stags’ hopes of a breakthrough. They followed up immediately with a corner, as Hammond’s pinpoint delivery found the head of Fister, but once again, Edwards was equal to it.
Controversy struck soon after when West Essex appeared to be running down the clock. As the ball went out of play, Adelani lashed out at Daniels right in front of the linesman, but the official failed to spot it, leaving the travelling fans frustrated.
With 12 minutes of normal time remaining, Williams made his final change, introducing Alfie Padington for Chama Torsiello to bolster the attack. However, four minutes later, West Essex doubled their lead. The Stags’ promising move broke down in midfield, allowing the hosts to counter. A ball into the box found former Buckhurst Hill player Jaedon Phillips, who capitalised with a clinical finish past the stunned Page.
Despite the setback, The Stags pressed forward in the closing moments. Khris Oti came agonisingly close to netting his first goal for the club, controlling the ball superbly before firing a fierce volley from outside the box, only for Edwards to pull off another stunning save.
As injury time approached, Buckhurst Hill had two final attempts through Alfie Harris and Alfie Padington, but neither effort found the back of the net. The referee’s final whistle confirmed a frustrating away defeat for The Stags.
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Foster, Carolan, Harris, Torsiello, Daniels, Shilling, Williams ©️, Hammond, Zuhdu, Georgiou
SUBS :
Padington (78’ – Torsiello), Ferris (60’ – Shilling), Cadette (68’ – Carolan), Knight, Oti (60’ – Georgiou)
REMAINING LEAGUE GAMES THIS SEASON:
Wednesday 2nd April – White Ensign (H) – KO 7:45 PM
Saturday 5th April – Ilford (A) – KO 3 PM
Saturday 12th April – Woodford Town (H) – KO 3 PM – RODING VALLEY DERBY 🦌Vs 🪵
Saturday 19th April – Frenford (H) – KO 3 PM – Final Home Game Of The Season !
Saturday 26th April – Romford (A) – KO 3 PM – Final Game Of The Season !on !
