Wednesday 2nd April, 2025 | Buckhurst Hill 1-0 White Ensign | Essex Senior League Premier | Att: 105
By Harry Biggs
The Stags needed a response following a disappointing performance against West Essex—and they certainly delivered in their final game under the lights this season, defeating 7th-placed White Ensign in style.
Mark Williams made five changes to the side that travelled to Wadham Lodge, with a complete reshuffle up front to kick things off at Myrak Park. Carolan dropped to the bench, replaced by Marquez Cadette, who put in an outstanding performance for Buckhurst Hill. Another standout was Levi Burgin, who replaced Suley Zuhdu up top. Normally a midfielder, young Levi delivered an unforgettable 90 minutes.
At the back, Preston Knight came in for Chama Torsiello, who took a place on the bench alongside Sonny Shilling. Shilling was swapped out for Alfie Padington on the wing, while the final change saw Alex Georgiou drop out of the squad to make way for Tyreece Robertson. Robertson was on the bench as Jack Ferris took the final attacking spot. It was only Robertson’s second start of 2025 after making a strong impression during the second half of 2024.
First Half
Both sides had chances in what was a tightly contested first half. Buckhurst Hill nearly opened the scoring just after the 10-minute mark, only to be denied by a strong save from Ensign’s keeper, Davison. Shortly after, another opportunity fell to Alfie Padington, but the youngster dragged his shot wide from a promising position.
At the other end, Anthony Page was called into action after 20 minutes, pulling off a great save to deny striker Ellis Devereux. Just two minutes later, Devereux was at it again. The ball was squared across goal, but he somehow missed an open net with Page stranded—the few travelling fans couldn’t believe their eyes.
The remainder of the half saw more chances for both sides, with Ensign threatening multiple times in the box, but failing to find the finish. The teams went in at half-time with the scores level.
Second Half
Mark made a double substitution at the break, bringing on Tyreece Robertson and Jude Carolan for Alfie Padington and Preston Knight.
The second half was dominated by Buckhurst Hill, and this time they made their chances count. Inside nine minutes of the restart, The Stags took the lead through Marquez Cadette. A pass from Archie Hammond found Cadette on the edge of the box. He drove forward and took a shot which deflected off Nathan Wilson and into the net. The goal was awarded to Cadette—his first for the club and another proud moment for one of our own.
Ensign continued to attack but remained wasteful in front of goal, with another golden opportunity going wide in the 66th minute. Mark responded with another change, replacing Jack Ferris with Fenton Kehinde, who made an immediate impact.
A few minutes later, Buckhurst Hill had a brilliant chance to double their lead. Substitute Robertson darted forward and delivered a superb cross to Burgin, who struck just wide of the post. The score remained 1–0.
As the game neared its conclusion, game management became key—just as it had been against Saffron Walden. Ensign made several changes to try to turn the tide, but Buckhurst Hill remained composed.
With less than 10 minutes to go, Mark and Ted gathered the players during a stoppage to deliver final instructions. Tensions rose, and the referee had to maintain control as the atmosphere intensified. A member of the Ensign bench, who had been vocal throughout, was eventually booked.
The crowd rallied behind The Stags, and the players responded with moments of sheer brilliance. First, Burgin, under pressure, evaded three Ensign players with dazzling footwork, eventually winning a foul. Then Cadette stepped up, showing strength and composure as he powered through the visitors’ midfield, shrugging off Jacobi and winning another free kick in a “man vs. boys” moment.
Cadette’s free kick found Hammond, who brought it down and hit it on the volley, but the shot flew over the bar. With five minutes to play, Burgin was replaced by Chama Torsiello as The Stags looked to see out the result.
The final chance of the match came after a mistake in Ensign’s defence. Under pressure from Kehinde, a back-pass to Davison was poorly hit. Kehinde pounced and got a shot away, but it was deflected and cleared.
It didn’t matter though—the final whistle blew, and Buckhurst Hill had secured a brilliant and much-needed victory over high-flying White Ensign.
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Cadette ⚽, Foster, Harris, Knight, Daniels, Hammond, Williams ©️, Burgin, Padington, Ferris
SUBS :
Shilling, Robertson (46’ – Padington), Torsiello (86’ – Burgin), Carolan (46’ – Knight), Kehinde (73’ – Ferris)
REMAINING LEAGUE GAMES THIS SEASON:
Saturday 5th April – Ilford (A) – KO 3PM
Saturday 12th April – Woodford Town (H) – KO 3PM
Saturday 19th April – Frenford (H) – KO 3PM
Saturday 26th April – Romford (A) – KO 3PM !
