

Tuesday 4th February 2025 | Great Wakering Rovers 2-1 Buckhurst Hill | Essex Senior League Premier | Attendance: 87
By Harry Biggs
Tight Defeat for The Stags
Buckhurst Hill suffered another frustrating defeat away from home, with a much-improved second-half performance proving unlucky not to earn them a point.
Mark made four changes to the starting XI that faced Stanway Rovers. Jude Carolan started at left-back in place of Kai Peters, who was named on the bench. Tim Moncur also dropped to the bench, with Harry Hope making his third appearance in black and blue. Up front, the unavailable Suley Zuhdu was replaced by Eric Koduah, who partnered debutant Jack Ferris. The bench featured Jonah Gregory, returning after missing Saturday’s game, along with Euan O’Neil and Chandler Wray.
Both sides started brightly, enjoying good spells of possession. The Stags pushed for an early goal, but Koduah mistimed his run and was flagged offside after Ferris attempted a clever flick over the defence.
First Half
Great Wakering took the lead after just 14 minutes when a cross from Harry Talbot deflected off Alfie Harris’s leg, looping over Anthony Page and into the net. Buckhurst Hill responded well, and from the restart, Harry Hope forced a strong save from Wakering goalkeeper George Martin.
Martin denied The Stags again in the 28th minute with an outstanding save, stopping a volley from Eric Koduah to keep the hosts in front. Just before half-time, Great Wakering almost doubled their lead, but their effort was deflected wide for a corner. The hosts went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
Second Half
Just two minutes after the restart, Wakering doubled their lead through Callum Boylan. A contentious free-kick was awarded inside the Buckhurst Hill half for what appeared to be a fair challenge. From the set-piece, Anthony Page made a brilliant initial save, but Boylan was quickest to react, converting the rebound to make it 2-0.
The Stags responded well, pushing forward in search of a goal. Alfie Padington came close after breaking through the Wakering defence, but his tight-angled shot was once again saved by the impressive Martin. Mark made his first substitution just before the hour mark, introducing Chandler Wray for Harry Hope on the wing.
Buckhurst Hill looked more dangerous following the change and finally got their breakthrough in the 61st minute. Debutant Jack Ferris finished superbly to halve the deficit, giving The Stags hope with under 30 minutes to play. Mark then made two further changes, bringing on Kai Peters and Jonah Gregory in place of Chama Torisello and Alfie Padington.
The visitors pressed hard for an equaliser, creating promising attacking moments. The hosts, however, also had their chances, particularly from corners, but they failed to find the target.
The Stags’ best opportunity to level the score came late on, but a brilliant cross from Peters couldn’t find a teammate in the box. Wray and Peters both made a big impact off the bench, but despite their efforts, Buckhurst Hill were unable to find the all-important second goal.
Final Thoughts
A strong second-half display provided plenty of positives, but The Stags were ultimately unlucky not to take something from the game. Focus now turns to Saturday’s crucial home fixture against White Ensign, as Buckhurst Hill continue their search for a first league win of 2025.
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Foster, Carolan, Hammond 🟨, Harris, Torsiello, Hope, Williams ©️, Koduah, Padington, Ferris
SUBS :
Peters (66’ – Padington), Moncur (76’ – Hammond), Wray (58’ – Hope), Gregory (66’ – Torsiello), O’Neil
UPCOMING GAMES:
Saturday 8th February – White Ensign (H) – KO 3pm – Essex Senior League Premier
Saturday 15th February – Barking (H) – KO 3pm – Essex Senior League Premier
Wednesday 19th February – FC Clacton (H) – KO 7:45pm – Essex Senior League