Southend Manor 2 Stansted 0 A young Stansted side put in a battling display at Southend Manor on Tuesday, but were knocked out of the Fans Focus Senior Cup in extra time. The Airportmen were missing eight senior players including captain Michael Palmeteri

Southend Manor 2 Stansted 0

A young Stansted side put in a battling display at Southend Manor on Tuesday, but were knocked out of the Fans Focus Senior Cup in extra time.

The Airportmen were missing eight senior players including captain Michael Palmeteri Tony Barnes and Sam McCarthy with 10 18-year olds and two 19-year-olds taking their places in the squad.

Stansted manager Terry Spillane was pleased with the way the youngsters equipped themselves against their Essex Senior League rivals.

"We should have won the game in 90 minutes and we had the best of the chances," he said.

"We more than held our own, played well and it was an eye opener for the youngsters.

"I'm disappointed with the result as we felt we could go further in the competition, but the boys are learning their trade and one or two lessons would have been learnt."

Stansted had the best of the first half and twice came close to taking the lead when Casey Clarke and then Dean Morgan, both missed with headers inside the six yard box.

The Airportmen also had the best of the second period and Greig Taylor fired in a great strike, but the hosts keeper was equal to it, pulling off a superb save.

However, two goals from Southend Manor in extra time, capitalising on slack Stansted defending saw the visitors exit the competition.

On Saturday Stansted visit Eton Manor in the The Gorden Brasted Memorial Trophy.

"It would be nice to get a win against a team we have already beaten this year," said Spillane. "It's nice to play a football side and we do better against teams like that.

"We will give it a good go and are looking forward to it."

The Airportmen then host Barking on Tuesday in the League Cup.

"It's a must win game for us," said the manager. "If we win it is likely we will go through, but they are in the same boat so it will be a tough game.

"The League Cup is winnable for us, it's not a cup that is out of our reach like the FA Vase and FA Cup."

- Stansted have boosted their squad by signing former Dagenham Academy player Billy Ellis, 18 and James Webster also 18.

"Billy played a few first team games for Aveley this year but was released and became disillusioned," said Spillane.

"He is a very good right sided player and I'm pleased I managed to talk him into joining us.

"James has been playing for my friend's team Puma 2000 in the Middlesex County League. He played centre midfield for us on his debut and did well and will be a good asset to the squad.