Stansted stopped by Manor

Stansted 0 Southend Manor 2 Stansted FC slipped to a defeat at home to a resolute Southend Manor side on Saturday in the Essex Senior League. The Airportmen found the visitors too tough to break down, but manager Terry Spillane wasn t too disheartened.

Stansted 0 Southend Manor 2

Stansted FC slipped to a defeat at home to a resolute Southend Manor side on

Saturday in the Essex Senior League.

The Airportmen found the visitors too tough to break down, but manager Terry Spillane wasn't too disheartened.

"They are in and around us in the league at the moment, but I don't think they will be at the end," he said. "I can't see many teams beating them.

"We out played them but were not hurting them and it was frustrating. They are a well-drilled side and on the day were too experienced for us.

"I always take the positives though and it's another learning curve for our young side. We need to be patient, but maybe more forceful in the final third."

There was a cagey start to the game at Hargrave Park with few chances for either side. However, it was the visitors who took the lead after 25 minutes.

A corner was half cleared by the Airportmen, but was crossed back in and fired against the post, with the visitors reacting first to stab home the rebound.

Stansted made changes at half-time with Greig Taylor replacing Casey Clarke and they started the second half brighter, but were unable to breach the Southend back line.

As they pushed forward searching for an equaliser they left gaps at the back and were punished when the visiting striker latched onto a long through ball to extend his side's advantage.

The hosts pushed three up and had a little more joy with Danny Dow heading over the bar and Taylor forcing the keeper into action, but they couldn't find the breakthrough and the visitors held firm to take the three points.

Stansted will be looking to bounce back on Saturday when they host Burnham Ramblers in the Essex Senior League.

"We were unlucky down there and deserved at least a draw," said Spillane.

"They are not having the season they expected, but they are a good side and it will be a tough game.

"I'm always confident though and we are looking to get our noses in front and then take it from there."

- Stansted have strengthened their squad by bringing in former Barkingside striker Danny Whyne.

"He has plenty of pace and is a strong boy," said Spillane. "I hope he will give us the boost we need, but he did his groin at training so won't be able to play this weekend."

The manager revealed the 26-year-old won't be his only new signing this week.

"I'm going to be signing a defender today (Wednesday) who would be a starter, but I would rather not disclose who until it's done and dusted.

"It's frustrating for me and the players at the moment as they are doing most things right, but I think one or two experienced heads could really bring them on.