STANWAY Rovers are five points clear at the top of the Essex Senior League after a 3-1 home victory over fourth-placed Great Wakering Rovers, writes MAX FRETWELL.

Soggy and wet weather met both teams as they walked out at the Hawthorns but the game itself was anything but miserable.

A total of 186 people viewed a fierce and fiery contest with many early slide tackles in the rain, resulting in an early yellow card for Stanway’s Harry Thomas just nine minutes in.

 

Stanway struck first when Tom Maycock pounced to slot home in the penalty box after a free-kick was well worked to Dominic Locke, who produced some nice skill before cutting the ball back.

They continued to press for the second but were nearly caught after a slip from a defender allowed Great Wakering’s striker to have a run in on goal, only to be met by Reece Harris who won the ball back calmly with a standing tackle.

There was a lengthy delay towards the end of the first half when one of the Great Wakering defenders suffered a shoulder injury.

Things got no better for them either with Joe Debell doubling the lead with a calm volley from a set piece, just before half-time.

 

Stanway could have even had a third going into half-time, with an effort being ruled out for offside.

The second half contained more duels but lacked quality, with both sides lacking composure and passing patterns.

Stanway lost control of the game and allowed their heads to get the best of them, conceding a penalty in the 70th minute which Talbot scored.

 

More fouls and yellow cards ensued before Stanway's win was finally wrapped up, with ten minutes to go.

A corner resulted in ricochets inside the box before Debell fired into the bottom corner, to complete his brace.

That goal seemed particularly special for Debell, as he and the whole team ran over to the bench in unison to celebrate.

Stanway manager Jamie Shaw will be happy with the win, especially in tough weather conditions against a side that pressed relentlessly and keen to engage and make the game more of a fight than football in the first half.