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THE FansFocus.Com SENIOR CUP
 
 

STANSTED   4 - 0   HULLBRIDGE SPORTS
 
A hat-trick from Stansted hit-man Greig Taylor saw the Airportmen cruise past Hullbridge Sports to clinch a tie at Southend Manor in the Second Round of the FanFocus.Com Essex Senior Cup.

For a new-look Stansted line-up it was the third time Hullbridge had been seen-off by a four-goal margin in the opening month of the campaign, and Sports had no answer once again to the fire-power of the 1984 F.A. Vase winners.

Taylor completed his trio a minute from time having initially put his side ahead on 20 minutes when he turned home Billy Field's fierce drive from close range. Sports 'keeper Richard Mann chipped-in with a gallant effort but he had absolutely no chance eight minutes later when Danny Dobson hit a thumping 25-yard volley into the top left-hand corner to double the home side's lead.

Hullbridge were unlucky not to pull a goal back in the 33rd minute, Gary Paterson going round goalkeeper Richard Mann only to be denied by a goal-line clearance from a diving Rob Whitfield. Before half-time the visitors were grateful to Mann for keeping them in the game as he made good stops to deny Dobson, after a fine turn and shot, and then Taylor.

Despite some early second half opportunities from Sports, the best being Mark Benterman's sharp shot, Stansted all but wrapped the game up on 65 minutes. A great run from Taylor brought him into the box where he rode two challenges before slipping the ball home from a tight angle.

Substitute Casey Clarke should have extended the home side's advantage further when he shot straight at Mann having been played through by Taylor, whilst at the other end Airportmen stopper Matt Cope was kept on his toes, being forced to tip Paterson's impressive twenty-yard free-kick over the top.

The scoring was wrapped-up on 89 minutes, Taylor completing his lot as he converted Clarke's low right wing cross at the near post and round-off a splendid night for the home side.

Stansted:   Matt Cope, Steve Brown (Casey Clarke, 72), Tommy Spillane, Rob Whitfield, Michael Palmeiri (C), Billy Field, Paul Seymour (Billy White, 72), Olley Slater (Ross Crabtree, 83), Greig Taylor, Danny Dobson, Adam Syrett. Unused Substitutes: Danny Dow, Sam McCarthy.

Hullbridge Sports:   Richard Mann, Jack Munroe (Bradley Nobbs, 46), Paul Lander, Paul Oakley (Daniel Cook, 70), Luke Williams, Lee Daves (C), Tila Phillips, Neal Hughes, Mark Benterman, Gary Paterson, Daniel Barrington (Graham Poole, 46). Unused Substitute: Billy Munroe.

Bookings: Stansted: Taylor (75, foul), Slater (83, foul), Field (88, foul). Hullbridge: Paterson (72, dissent).

Referee: Paul Faithfull (Loughton).

Assistant Referees: David Campbell (Chelmsford) and Anthony Pope (Braintree).

Attendance: T.B.C.

Man of the Match:   Greig Taylor (Stansted) - A well-taken hat-trick capped a fine display. Particularly showing fantastic strength and pace as well as a brilliant finish for his second goal and also turned provider for Casey Clarke who spurned an excellent late opportunity.
 

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