A fine performance at home to Chelmsford College saw the 1^st XI extend their unbeaten run and remain top of the Essex League. After falling behind, despite having all of the play, the team composed themselves in front of goal and within ten minutes were ahead with an Ndoro double. Afreh’s goal of the season contender and Follett scored in double quick time to all but finish the game off before half time. A less impressive performance in the second half was given but the goals continued to come through Mukudu, Follett and Chapo’s first goal of the season. Chapo was awarded the goal through the dubious goals panel, Southgate can feel unlucky after some good work in the box. An excellent performance all round to take into a big game next week away at Shoebury.

A 5-3 victory saw the 1^st XI extend their unbeaten league season to 12 games and one step closer to finishing top of the Essex League. Colchester Sixth Form College were the visitors and put up a good fight although the class and power in the 1^st XI side was just too much. Making sure they got three points was the message given to the side and after digging in, they got the three important points. Goals from Afreh, Ndoro, Follett (2) and Morgan was enough to win the game. Next week Clacton are the visitors to St Thomas More as we look to extend our lead at the top of the league.

The 1^st XI extended their lead at the top of the Essex League this week with a 3-0 victory over Gable Hall. With league rivals not playing or facing tough games it was important to get three points in a potential banana skin game. After holding out some pressure from the start a mistake from the Gable Hall keeper was latched onto by captain Robinson who made the most of it and tapped it in from a yard out. The second just before the half couldn’t have been any different. Phagura lined up a free kick from the best part of 40 yards and struck it with power and straight into the top corner. It got even better before the half with great work from Akinpelu whose hussle forced a mistake and Afreh slotted home. The second half saw a solid defensive display and kept the clean sheet. 3 excellent points to finish up the league for this half term. Attention turns to Essex Cup Quarter final next Wednesday.

April in a football season is an extremely anxious time and that most certainly was the case for the 1st xi as they made the Essex Trophy and Essex Schools and Colleges League finals in dramatic fashion.

Having topped the league following a successful league campaign STM were handed a home draw at the semi final stage against Havering Sixth Form College. Playing some of their best football of the season, 1st raced to a 2-0 lead early in the first half with Ndoro staking a claim for goal of the season with his well finished excellent team goal. As expected Havering came back into the game and with moments of excellence found themselves ahead, a test of character for the team. Ndoro got his second of the game and with three minutes left Phagura struck a free kick that nestled in the back of the net to put STM back ahead and into the League final where Shoebury await.

There was also drama in the Essex Trophy semi final earlier in the week as a well fought contest against a strong West Hatch side went the distance and was decided on penalty kicks. Nerves were held and following two Boosey saves, Afreh slotted home and STM reach their first Essex County FA final in over 15 years.

The Essex Trophy Final against Shoebury will take place On Friday 1st May (16:00) at Great Wakering FC, Burroughs Park, Great Wakering. Entry is £2 for adults, £1 for children/students and free for under 11’s.

Mr E Kearney