Tuesday 11th October - Kick Off 7.45pm A night match gave me my first opportunity to try out my new camera under floodlights. The old one really struggled to capture the action so I was looking forward to seeing how the 5D Mk4 performed. ​As with many grounds at this level, the lights are fine for playing football under, but not particularly helpful for photographers. I had every setting cranked up as high as it would go and just about managed to achieve 1/1000 second shutter speed. With an ISO of 26,400 the results are grainy to say the least. As for the match. It got off to a lively start and despite Halstead having a dreadful run and Stanway fresh from a 4-0 victory both teams seemed evenly matched with Halstead having the first real chance, but within a matter of 10 minutes they found themselves trailing 2-0. ​In view of their recent form what came next was quite incredible. Halstead just threw the form book away and really took the game to Stanway and deservedly pulled one back. Pressing forward did leave them exposed at the back and keeper and captain Jack Cherry performed heroics to keep them in the game, but Halstead started to grown in confidence and when Stanway conceded a penalty which saw their defender pick up a second yellow card and was sent off. Jordan Blackwell confidently despatched the penalty and Halstead were on level terms. ​Halstead then took the lead when former Stanway player Joel Older picked up the ball in his own half, waltzed thought the Stanway defence and slammed the ball into their net. From trailing 0-2, Halstead found themselves going in at half time 3-2 up. ​Within a minute of the restart Halstead found themselves 4-2 up and then really took advantage of having the extra man and went 5-2 up. To their credit Stanway never gave up and keeper Cherry had to pullout 2-3 fine saves ​Halstead did have the ball in Stanway’s net on 2 more occasions, both disallowed for offside before the hosts pulled one back in the last 5 minutes just to keep Halstead on their toes. ​Three much needed points for Halstead which were also their first points on the road. Hopefully they can pick up where they left off on Saturday when White Ensign are the visitors to the Millbank Stadium. ​Essex Senior League - Premier Division The Hawthorns, New Farm Road, Stanway Stanway Rovers 3 - 5 Halstead Town Admission - £7 (£4 concessions) Programme - £1.50 Cheeseburger & Tea - £4.50 Att 100 est