Saturday 26th November - Kick Off 3.00pm After a break of 3 weeks I was back at the Milbank Stadium with my camera for this ESL match against Stansted. ​After a lively start the Airportmen took the lead after just 4 minutes when the usually dependable Halstead keeper Jack Cherry managed to fumble the ball from a cross to the near post which Stansted gratefully slammed into the net. ​Undeterred Halstead dug in and went close to getting an equaliser on a couple of occasions, but just before half time another defensive mistake saw Stansted double their lead and go in 2 up at half time. ​Only 5 minutes into the second half which was delayed for at least 10 minutes due to the floodlights playing up and another defensive slip saw Stansted add a 3rd and that really was game over. ​It would be fair to say Halstead’s heads dropped after that and although they plugged away, they never really looked like pulling one back and it was no surprise when Stansted added a 4th late on in the game. ​There have been some very good sides come to Rosemary Lane this season and it is quite evident that the standard of football in the Essex Senior League is far higher than the Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South, so much so, I'd compare it to being promoted from League 2 to the Championship. ​Barring an absolute disaster Halstead should still be playing Level 5 football next season and when you look at the attendances and facilities at home games compared to some of the London based away clubs, there’s no reason why the club can’t establish themselves at this level. ​This may be the last match I can make before Christmas as we’re supposed to be moving house in December, but I will be back in action for the home match v Southend Manor. ​Essex Senior League - Premier Division Milbank Stadium, Rosemary Lane, Halstead Halstead Town 0 - 4 Stansted Admission - £7 (£3 concessions) Programme - £1.00 Cheeseburger & Tea - £4.50 Att 226