Thurrock 2-1 Great Wakering Rovers

 

THURROCK edged past a spirited Great Wakering Rovers side in an end-to-end match at Ship Lane.

Rovers had a terrific start to the match and it only took them 20 seconds to find the net. They broke down the right and a lucky ricochet found Tony Jacobs in the penalty area. He crossed and Jay Nash had time to control and fire into the roof of the net – his third in two games.

Moments later it should have been 1-1. Lewwis Spence was played in but he drilled his shot straight at Adam Seal between the posts.

Thurrock were looking slack at the back and John Bradley should have doubled the lead before the half-hour mark. More good work from Jacobs saw a cross volleyed by the onrushing midfielder, but straight at Walker.

Up the other end Seal had to be at his best to tip over Charlie Stimson’s goalbound effort but he was helpless to prevent the equaliser. The lively Stimson sent in a cross and Ross Wall was able to guide his header into the net from five yards.

And the hosts took the lead right on the halftime whistle. This time Stimson was the scorer, meeting another good cross at the far post, to direct his header past Seal.

Player/manager Dan Trenkel entered the fray at the start of the second half and Rovers looked more dangerous from the off. Thurrock were pinned back inside their half but it was the home side who had a chance to extend their lead – Ross Wall’s 25-yard effort superbly tipped aside by Seal.

Joe Skeels should have equalised with 15 minutes to go, shooting wide from a tight angle and, amidst a flurry of yellow cards (eight), Rovers couldn’t find a leveller.

Other results: Leiston 1-2 EAST THURROCK UNITED, CANVEY ISLAND 0-1 Hendon