Hartlepool United 2-0 East Thurrock United

FA Cup 1st Round

from Victoria Park

 

EAST Thurrock United are out of the FA Cup after a brave and battling performance against Hartlepool United.

Rocks went down to a goal in each half from Jonathan Franks to, but there was not a lot between the sides – despite East Thurrock sitting three leagues below the League Two side in the pyramid.

But it was the Ryman Premier side that started the better, with Mitch Gilbey striking a post in the opening stages.

Rocks goalkeeper Dave Hughes was in superb form on the day, denying a quick counter attack but then Franks’ shot from 25-yards midway through the first half.

Hughes made two more saves to keep John Coventry’s men within touching distance but they couldn’t break through, with the stopper leaping to keep out Franks.

But then Hughes spilled a shot, leaving Franks to tap home a Marlon Harewood cross, to see the Thurrock side go out in front of 2,800 fans.