East Thurrock United 1-1 Ebbsfleet United

(Ferdinand 21’: Lewis 6’)

From the FutureFuel Stadium

National League South

EAST Thurrock United claimed a valiant point against league powerhouses Ebbsfleet United in a tight and tactical battle.

Fleet had taken the lead early on but Kane Ferdinand continued his impressive recent form by striking home the equaliser midway through the first-half.

Fleet took the lead in the sixth minute after a defensive mistake by the Rocks. Stewart Lewis scored with a first time strike 10 yards out, striking low from a miscued clearance.

East Thurrock almost equalised five minutes later, but Ferdinand's headed effort was well saved by Fleet goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore.

Ashmore was on form again minutes later, preventing Ferdinand's second effort, hitting a low driven shot across goal, but Ashmore got down well and held onto the ball comfortably.

Ferdinand's perseverance was awarded in the 21st minute as he headed home into to bottom corner, having met Reece Harris' cross.

Both sides had an opportunity to take the lead before the break.

The first one fell to the away side’s Antony Cook who hit a long range curling effort but only managed to find the outside of the post.

Then James Walker had a chance for the hosts, but the Fleet keeper was impressive again, just stretching enough to tip the ball around the far post.

There were few chances after the restart as Ebbsfleet looked to apply pressure, playing more directly in the second-half, but the Rocks defence were able to match their attack to keep the game even throughout.

The best chance of the half was in the 60th minute following a goalmouth scramble, but the defensive organisation of the Rocks proved too strong for Ebbsfleet to break the deadlock.

While Ebbsfleet will leave disappointed with the draw, a fair assessment would be that East Thurrock gave an impressive account of themselves and their tactical and disciplined performance rendered them worthy of their point earned.

Rocks will be further boosted by the return to the squad of star striker Sam Higgins who, although unused, is expect to return in the coming weeks.

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Nesbitt, Clark, Ellul, Craddock, Harris, Freiter (Marlow), Walker, Ferdinand, Wraight