East Thurrock United 2-4 Chelmsford City

(Higgins 22, Smith 75: Fenwick 2, 42 (p), 57 (p), 67 (p))

From the FutureFuel Stadium

National League South

SCOTT Fenwick scored back-to-back hat-tricks for Chelmsford City to condemn East Thurrock United to defeat.

The striker was in deadly form for Rod Stringer’s men, as the visitors’ further strengthened their play-off prospects.

It was also the second time in succession that Fenwick netted three times from the spot, as he struck four at Rookery Hill.

Beaten by the Clarets in the Essex Senior Cup early this season, Rocks would have wanted a steady start against the top seven hopefuls.

But it took just three minutes for the Clarets to take the lead. The on-form Fenwick found a gap in the defence and headed in from Jonny Giles’ cross.

The Clarets continued to apply the pressure but the next goal was to be East Thurrock’s.

Sam Beasant did excellently to block away Sam Higgins’ first powerful effort on 22 minutes but the striker followed up his effort to find the net.

But Fenwick was the danger man. The striker was to restore the visitors’ lead three minutes before the break.

Again from the penalty spot, Fenwick blasted Chelmsford ahead.

And it was to be a repeat for the hot shot 12 minutes into the second period.

Another penalty was conceded by Rocks and Fenwick made no mistake from 12 yards.

Three became four the striker inside the final 20 minutes as, astonishingly, he found the net once again from the penalty spot.

But Rocks were to grab a consolation. Lewis Smith made it 4-2 but there was to be no late drama.

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Harris, Peddie, Burns, White, Cornhill, Clark, Higgins, Scott, Phipps