ESSEX Senior Cup holders East Thurrock United suffered a third round exit after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Concord Rangers.

Rocks passed up a host of chances at the Aspect Arena and those misses proved crucial as Decarrey Sheriff bagged a late winner for the National League South hosts.

John Coventry’s Rocks came agonisingly close to taking an early lead.

With just eight minutes on the clock, Frankie Merrifield turned a defender before squeezing a shot past the onrushing Chris Haigh, but Concord wing-back Archie McFadden was on hand to make an impressive goal-line clearance.

The Beach Boys should have gone ahead soon after as James Blanchfield dispossessed East Thurrock captain Ryan Scott and found himself in on goal. However, the midfielder’s attempt was well saved by Jack Giddens.

Rocks felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick just before the half hour mark.

Merrifield pounced on Kreshnic Krasniqi’s under-hit backpass and looked to have been clipped by Haigh, but referee Karl Sear waved away the penalty appeals.

The first chance of the second period went the way of East Thurrock, with Mitch Gilbey forcing Haigh into a flying save two minutes after the restart.

Haigh also frustrated Rocks full-back Jason Ring moments later as the former Great Wakering Rovers man’s low attempt looked destined for the bottom corner of the net, while Gilbey dragged another shot wide.

Concord responded with Krasniqi firing over the crossbar when well-placed, but Gilbey was then thwarted by Haigh.

The breakthrough finally came with seven minutes remaining and the Beach Boys took the lead.

Sheriff beat the offside trap before finding a way past Giddens.

Although East Thurrock substitute Alex Clark stung the palms of Haigh soon after, Concord held on for victory.