EAST Thurrock United came away with no points, but plenty of kudos after a battling performance at Worthing in the Isthmian Premier today (Saturday, 11 September).

The Rocks' small squad has been stretched to the limit over the opening matches of the season and for today's game against one of the league's biggest clubs they were forced to give debuts to three players.

However, the visitors accredited themselves well and late in the game might well have had an equaliser but for a good save from Harrison Male, who denied new signing Ola Ogunwamide after he cut into the box and fired and angled shot goalwards.

In front of a crowd of just short of 800 Rocks made a great start and opened the scoring after 15 minutes through Johnny Ashman who produced an accomplished finish when through on the keeper.

Ollie Pearce put the hosts level just after the half hour, only for East Thurrock - who had survived some intense pressure and had a number of great saves, clearances and the woodwork to thank for staying on level terms, to stun them again with a second goal, this time from Paulius Ditkevicius with a tremendous strike from distance four minutes before the break.

But the visitors couldn't hold on to the advantage and on the stroke of half time Alfie Young levelled things from close range after an unfortunate fumble by Rocks keeper Arthur Janata.

And the match was ultimately decided by Aarran Racine's 58th minute effort for Worthing.

Rocks are next in action on Tuesday evening at home to Folkestone Invicta.

In the Isthmian North, the only other borough team in action today after two games last night, were Aveley who were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom club Hullbridge Sports who picked up their first point of the season.

Aveley will be back in action on Monday evening (13 September) with a home FA Cup replay against Barking, while Tilbury will be at home to Great wakering Rovers on Tuesday and Grays Athletic play host to Romford at Parkside on Wednesday.