Bowers & Pitsea 1, East Thurrock United 2

EAST Thurrock United continue to defy the odds as a depleted and patched up squad produced a solid display to see off the Bet Victor Isthmian Premier challenge of Bowers in today's New Year's Day derby at the Len Salmon Stadium.

The win completed a double over Bowers and keeps Rocks in touch with the play-off zone - but a repeat win against Worthing in Saturday's home fixture will be a huge challenge as the threadbare squad of just 15 players picked up another two injuries and Darren Foxley is set to return to his parent club St Albans City.

Foxley signed off with the opening goal that was truly exquisite but his departure will be a big loss, as could be any absence from the next game by Amos Nasha and Alex Clark, both of whom had to go off after picking up injuries.

However, for the moment Rocks can dwell in the present, rather than the future and reflect on a hard-working, solid display which saw them seize control of the match midway through the first half and they didn't release that grip until deep in added time when Bowers grabbed a consolation goal - with not even enough time to kick-off again.

The opening exchanges were fairly event, with frequent and often unnecessary interventions by the referee - who eventually booked seven players (five from East Thurrock) - but Rocks gradually gained control and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring on 27 minutes.

Bowers could only half clear a cross into the box and the ball fell to Foxley, who took a touch to gain control, a second to look up and another moment to strike a beautiful curling shot up and over the despairing dive of Callum Chafer into the top corner.

The visitors continued to dominate play - even more so after the second half introduction of Ayodeji Olukoga who gave them a further grip on midfield and they thoroughly deserved the game's second goal which came from a corner which top scorer Frankie Merrifield stooped to head home from close range on 70 minutes.

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Nasha and sub Clark picked up what may prove to be significant injuries in the closing seven minutes - Nasha from an awful challenge from Callum Leahy who somehow escaped unpunished by the otherwise over industrious ref.

Deep into four minutes of added time Rocks' defensive concentration faded and Quentin Monville drilled a low strike home from the edge of the box but it was far too little, far too late from Bowers, even if it did take a little gloss off the outcome for East Thurrock.