Cheshunt 1, East Thurrock United 0

EAST Thurrock found themselves under the cosh for much of Saturday's Isthmian Premier season-opener but held on to stay in touch and came close to snatching a share of the points at Theobald's Lane.

Cheshunt started much the better and Arthur Janata did well to keep out an effort from experienced front man Adam Cunnington.

Rocks were only able to make spasmodic breaks forward, with wide man Kenny Aileru and Alfie Cue testing the home defenders, but the home side were well on top and it was no surprise when they scored what turned out to be the decisive goal just before the half hour mark.

Nana Adarkwa, who had looked lively out on Cheshunt's right flank found space to cleverly chip the ball over Janata and just inside the far post.

Rocks made a much better fist of it after the break, and could well have been level right at the start of the half, when Cue's effort was fumbled by one time Rocks keeper Shane Gore. The ball dropped at the feet of Hafeez Sanusi, but a split second of indecision by the big man allowed Gore to get down and smother the ball.

Cheshunt had to rely on Gore to keep the now lively Rocks at bay, denying Cue, Aileru and Jordan Peart in turn, and on the two occasions he was beaten, the crossbar came to his rescue, as firstly Callum Taylor, and then Luke Illsley saw decent efforts coming back off the woodwork.

Rocks are next in action on Tuesday in the FA Cup at Potters Bar Town.