Bishops Stortford 1, East Thurrock United 0

A PENALTY deep in added time decided Tuesday evening's Bet Victor Isthmian Premier League clash.

The goal was converted with aplomb by veteran Jamie Cureton who numbers Norwich City, Bristol Rovers, Reading, QPR, Swindon Town, Colchester United, Exeter City, Cheltenham and Dagenham are among his League clubs in a career that has spanned three decades.

The Bishops' player-manager struck the ball home after his side unpicked the visiting defence two minutes into stoppage time, prompting a rash challenge from Ryan Scott.

It would be difficult to lay fault for the defeat on the Rocks skipper, or the East Thurrock defence, because collectively the visitors had plenty of possession and opportunity to grab the game by the scruff of the neck well before the dramatic conclusion.

They dominated much of the first half but showed an inability to hold the ball up in and around the box, with just a skied effort from Amos Nashua and a couple of shots from Mitch Gilbey to show for their efforts.

Allied to the pinball feet up front, a lack of commitment and belief across the park undermined Rocks' toil. They could, and should, have done better.

The second half saw Bishops have more possession and occasionally they threatened a breakaway goal, but the game looked destined for a stalemate until the dramatic conclusion.

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