East Thurrock United 2, Great Wakering Rovers 0

EAST Thurrock United moved into the third round of the resurrected Essex Thames-side Trophy with Tuesday's hard earned win over a Wakering side who themselves are enjoying a good season in Isthmian North.

The Rocks kicked off the tie (Tuesday, 19 November) with just three players who started Saturday's game in the starting line-up.

The relaxed competition rules meant that John Coventry was able to field several new faces who have been training with the squad recently, one or two of whom did their chances no harm at all. In addition, Rocks also gave first starts to defender JJ DaCruz, sixteen year old Jack Coventry-James, Adam Topley, and new signing Matt Price.

There was not too much to get excited about in the opening half as the sides cancelled each other out. Rocks probably just shaded it, but neither keeper was seriously tested. The closest the Rocks came was just before the interval when Ayo Olukoga curled a great effort wide of keeper Bobby Mason but just the wrong side of the upright.

Rocks eventually got the breakthrough on 67 minutes. Some neat build up play saw young Coventry-James put new boy Price through, and the former Heybridge Swifts golden boot winner fired past Mason.

A second Rocks goal came with ten minutes remaining when Darren Foxley broke clear to coolly clip the ball past the keeper.