East Thurrock United 0, Worthing 0

A hard-fought game at the Grayers Graphics Stadium ended goalless on Saturday (4 January) despite both sides carving out countless efforts on goal over the ninety minutes.

A heavily depleted home side, shorn of three key midfielders in Amos Nasha, Alex Clark and Ayo Olukoga, will probably see this as a Bet Victor Isthmian Premier Division point gained, although they had the chances to win it, while the title chasing Rebels will likely see it as two points dropped.

The Rocks started the best, with livewire Mitchell Gilbey twice going close in the opening couple of minutes.

Worthing grew into the game, looking comfortable on the ball, and on twenty minutes Ricky Aguiar drew a great save out of home keeper Jack Giddens.

A goal looked certain to come with Frankie Merrifield and Matt Price just missing out for the Rocks, while Worthing's Alex Parsons scraped the woodwork and Joel Colbran had an effort cleared off the line by Jason Ring.

The second half became somewhat feisty, with some meaty tackles flying about, but it must be said to his credit, referee Aaron Farmer kept a lid on things.

No let-up in the chances though. The opening exchanges again saw Merrifield and Price going close for the Rocks, but Worthing were moving the ball around well and Giddens did well to save from Parsons.

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Rocks defended heroically as Worthing enjoyed a decent spell of dominance but late on Rocks looked the most likely as Danny Harris twice fired just off target, and skipper Ryan Scott almost rounded of a cracking performance as the game moved into stoppage time, but his header was well saved by impressive young Brighton loanee keeper Carl Rushworth.

Late in the game, Rocks introduced their most recent signing, defensive midfielder Michael Tweed, a former QPR youth player who has played National North football with Nuneaton, and more recently been with Grantham Town.