East Thurrock Community FC 3, Dedham Old Boys 3

SATURDAY'S (12 October) Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division match  started with much promise for East Thurrock, who were on home territory for the last time before they begin a five match away streak, and it proved to be dramatic and eventful.

The game was a slow burner, with few chances for either side. This was until Owen Dixie's superb cross was met by a deft header from Harry Prince, giving the hosts the lead, to the joy of the fans in the newly-formed pen behind the goal.

This opened the game up, as East Thurrock created a flurry of chances after this, but they couldn't double their advantage and unfortunately for the hosts, they lost the experience and quality of defender Lee Burns as he was forced off with an injury.

To make matters worse, there was a sucker punch from the visitors as they equalised with the last action of the first half with a set piece, making it 1-1 at the break.

This was to be quickly forgotten about as in the 51st minute, Owen Dixie caused more trouble for the Dedham backline as he won a penalty, being tripped up in the area. The penalty was confidently converted by second half substitute Joey Purdy, in the absence of Prince, who could not continue after sustaining an injury in the first half.

East Thurrock then had breathing space as Danny Greaves converted a freekick from 25 yards, making it goals in consecutive games for him.

The visitors clawed their way back into the contest in the 74th minute, once again from a set piece, with a volley hit into the bottom right corner.

The momentum completely shifted three minutes later as Jim Cook was sent off for a late and reckless foul on the goalkeeper.

With tempers flaring all over the pitch, the visitors drew level with a penalty in the last minute of normal time.

East Thurrock were then reduced to nine as Kieran Case was harshly sent off for abusive and dissent, which had previously gone unpunished throughout the game.

This set up a dramatic 10 minutes of added time but against the odds, the nine men showed determination, togetherness and organisation to earn a well-deserved point.

Up next for the Rocks is a trip to second place Brightlingsea Town next weekend, but with the grit and team spirit shown today, they will believe than can secure a positive result.

Rocks line-up:

1 Tommy Burley

2 Lewis Gardner

4 Joe Mcdonald

5 Faith Segemani

6 Lee Burns

7 Bobby Reeman

8 Ray Snares

10 Danny Greaves

11 Bailey Morris

19 Owen Dixie

20 Harry Prince

Subs: 3 Jim Cook, 14 Joey Purdy, 17 Keiran Case, 18 John Coventry, 23 Jamal Kuku.