East Thurrock CFC 1, Barnston 0

The Rocks make history with their first-ever league victory! East Thurrock CFC picked up their first points with a 1-0 win at home to Barnston.

The Rocks started the game well with some early shots and most of the possession, with their best chance falling to Danny Greaves, who put it just over the bar.

The hosts dominated the first half and their hard work paid off as they went 1-0 up after 20 minutes, courtesy of a beautiful strike from former Rock Kris Newby, who is on a short-term loan from Romford, straight into the top right corner leaving the Barnston keeper with no chance.

The resurgent home team continued to attack and almost doubled their lead just three minutes later from a corner, but it was caught by the keeper.

There was another opportunity to increase the scoring when Danny Greaves got in behind the Barnston defence, however, the goalkeeper was able to stop the shot. 

The chances kept on coming for East Thurrock, however they were unable to find the back of the net again. Barnston would end the first half with their first shot at goal however it ended up being a routine save for Tommy Bruley. 

The visitors were quick off the mark in the second half with an early shot at goal which forced a save out of Bruley. It seemed like Barnston had woken up over halftime as for the first 20 minutes of the second half they were on top but they just couldn't find an equaliser thanks to solid defending from the hosts.

East Thurrock had another amazing opportunity to increase their lead from a free kick deep in the opposition half, the ball was played to Danny Greaves who sent a thunderous strike onto the crossbar, barely missing the top left corner.

Shortly after Barnston almost levelled the scoring as they were able to get in behind the Rocks' defence, yet the score remained the same as Bruley pulled off a brilliant save to maintain the hosts lead.

Barnston kept battling and they thought their hard work had paid off when they scored what they thought was a late equaliser however it was chalked off due to a foul on the Rocks' keeper.

Tensions began to rise at the end of the match, chances from both teams kept fans on their toes, hoping for the final whistle to be blown and when it did it was official, East Thurrock CFC won their first-ever league match and they had done it in front of more than 150 loyal supporters. 

Next up for the Rocks is a cup game against Tollesbury at Wyldecrest Sports Country Club on September 21st at 3pm. 

Lineup:

1 Tommy Bruley 

4 Joe Mcdonald

5 Faith Segamani

6 Kieran Case

8 James Cox

9 Jake Gordon 

10 Danny Greaves 

14 Kris Newby (c)

16 Harry Cowlbeck

18 Elton Gjonbala

19 Owen Dixie

Subs:

3 Louis Sharkey

11 Bobby Reeman

12 Bailey Morris

17 Michael Adeosun

GK Jamal Kuku

Attendance: 166