Cressing United 0, East Thurrock Community FC 2

East Thurrock Community FC made the short trip to Cressing and came away with a deserved victory after a dominant display full of energy, teamwork and determination — capped off by a goalkeeper's dream moment in stoppage time.

Rocks started brightly, creating a number of early chances. Inside the opening ten minutes, a clever flick-on from Harry Salter sent Tommy Barmacle through on goal, only for his audacious chip to land on the roof of the net.

Moments later, laughter echoed around the ground as a wayward header from the home defence struck a supporter's car windscreen — the loudest cheer of the first half!

At the other end, Cressing's number 10 found space on the penalty spot and tested Tommy Bruley with a low drive, but the Rocks' stopper reacted sharply to push the ball wide.

The visitors continued to press and were unlucky not to score when Harry Prince unleashed a thunderous strike following a clever flick from Kieron Miles, but the Cressing goalkeeper produced an excellent reflex save.

The breakthrough finally came on 31 minutes. Miles capitalised on a loose ball in the box and squared across goal for Salter to tap home from close range.

Just a few minutes later, the match took a controversial turn when the Cressing number 9 was shown a straight red card. After throwing the ball to the ground in frustration, it bounced up and struck Zac Bussell in the face — a harsh decision that left both sides surprised as it was not intentional.

East Thurrock controlled the second half, moving the ball confidently and creating several chances. Harry Daly came close to doubling the lead with a long-range strike that forced another good save, while substitute Owen Dixie slotted seamlessly into the midfield after replacing Prince on 65 minutes.

Despite dominating possession, the Rocks couldn't find a second — Barnacle came closest late on after a defensive mix-up, only for the Cressing keeper to make a vital block with his foot.

Then, deep into added time, with the home side committing their goalkeeper forward for a corner, Bobby Reeman made a crucial goal-line clearance to keep The Rocks ahead. From the resulting play, keeper Bruley collected the ball safely and launched it the length of the pitch — watching it bounce perfectly into the empty net to seal a memorable 2–0 victory for East Thurrock.

Rocks are next in league action on Saturday, 1 November (2pm KO) when they travel to Witham to face White Notley.