East Thurrock Community FC 1, Springfield 0

TOMMY Barnacle was the hero as East Thurrock CFC edged past a resilient ten-man Springfield side to earn Saturday's (11 October) Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division victory that kept them at the top of the table after a tightly-contested affair.

The first half was a cagey one, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances.

The league leaders enjoyed more of the possession but struggled to break down a compact Springfield defence. The match tilted in Rocks' favour when Springfield were reduced to ten men midway through the first half — their number five receiving a second yellow card.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Springfield held firm. Their best chance came on 42 minutes when a long-range effort whistled just wide of the post, giving the hosts a timely reminder of the visitors' threat.

The Rocks nearly took the lead early in the second half, with Barnacle rifling a half-volley just over the crossbar from the edge of the box on 57 minutes. But it was only a matter of time before the pressure told.

And it was Barnacle who finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Picking up the ball on the left, he danced past three Springfield defenders before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net from a tight angle — a moment of pure individual brilliance.

Springfield pushed forward in the final stages in search of an equaliser, but the table toppers held firm defensively to see out the win.

1. Tommy Bruley, 2.  Lewis Gardener, 3. Louis Sharkey, 4. Harry Daly, 7. Bobby Reeman, 8. Tom Barnacle, 10.  Kieran Miles, 12.  Zac Bussell, 14.  Ray Snares. 15.  Lewis Rowe, 20.  Harry Prince (C). Subs: 9. Ross Barnes, 16. Kieran Case, 17. Joey Purdy, 19. Owen Dixie. 21. Harry Salter.

Attendance: 151

Next up is an away game at Cressing Utd on Saturday 18 October. The club will be running a coach.