East Thurrock United 2, Biggleswade FC 1

A HARD-fought FA Cup tie at Rookery Hill saw Rocks overcome resilient Southern Leaguers Biggleswade FC and earn a place in Monday's second qualifying round draw.

With 6ft 7 striker Brian Moses making his debut, Rocks started the game on the defensive as the Bedfordshire visitors started the best, but the home side were able to weather the storm and Harry aldridge's goal remained intact.

Rocks gradually came into the match as an attacking force and went close and Harry Critchley put a great ball into the box only for Amaree Robinson-Jones to head wide. However he atoned on 15 minutes, tucking the ball in following a corner to put Rocks one up.

Rocks doubled their lead eight minutes before half time through debutant Moses, who capitalised on a poor clearance to fire past visiting keeper Tyler Joseph.

Biggleswade came out after the break looking bright, but Rocks were defended well until, on 66 minutes the visitors pulled one back with a goal out of the blue when substitute Jack Dreyer, who had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds, latched onto a poor Rocks crossfield pass to fire a screamer past Aldridge.

The visitors pressed forward in increasing numbers as the tie moved into the closing stages, but the Rocks defence held firm.