Toptree Heath 1, East Thurrock CFC 5

FOUR goals in 14 second-half minutes give East Thurrock back-to-back league wins - a stark contrast to their early season form that saw them suffer six consecutive defeats.

The Rocks came into this wanting to kick on after the win against Barnston a fortnight ago but were without the match-winner two weeks ago Kris Newby as well as James Cox and Jake Gordon.

They had experienced central defender Lee Burns return to the side alongside Tom Anderson at the back.

It was not a great start though after Tiptree opened the scoring after 13 minutes after getting inside the right of the Rocks back line and converting from within six yards.

It took a while for East Thurrock to get going but they got a huge slice of fortune as a mix-up in the hosts' defence ended up with the defender nodding the ball past his own goalkeeper and into the back of the net in the 26th minute.

This led to the visitors stepping it up a gear and the final 20 minutes of the half was one-way traffic but there was no breakthrough.

The same could not be said for the second half, however with Danny Greaves converting Owen Dixie's brilliant cross, sparking pandemonium within the 45 away fans.

This was just the start as, six minutes later, another delicious Dixie cross this time was met with a towering header by defender Lee Burns, giving the visitors breathing room.

The win was then sealed when Rocks captain for the day and stand-out performer this season, Harry Prince, led by example and converted a free kick from 30 yards. It got even better for the skipper as he picked the pocket of the defender slotting in a fifth and his fourth of the campaign

A near-perfect away day was nearly made perfect as player-manager John Coventry Jr went through but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper.

Despite a slow start, East Thurrock were not to be denied from recording a second successive win and will look to make it three in a row as they are away to Cressing United next week, and again will be taking a coach full of loyal Rocks supporters.

Lineup:

1 Tommy Bruley

2 Jack Adams

4 Tom Anderson

5 Faith Segamani

6 Lee Burns

7 Bobby Reeman

8 Joe McDonald

10 Danny Greaves

17 Elton Gjonbala

19 Owen Dixie

20 Harry Prince (c)

Subs: 3 Louis Sharkey, 11 Bailey Morris, 12 Jim Cook, 14 Joey Purdy, 18 John Coventry