East Thurrock Community FC 2, Brimsdown FC 0

EAST Thurrock Community FC secured a well-deserved Thurlow Nubb Eastern Counties Division South victory at Rookery Hill on Saturday (29 August), with goals from Lewis Rowe and captain Harry Prince sealing the points.

The opening 20 minutes were largely one-sided, with East Thurrock enjoying the majority of the possession and creating several half-chances without seriously troubling Brimsdown goalkeeper Alfie Marigliani.

On 22 minutes, sustained pressure in the attacking third almost brought the breakthrough when a Rocks effort was blocked on the line.

Two minutes later, a short Brimsdown clearance fell kindly to their number 10, whose decent strike was well held by Tommy Bruley.

The Rocks continued to threaten and, on 29 minutes, Harry Prince raced clear down the left. Despite being forced slightly wide, Prince managed to get his shot away, but Marigliani saved well.

Another East Thurrock breakaway followed on 33 minutes, with the resulting effort fired just wide of Marigliani's left-hand post.

Albert Hart was next to go close three minutes later, dragging his shot narrowly wide after some good build-up play on the edge of the penalty area.

The pressure finally told in the 42nd minute.

A deep cross was initially defended by Brimsdown, but the loose ball fell kindly to the Rocks. Rowe collected it on the right-hand side of the area and produced a superb curling left-footed finish that gave the goalkeeper absolutely no chance and Rocks a lead they took into half time.

The Rocks started the second half in much the same fashion, applying early pressure. On 50 minutes, Prince found himself in another promising position but pulled his shot wide.

Eight minutes later, Bobby Reman made way for number 16 Walker.

Hart tested Marigliani again on 59 minutes with an effort from the edge of the area, but it was comfortably held.

East Thurrock doubled their advantage in the 65th minute after a superb passage of play.

A pinpoint clearance from Bruley clipped a Brimsdown defender and dropped perfectly for the ever-willing Tommy Barnacle, who raced into the penalty area before squaring the ball across goal where Prince was waiting and calmly passed the ball into the net.

Prince's work was done shortly afterwards, with Harry Salter replacing the Rocks captain on 66 minutes.

Salter was involved on 75 minutes, producing a lovely flick to send Barnacle through, although Marigliani was able to gather his resulting effort comfortably.

Brimsdown looked for a way back into the game late on and, in the 90th minute, dragged an effort well wide of Bruley's right-hand post.

There was one final moment of danger deep into added time when a Brimsdown shot from point-blank range was bravely charged down.

That proved to be the final action as the Rocks saw out the game professionally to secure the clean sheet and a deserved victory.

Rocks' run of home matches continues next Friday (4 September) wjhen they entertain NW London (7.45pm), another side struggling at the foot of the table.