East Thurrock Community FC 1, Hutton 2

EAST Thurrock's hopes of causing an upset in the BBC Essex Senior Cup failed to be fulfilled on Tuesday evening (15 September) at Rookery Hill but it was a valiant effort that included a spirited second-half fight back.

The Rocks had the first opportunity after just five minutes when a long free-kick dropped dangerously near the penalty spot. However, a miskick allowed Hutton to clear and the chance went begging.

At the other end, Tommy Bruley was called into action in the ninth minute. Hutton broke through the middle and sent their striker clear, but the Rocks keeper produced an excellent reflex save to tip the effort over the bar.

ETCFC continued to threaten, with Flynn Monk delivering a superb first-time cross towards the far post on 16 minutes, narrowly missing the outstretched boot of a Rocks player.

The visitors took the lead in the 24th minute when a looping header opened up the Rocks defence before a composed finish made it 0–1.

ETCFC looked for a response and Alex Newton drove forward down the left on 33 minutes. With only the goalkeeper to beat, his low effort was gathered comfortably.

Aleem Balogun fired wide shortly before the break, but it was Hutton who struck again in the 44th minute, a header doubling their advantage.

The Rocks nearly pulled one back immediately. Another dangerous free-kick was sent into the box, with Dan Nakipov-Getmansky heading the ball towards Harry Prince, only for the goalkeeper to get there first.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Hutton were reduced to ten men when their number 16 received a second yellow card.

Three changes followed at half-time, with Marcus Adebayo-Bella, Joe Callender and Harry Salter replacing Zac Bussell, Fortune Motobaluti and Prince as ETCFC looked to make their numerical advantage count.

Hutton still carried a threat and came close to a third on 51 minutes after a defensive mix-up, but the attacker could only find the outside of the post. Another effort was driven just wide seven minutes later.

The Rocks kept pushing and Lewis Rowe went agonisingly close in the 72nd minute, sending a driven shot inches past the far post.

A further change followed in the 82nd minute, with Kiyenne Larochelle replacing Newton.

With two minutes of normal time remaining, ETCFC finally found the breakthrough when Callum King pulled one back to make it 1–2, setting up a frantic finish.

The Rocks came within inches of an equaliser in the 90th minute when Monk attacked a corner, only narrowly missing the target.

Then, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, came the closest chance of all. Balogun whipped an inswinging cross onto the penalty spot and a Rocks header crashed against the crossbar.

It proved to be the final opportunity of the evening, as Hutton held on to secure their place in the next round.

Rocks return to action on Saturday with a Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League South Division clash at eighth-placed Hertford Heath. Only goal difference separates the sides so it should be another close encounter.