East Thurrock CFC 3, Belle Vue Social Club 0

East Thurrock started Saturday's (15 March) Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division match perfectly, keeping the ball in the opposition half and applying pressure to the back line.

The hosts opened the scoring just three minutes in, courtesy of Owen Dixie. The Rocks kept up the pressure and continued to push forward in search of another goal. Dixie was able to get in behind the Belle Vue back line and appeared to be brought down in the box, but the referee ignored the foul and play continued. This didn't impact the hosts game however as they came close to scoring again, but a good save from the visiting keeper kept the score at 1-0.

A second goal for the Rocks felt inevitable and just three minutes later they doubled their lead thanks to Ross Barnes.

The game started to even out as the visitors began to get a few chances of their own and it seemed like they were going to get a goal back, but they were denied by a brilliant save from Rocks' keeper Tommy Bruley, who was forced into another great save just seconds later after the ball was stolen off of an East Thurrock defender.

The hosts took full control of the game as Barnes netted his second of the afternoon just before half time putting the Rocks three in front.

It seemed like the hosts were on their way to a fourth but the referee ignored another foul in the box, overriding his linesman, who had indicated a penalty.

The second half started much more evenly with chances for both sides and the visiting side looking much stronger. Belle Vue looked more likely to score and came close early on after the break, however the shot flew over the bar.

After this the Rocks seemed to wake up again and continued their unrelenting attacks on the visitors' goal, forcing the Belle Vue keeper into save after save.

East Thurrock didn't give up their search for another goal, but they just couldn't get the ball over the line. Pressure on the goal kicks forced the away side into making mistakes which allowed the rocks to win the ball and continue their attacks.

Belle Vue were able to break away and hit the hosts on the counter and seemed like they were going to score late on yet Bruley was there to keep the clean sheet.

Next up is the final home game of the season against Alresford Colne Rangers on Saturday 22 March, 3pm kick-off.

Rocks' inaugural season started badly, without a win in their first six matches but they notched a first success on 15 September and have been a steadily improving force since then.

LINEUP: 1 Tommy Bruley, 2 Lewis Gardener, 4 Ray Snares, 5 Faith Segemani, 7 Bobby Reeman, 8 Joey Purdy, 11 Bailey Morris, 14 Reiss Hatwell, 16 Ross Barnes, 19 Owen Dixie, 21 Harry Salter. SUBS: 3 Louis Sharkey, 6 Kieran Case, 9 Iziengbe Ikponmwosa-Ikuero, 12 Joe McDonald and 15 John Coventry.