East Thurrock Community FC 3, Sudbury Sports 1

ROCKS survived a goalkeeping dilemma and going behind to make progress in the Essex and Suffolk Border League Knock-out Cup on Saturday (27 December).

This was always going to be a tough test for the league leaders, against the side in second place, but they came through it and go into the new year in buoyant mood.

With a match in hand they top the table by a point and in the next round of the cup will travel to Division One Rodings & Waltham on 14 February - so there are high hopes of a league and cup double in only the club's second season.

Saturday's cup clash at the Wyldecrest Club saw the visitors take a tenth minute lead with a deflection that saw the ball beat keeper Tommy Bruley.

Rock's response was almost instantaneous. Just two minutes passed before Tommy Barnacle drove down the right-hand side, closing towards the byline and drilling a shot that rippled the far side netting.

The hosts then had a problem to overcome when Bruley had to go off, unable to continue because of an injury sustained in the match build-up. With no keeper on the bench, Rocks veteran Kris Newby went between the sticks - not the first time the attacking player has undertaken last line defensive duties in his career.

East Thurrock appeared to be denied a goal when Barnacle had the ball in the net on 37 minutes, but the ref adjudged there had been a foul against him and brought the game back for a home free kick.

Rocks continued in positive fashion after the break and Lewis Rowe went close with a shot. But with seconds of that the ball was in the net after Zach Bussell crossed and Harry Salter got on the end of it to score.

The outcome was made safe three minutes from time when Rowe got his goal, finishing off after good work by sub Owen Dixie. 

Team: Tommy Bruley, Marcus Adebayo-Bella, Thomas Barnacle, Zachary Bussell, Harry Daly, Kieron Miles, Kristopher Newby, Harry Prince, Bobby Reeman, Lewis Rowe, Harry Salter. Subs: Owen Dixie, Bailey Morris, Joey Purdy, Faith Segemani, Louis Sharkey.

Rocks' next match is on Saturday, 3 January at home to third-placed Great Bentley (2pm).