East Thurrock Community FC 1, Cressing United 0

TABLE-topping East Thurrock's dominance in the Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division continued with Saturday's (6 December) narrow victory at the Wyldecrest.

From the moment of the referee's first whistle blew, the hosts were on the front foot. It seemed that the team was determined not to repeat the slow starts of recent weeks.

As early as the 16th minute, the Rocks nearly took the lead when Tom Barnacle broke through on goal. The keeper parried the shot, but Ross Barnes couldn't convert the rebound from a tight angle, sending the ball into the side netting. The hosts were enjoying lots of possession, but as yet with nothing to show for it.

Cressing began to settle, and created their first real chance at 27 minutes, but a solid defensive block kept them at bay. However, the home side were dominating the early exchanges.

The breakthrough came on 29 minutes when Purdy delivered a superb ball behind the defence, allowing Lewis to strike home from near the penalty spot, putting the Rocks ahead 1-0.

The home side continued to dominate the proceedings and deservedly went into half time with the lead, in what was a much better first half performance than in recent games.

The second half was slow to get going, with Tom Barnacle having the first opportunity of the half, but his shot went over the bar. Shortly after, Harry Salter flicked a ball to Ross Barnes, whose effort was well saved. The game's first booking then came on 64 minutes, with Harry Salter receiving a yellow card for a strong challenge on the opposition's player.

Substitutions followed, with Lewis Gardener replacing Harry Salter on 73 minutes, and later Kieran McGowan and Marcus Bella coming on for Bailey Morris and Ross Barnes on 82 minutes. McGowan thought he had doubled the lead with a header, but it was ruled out for offside. The final substitution came on 87 minutes with Faith Segemani replacing Lewis Rowe.

In truth, the second half was not one for the purists, but in the dying moments, Purdy set up Barnacle for a near-post shot, but it went just wide.

Rocks held on for a 1-0 win continuing their 100% home record.

Team: 1. Tommy Bruley, 7. Bobby Reeman ©, 8. Tommy Barnacle, 9. Ross Barnes, 11. Bailey Morris, 12. Zac Bussell, 15. Flynn Monk, 16. Kris Newby, 17. Joey Purdy, 18. Lewis Rowe, 21. Harry Salter. Subs: 2. Lewis Gardener, 5. Faith Segemani, 6. Marcus Bella, 14. Kieran McGowan, 19. Ben Tugwood.

Rocks are without a match next weekend.