AFC Pegasus 3, East Thurrock CFC 1

ROCKS' hopes of regaining top spot in the Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division were dashed on Saturday (17 January) as they fell to a disappointing away defeat in Colchester.

The visitors started the game on the front foot, making some impressive runs forward, particularly down the wings.

However, that effort ultimately counted for nothing, with AFC Pegasus taking the lead in the seventh minute, when a cross from the left wing was met with a powerful header that found the top left corner of the net.

Despite a series of corners for Pegasus around the 17th minute, Rocks' goalkeeper Tommy Bruley kept his side in the game with a crucial one-on-one save after Pegasus broke through on goal.

Rocks nearly found an equaliser in the 21st minute when Bobby Reeman's header was cleared off the line, but the first half ended with Pegasus holding a narrow advantage.

The second half continued much the way the first half had ended, with the Rocks unable to stamp their authority on a dogged home side. Pegasus extended their lead, scoring twice in quick succession at the 55th and 57th minutes to make it 3–0, in truth, both were poor goals to concede and effectively finished off the game with over 30 mins still to play.

The Rocks did respond in the 75th minute with a well-worked goal. After a slick passage of play, Zac Bussell delivered a ball into the box and Kieran McGowan was on hand to head home, reducing the deficit to 3–1.

Despite this lifeline, Rocks couldn't mount a full comeback and the mid-table hosts prevailed.

While it wasn't the performance Rocks had hoped for, they'll look to regroup and come back stronger next Saturday, in a crucial fixture away at league leaders Sudbury Sports.

Line up: Tommy Bruley, Louis Sharkey, Marcus Bella, Tommy Barnacle, Keiron Miles ©, Zac Bussell, Bobby Reeman, Flynn Monk, Joey Purdy, Ross Barnes, Harry Salter. Subs: Lewis Rowe, Faith Segmani, Keiron McGowan, Bailey Morris and Owen Dixie.