East Thurrock Community FC 3, Tiptree Heath 2

AFTER what felt like an eternity, Rocks made a triumphant return to action on Saturday, 28 February, edging past a determined Tiptree side who produced a late fightback to set nerves jangling.

The hosts, with veteran outfielder Kris newby donning the keeper's jersey, started brightly, with the first real chance arriving on 12 minutes when Faith Segemani threaded a superb pass through the visitors' defence to find Harry Prince, whose shot was well blocked. However, Segemani soon found himself in the referee's book for a mistimed challenge and he was perhaps a little fortunate to only have seen yellow. Harry Daly followed him into the book soon after for a late tackle - with Rocks lookinga little ring rusty.

Tiptree Heath threatened midway through the half with an effort just wide of the far post. But the Rocks seized control in the 40th minute when they were awarded a penalty. The decision drew complaints from the opposition, but after conferring with his linesman, the referee's decision stood. Harry Prince stepped up with confidence, placing the ball coolly into the bottomright corner to put the home side ahead.

Moments before the break, the advantage was doubled. A freekick from the left was delivered perfectly onto the head of Harry Salter, who powered home into the top corner.

The Rocks made a change during the interval, introducing Bailey Morris for Segemani, and they resumed with the same energy. On 52 minutes, Kieron Miles produced a moment of brilliance, striking first-time from long range with a looping effort that beat the goalkeeper and nestled into the net for a stunning 3–0 lead. Setting up what was surely going to be a nice tension free conclusion to the game.

A second substitution followed as Salter made way for Joey Purdy, but Tiptree began to rally. They pulled one back in the 58th minute before scoring again just two minutes later with a low driven finish, cutting the deficit to 3–2 and setting up a nervy final half-hour, full of tension.

Further changes saw Kian French replace Tommy Barnacle, and Ross Barnes come on for Kieran McGowan. The Rocks nearly extended their lead in the 82nd minute when Barnes challenged the keeper, forcing the ball loose for Prince, who struck off balance — only for the keeper to recover just in time.

A final change saw Archie Suckling replace Prince for the closing minutes, and despite pressure from the visitors and what appeared to be a very generous helping of stoppage time, the Rocks held firm for a vital three points that keeps them firmly in the title race.

Line-up: 1. Kris Newby, 7. Bobby Reeman, 15. Flynn Monk, 21. Harry Salter, 5. Faith Segemani, 10. Kieron Miles, 4. Harry Daly, 20. Harry Prince, 8. Tommy Barnacle, 14. Kieran McGowan, 18. Lewis Rowe. Subs: Joey Purdy, Archie Suckling, Kian French, Ross Barnes, Bailey Morris.

Rocks are currently without a planned fixture next weekend and their next scheduled match is the Knock-out Cup semi-final against Roddings and Waltham on 14 March.