East Thurrock United Community FC 3, Hatfield Peverel 1.

ROCKS remain at the summit of the Essex and Suffolk Border l;eague Premier Division after Saturday's (6 September) convincing home win at the Wyldecrest Club.

The match began similarly to many of the league leaders' matches this season; lots of intense pressure to maintain possession and control.

This constant high intensity allowed Tommy Barnacle to break through chasing the ball with only the keeper to beat. Unfortunately, the ball just got away and rolled out for a goal kick.

This didn't dishearten the home side however as soon after, a spell of quick passing around the box gave Harry Prince time and space to take a shot which flew into the back of the net.

This lead wasn't enough for the Rocks, as they immediately went on the search for a second. Beautiful link up play between the attacking players gave the home side many chances to put the ball away, but they were unable to find that finishing touch.

Luckily the hosts didn't have to wait too long to double their lead, with Prince scoring straight from a free kick, delightfully curling it around the wall, squeezing it into the keeper's left-hand corner.

The hosts dominated the first half continuing their relentless attacks and were rewarded again with a third goal with Faith Segemani getting himself onto the score sheet after the ball wasn't cleared from a corner.

However, after this the visitors gave themselves a lifeline as they got one back immediately after kick off.

The second half was much more relaxed for the hosts as they looked to maintain their lead, rather than searching for more.

This approach allowed Hatfield to have more opportunities to close the gap, however the back line was able to keep the score as it was. The Rocks did come close to extending their lead a few times, but the visiting keeper pulled off some tremendous saves to deny them.

Another goal for the hosts seemed certain as the ball was played across the box into the path of Bailey Morris. Unfortunately, he was an inch short and the ball rolled away from him and was cleared away.

The updated league table.

Next up is a home cup tie against Thorpe Athletic on Saturday, 13 September,

LINEUP: 1 Tommy Bruley. 2 Lewis Gardener, 5 Faith Segemani, 6 Marcus Bella, 7 Bobby Reeman, 8 Tom Barnacle, 9 Ross Barnes, 10 Kieron Miles, 12 Zac Bussell, 16 Kieran Case, 20 Harry Prince. SUBS: 3 Louis Sharkey, 11 Bailey Morris, 17 Joey Purdy, 18 Lewis Rowe, 21 Harry Salter.