Springfield FC 1 , East Thurrock Community FC 2

REPORT by Carol Thatcher

EAST Thurrock booked their place in the semi-finals of the Essex & Suffolk Border League Cup with a hard-fought victory away at Springfield on Saturday, 28 March.

The game had a fast paced and eventful start, with Springfield thinking they had taken an early lead on 13 minutes, only for the referee to rule it out for handball.

Springfield continued to press and came agonisingly close on 26 minutes, as a dangerous in-swinging corner flashed across the six-yard box, just evading any finishing touch.

The breakthrough came on 31 minutes for the Rocks. A long ball forward found captain Harry Prince, who flicked it into the danger area. Kelly reacted quickest, meeting it at the penalty spot and calmly finishing to give ETCFC a deserved 1–0 lead.

The Rocks grew in confidence after the goal, dominating possession and territory as the first half wore on. However, deep into stoppage time, Springfield found an equaliser as a long free kick sailed all the way through and into the net with some assistance from the blustery conditions, sending the sides in level at the break (1–1).

At half-time, ETCFC introduced new signing Steve Wade in place of Prince, looking to regain control of the contest.

The second half saw a more composed performance from the visitors, and on 70 minutes, the decisive moment arrived. Kelly, cut the ball back into the box where Kieron Miles showed great composure to take his time and slot into the side netting, restoring the lead at 2–1.

Further chances followed, including a brilliant opportunity for Freddie, who was played through one-on-one but saw his effort fly over the bar.

The Rocks managed the closing stages well, with further substitutions helping to see out the game:

• Joey Purdy replaced Bailey Morris (79')
• Kian French came on for Harry Salter (84')
• Kieran McGowan replaced goalscorer Kieron Miles (84')

A strong, resilient performance sees the Rocks progress to the Semi-Finals, where they will face Great Bentley.

Line up –

Charlie Goyette

Harry Daly

Bobby Reeman

Kelly Nwaehi

Kieron Miles

Bailey Morris

Zac Bussell

Freddie Barrett

Lewis Rowe

Harry Prince (C)

Harry Salter