Earls Colne 0, East Thurrock Community FC 0

ROCKS went into Saturday's (14 December) Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division clash game on the back of successive wins, but faced an uphill task against an Earls Colne side who were unbeaten in five games, scoring 20 goals in the process and sitting fifth in the table.

The first 30 minutes were scrappy, until East Thurrock began to put pressure on the hosts, with Iziengbe Ikponmwosa-Ikuero going on a mazy run, with his effort tipped over the bar from over 20 yards out.

The visitors created more chances before the break, with Kieran Case volleying wide from the edge of the box and Harry Prince firing over from 25 yards to conclude the first half.

The Rocks carried this momentum into the second period, with the best chance again falling to Prince, with his volley going over the bar.

There was no reward for this pressure, but East Thurrock nearly got caught on the counter, with a one on one resulting with Tommy Bruley standing firm to deny the hosts the lead.

The closest there was to a goal was in the 76th minute, with a low cross reaching the far post and the effort crashing against the Rocks bar. The hosts had another opportunity three minutes later, with Bruley making another big save from within six yards to keep the league's top scorers at bay.

That was it as East Thurrock stood firm to go three games unbeaten, and claim a point with another fantastic team display away from home.

Next up for the Rocks is a crucial game away to Belle Vue Social Club in a fortnight when they will look to continue this good run of form.

Lineup

1 Tommy Bruley

2 Reiss Hatwell

3 Louis Sharkey

4 Ray Snares

6 Kieran Case

7 Bobby Reeman

9 Tobi Adekunle

11 Iziengbe Ikponmwosa-Ikuero

16 Harry Cowlbeck

20 Harry Prince

21 Harry Salter

Subs: 5 Joe McDonald, 8 Kyle Smith, 13 Jack CoventrY, 14 Joe Purdy, 17 Ross Dixie.