East Thurrock Community FC 0, Great Bentley 0

THE two talking points after Saturday's (3 January) hard-fought Essex and Suffolk Border League clash at the Wyldecrest Club were how did Rocks not score after creating numerous chances? - and how lucky they were to escape with a Premier Division point after the visitors hit the crossbar in the last minute.

The dropped points on a difficult, icy and bumpy pitch that got harder to play on throughout the afternoon as temperatures dropped, cost Rocks the league leadership, though they have a game in hand on new table-toppers Sudbury Sports.

Visitors Great Bentley sit in third and it promises to be a tough haul to the season's finishing line.

In truth Rocks looked the better side on a player-for-player basis and they had the lion's share of possession. But they lacked the cohesion of their visitors who put up a sturdy defence and threatened on the counter-attack, though home stopper Will Gibbons - coming in for the injured Tommy Bruley - was hardly troubled.

The match started at a good pace, with Harry Daly having the first clear cut opportunity in the 12th minute, breaking through on goal, but the Great Bentley keeper reacted quickly to keep the scores level. Shortly after, a promising cross found Tommy Barnacle, whose header sailed over the bar when it seemed easier to score.

The hosts continued to press, with Harry Prince firing a sharp half-volley just wide after a well-worked throw-in.

Zac Bussell then put in a low cross in which lands at Bobby Reeman's feet in the six yard box, but a bobble results in a lack of solid connection.

Shortly after this, the Rocks felt aggrieved when a strong penalty appeal from Lewis Rowe was dismissed by the referee.

Those in Amber and Black shirts, along with those on the sidelines argued their case, but the man in charge had made his decision. Another golden chance then fell to Bobby Reeman in the 26th minute, but a bobble denied a clean finish from close range.

Just before halftime, Zac Bussell showed determination with a double slide tackle, setting up Barnacle for a shot that was well saved. The first half ended goalless, with both sides creating chances but unable to break the deadlock.

The second half resumed the way the first had finished. Lewis Rowe made a crucial headed clearance in the 58th minute to deny the visitors a certain goal. Great Bentley began to show more attacking intent, putting the home defence under pressure.

The Rocks made their first substitution on 66 minutes, bringing on Louis Sharkey for Kieron Miles, followed by Ross Barnes replacing Harry Salter on 70 minutes. The changes nearly paid off when Barnes came agonisingly close to scoring, his shot bouncing off the keeper and creeping just past the post.

Despite a further penalty appeal being waved away and two more late substitutions—Joey Purdy and Bailey Morris coming on for Harry Daly and Harry Prince—neither side could find a breakthrough – though home hearts were briefly in mouths when a close range header moments from the close came back off the East Thurrock bar.

Rocks will be back at home next Saturday (10 January) when they play host to sixth-placed Earls Colne.