Hatfield Peverel 1, East Thurrock CFC 0

AN off day for the Rocks ended in a rare defeat at Hatfield Peverel - though the borough club are still four points ahead at the top of the table.

The visitors started the game positively, but couldn't make it count, unable to breach the Hatfield's well drilled defence.

After a slow start, the home side quickly grew into the match, forcing the league leaders onto the back foot. In the 6th minute, the home side threatened on the break, but goalkeeper Tommy Bruley stood firm and the defence recovered well. However, the breakthrough came in the 13th minute when a goal kick was headed on, allowing the Peverel number 7 to go one-on-one and slot the ball low into the net.

The Rocks' first real chance arrived in the 24th minute, with Barnacle swinging in a corner that was met with a header, narrowly missing the target. As the half progressed, the visitors began to see more of the ball, regaining composure and pushing forward. However, Hatfield Peverel nearly doubled their lead just before the break, with a half-volley from the penalty spot that lacked power.

A disappointing first half for the Rocks fizzled out, the quality of the game matching the weather.

East Thurrock came out stronger after the interval and in the 47th minute, Kieran Miles delivered a dangerous in swinging corner, finding Salter's head, but the effort was just over the bar. The Rocks continued to threaten, putting in quality balls but struggling to find a decisive touch in the box.

A key moment came in the 72nd minute when Ross Barnes' long throw found Bobby Reeman, whose overhead kick rattled the crossbar from close range. East Thurrock made tactical changes, using the strength of the bench, bringing on Lewis Rowe for Owen Dixie.

The closing stages saw Rocks pile on the pressure. In the 83rd minute, two golden opportunities went begging: first, a scramble in the box after the keeper failed to collect, and then a drilled shot from Tommy Barnacle that flashed just wide of the far post.

Deep into stoppage time, Ross Barnes was sin-binned for dissent, capping a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.

East Thurrock CFC created several chances in the second half but were unable to convert, with the woodwork and missed opportunities proving costly. Hatfield Peverel's early goal was enough to secure the win, despite late pressure from the visitors.

1. Tommy Bruley, 2.  Louis Sharkey, 4. Harry Daly, 8. Tommy Barnacle, 10. Kieran Miles, 12. Zac Bussell, 14. Ray Snares, 15. Flynn Monk. 18. Lewis Rowe, 20. Harry Prince ©, 21. Harry Salter. Subs: 2. Lewis Gardener, 5. Faith Segemani, 7. Bobby Reeman, 9. Ross Barnes, 19. Owen Dixie