East Thurrock Community FC 2, Gas Recreation 0

EAST Thurrock maintained their position at the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division with a hard-fought victory at the Wyldecrest Club today (Saturday, 20 September).

A goal in each half was enough for victory in a match that had some fractious moment.

As early as the third minute the referee was called on to intervene when Rocks' Harry Salter was involved in an altercation with the visiting keeper.

Salter thought he had come out on top of that exchange a couple of minutes later when he had the ball in the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The home side were dominant and went close on 22 minutes when Tommy Barnacle hit the woodwork, but the breakthrough came two minutes later when Barnacle did well to set up Salter and he fired home despite the defensive pressure.

Rocks took the lead into the break and were unfortunate not to extend it, going close on a couple more occasions.

The second half went much the same way as the first, with more work for the match officials as tempers flared.

However, Rocks were not able to put the game to bed until the 86th minute when a long free kick was delivered into the area and Ross Barnes seized the moment to score and secure the victory.

There was still time for a red card for the visitors, who remained fractious until the end.

Rocks will have a tougher test next week when they travel to take on third-placed Great Bentley.

LINEUP: 1 Tommy Bruley. 3 Louis Sharkey, 5 Faith Segemani, 7 Bobby Reeman, 8 Tommy Barnacle, 11 Bailey Morris, 14 Ray Snares, 16 Kieran Case, 17 Joey Purdy, 20 Harry Prince, 21 Harry Salter

SUBS: 2 Lewis Gardener. 9 Ross Barnes, 10 Kieron Miles, 12 Zac Bussel, 15 Kieran McGowan.