Great Bentley 0, East Thurrock Community FC 1

THE unbeaten start to their second season goes on for East Thurrock Community FC who remain clear at the top of the Essex and Suffolk Border League Premier Division after a single goal win at third-placed Ggreat Bentley.

Their goalscorer was Tommy Banacle but much of the post match attention was on outfielder Ross Barnes who kept the Rocks in the match with a solid display after stepping up to replace normal keeper Tommy Bruley who was unavailable - and the woodwork which came to Rocks' aid three times!

The first 20 minutes was even, but with few chances, but the hosts began to assert authority and went close when a shot hit the woodwork.

Rocks didn't get a significant chance until the closing moments of the half but Bobby Reeman's shot went just wide.

And in added time Harry Prince just failed to get a touch to Joey Purdy's cross.

The opening minute of the second half saw Great Bentley strike a post - and on the hour the woodwork came to Rocks' rescue for a third time following a header.

So it was against the run of play when the opening goal came for the visitors on 70 minutes, Zac Bussell putting in a fine cross that was headed down by Lewis Gardener and Barnacle volleyed home.

Rocks travel again next weekend (Saturday, 4 October) when they visit Tiptree Heath (3pm).