East Thurrock Community FC 3, Thorpe Athletic 1

EAST Thurrock's impressive unbeaten start to the season continued at the Wyldecrest Club on Saturday (13 September) when they progressed in the Essex and Suffolk Border League Knock-out Cup, coming from a goal down with a rousing second half performance.

The visitors, who were beaten at the same venue in the league a couple of weeks ago, were quick off the mark and hit the woodwork in the first minute and, after a chance for Harry Prince at the other end went begging after he headed wide, it took a great block by Marcus Bella to deny Thorpe again. 

However, the good work from Thorpe was rewarded on 24 minutes when they took the lead with a goal from a well-worked free-kick and they took the advantage into the second half.

But it was Rocks who were to dominate when play restarted and it took just seven minutes for them to draw level through Tommy Barnacle, who was set up by Prince and converted with accomplished ease.

The hosts' pressure continued and they took the lead just after the hour through Harry Salter who capitalised when the ball broke kindly for him. 

And the tie was made safe on 84 minutes when Ross Barnes was set clear by Barnacle's clever pass and he shot home.

East Thurrock are back in action at the Wyldecrest next Saturday (20 September, 3pm ko) when they will be bidding to stay top of the Premier Division table against Gas Recreation.