Thurrock completed their sixth straight win here at Ship Lane to maintain their chase at the top of the Blue Square South League against a very confident Dorchester side that never gave up the chase.
Dorchester where quick of the mark as they took the lead after just 90 seconds. The Thurrock defence had taken too long to react to the threat and mistakes lead to a goal line scramble with Matt Groves getting the vital touch to put the ball into the net
Thurrock quickly recovered and where back on level terms just minutes later when Fola Orilonishe took the ball on and into the penalty area before tucking the ball neatly into the back of the net.
Thurrock gradually got into there rhyme back and looked the more likely team to score but we had to wait until the 44th minute when Mat Bodkin collected the ball in midfield and moved into a shooting position and drove a shot towards goal that was deflected and left the keeper wrong footed to make it 2-1.
Leon McKenzie then sealed the first have when he was but through by a cross from the right by David Bryant and he side footed home from inside the box giving Thurrock a comfortable half time lead.
Half Time 3-1
In the second half Thurrock looked more comfortably on the ball but Dorchester were pushing hard to get back into the game, although they were struggling to create any real chance to test Joe Woolley in the Thurrock goal.
On the hour Thurrock extended their lead, the move started with the ball on the right flank where Matt Bodkin beat his marker before crossing into the box, it was partially cleared by the Dorchester defence but Leon Lalite picked up the ball just outside the box on the left and hit a low left footed shot that beat the keeper at his right hand post.
Thurrock continued to make more of the chances and both Lee Flynn and David Bryant went close. Ollie Barnes nearly reduced the deficit when another episode of defensive mistakes caught Woolley a long way off his line and a looping shot from Barnes just sailed inches over the bar of an empty net.
Dorchester continued to try and get back into the game but finally when David Bryant struck in the 73rd minute the game was won, Thurrock let slip another goal in the closing minutes when Phil Walsh made his way into the box completely unmarked to head home another consolation goal for the visitors.
A great win and confidence booster for Thurrock before next weeks FA Cup match away at Oxford United but worrying defensive errors will be punished more severely next week against Oxford so they need to be much tighter at the back if they stay in the competition.
