THREE goals in a seven minute burst at the start of the second half ensured East Thurrock’s sixth successive Ryman One North victory, but they made hard work of it against a Northwood side who have now all but slipped out of promotion play-off contention.
The home side made a great start when Kyle Matthews put them ahead in the third minute and with East Thurrock’s defence all at sea, he grabbed a second to give his side a solid advantage going into the break.
However, Rocks came out firing on all cylinders after the restart and top scorer Sam Higgins got them back in it with a goal on 51 minutes.
Kye Ruel got Rocks on level terms three minutes later and on 58 minutes Max Cornhill fired in a long range cracker to give his side the lead.
The game then looked all over on 71 minutes when Rocks got their fourth, the ball being scrambled home after Kris Newby’s cross – with Hoggins claiming the last touch but the home side giving it as an own goal from Michael Peacock.
But Northwood were not done and within two minutes they were back in contention after Matthews completed his hat-trick.
Sam Berry went close with a couple of long range efforts as Rocks sought to edge clear but in the end four goals was enough to take the points and maintain their place in third spot.
