Bill Robinson reports from Ship Lane……………….
Thurrock recorded their third draw in four games, some might suggest that’s eight points dropped, going behind in all three games and conceding some poor goals due to defensive errors its not the start that most Fleet fans were hoping for.
Hampton opened the scoring on there first real attack in the 14th minute, they won a corner on the right, as the cross came over Dean Wells was in acres of space to head home a simple goal without being challenged.
Thurrock responded well and within 60 seconds they hit the post from a Paul Olima header, the ball was worked well on the left, as the cross came over Olima made perfect contact but the ball struck the post firmly and rebounded back into play. Reiss Gilbey eventually getting the ball into the back of the net but was clearly off side.
On 25 minutes Thurrock equalised, again Paul Olima found space wide on he right he played the ball out to Danny Hart whose deep cross to the far post was met by the head of Reiss Gilbey who planted the ball neatly into the corner of the net.
Thurrock’s defence still looked vulnerable and when keeper Andre Charles-Foster gave away a needless throw in midway in the Thurrock half the subsequent Hampton attack developed into their second goal. A cross came over from the right were Charlie Moone was unmarked and he headed over and wide of Andre Charles-Foster for another simple goal.
On 44 minutes Hampton were awarded a free kick, the kick was taken by Dean Wells, his hard driven shot was on target but produced a fine save from Andre who tipped the ball over for a corner.
HT 1-2
The second half saw Thurrock produce some better football and the constant runs by Matt Bodkin were just failing to produce a goal. One such run saw him play the ball inside to Cliff Akurang but his shot was well saved by keeper Matt Lovett.
On 61 minutes a long hopeful ball played deep into the Thurrock half saw Rob Swaine back peddling to head clear of striker Charlie Moone, in doing so his momentum meant he collided with and flattened the striker and to most peoples dismay the referee Mr Gary Young awarded not only a free kick but issued Swaine with his second yellow and subsequently a RED card.
Thurrock down to ten men and a goal down had to reshuffle their defence, but their spirit remained high and they pushed on looking to equalise.
On 82 minutes Thurrock had a corner on the left, taken by Matt Bodkin it was a near post corner but Hampton managed to clear, the ball was picked up by Joe Collins just on the edge of the penalty area, he weaved around one defender before trying a shot, the ball fell at the feet of Lee Roache who managed to turn and fire home the equaliser fro 10 yards.
Being outnumbered Thurrock had little opportunity or time to go looking for a winner, but in the last seconds of the game they had to thank keeper Andre Charles-Foster who tipped over the bar a fine free kick taken by Shaun Lucien to keep the scores level.
Thurrock: Andre Chares-Foster, Craig Pope, Lee Flynn, Rob Swaine, Kenny Clark, Reiss Gilbey, Matt Bodkin, Leon Lalite, Paul Olima, Cliff Akurang, Danny Hart.
Subs: Conor Okus, Lawrence Yiga, Aaron Waters, Lee Roache, Joe Collins.
