FA Trophy 3QR
Thurrock 0 Dartford 2
Bill Robinson reports from Ship Lane…………..
Thurrock failed to build upon their midweek victory and made a swift exit from this seasons FA Trophy competition.
It clearly didn’t impress current boss Greg Lincoln who stormed out soon after the game rejecting all requests for an interview.
A scrappy game in which both teams failed to dominate but Dartford just edged in front on chances and on 18 minutes they took the lead and perhaps had the better and greater chances in the opening 45 minutes.
The Dartford goal came from a nice move which started with a run down the middle by Elliott Bradbrook he pushed the ball out wide for Ryan Hayes who took the ball on before crossing deep into the Thurrock box, the ball was headed back and Carl Rook, challenged by Kenny Clark managed from three yards to simply slot home the opener.
Thurrock’s best chance to get level fell to Tamer Tuna on 37 minutes, the ball was worked down the right flank and Rob Swaine pulled the ball back from the goal line into the path of Tuna but the ball bobbled just as he hit it and flew over the bar.
HT 0-1
The second half continued in the same disjointed fashion as Thurrock tried hard to find a way back into the game.
On 50 minutes Rob Swaine had a free header, that came from an Adam Gross free kick but his aim was wide.
A couple of tactical substitutions by manager Greg Lincoln revitalised the Thurrock attack but still the Dartford back line remained solid.
The danger signs were beginning to appear as Thurrock pushed forward leaving gaps at the back for Dartford to exploit and on 82 minutes Carl Rook struck again to seal the victory.
The move started on the right and when the ball was dragged back from the by line Rook found himself in space just right of the penalty spot and he side footed home a powerful shot into the far corner of the net.
Thurrock never threaten to make a come back and after three add minutes the referee called time sending the jubilant Dartford fans back over the bridge and into the next round.
Thurrock:Joe Woolley, Adam Gross, , Kenny Clark, Phil Anderson, Lee Flynn, Leon Lalite, Dean Cracknell, Matt Bodkin, Aaron Waters, Tamer Tuna, Rob Swaine
Subs: Mike Power, Shane Scanlon, Lee Roache, Jo Flack, Craig Dobson
