Wingate came to Rookery Hill as league leaders but left with their tales between their legs as they were served a salutary lesson in promotion football as they were beaten 2-1 by East Thurrock.
Goals by Araba and Max Cornhill secured the three points with goals in each half but speaking after the game, assistant manager John Lawrence clearly believed that it was the team ethic and performance that has continued to pay dividends for the Corringham-based club.
He said: “We have added an element of edge to our game that wasn’t there previously. This has left us in a perfect league position in a league where six or seven teams can win it. Not just get into the play offs but win it.
“Player such as Simon Peddie bring their a-game every week. His brand of no-frills defending may go under the radar but it illustrates the effect of players such as that.
This winter will be about strength in depth (we had Kris Newby and others missing today), consistency and self belief. The league come the end of February or indeed after New Year will be very different than the one you see today.”
