Blue Square Bet South
Bill Robinson reports from Ship Lane…..
Once again Thurrock upset the form book and turned over a team that were unbeaten in their last thirteen games and have had six consecutive league wins.
The new management team have exceeded all expectations with four wins and one draw in their first five games.
Today’s opponents were flying high and started well by taking the lead on eleven minutes, a poor goal conceded from a set piece. The free kick was floated over into the box where Jamie Richards tried to clear but the ball fell into the path of ex Grays favourite Jamie Slabber who drove the ball into the net from six yards out.
Thurrock’s new found grit and self belief once again shone through and heads were still high when Kenny Clark headed home the equaliser from 8 yards. The move started with David Knight, a splendid run down the right flank beating two defenders on the way, his cross caused keeper Jason Matthews plenty of problems and he could only palm the ball out and onto the head of Kenny Clark to even up the score.
The second half saw Thurrock pushing forward looking to complete the upset, but it was keeper Joe Woolley that kept them in the game with two fine saves just before the hour was up.
Chances were being created at both ends but the winning goal came when a free kick taken by Craig Pope floated into the Eastleigh box and for some unknown reason defender Chris Holland raised his hand well above his head and pushed the ball away.
The referee had now hesitation in awarding the penalty kick and it was Jamie Richards that strode up to take the kick, sending Matthews the wrong way Thurrock were in front.
With a little more than ten minutes remaining Thurrock drifted back to defend their lead allowing Eastleigh to push forward trying to find an equaliser.
Once again “Safe Hands” Joe Woolley kept a cool head as Eastleigh sent in crosses and corners desperate to get a break.
With only minutes remaining Thurrock had two chances to seal the win convincingly, first on the break Joao Carlos and Paul Olima were put through clear on goal only for Paul to send the ball high over the bar and then Joao Carlos sent in a cross that fell kindly for TJ Sie at the far post and in the scramble with defenders the ball went wide.
At the final whistle the unified camaraderie between the Thurrock squad and management was clearly demonstrated in a big team hug in the centre circle.
Thurrock: Joe Woolley, Craig Pope, Lee Flynn, Rob Swaine, Liam Harwood, Dean Cracknell, Matt Bodkin, TJ Sie, Kenny Clark, David Knight, Jamie Richards.
Subs: Lee Hodges, Shane Scanlon, Paul Olima, Joao Carlos, Jo Flack
