Thurrock 0 v 0 Arlesey Town
FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round
Bill Robinson Reports from Ship Lane……
In a scrappy game where both sides failed to produce any real footballing skill and with the home side expected to win it was a disappointing performance when after ninety minutes it remained goal less.
Rikki Burbridge had a half chance in the 21st minute when he slid onto a through ball from Lee Boylan, but the keeper was quick to react and cut off any danger.
Arlesey always looked dangerous on the break and it needed some desperate defending from Thurrock at times to keep the scores level.
On 37 minutes a Dean Cracknell shot from 25 yards was the closest we came to a goal but for a fine save by keeper Mark Osborn tipping the ball over the bar.
Arlesey responded and once again in a crowded six yard box Craig Holloway scrabbled away a shot from Chris Dillion inches from the goal line.
HT 0-0
The second period was much the same as the first with only half chances being created but with both defences winning out against lack luster attacks.
Alex Osborn was lively and his magical feet nearly produced a chance as he weaved his way into the box on 65 minutes but the ball just run away at that crucial moment.
Ben Bowditch had a chance on 68 minutes when the ball was loose inside the penalty area but his shot was a long way off target.
Arlesey then had a five minute spell that worried the Fleet supporters with three consecutive corners all gaining gasps as the Thurrock defence looked a little shaking trying to clear there lines.
At the final whistle it could only have been the visitors that were pleased with the outcome as we all head for Arlesey Town on Tuesday evening for the replay.
Thurrock: Craig Holloway, Adam Gemili, Reece Harris, James Smith, Paul Terry, Glenn Poole, Dean Cracknell, Ben Bowditch, Alex Osborn, Lee Boylan, Rikki Burbridge
Subs: James White, David Hughes, Dee Okojie, Loui Hazelwood, Danny Hockton, Reece Hewitt, Alfie Wren
