By Mike Pink
Thurrock recorded their first win of the season with a spirited performance at Ship Lane. It was Lewes who started the game brightly and dominated possession however Thurrock had the first chance on goal with
Lewis Perkins hitting a tame shot from the edge of the area directly at Thorp. A succession of chances fell to Lewes with Brinkhurst firing straight at Hughes, Crabb blasting over after good work by Thomas who in turn also had a shot saved. Lewes continued to spurn chances from Brinkhurst, Crabb and Thomas. Despite Lewes strong first half the opener came for Thurrock on the 44th minute, a Jamie Dicks cross from the left was headed home by Shamir Mulling at the back post.
In driving rain and monsoon like conditions, Thurrock started the second half brightly and full confidence turning the tables on Lewes and taking control of possession and the game. Lewes had an early chance from a corner where a melee saw three shots at goal charged down however the remainder of the game was all Thurrock.
A Perkins cross saw Barnetts overhead kick straight at the keeper, Mulling scooped over from close range after another Perkins cross and it was the excellent Perkins who stuck a sensational drive from long range to make it 2-0 Thurrock in the 75th minute and wrap up the game for the Fleet.
Man of the Match: Lewis Perkins (Thurrock)
Match Rating: ****
Attendance: 196
Thurrock: Hughes, Wanadio, Dicks (Walster), Griffin, Obomwonyi,
Thurgood, Taylor (Ibrahim), Mulling, Perkins, Barnett, Orilonishe
Subs: Walster, Seal, Honesty, Thomson, Ibrahim
Lewes: Thorp, Leach (Cooper), Hamilton, Walder, Robinson, Breach,
Thomas, Beckford (Schaaf), Dalhouse (Howell), Brinkhurst, Crabb
Subs: Cooper, Schaaf, Howell, Fergany
