University of Essex 1st XI 2 v 1 Thurrock 1st XI
By Steven Abbott
A LONG trip down to Colchester to play a high flying Essex University side who were pushing for promotion for the top team in Thurrock.
Unfortunately a break down of communication resulted in Thurrock having to dig through the complete shambles of a boot that is Jordan Salmon’s car to find the training bibs because no one mentioned that Essex Uni play in black also!
The team talk was similar to last week as there was no pressure on the Thurrock team as there was no chance of relegation and a very slim chance of promotion.
The game started well for Thurrock who quickly found themselves on the front foot but unfortunately couldn’t make the pressure count. Essex Uni got a quick break and possibly the only bad umpiring decision of the game resulted in a short corner for the home side after the ball was deemed to hit the foot of Jak Taylor after a nice interception was made. The Essex Uni captain made it count with a good drag flick into the bottom left. 1-0 to Essex Uni.
The rest of the first half was all Thurrock who played exceptionally well all over the park with the defence making important tackles, the midfield spreading the play well to the wing who managed to create some awesome chances for the hungry forwards and not forgetting Andy in goal making those important stops between the sticks. The closest Thurrock came was when Kyle Taylor managed to cross the ball in infront of the Essex keeper and a slight touch from either Jak Taylor or Liam Birch would have drawn the away side level.
The second half was much more even with both sides having good chances but Essex doubled there lead with a nice finish into the top left. Mike Hewing found himself on the wrong end of a yellow card after some badly timed challenges.
Thurrock didnt want to give in however and managed to grab a late concilation goal when Jak Taylor took a quick free hit to Mike Hewing who managed to win Thurrock’s only short corner of the game. Tommy Ing managed to do his thing and forced the ball to Dan O’Shaughnessy on the line who jabbed it in.
One of the best games to play in, and watch, of the season and I am proud to have played in it.
Man of the match went to Nick Stapleton who was solid in the centre of the park closely followed by Jordan Salmon. Donkey went to Mike Hewing for the yellow card.
Onto next week when Thurrock have a double header when they play Phoenix at home on the Saturday and Crostyx away on the Sunday after the snow called the fixture off first time round. Come on you tees!
