Ryman Premier
East Thurrock United 1 v 0 AFC Hornchurch
BOTH these Ryman Premier sides had undergone an unsettling pre-season and started their league campaign with new faces – or not so new in the case of veteran Rocks defender Ben Wood who came out of retirement to plug a gap at the heart of the home side’s defence brought about by the late defection of Steve Sheehan to Billericay and illness that struck down Nicky Symons on the eve of the match.
It was clear that a settling in period was needed for both teams but on the day East Thurrock gelled well and their workrate and enthusiasm carried them through to a notable derby victory, with the game’s only goal being scored by former Urchin Lewis Smith midway through the first half.
Few could deny Rocks didn’t deserve the victory, which could have been by a greater margin had they not missed a late penalty, but they did have to rely on some fine goalkeeping from David Hughes to ensure their clean sheet.
The opening ten minutes were fairly even as each side began timidly, taking a chance to evaluate their opposition before taking any risks or pushing bodies forward.
The first chance of note fell to the hosts as new summer signing Emmanuel Osei constantly pestered the back line to win a corner. The resulting set piece was well delivered to the back post, but captain Elliot Styles eventually managed to clear.
The hosts broke the deadlock on 28 minutes, thanks to a neat finish by Smith, who curled the ball into the bottom right corner from just inside the area after Hornchurch failed to clear a set piece.
East Thurrock almost doubled their lead soon after the goal as Osei latched onto a long clearance down the right flank and struck it first time on the volley, but he was denied by the underside of the crossbar.
The Urchins responded well and pressed the hosts for the remainder of the half as Junior Dadson and Tom Davis linked up well down the left flank, before the ball was crossed into former Rock, Chris Bourne, but he was unable to convert the chance.
The best chance for the visitors saw a triple save from home keeper David Hughes, tipping the first strike from Dadson onto the bar and then showing lightning reactions to deny twice Bourne on the rebound – and Stephen got in the action with a fine tackle to finally clear the danger.
The Rocks started off better after the interval and had two great chances to extend their lead but were unable to convert, thanks in part to some good stops by Sam Mott.
The visitors also had a few chances to equalise, but were denied at each attempt by man of the match Hughes.
The Rocks could also have cemented the result in the last minute as they were given a penalty due to a poorly timed tackle by Junior Luke on the ever troublesome Osei. New Rocks captain Stephen stepped up to take the kick but, perhaps aware of the fine penalty-saving reputation of former Rock Mott, he tried to be too precise and drilled his shot just wide of the upright.
In the end it didn’t matter as Smith’s strike, Hugh’s efforts and the all round work ethic and endeavour of Rocks – typified by an excellent performance from youngster Connor Witherspoon who carried on his exciting pre-season form – ensured they got off to the winning start they wanted.
Hornchurch will undoubtedly improve too and it will be an interesting rematch next month when the two sides meet again in the FA Cup.
