FA Cup 1st Round

Hartlepool United 2 v 0 East Thurrock United

IT was significant that East Thurrock keeper, David Hughes was named man of the match as The Rocks went down 2-0 in the first round of the FA Cup.

It was a double from Pool’s Jonathan Franks that was enough to see Hartlepool United into the second round.

Franks opened the scoring with a 32nd minute strike from 25-yards out and Frank’s second, a header came in the 86th minute.

But in between that, Rocks made a very good account of themselves and made a lot of friends.

Over the ninety minutes, the Rocks had their chances: Mitchell Gilbey hit the upright for Rocks in the 10th minute and defender Paul Goodacre hit a 35-yards shot which went close.

But after the first goal and especially in the second half it was keeper Hughes who kept the Rocks in the game with a series of outstanding saves.

But it was not to be and the Rocks will now go back to the league and FA Trophy with many positives to be drawn.

Full-Time: Pools 2 East Thurrock 0

Pools (4-4-2): Flinders (C), Duckworth, Collins, Austin, Jones, Richards, Featherstone, Walker, Franks, Schmeltz (Woods, 73), Harewood.

Subs Not Used: Holden, Bates, Hawkins, Smith, Green, Crooks.

Goal: Franks (32, 86)

Booked: Duckworth (58)

East Thurrock United (4-4-2): Hughes, Peddie, Wood, Goodacre, Stephen (C), Witherspoon (Symons, 87), Parmenter, Bryant (Sammons, 80), Smith, Gilbey (Harris, 65), Higgins.

Subs Not Used: Anderson, Paxman, Burton.

Booked: Higgins (52) Harris (70)

Referee: Ben Toner (Lancashire)

Attendance: 2,800 (104 East Thurrock)