Ryman Premier Play Off Semi Final
East Thurrock United 2 v 0 Tonbridge Angels
A SUPERBLY disciplined performance by East Thurrock saw them through to the final of the Ryman Premier play-offs after beating Tonbridge Angels 2-0 at Rookery Hill.
Early on, East Thurrock looked very much on their toes, like a team who had been itching for a proper competitive game.
It was also great to see the ground full to brim of both East Thurrock and Tonbridge fans.
In the 8th minute, The Rocks scored when defender Ricky Hayles bundled the ball home from close range. It came after a sustained period of pressure.
This was now the key period of time for The Rocks. In quite a few games they have gone into the lead and failed to capitalise.
Tonbridge came back into the game with a number of assertive runs. One move ended in an offside but showed how dangerous the Angels could be.
They re-inforced that in the 32nd minute when Nathan Elder got in and his shot just shaved the post.
Tonbridge attackers were being given far too much time and able to step in front of Rock’s players at will.
Luke Allen also danced past the Rock’s players but his final shot was weak.
East Thurrock made it 2-0 in injury time in the first half when Ben Marlow slotted the ball home from close range.
Tonbridge came out of the traps in the second half and made the Rock’s keeper produce two great diving saves.
As the second half progressed, the game started to open out. The challenges became more robust and 50/50 challenge saw Kye Ruel stretchered off.
Angels continued to be busy without really threatening. A free kick in the 67th minute just went wide. This looked like it was the story of their night.
Tempers became frayed, names went into the book but that wasn’t helping Angels as the clock ran down.
When chances were coming, the unheralded defence were standing firm.
Despite there being eight minutes of injury time, East Thurrock stood firm. They now face Dulwich Hamlet on Monday afternoon at 3pm at Rookery Hill.
East Thurrock Utd:
Lidakevicius L, Sammons R, Knott S , Ellul J , Hayles R, Wood B , Higgins S, Wraight T, Sammons R , Craddock G, Ruel K (Newby K 57- Scott B-79)
Subs not used: Robson D, Peddie S, Honesty H
Tonbridge Angels:
Di Bernardo A, Folyes J, Parter J, Parkinson T, Sobers J, Woods-Garness B (Ball L 75), Riviere A, Allen L, Elder N, Blewden L, Wheeler N.
Subs not used: Bruno J, Pavayi S, Greenidge R, McGuigan A.
Ref: Davies N
Att: 849
ETU
Yellow card: Sammy Knott, Ben Marlow, Ryan Sammons
TA
Yellow card: Tom Parkinson, Jerome Sobers
