Vanarama National League South
East Thurrock United 1 v 2 Poole Town
Report by David Osborne
Poole Town left East Thurrock with three points on Saturday as they continue their pursuit of a playoff position. The Rocks may feel they could have snatched a point from the match, but in truth the result was a fair reflection of the game.
East Thurrock kicked off against the wind in the first half and found it difficult battling against the conditions, as Poole pressed from the off. Although the Dolphins had the commanding share of the first session, they struggled to form a genuine attacking threat until after the half hour mark as they also seemed to struggle to adapt.
The first real chance came on 35 minutes as Poole were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal. Midfielder Steve Devlin drilled his left footed effort goal-wards but Lukas Lidakevicius met the shot and held on to the ball.
The visitors did eventually take the lead in the 39th minute from the penalty spot. Luke Burbidge was adjudged to have been brought down in the box by Marvin Ekpiteta. Steve Devlin stepped up to take it, wrong footing the keeper and slotting the ball into the left hand side of the goal.
East Thurrock came out after the break and tried to get back into the match early, pressing down the flanks from the outset. Scott Heard hits a cross in from the right hand side on 47 minutes, but it went all the way through without any player making contact and bounced clear off of the far post.
The Rocks continued to search for the equaliser and they managed to get it in the 77th minute from a corner. Scott Heard curled a deep ball into the box and the ball fell to James Walker, who struck on the turn to level the game.
The match was only even for a short time though as the visitors regained the lead in the 80th minute. Substitute James Granger curled a perfect free kick ball into the 6 yard box and Marvin Brooks met it well to steer the ball home from close range.
East Thurrock United: Lukas Lidakevicius, Michael Freiter (Ben Wood 83′), Adetayo Osifuwa, Simon Preddie, Marvin Ekpiteta, Lee Burns, Reece Harris (Ben Marlow 45′), Scott Heard, Sam Higgins (James Walker 14′), Kye Ruel, Tom Wraight.
Scorer – James Walker (77′)
Poole Town: Nick Hutchings, Lewis Tallack, Corby Moore, Will Spetch, Jamie Whisken, Carl Pettefer, Luke Burbidge, Steve Devlin, Luke Roberts, Marvin Brooks, Abducai Baggie (James Granger 75′)
Scorers – Steve Devlin (39′), Marvin Brooks (80′)
