Isthmian Division North
East Thurrock United 2 V 4 AFC Sudbury
Report courtesy of East Thurrock United
NOT quite the start to the season Rocks had hoped for, as following a pretty even opening twenty minutes where both sides had created chances, central defender Jack McQueen, one of six debutants in Marc Harrison’s side, picked up what looked to be a very harsh red card.
Rocks hearts must have sunk on realising that they were going to have their work cut out to complete with a strong Sudbury outfit, one of the sides really fancied to do well this term, with a player short on a sweltering, energy sapping afternoon.
Hopes were raised some six minutes after the sending off, thanks to a stunning solo goal from another debutant in striker Darnell Kithambo. As Rocks broke down the left, Kithambo received the ball just outside the penalty box, and in one move, turned, glanced up and crashed a superb drive past startled keeper Alfie Stronge.
That was as good as it was going to get for the Rocks however. Re-organisation was required as the visitors were gaining the upper hand with their man advantage. A forward had to give way for a midfielder, and it was the unfortunate Darnell who was subbed off.
Rocks held firm for a spell, but the inevitable equaliser came five minutes before half time when Joshua Pollard touched in a cross from one time Rocks man Reece Harris.
Two goals came from the impressive Joshua Stokes, as Sudbury capitalised on some disarray in the home defence early in the second half, to give the Suffolk visitors control of the game.
Ten man Rocks worked their socks off to stay in contention, still managing to keep the visitors defence on their toes, but Sudbury added a fourth goal through Lionel Ashworth with fifteen minutes left.
Consolation for all Rocks hard work came in the closing minutes, when the lively Amaree Robinson-Jones was chopped down in the box, got up, brushed himself down and calmly tucked the resultant spot kick past Stronge.
Sadly, what could have been a closely fought game was ruined by the early dismissal.
Little time for Rocks to lick their wounds as they are back in action again on Monday, making the short trip over to the Bowers stadium to face Hashtag United.
