Bill Robinson reports from Ship Lane……..
A depleted Thurrock turned on the magic in the second period to recover from a shock 0-2 deficit that could have been more but St Albans failed to kill off the game giving Thurrock time to get back into the game.
Both teams started nervously as you might expect for the opening game of the season, Thurrock looked to get into their stride first but it was St Albans that eventually looked the more dangerous.
The game went end to end but with few chances being created by either side and we had to wait until the 35th minute before seeing either keeper in real action.
It was Thurrock’s Andre Charles-Foster who had to dive and save twice within a sixty second period, first from James Fisher who struck a shot from the edge of the box, then a free kick taken by Peter Smith which went low down to his left which Foster turned around the post.
HT 0-0
With only three minutes of the second half played St Albans took the lead, the goal came about when St Albans forced a corner on the left flank, keeper Foster came and punched clear but Thurrock failed to clear their own half and St Albans were straight back into attack, the cross came over and found Drew Roberts in space about 12 yards out and his glancing header was enough to creep in at the far post.
Two minutes later St Albans increased their lead, with the Thurrock defence struggling to clear the ball a deflect clearance flew across the Thurrock six yard box where Inih Effiong was on point to volley home.
Once again Thurrock had to thank Andre Charles-Foster as he pulled off two more saves one from Peter Smith and then Inih Effiong which would have killed off the game.
Thurrock got back into the game in the 64th minute when the persistent running of Lee Roache finally paid off, he made progress down the right flank before planting a perfect cross on the head of Cliff Akurang who pin pointed his header wide of keeper Paul Bastock and into the corner of the net.
Although the goal brought spirit back into Thurrock they were saved when James Fisher had a free header eight yards from goal but he put the ball well wide of the post.
Thurrock were beginning to start building promising moves forward and on 73 minutes a fierce cross from Matt Bodkin bounced awkwardly and found the arm of Peter Smith giving referee Jake Hillier no option in awarding Thurrock a penalty.
Cliff Akurang stepped up to take the kick and gave the Thurrock fans a heart stopping moment as the ball hit the underside of the bar before hitting the back of the net.
The remaining fifteen minutes saw Thurrock on top and they created a few half chances but could not get the winner, perhaps justice was down when the final whistle went and the teams shared the points.
Thurrock: Andre Charles-Foster, Craig Pope, Lee Flynn, Paul Olima, Kenny Clark, Reiss Gilbey, Matt Bodkin, Connor Okus, Cliff Akurang, Lee Roache, Michael Bakare (Joe Collins 53min)
Subs not used: Lawrence Yiga, Ryan Stalley, Ryan Andrews, Alfie Wren
