EAST Thurrock United won through in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.
After a terrific tribute to club legend Terry Keating the game against Frenford began.
Rocks started well playing some long balls across the pitch which Frenford’s defence had some hassles dealing with. Six minutes in after a long ball was played down the right hand side, Jesse Olukolu used his pace to latch onto it and send a pinpoint cross into target man Ayo Odukoya who volleyed home sublimely leaving away keeper Jack Ryan with no chance of saving.
Once again livewire Olukolu skilled around a Frenford defender before firing over at the near post. The play had mostly been with the Rocks so far. Chibueze in goal for East Thurrock did need to come out and make a smart stop at a Frenford attackers feet, claiming the ball confidently. A horrible late tackle from fullback Appiah on Odukoya meant the Frenford defender earnt himself a place in Rhys Jeffery’s book.
Camilo Restrepo tested the Frenford keeper who made a very smart stop down to his left hand side from a low curling effort. More good chances at the end of the first half from Odukoya and Kileba couldn’t be converted meaning the Rocks were one up at the break.
Frenford came out in the second half and tested Chibueze almost immediately with a powerful long range effort which produced a diving save from the Rocks keeper to his right. Rocks put many balls into the Frenford box which were well defended by them. Olukolu again in the action curling a shot towards the left hand top corner which went agonisingly wide. Another long range effort from Frenford produced a stunning save from Chibueze to keep the Rocks in the game, Frenford attacking well but the Rocks defence coping. After several more attacks from each side which came to nothing the score finished one nil to the Rocks. An entertaining game and the first win of the season for Steve Butterworths side. Thanks to all Rocks fans who came out to Rookery Hill on a wet Saturday afternoon. See you against Wroxham next weekend!
