Previously without a win in the league, Leatherhead nevertheless looked confident in the opening stages and with East Thurrock contributing to their own downfall with a string of unforced errors it was no surprise when Greg Andrews shot the Tanners ahead after just eight minutes as the Rocks' backline was carved open and he produced an accomplished finish, curling the ball around keeper Richard Wray from the edge of the box.
Danny Francis added an overdue second in the 78th minute but Millers almost paid the penalty for a host of missed chances when Lee Newman replied for Terrors in the closing stages and Andy McCollin almost snatched an equaliser.
GRAYS ATHLETIC HAVE announced that former star, Stuart Thurgood has signed for the club. Thurgood has been training with the Blues recently and has featured in a number of reserve matches as he battled his way back from the injury which caused him to retire from professional football with Dagenham & Redbridge.
Forest were 2-0 up at half time through goals by Melton in the 13th minute and Bonnett just before half time.
Waltham are the surprise team of the league so far but the Dockers stuck manfully to their task. Cook got one back in the 65th minute.
Hornchurch came close to a second when Tuohy chased down a long ball and Wray left his line to deal with it but was beaten for pace by the striker, whose shot towards a deserted goal was cleared at full stretch by Simon Peddie.
Five minutes later Thurrock extended their lead with a Paul Terry goal, the ball went over to the far post Boylan tried to shoot the ball came out and Terry gently lobbed the ball over the defence and into the back of the net. Thurrock continued to look for more but as time went on they began to drop back to defend their advantage giving Farnborough the chance to move forward but even with four minutes of added time played no further goals came.
Great victory for Robbie Garvey's boys as Thurrock begin the task of climbing out of the relegation zone. Well earned draw by the Rocks against an impressive group of Urchins.
Joe Sweeney was working hard to get his team involved and Danny Bunce was imploring his team to push on.
Another corner came over in the 38th but there seemed to be many more green shirts. Soon after, Junior Baker had a one-on-one with the keeper but Harry Ricketts saved well. Sweeney then went close as Grays poured on the pressure.
Boss Robbie Garvey must feel under pressure, both external and internal however he and his ageing team will plough on regardless away at Farnborough. For East Thurrock: The victory against St Albans was fantastic and illustrated what a potent force the Rocks can be. Three points would be nice here though
GRAYS ATHLETIC are in talks with top Turkish side Fenerbache to sign talented striker Joe Dixon.The 21-year-old has had an interesting career so far, appearing in Romania and Turkey.He can play on the wing or in attack.
AGE proved no barrier to performance as Thurrock Harriers took part in the Southend 10K which was held in blistering heat. A total of 1,300 distance runners survived rocketing temperatures on Sunday and borough distance athletes were on top form. Thurrock’s dozen runners were led in by David Johnson whose 37m 43s earned him a worthy top 50 slot.
GRAYS ATHLETIC lost their unbeaten run to a brave and resolute Tilbury Town in a 3-1 defeat at Rookery Hill. Grays should have scored in the first minute. Danny Bunce blasted in a free kick which James Marrable palmed into the path of Jean-Michel Sigere but the Dockers bundled it away.
Laura Anderson, spokesperson for Essex Police, said: "There will be a low-key police presence at the Grays v Tilbury football match tonight, as it is a local derby. We have been liaising with the club safety officer to ensure that the appropriate steps have been put in place to ensure that everyone enjoys the match in a safe environment."
A double strike by Albanian ace Petrit Elbi saw East Thurrock humble St Albans in Hertfordshire tonight. It was goal-less at half time but the Rocks produced a wonderful ten minutes of football that blasted then into the next round.
Sherwin Stanley's pace and power kept the Met defence on its toes but Aveley, 19th in the table, had only one clear chance to get back into the game. That came early in the second half, when a muddle at the back allowed Gary Wharton a clear sight of goal and he shot wide.
