Attendance: 144
East Thurrock Community Football Club secured a superbly fought three points at Rookery Hill, coming out on top in an entertaining five-goal encounter against Athletic Newham.
The visitors made the perfect start, taking their first real opportunity of the afternoon after just three minutes. A low finish found its way beyond the ETCFC defence to give Athletic Newham an early 1–0 lead.
The Rocks responded well and were back on level terms in the 13th minute. Reiss showed excellent close control before cheekily rolling the ball past the goalkeeper at his near post and tapping home to make it 1–1.
The equaliser sparked ETCFC into life. The Rocks began to see more of the ball in midfield and started to pose an increasing threat going forward.
There was an early enforced change in the 27th minute when the injured King was replaced by Callender.
Just three minutes later, Sanham produced an excellent touch before sending a long ball into the path of Callender. He managed to get his effort away, although there was not quite enough power to trouble the goalkeeper.
ETCFC completed the turnaround in the 31st minute. Prince delivered an inviting free kick from a wide position towards Marcus, whose header forced the goalkeeper into action. The keeper managed to get a touch but could only divert the ball into the top corner, giving The Rocks a 2–1 lead.
Athletic Newham hit back shortly before the interval. In the 43rd minute, the visitors took advantage of a free kick to level the scores once again at 2–2.
Half-time: ETCFC 2–2 Athletic Newham
The Rocks made a change at the break, with Motobaluti replacing Sanham.
ETCFC continued to push after the restart. In the 51st minute, Salter delivered an excellent ball through to Callender, who found himself in on goal. His effort was on target, but the Athletic Newham goalkeeper was equal to it.
Three minutes later, Cossington produced an excellent sliding tackle just as the visitors looked ready to get a shot away.
Bobby went into the referee’s book in the 56th minute following a tactical foul.
Two further changes followed in the 63rd minute, with Hart and Larochelle replacing Lowe and Salter.
Albert Hart made an immediate impact, using his physical presence well and helping The Rocks win a corner just minutes after coming onto the pitch.
The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute.
Zac produced a brilliant run down the left before laying the ball perfectly into the path of Bobby. Arriving on the run, Bobby calmly guided the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore ETCFC’s lead and send Rookery Hill into celebration.
ETCFC 3–2 Athletic Newham.
The Rocks had to dig deep during the closing stages as the visitors searched for another equaliser.
ETCFC made their final change in the 85th minute, with Adedayo replacing Larochelle, before Fortune picked up a yellow card for a challenge three minutes later.
The Rocks successfully saw out the remaining minutes to secure an excellent and thoroughly hard-earned victory.
Full-time: East Thurrock Community Football Club 3–2 Athletic Newham
A fantastic team performance and an incredibly well-fought three points for The Rocks in front of 144 supporters at Rookery Hill.
Written by Claire Thatcher