East Thurrock Community Football Club 3 – 2 Earls Colne
9th May 2026 | Wyldescrest Sports & Country Club – Written by Claire Thatcher
The curtain came down on the season in dramatic fashion as East Thurrock Community Football Club signed off their final home game with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Earls Colne in front of a record crowd of 417 supporters at Wyldescrest.
It was a fitting end to a remarkable campaign which saw the Rocks remain unbeaten at home all season and finish on 66 points — just one point behind champions Great Bentley, who finished top on 67 points, with Thorpe Athletic also ending the season on 67 points in second place on goal difference.
The afternoon also marked the final match for Joint Manager John Coventry Jnr, who is stepping away after a great spell as joint manager of ETCFC.
Starting XI
Tommy Bruley, Harry Salter, Marcus Bella, Zac Bussell, Faith Segemani, Bobby Reeman, Harry Prince (C), Joey Purdy, Ross Barnes, Keiran McGowan, Tommy Barnacle.
The Rocks started brightly and took the lead after just eight minutes. A superb ball over the top from Harry Prince found Tommy Barnacle, who showed great awareness to cross for Ross Barnes to drive home first time at the back post.
ETCFC 1 – 0 Earls Colne
The home side continued to push forward, with Joey Purdy curling an effort over the bar after a corner before another huge chance arrived on 20 minutes. Barnacle once again caused problems down the flank, cutting the ball back for Barnes whose placed effort drifted agonisingly wide of the far post.
Earls Colne responded quickly though, levelling from a set piece on 22 minutes.
ETCFC 1 – 1 Earls Colne
The game remained frantic. Harry Salter rattled the crossbar before Zac Bussell tested the keeper from distance as the Rocks searched for another breakthrough.
Instead, the visitors were awarded a penalty on 34 minutes, and their number nine converted from the spot to put Earls Colne ahead.
ETCFC 1 – 2 Earls Colne
The response was immediate. Ross Barnes won a penalty just moments later, but Earls Colne’s keeper produced a save to deny Harry Prince from the spot.
The Rocks refused to let their heads drop and found a deserved equaliser in spectacular style on 39 minutes. Joey Purdy stepped up over a free kick and delivered a bouncing effort that deceived everyone — including the goalkeeper — before nestling into the net. Whether intentional or not, nobody cared!
ETCFC 2 – 2 Earls Colne
Half-time arrived after a breathless opening 45 minutes with everything still to play for.
The second half began with more positive attacking football from the Rocks. Purdy played a brilliant long pass out wide to Zac Bussell, who controlled superbly before delivering a dangerous low cross towards Barnacle, but the visitors managed to scramble clear.
Changes followed as Harry Daly and Kieran Miles entered the action for Bobby Reeman and Harry Prince, before Joe Barrett replaced Faith Segemani shortly after.
The decisive moment arrived on 57 minutes — and it was a true “Kieran connection.” Kieran Miles threaded an excellent pass through to Keiran McGowan, who powered his finish emphatically into the net to send the home crowd wild.
ETCFC 3 – 2 Earls Colne
The Rocks nearly added a fourth when Ross Barnes attempted an audacious chip over the goalkeeper, only for a recovering defender to clear just before the ball crossed the line.
Further changes followed, with Freddie Barrett replacing the injured Kieran Miles and Ben Tugwood coming on for Joey Purdy.
Earls Colne pushed late on, but Tommy Bruley remained composed between the sticks and produced an important catch from a dangerous corner on 75 minutes to help preserve the lead.
At the final whistle, the celebrations began as the Rocks secured all three points to complete an unbeaten home campaign in style.
Full Time
ETCFC 3 – 2 Earls Colne
A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended the club’s Community Day and final fixture of the season. Your support throughout this incredible campaign has been unbelievable.
- Record attendance: 417
- Unbeaten at home all season
- Final league points tally: 66
- Just one point behind the top two sides
An unforgettable season for the Rocks. 💛🖤