Written by Callum Rudman
Perfect start for the Rocks
3 wins out of 3 marks an incredible beginning for the Rocks’ season, as 100% record is maintained.
The Rocks started off brightly, with multiple attempts on the visitor’s goal. In the opening 10 minutes Thorpe were unable to get close to the hosts, who applied lots of high and intense pressure on the ball. Multiple East Thurrock attackers managed to get in and around the box looking for an opener, causing the visiting defenders to panic and make silly challenges. Their style of play was rewarded as Harry Prince was fouled inside the box, winning a penalty; which was converted giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
After this the visitors seemed to wake up a bit and began to create chances of their own. After winning a corner, scrappy play in the box allowed them to equalise, not too long after going behind. The rest of the half remained even between the two sides until just before half time, when one of the visiting attackers was able to take the ball around Bruley and tapped the ball into an empty net to give Thorpe Athletic a 1-2 lead at the break.
As the second half got under way, East Thurrock continued their attacking style of play and applied relentless pressure onto the Thorpe goal. This caused the back line to make mistakes which the rocks picked up on. The intense pressure paid off and the Rocks were able to square the game thanks to a goal from Tommy Barnacle. This goal seemed to awaken something inside of the hosts as they repeatedly went close to taking the lead; with shots from Lewis Rowe and Kieran Case going just wide of the post. It seemed all the effort would be for nothing as Thorpe were able to break and get a clean shot on goal. However, Rocks’ keeper Bruley pulled off a tremendous save to keep the score level. Just two minutes later Owen Dixie was able to get completely through on goal, following a mix up from the visitors from a free kick. He kept his composure to slot the ball past the visiting keeper to give the Rocks a 3-2 lead right at the death, securing the 3 points, maintain their 100% start to the season.
Attendance – 178
Next up is a Bank Holiday Monday home game on 25th August against high flying Sudbury Sports, kick-off at 13:30.
LINEUP:
1 Tommy Bruley
5 Faith Segemani
6 Marcus Bella
8 Timmy Barnacle
10 Kieran Miles
11 Bailey Morris
12 Zac Bussel
16 Kieran Case
17 Joey Purdy
20 Harry Prince (c)
21 Harry Salter
SUBS:
2 Lewis Gardener
3 Louis Sharkey
14 Lewis Rowe
15 Taylor Girling
19 Owen Dixie