Written by Shaun Rudman
Venue: Wyldecrest Sports Country Club
After what feels like an eternity, the Rocks made a triumphant return to action with a 3–2 win, edging past a determined Tiptree side in a five‑goal clash.
The hosts started brightly, with the first real chance arriving on 12 minutes when Faith Segemani threaded a superb pass through the visitors’ defence to find Harry Prince, whose shot was well blocked. However, Faith soon found himself in the referee’s book for a mistimed challenge, who perhaps might feel himself a little fortunate to only have seen yellow. This was then followed shortly by Daly, who received a yellow card for a late tackle.
Tiptree Heath threatened midway through the half, their No. 3 curling an effort just wide of the far post. But the Rocks seized control in the 40th minute when they were awarded a penalty. The decision drew complaints from the opposition, but after conferring with his Linesman, the decision stood. Harry Prince stepped up with confidence, placing the ball coolly into the bottom‑right corner to put the home side ahead.
Moments before the break, the advantage was doubled. A free‑kick from the left was delivered perfectly onto the head of Harry Salter, who powered home into the top corner to make it 2–0.
The Rocks made a change during the interval, introducing Bailey Morris for Faith Segemani, and they resumed with the same energy. On 52 minutes, Kieron Miles produced a moment of brilliance, striking first-time from long range with a looping effort that beat the goalkeeper and nestled into the net for a stunning 3–0 lead. Setting up what was surely going to be a nice tension free conclusion to the game…
A second substitution followed as Harry Salter made way for Joey Purdy, but Tiptree began to rally. They pulled one back in the 58th minute before scoring again just two minutes later with a low driven finish, cutting the deficit to 3–2 and setting up a nervy final half-hour, full of tension……
Further changes saw Kian French replace Tommy Barnacle, and Ross Barnes come on for Kieran McGowan. The Rocks nearly extended their lead in the 82nd minute when Barnes challenged the keeper, forcing the ball loose for Prince, who struck off balance—only for the keeper to recover just in time.
A final change saw Archie Suckling replace Harry Prince for the closing minutes, and despite pressure from the visitors and what appeared to be a very generous helping of stoppage time, the Rocks held firm for a vital 3-points that keeps them firmly in the title race.
Full Time: East Thurrock CFC 3–2 Tiptree Heath
Line-up:
1. Kris Newby
7. Bobby Reeman
15. Flynn Monk
21. Harry Salter
5. Faith Segemani
10. Kieron Miles
4. Harry Daly
20. Harry Prince (c)
8. Tommy Barnacle
14. Kieran McGowan
18. Lewis Rowe
Subs:
Joey Purdy
Archie Suckling
Kian French
Ross Barnes
Bailey Morris