ROCKS FIGHT BACK TO CLAIM A DRAMATIC POINT!

Saturday 14th November 2026 | Attendance: 143

East Thurrock Community FC produced a spirited second-half comeback to claim a dramatic 3–3 draw against May & Baker, battling back from 3–1 down to secure a well-deserved point in the dying moments of the game.

The Rocks started brightly, creating an early opportunity in the fifth minute when Prince whipped a dangerous free kick into the box. The May & Baker defence managed to clear for a corner, but the resulting delivery almost produced the opener, with Bobby’s close-range effort sailing just over the crossbar.

It wasn’t long before the Rocks found the breakthrough. Some quick thinking from Dylan Sanham saw his long free kick pick out Tommy Barnacle, who flashed the ball across the box for Josh Davenport to finish on his first start for the Rocks! A fantastic moment for Josh, although celebrations were short-lived as he unfortunately picked up an injury in the process and was replaced by Joe Callender.

May & Baker responded, forcing Max into an excellent close-range save in the 12th minute.

There was further concern for the Rocks in the 16th minute when Harry Hearn was forced off through injury, with Marcus coming on in his place. Everyone at the club wishes both Harry and Josh a speedy recovery.

The visitors drew level in the 21st minute when a shot from inside the box found its way into the bottom-left corner.

The Rocks continued to create chances, with Keiron Miles coming agonisingly close to restoring the lead after connecting with another dangerous free kick from Dylan.

At the other end, Lewis Rowe produced a superb goal-line clearance in the 27th minute to keep the scores level. May & Baker continued to threaten, going close again in the 33rd minute.

However, right on the stroke of half-time, the visitors capitalised on a loose ball in midfield, breaking through the Rocks’ defence to find the net and take a 2–1 lead into the interval.

HALF-TIME: East Thurrock Community FC 1–2 May & Baker FC

The Rocks came out fighting in the second half, showing renewed energy and determination.

Just two minutes after the restart, some lovely link-up play between Prince and Zac created an opportunity for Tommy Barnacle, but his effort went wide.

Zac then came close in the 55th minute, connecting first time with a chance at the near post, only to see his effort narrowly miss the target. The Rocks were beginning to find their rhythm and looked increasingly dangerous going forward.

Despite the improved performance, it was May & Baker who struck next. In the 68th minute, a deep corner caused a scramble on the goal line before the ball eventually found its way into the net, extending the visitors’ advantage to 3–1.

With just over 20 minutes remaining, the Rocks had a mountain to climb, but they certainly weren’t giving up!

In the 74th minute, Dylan Sanham produced a fantastic free kick, curling the ball low and hard into the left-hand corner to pull the score back to 3–2 and give the Rocks renewed hope.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure, determined to find an equaliser. In the 85th minute, Alex Newton delivered a superb ball into the box, with Joe Callender going agonisingly close.

As the game entered its final moments, the Rocks’ determination finally paid off!

90TH-MINUTE DRAMA!

Tommy Barnacle was brought down inside the penalty area by the May & Baker goalkeeper, giving the Rocks a golden opportunity to rescue a point.

Barnacle stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly converted, sending the Rocks faithful into celebration and completing a fantastic comeback!

FULL-TIME: EAST THURROCK COMMUNITY FC 3–3 MAY & BAKER FC

A fantastic display of character from the lads, who refused to give up despite finding themselves two goals behind in the second half.

There were plenty of positives to take from the performance, particularly the fighting spirit and determination shown to battle back and earn a point.

A huge thank you to the 143 supporters who came along and got behind the Rocks. Your continued support means so much to everyone at the club!

COME ON YOU ROCKS!

Written by Claire Thatcher