MATCH REPORT – London Harts United 1–3 East Thurrock CFC
The Rocks made it another memorable away day, backed brilliantly by around 20 travelling supporters who were out in full force — even outnumbering the home support! A huge thank you to everyone who made the trip.
East Thurrock Community Football Club could not have asked for a better start.
Just two minutes were on the clock when ETCFC won a corner. After a scramble and a sequence of shots inside the box, Lewis Rowe was there to finish and give The Rocks an early lead.
London Harts United 0–1 ETCFC
The Rocks continued to threaten from set pieces, and on 14 minutes, King won a free kick in a dangerous position. The resulting delivery was headed narrowly wide.
But ETCFC did not have to wait much longer.
On 15 minutes, Prince delivered a superb corner, and King rose to glance his header into the far side of the net.
London Harts United 0–2 ETCFC
After the second goal, the home side began to enjoy more possession. ETCFC allowed London Harts to have the ball in their own half but remained organised and compact, keeping a solid defensive structure.
On 42 minutes, however, the hosts were awarded a penalty and their number 10 converted from the spot a minute later.
London Harts United 1–2 ETCFC
The home number 11 was shown a yellow card shortly before the break as The Rocks earned another free kick in a promising position.
HALF-TIME: London Harts United 1–2 ETCFC
London Harts started the second half brightly and had the ball in the net on 47 minutes following a counter-attack, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised.
The hosts continued to push and, on the hour mark, fired a dangerous low cross into the ETCFC box, although the resulting effort found only the side netting.
The Rocks then began making changes. 62’ Sanham replaced Nakipov-Getmansky. 70’ Hart replaced Lowe. 76’ Motobaluti and Callender replaced Prince and Salter.
The Rocks went searching for the goal that would put the game beyond doubt. On 78 minutes, a free kick was floated towards the far post but was just out of Albert’s reach.
Two minutes later, King went agonisingly close, firing with power just the wrong side of the post.
Then, on 84 minutes, he got his reward. King beat the final defender to the ball on the edge of the box and made no mistake, sending his finish into the left-hand side of the net to restore The Rocks’ two-goal advantage.
London Harts United 1–3 ETCFC
One final change followed on 86 minutes. Larochelle replaced Rowe.
And shortly afterwards, the full-time whistle confirmed an excellent away victory for The Rocks.
FULL-TIME: London Harts United 1–3 ETCFC
A fantastic result on the road and brilliant support from the travelling Rocks fans. Thank you for your continued support.
COME ON YOU ROCKS!
Written by Claire Thatcher