Written by Shaun Rudman
The Rocks delivered a composed, disciplined and decisive away performance to claim a statement 0–2 victory in a top of the table clash.
The hosts arguably had the better of the early exchanges, pinning the Rocks back for long spells and keeping the ball in the defensive third. However, despite the home side’s possession Tommy Bruley remained largely untroubled between the sticks, dealing comfortably with the half‑chances that came his way.
Tommy Barnacle was the visitor’s main outlet throughout the opening stages and on 12 minutes he burst through the middle, only to drag his effort wide. He repeated the trick on 24 minutes with an even more impressive solo run, this time forcing the keeper into a save.
Those moments sparked the Rocks into life, and a very impressive Kieran McGowan was beginning to cause the Sudbury defence issues with some positive runs and tidy touches, which was helping to shift the momentum.
The breakthrough then arrived on 31 minutes. Tommy Barnacle, again electric down the right, drove to the byline and whipped a low cross into the six‑yard box. Kieran McGowan timed his arrival into the box perfectly, to guide the ball home and send the travelling support wild.
The Rocks were starting to impose their authority now, and just before the interval, Tommy Barnacle powered forward once more, setting up a hugely impressive Bobby Reeman for a volley that flew over. The whistle followed, with East Thurrock deservedly heading into the break with the lead.
The Rocks came out firing in the second half. Within two minutes of the restart, Tommy Barnacle harried the Sudbury keeper into a mistake, the loose ball falling to Kieran McGowan who agonisingly placed his effort just wide.
Moments later, it was Bailey Morris’ turn to go close. Kieran McGowan’s strength in the box created the opening, but the first‑time strike drifted past the same post. The visitors were in full control and pushing hard for the second.
On 65 minutes, Bobby Reeman unleashed a superb effort from the edge of the D, only to be denied by a stunning save.
A series of substitutions followed as the Rocks looked to manage the game:
- 75’ Ross Barnes replaced Kieran McGowan
- 79’ Louis Sharkey and Joey Purdy came on for Faith Segemani and Bailey Morris
- 86’ Harry Salter replaced Flynn Monk
The clincher arrived in the 89th minute and it was worth the wait. Zac Bussell won the ball brilliantly on the halfway line, surged forward into the box and fired a powerful effort that the keeper could only parry. He reacted quickest to bury the rebound and seal the points in style.
A statement win away from home against their title rivals, to return to the summit, giving the Rocks a real boost heading into the run-in.
Final Score: Sudbury Sports 0 – 2 East Thurrock CFC
Team:
Tommy Bruley
Faith Segemani
Bobby Reeman
Kieran McGowan
Kieron Miles
Zac Bussell
Tommy Barnacle
Flynn Monk
Bailey Morris
Kris Newby
Harry Prince ©
Subs:
Joey Purdy (79)
Harry Salter (86)
Ross Barnes (75)
Lewis Gardener
Louis Sharkey (79)