Stimmo praise for Fleet showing (From Thurrock Gazette)

Thurrock draw with Margate

2:42pm Friday 26th October 2012 in Sport

Thurrock 1,

Margate 1

NON LEAGUE: FLEET boss Stimson said that he is “encouraged” after watching his team draw 1-1 with Margate.

Thurrock remain rooted to the bottom of the Ryman Premier and squandered a host of second half chances to beat their Kent visitors.

Skipper Stuart Thurgood put Thurrock into the lead after 37 minutes, with Fleet’s only shot on target in the first half. He dispatched from the spot after Lawrence Ball scythed down Luke Wanadio in a rare foray forward by Fleet.

Margate missed a handful of chances before the break, but levelled the scores four minutes into the second when Tom Murphy smashed the ball past Wil Viner.

Despite forfeiting their lead early on, Thurrock were the better team in the second half. Harry Honesty, a 64th minute sub, injected some life into Fleet down the left wing, Frank Griffin defied his age with a commanding performance at centre back, Sam Berry and Thurgood worked tirelessly in the middle and Wanadio looked like he could make something happen every time he picked up the ball.

Charlie Stimson missed three good chances in the second half. Margate enjoyed a late flurry of pressure and possession, but they too, were wasteful Stimson said: “The boys gave everything and showed good quality. We’re putting a group of players together who are raising the bar. If we can continue this form into the New Year, then we’ll have to see where we are after that.”