Brentwood 2,

Thurrock 1sts 2

HOCKEY: SATURDAY’S Brentwood v Thurrock clash ended up as a tie, despite Andy Gaut being out with a bout of flu. His absence meant a late call up for Danny Hik who took up his role between the sticks.

But Thurrock’s 11 men went down to 10 after Andre Rudder injured his back inside 20 seconds.

A weakened Thurrock side started the game pretty poorly. Brentwood drew first blood with yet another short corner when the ball was bundled over the line after Hik had made an initial save from the first shot.

Brentwood then doubled their lead before half time with a well finished reverse stick shot.

At half time Thurrock made some changes and Jak and Kyle Taylor were placed in their natural positions on the wings.

Luke Danbrook was placed in the centre of midfield and Sam Webb went back to right back. Immediately the changes were effective. Up front a bad tackle from the Brentwood defender on Christian Jenkins – who was poised to shoot – resulted in a penalty flick. Christian’s lucky flick somehow went in and Thurrock began to claw their way back into the match.

The equaliser came when Christian took on numerous defenders and managed to slot the ball past the on coming keeper.

Some key points to note was Hik's magnificent double save in the first half which earned him at least one man of the match vote.

And Luke Danbrook showing he isn't just a right back and also Sam Webb and Jeff West again earning themselves a well deserved cap in the first string. Man of the match went to Jordan Salmon for his tireless effort in the middle of the park. Thurrock next play Redbridge & Ilford.

For hockey see Friday's THURROCK GAZETTE