Collins hat-trick in East Thurrock thriller (From Thurrock Gazette)

Nine goals in Rocks clash

10:37am Monday 18th February 2013 in Sport

Leiston 5, East Thurrock 4

RYMAN PREMIER: SAM Collins netted a hat-trick for East Thurrock United but still ended up on the losing side as Rocks lost out in a nine-goal thriller at Leiston.

The hosts took a fourth-minute lead through Patch Brothers and then looked to be in control when Leon Ottley-Gooch doubled the advantage four minutes later.

But Collins handed John Coventry’s side a route back into the match in the tenth minute when he reduced the arrears with a left-footed effort.

Rocks chased an equaliser and were rewarded after 26 minutes when David Bryant restored parity from 20 yards.

However, the Suffolk-based hosts edged back in front three minutes later when captain David Head found the back of the net. And things got worse for Rocks when Gareth Heath restored the two-goal advantage with 35 minutes on the clock.

But Collins secured his brace with a 39th- minute tap-in following good work from Bryant to leave Rocks trailing 4-3 at half-time.

Following the first half goal feast the crowd of 189 only got two more strikes to enjoy, with the first coming on 57 minutes as Collins secured his hat-trick with a deflected low shot to level the scores again. But Manny Osei scored what proved to be Leiston’s winner in the 62nd minute.

For more non league see Friday's Thurrock Gazette