FA TROPHY: EAST Thurrock’s brilliant run in the FA Trophy finally came to an end in a replay defeat at higher league Dover Athletic.

Rocks saw off Eastbourne Town, Canvey and Merthyr Town to reach the first round, and played out a 1-1 at Rookery Hill with Dover on Saturday.

But they found their hosts too strong in Tuesday’s return in Kent as an opening goal from Nathan Elder and a second half brace from Liam Bellamy gave the Conference South side the win.

Rocks were given hope when Kye Ruel made it 1-1 on the hour mark but Dover responded well to book a date with Leamington in the next round.