EAST Thurrock United are through to the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round after a penalty shootout win over AFC Hornchurch.

After the game ended 2-2 the sides could only be separated from the penalty spot – with Sam Higgins, Ross Parmenter, Tom Stephen and Reece Harris netting the decisive kicks to set up a clash with Met Police in the 2nd Qualifying Round.

The Rocks twice came from behind in the match to force a shootout. George Purcell struck in the early moments to give the visitors the lead but Sam Higgins levelled from the spot after Lewis Smith was fouled.

The Urchins restored their lead at the start of the second half, when Martin Tuohy scored from a Junior Luke long-throw but David Bryant equalised after a corner wasn’t cleared.

And Coventry said he was confident his team would win when it came to spot kicks.

“The players were very impressive when it came to penalties,” said the Rocks boss. “It was a good FA Cup tie and we know Met Police well from our league games. That will be a good match but we have two league matches to fit in before then.”