East Thurrock United 4-4 Arlesey Town

From Rookery Hill

FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round

 

EAST Thurrock United were pegged back by Arlesey Town in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Southern Premier League strugglers Arlesey Town.

Rocks stormed into a two goal lead at half-time thanks to goals from Dave Bryant and Mitch Gilbey before a quick-fire double at the start of the second half drew Arlesey level.

But Sam Higgins and Gilbey seemed set to send John Coventry's side through, until late goals saw Arlesey draw level to send the match will go to a replay.

Dave Bryant pounced on a good save from Nick Thompson to tuck home the loose ball shortly before half-time and two minutes later Gilbey struck when he was left unmarked from the penalty spot.

But Rocks were slow out of the blocks in the second half and Hallellujah Basmel pulled one back within minutes of the restart, holding off the defender to place beyond David Hughes' dive.

And the same man drew the visitors level moments later, powering a header into the net.

Rocks re-took the lead when Higgins pounced after a free-kick was saved.

And when Gilbey scored a superb goal from long range the result seemed all but secured.

But Arlesey came back once again when Basmel completed his hat-trick, rounding Hughes to reduce the deficit to one.

And with ten minutes to go Tremayne Charles was first to react to send the tie to a replay tomorrow (TUESDAY)

East Thurrock United: Hughes, Sammons, Stephen, Peddie, Wood (Paxman), Parmenter (Anderson), Bryant, Symons, Higgins, Gilbey, Harris