Ellis Brown's debut strike can't help East Thurrock United avoid defeat at Tonbridge Angels

From the Longmead Stadium

Ryman Premier League

EAST Thurrock United’s recent dip in form continued as they were comfortably beaten by a struggling Tonbridge Angels side.

Rocks have now only won one of their last five league matches, as they fight it out for a play-off spot come the end of the season.

But Rocks found themselves three down at the break in a dismal first half, while a debut goal for on-loan Southend United striker Ellis Brown wasn’t enough to help John Coventry’s men avoid defeat.

East Thurrock came into the match strong favourites but found themselves behind in the opening stages in what was the first chance of the encounter.

Tommy Whitnell was the man who scored it, smashing home on the goal-line after a neat flick by Joe Taylor.

Whitnell shot over before he scored his, and Tonbridge’s, second goal of the afternoon.

On-loan Concord Rangers midfielder Mitchell Pinnock crossed and the striker blasted a tremendous bicycle kick past the stranded David Hughes.

Rocks needed something to get them back in the game, and they almost got it when 34-goal Sam Higgins headed narrowly wide of the near post after neat work from Ross Parmenter.

But that was one of few chances for the visitors, who could have been further behind when Pinnock shot wide.

And when Angels went 3-0 up on the stroke of half-time that appeared to be game over.

A mistake by Hughes, who could only play a Simon Peddie back pass straight to Taylor, gave the striker the easy task of slotting home.

David Bryant and Brown were introduced at half-time, with the latter sending a header with after only 60 seconds.

Both substitutes came close again before Pinnock was denied by Hughes.

And when Brown did score with 15 minutes remaining, drilling home as he burst through, Rocks were the team in the ascendency.

But they couldn’t build on the goal and the game ended in defeat.

East Thurrock United: Hughes, Stephen, Peddie, Wood, Sammons, Symons, Ruel, Parmenter (Witherspoon), Gilbey (Bryant), Higgins, Paxman (Brown)