East Thurrock 2–2 Dulwich Hamlet

From Rookery Hill

Ryman Premier League

 

EAST Thurrock came from behind twice to secure a valuable 2-2 draw against promotion rivals Dulwich Hamlet.

Tom Wraight and Sam Higgins scored the goals, with the latter coming just a minute after Dulwich had profited from a defensive error to restore their lead.

Rocks had won five of the last six games and came into the match full of confidence, albeit against the division’s favourites to win promotion.

And the visitors showed their intent with a blistering start, with a goal coming inside the opening two minutes.

After Rickie Hayles had failed to complete a clearance, the ball was partially cleared by the hosts, only for a cross at the near post to catch out Simon Peddie, with Ryan Moss nipping in and heading home.

Jack Dixon headed over as away side continued to push the tempo, and they came even closer to doubling their lead when Mitchell Nelson thundered a header against the far post, with Lukas Lidakevicius helpless between the posts.

Nyren Clunis shot over, as Wraight had Rocks’ first meaningful attempt, although it sailed harmlessly wide.

The remainder of the half was played out in midfield, although East Thurrock didn’t look like threatening Phil Wilson’s goal.

But John Coventry’s words of wisdom worked wonders. Five minutes after the re-start, a short corner routine saw Ben Wood swing a deep delivery to the far post and Wraight, totally unmarked, headed low into the near corner.

Kye Ruel drove wide, but the drama was yet to follow.

Dulwich’s strong travelling support was sent into raptures when Wood’s under-hit back-pass was seized upon by Clunis, and he raced past Lidakevicius and scored.

However, those cheers turned to groans 60 seconds later. Higgins, who had been unable to unload a shot all game, burst through and crashed a fierce drive off the inside of the far post.

Both sides pushed for a late winner but neither could truly test the opposite goalkeeper.

 

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Nottage, Peddie (Craddock), Hayles, Wood, Morgan (Shpeherd), Robson, Higgins, Ruel, Wraight

Dulwich Hamlet: Wilson, Nelson, Hibbert, Waldron, Drage, Pinnock (Sow), Clunis, Carew, Moss (Erskine), McDonald, Dixon