Spennymoor Town 1-1 East Thurrock United

(Johnson 66’: Smith 29’)

From the Brewery Field

FA Trophy third round

EAST Thurrock United survived a late red card to hold Spennymoor Town to a third round draw in the FA Trophy.

Lewis Smith's strike was pegged back by a second half effort, as it ended all square.

Both teams played in the second tier of non-league football but it was a subdued opening to the encounter.

The first 25 minutes saw neither side create any opportunities of note before the first real chance brought the opening goal.

Although it was a touch fortunate to say the least. Sam Higgins’ fierce strike cannoned off Smith and beat the unfortunate home goalkeeper.

Higgins thrashed an effort off the face of the crossbar as Rocks turned the heat up, with the hosts struggling to create anything of note.

But it should have been 2-0 before half-time. Max Cornhill picked up on a deflected Montel Agyemang effort but stroked his shot past the post.

A Shane Henry effort was sent over the bar as Spennymoor looked to end the half on a high.

Rocks held out although the Moors were improved after the break.

A cross nicked the away crossbar before the National League North team did level.

And what a goal it was, Andrew Johnson cutting inside and sending a delightful effort beyond Lidakevicius and into the corner.

Rocks were getting deeper and deeper and, following Sam Higgins’ substitution, they were reduced to 10 men – Michael Clark sent off following a mistimed challenge.

But they held on for a draw ahead of tomorrow's replay.

East Thurrock United: Lidakeivicius, Sammons, Clark, Burns, Harris, Phipps, C. Ekpiteta (Richardson 58’), Cornhill, Higgins (White 78’), Smith, Agyemang