2:35pm Monday 21st September 2009
WAKERING continue to hold something of an Indian sign over East Thurrock United at Burroughs Park.
Last season the village side pulled off a 4-0 win over high-flying Rocks at home, a result that ultimately played a part in ruining their opponents’ title hopes.
On this occasion, the margin of victory for Iain O’Connell’s men was only two goals — but the outcome was just as satisfactory.
True, Rovers had to contend with long spells of pressure from the visitors, who went into the match on top of the division.
But Kurt Smith, Max Cornhill and Ben Boyce were all guilty of some poor finishing.
And Rocks also played a part in their own downfall when, on the stroke of half-time, Boyce put a penalty wide after he himself had been brought down by goalkeeper Richard McKinney.
By that time Wakering were in front with Neil Richmond, who recently returned to his “spiritual home” of Burroughs Park after a spell at Aveley, shooting home on 40 minutes after an error by Rocks’ keeper Richard Wray.
And they wrapped up the three points 20 minutes from time when a through ball from substitute Dan Williams allowed Richmond to lift the ball over Wray for his and Rovers’ second.
On an afternoon of many outstanding performances from the hosts — experienced Steve Heffer was superb in midfield — none shone brighter than young full-back Josh Hall, recently promoted from the reserves.
While Rocks were knocked down to second by Lowestoft, Wakering have moved up to the dizzy heights of third.
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