Thurrock 1sts 3, Waltham Forest 2nds 2 HOCKEY: Thurrock started this NE14 Hockey Div 3SE game top of the table.

Thurrock then continued where they finished the previous week, with short sharp passing and some very good opportunities falling to the strike force of Steve Abbott, Matthew Gaut and Jacob Agoro.

Thurrock then broke the deadlock when Matthew Gaut was fouled by the Waltham Forest goalkeeper which resulted in a penalty which Steve Abbott converted, 1-0 to Thurrock.

Waltham then hit back hard but the solid defence of Andrew Sargeant, Tommy Ing and Jorden Salmon kept strong and worked very hard. But then from a quick free hit, Tees broke through with Nick Sheard and Nick Stapleton and were awarded a short corner which was converted by man of the match Steve Abbott. Thurrock went in at half time 2-0 up.

The second half was a different matter Thurrock opened the scoring through another short corner by Jacob Agoro flicking the ball into the top corner, but then Waltham Forest came but into the game and with two quick goals on the bounce Thurrock started to get nervy but with some great keep ball Thurrock sealed the 3-2 victory.

The firsts stay top still one point ahead of Maldon & Little Baddow and five points ahead of third placed Redbridge & Ilford.

This week Thurrock face Saffron Walden away at 3pm.