Rocks show class in high scoring clash (From Thurrock Gazette)

East Thurrock United win goalfest with Concord

1:33pm Thursday 19th April 2012 in Sport

NON-LEAGUE: Concord lost an incredible derby with East Thurrock on a night when there were eight goals scored in the first half.

The Ryman Premier clash got off to a sensational start when Kye Ruel headed home Joe Keith’s free-kick to give Rocks a third minute lead.

And they were two up 10 minutes later when Ruel drew out home keeper before squaring for Sam Higgins to fire home.

The hosts pulled one back quickly through a Steve King header but Rocks quickly restore their two-goal advantage through Reiss Gilbey.

And when Higgins hit a quick-fire brace to complete his hat-trick and make it 5-1 – it was looking ominous for the Beachboys.

But they set-up an intriguing second half when their top-scorer Tony Stokes hit his own quick-fire brace on the stroke of half-time to make it 3-5 at the interval.

Defenders were clearly reminded on their duties during the break, and there was only one further goal in the second half.

And Sherwin’s Stanley strike on the stroke of full-time was only enough to give the final scoreline a bit more respectability at 4-5.

The game did help Stokes and Higgins with their bid to become the division’s top scorer.

Stokes moved on to 26 league goals, and Higgins 27, but they are both still chasing Richard Jolly.

The Wealdstone striker also scored a hat-trick in his side’s 6-0 win at relegated Tooting, who played with striker Charlie Stimson in goal due to a player shortage.

That point for the Stones moved them to within a point of the play-off places, and a point ahead of Canvey, who have two games left and also harbour hopes of breaking into the top-five.