Rocks settle for a draw (From Thurrock Gazette)

It's a point for East Thurrock

10:05am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in Sport

NON-LEAGUE: EAST Thurrock had to settle for their fourth 1-1 draw of the campaign after having a man sent off at Carshalton.

Rocks were the better side for an hour and took the lead when Sam Collins turned in Sam Higgins’ dangerous cross.

But the 68th minute dismissal of their centre-back Spencer Harrison gave the impetus to the visitors. Harrison was given his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the game – both for fouls.

The hosts took advantage with nine minutes to go when substitute Ola Sogabunmu scored following a set piece. It left John Coventry’s side on four points from five games following four draws and a defeat at Bognor.

But their 16th-placed position does mean they are are still currently the top ranked team in the borough. And that’s because Thurrock finished the weekend second-from-bottom in the early Ryman Premier table. Mark Stimson’s side were unable to take advantage of an early own goal as they lost 2-1 at home to Wingate & Finchley.

Marc Weatherstone volleyed the ball in his own net on nine minutes after a cross from Lewis Perkins in front of 128 at Ship Lane.

Thurrock started well in the second half and a Stuart Thurgood cross was headed goalwards by Charlie Stimson, only for Bobby Smith to make an excellent save.

The ball flew straight up the other end and Anderson Pinto slotted past William Viner for the equaliser. Fleet responded well and Shamir Mullings had a shot well saved by Smith but the visitors broke quickly up field to score the winner when Leon Smith crashed the ball home from 25 yards.

John Coventry’s Rocks are in FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round action with Witham Town on Saturday while Thurrock visit Basildon United.