Thurrock find the going hard in hockey encounter (From Thurrock Gazette)

Third string falter to Phoenix

10:41am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Sport

Thurrock 3rd 2

Phoenix 3rd 6

HOCKEY: THURROCK’s third string found the going hard against a strong Braintree side. They went behind after only five minutes from a miss hit shot from close range bobbled past keeper Danny Hick.

And the borough’s Michael Fleming was unlucky to shoot inches wide after dribbling through. Soon afterwards Ricky Smith saw his shot cleared off the line by a defender.

But Phoenix were having the better of the match and added a second from a short corner after 20 minutes.

In the last minute of the first half a breakaway run by Phoenix led to Hick facing three attackers and the ball was finally flicked into the net from close range.

Thurrock hit back with a goal from Ricky Smith although the visitors soon bagged a fourth goal.

Within minutes a fifth was added from a well-drilled penalty corner routine which evaded the Thurrock defenders on the line.

Phoenix piled on the pressure and Hick pulled off a string of strong saves to peg them back.

From a Braintree attack, Dave Leeks picked up the ball on the 25 metre line and drove up the field before passing to fellow defender Luke Danbrook who powered into the area, before releasing a shot which left the keeper rooted to the spot.

Thurrock worked hard to add to their goals with Fleming shooting just wide, but the attacks left the borough wide open and a Phoenix breakaway which produced a sixth goal in the last minute.