Staines Town 3-2 East Thurrock United

From Wheatsheaf Park

Ryman Premier League

 

EAST Thurrock United’s Rickie Hayles was sent off for the third match in a row as Rocks were beaten 3-2 in an exciting match at Staines Town.

Hayles was sent off after just 13 minutes of the match to concede a penalty and complete a wretched month of football for the centre-half.

Goals from Lewis Smith and Sam Higgins were not enough for Rocks, who have struggled at the start of the season, with former player Luke Wanadio netting a late winner.

And they fell behind after just 14 minutes. Hayles was dismissed and Pat Cox sent Lukas Lidakevicius the wrong way from the penalty spot.

But that lead was short lived as Smith, in such impressive form at the start of the season, sent in a fine free-kick that had the beating of home goalkeeper Jake Turner.

Higgins saw a header cleared off the line as the visitors turned the screw despite being a man light, although they did fall behind shortly before half-time.

Jack Hutchinson was denied by Lidakevicius leaving Prince M’Bengui the simple task of hooking home from 10 yards.

Mitchell Gilbey saw an effort tipped over on half-time, with Higgins shooting over the bar when it was easier to score early in the second-half.

But, despite playing with 10 men, Rocks valiantly battled on and scored a second equaliser. Higgins was fouled in the penalty area and the striker smashed home from 12 yards.

But the last laugh was Staines’, as Wanadio beat three and crashed past Lidakevicius.

 

East Thurrock: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Scott, Hayles, Wraight, Craddock, Honesty (Wood), Gilbey, Higgins, Smith, Walker