Tonbridge Angels 1–2 East Thurrock United

From Longmead Stadium

Ryman Premier League

 

EAST Thurrock picked up three more valuable points in their bid to win promotion, as they toppled third-placed Tonbridge Angels on their own turf.

A double from top-scorer Sam Higgins was enough for Rocks at the Longmead Stadium, with Nathan Elder, formerly of Billericay Town, netting the equaliser for Angels shortly after half-time.

Angels started the stronger of the two, using the flanks to their advantage. Lawrence Ball headed narrowly off target, with Elder’s header straight at visiting goalkeeper Lukas Lidakevicius soon after.

Higgins had the ball in the net in East Thurrock’ first foray into the Angels half. The striker bundled home from Lewis Smith’s free-kick but the referee had blown up for a foul on keeper Anthony Di Bernardo.

Tom Wraight and Sammy Knott stretched Di Bernardo and the home defence but somehow the scores remained goalless.

Di Bernardo was much the busier keeper, with Wraight denied and Simon Peddie heading over as the match wore on.

Higgins got the opening goal on the half hour mark, as Higgins powered into the area and cracked an effort in off the underside of the crossbar.

Elder was kept out by Lidakevicius as the home side searched for a response and they were rewarded five minutes after the break.

Luke Blewden worked an opening with Tom Parkinson, with Nicky Wheeler eventually crossed for Elder to head in.

But Angels were level for just eight minutes, as Higgins was played through and he buried an effort into the corner.

Smith missed a chance to make the result safe as the clock ticked down, although his shot was kept out and Higgins could only send the loose ball against the post.

Back came Angels, with Wheeler this time denied by the frame of the goal and Elder was flagged offside as the ball dropped to him.

Smith hit the bar one final time, as John Coventry’s side held out for the win and climbed into the top five.

 

East Thurrock: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Nottage, Peddie, Hayles, Wood, Smith, Craddock, Higgins (Walker), Knott (Robson), Wraight