East Thurrock United 2-0 Colchester United

(Higgins 78’, Clark 85’)

From the FutureFuel Stadium

Essex Senior Cup quarter-final

EAST Thurrock United are into the last four of the Essex Senior Cup after a late double saw off Colchester United.

The youthful U’s side were more than a match for Rocks for the first 75 minutes but goals from Sam Higgins and Michael Clark in the closing stages ensured the National League South side’s progress.

League Two Colchester started well and could have taken a first half lead when Tariq Issa rose highest but his header cannoned back off the frame of the goal and to safety.

The Rocks goal was leading something of a charmed life as Femi Akinwande’s cross was deflected onto the crossbar and out for a corner.

And before the hour mark the U’s were left cursing their luck again as Louis Dunne hit the bar from close range when he looked odds on to score.

And Rocks took full advantage in the final 12 minutes. Firstly, Ade Osifuwa crossed for Higgins to nod in under pressure from the goalkeeper.

And then Clark was on hand to sweep home Tom Wraight’s blocked effort with five minutes to go.

The other three quarter-final ties will be contested in the next fortnight.

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Osifuwa, Nesbitt, Clark, Ellul (Burns), Wood, Harris, Craddock (Marlow), Higgins, Walker (Honesty), Wraight