East Thurrock United 3–1 Shortwood United

(Higgins 49’ (p), Harris 54’, C. Ekpiteta 64’: Hall 90’ (p))

From the Future Fuel Stadium

FA Trophy third qualifying round

EAST Thurrock United eased into the first round of the FA Trophy with a 3-1 win against Shortwood United.

Rocks went 3-0 up, with a late consolation for the away team.

The Evo-Stik South West side didn’t have the best of starts, after their bus was delayed en-route to Corringham. Following a 20 minute delay, the match got underway although the underdogs impressed early on.

Sam Taylor forced a decent early save from Harry Wright, with Tom Richardson bringing the best out of George Burton up the other end – shovelling the shot wide at his near post.

Richardson and Montel Agyemang were excellently stopped by Burton but the game was lacking a spark.

The hosts were in control, a Reece Harris drive cleared off the line, with Max Cornhill’s reaction header unable to trouble the stopper.

It took Rocks just four minutes of the second half to get the first goal of the afternoon.

Richardson was tripped in the penalty area and Sam Higgins blasted home the kick for his 16th of the season.

A second came five minutes later for Harris, striking powerfully into the corner.

It was all Rocks, Cornhill’s diving header inches past the post before the game was made safe. Calvin Ekpiteta’s tricky run ended with a powerful strike inside the far post with 25 minutes still to play.

Will Hawes scored a consolation from the penalty spot but it was comfortable for Rocks in the end.

East Thurrock United: Wright, Sammons, Peddie, Harris, M. Ekpiteta, Allen, White (Honesty 67’), Cornhgill, Agyemang, Richardson, Higgins (C. Ekpiteta 60’)