St Albans 0, Thurrock 5

BOTTOM of the Blue Square South Thurrock produced a five star performance at St Albans on Tuesday to hopefully kick start their season and put an end to a run of three consecutive defeats.

The win, Thurrock's first points on the road this season, could not have come at a better time for the under-pressure team who could have easily hit double figures against a confident home side who recently enjoyed victory against much fancied Bishop's Stortford away, and a draw against the league leaders Lewes.

Thurrock took the lead on two minutes after Greg Lincoln's free kick was headed in by Leon McKenzie.

On 16 minutes, Che Stadhart broke clear and just as he rounded Nick Eyre in the St Albans goal, the keeper brought him down and was shown a straight red card.

Paul Smith was replaced by Jamie Waite, whose first job was to pick the ball out of the net after Stadhart had converted the spot kick.

Fola Orilonishe had chance after chance to make it three for the visitors, but just could not find the target.

With 18 mins gone in the second half, Thurrock increased their lead as Stadhart's through ball was converted by the impressive McKenzie.

Orilonishe was gifted a golden chance on 76 minutes when he was released by McKenzie, before rounding substitute goalkeeper Waite but shot narrowly wide of the open goal. McKenzie then blasted over from 6 yards to keep the winning margin to just three.

Waite then pulled off a double save from David Bryant and Darryl Plummer but could not prevent the same pairing combining to see Plummer make it 0-4 to Fleet.

In stoppage time, Darren Duporte made it 0-5 with a cool effort, shooting into the bottom right hand corner of the net from just inside the penalty box.

Delighted Fleet manager Hakan Hayrettin said "This is a fantastic result - well done to everyone.

"So far this season we have had no luck and I can understand that the fans have become frustrated. They must be questioning "what is the manager doing?"

"As I have said time and time again, we have been unable to field the same team twice back to back, and budget permitting I have and always will do the best for the club. If you have no socks, you can't pull them up!

"I have been working very hard with Tommy South this week and I made a massive decision leaving Wesley (Thomas) out of the squad tonight. Wesley (Thomas) has been a prize asset of the club but he was not right for the team tonight, and that showed on the pitch.

"Admittedly the sending off helped us but they looked better with ten men than eleven but we finally converted our chances. It could have easily been 8-0 out there tonight.

"As long as I am in charge, everyone will pull in the same direction.

"The commitment and spirit of the committee alone has been worth its weight in gold, and thankfully today the players paid a small amount of this back with a performance owed to all involved.

"I can only hope that the players continue with the same attitude and togetherness - and will ensure that the coaching staff work together to deliver."