Maldon & Tiptree 1

Thurrock 1

NON LEAGUE: THURROCK were denied a fourth win in a row after a late equaliser in this evenly fought contest.

Bradley Warner opened the scoring on the 30 minute mark after a terrific individual run but a late surge from the home side saw Ben Smith volley home a late equaliser.

The Jammers had the first chance of after Brad Hynter and Leon McKenzie combined well with the on-loan East Thurrock striker’s shot being blocked.

Fleet came close to breaking the deadlock when Remi Sutton’s dangerous cross was headed away for a corner. And, from Luke Stanley’s flag kick, Lewwis Spence saw his shot just blocked on the goal line.

Rob Clark had another chance before Warner broke the deadlock. He picked up possession just inside the opposition’s half and evaded three tackles before drawing out former Aveley stopper Jack Giddens and knocking the ball into the corner. Kurt Smith had a chance to extend the lead before the home team had strong claims for a penalty turned down.

That came when Danny Johnson’s goal bound effort appeared to be blocked by a Thurrock arm. In the second half, Luke Stanley and Kurt Smith had further chances for Fleet to extend their lead.

But it was the home side who equalised with 15 minutes to go.

Former East Thurrock midfielder Kye Ruel headed a long free kick back across the goal.

And Ben Smith met it first time with a fine volley into the opposite corner. McKenzie, Ruel and substitute Ollie Berquez all had late chances to win it for Maldon & Tiptee, but the game ended with the points being shared.

Thurrock: Walker, L Clark, Sutton, King (Fleming), Gilman, R Clark, Stanley (Reynolds), Spence, Knight, Smith (Stimson), Warner.

For Fleet news and views see the Thurrock Gazette every Thursday