Thurrock 4-2 Chatham Town

Ryman One North

 

AN AARON Waters hat-trick helped Thurrock make it back-to-back wins for the first time since December to claim a 4-2 victory over Chatham Town.

Fleet, who moved to within a point of the play-offs after the win, came from behind to secure the points, with Waters netting from a trio of set-piece situations to hand the hosts the points.

The first chance came early on, and it resulted in a goal after the lively Leslie Thomspon, who impressed in the weekend win over table-topping Harlow Town, was bundled over in the penalty area.

Waters took the kick and although the first effort was saved by Ryan Nicholls the rebound was tucked home.

Robbie Farrell shot wide before Chatham equalised, with Austin Edwards tucking home after a free-kick wasn’t cleared.

On the half-hour mark the visitors were level. Joe Bingham headed goalwards and Andy Walker was unable to keep the ball out.

In the second-half, Fleet changed their formation and Kurt Smith began to play a more central role.

Having won a corner, Smith’s delivery was heading for Rob Gilman although the loose ball bounced off a defender to beat the goalkeeper.

And seven minutes later Smith had helped them give the home team the lead.

Lewis Clark fed the attacker and he was bundled over in the box, allowing Aaron Waters another chance to score from the spot, and he made no mistake.

Charlie Stimson came close before Waters completed his treble in unusual circumstances.

Nicholls was penalised for carrying the ball out of the area as he prepared to take a goal-kick and, as the ball was laid back to him, Waters crashed home a fierce effort.

Thurrock: Walker, Osonowo (Carvell), Gilman, King, Clark, Christou, Waters, Smith (Warner), Sutton, Farrell (Stimson), Thompson