Thurrock 3–1 Romford

From Ship Lane

Ryman One North

 

THURROCK ended 2015 on a high and closed the gap at the top to six points with a 3-1 win over Romford.

Fleet started the better of the two teams and took the initiative after just four minutes.

A good run down the flank from full-back Reece Morgan saw the ball only half cleared by the goalkeeper and Joe Christou was on hand to nod in the loose ball.

The match had seen one of the most bizarre own goals in recent times, when a Kamarl Duncan clearance was caught in the wind and beat his own goalkeeper.

And Thurrock were keen to avoid any such embarrassment this time around, as Christou and Ross Wall came close to getting a second.

But the equaliser came against the run of play. George Woodward sent in a free-kick and it beat Rhys Madden all ends up.

Back came Fleet, and David Cowley restored the lead with a low finish shortly before half-time.

Michael Toner hit the post for Thurrock straight after the break as both sides continued to create good opportunities in an open game.

Recent Thurrock addition Charlie Cole was causing problems for Romford and, having come close on a number of occasions, he struck the third goal in the final five minutes to make sure of the result.

 

Thurrock: Madden, Morgan, Clark, Toner, Sutton, Baker, Christou, Goode (Gleed), Francis (Cole), Wall, Cowley