Rocks edge victory in derby friendly (From Thurrock Gazette)

Rocks edge victory in derby friendly

2:20pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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East Thurrock United 2, Thurrock 1

EAST Thurrock United’s young side ran out winners over Thurrock's trialists, thanks to an own goal by David Pugh, and a goal by Danny Mould.

The visitors dominated the early possession and could have taken the lead within 20 seconds as Miles Spencer broke down the left, Che Stadhart cut his cross back but Chris Taylor couldn’t connect within six yards and the ball was cleared to safety.

Spencer again threatened down the left wing and on 11 minutes, his cross was headed wide by Chris Wilde. Despite being a centre back, Wilde continued to be the main aerial threat to the Rocks and in the 14th minute was unlucky not to break the deadlock as his header was cleared off the line.

Against the run of play, it was the hosts that took the lead when Danny Mould’s 20 yard shot was diverted into the goal by Thurrock’s Pugh.

On 39 mins, Lodge was handed an opportunity to equalise after he was fouled in the box by Bradley Stevens. Lodge stepped up to take the spot kick, but he fired straight at the ‘keeper for an easy save. Thurrock bounced back and were unlucky not to equalise as Michael Lodge’s mazy 60 yard run looked to be rewarded with a goal but his shot rebounded off the inside of the post and into the hands of the East Thurrock ‘keeper.

Five minutes into the second half and the home side doubled their lead as Danny Mould’s effort beat Nej Husein at the near post.

Thurrock’s Nicky Green impressed throughout and when he was fouled on 60 mins in the box by Mould, he stepped up to score. Green had a chance to equalise on 69 when his half volley sizzled narrowly wide.

Then with the clock running down, Stadhart had an effort cleared off the line as the Rocks held on for victory. Depite defeat, Hakan Hayrettin would be pleased with the effort and performance of a number of trialists, who may get a second chance to impress against Concord Rangers (away) on Tuesday.

Rocks will be looking to carry on the god work with a ome game against Dartford on the same evening.

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