Basingstoke 1, Thurrock 0 (From Thurrock Gazette)

Basingstoke 1, Thurrock 0

10:36am Monday 6th April 2009

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FLEET have just five games remaining to ensure they are not back playing Ryman League soccer next season.

This 1-0 defeat in Hampshire leaves them in the final relegation spot, third from bottom, and five points in arrears of a Dorchester Town team immediately above them.

They do have a game in hand on Dorchester, who also lost 1-0 at home to promotion-chasing Hampton and Richmond Borough, but time is definitely running out for the Ship Lane side.

Their next fixture is on Good Friday when they visit a Welling United side who are still on the fringes of the promotion race after sentencing Bognor Regis Town to relegation with a 4-2 home win at the weekend.

On Saturday, against a Basingstoke side managed by former Grays boss Frank Gray and now virtually free of relegation fears after this win, Thurrock fell behind on 63 minutes.

A long range free-kick from the host side’s Sean Hankin was tipped over by goalkeeper Joe Woolley but, from the resultant corner, unmarked Hankin headed home.

Thurrock had played their full part in earlier exchanges. Matt Warner saw a shot deflected wide for Basingstoke.

At the other end Fola Orilonishe tested Ross Kitteridge and Tchokounte Malik headed wide from six yards. After the goal Thurrock made three substitutions in a desperate attempt to get back into the game.

But the lively Sam Lechmere and Harlee Dean both missed out on good opportunities and home followers in the 354 crowd were delighted to see their side achieve safety. Sadly Thurrock are a long way from that happy state!

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