East Thurrock United 2-2 Kingstonian

From Rookery Hill

Ryman Premier League

 

EAST Thurrock United battled back from two goals down to secure a late point against Kingstonian.

Rocks had beaten Hendon on Monday in what was a fine performance, but it appeared as though they were set for defeat on Saturday, trailing by two goals with 15 minutes to play.

But an own goal and a fourth of the season for Lewis Smith ensured the points were shared.

The away side were the better team in the first-half, with Ty Smith controlling the game in the middle of the park and the goal came on the stroke of half-time.

Midfielder Dan Bennett neatly tricked his way into the box before rounding Lukas Lidakevicius and scoring.

Rickie Hayles denied former Billericay Town striker Ricky Sappleton with a fine tackle.

East Thurrock improved after the break, as George Craddock came on to introduce some creativity in midfield.

Smith came close but he was well denied by the goalkeeper only for Kingstonian to head up the other end of the pitch and double their lead.

On-form striker Pelayo Pico Gomez beat Ryan Scott for pace and buried a shot past the home side’s Lithuanian stopper.

Rocks seem destined for defeat until they were given hope by a bizarre own goal. Max Hustwick’s back pass wrong-footed goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey and found the net.

And the equaliser came late on from the penalty spot. Tolfrey fouled Harry Honesty and Smith did the business to share the points.

 

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Scott, Hayles, Knott (Craddock), Wood (Anderson), Honesty, Gilbey, Smith, Bryant (Losada), Wraight