A single goal by Tresor Kandol was sufficient to secure all 3 points for the home, against Essex rivals Billericay.

Thurrock almost took the lead as early as the ninth minute, a corner on the right from Dave Collis was met by David Lee – Making his debut on loan from Brighton – which the Billericay Keeper did well to push the shot on to the post and to safety.

The only other incident of note in a very drab first half was when the referee managed to play an advantage when the ball ran to Kandol following a deliberate hand ball by Billericay defender Dave Reddington. In a one on one situation Jerome John in the Billericay goal got the better of Kandol – Reddington was shown a yellow card.

Five minutes into the second half and the yellow card became red when Reddington was again booked for kicking the ball away.

Too many times the Thurrock were caught off side by Billericay’s off side trap. However as the game wore on the extra man began to tell.

What proved to be the winning goal came in the 73^rd minute. Once again Collis floated over a free kick, which Kandol buried in to the back of the net.

Thurrock had chances to wrap the game up but on three separate occasions substitute Ross Wareham shot straight at the Billericay goalkeeper.