After the great performance at Ford during midweek Thurrock were firm favorites to win this home fixture against struggling Swifts. However, as we have seen before, form means nothing on the day. Thurrock took the game to Swifts and was soon asking questions of the visitor’s defence.

Heybridge keeper – Placid, was in good form and was the difference between the sides on more than one occasion, such was the Thurrock pressure.

Time and again Terry Bowes and Cliff Akurang opened up the defence and Tresor Kandol was unlucky not to be on the score sheet.

Almost inevitably the team on top were to suffer a set-back against the run of play. After 21 minutes the visitors took a surprise lead when Brayley headed home from close range.

Thurrock continued to attack and when a ball from Dave Collis found the unmarked Paul Linger in the box a goal seemed to be on. However the Thurrock man was knocked down and the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Tresor Kandol struck a well-placed spot kick but Placid guessed correctly and made a great saved down at his left hand post.

The more Fleet pressed the more resolute the Heybridge defence became. As the second half progressed the more frustrating it became with a number of good opportunities fell for Thurrock but not converted. As the final seconds ticked away it looked as though the visitor would hold out for a victory. However, Colin McBride introduced a late substitute in the shape of Lee Allen and he was to be the player to find the telling ball to unlock the Swifts defence. Lee whipped in a great cross from Thurrock's right side where the unfortunate Pollard diverted the ball into his own net to give Thurrock a share of the points.