THURROCK CHOP DOWN WOOD

Thurrock emerged from their recent bad run with an excellent display to crush a poor Northwood side. In truth Fleet were unlucky not to reach double figures and only the goal’s frame prevented three more goals.

Thurrock looked pumped up for the game from the first minute and Northwood seemed unable to put two passes together as they were pressured by the excellent Thurrock midfield duo of Linger and Heffer. Thurrock’s early
pressure led to a corner in the 9^th minute. An excellent delivery by Collis was flicked towards goal by Akurang, only for the winger to see the ball rebound from off of the bar. A minute later Heffer also hit the bar. A hopeful ball into the box was allowed to bounce and Heffer flicked the ball towards the goal with his heel after it looked like he had overrun the ball. The ball looped over the keeper’s head but rebounded back from the bar again. Thurrock had two more chances in the next five minutes with Akurang flicking a header past the post and Linger heading straight at the keeper from the penalty spot. Linger was then sent clear and probably would have given Thurrock lead but for an unfavourable bounce which made him hurry the shot and it went straight at the keeper. The next fifteen minutes saw Thurrock putting pressure on Wood but without being able to make any clear-cut chances. With five minutes left in the half TK got the ball on the left hand side of the penalty area. He went past two defenders as if they weren’t there but his left footed shot went well over.
 

            Just when it looked like the half time whistle might leave Thurrock’s first half goalless they took the lead. An undefendable free kick from Collis was headed home by captain McFarlane from seven yards. Thurrock promptly doubled their lead. Simon Martin was tackled on the edge of the box but the ball ran kindly for Bowes who held the ball until Davidson made space behind him. He received the ball and delivered an excellent ball which was headed down by Heffer for TK to tap in from 3 yards out.  There was still time for a chance to make it three. TK was sent clear and shot past the keeper only for the ball to rebound from the post.
 

            Thurrock started the second half just as well. A Collis free kick was headed over by Akurang. After an hour the game was secured. Great work by TK gave Linger the chance to put in a cross. It found Martin three yards out and his header left the keeper no chance. A minute later it was four. Akurang was caught in a Northwood sandwich and the ref blew for a penalty. Although he looked groggy Akurang buried the penalty and the game was over. Colin McBride responded by removing two players who were playing their first game since injuries, TK and McFarlane. He also took off Bowes. They were replaced by Lee, Fletcher and Allen.

            Northwood seemed to decide it was time for damage limitation and tried to keep hold of the ball. It worked for fifteen minutes until Wood were down to ten men. Danny Yeoman was sent off for an elbow after being given a foul. Gothard was also booked for his part in the ensuing melee. Thurrock smelled blood and went for more goals. Akurang beat one player and shot over. In the 90^th minute Thurrock won another penalty. A through ball was cut out by the Woods keeper with Martin chasing the ball down. As Martin turned to walk away the keeper slapped him on the head. The referee booked him but a red card would have been the correct decision. The crowd were calling for Purdie to take the penalty as he has never scored in 295 Thurrock appearances. He declined and Linger dispatched the ball for 5-0. The best was yet to come for Thurrock fans. Great skill from Akurang led to his cross being headed in by Kris Lee who despite working hard and being unlucky lately hasn’t been able to buy a goal. A popular goal for a popular player. Lee was now on fire and was unlucky not to make it seven when his shot was tipped over. Three minutes into injury time Wood had their first shot on target but it was comfortably dealt with by Gothard.

Man of the Match: Tresor Kandol

Thurrock: Gothard, Collis, Davidson, McFarlane (Fletcher 64), Purdie, Heffer, Linger, Bowes (Allen 66), Akurang, Kandol (Lee 65), Martin