HODGES EDGES IT
All photo's copyright of Thurrock FC
Canvey Island 2 - 3 Thurrock
 McDougald 38       Hodges 7
 Boylan 81       Buffong 24
         Kandol 87

Match photo's

Thurrock won their third trophy since May with a battling display against last years league champions Canvey Island. After a non-descript first few minutes Lee Hodges slammed a 20-yard free kick into the top corner of Harrison’s goal to give Thurrock an unlikely lead. This seemed to give Thurrock loads of confidence and they bossed the game for the next twenty minutes with Martyn Lawrence going through, only to see his effort well saved by Harrison. Thurrock’s second goal came after 24 minutes. A wonderful deep cross by Collis was misread by the defender and John Buffong scored with his head as Harrison flapped. Thurrock were looking comfortable until five minutes before half time when McDougald scored a wonderful curling goal from the edge of the box. Buffong’s cross did cause mayhem in the last minute of the half but no-one was able to apply the finishing touch. 

Canvey started the second half as if manager Jeff King has given them a rocket at half time. Thurrock’s back line held firm under a barrage of corners and pressure. One long ball from Collis found Simon Martin who turned well and had his low shot saved by Harrison. Billy McMahon then came to Thurrock’s rescue with two wonderful saves in a minute.

Just when it looked like Thurrock would hold firm Canvey struck the equaliser. Boylan got room in the box and that could only have one outcome as he slotted just inside the post. Canvey went in search of the goal that would prevent extra time, but got caught on the break, Hodges’ battling won him the ball on the right flank and his excellent cross was headed back across Harrison by Kandol into the corner of the goal for a well taken winner.  

Thurrock held on for another victory away from home and all that was left was for captain Jimmy McFarlane to collect another trophy.

 Man of the Match: Lee Hodges

 Thurrock: McMahon, Collis, Goddard, McFarlane, Thompson, Hodges, Kirby (Heffer 45), Buffong, David Lee, Lawrence (Kandol 45), Martin (Kris Lee 84).