Fleet were very unlucky to leave the Rec without at least a point after an excellent New Years Day display.

            With a strong wind to deal with in the 1^st half, Fleet were under pressure from the start with Cliff Akurang looking isolated on his own up front. Dennis Oli was unlucky with a shot from the edge of the area which was well saved by Billy McMahon, but five minutes later Oli’s next shot put Grays a goal to the good. McMahon kept Thurrock in the game with two excellent saves and David Lee was unlucky for Thurrock with his shot from a narrow angle after 35 minutes.

            Thurrock came out buzzing in the second half and Akurang’s best moment of the game came after 58 minutes. He dropped deep and beat three players before being brought down on the edge of the box. Glenn Poole smashed the free kick past Emberson for a deserved equaliser. A minute later Akurang was put through by Hodges but allowed the defenders back. They made the shot difficult and Emberson gratefully held onto the ball. Thurrock very nearly took the lead after 85 minutes when Poole’s 35 yard volley hit the bar. David Lee should have scored the rebound from close range but headed straight at Emberson. Grays scored a minute into injury time when Nutter’s through ball found Gary Hooper who smashed home the winner. The Thurrock players argued with the ref as they thought that Hooper had been in an offside position, but the goal was allowed to stand.

 Man of the Match: Glenn Poole

 Thurrock: McMahon, Collis, Goodfellow, McFarlane, Goddard, Hodges, Poole, Kirby, Heffer, Lee, Akurang.