Thurrock strolled to an easy three points at Clarence Road, the only disappointment being the conceding of a late goal. Fleet put the pressure on early and the Saints didn’t seem to be able to clear their lines properly. As early as the fourth minute, Lee Hodges ghosted past two defenders and curled a shot just wide. Three minutes later the lead was taken. Shane Thompson’s pinpoint cross found Cliff Akurang with loads of space and he dispatched his header past former Grays keeper Mel Capelton. The search for the second goal began immediately and the pressure looked to have paid off when Akurang went clear. Just as he pulled his foot back an outstretched leg stopped a certain goal. In the 24^th minute Tresor Kandol was chopped in the box, the referee blew his whistle but signalled that the offence had taken place outside the box. Hodges could only find the wall with his free kick.

 With half time approaching Kandol doubled the lead. He was sent clear from the halfway line and no-one was going to catch him. His shot was saved by Capelton but the rebound fell to himself who slotted into the empty net. Two minutes later he should have had a second but after beating two defenders he shot just wide.

The second half took a while to spark into life but the match livened up again on the hour after Steve Heffer’s header was handballed in the box. Hodges stepped up to slot past Capelton. With fifteen minutes to go St. Albans had their first real chance, but Billy McMahon made a fantastic save. Sub, Simon Martin wasted a glorious opportunity from 6 yards out after a wonderful cross by Dave Collis. Kandol and Martin both wasted chances as the game wore on and Ben Abbey pulled a goal back for the Saints as the game died off.

Man of the Match: Lee Hodges

 Thurrock: McMahon, Lawrence, Thompson, Purdie, Goddard, McFarlane©, Hodges (Buffong 85), Heffer (Kirby 80), Collis, Akurang (Martin 65), Kandol.