Thurrock’s FA Cup dream came to an end with defeat in the televised Sunday game. Oldham’s goal came from a disputed penalty and Thurrock were unlucky not to win one of two penalty appeals, however Oldham deserved their win on the day.

Oldham started brightly and Billy McMahon had to be at his best to save well low down from loanee Lee Croft’s cross as Killen waited to pounce. Before ten minutes were on the clock Danny Hall and Chris Killen both wasted headed opportunities for Oldham. Thurrock then started to get into the game and Tresor Kandol won the ball well, turned two defenders and let fly with a shot that went wide and high with Cliff Akurang better placed. Another chance fell to Thurrock, this time to Akurang. Holden weak header fell to Akurang who ran at pace, he then flashed an effort from 25 yards that went just over with Pogliacomi struggling to get to the ball. McMahon saved Thurrock again on the half hour. Croft hit a 25 yard volley which seemed to have Billy beaten but an outstretched hand tipped the ball over the bar in one of the match’s best moments. Thurrock went off at half time happy to be level and with McMahon to thank for being level.

          Two minutes into the second half Oldham were awarded what looked like a dubious penalty. Steve Heffer appeared to have won the ball from Croft, but the referee deemed it to be a foul and awarded the spot kick. Colin McBride, however, accepted that it was a penalty. Killen stepped up to blast the ball home, but McMahon was unlucky not to turn the fingertips he got onto the ball into a full hand. Thurrock then began to play some good football. They were extremely unlucky not to win a penalty five minutes later when Pogliacomi jumped onto Kandol’s back as he tried to shield the ball in the box. The referee, who was less than five yards away, decided that no offence had been committed. Twice in two minutes near the hour mark Akurang was unlucky with glancing headers that he couldn’t quite get the power on to trouble Pogliacomi. Kandol was also unlucky not to score when he got in front of the keeper to head just wide from Buffong’s dangerous throw in. With twenty minutes to go Holden handballed in the box with Kris Lee ready to pounce and Oldham had got away with another penalty appeal. Lee was unlucky again minutes later when he seemed to slightly scuff his close range effort and the ball ran harmlessly through to the keeper. There was one last moment of anticipation for the Thurrock fans when Lee Hodges stepped up to take a free kick 25 yards from goal in injury time. However, the chance was lost as Hodges slipped and failed to make a clean contact with the ball. The final, whistle blew and Oldham took their place in the second round draw.

 Man of the match: Billy McMahon

 Thurrock: McMahon, Collis, Purdie (Buffong 60), McFarlane©, Goddard, Heffer (Lee 67), Kirby, Hodges, Goodfellow, Akurang, Kandol.