A good performance from Fleet saw Dagenham and Redbridge only able to scrape a draw with virtually the last kick of the game. 

John Purdie made his first start of the pre-season build up and looked as assured as ever, along side Richard Goddard and Captain Jimmy McFarlane at the back.

 Fleet started brightly and the midfield of Heffer, Cross and Hodges dominating. No chances were created until the first goal of the game. A trademark free kick saw Gary Cross’ free kick was headed across goal by Jimmy McFarlane for Craig O’Connor to score his third pre-season goal from close range. Former Fleet striker Tresor Kandol worked space for a shot on the half hour only to see his shot go straight into the steady hands of Glenn Knight. Steve Harper was unlucky to see his shot well saved by Tony Roberts after a through ball by the lively Lee Hodges. 

The teams emerged for the second half with a few changes as is normal for pre-season. Kris Lee, Adam Parker, Martin Carthy and Craig Davidson came on for O’Connor, Harper, Cross and Hodges. Glenn Knight was in excellent form, making two fine saves and Martin Carthy was unlucky with a header that came back off the post from Boniek Forbes cross. Just as Fleet thought they were going to emerge with the win Goodwin equalised late on. 

Thurrock From: Knight, McFarlane ©, Purdie, Goddard, Davidson, Goodfellow, Bowes, Forbes, Carthy, Heffer, Cross, Hodges, Parker, Lee, Harper, O’Connor.