Disappointing Start
All photo's copyright of Thurrock FC

Match photo's

Thurrock’s season started poorly with newly promoted Histon deservedly taking the three points at Ship Lane. The season got off to a rapid start with Thurrock twice going close within the first minute. Craig O’Connor, on his debut, crossed, and Terry Bowes just missed with Lance Key beaten. From the clearance the ball fell to Dave Collis whose through ball just missed the run of Steve Harper. It was a major surprise when the visitors took the lead with only three minutes on the board. A cross form the right led Dave Collis to bundle into his own goal with Billy McMahon left stranded. The reply, however, was instantaneous with O’Connor slotting home under pressure. The game ended up with the ball mainly in the midfield although McMahon made an excellent fingertip save around the post. With five minutes left in the first half O’Connor’s cross found Harper who couldn’t beat Key from close range. Just as the teams looked to be going off level Kennedy smashed a twenty yard volley into the top corner giving McMahon no chance.

          The second half saw very few chances although Histon should have doubled their lead halfway through the half but the close range shot flew yards over the bar. The introduction of Boniek Forbes on the left wing finally gave Thurrock some spark. Lee Hodges went close with a shot from the edge of the box but the only time Thurrock looked like scoring was when O’Connor got clear but Key excellently smothered the shot. Histon had another chance late only but McMahon made another tremendous save and the rebound was smashed against the post.

 Man of the Match: Billy McMahon

 Thurrock: McMahon, Collis, Goodfellow (Forbes 70), McFarlane ©, Goddard, Hodges, Heffer, Carthy, Bowes, Harper, O’Connor.