Thurrock went through to the fourth qualifying round after a stuttering display against Solihull Borough. Although they never looked like losing the win seemed to be unlikely until Craig O’Connor’s late goal. Thurrock started well and Martin Carthy was unlucky not to convert Terry Bowes cross early on as his header flashed just wide. Thurrock continued to be the better side and got a deserved penalty after 19 minutes when O'Connor was tripped in the box. O’Connor stepped up himself but hit the post, Steve Harper should have done better with the rebound but his shot went over the bar. Solihull were willing to battle though and top goalscorer Justin Marsden hit the bar after 20 minutes with a header that had Glenn Knight beaten.

Thurrock started the second half well and nearly scored after 56 minutes when O’Connor headed wide from a Dave Collis free kick. Thurrock were lucky not to concede after an hour when Knight was too slow off his line and was rounded by Marsden, only for John Purdie to clear the shot after covering behind his keeper. O’Connor had two more chances but headed wide from a Mark Goodfellow cross and saw a shot deflected wide. The goal did come in the 78^th minutes and had an unlikely player making the assist. Purdie played the ball to O’Connor who drilled the ball past

Justin Bray in the Borough goal. Fleet held on comfortably for the final whistle as Borough tried to press but found it hard to get the ball. 
Man Of The Match: John Purdie

Thurrock: Knight, Collis, Goodfellow, McFarlane (capt), Purdie, Bowes (Forbes 57), Cross (Davidson 84), Heffer, Carthy, O’Connor, Harper.