Thurrock put in a brilliant performance to win comfortably on their longest journey.

The first half was all Thurrock although Weston did have the first chance of the game with a Lewis Hogg long ranger being well held by Glenn Knight. After 10 minutes Thurrock were agonisingly close to taking the lead. Dave Collis’ undefendable free kick was headed goalwards by Martin Carthy only to see Ryan Northmore’s outstretched hand divert the ball behind for a corner. Thurrock kept the pressure on and another excellent Collis free kick found Jimmy McFarlane, who headed across goal to Craig O’Connor. O’Connor’s drilled shot was once again acrobatically saved by Northmore.

Thurrock kept on top and only a splendid last ditch

tackle from Lee Jarman prevented Martin Carthy  from running clear on goal. The goal was always going to come and it was O’Connor who forced it. O’Connor was put through by Terry Bowes and beat Sam Bailey. His cross was deflected over Northmore’s head and into the goal off the foot of Jarman. O’Connor and Bailey clashed on the floor as Thurrock players celebrated, with the Thurrock man hurting his head in the process.

The game kicked off with O’Connor still receiving treatment. As he came back onto the pitch he was given the ball on the corner of the box and drilled the ball left footed into the top corner leaving Northmore no chance whatsoever.

The customary somersault followed from O’Connor, the goal being one of the best seen by a Thurrock player in the last few years. Thurrock were rampant now and Steve Harper was brought down just outside the box by Jarman who received a yellow card. Collis delivered another splendid free kick but unfortunately no-one could connect and it flew just past the post

Thurrock came out for the second half looking confident and Harper nearly scored his first Conference South goal with a drilled 20 yard shot which Northmore did well to keep out. Weston had their best chance on 57 minutes when Darren Hawkins’ shot came back off of the bar with Knight

 well beaten. Thurrock continued to dominate and killed the game with quarter of an hour left. McFarlane headed another good Collis free kick home in trademark fashion. Weston seemed to be dead on their feet and the only surprise about the fourth goal was that it took another six minutes to come. Harper headed Bowes’ cross home for his first goal at this level of football. The icing on the cake was Gary Cross’ first goal for Fleet after he ran fully 50 yards with the ball before shooting past Northmore from 20 yards with his left foot.

Man of the Match: Craig O’Connor 

Thurrock: Knight, Collis, Goodfellow, Purdie, McFarlane (c), Bowes (Davidson 86), Heffer, Carthy, Cross, Harper, O’Connor (Forbes 80).