BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE

ON THE day when the identity of the new owners of the club was revealed, The White Tigers slipped to a disappointing home defeat at the hands of struggling East Thurrock United.
It took barely two minutes for the visitors to take the lead when a free-kick was delivered invitingly and Hayles headed beyond the reach of Rivers.
The lead didn’t last long as we went down the other end and equalised with our first effort on goal in the fourth minute as Grimes headed home.
It was a very open start to the game with both sides showing a willingness to attack and the visitors missed a great chance to get their noses back in front within the opening ten minutes.
Higgins went close again for the away team as he dragged an effort wide before Lewington tried his luck as his strike was blocked.
In what was a lively opening period, with both sides creating opportunities, we went in to the break with the scores level at 1-1.
The opening exchanges of the second period saw the visitors take the lead out of the blue through Marlow.
Just past the hour-mark and we were indebted to Rivers for saving well to thwart Higgins who broke through, whilst at the other end, Banton came on and showed good skill to make room for a strike that was straight at the ‘keeper.
The visitors went close with an effort from Nasha that flew over but he found his range shortly afterwards as he extended his side’s lead with 20 minutes left to play.
It gave us a mountain to climb and despite forcing a series of corners, we couldn’t find a way through a well-marshalled back-line.
We almost conceded a late fourth as the post came to our rescue but this really was a bad day at the office.

WHITE TIGERS: Rivers, Thompson, Riley-Lowe, Grimes, Bentley, J. Richards, Allen, Battle (Ziboth 71), D. Rooney (Harding 60), Harvey, Lewington (Banton 60). Subs not used: Palfrey, Meaker.
BOOKING(S): Harvey
GOAL(S): Grimes
ATTENDANCE: 429.

PHOTO: Josh Miller.