A lucky escape for Thurrock here at Westleigh Park this afternoon, they were beaten with an outstanding second half performance that should have seen at least eight goals for the home side.
After taking the lead in the second minute Thurrock must have thought this could be their day but they failed to build on their superiority in the first forty five minutes and conceded a late first half goal which sent the two sides into the break even.
Thurrock’s goal came when Lee Roache was one on one with the advancing keeper Aaron Howe, it looked like he had fouled Roache and brought him down in the area, but as the ball ran loose Cliff Akurang was on hand to drive home the ball for his fifth goal in seven games.
The game was a scrappy affair and no real football being played and with just seconds remaining a defensive error allowed Wes Fogden to make a run towards goal, Paul Olima was challenging and Andre Charles-Foster came out to narrow the angle but Fodgen managed to angle the ball wide of the keeper and into the net.
When the second period started it looked like Havant were a team possessed, they had gained pace and movement and were ripping the Thurrock defence apart. Havant’s centre forward Manny Williams should have scored on four occasions within the first ten minutes of the restart, twice he was denied by clearances of the goal line once his poor aim let him down but on 48 minutes he put Havant in front.
His strike partner Mustafa Tiryaki was also tormenting the Thurrock defence and with winger Wes Fogden making runs with dangerous crosses, it was only a matter of time before Thurrock conceded again.
On 62 minutes Tiryaki out jumped his marker from a corner and looked to have scored but Paul Olima was on the goal line to head clear. But two minutes later he was back on target after being put through by Bobby Hopkinson, this time his powerful right foot beat keeper Andre Charles-Foster to make it 3-1.
Despite substitutions being made by Manager Hakan Hayrettin the game was lost and Thurrock were still no closer to gaining their first win of the season. In fact Thurrock’s last league win was away at Bromley on 30th March 2010, that’s twelve league games ago since then they have gained just five points from five draws.
Thurrock’s agony was not over yet, deep into added time Wes Fogden added his second and Havant’s forth. With the ball deep in Thurrock’s half they were fighting to regain possession but in fact enabled Havant’s Paul Hinshelwood to cross the ball were Sammy Igoe collected had a shot blocked the ball the found its way to Wes Fogden who evaded two challenges from Craig Pope before firing in number four.
Thurrock’s next game is a local derby with Dartford at Ship Lane on Saturday, it will be a testing time for the Thurrock management team this week as they prepare for what should be a trilling and a must win match.
