Thurrock 2-1 Harlow Town

From Ship Lane

Ryman One North

 

THURROCK claimed a fine win against table-topping Harlow Town as they got their play-off chase back on track with a thrilling win.

A brace from Robbie Farrell gave Fleet the points against the side at the top of the league and they put in a terrific shift, in a game marred by a serious leg break to former Thurrock man Sam Holloway.

Although it looked as though Harlow may run away with the game in the early stages.

Harlow started the game on fire and should have taken the lead before Leon Antoine struck after only 15 minutes.

But Fleet soaked up the pressure and hit back, hitting the post after Lewis Clark came close with a marauding run.

Andy Walker was called into action in the Thurrock goal, producing a top save to keep the scoreline down before Fleet equalised as the game edged towards the half-time whistle.

Leslie Thompson’s effort was parried by the Hawks’ goalkeeper and Farrell was in the right place to apply the finish.

Then came the injury to Holloway, as he went in for a 50/50 challenge with James Goode. The game was stopped as Holloway was taken to hospital although all parties agreed to see the game out.

Kurt Smith replaced Goode and his pass to Thompson saw him claim his second assist in quick succession, with Farrell heading home.

Harlow shot over as they pressed for an equaliser and, despite Simon King and Joe Christou coming close for Fleet, they couldn’t extend their lead.

After the game, Fleet boss Mark Stimson was full of praise for his team.

“To go a goal down against the team at the top of the league and come back the way we did was a pleasure to watch,” he said.

"Once we went into the lead this was a game that we had to defend and goal keeper Andy Walker made some tremendous saves, our midfield players had to track back and they all did their jobs perfectly."

"Our forwards created problems on the break and both our goals were a result of Les Thompson and Robbie Farrell combinations.”

Stimson also spoke about the injury to Holloway.

“We know Sam well, he played for us earlier in the season and everyone is gutted for him, my management team and the players wish him a very speedy recovery."

Thurrock: Walker, Osonowo, Gilman, King, Clark, Christou, Goode (Smith), Waters, Sutton, Farrell (Warner), Thompson (Stimson)