THURROCK held their nerve to get the vital win needed to prevent relegation.

T’s went into their game at home to Maldon knowing a win would ensure they remain in Eastern league division three south east for another year.

But a slip up could let Brentwood II in and leave Thurrock needing a result in their final game of the season at Clacton to save themselves.

Steven Edwards settled T’s nerves with a fantastic strike past the visiting keeper to give them the lead early on.

And when captain Thomas Ing added a second to take his side 2-0 up at the interval, spirits were high.

Thurrock picked up where they left off after the re-start, with Freddie Taylor atoning for a bad miss earlier, scoring his first goal of the season.

It looked to be plain sailing from there, but T’s lost their way and conceded two quick-fire goals that got hearts racing once again.

But Thurrock rallied and Jeff West and Christian Jenkins both got on the scoresheet to wrap up a 5-2 win that ensured Thurrock’s survival.

Thurrock’s second team ended their league season with a 2-1 defeat to Crostyx in eastern division seven south east, although it had no effect on their final league position of fifth.

T’s played the game with no goalkeeper, so skipper Mark Mager played as kicking back.

Late on in the first half, Crostyx won a short corner which was cleared from the goal, but the follow-up shot struck a Thurrock defender’s feet resulting in a penalty flick, easily converted to take Crostyx into half-time with the advantage.

Crostyx doubled the lead in the second half when their winger snuck in towards the back post to tap in a well-placed pass.

Thurrock got their one goal through Callum Harvey.

Thurrock finished fifth in division seven and will be looking to improve again next season and push for promotion.

Thurrock’s third team were beaten 2-1 at home by Crostyx IV 2-1.

As Crostyx were ejected from division nine south east two weeks ago, this game was played as a friendly.

Ryan Jones got Thurrock’s goal.

Thurrock’s ladies first team were beaten 5-0 by Wapping II in eastern division two south east.

The women’s second team hosted league winners Colchester.

Thurrock goalkeeper Kelly Bentley was in inspired form but was eventually beaten as Colchester recorded a 1-0 win.

The ladies’ third team were also playing against their league champions, falling to a 3-0 defeat to Chelmsford.

T’s held the frustrated Chelmsford team to 0-0 for 35 minutes before they opened the scoring.

Stand-in goalkeeper Laura Reynolds was named player of the match.