Hampton & Richmond Borough 1-2 East Thurrock United

(Lowe ’58: Marlow ’47 (p), Clark’ 79)

From the Beveree Stadium

National League South

EAST Thurrock United got their first ever victory in the National League South as they claimed all three points at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Both promoted from the Ryman Premier League last year, this was always going to be a tight encounter and it was a defensive lapse that resulted in the winner as Michael Clark poked home inside the final 11 minutes.

Rocks were looking to build on an excellent showing at Hemel Hempstead Town, in which they came away from their first ever away match in the National League South with a point.

And they started well, while Hampton looked a threat when they were on the attack.

John Coventry’s side were dealt an early blow when skipper Lee Burns, already vice-captain in the absence of Sam Higgins, was forced off through injury after just nine minutes.

Hampton were pushing the tempo with some impressive attacking intent from Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick, while Leon Solomon pulled an effort wide.

George Craddock saw a tame free-kick saved but it was Hampton looking more likely, albeit without Lukas Lidakevicius forced into any meaningful saves.

Veteran Ben Wood came on for his first appearance of the season at the start of the second-half and within a minute Rocks were ahead.

A foul in the box saw the visitors awarded a penalty. Tom Wraight had missed on the opening day but Ben Marlow made no mistake from 12 yards.

Rocks looked transformed, but that lead wasn’t to last as Jamal Lowe blasted home a leveller just 10 minutes later, beating Lidakevicius one-on-one.

But with 10 minutes to go, Rocks were back ahead. Clark profited from some wretched defending from a corner to prod home from a Joe Ellul shot.

Rocks had chances to extend their lead but held out for an excellent three points.

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Burns (Sammons), Nesbitt, Clark, Ellul, Freiter (Wood), Gardner, Craddock (Honesty), Walker, Marlow, Harris