Hendon 1-2 East Thurrock United

From the Earlsmead Stadium

Ryman Premier League

 

A LEWIS Smith double gave East Thurrock United a fine win at promotion-hopefuls Hendon, condemning them to their first home defeat in a year.

Tricky forward Smith netted in the fifth minute of injury-time to hand the away side the points, having also given them the lead midway through the first period.

Hendon, who were last beaten at home on Saturday, August 30 and were on a 21-game unbeaten streak, had started the season as they finished the last, and were looking to pull clear at the top of the Ryman Premier League last night, having finished second in the standings last campaign.

But Rocks started the brighter and could have led in the early stages when the returning Sam Higgins, having been a doubt with an injury ahead of the game, was denied by former Billericay Town goalkeeper Joe Wright.

But the lead wasn’t long in coming as Smith pounced to net with ease after a defensive slip.

Ten minutes before the break Hendon drew level from the penalty spot, as Sammy Knott committed a foul in the box and Sam Murphy scored.

Hendon produced a better performance in the second-half but were unable to break down a stubborn away defence, with Smith having the last laugh.

Picking up the ball, he cut inside beating several men and curled beyond Wright into the corner.

 

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Sammons, Knott (Honesty), Hayles (Anderson), Scott, Wood, Wraight, Newby, Gilbey, Higgins, Smith