Whitstable Town FC

Tales from the West Coast: Match Report  from much travelled football fan, John Botton who this week sends us his report away to Thurrock 1 v Weymouth  2: With 11 games to go till the end of the season The Terras pulled 5 points clear of their main rivals St. Albans. It is also 9 games to go until the two teams meet up on Easter Monday. With St. Albans have a better goal difference it is vital to maintain this advantage.
Setting off at the early hour of 6 am the plan was to complete the majority of the journey before stopping. We decided to visit The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, a venue visited previously. Getting back on the M25 we approached the awesome sight of the Queen Elizabeth Bridge knowing the journey was nearly over. Thurrock play within the grounds of a hotel near Purfleet. They were originally called Purfleet but since moving changed to Thurrock, not to be confused with East Thurrock. It is a very unusual set up as the hotel building actually towers over the playing surface. The clubhouse is vast and one of the best in our league. The ground itself has a very old stand one side, covering behind both ends and open on the other side. The players changing rooms are down the far end.

TALES FROM THE WEST COAST.

Thurrock 1 Weymouth 2. Eastbourne Borough 1 St. Albans 1

Thurrock started the match having lost their last 7 matches. That form has however been chucked out the window several times already this season as under performing teams have raised their game in order to try and beat the full time table toppers.

Weymouth started the stronger, passing the ball around in comfort and could have been two up but for the Thurrock keeper, Knight making good saves. Thurrock?s first chance came after about 30 minutes but the shot from Cross went well wide. Just before half time Matthews in the Terras goal had to react well from a close range shot from Sadler. Overall the 0-0 half time scoreline was a fair reflection.

The second half was very much different with Weymouth taking total control of the game. It was amazing that Thurrock held out as long as they did and after 65 minutes the deadlock was broken. Clarke picked the ball up just inside the Thurrock half and made a positive run towards the Thurrock goal. Having passed several players he unleashed a fierce shot from just outside the area. Knight was powerless this time. It was only 5 minutes later when The Terras struck again. This time Nade scored from close in after the ball fell to him in the box. With the 3 points in the bag Lee tapped in a soft consolation goal for Thurrock but it was too little too late.

Next up is the visit of Newport County, newly on the bottom of the table.

Out of interest Lee Hook?s Eastbourne moved a little further away from the drop zone with the point gained against St. Albans.