Oxford City 0-1 East Thurrock United

(Walker 80’)

From Court Farm Place

National League South

A LATE goal from James Walker handed East Thurrock a much-needed three points on their travels at Oxford City.

Rocks were looking to build on a run of draws and start picking up more victories at Oxford, who had had a poor start to the season and were languishing in the relegation places ahead of kick-off.

And it was the away side that were creating the chances in the first 10 minutes, with Tom Wraight and Reece Harris threatening in wide positions.

Mike Fondop, formerly of Billericay Town, was looking to break through the away back-line but his pace was something Rocks were alert to.

Several long range efforts missed the target but Rocks were more than a match for their more established hosts.

Goalless at the break, Oxford came very close early in the second-half to making the breakthrough when Jamie Roberts forced a brilliant save from Lukas Lidakevicius, with the loose ball eventually cleared.

The stopper was having a busy start to the half as he again produced heroics to keep out Roberts and Fondop, with East Thurrock struggling in the early throes of the half.

Roberts was missing a host of chances for the hosts, as he hit a shot wide as the pressure continued to grow.

Ryan Sammons was booked for a last ditch challenge that denied Calvin Poku a run on goal, while Joe Ellul followed him into the book soon after.

But it was against the run of play the opening goal came. James Walker got his first goal of the league season as he tapped home at the far post with 10 minutes remaining.

East Thurrock United: Lidakevicius, Burns, Sammons, Clark, Ellul, Marlow, Harris, Craddock, Walker, Ferdinand, Wraight