CHELMSFORD City landed a psychological blow ahead of next week's Essex Senior Cup final as they beat East Thurrock United 2-1 in the National League South.

The wine as crucial for the Clarets, who maintain their play-off tilt, while Rocks lie in the relative safety of mid-table.

The away side went ahead after just nine minutes.

An excellent cross from Robbie Willmott found the run of Josh Hill and he powered a header into the goal.

Chris Dickson saw a goal disallowed for offside as the pressure grew, while the returning Sam Higgins came close up the other end with a strike that was excellently tipped aside.

Chelmsford saw another goal chalked off for offside in what was an entertaining first period.

Rocks were level just over a minute into the second-half.

After the ball wasn't cleared, Harry Honesty was in the right place to turn the loose ball home.

But the Clarets were to have the last laugh.

Just four minutes after coming on, Elliott Buchanan smashed home an emphatic volley to ensure the visitors took the points back to Melbourne Park.