A LATE Tom Derry goal allowed East Thurrock United to claim a share of the spoils at local rivals Concord Rangers.

Sam Blackman scored his fourth goal in six games to give the high-flying Beach Boys a first half lead in the National League South derby.

But Derry levelled matters six minutes from time to ensure Rocks would leave the Aspect Arena with a 1-1 draw.

Rocks claimed for a penalty inside five minutes when Shaun Batt went down under pressure from Concord skipper Lee Minshull, but referee Jack Packman waved away the appeals.

The hosts took a 17th minute lead as Blackman flicked Danny Green’s dangerous free-kick into the bottom corner of the net, giving East Thurrock goalkeeper Jack Giddens no chance.

Beach Boys goalkeeper Sam Beasant was quick off his line and thwarted Shaun Batt after the former Football League striker evaded the home side’s defence.

Batt was causing the Concord backline problems and he turned inside Minshull before sending a curling effort crashing into the crossbar.

Minshull then had to be alert to stop Derry – who netted twice after coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Dartford on Saturday – converting from close range as East Thurrock continued to push for a leveller.

Liam Nash, Concord’s Gillingham loanee, was unable to direct a fine cross from Aron Pollock on target and then he fired over after catching Rocks full-back Ibrahim Sori-Diallo out of position.

Tosan Popo was the next Concord man to try his luck, but his sweetly-struck volley flashed over the crossbar moments before the break.

The first chance of the second half fell to Beach Boys player-assistant manager Jack Midson, who saw his strike deflect wide of the target after Jon Nzengo failed to clear his lines.

East Thurrock created an opening of their own when Reece Prestedge danced around a number of the hosts’ defenders before misfiring, while Ryan Scott was frustrated by a superb block as Rocks continued to put the Concord rearguard under pressure.

Tyrone Sterling, who grabbed Concord’s winner in the 1-0 victory over Welling United on Saturday, failed to test Giddens after a goalmouth scramble.

The Beach Boys came close to doubling their advantage as Nash found Blackman inside the East Thurrock six-yard box after fine wing play, but the central midfielder was unable to double his tally for the afternoon and his attempt stayed out.

That miss proved costly as Rocks levelled matters six minutes from time, with Derry firing home after a goalmouth scramble.

There was still time for Alex Osborn – who recently joined East Thurrock from Hemel Hempstead Town – to send an effort wide, but it was to end honours even at the Aspect Arena.

Concord Rangers: Beasant, Popo, Shaw, Essam, Minshull, Sterling, Green (Moore 74), Pollock, Blackman, Midson, Nash

East Thurrock United: Giddens, Harris, Sori-Diallo, Nzengo, Scott, Sheehan, Osborn, Hayles (Omrore 74), Batt (Ashford 55), Derry, Prestedge