EAST Thurrock United are through to the semi-finals of the Essex Senior Cup after securing a 1-0 win over Bowers & Pitsea.

Experienced frontman Shaun Batt scored what proved to be the only goal at the Len Salmon Stadium.

Bowers goalkeeper Andy Wilton was called into action inside the opening 60 seconds, saving Ben Marlow’s dipping volley from long range.

Wilton was also equal to Batt’s weak effort after the frontman had dispossessed Martyn Stokes and found himself through on goal.

Bowers’ first meaningful opportunity fell to Lewis Manor, who sent his diving header wide of the target while under pressure from Ibrahim Sori-Diallo.

East Thurrock found Wilton in inspired form, with the shot-stopper spectacularly clawing away a goalbound Batt header close to the half hour mark.

Neither side could take advantage of headers early in the second half, with Bowers’ Callum Leahy being denied by Jack Giddens before Steve Sheehan sent a free header wayward.

Quentin Monville was also frustrated by Giddens moments before Luke Hirst failed to slide the ball into an open goal after the visitors’ goalkeeper’s clearance had been blocked.

And that miss proved costly as Batt deftly flicked home a Ryan Scott cross to break the deadlock after 67 minutes.

Monville forced Giddens into a diving save as Bowers looked to find an equaliser, but they were unable to find a way past the National League South side.