Thurrock strike late to beat Crusaders

The hosts started the brighter but rarely created any clear cut chances as Hungerford grew into the game. The best chance fell to Tom Derry inside the six yard box who shot wide after the visiting defence failed to clear the ball. Danilo Orsi-Dodomo forced a low Jack Giddens save from a low Richie Whittingham cross with Hungerford’s first chance. Rocks winger Gorkhan Can was a threat in behind and tested Weaver with a free kick before miscuing a header when unmarked in the penalty area. Weaver also denied Danny Harris just minutes before the Crusaders goal. Defender Matt Jones whipped in a deep cross that was met by the ex-East Thurrock striker Danilo Orsi-Dadomo to side foot home. That was his third goal in three appearances for the side coming just six minutes before half time.
The second half was one of low quality with Hungerford controlling proceedings without threatening the host’s goal. Thurrock huffed and puffed throughout but rarely looked like scoring despite Weaver having to make two saves to deny substitute Roman Michael-Percil and Harry Lee. However with just seven minutes reaming the game turned on its head. Midfielder Charlie Ten-Grotenhuis was booked twice in a matter of minutes to reduce the visitors to 10 men. It changed the game as the Rocks broke through the Crusaders defence with two stoppage time goals. Michael Percil saw his effort deflect in before Steve Sheenan smashed home to spark wild celebrations.
By Ciaran Morrison