Noble effort denies the Rocks

ST ALBANS CITY 2 EAST THURROCK 2

AN OPEN and entertaining contest saw St Albans and East Thurrock share the points with City denying United victory three minutes into added time.

City’s Charlie Walker struck the woodwork inside two minutes and moments later home keeper James Russell made a point blank save from Tom Wraight.

But there was no denying Wraight on 16 minutes when his half volley, following a chested lay-off by Sam Higgins, soared into the home goal.

City drew level inside four minutes when a free-kick by captain David Noble was deflected wide of the wrongfooted Lucas Lidakevicius.

Chances came and went at both ends and East Thurrock should have restored their advantage on 68 minutes following a foul by Tom Gardiner on Wraight, only for Sam Higgins’ penalty to be saved by Russell.

Russell then pulled off a stunning save from a Wraight header before City substitute Sam Merson had a goal disallowed for a foul on Lidakevicius.

The Rocks looked to have secured victory three minutes from time when Reece Harris fired across Russell.

But back came St Albans again when Lidakevicius saved from Zane Banton only for Noble to rifle home the rebound from 22 yards.