LEE’S PRIDE AS TIGERS GO TOP

TRURO CITY went top of the table after a late Connor Riley-Lowe penalty extended their winning run to seven matches, ending East Thurrock’s unbeaten record in the process.

The Rookery Hill clash had promised much before the game, with only goal difference separating second and third placed teams in National League South.

White Tigers manager Lee Hodges told The NLP: “It was a great performance from 1 to 16. Everyone was immense. We stayed positive even with ten men and kept two up.

“We always had a chance and we nicked it in the end. I am very proud of the boys.”

For all their early pressure and possession the visitors were limited to a speculative Tyler Harvey shot from outside the area and an Aaron Lamont crossshot which skimmed the bar. When the deadlock was broken, a mistake proved to be the difference. A slip from Rocks’ keeper Lukas Lidakevicius on 21 minutes when dealing with a simple backpass set Harvey through on goal and though the Lithuanian keeper scrambled an initial save, Noah Keats was left with the chance to slide the ball home. The goal brought the match to life and within a couple of minutes a throw-in on East Thurrock’s right touchline erupted into a brawl involving almost every player bar the keepers.

Truro’s Ed Palmer was dismissed, swinging the momentum in the host’s favour.

As the half wore on the Rocks took advantage, the best chance falling to Lewis Smith, who met a pull back from Simon Peddie but his shot was deflected wide.

East Thurrock started the second half as they finished the first, with a ball over the top in the first minute setting up Femi Akinwande to shoot straight at Tom McHale, while Peddie and Reece Harris were constant threats down the wings.

The Rocks were rewarded for their pressure on 62 minutes through the dogged Smith, who finally found space after a Sam Higgins through ball to score the goal their efforts deserved.

East Thurrock continued to press, with Smith having a strong penalty shout turned down on 68 minutes and sub Montel Agyemang heading over a Peddie cross on 78 minutes.

But with ten minutes remaining, the White Tigers introduced River Allen in an attempt to pinch the game.

The risk proved worthwhile, as with only two minutes of normal time left Allen was bundled over in the box by Harris, allowing Riley-Lowe to convert the spot kick and Truro to steal a valuable three points.

Rocks boss John Coventry had no complaints, saying: “They wanted it more than us, they worked very hard especially with ten men and they thoroughly deserved the win.”