EAST THURROCK U 1 CHESTER 0

EAST Thurrock produced a committed and skilful display to dump National League Chester out of the Trophy and reach the last 16 for the first time.

Chester flickered briefly in a bright opening five minutes but then the National South side settled and took a grip on the game, particularly in midfield where Max Cornhill and Harry Phipps were superb.

Chester keeper Sam Hornby was tested twice and produced good stops but his defence was opened up by some classy passing and on 17 minutes a flowing move ended with Calvin Ekpiteta scrambling the ball home from close in.

East Thurrock had chances to extend the led but took a single goal lead into the break and were grateful for a fine save from Lukas Lidakevicius in the opening minutes of the second to stay ahead.

Chester pressed hard but failed to create much and it was the Rocks who came closest to grabbing the game’s second goal when Ryan Sammons crashed a shot against the bar.

Chester’s best chance fell to James Jones on 76 minutes but he headed wide and then Lidakevicius did well to save from Ross Hannah who raced through.

Chester sub Gary Roberts marked his debut by getting sent off for a poor challenge on Cornhill and from then on the visiting ten men looked a beaten side as Rocks played out time. STAR MAN: Lee Burns (E.Thurrock) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★