Rocks slump when it matters

EAST THURROCK UTD 0 OXFORD CITY 1

AT a critical time of the season, East Thurrock turned turtle and produced one of their worst displays of the campaign.

On the back of successive victories, the hosts went into the match with optimism but showed nothing at all to suggest they have it in their locker to avoid relegation. They were one-dimensional and lacked energy.

Oxford were better in every department from start to finish. The howling wind was the dominant factor in the game but Oxford were least affected, a fact exemplified but the fact they forced five corners in the first five minutes of the second half against the wind. Rocks had managed one in the whole first half.

Oxford took the lead on 17 minutes when the home defence parted and Kyran Wilshire strolled through and side-footed home.

By then Jack Giddens had already produced a remarkable double save to deny Reece Fleet and it was only the intervention of ref Philip Staynings that denied the visitors a two-goal lead, ruling out an effort in the closing minutes of the first half.

City set their stall out in the second half and though Rocks improved in the closing stages, with Craig King making two saves, they were good value for their win. STAR MAN: Brandon Thomas-Asante (East Thurrock) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★