Wingate & Finchley 3-4 East Thurrock United

From the Harry Abrahams Stadium

Ryman Premier

 

EAST Thurrock United dug in to record a superb away win at play-off chasing Wingate & Finchley.

The two teams were battling to stay in the division last year but, eight months on, they are now fighting up the other end of the table.

Sam Higgins scored the winning goal from the penalty spot, his 17th goal of the season, after Rocks had gone 3-1 down.

The first goal came inside the first 15 minutes. It was Ola Sogbanmu who scored it but East Thurrock weren’t in arrears for long.

The versatile Connor Witherspoon was in the right place at the right time to equalise before David Knight took over.

The ex-Thurrock forward and top-scorer in the division restored the hosts’ advantage from the penalty spot before adding a spectacular third moments before half-time.

But, as the whistle approached Reece Harris pulled a goal back to take John Coventry’s men into the break only a goal behind.

The teams exchanged blows in the second half before two goals in three minutes turned the game on its head.

Firstly, Lewis Smith, returning from suspension, grabbed the equaliser and, after a foul in the box, Higgins stepped up to convert from the spot.

East Thurrock climb to 9th after the win and, with games in hand on their opponents and two derby clashes over Christmas and New Year, it promises to be a vital spell for Rocks.