East Thurrock Utd 1 - Harlow Town 2.

(Ryman League Div Three).

PROMOTION now looks a good bet for the Hawks after another vital victory at East Thurrock.

Not for the first time the team were backed up by some tremendous travelling fans who outnumbered and outshouted their hosts to pull their side home in this promotion battle.

And battle was an apt description for this bruising encounter which saw four players sent off and an ugly brawl in the second half.

In fact referee Mr Goldstone was such a dab hand with the cards that if he should ever give up his day job, Las Vegas beckons.

The Hawks took control from the off, winning two corners in the first five minutes. In the ninth minute they deservedly went ahead when Trevor Wilkinson poked the ball into the net from six yards.

The visitors then continued to dominate for the next 20 minutes and both Marvin Samuels and Andy Walker went close to adding to the score.

But with a minute of the first half remaining, Thurrock grabbed an unexpected equaliser through Gavin Cochayne's header.

It was after the interval though that the game exploded into life.

As the yellow cards began to appear, Thurrock's Paul Casey was sent off for his second bookable offence while goalscorer Wilkinson was also booked.

On the hour, Walker played a great through-ball to Marc Salmon from the left and he eluded his marker in the box before coolly placing the ball into the net to put Harlow back in front.

Moments later, Tony Kelly hit the post and Paul Crabb put the rebound wide of the post.

Then a near riot erupted as Thurrock threw men forward in a desperate attempt to salvage a point.

Hawks' keeper Martin Coomber was pole-axed by a rash challenge and all 21 players left on the field became involved in what can only be described as total mayhem.

When the dust had settled Coomber was stretchered off with a suspected broken rib and Thurrock's Tommy Lee and Danny Winmey along with Harlow's Dave Howell were also ordered off the field by the referee.

Marvin Samuels took over in goal as the Hawks hung on to victory which, with Ford United losing at home to Camberley, puts them in a great position for the title.

Harlow are back at home to Corinthian Casuals this Saturday and the club are urging fans to come along and support the team in their glory bid.

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