30 Aug 2008
VIDEO: FA Cup - East Thurrock United v Hatfield Town

Watch the highlights as East Thurrock United knock out Hatfield Town in our featured Road to Wembley tie

East Thurrock United

4-2

Hatfield Town

Kris Newby 2, Steve Harrison 58, Martin Touhy 62, Kurt Smith 80

 

Ben Wood 5, Daniel Staples 84


The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Preliminary Round
Rookery Hill
Saturday 30 August 2008
Winning clubs will receive £1,500 from The FA

Despite watching his side defeat Hatfield Town in the Preliminary Round of The FA Cup, East Thurrock United boss John Coventry, knows improvements must be made if they are to progress further in the competition.

An early Kris Newby strike was cancelled out by an audacious - if not fortunate - lob from Hatfield's Ben Wood and Coventry believes the visitors should feel aggrieved that the scores were level at the break.

"I'm happy with the result, but not the performance," Coventry admitted.

"[Hatfield] were exceptional. I thought their work-rate was tremendous [and] they were the better side for long periods of the first-half."

Steve Harrison restored Thurrock's lead just before the hour mark and a third from Martin Touhy four minutes later was evidence of an improved second half performance from the home side.

"In the second half, you could see a change in our attitude straight away [and] after [the second goal] we got a bit more confidence," Coventry said.

Kurt Smith effectively sealed the victory with a fourth in the last ten minutes and Coventry took the opportunity to give some of the club's younger players experience of playing in The FA Cup.

Daniel Staples scored a late consolation for Hatfield and Coventry admits his relief at being in the next round.

"If I'm honest, when you look at the draw, your first thoughts are how many rounds you can get through, with the prize money being increased. That's important for small clubs.

"But to be part of [The FA Cup] is just great. I won't remember the performance by next Friday, but I'll know we're in the next round."

East Thurrock United will now face Hillingdon Borough in the First Round Qualifying which will take place over the weekend of 12-14 September, with £3,000 in prize money available to each of the 116 winners.

Click on the above video for action from East Thurrock United v Hatfield Town.