Thurrock's FA Cup dream came to an end at Kenilworth Road last night as Colin McBride's brave side were narrowly beaten by Second Division Luton Town.

But they pushed their professional opponents right to the wire before yielding to two goals in the closing stages of an absorbing cuptie.

Goal man - Thurrock scorer Cliff Akurang battles with Luton's Lee Mansell Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

In-form Hatters' hitman Adrian Forbes hat-trick was enough to end the fairytale for the determined Ryman League Premier Division outfit despite an outstanding display from goalkeeper Paul Gothard and a stubborn rearguard action from his back four.

In an even opening half-hour Thurrock's central defensive pairing of John Purdie and Jimmy McFarlane kept Luton's highly-rated front pair of Forbes and Steve Howard quiet but they could do little as half-time approached.

A long ball into the penalty area on 39 minutes was flicked on by Howard, causing confusion in the centre of the Thurrock defence.

Forbes latched on to the loose ball, and although his initial shot was superbly blocked by Gothard, the rebound struck the striker and trickled agonisingly into the Thurrock net.

McBride's men came out fighting after the break and struck level just four minutes after the restart.

Frontman Cliff Akurang latched on to a glaring mistake from Lutonleft-back Barnett on the halfway line.

He raced clear of centre back Chris Coyne before coolly slotting the ball past an advancing Marlon Beresford.

But Forbes struck the killer blow 14 minutes from time.

Steve Robinson's low cross appeared to be eluding everyone until the striker craned his neck to expertly head the ball past a stranded Gothard at the near post.

In the 87th minute Luton winger Ahmet Brkovic was felled as he skipped into the box. Forbes slammed the resulting spot-kick past Gothard to put Luton into round two.

Published Wednesday November 19, 2003

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