There's never a dull moment when these two old rivals meet and Saturday's Ryman League Division Two encounter at Rookery Hill proved no exception.

Having said that, Rocks' former Basildon United and Concord Rangers boss Lee Patterson would have been confident of seeing his side carry on the good work after pipping the village side for the Third Division title and beating them twice last season.

After all, Thurrock totally dominated their first-half and could have been well ahead before much-travelled striker Rikki Finning headed them in front at the far post from Steve Carter's cross.

Danny Winney headed just over from Tony Pizzey's fourth minutes cross and visiting midfielder Adam French had to head over his own bar to deny Luke Baulkham on the half hour. Then the usually reliable Mark Cox missed out when the ball rolled invitingly across the Wakering goal.

In stark contrast an hour of the proceedings had gone before Wakering had their first real goal effort - substitute Liam Bright crashing a 35-yard effort over the bar.

However, four minutes later, Wakering got on terms when Micky Munro was on hand to head home skipper John Heffer's well-flighted cross.

From that point on Wakering came more into the game and could justifiably argue that they deserved a share of the spoils which sees them ninth in the table and climbing into the top six if they can beat bottom club Leighton Town at Burroughs Park tomorrow night.

Mind you, East Thurrock trail them by only one point - and have no less than four games in hand.

After tomorrow night's affair Wakering's concentration will centre on the start of this season's FA Carlsberg Vase challenge, which starts in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, on Saturday with a second round visit to Stotfold. With Wembley Stadium being rebuilt, it's been announced that this season's Vase final will be staged at Aston Villa's ground, Villa Park, on Saturday May 6.

It's getting mighty crowded - as Great Wakering launch another attack on the East Thurrock goal.

Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

By Dick Marshall

Reporter's e-mail: dick.marshall@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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