Thurrock 0 Weston-super-Mare 1

SHOT-shy Thurrock have now gone 407 minutes without a goal and this third Conference South defeat on the trot knocks a big hole in their aspirations of making the promotion play-offs.

Not since Garry Cross's first half goal against Eastbourne on January 14 have Fleet found the back of the net in a run of four defeats that includes the holders' ignominious exit from the Essex Senior Cup.

The lack of a goalscorer will be a big worry to manager Colin McBride who has tried several combinations up front in a bid to solve the problem.

Injuries and suspension have compounded his problems but on Saturday at Ship Lane he had most of his squad available, with Rob Goddard and Steve Harper restored as the preferred partnership up front and Kris Lee dropping into midfield, where Martin Carthy made way, but once more his side drew a blank.

Consolation can be drawn from an impressive debut by Brentford first year scholar Darius Charles who has joined Thurrock to gain experience. The left back, just turned 18, did well throughout and came close to scoring when his 66th minute free-kick was deflected onto a post by Weston's Lee Jarman.

And in general, Thurrock's play was much improved for their home defeat by Eastleigh. However McBride must know he needs to add venom to his attack and he is actively seeking a striker to solve the problem.

The winning goal for the visitors came early. Just five minutes were on the clock when Weston mounted their first attack and a combination of Scott Walker and Lewis Hogg opened up the home defence, with Hogg heading home.

Charles then delivered a good ball into the box which Goddard headed on but Mark Janney failed to control the ball and the chance was gone.

A similar mistake by Garry Cross wasted another opportunity after good work by Lee and Harper.

Despite Thurrock's improved distribution and possession advantage, Weston still posed a threat and Mark McKeever shot just wide before Justin Pritchard brought the first half to a close with a shot that just cleared the bar.

Thurrock came out all guns blazing in the second half, but foundered on a hard-working visiting defence.

Despite knocking on the door for long periods, Thurrock were unable to open it, Charles' deflected effort being the nearest they came to a goal.