Thurrock quickly picked up their first silverware of the new campaign when they won last season's delayed Ryman League Bryco Cup with a 5-1 success at Bishop's Stortford.
In a final of four penalties, only good saves from Dunstable keeper Paul Taylor stopped Thurrock taking an early grip.
He kept out efforts from Tresor Kandol and Dwayne Plummer before ex-West Ham man Lee Hodges made it 1-0 after 25 minutes.
Hodges, who also appeared on loan for Southend United, was thwarted from the penalty spot when Taylor saved his effort, but Cliff Aurang made it 2-0 before the break.
Dunstable pulled back a goal from the spot through skipper Grant Carney, but Akurang grabbed a third with his second penalty.
Skipper Jimmy McFarlane headed home Thurrock's fourth before Akurang claimed his hat-trick with another spot-kick, this time awarded for a blatant handball.
Published Monday August 9, 2004
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