Despite having enjoyed a solid first season at Ryman Division One North level, Great Wakering Rovers will be glad to see the back of local rivals East Thurrock United.
Having lost 5-0 at Rookery Hill earlier in the season, the village side were again left with egg on their face in yesterday's Easter return with Rocks at Burroughs Park.
Rovers held their own in a goalless first-half, but Thurrock boss Lee Patterson has always held something of an Indian sign over Wakering and so it proved again yesterday in a second-half goal spree.
Injuries left Craig Dennis as the only experienced man in the back four for Rovers but, after Scott Holding had gone close after five minutes for Rocks with a free-kick, Wakering enjoyed a good spell just before the break.
Gary Ewers was just over with an outstanding 43rd-minute effort and two minutes later Dan Trenkel set Mark Hampshire up for an effort which Rocks' goalkeeper Mark Hardingham saved.
It was a different story after the break. Mark Cartlidge gave the visitors a 53rd-minute lead after a brilliant solo run and three more goals in the closing 15 minutes made this an afternoon to forget for Alan Hull's hosts.
After 75 minutes James Dwyer scored with a low drive at the second attempt after Dave Hudson in the home goal had saved his original effort.
Lee Burns got the third three minutes later from close range after a flowing move down the left. Then Keith Martin put the icing on the cake when, with Wakering looking increasingly ragged, he scored the fourth eight minutes from time.
Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003
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