There's just no stopping them - Thurrock have won promotion for a third successive year!

The Printwize League Division Five was wrapped up on Saturday with a game to spare thanks to Andre Rudder's goal ten minutes from time.

Tees have been nigh on unstoppable since the turn of the year and their record for the season stands at 16 wins from 21 games and only three defeats.

The most important victory of the lot was far from easy, as one might have expected against opposition in the top half of the table who play on a surface - a water-based astro pitch - that Tees are unaccustomed to.

Nonetheless a Dave Dighton deflected shot did give them the lead before the equaliser came from a penalty-flick.

After half-time, Clacton once again applied pressure but the defence of Neil Barber, Rob Fergy and Andy Sargent held tight.

Chris Smith and Matthew Gaut promoted from the 2nds, showed some good passing moves,which resulted in plenty of penalty corners. Unfortunately the difficult surface made it hard work for stopper Ray Oddy and striker Mat Leaver to control.

Thurrock looked as though they were heading for a draw after injuries to Darren Higgins (ankle), Sunny Chada and Paul Orton (hamstring) in what was certainly a physical game.

But ten minutes from full-time Rudder shot from the edge of the D after a one-two with Smith.

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002