AN inspirational goalkeeping display by Thamesmead goalkeeper Rob Budd saw East Thurrock United suffer a 1-0 defeat.

Thamesmead have found their first season in the Ryman Premier very tough and went in to Saturday’s game ahead of bottom of the table Cray Wanderers on only goal difference.

And, with Cray winning at home to Met Police, Budd’s saves stopped Thamesmead heading to the bottom themselves.

Tyrus Gordon-Young grabbed the game’s only goal just shy of the hour mark.

But Rocks might have already sealed victory themselves by then had it not been for Budd.

The best of his saves in the first half came early on when he blocked a close range effort from striker Leon McKenzie.

His team-mates took full advantage of Budd’s heroics in the 59th minute when Gordon-Young beat Rocks shot-stopper Sam Mott to a corner and reacted quickest when his header bounced back off the crossbar to tap home the rebound.

His effort proved to be the game’s decisive goal but only after one more stunning save from Budd as he somehow got his finger-tips to East Thurrock substitute Mitchell Gilbey’s late header which he pushed around the post.

Rocks have now triumphed in just one of their last 10 games.