East Thurrock United 0-1 Woking

(Kretzschmar 90+7 (p’))

From the FutureFuel Stadium

National League South

MAX Kretzshmar scored a 97th minute penalty to condemn East Thurrock United to a defeat they did not deserve against Woking.

A valiant defensive effort throughout, it took a highly contentious penalty decision in the final minute of injury time to decide the contest.

It was a steady start from both sides with neither creating clear-cut chances.

Jake Hyde shot wide when well placed for the visitors, with Ben Marlow and Albert Levett off target up the other end.

Then there was a moment of contention. On 25 minutes, Ryan Scott appeared to bundle the ball over the line from close range with Woking goalkeeper Herbert Schotteri throwing himself at the defender’s feet.

The referee deemed the ball not to have crossed the line although photographs appeared to show the goal should have been awarded.

After the break Danny Harris struck at goal with Schotteri on hand to tip the ball wide of the goal with Jack Giddens employed for the first time between the home posts.

Hyde was sent into the clear and, having cut inside, he struck through the legs of Lee Burns with Giddens required to make a smart stop.

The stopper made an equally fine stop as the game approached the final 20 minutes, with nothing in the game.

But it was getting increasingly edgy at the back. A superb block by Tom Stephen prevented Kretzschmar netting and seconds later former Rocks man Kane Ferdinand was halted by a sprawling Giddens.

Half chances followed at both ends before substitute Reggie Young went down under minimal contact in the penalty area and the kick was awarded.

Kretzschmar sent the kick high into the net to settle the contest.

East Thurrock United: Giddens. Harris, Stephen, Konchesky, Burns, Scott, Marlow, Lee, Orsi-Dadomo, Derry, Levett (Simmons 60’)