THURROCK wrecked 10-man Eastleigh's play-off dreams with an emphatic Blue Square South victory that capped an exciting second half to the season that promises much for the future.
Thurrock took the lead in the 36th minute when Fola Orilo-nishe's cross was headed home by Matt Bodkin.
Three minutes later Che Stadhart was denied the hand of Riviere, who was shown a straight red card. David Bryant's spot kick was saved by Jason Matthews.
Bryant made amends as he turned provider for Orilonishe, who smashed the ball into the near post top corner from eight yards on the stroke of half-time.
Unlike a dejected Eastleigh, Thurrock returned from the half time team talk with much of the same, and in the 49th minute extended the lead to three as Stadhart got his just deserts, heading home Bodkin's cross.
Eastleigh made a triple change hoping to get back into the game, and in the 65th minute substitute Steve Watts got one goal back. But Stadhart's 89th minute through ball was smashed across goal by Bodkin and into the net.
Other results: Basingstoke 0 Maidenhead Utd 0, Bishop's Stortford 1 Bath City 1, Braintree Town 1 Eastbourne 0, Bromley 0 Dorchester 1, Havant & Waterlooville 1 Welling 0, Hayes & Yeading 0 Bognor Regis Town 2, Lewes 3 Weston-Super-Mare 0, Newport County 1 Fisher Athletic 2, St Albans 1 Hampton & Richmond 1, Sutton Utd 0 Cambridge City 3, Thurrock 4 Eastleigh 1.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article