Derby disappointment for Rovers

Derby day was upon us and with both teams desperate to take all 3 points this game was always going to be a nervous affair for both teams.
Over 300 fans packed in to Lower Road to watch this six pointer unfold and it didn’t take long for the away fans to have something to cheer about when in the 4th minute Darnell Mavanga - Kithambo opened the scoring when he turned and shot and saw the ball nestle into the bottom corner of the hosts net.
Rovers looked like they were going to run away with the game early on Mavanga - Kithambo going close to his second but his header was saved by Hullbridge stopper Greene, more chances followed from Jaden Crowhurst and Luke Reeve but despite Rovers domination it was only the one goal that separated the sides at half time.
With the hailing wind in their favor Hullbridge came out fighting and looked the better side for long periods going close to the equalizer on a couple of occasions, however Rovers always looked dangerous on the break and there big chance came on the 74th minute, and it should have been game over Crowhurst finding himself with acers of space and with three Rovers players queuing up he decided to go for glory but blasted his shot way over the hosts goal.
The counter attack was on again in the 87th minute when Alex Clark broke into the box and with only the keeper to beat he saw his shot cannon off the post and go out for a Hullbridge throw in.
With 4 minutes added on Hullbridge pushed forward but they must have thought their chance had gone when a messy clearance by the Rovers defense nearly ended up in their own goal.
However there was one more chance and with seconds remaining Rovers were finally punished for their missed chances, a beautifully taken corner found Joe Gregory who headed home into the visitors net and earned a vital point for Hullbridge.

By Neil Hope