NEW Heybridge Swifts boss Cliff Akurang made it six points from his first two games in charge as they won 1-0 at Thurrock.
It was also the manager's second successive clean sheet, though he had new boy, defender Charlie Hunter, to thank for that after clearing off the goalline late on.
A 22nd minute goal from Marcel Henry-Francis on his debut was enough to send the Heybridge fans home for Christmas happy.
Heybridge were given an early scare in the second minute when a ball in from the right was back heeled by Joel Nouble leaving Ross Wall eight yards from goal but he blasted over as defender Aaron Gayle attempted to get in the way.
Heybridge had a decent spell of play and possession through the middle of the half and got the all important goal when Joe Pearman picked up the ball outside the area, weaved around defender Simon King before laying the ball wide for Billy Hunt.
His first time shot was only parried by keeper Andy Walker into the goalmouth where Henry-Francis was perfectly placed to slide home.
Defender Danny Barber came close to turning home into his own net from a Smith cross four minutes later, but he recovered to concede a corner which Ross Wall could only head over from six yards.
Hunter fired over from 25 yards after a link up with Morgan ten minutes before the break.
Heybridge picked two bookings in first half stoppage time, Gayle and a late slide by Paul White on Robert Clark.
Swifts were certainly the better side in the half with more possession and more chances.
Henry-Francis would have doubled his tally early in the second half but for a one-handed save from Walker to deny his powerful drive. Rob Gilman cleared as James Goode stood his ground to prevent Hunt from stealing in.
With a little under 20 minutes to go, Thurrock gave Heybridge a scare when second half substitute Louis Hazlewood picked up the ball just outside the box and fizzed a shot that flashed narrowly wide.
Abs Thompson cut past Barber on the right to fire in a low cross which Gayle back heeled away, Lewwis Spence saw a shot blocked but as the ball remained in play he collided with defender Emmanuel Monthe, the game was briefly stopped so Spence could receive attention to a head injury before continuing.
Thurrock made changes during the second period and threw players forward as the game became tighter.
Hunter headed off the line with four minutes to go, when Gilman met a corner with a free header. John Osonowo followed up with a low shot which Danny Sambridge was able to gather before the whistle signalled a second successive win for Akurang.
