Blue Square Bet South

Thurrock v Farnborough

The Fleet will want to bounce back from being hit for six by Dartford last week.

Ryman Premier

Horsham v Aveley

Bottom of the table clash for the struggling Aveley. Boss Lee Hodges quit on Wednesday.

East Thurrock Utd v Bury Town

Two defeats in a row but the Rocks put in their best performance of the season on Tuesday so they will be keen to build on that.

Ryman Div One North

Potters Bar v Grays Athletic

Grays are completely out of sorts whilst Potters Bar are on of three teams who are moving up the league.

Tilbury v Soham Town Rangers

Fortress Chadfields is what is keeping the Dockers in the play off fight.

Hodges was appointed in November after the departure of Carl Griffiths, but the former West Ham midfielder felt existing work commitments meant he couldn’t devote as much time to the job as it required.

Hodges said: “First and foremost I would like to thank Aveley FC and their committee for giving me this managerial opportunity.

“I would have loved it to work out but I have a young family with three kids and along with my job which takes up a lot of the time, I felt I couldn’t give the football club the amount of time it needs and deserves.

“At first I thought I would be able to balance everything but it just hasn’t turned out that way.

“There is no animosity between me and the club and once again I thank them for the opportunity.”

Also leaving alongside Hodges is his assistant Jason Broom.

Club secretary Craig Johnson said: “I received a call from Lee on Monday evening, informing me of his decision to resign from his position as first-team manager. Whilst results have not been as everyone at the club would have liked, Lee’s call to me was still a bolt out of the blue to us all.

“Only two weeks ago chairman Graham Gennings spoke to Lee, and told him his position was safe irrespective of what looked likely to be relegation from the Ryman Premier after three seasons, and that we should be looking at the remaining games with next season in mind.

“Joe Keith has been put in temporary charge of team affairs, as the club will look to make an appointment in due course with next season being its main focus.”

Hampton and Richmond 4 v 1 East Thurrock United

Should have killed them off in the first game. The Rocks are looking a little tired as they play their 42 game of the season.

Ryman Div One North

Redbridge 3 v 0 Tilbury

The Dockers rotten away form continues but no disgrace against an in-form Motormen who might have a say in the play offs themselves.

The 29-year-old from Grays has lost her place at British Boxing’s national training centre at Sheffield and so ruling her out for the Under-51kg category.

Boxing chiefs have indicated the decision was due to a lack of progress at the very elite level.

Nina, only took the sport up four years ago and was in the same weight category as the vastly experienced Nicola Adams.

Adams is a former world amateur double silver medallist and is current European gold medal holder.

YT understands that Smith still plans to compete in boxing’s world champs in China in May.

Up against some fierce competition she refused to let the field of nearly 200 runners intimidate her, finishing the fast paced 4k race in an impressive 3rd place.

Her next challenge will be back at Basildon this Saturday, in the Southern Schools Inter County Championship.

But Orsett A look strong favourites for the title folllowing another positive performance, this time at the expense of Belhus B. Orsett reached 137-4, for whom Joe Mitchell was undefeated on 45 not out, the highest individual score of the event to date. Offering reliable support were Tom Haden, 18, Jack Plom 19 not out and Connor Boreham with a fine 23. In reply, Belhus were dismissed for just 28 runs as Will Gibbon claimed two wickets for five runs and Plom picked up one wicket from two overs without conceding a single run.

Rayleigh enjoyed a six-wicket victory over the Belhus A team. Max Jones with 20 not out and Matthew Dobson with 25 not out, made light work in chasing down the Belhus score of 63-6, for whom George Maidment top scored with 22. Mark Fogg also reached double figures with 10 in a much improved batting display from the previous week, despite the problems caused by Rayleigh’s Conor Slough, who emerged with bowling figures of 3-19.

Fixtures (Friday 3rd February): 6pm -Horndon on the Hill v Orsett A; 7pm – Belhus B v Orsett B; 8pm – Stanford le Hope v Belhus A.

Thurrock faced a strong Southend team who were determined to avenge their 4-0 defeat at Palmers earlier in the season. The Thurrock defence were under heavy pressure from the start but held strong until midway through the half when a defensive mix-up allowed the speedy attacker to score from close range.

Soon after Southend added a second from a short corner. Thurrock battled but failed to penetrate a solid defence in which the keeper made some telling saves. In the second half Thurrock reorganised their formation to strengthen their midfield and it quickly provided results when a through ball from Himesh Patel allowed Michael Fleming to drive into the D and flick past the keeper.

Within minutes a shot by Fleming was saved by the keeper but Dave Everett seized on the rebound to level the score. Southend worked hard and drove forward in numbers to reclaim the lead however strong tackling by Declan Salmon backed up by a string of outstanding saves by Danny Hick kept them out. A hit out by Salmon was quickly moved up the field by Josh Brody who then passed to Jimmy Venus whose dribbled through the defence before hitting a shot from the edge of the area which left the keeper rooted to the spot.

Buoyed by this lead Thurrock drove forward with Ricky Smith weaving through the Southend defence before slipping the ball to the right allowing Fleming to get his second goal. Southend fought back and forced Thurrock to make a series of desperate clearances. Eventually a rising reverse stick shot from the edge of the area flew into the top of the net past the diving Hick’s stick. Southend continued to pile on the pressure but Thurrock were in no mood to be beaten and held firm to claim the points.

This Saturday the Thirds are home to Saffron Walden 6 at 2 pm

THURROCK 52 v 25 NORTH WALSHAM

THURROCK welcomed strugglers North Walsham to Oakfield making their first visit since 1984. Thurrock elected to play with the very cold breeze at their backs and got off to the best possible start as Michael Stanley charged down a clearance kick and Charlie Russo starting a game for the first time in 4 seasons reacted the quickest to score under the posts, Frankie Neale stepped up to add the simplest of conversions. Borrett pulled a penalty back for the visitors, but two moments of magic gave Thurrock the upper hand.

Firstly a chip over from Ian Rudgeley was collected by winger Sam Boshell to score close to the posts, and moments later Thurrock had a penalty 8 metres from the Walsham line, Michael Stanley instead of going for the corner chipped over the top of a static defence and sprinted to touch down close to the dead ball line, Neale added both conversions. The visitors come back well and scored a try against the run of play with Austin crossing for an unconverted try.

Thurrock continued to press and gained the bonus point when Ian Rudgeley went over and Neale continued his 100% success rate with another conversion to make the score 28-8 at the break

Thurrock now with the stiff breeze in their face were kept under early pressure by the visitors, and again sloppy penalties made their cause harder, and Tibbatts went over after a few minutes of concerted forward pressure. Thurrock however came straight back with a devasting spell of great running rugby, and scored tries from Boshell, Josh Cook and Russo, Neale converting the first two but his attempt on the later drifted wide, this gave the home side a great 47-13 cushion. You would think that a team trailing by that score line would lose interest, but they showed great resolve and were rewarded with two late tries from Hyde and McCall the former being converted by Borrett gave the visitors a bonus point. Thurrock however broke the 50 point mark in either side of the two Walsham tries, when Ben Stanley won the race to touch down in the corner, Neale failed to convert from the touchline. Another good performance from the home side cementing their place at the top of the table, and now turn their thoughts on a difficult trip to Colchester

TEAM: Neale, Boshell (Farrell 65m), Gorman, M.Stanley, B.Stanley, Rudgeley, Cook, North, Durrance, Bevans-Royston, Loka (Cooper-Hicks 60m), Kyle Tucker, Timson, Russo, Flavin, Rep C.Rate

This week Thurrock travel to COLCHESTER in the top of the table clash. Kick off at Mill Road is at 3pm

Waltham Abbey 2 v 2 Tilbury (Attendance 65)

Tilbury left Capershotts with many saying either it was a point gained or two points lost on a cold chilly afternoon in Waltham Abbey. Tilbury were indebted to a last minute strike from the excellent Ben Crooks who was at the heart of the defence.

Paul Vaughan and his management team had to make a number of changes due to suspension to Paul King and Joe Nightingill and were also dealt a blow just before kick when skipper Gary Henty was deemed unfit to start due to injury.

Tilbury had the best chance after only 30 seconds when Steve Good shot just wide. On 9 Sam West also went close but was denied by Harry Ricketts in the home goal. Tilbury dominated for long periods and looked to be the side to take the lead. On 27 Alex Read was played through and from an acute angle struck the post. Just before the break Emiel Aiken was again denied by Ricketts.

Waltham Abbey came out stronger in the 2nd half and they were the side more likely to score. On 53 they did just that. With Abbey coming forward in numbers, the ball fell to Dan Harvey who shot from range and took a slight deflection into an empty net. The introduction of Harry Cook for the injured Emiel Aiken brought some life to Tilbury. On 63 Waltham Abbey thought they were going to be further ahead, but a stunning save from James Marrable from a rasping shot from substitute Louis Bristow. On 67 a ball from the left from Bradley Barnes struck the arm of a home defender and the referee pointed to the spot despite home protests. Sam West struck home into the roof of the net. Within 4 minutes Tilbury were again awarded a penalty when Tom Webb was upended in the box and the referee who was in no doubt again pointed to the spot. This time West hit the same side but blazed over. Waltham Abbey were again denied by a super Marrable save on 75 tipping over ex Tilbury striker Adam Bolle’s effort. In the final 10 minutes Abbey went close from Bristow and Bern efforts in there quest for the 3 points. With only 2 minutes to go Harvey was again found in space and slotted past Marrable to take the lead for his side. Tilbury went forward in numbers in the final 2 minutes and were rewarded in injury time when a good Tom Webb cross from the right found Ben Crooks at the back post unmarked to tap home.

With sides around Tilbury dropping valuable points, they will be disappointed they did not take all the points and take them to 4th in the league.

After the game manager Paul Vaughan commented “Delighted the boys did not give up. Waltham Abbey is always a tough fixture and was pleased how we bounced back after going behind twice. Tuesday night is another big game and hope to include a number of players back into the squad”

The result still leaves Tilbury in 6th place and now travel to Redbridge on Tuesday night looking for 3 points to take them in to February in 4th place. Next Saturday they entertain out of form Soham Town Rangers.

Team – Marrable, Mead, Worrell, Crooks, West, Bryan, Aiken (Cook 58) Good, Read, Webb, Barnes

Subs not used: Matthews, Skerritt, Taylor and Henty

Blue Square Bet South

Bill Robinson reports from Princes Park….

Thurrock had to make the short journey across the Dartford bridge to their local rivals but needed a big performance if they were to pick up any points from the high flying Darts.

The opening encounters where encouraging for Thurrock as they match the home side in all areas, but when the fell behind in the tenth minute, then the thirtieth and again on thirty four minutes it became a one sided event.

The opening goal came from a corner, as the ball came over it was Elliot Brabrook who stole in from the far post and fired home unmarked from inside the six yard box.

Thurrock tried hard to get back into the game but there lack of goals over the last few matches was evident again as they failed to test keeper Louis Wells in the Dartford goal.

On 30 minutes Danny Harris fired in an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net after picking up the ball on the edge of the Thurrock box from a defensive header.

Just four minutes later the Thurrock defence was pulled apart allowing the ball to be crossed to the far post for James Rogers to drive in a low shot beating keeper Caig Holloway.

HT 3-0

The second period started with a flurry of Thurrock attacks but the Darts defence was able to keep their keeper safe from attack.

It looked as if Dartford had decided to setting for the win as the pace of the game slowed but then a seven minute spell mid way through the half saw Dartford double their tally to six.

Goals from Lee Burns (72) Tony Garrod (77) and a second for Elliot Brabrook on 79 minutes thoroughly humiliated the visitors leaving them with an impossible task.

Thurrock continued to try and push forward but it was now a lost cause, sitting rock bottom of the table and ten points adrift of the safety zone, they need the greatest of Great Escapes to avoid the threat of relegation. The maths say its possible the reality is looking much harder.

Thurrock: Craig Holloway, Reece Harris, Sam Cutler, Rob Gilman, Paul Terry, James White, Stuart Thurgood, Luke I;Anson, Nathan Ashton, Ben Hunt, Lee Boylan

Subs: Jamie Davis, Ben Bowditch, David Hughes, Daniel Okah, Kyle Asante.

AFC Hornchurch 1, East Thurrock United 0

A SUPERB strike by Lewis Smith in the third minute of added time resolved this hard fought Ryman Premier derby in favour of the home side.

Neither side deserved to take the win but if there was to be a talismanic matchwinner on the park it always looked likely to be livewire Smith, who was the one player in the game prepared to take people on and chance his arm with a shot reports the Thurrock Enquirer.

The sides largely cancelled themselves out, with Rocks having more of the ball in the first half, and Hornchurch holding the attacking edge in the second, and the draw seemed a fair outcome until Smith snatched his opportunity.

Chances were few and far between, with the first 15 minutes of the game passing without any real incident, before an off the ball clash between Smith and Rocks’ best player Simon Peddie saw them both booked.

The Urchins were forced into a change when Reis Noel, who had twice suffered in a clash of heads, was replaced by James Love.

Though there were scrambles at both end, and a Peddie header that rose above the bar from a corner, the first clear-cut goal opportunity didn’t come until the 20th minute when a ball through the middle broke well for Kye Ruel but, from close range, he was unable to get any real venom into his strike at goal and

Joe Woolley gathered comfortably.

A minute later Smith had a real chance at the other end but after his pace got him into a good position, he scuffed his low shot wide.

The half was played out in low key fashion, though the decision by ref Jonathon Pickford to play just two added minutes, when there had been a number of lengthy stoppages, baffled most onlookers. Perhaps he just wanted to take a break from the mediocrity and make a fresh start to the game.

Certainly things picked up after the break, with both sides injection more urgency into the play.

Again it was Rocks who had the first chance to break the deadlock when Ruel set up Sam Collins, but his poor shot dribbled wide of the target.

Rocks introduced Petrit Elbi for Ruel soon after and his snappy style of play unsettled the Urchins and he created a number of half chances with his enthusiasm, the best being a run into the box and shot which was blocked. Rocks top scorer Sam Higgins, largely anonymous for much of the game, is always on hand with a killer touch and again he nipped into the limelight by seizing on the rebound but his close range shot was half blocked an ricocheted away off the upright.

At the other end, after 67 minutes, Smith – who was becoming increasingly influential with powerful runs and an attacking instinct largely lacking elsewhere on the pitch, surged forward and looked to have the goal at his mercy but he didn’t catch his shot right and keeper Richard Wray got down to make an unexpectedly comfortable save.

Andy Tomlinson then drilled a shot over the bar and, after another Higgins shot had been easily held by Woolley, Smith again surged into the action, this time firing across Wray who pushed his effort away for a corner,

Smith then looked as is he might have won a penalty when he tumbled in the box but Mr Pickford – who irritated both sets of players and fans throughout the afternoon with his inconsistencies and lack of conviction in decision-making – waved away the appeals.

That looked as if it would be it but, with just 15 seconds of three minutes of added time remaining, Rocks gave possession away cheaply midway in their opponents’ half and Urchins switched play to the opposite side where Joe Anderson capped his man-of-the-match performance with a driving run down the flank and laid the ball to Smith a couple of yards outside the box. He was initially covered by Kris Newby but the Rocks man went to ground with his tackle, and Smith skipped past him to work space and smash a magnificent shot into the top corner. However hard it might have been on the Rocks, it was a goal worthy of winning any match and Smith’s aggressive attacking instinct willingness to shoot when he could, rather than prevaricate was the difference between two well-match sides on the day.

Grays Ath 0 v 1 Maldon and Tiptree

THE WHEELS have certainly come off the Grays Athletic bus as they drop more points with a desperately disappointing defeat at home to struggling Maldon and Tiptree

Grays started really brightly and looked like a transformed team compared to recent performances.

In the 2nd minute, Danny Bunce hit the underside of the bar.

In the 13th minute, Antony Ryan and Joe Sweeney combined well to put Sweeney through but keeper Scott Steven did well to smother his shot from close quarters.

But once again a trend began to kick in: great flowing passing in the middle of the park that ended up in an unforced error and surrendering possession.

At the back, any jitters were being allayed by Junior Baker but they were not helped by Lee Flynn who in this game and others is caught dwelling time and time again.

But it all counted for nothing in the 27th minute as a simple ball straight down the middle went into the path of Jack Stevenson who slipped the ball past Tony Tucker with ease.

Grays continued to try and play touch football, which frankly looks part of the problem and boss Hakan continued to shout at some players and noticeably not at others.

A Danny Bunce piledriver went close in the 33rd minute.

The second half continued in the same vein with great build up play that added to nothing. Wayward shots by Bunce, Beaney and Flynn peppered the goal but you could hardly say that the keeper was over worked.

Paul Olima came on and put himself about but had no sense of direction.

Grays had a great chance in the 75th minute with a free kick just outside the area but Lee Flynn’s kick went into the wall.Another one a minute later did the same.

Grays camped in the Maldon penalty area but it was a turgid as trench warfare.

With Jared Small and Louis Dennis coming on, Grays had four strikers on. Louis Dennis hit the bar in the 85th minute but it was to no avail.

Maldon had worked hard and Grays had flattered to deceive.

YT sees it this way.

The defence is only solid with Bradley Thomas at the back. The midfield, now bereft of David Cowley lacks balance. Nobody seemed to rate Cowley. That was patent from the start and the players were allowed to shout at him while not addressing their own deficencies.

But the heart of the problem is the strike force. The root, as we have shown before, is that, whether you have one partnership up front or twelve, they need to be firing and the Grays Athletic strikers are not scoring enough goals. So it feels as if Grays are playing with nine men. Ironically, now that Hakan has plumped for Joe Sweeney, he has gone off the boil.

Hakan will be under pressure. Teams tend to play in their managers image and this team are flattering to deceive. This season looks like Hakan’s last full season at Thurrock where they reached second place in the Conf South but then slid back to finish outside the play-offs.

People need to stop using the excuse that teams come to play Grays like it is their cup final. That is simply delusional and does not help the debate.

But and it is a big but, they are still in the play off places and can gain promotion. Like a marathon runner going through a very bad patch you just have to cling on to the back of the pack and keep going.

If we are clutching at straws then spring isn’t that far away and the pitches will improve and that, whether, you like it or not is a key part of Grays game.

Well you have to hope……….

Att: 194

Grays Ath: Tucker T, Pope C, Baker J, Cooper G, Flynn L, Carlos J, Agombar H, Beaney K, Bunce D, Ryan A, Sweeney J

Subs: Small J, Ikumelo S, Olima P, Dennis L, Muguo S

Dartford 6 v 0 Thurrock

Another defeat to bridge neighbours Dartford. The game was dead and buried at half time.

Ryman Premier

AFC Hornchurch 1 v 0 East Thurrock Utd

Last gasp agony for Rocks as they lose in dying minutes to the Urchins

Aveley 1 v 3 Tooting and Mitcham

Same old same old for Millermen as relegation looks a certainty now.

Ryman Div One North

Grays Ath 0 v 1 Maldon and Tiptree

Grays look a collection of individuals in search of a team as they lose to lowly Maldon.

Waltham Abbey 2 v 2 Tilbury

Never say die for the Dockers as they come from behind twice.

Grays Ath 0 v 0 Waltham Forest

GRAYS Athletic’s poor run of form continued as they played out a mediocre ninety minutes goal-less draw.

Once again, Grays swopped their strikers and once again, the men up front could not find a way through a modest but effective Waltham defence.

The result now sees them just hanging on to the last remaining play off place but with Tilbury, Sudbury and Brentwood breathing down their neck, they could see their downward decline continue.

Grays play Maldon at home on Saturday who are now managed by former Charlton star, Mike Flanagan.