By Bill Robinson
With both teams desperate to get some match practice, the two neighbours arranged a friendly match ahead of some important matches at the weekend.
Both managers took the opportunity to field their strongest squads using all available players throughout the game.
A solitary goal on 36 minutes by Aveley striker Stanley Sherwin separated the teams when the Thurrock defence failed to clear at the third attempt allowing Sherwin to blast the ball home from close range.
Towards the latter part of the second half Thurrock’s fitness began to tell and they started to dominate the match. The resolute Aveley defence remained solid; determined not to be breached.
Thurrock did hit the woodwork twice Ryan Stalley’s chance being the best as the ball curled around and striking the foot of the post.
Other chances from Lee Roache and David Knight were well saved by keeper Dave McCartney.
