THURROCK
Thurrock appeared to be the Jekyll and Hyde team last season. This was acutely illustrated when the overcame Harlow Town in the play off semi finals and were then trounced by Brentwood in the finals.
The fact that they could be so inconsistent and yet reach the play off finals may well augur well for the season to come.
Attention will be drawn to the alleged "big spenders" such as Maldon and Tiptree and AFC Sudbury. Harlow Town look solid but Thurrock looked primed to have absorbed everything they have learned over the last two seasons and mount a challenge for promotion, if not win outright.
There have been some key signings such as Daniel Francis, who if he can be consistent can be a class act.
They have had a good work-out in the pre-season
Prediction: 2nd
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AVELEY
As long as Justin Gardener is in charge, then there will be headlines for Aveley. This time it will be because there is a six game stadium ban for " The Gaffa" due to an incident in Harlow last season.
But Aveley remain a fascinating side and a difficult team to beat. Last year, they played high temp, attractive football and we are sure that it will be the same this season.
There have not been any high profile signings but instead a consolidation of the players they have.
If they can get a good run early on then they will be there or thereabouts. However, they have a tough start with Bury (A) and then Heybridge (H).
It should be fascinating.
Prediction: 8th
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TILBURY
The new bosses at Chadfields brought in attractive, positive football since they took over at the turn of the year.
They will no doubt be excited as they now have a full season in which to take on the league.
There was a great run in the season, that they will no doubt be focussing on.
They have had a good pre-season and will look to get straight out of the blocks in August.
But it may be hard to compete with those big spending clubs and so the Dockers may be content to hold their own and take each game as it comes.
Prediction: 9th
