Thurrock Men’s 1s 7 v East London 2s 4
THE first game of the season turned into an epic battle for Thurrock’s first team, after fighting relegation last season the whole team has been working hard and wanted to set the season off on the right foot.
The first half was a very fast and nervous half for both teams but with the Trio of Ashley Snell, Nick Stapleton and Stephen Edwards in the centre Thurrock started to put the ball to stick, and create some excellent chances with returning skipper Steve Abbott forcing the East London keeper to make some excellent saves, the first goal come through some really well worked midfield play and Declan Milane finishing a good move off, Thurrock then turned the screw some more with Steve Abbott converting a short corner. East London then fort back bringing the score back to 2-2 but once again with some excellent build play Liam Birch put the T’s in front again. Thurrock then sat tight and attempted to shut up shop until half time but East London worked a short corner and converted in the last minutes of the first half, 3-3.
The second half East London were the brighter team and opened the scoring but then Thurrock’s fitness kicked in and went on the rampage! Steve Abbott putting some good aerial balls into some good spaces allowed Freddie Taylor and Declan Milane both converting, 5-4 and some more quick passing allowed Abbott to bag his second. Thurrock then pushed even harder forcing a penalty corner which Thomas Ing calmly converted. For the last 15minutes Thurrock shut the door and all 11 men put 110% in keeping East London out, Thomas Ing took control and Ethan Pinion Andrew Gaut and Andrew Sargeant stood strong and Thurrock held the 7-4 score to the final whistle. Next week Thurrock are away to Maldon and will need to put in the same shift as this week.
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East Men’s League. Division 7 southeast. East London 6th team v Thurrock men’s 2nd team. 3-1 to East London.
Thurrocks mens 2nd XI got their league season up and running with a defeat to last seasons division 8 champions. A very rusty looking start meant almost the entire first half was played in Thurrocks half, going down 3-0 by halftime, with only a few glimpses of an attack towards the end of the first period.
The second half was a much more even affair, though Tee’s have keeper Danny Hick to thank for keeping a second half clean sheet with some superb blocks and interceptions. Neil Donovan scored Thurrocks only goal and remained Thurrocks best chance at closing the gap further. With the whole men’s section missing players on the opening weekend, they are hoping to show improvement next week at Palmers with one or two regulars back in the squad.
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No men’s 3rd team game
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Thurrock Ladies 1’s had a difficult start to the season, the newly formed side faced recently relegated Bromley and Beckenham. Thurrock started the first half well showing lots of attacking promise however, unfortunately we’re unable to convert opportunities at at half time were 0-1 down. The second half Thurrock once again were unable to convert attacking opportunities and recently relegated Bromley and Beckenham took advantages of this converting their opportunities. It was a difficult start for the team but with lots of positives to take forward for the next game. Final score 0-5.
Thurrock Ladies 2 first game of the season was against Maldon. In a largely one sided affair, Thurrock won by 4-0. Player of the match was awarded to left-back, Niki Woodruff who was also on the score sheet for a goal in the second half. Overall this was a strong team performance from Thurrock!
No ladies 3rd team game.
