BOGNOR were undoubtedly the side that deserved the points over the 90 minutes and will surely present a substantial challenge for a play-off spot at least. East Thurrock’s ambitions will centre around survival but there were enough plus points in this performance to suggest that better results will not be too far away.
THIS WAS one of those games that Grays had so much to be proud of but in the end they went away empty handed after a 1-0 defeat against Maidstone United at the Mill Field. Maidstone United are in the play-off positions and put five past Grays Athletic last season.
ILL-discipline costs Grays Athletic dear as they have two sent off and lose in injury time to much-fancied Maidstone United. East Thurrock remain just above the relegation zone after a defeat away at Bognor.
However, a remarkable transformation began with Lewes’s comeback opener three minutes after the resumption and for the next half hour the Rooks had the Rocks on the rack and they looked the side set to claim victory. Thanks to a post and some resilient defending the visitors held on and actually came back strongly the game’s closing moments and might themselves have snatched a winner.
TWO goals from Kyle Asante saw Aveley record their first back to back victories since August with a gutsy 2-1 win away at Chatham Town. A goal in each half from Asante ensured that the Millers built on their win over Wroxham from last weekend as they continue to search for some much needed consistency.
IN the sixth minute an Ashton corner was cleared off the line. Within 2 minutes the Dockers took the lead when another Ashton corner saw Ramblers have numerous attempts to clear their lines, Weemes struck the bar with a header and Danny Francis managed to score from his second attempt and bundle over the line.
THURROCK grabbed a vital point at the Harlow Arena to keep up their promotion challenge in the Ryman Div One North. Thurrock thought they had a good shout for a penalty in the third minute when David Knight thought he was bundled over in the box but the referee, Mr Stuart Cheek waved play on.
The Rocks pegged back by The Rooks after being two goals up. Thurrock travelled to Harlow and grabbed a vital point. Aveley gain all three points away at Chatham.
GRAYS gave a good account of themselves but ultimately fell a little short in this Boxing Day Ryman Premier clash which saw the hosts maintain their promotion challenge.
The visitors gave a debut to on loan Southend United keeper Luke Chambers and he found himself busy in the early stages. However, the first clear cut chance came when a through ball bisected the centre of the defence and home stopper Phil Wilson had to race from his line to clear under pressure.
THOUGH there was plenty to encourage Rocks boss John Coventry, including a debut for Chris Bourne after his signing from AFC Hornchurch, he must have wondered whether it was worth the effort to get the game on when most of his neighbours’ grounds were waterlogged – particularly as the encounter was played out in front of a paltry festive crowd of just 115, the lowest of the season at Rookery Hill, which is becoming a difficult place for Rocks to play this season.
GRAYS ATHLETIC defeated 3-2 away to promotion chasing Dulwich Hamlet whilst The Rocks drop three vital points against relegation threatened Carshalton. All other games postponed.
EAST Thurrock arrived at Ram Meadow with a depleted squad and little expectation but left it with their heads held high after a battling draw. To compound the departure of striker Jason Hallett back to Canvey and the suspension of Jack Hopkins, keeper Sam Mott was unable to make the game because of transport problems.
TWO goals in injury-time from Jay Leader saw Aveley complete a remarkable turnaround and record a desperately needed win over Wroxham. 3-1 down with eight minutes remaining, goals from Kyle Asante and two from Leader ensured the Millers picked up their first league win in seven.
A VITAL point for Thurrock saw them draw level at the top of the league with VCD Athletic. James Baker put the Sudbury in front after just 21 seconds into the second half with a low shot into the far corner. Thurrock equalised through Lewwis Spence from a corner just after the hour mark.
