Extra-time agony for the Rocks as they fall despite a great effort. Soham are in good nick but this is starting to be a worrying slump for the Dockers.
THE district team play weekly matches on a Saturday in the Essex League, the Gills’ Shield, the Crisp Shield, the Lester Finch Trophy and the prestigious Southern Counties Cup and will be playing teams from across the south of England. The squad of players also attend the FA affiliated Jersey Football Festival where Thurrock play teams from across the country and representatives from Jersey.
MILLERS' inconsistency cost them two points in the race for a Ryman One North play-off place on Saturday as they drew at home to perennial strugglers, Ware. After Aaron Gayle had given the home side the lead after just six minutes it looked like Justin Gardner's side were in for a routine win.
BARKINGSIDE started strongly and Andy Edmunds fired just wide after only 4 minutes. A good move on 11 when Danny Francis laid in Lee Weemes who shot at the keeper. On 13 the one major talking point when Lee Weemes was kicked off the ball in view of the assistant and with the game stopped, Weemes was cautioned, to the surprise of many.
Some missed chances and scuffed attempts by both sides saw the first half finish goalless. There was a high tempo throughout the game which lead to a number of scrappy exchanges in the middle of the park and a lack of quality on the ball, particularly in front of goal.
A FINE solid performance from a Thurrock team that fully deserved all three points to maintain their play off position.
Although Thurrock didn’t dominate the first forty five minutes they were good for the 1-0 advantage when they went in at the break. With a little more luck they could have had more just minutes before the opening goal, on 35mins Brad Warner was put through with a lofted cross that split the defence but his volley went inches over the bar.
Away win for Grays at Hampton, the highlight of the afternoon. East Thurrock did well to grab a draw in the FA Trophy with Dover. Aveley and Tilbury's seasons seem to be slowly drifting away.
LET NOBODY say Grays Ath do not try as they Blues put in a real 90-minute shift to take all three points at the Beveree Stadium. The Beavers looked like a team that enjoyed sweeping forward and signalled their intent with a lovely ball to Charlie Moore on the left. Moore nutmegged Ian Gayle and his shot was deflected away for a corner.
THE YOUNG GUNS OF Grays Athletic are just ninety minutes away from a dream tie with premier league giants, Chelsea. But first Grays Ath have to take on a very strong Dartford FC in the second round of the FA Youth Cup. Win or lose it is testament to the developing foundations at the club.
TWO goals from Lea Dawson saw East Thurrock leave Earlsmead with a Ryman Premier League point but it felt a little like two lost as the Rocks enjoyed much the better of possession and Hendon were grateful for a late equaliser which was against the run of play. Play was balanced through the opening stages with both sides threatening, but not delivering a goal. There was plenty of neat interplay and some tough tackling but it seemed the sides would go into the break on level terms until a cross to the far post ended in a scramble and Lee O’Leary sfound the space and opportunity to force the ball over the line from close range.
Tilbury returned from play off contenders Maldon and Tiptree pointless, disappointed after such a strong showing early on. Tilbury made changes again to there line up with Mead, Nightingill, Blackman and I'Anson returning to the side. The Dockers were further hampered due to injury to Donovan Simmonds. Tilbury were out the blocks immediately with Nathan Ashton firing a free kick towards goal.
THURROCK kept up the heat on the leading pack in Ryman North, as a David Knight double, secured a win at Cheshunt Stadium. Joe Clemo fired the hosts ahead inside the first five minutes, and though Mark Stimson’s side were behind for the bulk of the first half, they drew level, deep in first half stoppage time.
THIS game may not last long in the memory but a solid bore-draw is probably just what Grays could do with just now. Sometimes seasons have to be the cliched one-game at a time or just managed in bite size portions.
JUSTIN Gardner felt his side were unfortunate not to come away with at least a point after falling to a 3-1 defeat to Heybridge at Scraley Road. After a poor first half which lacked any real cutting edge, the second half started with a bang as Michael Cheek found acres of room behind the Aveley back line to open the scoring within 30 seconds of the restart.
