AN outstanding performance by Thamesmead’s current goalkeeper and an error by a former popular incumbent of the Mead number one shirt decided the outcome of this Ryman Premier clash on Saturday. East Thurrock will look back and wonder how they didn’t win after dominating much of the game and carving out chance after chance. The answer is keeper Rob Budd who pulled off save after save in the first half then capped it with an outstanding stop in the closing moments to ensure all the points stayed south of the Thames.
HAVING taken such an early lead it was important for the Millers to hold onto their advantage and control the tempo of the tie. But before they could settle back into the match they found themselves level again as Hythe scored from the penalty spot after Rhys Lawson tumbled under challenge from Sam Holloway.
A GOAL in each half was enough to see Thurrock through to the next round in an uninspiring match that gave very little for the fans to cheer. Both goalkeepers had little to do throughout the game but Thurrock were the better side and deserved the win.
TILBURY made smooth progress in the qualifying round of the FA Trophy with there best performance of season, to beat Needham Market. On a sad day for the club following the passing of long time former Chairman and Company Secretary Robin Nash earlier in the day, Tilbury done him proud with three goals and a clean sheet.
GRAYS are humbled by table-topping AFC Hornchurch. It was always going to be a tough challenge and it proved to be. On a sad day with the passing with Robbie Nash, the Dockers produce a great performance. Vital three points dropped for the Rocks against basement side Mead.
GRAYS were truly outclassed by a Hornchurch team who trounced Grays 5-1 in this local derby at Mill Field. Grays knew that they would have their backs to the wall and so from the start fought hard as Hornchurch attacked. There was good examples of back-tracking by Joao Carlos as well as Junior Baker hacking the ball away in a goalmouth melee.
GOING into this Ryman One North clash on the back of a run of defeats manager Justin Gardner had called for a win at any price – and got it, though he conceded the margin of victory against a team that ended the match with ten men flattered the home side. Gardner had injected some new blood into his side by signing Petrit Elbi from Brentwood and the striker marked his return to Mill Field with two goals.
MEDIOCRITY was the order of the day in this instantly forgettable Ryman Premier clash which ended all square after Rocks’ second equaliser two minutes from time. Though they had the first attack when Kye Ruel raced through several tackles only to delay making an incisive pass, Harrow spent much of the first half pushing their visitors back.
GRAYS ATHLETIC have been drawn against Daventry Town FC in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Daventry have had a spectacular start to the season winning seven out of seven in the Southern League Division One Central which is the equivalent of Ryman Division One North.
GRAYS ATHLETIC progressed into the third qualifying round of the FA Cup with a workmanlike 3-0 victory against local rivals Tilbury at Mill Field. The game was played in tricky conditions with a swirling wind and bumpy surface.
Tight game but Thurrock will be disappointed and frustrated at defeat. A good and well-earned draw for the Rocks. It is just going to be a roller-coaster ride for the Millermen.
GRAYS produced a stellar performance to defeat a formidable Bury Town 4-3 at the Mill Field. Bury were unbeaten away from home and early on, you could see why as they played a very confident one-touch game. Grays were intent on releasing the early ball and get their forwards flying.
CURTIS Haynes-Brown struck in the 90th minute to seal Lowestoft Town’s first away win of the season at East Thurrock last night (Tuesday). The match looked to be petering out into a draw until the defender profited from Michael Frew’s header back across goal, volleying the ball into the roof of the net.
AVELEY suffered a fourth successive defeat after two goals in two minutes saw Soham come back from 3-2 down to win 4-3. It now means that Justin Gardner’s side has conceded 14 goals in their last four games, but there were some positives to take from the match, especially in the attacking department.
