Rocks let the lead slip but Covo may be fairly pleased to get the first game under the belt and a point on the board. The Gaffa said Aveley would start off with a bang and he was right! Very assured performance by Grays Ath down at Bognor in their first appearance back at the Ryman Premier.
THE BLUES got off to the perfect start to their Ryman Premier season with an emphatic 3-0 victory against much-fancied Bognor Town. Grays played the game in the manner of their coach: assured, unflappable and certain. The Blues started brightly and Jeff Hammond went close in the 4th minute.
East Thurrock United have been the pre-dominant side in the borough for the last couple of years. Promotion to the Ryman Premier was followed by their wonderful FA Cup run in 2011-12, which was in turn followed by a berth in the play-offs last season. Momentum would indicate that they will want to build upon that however there have been a number of high profile departures over the summer including Sam Higgins, Sam Collins, Kris Newby and Kye Ruel, to name but a few.
A TEENAGER has been charged following an alleged assault on a steward at a football match.
The 16-year-old (who cannot be named for legal reasons) will appear at Basildon Youth Court on August 27th. The alleged incident is said to have taken place during the pre-season friendly between Aveley and AFC Hornchurch at Mill Field, Aveley on Monday (Aug 5th).
THURROCK put their troubles behind them to thump eight past the Basildon side. Scorers were: Lewis Perkins, Lewis Spence, Louis Hazlewoood (2), Callum Ibe, Brad Warner and Danny Jones (2). They begin their league season at home versus AFC Sudbury on Saturday.
GRAYS ATH won a spirited local derby (and the Stan Venness trophy) with a last gasp goal by Kenny Beaney at Chadfields. The Dockers started brightly as Tony Jacobs skipped past Craig Pope to surge into the area but his cross was weak.
THURROCK have failed in their attempt to overturn a three-point penalty and subsequent relegation in a series of events rooted in an unpaid £16 fine.
Thurrock were penalised for fielding Joel Barnett, a player ineligible after not paying the fine two years ago.
THE Millers suffered their first defeat of pre-season against a very impressive Dulwich Hamlet side thanks to a brace from Erhun Oztumer. A penalty just before the break and a delightful curling effort 15 minutes from time from the diminutive Oztumer was more than enough for Dulwich to record victory at Mill Field.
NORWICH City have confirmed the signing of Celtic striker Gary Hooper for a fee thought to be around £5m. The 25-year-old former Grays Athletic star has agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club, who have the option of keeping him for a further year.
BELHUS Ladies made their home debut at North Stifford with a much more polished display in their second of two fixtures with their near neighbours. The home batting was solid and the fielding was sharp. Belhus batted first and opening batsman Allison Edmeades struck two fours in an impressive innings of 14 not out to be her team's leading scorer in the two recent fixtures with the Havering-based club. Edmeades was eventually bowled by Hannah Charman (1-10), with 39 runs on the board in the ninth over.
EAST THURROCK United face Conference Premier outfit Dartford FC at Rookery Hill at 7.45pm tonight (Wed). John Coventry's men have been training for a few weeks now and have enjoyed a couple of good work outs with Cheshunt and Witham.
THE RYMAN LEAGUE has published their fixture list and there are a host of fascinating fixtures on the first day. Grays Athletic are on the road and off to Bognor for their first game in the Ryman Premier on Saturday August 10th.
BLUES started their pre-season campaign in searing heat at Rush Green against Lincolnshire side Brigg Town, recording a hard-fought 1 – 0 win. The match started with a familiar eleven, with Ryan Maxwell the only player not to have ended last season with the club.
THURROCK FC are set to take their "points deduction" to the European Courts.They are doing this after the FA upheld their decision to dock them three points for playing an illegible player. A decision that saw them relegated for the second consecutive season.
THURROCK FC boss Tommy South has spoken of his “utter devastation” after his club lost their appeal against demotion from Ryman Premier League today. The Club have been docked three points won against Lewes because they played Joel Barnett, a player who unbeknown to them – and the Football Association – was banned sine die from football.
