CONFERENCE NORTH leaders were just too strong for the basement side in the Ryman Premier as Thurrock lost 1-0 to Brackley Town at Ship Lane in the FA Trophy. Thurrock were on the back foot from the off. The attacking duo of Brackley's Robinson and Diggin working along the line.
TWO own goals helped Blues to a 2-0 win in the Essex Senior Cup at home to East Thurrock United on Tuesday evening. Manager, Hakan Hayrettin made a few changes from Saturday's defeat at Maldon, with Junior Baker and Danny Bunce replacing Craig Pope and Lee Flynn at the back. Luke Marshall, Joe Sweeney and youngster Brian Moses also came into the starting lineup; Moses making his first senior start for the club.
And Rocks hit the self destruct button again in the eighth minute when debutant Bertie Brayley tried an extravagant pass that conceded possession as Rocks were attacking and another swift counter saw Charlie Moone break down the right and when he crossed, Joel Ledgister had time and space to control the ball, pick his spot and fire home from close range.
A late Waltham Abbey goal denied the Dockers there first win in 4 games on a brisk afternoon on thr Essex/Hertfordshire borders. Tilbury went into the game with Bradley Barnes celebrating his 100 appearance for the club.
10-man Aveley suffered their second successive defeat in the league as they went down 2-1 at home to Heybridge Swifts despite a battling performance. Two goals in the final 20 minutes from Luke Callandar and Michael Cheek finally broke down the resilient Aveley, who had been down to 10 men since the 27th minute after Luke Wilson had been adjudged to have been the last man when bringing down Callandar.
Not a great day in the borough with not a single team winning. Good effort by Thurrock but no points and still bottom. Ten men Millers throw away a lead and the points.
A PATCHED-UP Grays Athletic went down fighting to league leaders Maldon in an excellent battle at the Wallace Binder Stadium. It isn't often that Hakan leads the group hug before the whistle but that was an indication of how important this game was.
A remarkable game of twists and turns with credit to both sides for a hard fought battle between two local teams determined to win. Perhaps the difference was Mark Stimson’s magic touch with the FA Trophy and his half time team talk the transformed his side in the second half.
GRAYS ATH suffered a frustrating night as a fast and furious Whitehawk outpaced them to win 1-0 in the FA Trophy at Rush Green Stadium. Grays started extremely brightly with Joao Carlos looking chipper in particular and with Leon Lalite nipping in, you wondered if the long journey would take its toll on Whitehawk.
STUCK for ideas on how to keep the kids occupied during half term? Free, two-hour holiday sessions are being organised by FA Tesco Skills Coaches in Thurrock on Wednesday 31st October at St Clere’s School so boys and girls aged 5-11 can enjoy a football-filled break from school.
DEPORTIVO headed to Belhus Park to play their fourth league game of the season against Ventura, who at the time find themselves at the bottom of division three. At such an early stage of the season, league positions are not a great reflection on the majority of the league, but Deportivo set out with high hopes against a side they have faced many times over the past few seasons.
TILBURY suffered a third consecutive league defeat against a hardworking Thamesmead Town side on Saturday. Paul Vaughan made four changes from last weeks defeat at Heybridge Swifts. Aaron Waters, Paul King, Emiel Aiken and Steve Good returned to the side.
THE Millers’ run of six straight wins in league and cup came to a bumpy end as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Waltham Forest. A late goal from Jay Leader wasn’t enough to spur Aveley towards gaining what would have been undeserved point, as the Millers struggled to adapt to the poor playing surface at the joint home of Ilford and Waltham Forest.
TEENAGE substitute Dan Fry scored for Blues, as Hakan Hayrettin’s injury hit side came back from a goal down to force a replay against Whitehawk.
Blues went into the match without eight member of the first team squad, with Lamar Johnson, Junior Baker, James Bunn and Joe Sweeney all injured, Jake Hall and Danny Bunce suspended, Harry Agombar ineligible and Jared Small cup-tied. As a result, the entire bench was made up of youngsters who have featured for Andy Swallow’s Southern Counties under 18 side this season.
