Grays Athletic have bolstered their backline with the signing of Ian Gayle on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge. Gayle signed a professional deal with the Daggers in May 2011, alongside Louis Dennis.
THE EXTENT of the challenge for Thurrock this season was clear for all to see as they were steamrollered 4-0 by an impressive Dover. The first real chance fell in the 4th minute for Lee Boylan who found himself with space in the area but his shot was tipped over the bar.
THE THURROCK squad are quite enjoying being everyones tip to go down this year. Or indeed, being 100-1 to be promoted. Either way, they battled hard to earn a point at Salisbury on Saturday, a team tipped for promotion.
Ramsgate went into the break on a hot afternoon the happier of the sides. Within 4 minutes they almost made it 2 when Sherwood hit just wide. On 69 James Marrable had to be at his best when he saved well following a goalmouth scramble. The hosts did get into there stride and substitutions made. This brought immediate results when another goalmouth scramble and on this occasion Aaron Matthews slotted home. In the final 10 minutes Jack West had two good runs and also just hit wide. In the final minute Ramsage's Pascal Ebigbo headed just over the top.
With the long wait over Thurrock opened their campaign with a visit to newly promoted Sailsbury City. The new management team have worked hard over the summer to rebuild a side ready to compete in the Blue Square Bet South. The opening exchanges of the first half went Thurrock’s way as they pushed the home side back into their own half. Dave Partridge header Rocky Baptiste and Lee Boylan.
Sure enough, Jean-Michel Sigere was nudged in the box in the 63rd minute and the referee pointed to the spot. Joe Sweeney made no mistake. Three minutes later, a lovely through ball from sub Jason Fontaine found Harry Agombar in space who coolly slotted the ball home from close range.
MANY people thought that Tilbury were destined to go down last year. It was the first time boss Paul Vaughan had taken the step up from youth football to the semi-pro leagues. It is hard in those circumstances to assert oneself or get the lay of the land.
SOMEHOW, Thurrock remain in the Blue Square Conference. Two reprieves in the past three seasons may be seen as lucky or may be a reflection on the state of football finances at the moment. But if there is one chairman who cuts his cloth or as he says' "If you haven't got socks, you can't pull them up!"
The Blues secured their first win over Canvey Island since April 2002 with a fine 2-1 win at Park Lane courtesy of two first half goals. More interesting signings for the Blues as they gear up for season that starts at Ware on Aug 20th.
Speaking to YT, Hakan said: "I am 90 per cent sure of my starting eleven. There are still one or two decisions to make and perhaps one of two players to come in. "Fitness is good even though not every player has had 90 minutes but once the season kicks in the games will come thick and fast.
Before Thurrock could regroup and enjoy the moment Harlow went back in front, as the ball came over from the right Donny Barnard spectacularly hit the ball over his shoulder with his back to the goal and the ball flew into the top of the net.
Hammers boss, Sam Allardyce turned out to watch the young charges run rings round Grays in the first fifteen minutes. Sam had been at Thurrock on Monday as well. Many of the young players know this and so these games are far from training matches for the young Hammers.
