The West Ham United squad will include players with first team experience such as Zavon Hines, Junior Stanislas, Frank Nouble, whilst youngsters including Oliver Lee, George Moncur, Sebastien Lletget and Christian Montano could also feature. The last time Grays faced West Ham was at the start of the 2009/10 season, where a team that boasted names like Julian Faubert, Kieran Dyer, James Collins, Jack Collison, Hérita Ilunga, Danny Gabbidon and Junior Stanislas ran out 2-1 winners at The Rec in front of 3,169 spectators. The season before, the Blues were victorious with goals from Ishmael Welsh and Charlie Ide sealing the 2-1 win.
EAST THURROCK are doing the right thing and preparing for the new season in the Ryman Premier by sparring against teams a league above them. A stronger Dartford overwhelmed them 4-2 last night at Rookery Hill but there were plenty of lessons learned for Covo's men.
On 15 Tilbury had 2 good shouts for penalties, but were denied. This did spur the visitors and a good run down the left by Bradley Barnes saw him cross to Emiel Aiken to head home unmarked. Both sides continued to play some good football, with Hadleigh going close on 32. On the half time whistle Aiken had the ball in the net again, but on this occasion was ruled out for offside.
Thurrock gradually took control of the play and were showing promising signs of a team coming together.The first half remained goal less with the best chance falling to Dulwich in the closing minutes of the half when a defensive error allowed Bradley Walsh a header with just Holloway to beat but he failed to make a good contact and the ball went wide.
The number of cups has been increased this year as the Trophy runs for the first time alongside the existing Women’s Cup, which has operated since 1994. The Trophy is open to reserve teams (except those clubs playing in the FA Women’s Premier League), clubs in Divisions One and Two of the Essex County Women’s League, and Under 18s sides.
Good run out for Grays in their first pre-season friendly. Defence and midfield look strong but the Blues looked a little goal shy up front. Friendlies on Friday and Saturday to come.
In the second half and on the hour Rocky Baptist put Thurrock ahead, once again a Cracknell Boylan one two gave Boylan the shot that was saved by keeper Reynolds and Rocky Baptist was on hand to shoot home from eight yards out. Thurrock an Lowestoft both made changes and the game lost momentum and in the 72nd minute the visitors gained their second goal when substitute Forshaw drove home a loose ball from close range.
Lowestoft always bring a healthy support. This will be a tester for the Fleet. There is no real feel for how Thurrock will do this year or indeed the quality of the team. First run out at Rookery Hill for Covo's men. Again. it will be interesting to see how the team is shaping up.
AVELEY eased their way into the season with a decent goal-less draw against Ware. Ware are now under the guidance of Stuart Nethercott and the former Spurs star is clearly keen to forge a strong side together.
First up, Carlos almost picked out Joe Sweeney but his attempts to reach the bar went agonisingly close, before Harry Agombar’s header hit the woodwork after 35 minutes. Shortly after, Carlos delivered to the back post where Eljay Worrell was waiting to head the ball in for the opening goal of the match.
Former Grays star, Glenn Poole got the Fleet back to 2-1 but after half time, the Magpies had total control of the game and it was only a matter of time before the made the game safe. Plenty for Robbie Garvey to think about as they welcome Lowestoft to Ship Lane tomorrow evening (Tuesday).
LOCAL companies are being encouraged to “take it outside” by GetIntoFootball Thurrock Officer Faye Lambert as preparations begin for a brand new Thurrock Seven-a-Side Business League every Wednesday from the 3rd-31st August on the 3G pitch at St Cleres School in Butts Lane, Stanford-le-Hope.
Thurrock started their pre season programme with the visit of BSBS playoff winners Ebbsfleet United. The visitors started the brighter but the new look Thurrock side fielding six new debutants created the better chances on the break. The first half remained goalless but Lee Boylan did have a half chance in the 33rd minute just dragging the ball wide of the far post from 10 yards.
Bryan was a long standing shareholder and director of the club, and had been involved with GAFC for many years. In 1982, he was instrumental in securing a future for the club as he was able to persuade its patron, the late Ron Billings, to submit what turned out to be the highest bid to purchase The Recreation Ground.
