AS MANAGER John Coventry said after the game: "It is just three points" You can understand John's measured response in the light of the two previous seasons but the Rocks took a massive step towards promotion with this victory against second placed Needham Market.
A disappointing result for Thurrock keeping them far too close to the relegation zone for comfort, with only four games remaining three of which are against teams in the top five.
Thamesmead continued the pressure trying to level. The Momodu's combined well, after a defensive mix up, for the ball to go wide from Gabe. Mick Davis found himself clear and shot from 25 yards to see the ball go just over the bar. Grays were starting to get back into the play and soaked up the attacks. On 25 minutes Danny Bunce picked up the ball and hit it long to Steve Demetriou who's shot deflected off Jared Small into the path of Fontaine who cooly lifted the ball over Mott to put Grays 2 – 0 up on 25 minutes.
IT IS without doubt their biggest game of the season. In many ways it is their biggest game for the last three seasons as East Thurrock United welcome second placed Needham Market at Rookery Hill. Table toppers East Thurrock have had a brilliant season under the sage guidance of John Coventry.
AVELEY have produced two fine performances over the last three days to really raise their hopes against relegation. With five games to go they have now pulled away from the relegation zone by three points.
It took to the 75th minute for the next main chance when a long through ball from Aaron Matthews found Ben Boyce who under pressure flicked the ball past the on-coming goalkeeper to seal the three points for Tilbury.
t was, to most observers, rough justice on Heybridge but East Thurrock, whose manager John Coventry was announced as the March manager of the Month winner on Saturday morning, will also feel that on the balance of play they deserved the victory.
Abbey attacked from the start when Tyler Campbell found himself clear to shoot wide before Athletic had a chance to settle on the ball, a wake up call that Grays immediately took notice of and returned the attack when Si Thomas ran clear but the bounce of the pitch deceived him as he put it wide. The early exchanges continued as both teams crafted an end to end first half. Manny Osei's pace and Campbell's guile caused the Blues defence a challenge as they tried to wend their way through and Brad Thomas and Eljay Worrell had to be on their game to cope.
This is more like it as Lee Boylan grabs a hat-trick for Thurrock on debut to help the relegation battle. Great draw for Aveley and Grays keep their fingertips on a play off place.
But the big games at Rookery Hill will be Needham on April 9th followed by the form team in the division, Brentwood on April 16th. Surely, it won't come down to April 25th when East Thurrock are at home to their tenants, Grays Athletic?
THE SLENDER hopes of a play-off berth for Grays Athletic just got a whole lot slimmer as Grays dropped two home points against fellow hopefuls Heybridge.
GRAYS boss Julian Dicks has become the latest name to be linked with managerial vacancy at Newport County reports Wales online. But the County hierarchy insist they will not be pressured into making an appointment, even though caretaker Tim Harris has now been in place since January following the departure of Dean Holdsworth.
