After their stout resistance against Chelmsford, it may well have to be more of the same for Thurrock against high-flying Bromley. The four other teams have key games as well i what is shaping up to be a fascinating final two months.
Thurrock broke the deadline in the 62nd minute when Pullen once again fluffed the ball from a corner and Kenny Clark got his head to the ball to put the Fleet in the lead. Chelmsford got back into it in the 67th minute when Clark handled in the box and Dave Rainford didn't make the same mistake twice and scored from the spot.
The goal that Aveley’s endeavour merited came five minutes before half time. Tamer Tuna was the creator, forging down the left flank before crossing into the path of Sherwin Stanley who got two bites of the cherry as Ross blocked one attempt on his goal but was stranded as the ball cannoned over him on the rebound.
The club have been suspended for some time because of debts to the league and had indicated their wish to withdraw their first team while continuing to play in the Youth League, a proposal the other clubs found unacceptable.
HEAVY rain overnight means there will be a number of pitch inspections for the five teams in the borough. East Thurrock have confirmed that there will be a pitch inspection at 11am for their local derby against Tilbury.
A home defeat last week put the brakes on the revival. A key game against fellow strugglers Wood, will test the true credentials of the Fleet recovery.Tilbury will go for this one as Paul Vaughan pits his brains against the master-tactician, John Coventry. Expect goals especially with Sam Higgins back.
Ladies Get Fit Through Football takes place every Tuesday at the Culver Centre in South Ockendon and is looking to target Ladies 16+ who may be complete beginners or who have perhaps previously played, and are now looking for opportunities to get back into the sport.
As Tilbury went on the search for an equaliser, Redbridge caught Tilbury on two successful breaks which were both supurbly denied by goalkeeper James Marrable. However, as Redbridge tried to run the clock down, a run by Jack West saw his eventual shot deflected for corner.
Sam Higgins may well be the difference between winning this league and qualifying for the play-offs. In the 53rd minute, he rose home at the far post and he secured the three points with a simple tap in, in the 80th minute.
WHILST all the sunday nationals have revealed that Grays Athletic boss Julian Dicks appears to be closing in on a return to West Ham as part of the club's coaching staff. YourThurrock can also reveal that fellow ex-Hammer and assistant manager Kenny Brown is also in the frame. But Grays Athletic bosses are keen to stress that they have a Plan A, B and C for all eventualities.
THE DOCKERS came back from a shock own goal in the second minute to claim a well earned victory against Great Wakering Rovers at Chadfields on Saturday. Boss Paul Vaughan said: "The opening goal was a bit of a shocker but we are made of stern stuff now and did well to come back."
DESPITE a hard earned draw at home to play off contenders Kingstonian, Aveley fell to the bottom of the Ryman Premier table yesterday. The two relegation spots seem to be between five clubs but Aveley, despite never being outclassed are going to have to pick up three points in matches pretty soon.
Harlow were largely the better side in the first half and deserved their lead, but East Thurrock came back strongly after the break and in the closing stages came close to snatching the spoils. In the end honour was deservedly even, with both goalkeepers basking in glory after some fine saves.
