Another determined and solid performance gave Thurrock their first back to back league wins since October 2009. The new management team at Ship Lane have transformed the players and the belief in themselves which has seen them move out of the relegation places. It’s too early to say they are safe but the signs are more promising.
Ruel had the chance to finish the match off for Rocks with three minutes to go but scooped the ball wide of Goodwin Green and the post. Deep in added time he had another chance to finish things off, but was again wide of the target but it didn’t matter as the final whistle went soon after to secure Rocks’ eleventh successive league win.
GRAYS ATH dug deep, held firm, showed consistency and took a well deserved three points away from Barrows Farm with a 2-1 victory. Boss Julian Dick's was very frustrated after the draws at Wingate and Maldon and for a long time it looked like Grays might be frustrated again. With difficult conditions to combat again, the first half was littered with unforced errors.
Six points in two games for a resurgent Thurrock while great victories for Grays, East Thurrock and Aveley make for a night of celebration in the borough.
RYMAN Premier hosts Billericay made just one change from their weekend clash with Kingstonian while their Division One North rivals opted for five amendments to their starting line-up and a couple of youngsters on the bench for Tuesday’s Essex Senior Cup tie reports the Essex Enquirer. And, on a muddy but just-about playable pitch thanks to the hardworking Blues groundstaff, the experience and cohesion of the senior side saw them through.
Goals by Bobby Traynor and Matt Gray secured the three points for the Kingston Road outfit. Traynor scored following a goalmouth scramble while Gray drilled a shot into the back of the Aveley goal to finish Aveley off.
It is credit to Aveley’s spirit that they didn’t take long to restore the lead when, just a couple of minutes later Howell received a well placed through ball and with the keeper advancing, clipped an audacious chip from outside the area, gliding the ball over him into the net.
The home side, buoyed by an emphatic midweek win at Sudbury set off with an aggressive tempo and an early foul by one time Rock Rudi Hall on Reiss Gilbey showed their intent to knock the visitors out of their stride. However, East Thurrock refused to be bullied and gave notice of their attacking endeavour when Kye Ruel crashed a shot from distance against the crossbar after just five minutes.
One win doesn't make a season say the new management team but many are impressed with the new-look Thurrock as they cross the water to beat Dartford in vital relegation battle.
It was evident in the interview afterwards that boss Julian Dicks was beating himself up after the game. He shouldn't as Grays have produced two performances out of three which show they should be much further up the league than they are at present.
Tough opener for caretaker manager Grant Gordon as they take on fellow strugglers Dartford in front of a big crowd. Gordon has already rung the changes with Leon Lalite moving to Harlow and Liam Harwood and Jamie Richards among the new signings.
From the outset, many football pundits felt Lincoln was only "keeping the seat warm" for ex-Braintree boss Robbie Garvey. Indeed Garvey became a regular fixture at Thurrock matches. As his presence increased, albeit from the sidelines, so the confidence of Lincoln and his charges seemed to evaporate.
Chief Inspector Paul Moor, the Thurrock district commander, said: “Prior to this event we had very close liaison with the organisers who agreed to increase their security and stewarding at the event following some minor scuffles at a previous match.
Stuart-Evans was initially booked after 23 minutes after being adjudged to have warranted a booking when tackling Craig Nurse. And he was then given his marching orders after bringing down Sam Reed, for Millers second sending off in as many league matches, after Spencer Harrison’s dismissal just before half-time against Wealdstone, which resulted in another 2-0 loss.
