Grays overcame a tricky Cinderford Town and a referee right out of the "I'm in charge" school to win 2-1 and through to the next round of the FA Trophy. Second half goals by Alex Osborn and Simon Thomas (pen) secured the Blues victory.
Canvey Island extended their winning streak to three matches in all competitions with a 3-1 victory away to relegation-threatened Aveley. However, despite an excellent...
Reiss Gilbey pulls the strings as a classy looking East Thurrock get back to within three points off top spot as they overcome Ilford 2-1 at Rookery Hill.
It took to 47 minutes for the next chance as the Docker's Nathan Gordon twisted and turned he unleashed a shot which rebounded off the crossbar. With Tilbury pushing on, they left themselves open at the back, and on 59 minutes the game was put to bed when Okojie picked up the ball on the right and cut in to fire a poor strike which landed to substitute Joel Barnett, who struck the ball hard and low past the diving Marrable to give the Blues the three points.
Again, not much joy for the borough with only East Thurrock obtaining any points. Thurrock still winless, Aveley and Tilbury both look like they will be facing relegation battles throughout the winter.
Every team at home this weekend so no excuse for fans to get out and about and support the boroughs' teams. At Thurrock: first home game in charge for new boss Glen Lincoln and it is quite a challenge as they face promotion favourites, Bromley.
The players have become a collection of individuals. They only thing that makes them a team is the kit they are wearing. They need to appreciate that their careers are approaching crisis point. For many there were times in the West Ham Academy or League One or League Two. Their time at Grays was meant to be a period of re-adjustment followed by a bounce back up the league. Now they are traipsing off at the Mill Field realising that their careers are imploding in front of their eyes.
However, the club played recent signing from Grays, Glen Kendall in the tie on October 12, and he had already played for his previous club, Grays Athletic in the first round of the competition, Grays going out to Waltham Forest on September 15.
A game that was keenly looked forward too by both teams with the Hammers sitting top of the table and Keynsham second there was a lot of points and pride at stake. Despite the lack of goals the game was still a classic encounter with both teams looking to take all three points.
Grays misery continues as they find the opportunities but not the net. A paltry crowd of 225 indicates that the fans are growing restless and the rise back up the leagues may take a lot longer than they thought.
Rocks, as is often their way, dominated the opening stages but failed to secure the breakthrough and it was Abbey who were to take the lead on 18 minutes through Bristow and Ogunkoya extended their advantage six minutes later.
