PAUL VAUGHAN'S Tilbury produced the shock of the day as they beat local rivals Brentwood Town 2-0 at Chadfields. The Dockers outfought and out-thought Brentwood with some canny play as Gary Henty and Jack West gave the team the three points on the opening day of the season.
It's looking to be another uphill struggle for Thurrock this year as they slumped to their second home defeat in a week. Weston looked quicker and seemed to read the game better and took control from the start, yet in the second minute a defensive error put Lee Boylan in front of goal with keeper to beat but his blasted his volley high over the bar.
Gloomy for Thurrock as they suffer another defeat. East Thurrock delighted at an away win and Grays play delightful football in the sun at Rookery Hill.
IT WAS sunshine and champagne football all the way as Grays produced a fabulous 4-0 victory against Hertfordshire outfit, Ware. Grays produced everything their fans would have hoped for after the dour Dick's era with free flowing imaginative football mixed with industry and confidence.
The football season in the borough starts for real with all five teams in action. There will be a YT reporter in the press box every Saturday giving up to minute reports.
The centre of midfield will be key to Grays success this season. They never had a "Makelele" last season and it showed. In some pre seasons, Kenny Beaney looked like he could do it but he needs to put a mark on his career which has been too fitful so far. Danny Bunce could also play that role, leaving others to express and create. It will be a vital vital role. On too many occasions last year, midfields walked through Grays Ath. There is plenty of talent on the wings. Carlos looks classy as does Dave Cowley. Dave was Harlow's player of the year last year but he needs a good run. But the squad has such strength that he could run for an hour and then let Jason Fontaine come on.
On Saturday the senior men’s track and field team rounded off their league season at Woking when they finished in 3rd place behind Highgate Harriers, Poole Runners but in front of Thames Valley Harriers and Metropolitan Police. This result confirms a satisfactory mid-table position. This division remains the strongest league in Britain outside the 5 British league divisions.
Grays Athletic have bolstered their backline with the signing of Ian Gayle on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge. Gayle signed a professional deal with the Daggers in May 2011, alongside Louis Dennis.
THE EXTENT of the challenge for Thurrock this season was clear for all to see as they were steamrollered 4-0 by an impressive Dover. The first real chance fell in the 4th minute for Lee Boylan who found himself with space in the area but his shot was tipped over the bar.
THE THURROCK squad are quite enjoying being everyones tip to go down this year. Or indeed, being 100-1 to be promoted. Either way, they battled hard to earn a point at Salisbury on Saturday, a team tipped for promotion.
Ramsgate went into the break on a hot afternoon the happier of the sides. Within 4 minutes they almost made it 2 when Sherwood hit just wide. On 69 James Marrable had to be at his best when he saved well following a goalmouth scramble. The hosts did get into there stride and substitutions made. This brought immediate results when another goalmouth scramble and on this occasion Aaron Matthews slotted home. In the final 10 minutes Jack West had two good runs and also just hit wide. In the final minute Ramsage's Pascal Ebigbo headed just over the top.
With the long wait over Thurrock opened their campaign with a visit to newly promoted Sailsbury City. The new management team have worked hard over the summer to rebuild a side ready to compete in the Blue Square Bet South. The opening exchanges of the first half went Thurrock’s way as they pushed the home side back into their own half. Dave Partridge header Rocky Baptiste and Lee Boylan.
Sure enough, Jean-Michel Sigere was nudged in the box in the 63rd minute and the referee pointed to the spot. Joe Sweeney made no mistake. Three minutes later, a lovely through ball from sub Jason Fontaine found Harry Agombar in space who coolly slotted the ball home from close range.
MANY people thought that Tilbury were destined to go down last year. It was the first time boss Paul Vaughan had taken the step up from youth football to the semi-pro leagues. It is hard in those circumstances to assert oneself or get the lay of the land.
