SOMEHOW, Thurrock remain in the Blue Square Conference. Two reprieves in the past three seasons may be seen as lucky or may be a reflection on the state of football finances at the moment. But if there is one chairman who cuts his cloth or as he says' "If you haven't got socks, you can't pull them up!"
The Blues secured their first win over Canvey Island since April 2002 with a fine 2-1 win at Park Lane courtesy of two first half goals. More interesting signings for the Blues as they gear up for season that starts at Ware on Aug 20th.
Speaking to YT, Hakan said: "I am 90 per cent sure of my starting eleven. There are still one or two decisions to make and perhaps one of two players to come in. "Fitness is good even though not every player has had 90 minutes but once the season kicks in the games will come thick and fast.
Before Thurrock could regroup and enjoy the moment Harlow went back in front, as the ball came over from the right Donny Barnard spectacularly hit the ball over his shoulder with his back to the goal and the ball flew into the top of the net.
Hammers boss, Sam Allardyce turned out to watch the young charges run rings round Grays in the first fifteen minutes. Sam had been at Thurrock on Monday as well. Many of the young players know this and so these games are far from training matches for the young Hammers.
The West Ham United squad will include players with first team experience such as Zavon Hines, Junior Stanislas, Frank Nouble, whilst youngsters including Oliver Lee, George Moncur, Sebastien Lletget and Christian Montano could also feature. The last time Grays faced West Ham was at the start of the 2009/10 season, where a team that boasted names like Julian Faubert, Kieran Dyer, James Collins, Jack Collison, Hérita Ilunga, Danny Gabbidon and Junior Stanislas ran out 2-1 winners at The Rec in front of 3,169 spectators. The season before, the Blues were victorious with goals from Ishmael Welsh and Charlie Ide sealing the 2-1 win.
EAST THURROCK are doing the right thing and preparing for the new season in the Ryman Premier by sparring against teams a league above them. A stronger Dartford overwhelmed them 4-2 last night at Rookery Hill but there were plenty of lessons learned for Covo's men.
On 15 Tilbury had 2 good shouts for penalties, but were denied. This did spur the visitors and a good run down the left by Bradley Barnes saw him cross to Emiel Aiken to head home unmarked. Both sides continued to play some good football, with Hadleigh going close on 32. On the half time whistle Aiken had the ball in the net again, but on this occasion was ruled out for offside.
AS former Thurrock Harrier Jessica Judd went toe to toe with olympian Jenny Meadows at the Track and Field trials for next months World Athletic Champs it looked at times like she was running with her mum! Sixteen-year-old Judd finished in a respectable sixth in the 800 metres, which may not see her qualify this year but has definitely laid down a marker that this is a major talent arriving.
Thurrock gradually took control of the play and were showing promising signs of a team coming together.The first half remained goal less with the best chance falling to Dulwich in the closing minutes of the half when a defensive error allowed Bradley Walsh a header with just Holloway to beat but he failed to make a good contact and the ball went wide.
The number of cups has been increased this year as the Trophy runs for the first time alongside the existing Women’s Cup, which has operated since 1994. The Trophy is open to reserve teams (except those clubs playing in the FA Women’s Premier League), clubs in Divisions One and Two of the Essex County Women’s League, and Under 18s sides.
Good run out for Grays in their first pre-season friendly. Defence and midfield look strong but the Blues looked a little goal shy up front. Friendlies on Friday and Saturday to come.
In the second half and on the hour Rocky Baptist put Thurrock ahead, once again a Cracknell Boylan one two gave Boylan the shot that was saved by keeper Reynolds and Rocky Baptist was on hand to shoot home from eight yards out. Thurrock an Lowestoft both made changes and the game lost momentum and in the 72nd minute the visitors gained their second goal when substitute Forshaw drove home a loose ball from close range.
