A SECOND minute goal from Orlando Smith proved decisive at Thames Road on Saturday as Aveley kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive at the expense of Concord’s promotion dream. Millers could even afford the luxury of missing a first half penalty in a match low on quality but high on tension.
Perhaps one of the most important games in Thurrock’s 25 year history was played out here today in front of 753 fans the majority hoping for a home win but the more vocal minority hoping for a change in fortune for the Fleet and three invaluable points. The opening exchanges were dominated by the home side and on two occasions keeper Joe Woolley had to pull off a fine save from efforts from Andy Pugh and even better one from Louis Fazakerley to keep the score blank.
Two teams facing relegation. For Thurrock a vital draw at Welling sees them climb out of the drop zone; for Aveley an away victory at Concord sees a tiny glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. It is all going down to the wire.
As he has done in the last 30 marathons, Pat Dobbs completed his 31st London with a great performance. He was third in the 70+ age group with a time of 3.49.06. This was 18 minutes faster than last year when he was recovering from a serious health set back. As he has passed through the various veteran age bands Pat has collected an array of medals but this one has given him a great amount of satisfaction.
Maidenhead leapfrogged Thurrock in this important 'six-pointer' and put their hosts into the relegation zone after a controversial game at Ship Lane.
With only four minutes on the clock referee Mike George awarded the visitors a penalty after Craig Pope was adjudged to have impeded Max Worsfold. Anthony Thomas dispatched despite Joe Woolley going the right way.
A draw sees the Millermen now five points from safety with only three games left. Looks like their two season tenure in the Premier is coming to an end.
Grays came out for the second looking to pressure the Foxes and a free kick by Demetriou found Reynolds who put a long ball through to Osborn, he controlled the ball and slid it past Budd to give the Blues an early lead. Ilford attacked immediately and pressure from Hawtin and Gordon was cleared by Junior Baker to ease the pace. Ilford pushed forward and the long throw tactics almost got Ilford back in the game when Gordon ran clear and another fine save from Northwood kept the Blues ahead.
EAST Thurrock United manager John Coventry had warned nothing should be taken for granted as his side chase the four points they require for the Ryman One North title and he was proved right – though he was no doubt relieved that his side came back from a two goal deficit to grab one of them.
For Thurrock and Aveley, vital relegation battles at home this weekend while East Thurrock have a tough battle against Brentwood in order to edge nearer to the championship.
Dagenham loanee Alex Osbourn opened the scoring in the 35th minute before left back Danny Bunce slotted home a penalty to make it 5-0 at half time.
The second half belonged to Alex Osbourn. The 17-year-old scored in the 47th, 50th, 58th and 90th to cap an enjoyable night in front of their fans.
Rocks boss John Coventry is remaining steadfast. He said: "Possible promotion will not be decided on Saturday and we have to focus on that. We play Brentwood Town, one of the fellow promotion hopefuls and we have to concentrate on that and that alone.
