Perhaps the difference between the sides was best illustrated by a couple of incidents when ref Stuart Franklin choose to stop play to allow treatment to Grays players who were auditioning for roles in ‘Casualty.’ In many circumstances these days the drop ball restart means the side in possession giving the ball back with a long boot to the keeper, but East Thurrock decided to go for a contested drop ball – which showed their opinion of the play-acting – and also set a tempo for their level of play.
A spokesperson for the league said: "The former West Ham hero had been linked with a return to his old club as reserve team manager, a job that eventually went to Steve Lomas, but he did not let the speculation affect his commitment to Grays as they won all three of their matches during February to put themselves in with a play-off chance.
THURROCK lost three vital home points to fellow strugglers Borehamwood that could cost them dear at the end of the season. Thurrock went down to two early goals in the first half and simply couldn't get back into the game.
The first came when Sherwin Stanley held off the strong challenge of Adetayo Osifuwa before finding strike partner Tamer Tuna, who rounded keeper Glenn Morris and fire the home side in front. The recent improvement showed by Carl Griffiths’ men continued and a well-worked build-up involved four Millers players before Orlando Smith laid it back to Andy Howell, whose curling effort nestled into the back of the net.
With the match evenly poised a pivotal moment arrived on 65 minutes when Sudbury’s Daniel Swain and Docker Ben Bradbury challenged for the ball on the halfway line. Bradbury was undoubtedly second to the ball, with both feet off the ground, but Swain’s attempt to get the ball also saw him leave the deck. The Sudbury man came off worst from the aggressive encounter and ref Dave Bushell, who was just five yards away from the clash, consulted with his assistant before producing a red to add to Tilbury’s disappointing disciplinary tally.
After their stout resistance against Chelmsford, it may well have to be more of the same for Thurrock against high-flying Bromley. The four other teams have key games as well i what is shaping up to be a fascinating final two months.
When I got my silver medal, I particularly disliked losing to another Welshman. The Americans are the guys to beat – which is why I have an American coach that gives me more technical experience.” But he later made known that: “I like doing stuff on my own back. If I lose, it’s my own fault.” When asked how he knew if he could be number one, he replied: “It was always in the back of my mind.
Thurrock broke the deadline in the 62nd minute when Pullen once again fluffed the ball from a corner and Kenny Clark got his head to the ball to put the Fleet in the lead. Chelmsford got back into it in the 67th minute when Clark handled in the box and Dave Rainford didn't make the same mistake twice and scored from the spot.
The goal that Aveley’s endeavour merited came five minutes before half time. Tamer Tuna was the creator, forging down the left flank before crossing into the path of Sherwin Stanley who got two bites of the cherry as Ross blocked one attempt on his goal but was stranded as the ball cannoned over him on the rebound.
The club have been suspended for some time because of debts to the league and had indicated their wish to withdraw their first team while continuing to play in the Youth League, a proposal the other clubs found unacceptable.
HEAVY rain overnight means there will be a number of pitch inspections for the five teams in the borough. East Thurrock have confirmed that there will be a pitch inspection at 11am for their local derby against Tilbury.
A home defeat last week put the brakes on the revival. A key game against fellow strugglers Wood, will test the true credentials of the Fleet recovery.Tilbury will go for this one as Paul Vaughan pits his brains against the master-tactician, John Coventry. Expect goals especially with Sam Higgins back.
Ladies Get Fit Through Football takes place every Tuesday at the Culver Centre in South Ockendon and is looking to target Ladies 16+ who may be complete beginners or who have perhaps previously played, and are now looking for opportunities to get back into the sport.
