It is credit to Aveley’s spirit that they didn’t take long to restore the lead when, just a couple of minutes later Howell received a well placed through ball and with the keeper advancing, clipped an audacious chip from outside the area, gliding the ball over him into the net.
The home side, buoyed by an emphatic midweek win at Sudbury set off with an aggressive tempo and an early foul by one time Rock Rudi Hall on Reiss Gilbey showed their intent to knock the visitors out of their stride. However, East Thurrock refused to be bullied and gave notice of their attacking endeavour when Kye Ruel crashed a shot from distance against the crossbar after just five minutes.
One win doesn't make a season say the new management team but many are impressed with the new-look Thurrock as they cross the water to beat Dartford in vital relegation battle.
It was evident in the interview afterwards that boss Julian Dicks was beating himself up after the game. He shouldn't as Grays have produced two performances out of three which show they should be much further up the league than they are at present.
Tough opener for caretaker manager Grant Gordon as they take on fellow strugglers Dartford in front of a big crowd. Gordon has already rung the changes with Leon Lalite moving to Harlow and Liam Harwood and Jamie Richards among the new signings.
From the outset, many football pundits felt Lincoln was only "keeping the seat warm" for ex-Braintree boss Robbie Garvey. Indeed Garvey became a regular fixture at Thurrock matches. As his presence increased, albeit from the sidelines, so the confidence of Lincoln and his charges seemed to evaporate.
Chief Inspector Paul Moor, the Thurrock district commander, said: “Prior to this event we had very close liaison with the organisers who agreed to increase their security and stewarding at the event following some minor scuffles at a previous match.
Stuart-Evans was initially booked after 23 minutes after being adjudged to have warranted a booking when tackling Craig Nurse. And he was then given his marching orders after bringing down Sam Reed, for Millers second sending off in as many league matches, after Spencer Harrison’s dismissal just before half-time against Wealdstone, which resulted in another 2-0 loss.
For Grays it was a day to forget. After all the good work against Wingate and Finchley, they never really got going. Or should we say that the front pair never looked like scoring in a month of sundays. Ishmael Welsh tore down the left wing, Dean Pennant was solid in the middle and the defence bar a very erratic Brad Thomas were rarely troubled early on but it was the barn door brothers up front who frustrated every Grays fan and especially Julian Dicks as time after time they fluffed their chances.
Two disastrous defeats in as many days must leave the Fleet management wondering were the “Happy” is in Happy New Year. With three changes made from Saturday’s line up, Thurrock were out to put that result behind them, they started brightly and looked to be regaining some pride and passion and when David Knight put them in front after 15 minutes the signs looked good.
Thurrock plunge back into the relegation zone as they are hit for six at the Melbourne Stadium in Chelmsford. A disappointed Greg Lincoln declined to be interviewed or comment after the game. He now needs to motivate his squad when Dover and BBC Football Focus come to visit Ship Lane on Monday for there next league match.
Moments later, after another scramble, Michael Filetti cleared Steve Sheehan header off the line but when the same player got a header from a Joe Keith corner on 16 minutes there was no escape as the ball bounced into the net for the opener.
WITH December, wiped out, the fixtures secretaries for the five teams in the borough have been busy recalibrating the next two months worth of fixtures. 2011 kicks off with East Thurrock v Waltham Forest on New Years Day. There follows another 39 games for the five teams in the borough and of course that is dependent on the weather not kicking in again.
CARL Griffiths has been the manager of Aveley for two months but due to the terrible weather, has hardly had any games. Wednesday's friendly was a good opportunity to give his charges ninety minutes and then assess what is needed.
