The score line does not do justice to the Hammers who fell behind after 10 minutes when Calley Rowell struck a shot from the edge of the box and despite a fine effort from Toni Anne Wayne she couldn’t prevent the ball entering the net.
Listening to the managers' post match interviews summed up the game, Alan Kimble said all his players are playing for a blue shirt whereas Hakan Hayrettin said his team picks itself, therefore the determination showed by Aveley enabled them to overcome the visitors.
The first real view of the Blues in the borough and their first run out in the new home. Tilbury have been outclassed by their lower league opponents and a heavy defeat here would raise real concerns.
But the best goal of the night came from Aveley just before the break when Billy Hunt took the ball down and fired his shot into the back of the net, with the keeper rooted to the spot.
Joe Collins nearly made it three on 72 minutes when Tansel Osman made room for himself on a run down the right wing and his cross was met by Collins, but his header was well saved.
FOR the last two seasons it has been a case of "so near and yet so far" for The Rocks boss, John Coventry. In 2008-09, it was a cruel defeat on the final day against local rivals, Aveley. Last season, John has been candid to say that the club were just a little short.
At the end of the game Manager Hakan Hayrettin stated “This was the performance I was looking for, it was a very good game for us we dictated most of the play and the players are beginning to find their touch” “All the new boys are looking very promising and we are looking forward to the start of the league season”
East Thurrock created several decent chances but in the main Urchins, who featured striker Martin Touhy in their attack after his surprise release from Braintree on Thursday, held the ascendency and it took several fine reflex saves from Richard Wray to keep them at bay.
Jo later appeared in front of the BBC cameras on crutches as she explained what happened. She said: "It really hurt after 16 miles but I wasn't going to quit. I went into automatic and finished the race.
