GRAYS Athletic and Tilbury ended all square in a hotly contested clash for the Stan Veness Trophy in front of a healthy crowd of 231 at Aveley's Parkside ground this afternoon (Saturday, 5 September).

It was an at times feisty encounter with four players booked, including Tilbury's Brian Moses, Lee Burns and Joe Turpin, with Joao Carlos seeing yellow for the Blues.

The first half was entertaining but goalless but a goal always seemed likely and one almost came with an audacious long range effort from Dockers' David Knight who was inches away from lobbing Danny Sambridge.

The deadlock was broken on 52 minutes when Moses put Tilbury ahead but the lead lasted just eight minutes when predatory Tony Stokes showed he has not lost his eye for the goal with an instinctive finish.

Earlier in the afternoon Aveley had played host to Hythe Town.

They gained an early lead through George Sykes and secured the friendly win when he converted a second half penalty.

East Thurrock United's new look team travelled to Waltham Abbey and drew 2-2 in another friendly.

Former Rock Nathan Koranteng gave the Abbots a 30th minute lead with a well struck shot but the sides went in level thanks to Callum Taylor five minutes before the break.

Soon after the restart Zenon Styliandes put East Thurrock ahead but honours were even in an always competitive clash after Ryan Dear equalised on 73 minutes.

Next week things get really serious for Grays, Aveley and Tilbury as they start their competitive season with games in the FA Cup Preliminary Round.

Grays will be at Parkside on Saturday (12 September) where fellow Isthmian North side Witham Town will be the visitors, while there is another all Isthmian North clash at Coggeshall where Tilbury will face a tough test.

Aveley travel to Rothamsted Park to take on Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Harpenden.