PROMOTION hopes of two of Thurrock's non-League clubs have been dashed with news this afternoon (Thursday, 26 March) that the season will be scrapped.

Aveley and Tilbury were very much in the promotion hunt in the BetVictor Isthmian North, with Aveley in second place and Tilbury third - though both were well behind runaway leaders Maldon & Tiptree. Grays Athletic sit in mid-table.

A play-off place did look likely for both Aveley and Tilbury but now their only hope of stepping up will be if teams drop out above them.

One team that seems on the brink of doing just that is East Thurrock United, a club in financial crisis and who were already talking about voluntarily dropping down a couple of divisions.

A new chairman, believed to be former player and long-time club supporter Steve Wiseman, and new secretary in former Southend Manor stalwart Steve Robinson, are reported to be about to fill the breach at Rocks created by the departure of long-serving manager John Coventry and his entire on and off-field administrative team.

A meeting of club supporters earlier this month raised hopes of some sort of salvation for the club currently safe in mid-table in the Isthmian Premier but it is difficult to see a way forward without a substantial financial injection.

A statement from the footballing authorities this afternoon says: "The FA and the leagues at steps Three to six of the National League System have reached a consensus that the 2019/20 season for steps three to six will be ended with immediate effect and all the results will be expunged.

"This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between steps three to six or relegation from step two.

"In light of the above, these decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at step seven of the National League System.

"The FA will continue to assist and support the National League (Steps One and Two of the NLS) to determine the outcome of its 19/20 season as quickly as possible.

"The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will be deferred until the start of the 21/22 season. The decisions reached by the NLS leagues will be recommended to the FA board and FA Council for final ratification.