JUST hours before the return of live football to Thurrock, East Thurrock United have announced this evening that the club has withdrawn from tomorrow's friendly fixture at Aveley – citing Covid-related issues.

In an announcement on social media at around 9.40pm this evening (Friday, 4 December) East Thurrock said: "Unfortunately we have had to withdraw from tomorrow's planned friendly at Aveley FC due to Covid related issues amongst our players.

"We can only apologise to everyone at Aveley for the late notice."

The friendly was a key part of Aveley's preparation for Tuesday evening's FA Trophy First Round tie at home to Hastings United.