News in Thurrock

A SINGLE goal from Ollie Miles proved enough to keep East Thurrock United's hopes of avoiding relegation from the Isthmian Premier League alive.

It came in the 19th minute of Tuesday evening's (29 March) home clash with Potters Bar Town and Rocks protected the lead with dogged determination to record their first back to back wins of the season, building on Saturday's win at Corinthian Casuals.

SUPPORTERS of the Thurrock Hammers speedway club are looking forward to seeing the club's badge once more in competitive action next month.

After 34 years of racing, the club found itself without a home and folded in 2018 but supporters have kept the club's brand alive and are mounting a strong campaign to get a new stadium built in the borough so the Hammers can race at home again.

Corinthian Casuals 1, East Thurrock United 2

ROCKS continue to cling to the hope of escape from the Isthmian Premier drop after a comeback win at King George's Field on Saturday (26 March).

Tilbury 1, Grays Athletic 1

THE talk after Saturday's Isthmian North derby at Chadfields was not about the football – albeit a crowd of 510 had watched a close-fought clash between local rivals – but of an incident involving violence in the crowd.

Aveley 2, Stowmarket Town 1

A LATE goal from Jon Benton – and an even later and controversially disallowed effort from visitors Stowmarket - meant celebrations were the order of the day at Parkside on Saturday (26 March) where the Millers took a big step towards fulfilling their Isthmian North title aspirations.

THE game of the day in the Isthmian North will be at Aveley's Parkside ground this afternoon – but there's also another always eagerly awaited derby at Tilbury's Chadfields home.

At Parkside top plays third when the Millers host Stowmarket Town and the outcome is likely to be pivotal to the destination of the title and automatic promotion.

THERE was disappointment for both Aveley and East Thurrock United in tonight's Isthmian League matches – though the unhappiness will run deepest at Rookery Hill where the Rocks went down to another defeat that leaves them with a mountain to climb if they are to avoid the drop from the Premier Division.

If they do go down, it is looking increasingly possible they will be replaced in the top flight by Aveley.

THERE were massively differing emotions among supporters of two borough non-League sides as they travelled back from away matches this afternoon.

Those wearing the blue and white colours of Aveley were delighted as they journeyed home from Felixstowe and Walton United with a 2-0 victory that put them back to the top of the Isthmian North table with their two title rivals both suffering disappointing results.

AVELEY hit the road again today (Saturday, 19 March) in their quest for the Isthmian North title.

The Millers, second in the table, travel to Felixstowe & Walton United but will face a tough test against opposition still very much in contention for a play-off place.

Thurrock 44, Leighton Buzzard 10

THURROCK captain, Charlie Russo was so beset by injuries a couple of years ago that there were those who doubted he would ever get back to his best. Of course, this fearless warrior was always going to prove the doubters wrong as he continued to lead his young team into battle whil making his 200th appearance on Saturday, 12 March.