Tilbury 0, Grays 0

AN occasionally feisty affair at Chadfields on Saturday (26 July) saw honours even in the Stan Vennes Memorial Trophy clash.

The match also raised £425 for Noah's Big Charity, which supports neonatal intensive care at The Royal London and Basildon hospitals.

Dockers started on the front foot when they came close to opening the scoring as some brilliant play on the edge of the area opened up the space for a shot. Jamie Reynolds obliged, striking first time, but Grays keeper George Marsh was able to match the effort.

Grays were quick to work it up the other end, however, as Harry Hope was slotted through on goal. The former Tilbury man looked to open his body and pick his spot, but Michael Bett was out quick to make a great save.

And it wouldn't be an El Chavico without some handbags thrown as Harry Hope and a Tilbury trialist both ended up in the book.

Right after the break, Blues had the best opportunity of the game when Sam Bantick's pass drew the keeper out and Luke Hirst won the race.

However, despite having an empty net to aim at, the striker rolled the ball wide of the target. Grays would eventually find the net when a long free kick was headed down to Bantick, who thought he had scored against his former side, but the flag was swiftly raised to disallow the goal.

Tilbury began to regain control of the match, but were unable to create any clear-cut chances, and the closest they came was with 10 minutes to go when Kieran Jones weaved in and out of challenges inside the area.

His square ball found a teammate, but nobody was able to bundle the ball over the line.

Dockers, who have confirmed the signings of Medo Konte, Nathan Best, Reece Nicholas-Davies and Max Appauh, are back in action on Friday, 1 August when they travel to Brentwood Town for a 7.45pm kick-off, while Grays play host to Cheshunt at the EMR on Tuesday (29 July), 7.45pm.