TILBURY made a disappointing start to their Essex Senior League campaign yesterday (Saturday, 29 July) with a home defeat at the hands of Athletic Newham.

The visitors took the lead early in the match through Richard Kone and there was then a stoppage as the refree went down injured and he was replaced by his assistant, with a replacement taking over the lino's flag.

Tilbury had plenty of the play but were unable to get on level terms and went in at half time a goal down.

And on 57 minutes Kone added his second after being left in space.

Try as they might Tilbury could not get back into the match and their disappointment was complete 12 minutes from time when Kone completed his hat-trick.

Dockers will be hoping to bounce back on Tuesday when they play host to Great Wakering Rovers. Both sides were relegated from the Isthmian North last season, and Rovers also suffered an opening day home defeat, 2-1 to Sporting Bengal United.

AVELEY lifted another trophy with a 3-0 Isthmian Charity Shield victory against Concord Rangers, whose disappointing day was compounded with a red card for Luke Ibe.

In contrast it was a great day for Millers' Matt Rush who scored all three Aveley goals - and had a 'fourth' disallowed for offside.

The first was a powerful first half header, the second a superb lob in the second half and the hat-trick was achieved with a strike from outside the box.

EAST THURROCK UNITED's pre-season matches were completed with a 6-1 win against Essex Olympian League Premier Division Catholic United on Saturday (29 July).

The match, at Southend's Len Forge Centre, featured a hat-trick from Ayo Odukoya.

Things get more serious for Steve Butterworth's side next weekend when the competitive season begins with a home FA Cup extra preliminary round tie against Frenford.

There's football today, Grays Athletic women are in friendly action at Newmarket..