THERE were defeats for three borough sides in pre-season friendlies last night (Tuesday, 14 July).

Aveley went down 4-1 at home to Ebbsfleet United, while Grays Athletic lost 3-1 at Brentwood Town.

Millers were quick to go behind to National League South Ebbsfleet from a wide set piece being deflected into the net.

Throughout the first half, a lot of the ball was being played in the Aveley half with Ebbsfleet keeping it well. Aveley were trying to get forward but it would break down easily with the Fleet's back line sweeping up.

Just before half-time, Fleet doubled their lead via a counter attack from the left flank. Ten minutes into the second half, Fleet got their third from a well hit free kick. On the hour mark, both sides made a whole host of changes for Fleet to get their fourth at the same time.

Toby Aromolaran did get one back for the Millers with 15 minutes to go.

Tyler Forbes got on the scoresheet with a fine strike at Hullbridge Sports for Tilbury, but the Dockers ended up losing 2-1.

The only chance of the first half fell the way of Dockers as the ball was played out wide and over the top to Alfie Fry. The full back had just the keeper to beat, but Bobby Mason was out quick to make a good save.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 58th when former Tilbury defender Jack Hayes committed a foul on the edge of his area. The resultant free-kick was taken by Forbes, who hammered his strike into the net.

The visitors came close to doubling their lead directly from kick-off, as Soumen Nandi was released down the left wing. Nandi fizzed a ball across, but Tyler Forbes saw his effort cleared off the line.

The Bridge were quick to turn defence into attack and fired home the equaliser with a volley from just inside the box.

Then the hosts found the lead with 25 minutes remaining following a quick attack down the right-hand side. The winger's cross was cut back to the penalty spot and turned home.

That was all the action at Lower Road and Tilbury suffered their first defeat of pre-season. The Dockers are back in action on Saturday 18th July when we travel to face West Essex.

(Tilbury report by Mason Hutchinson).