FAN-owners of Thurock's new football club have spoken of their delight in getting a first match under the club's belt - even though they lost 8-1.

East Thurrock Community FC, which has risen from the ashes of the defunct East Thurrock United FC, played host at its new base, the Wyldecrest Sports and Country Club, to a side from Isthmian Premier Leaguye Canvey Island.

ETC FC are set to start their competitive life in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, subject to a ground inspection due this week.

If they are accepted into the Premier Division, they will sit at step seven in the non-League Football pyramid, but they could be placed further down the chain as there are also Divisions One, Two and Three.

Initially ETC FC had wanted to join the Essex Olympian League, but clubs there voted to put them at the very bottom of its ranking system.

Despite all the dificulities of creating the phoenix club, its committee remains optimistic for the future and after Saturday's game against a senior side planning a campaign at Step Three in the pyramid, they saw lots to be proud of.

A statement said: "Although it wasn't the result everyone wanted today against a strong Canvey side, there is more behind a match of football than the score, together we have brought a community of people back together and played our first ever game."

Nigel Farage at Saturday's match.

There was something of a sideshaw at the game as newly elected South Basildon and Fast Thurrock MP James McMurdock turned up at the match with his Reform entourage, including leader Nigel Farage who enjoyed the phographic opportunity with some of the club's younger followers!

You can view the new club's first day match programme via this link: https://eastthurrockcfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ETCFC-vs-CIFC-6724-Matchday-Programme.pdf