THE borough's three senior non-League sides are in competitive action today (Saturday, 10 August) while the phoenix East Thurrock Community FC begins its life in the 11th tier of English football.

Both borough sides in the Isthmian Nort have already had a successful taste of competitive action, Tilbury and Grays both being successful in last weekend's FA Cup extra preliminary round ties. Tilbury beat Buckhurst Hill 4-1 and Grays followed up by going one better in a 5-1 triumph against Hullbridge Sports.

Today Tilbury kick-off the league campaign with a home clash at Chadfields EMR Stadium against Ipswich Wanderers, who are starting their second season in Step Four. Dockers themselves won promotion to Step Four last season by winning the Essex Senior League.  

Grays Athletic make the long trip to Mildenhall Town, another side who have stepped up this season, having won the Eastern Counties Premier last time around.

Aveley will be starting their second season at Step Two with a short trip across the Thames to Welling United in The Vanarama National League South.

Millers had an amazing first season at the elevated level, contesting promotion for much of the season and reaching the play-offs, losing 2–1 to Maidstone United in the play-off quarter-finals.

Danny Scopes's side have had a mixed bag of pre-season results and know Welling will be looking to improve on a disappointing campaign last time around when they struggled in the lower reaches of the division.

And to add extra spice, one time Millers boss, the much-travelled Rod Stringer, is now manager of the Wings.

Meanwhile, almost on the Essex coast at Arlesford, the supporters of fan-owned East Thurrock Community FC, which has grown out of the ashes of East Thurrock United,  will be playing a league game in the 11th tier of English football.

The new Rocks, which has a shared ownership of 250 fans, will take on Arlesford Colne Rangers in the Essex and Suffolk Borders League premier division.

Vice chairman and one of the club founders, Jono Edwards, spoke about his feelings on an emotional day, saying: "Thank you to every single person that's helped me and the rest of the club along the way and everyone who's picked up the phone thinking blimey what on earth can he want now!

The football spirit is still flying high for East Thurrock fans.

"I've asked favours from same people over and over again and they never let me down.

"Well done to all my fellow committee members, if we had to do it all again I'm sure we would, it's more than just a game!

"It's been an absolute labour of love so far and I can't imagine that changing anytime soon. The new away kit looks great, it's packed up and ready to go.

"Thank you to the owners all 250 of you that put your faith is us to deliver this and I promise we will keep aiming to please you each and every week. Have a great day everyone."