Alresford Colne Rangers 2, East Thurrock Community FC 1

THE newly-formed Rocks' first competitive game ended in disappointment but the healthy contingent of travelling supporters who made the trip east will have been pleased by the effort put in by the phoenix  club and will hope that a first victory, particularly with a string of home matches to come, will soon be forthcoming.

East Thurrock were reduced to ten men in the first half when Jack Coventry picked up two yellow cards in quick succession and they found themselves a goal down at the interval from a Harry Willoughby penalty.

But the travelling side secured parity in the second half when Owen Dixie scored from close range.

Alresford restored the lead with a header from sub Roger Smith from a corner and despite the creating pressure – and losing scorer Dixie to a nasty arm injury – Rocks were unable to find a second equaliser.

East Thurrock's first home league game is next Saturday at the Wyldcrest Sports Club, Corringham, when they will entertain Earls Colne.

Home league matches against Kings Park Rangers, Sudbury Sports, Thorpe Athletic, Stanway Pegasus Reserves and Barnston Firsts follow on successive weekends before a home Essex Border League knock-out cup clash with Tollesbury on Saturday, 21 September.

They next hit the road in the league on Saturday, 28 September with a trip to Tiptree Heath.