LEE’S FOR-HEFFER BURSTING BUBBLES!!!!!

It took new signing Steve Heffer just 10 minutes to score his first goal for Thurrock.

The visitors, whose starting XI included the much experienced Ian Pearce and the emerging talent of Anton Ferdinand never really troubled the new look Thurrock side. The early goal came as no surprise as the home side took control and put the visitors under pressure.

The Thurrock fans had the chance to see new signings Paul Gothard, Steve Heffer, Dave Collis and Mike Basham all take part.

On the rare occasion the West Ham side made a serious attack Paul Gothard was equal to it.

Chris Lee’s goal after 36 minutes really did seal the game.

Many West Ham fans said that Thurrock would fade in the second half and that fitness would tell. How wrong they were, it was almost a total reverse!

Most of the attention from the young Hammers Fans was focused on Trevor Brooking and the scramble for his autograph, which being the gentleman that he is, he duly obliged.

This may not have been the best side from Upton Park to visit The Hotel but take nothing away from Thurrock they were very worthy winners of this highly entertaining game.

In a season of immense importance to so many clubs a good start will be a huge bonus. Fitness will be paramount and the Fleet faithful must have been impressed with what they saw. After just four training sessions the fitness levels were high and with six more friendly matches to go the players should be in good shape come the first game away at Kingstonian.

Manager Colin McBride said that he pleased with how his players performed on the night and that he is still looking to bring more players in prior to the start of the season. He further added that this will mean some players leaving. He said  “in our biggest season yet its all too easy for people to think a top ten spot will be easy – it won’t” . He continued “when you consider the likes of Kettering, Canvey, Hornchurch, Kingstonian etc. you are looking at six places. That’s how hard it’s going to be. So this is a really important season for so many clubs”.

He added  “ we need to be in a position to go into the next League”. Looking at the performance his players turned in for this game must give him a lot of encouragement.

“Its down to the fitness and form of the players as to who plays in that first game” said Colin. “ There will be very strong competition for places this season and it will be down to the individual effort of the players as to who gain a shirt”.

THURROCK F.C.

Gothard, Goodfellow, Collis, Purdie, McFarlane, Heffer, Linger, Lawrence, Bowes, Kandol. Subs. Basham, Akurang, Allen, Greaves, Down, Redmond.

WEST HAM UNITED XI

Sealey, McClenaman, Blewitt, Byrne, Ferdinand, Pearce, Noble M, Noble D, Pearson, Cole M, Bunce. Subs. Cohen, Reed, Lumsden, Tucker, Collington, Parrington, Wright, Lee, Brady.

Ref. C. Overall

Tony Hoskins