
BIG MATCH PREVIEW
CRAY VALLEY (PM) v EAST THURROCK UNITED
24th SEP 2022 – KICK OFF 3pm
ISUZU FA TROPHY – 2nd ROUND QUALIFYING
By Richard J Green
After brushing aside league rivals Lancing in the 1st round qualifying, Valley face Isthmian League North opposition on Saturday as Marc Harrison’s Rocks visit the Artic Stadium.
Following promotion from the Isthmian league Premier Division via the play-offs in 2015/16, East Thurrock enjoyed a three year spell in the National League South before being relegated in 2019.
Legendary manager John Coventry left the Club after a successful 13 year tenure at the end on the 2020/21 season, before defeat in the final two matches of last season confined the Club to relegation.
Hope Harry’s 63rd minute strike earned East Thurrock their first points of the season against Brentwood Town on Tuesday to move The Rocks off the foot of the early season league table.
Cup results have been more positive however, as FA Cup wins over FC Clacton and Biggleswade saw the club progress to the 2nd round qualifying before tasting defeat at Biggleswade Town last Saturday.
In the FA Trophy, East Thurrock progressed to this stage with a 3-1 victory over Sutton Common Rovers at Rookery Hill, courtesy of a debut goal from Brian Moses – recently signed from Grays Athletic -, Oli Spooner and a Rovers own goal.
The game saw a return to the Club from Cheshunt for former winger Roman Michael-Purcil, while midfielder Sam Carter also made his debut after joining on loan from Concord Rangers.
After a night of frustration at Beckenham Town on Tuesday night, Kevin Watson’s strike force will be hoping Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Montel Joseph isn’t quite as inspired as The Becks debutant custodian Baldwin Kaluya.
With no replays in the FA Trophy, the tie will be settled on penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes on Saturday.
HOW THEY GOT HERE
1st ROUND QUALIFYING
Lancing 1 Cray Valley (PM) 4
East Thurrock United 3 Sutton Common Rovers 1
MATCH DETAILS
DATE:- SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2022, KICK-OFF 3PM
VENUE:- THE ARTIC STADIUM, BADGERS SPORTS, MIDDLE PARK AVENUE, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 5HP
MATCH OFFICIALS :-
Referee - Vladyslav Bakulin
Assistants - Anastasiya Voloshchuk and Ericsson Temu
ADMISSION PRICES : - PAY BY CASH OR CARD AT THE TURNSTILE
ADULTS - £10
CONCESSIONS - £6
CHILDREN UNDER 11 – £1
NOTE TO VALLEY SEASON TICKET HOLDERS
As this is an FA Trophy Tie, ALL supporters must pay
PROGRAMME - £2.50