Local football preview

Two ex-football league managers will meet on Saturday in a South Essex derby, as Steve Tilson’s Canvey Island host Mark Stimson’s Thurrock in the Ryman Premier Division.

The pair used to be teammates at both Southend United and Canvey Island during their playing careers over a decade ago, but they now find themselves in opposite dugouts a long away from the professional game.

Former Southend boss Tilson has kept his Canvey side in the hunt for promotion, as they sit just one point outside the play-off places in seventh spot. Thurrock made a torrid start to the season following their relegation from the BSS last season, but Stimson has improved their form in recent weeks to lift them out of the relegation spots.

Elsewhere, Concord Rangers look to continue their excellent season when they travel to 10^th place Hampton & Richmond, who have made a mixed start since being relegated last year. Concord Rangers are currently on a three match winning streak and have only lost one of their last ten games, a run which sees them lie in third position.

East Thurrock United haven’t yet been able to replicate their magical FA Cup run in the league this season, and John Coventry’s side will need a strong display to have a chance of getting a result out of their away game at Bury Town.

In the division above, Billericay Town’s long trip away to Truro City can be billed as a six pointer despite nearly half the season still to play. Craig Edwards side are on a torrid run of form which has seen them slide to third from bottom in the Blue Square South table following seven defeats from eight matches. Their Cornwall based opponents are struggling themselves in bottom spot, although they were given a ten point deduction for financial problems earlier in the season.

Down in the Ryman League Division One North, third place Grays Athletic travel to mid-table Needham Market, who have still yet to register a home victory this season in ten attempts. Tilbury are also in action as they host Wroxham at Chadfields.

Bowers & Pitsea travel to Haringey and Waltham Development in the Essex Senior League looking to earn their first away win of the league season. Basildon United are also in action in the same division, as they visit third place Takeley aiming to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since August.

You can hear how our local sides played in a round up on Monday’s breakfast show

 

FIXTURES

Blue Square South

Truro City v Billericay Town

 

Ryman Premier Division

Bury Town v East Thurrock United

Canvey Island v Thurrock

Hampton & Richmond v Concord Rangers

 

Ryman Division One North

Needham Market v Grays Athletic

Tilbury v Wroxham

 

Essex Senior League

Haringey & Waltham Development v Bowers & Pitsea

Takeley v Basildon United