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| Big crowd at Rookery Hill For The Title Decider |
Over the summer I intend to fill in the gaps in The Ryman League that I've visited but not posted. There really is no better place to start than Rookery Hill home of East Thurrock United. Going in to the final day of the season East Thurrock were at home to Aveley knowing that if they avoided defeat, they would win The Ryman North Title. Aveley had won the return fixture 3-1 and there was a huge expectant crowd hoping that The Rocks could finish the job. Little did they know that they were in for one hell of an afternoon.
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| Kick off in the April sun |
Aveley score first to silence the expectant crowd and there was a long delay for a serious looking head injury. At half time the visitors are heading for the title but two goals in eight minutes mean that East Thurrock are on target for top spot. The home side then have a great chance to kill off the game but the Aveley keeper saves a spot kick. Aveley take advantage of the let off and equalise and they are then reduced to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the away side incredibly grab a third but this only sets the scene for the drama in injury time. The East Thurrock forward gets through on goal but is fouled by the keeper and the referee awards a penalty and sends the goalie off. With all Aveley subs used up, the centre back steps up to face the penalty. The East Thurrock forward goes the same way as the previous spot kick and the defender is able to save the kick! Aveley see out the final moments to seal the title.
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| The final moment of an incredible game. |
The closest station to Rookery Hill is Stanford Le Hope which is over a two mile walk away. There is a bus route which takes you from the station to close to the ground. Trains to Stanford Le Hope depart from Fenchurch Street and take about fifty minutes. From memory I didn't visit a pub near the ground or the clubhouse - more sensible times.
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| Aveley on the attack in the first half |
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