Grays travel to long time rivals and neighbours, Tilbury, this Saturday as the preparation for the new season continues. The teams will be competing for the Stan Veness Memorial Trophy. The original trophy was presented by the family of Veness as he was a long time supporter of both clubs. The original format used to be a two legged affair at each teams ground. That was changed to a one off match that alternated between each teams ground every pre season. As Grays reached the heights of the conference the matches ceased, this was maybe a mistake and was rectified when Grays returned to the Ryman League and once again these oldest of Thurrock rivals started to lock horns once again. In recent years with Grays groundsharing, Tilbury have stepped up to the plate and have hosted this once again annual fixture.

Even though these are pre season fixtures, both managers usual respect the history of the rivalry and play near to full strength sides. The encounters are also pretty tense and competitive as former Grays midfielder Jason Walker can testify. He sadly broke his leg in a Stan Veness game at The Rec back in the 1990s and his semi professional career was unfortunately over.

Back to modern times and Grays have been in fine form this pre season. They have defeated Conference South sides Bishop's Stortford and Hayes & Yeading. During the last week Grays won 4-2 at Thamesmead as manager Mark Bentley closes in on his starting line up for the season proper.

So if you are able to make it, get down to Tilbury and cheer on the Blues as they look to win their first trophy of the season.