The article below, from what is now the Thurrock Gazette, is for the first recorded match played by this club. But rather than being in 1890, the match took place on the 24th November 1888. It was played by the modern clubs earliest forebears, the Grays Amateur Athletic Club. At the time this was principally a cricket and athletic club, but in the autumn of 1888 they set up a branch for association football. Therefore next week’s match at AFC Sudbury will mark the 130th anniversary of this the first match.

Rochford Hundred v Grays

"Played at Grays on Saturday last. Immediately after the commencement Sandbrook from a good open centre by Jarvis sent the ball under the bar, and up to half time the visitors had the best of the game; but owing to erratic shooting, did not score again.
Grays by good combination among the forwards carried the ball down sometimes and nearly scored on one occasion. After half time the play was more even, each goal in turn being assailed. It was however not till seven minutes before time that Sandbrook placed a second goal to the credit of Rochford Hundred, and directly after Walker added a third owing to a miss - kick by the goalkeeper. Rochford Hundred then won their first match three goals to none. For the winners Sandbrook, Friend and C.M. Hemmings were most conspicuous while Bombernard kept goal well. For Grays Bible, Thompson, Scriven and Wilkinon were best."

Grays: E Flinn goal: F. Hawks and C. Wilkinson backs: N.B.Newbould, C.A. Scriven, and
E. Hawks: half backs: W Thomas, G. Smith,S. Bible, J. Pearson and W Thompson, forwards
Rochford Hundred: P. Bombernard, goal, J Hemuccan and T Crawley backs; E.H. Taylor,
A.C. Friend, and C.M. Hemmann, half backs; A. Woosnam, J.Jarvis, F Sandbrook, R. Beckwith and W. Walker , forwards.
Today (Saturday) the Grays club meet Shoebury Garrison at Grays, when it is hoped they will meet with better luck.

A new book detailing this club’s early history from 1888 to 1916, including more on these early days, is in the process of being produced and should be published in January 2019. The club would like to offer supporters the chance to have their name printed in this new book as a subscriber of the book before it is printed. This comes at no extra cost than the £5 book price. If you are interested see David Barnes or Glyn Jarvis at the table by the ground entrance before kick-off at upcoming home games.
Alternatively a mail order option is available at a cost of £6.50. Cheques for the full amount should be made payable to Grays Athletic Community Football Club and sent to:- Grays Athletic F.C., c/o 21 St Johns Road, Chadwell St Mary, Essex, RM16 4JU. Please include details of where you would like your copy to be posted.

In view of this historic occasion the club would like to see as many supporters as are able to make the journey to mark this milestone in the history of Grays Athletic.

For supporters wishing to make the journey a coach will be leaving the Oaks at 11.15 on the day of the game , the players will also be travelling on the coach.