For Grays Ath, it’s time for a visit to Ikea to buy a bigger trophy cabinet ! The season proper hasn’t started yet but already Blues have pocketed their third piece of silverware. After retaining the James Chisnell Memorial Trophy against East Thurrock and last weekend beating Fisher FC to win the Brian Lomax Cup (for supporter-owned teams), they have now also regained the Stan Veness Trophy following a hard-fought 1-0 win over local rivals Tilbury.

Early on, Grays looked like they were going to make home advantage pay with a couple of decent chances. Sam Wade broke through the line and tried to lob the keeper but just missed the target before a wicked Rob Harvey cross from the right evaded everyone in the box.

The Dockers worked their way into the game and by half time really should have been ahead - but they just couldn’t hit the target. Michael Okafor headed wide from an excellent chance and later Tyler Forbes hit a post, with Tyler Brampton (who had a fine game) clearing to prevent a chance from the rebound. The visitors looked particularly dangerous from set pieces and long throws, but the Grays back line held firm, with Jordan Clark again leading the way.

Half time : Grays Ath 0 v 0 Tilbury

After the break, Mitch Hahn sent Blues out with a much greater level of steely determination. And they almost opened the scoring five minutes in, through an audacious attempt from the halfway line by Gabriel Chapps that went just wide of the post.

The deadlock was finally broken midway through the half following a handball just outside the area. Chapps stepped up and curled the ball beautifully round the wall and inside the far post, leaving the Dockers' keeper rooted to the spot. 1-0 to the Blues.

The depth of the Grays squad is starting to look impressive and Mitch was able to make several changes as the half went on without any drop in quality, bringing on some pace and guile off the bench. And only a good save deep into added time prevented Grays from doubling the score.

So another good run out for the Grays players and importantly for the fans, a win over our age-old rivals to take back the trophy.

And, FIFA please note - the game was played on a searing hot day with no “hydration breaks”. Football is played over two periods of 45 minutes, with no commercial interludes.

As ever, we wish Tilbury all the best for the coming season - whilst Blues move on to another pre-season fixture on Friday 31st July at 7.45 away at Hadley FC (Brickfield Lane, Barnet EN5 3LD)

Final score : Grays Athletic 1 v 0 Tilbury