The Christmas 2025 episode of this historic derby fixture was far from a classic. In very blustery conditions on a cold festive weekend, a large bank holiday crowd might have expected more from these two old foes. But over the 90 minutes, Tilbury certainly deserved their win against their near neighbours and current tenants, Grays Athletic. They showed far more drive and directness, with a greater share of possession and attempts on target.

The early exchanges promised much for a rollocking derby, with referee Mr Giles showing a great understanding of the fixture and letting the game flow wherever possible. Both sides though struggled to master the conditions, with misplaced passes and things developing into a grinding midfield battle. Indeed, it took over twenty minutes for the first clear chance to materialise. The Dockers Lester Ward, who was a threat all afternoon, threw a free kick into the box finding Joe Elliott unmarked but he headed straight into the arms of Blues keeper, George Marsh.

At the other end, Jack Blower, making his first start for Grays let fly from the edge of the penalty area but there were sufficient Tilbury bodies in the way to block the shot. Jack Stone then made his way to the goal line and pulled the ball back but there was no Blue shirt in the box to apply a finish.

But Tilbury were always looking the more threatening, especially when former Blue, Ronnie Winn, set up Tobias Braney but Marsh was on hand at close range to keep the ball out. Kye Jude was shown a yellow card for stopping Dan Trendell breaking away before Alfie Fry impeded Blues trickster, Michael Bareck, with Elliott Sartorius’ free kick causing consternation in the Tilbury area. But eventually the ball was cleared downfield.

The half closed with the Dockers on top, with Marsh called on again to deny Trendall, low down to his left.

Half time : Grays Athletic 0 v 0 Tilbury

The second half saw the Dockers increase the pressure with the Blues back line absorbing a series of attacks. When Grays lost the ball in midfield, Tyler Forbes broke clear and really should have done better but he couldn’t decide whether to stick or twist and shot rather tamely at the advancing Marsh. And then it was Jordan Clark’s turn to be the saviour blocking Braney’s nice run and shot.

It seemed though only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. On the hour, Lester Ward swung a corner into the Grays six-yard box. and Marsh, as in the previous two Grays games, turned from hero to villain by failing to claim the ball, allowing Joe Elliott to bundle the ball home and give Dockers the lead.

After that, chances were few and far between at either end. Trendall had the opportunity to double Tilbury’s lead but Kye Jude came to Grays’ rescue. Grays though created little in the final third. Jack Blower threw a “hail Mary” ball into the Tilbury box that eventually keeper Dion Henry was able to claim. Indeed, it took until the 85th minute for Blues to have a shot on target, when recent recruit, James Sasere, off the bench, found the ball at his feet close in on goal but he couldn’t generate the power to beat Henry.

So it is Tilbury that take the El Chavico bragging rights in the first of this season’s encounters, with a battling performance that Grays could do well to learn from in the coming weeks.

Next up for Blues is a trip up the A12 to our old friends at Witham on the Saturday after New Year.

Final score : Grays Athletic 0 v 1 Tilbury

Grays Ath : Marsh, Paxman, Joynes, Blower, Jude, Clark, Bareck, Shelvey-Negus, Stone (72, Sasere), Sartorius, Nolan-Samuels (46, Fitzer).

Subs not used : Norton, Abidekun, de Carvalho Pedro