BetVictor Isthmian League- supporters predictions 2019/20: East Thurrock United

We asked supporters of our BetVictor Isthmian League clubs to preview the new season, reflect on the old and predict the final outcome. Their predicted 1-20 (or 22) will be worked into a final table which you will see just before the big kick off.

East Thurrock United’s man with the mic, Terry Keating, re-introduces us to his favourites.

1. What was your favourite moment of last season?

Two highlights for me last season. One was defeating Chelmsford City 3-1 up at Colchester United to win the Essex Senior Cup for the first time in our history. The other was a bitter-sweet, but memorable occasion for the club. We were at home to Welling United in our final home game of the season on Easter Monday,, and we had always planned to use the game to mark the 50th anniversary of the clubs formation. On a beautiful sunny day we beat Welling 4-1 in front of a near 600 crowd, to seemingly keep ourselves in with a chance of avoiding relegation. Then, in added time the news came through that Hungerford had scored a late goal to win away at champions Torquay United, a result which sent us down (although we still sunk a few beers afterwards to celebrate our 50 years with a load of old pals).

2. And your worst moment?

The approximately ten occasions we conceded injury time goals to drop crucial league points. Woking, Torquay, St Albans (effin twice !!), Dulwich, Hampton, and Hemel all come to mind.

3. How will you do this season?

A combination of circumstances means we are going to be operating on a much reduced budget, so please don't think we'll be strutting our stuff with a full National South squad. We have kept about half of last seasons regulars though, and recruited some decent looking players. A lot going on behind the scenes as the club awaits a response from Thurrock Council about the proposed sale of Rookery Hill for development, coupled with relocation of the club to a new ground, which is more central to our local area. The most important thing at the moment is to keep the show on the road while we await news. We'd all be well chuffed to make the play-offs, but a comfortable mid-table-ish position will do us fine.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

I suppose our derby games with 'Ornchurch, and Bowers will be pretty "interesting". Had plenty of clashes with both over the years, but still coming to terms with meeting Bowers at this level, what a great job Smallsy has done over there.

5. What is your favourite away ground?

Looking forward to catching up with old mates at Bognor (always a good day out whatever the result), and Margate (not far behind). Some interesting new trips, a visit to Horsham's new ground is eagerly anticipated.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Must be 'Ornchurch. We've got plenty of mates over there and owner Colin McBride is a good friend of mine, and he's also a former Rocks player. But that said there has also been some friction between our two clubs from a few years back, so there tends to be a bit of an extra edge to our matches nowadays.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

We try to enjoy our football, whatever the result on the pitch. You'll find us a pretty friendly bunch. The Rocks bar welcomes visiting supporters, and drinks are reasonably priced, so just chill out, join in the banter and enjoy the day.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

I've been involved at East Thurrock since the club was founded 50 years ago (makes me an old git, yeah?), so I've have plenty of favourites, but ask any Rocks fan and I bet 99% of them will say Sam Higgins, who left at the end of last season to join Chelmsford. 275 goals for the club, a real quality player, and an all-round decent bloke.

9. Who will be in the top five at the end of the season?

Hornchurch, Carshalton Athletic, Margate, Bognor Regis Town, Kingstonian

Right, you've read Terry’s views, and our Premier Division predicted League table will appear on Saturday. If you'd like to represent your Step Four club (we’ve no time for any more Premier League predictions that aren’t already in the pipeline), then please send an email to townsendaround@gmail.com and we shall see what we can do!