The long journey to South Essex proved fruitless for the Yachtsmen on the opening day of the league season. On an afternoon when a swirling wind made playing conditions difficult, Wroxham came up against the powerful East Thurrock side buoyed by a number of close season signings.

Both sides created chances, and when Ryan Hawkins was brought down some twenty yards from goal, his free kick was fired hard and low , but sadly just wide of the goal.

East Thurrock continued to cause trouble down the wings, and from a fast break down the left a cross was floated to the far post where striker, Ayo Odukoya, gave the Wroxham defence no chance, with a firm header.

Trailing at half time, the Yachtsmen started the second half on the front foot, and Josh Harvey and Ryan Hawkins both had shots stopped by the home ‘keeper. Minutes later Jaoa Rangel was put through on goal, but his final touch took the ball away from him, and the chance was gone.

It appeared that East Thurrock might extend their lead, but their closest effort was deflected for a corner by a diving header by Robbie Linford. On the hour , Jordan Southgate made substitutions , bring on Jordan King and Rio Abodunde in place of Angus Mackie and Ryan Hawkins.

The presence of Jordan King strengthened the midfield and when a Harley Black free kick was floated into the penalty area, King had a half chance but off balance his shot lacked the power to beat the East Thurrock keeper.

On 70 minutes Ollie Sutton at full stretch prevented the Yachtsmen from falling further behind, but he could do little a minute later , when a powerful shot by Gael Kileba flew into the roof of the Yachtsmen net.

In spite of much effort, this was not a day for fine flowing football and the physicality of much changed East Thurrock side was better equipped to cope with the conditions, and as a result the points stayed in Essex.