East Thurrock United 1 Chester FC 0 (FA Trophy)

After last week's successful away trip we weren't so fortunate this week. 

First of all we stopped off on the outskirts of Stanford Le Hope in Essex for some geocaching. While the nature reserve we walked through was pleasant enough the approach road and surroundings must make the town the fly-tipping capital of Britain. Sorry to all those blippers in Essex but this area of the county was spectacularly hideous. In its defence, it is in an area close to a big industrial site and I have been to other place in the county, which are pleasant enough. At least we were successful with our geocaching.

Next stop was Corringham, where East Thurrock play, and a trip to the Bull pub opposite the ground. The pub was nice enough, opposite a very attractive church, but it was disappointing to find only one beer on tap.

Finally there was the football itself where Chester got knocked out of the FA Trophy by a team one division lower. There is no arguing with the result as East Thurrock were the better side but it was a major setback after a slight improvement in recent games. To cap it all our new player got sent off within 10 minutes of his debut which I think is a record. The club itself were very friendly though and I wish them luck in the rest of the competition.

My blip shows Chester supporter Wendy coming out of the ground before kick-off because she had left her flag on the coach. I suspect she wished she hadn't bothered returning. My extra shows Rick photographing the players before kick-off.