FLEETS GO SOUTH
Left: A local newspaper reporting on the formation of Purfleet FC
Purfleet were allowed to join the main Essex Senior League for
the 1986/87 season and further work on developing Ship Lane
followed. Twenty four pipes were laid across the pitch to im-
prove drainage and changing rooms were build in one corner in
1987, closely followed by floodlights in 1988, which being on
20m pylons were amongst the highest in the county. At this time
clubhouse facilities were housed in the neighbouring sports cen-
tre and spectator accommodation was almost non-existent, with
the only structure of note pitch-side being a brick-built pitched-
roof dugout on the far side.
Right: Drains being laid
on the Ship Lane pitch
and the tell-
tell - tale signs of
the work as Purfleet host
an early season game
Photos: Tommy South
w w w . g r o u n d t a s t i c . c o . u k | F a c e b o o k / G r o u n d t a s t i c | T w i t t e r @ g r o u n d t a s t i c
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