CONCORD Rangers and East Thurrock United rallied to draws against higher league opposition in their latest pre-season friendlies.

Both sides played second XI put out by Southend United and Luton Town respectively.

The Beachboys drew 0-0 against a Blues XI at the Aspect Arena on Wednesday, with the home goalkeeper Jamie Butler proving a formidable barrier in between the sticks.

Butler, who has attracted interest from the Football League this summer, denied Southend trialist Rowan Liburd and Jason Williams to keep the score goalless.

Concord had limited opportunities to score, with their best chance falling to trialist Alex Teniola, but the striker missed the target.

East Thurrock United came within minutes of beating a Luton Town XI, and that was playing the whole of the second half with 10 men.

Rocks took the lead in the first half through Jacob Cleaver but appeared to be pegged back after goalkeeper David Hughes was sent off for handling the ball outside his area.

It meant Hughes was the third south Essex player to be red carded in three pre-season games after Ricky Sappleton and Jay Curran were sent off for Billericay and Canvey Island respectively.

Luton hit back with moments remaining through Luke Williamson’s late header.

Elsewhere, Great Wakering Rovers were beaten 6-2 by Dagenham & Redbridge.

The League Two side romped to the win, despite Rovers netting the opening goal, as Lewis Sparrow slid in to score at the far post.

Rovers went 2-1 behind before having an equaliser ruled out for offside, and the home team fell 4-1 behind before Joe Skeels added Rovers second of the night.