Purfleet's achievement of going to the top of the Ryman Premier League is one of the most extraordinary in non-league soccer.

Only formed in 1985 when starting life in Division One of the Essex Senior League (they beat Canvey Reserves in their first game) Fleet became the first side ever from Thurrock to achieve such an honour - despite a fan base that is one of the lowest in the Premier Division.

Purfleet's average crowd this season is just over 250 - which ranks them 19th out of 22 - compared with the 2,000-plus of Aldershot and the near 1,000 who watch Aylesbury and Basingstoke.

Yet if there is not much enthusiasm among the Thurrock public, then there's bucket loads at the Thurrock Hotel led by club founder and chief executive Tommy South.

He was understandably overjoyed with Saturday's 1-0 victory at Billericay that took them top and two points clear of Aylesbury and St Albans City.

"It's the most fantastic of feelings," he said. "This is what everyone at the club has worked for and I especially want to thank our supporters - and there were quite a few of them - who came to Billericay."

South has tried all sorts of schemes, such as free entry for children, to try and increase Fleet's support, yet with only limited success and it will be interesting to see how many turn up on Saturday for the game against Heybridge.

"I just want the people of Thurrock to believe in us," explained South.

"We've shot ourselves in the foot at home on occasions this season, particularly in big games, but we would really appreciate more support.

"We might not be at the top for long, but you can't do much better than be in the number one position."

A lot of the credit must go to second-year manager and former Fleet player Colin McBride, along with assistant and ex-Southend striker David Crown, particularly in spotting players from lower leagues to compete in the Premier.

A number of managers have already contacted McBride to congratulate the club on their achievement, but he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

"We are not going to get carried away by our position, but it's certainly nice for everyone concerned and I'm particularly pleased with the commitment of the players."

Nobody is yet talking of Fleet as potential champions.

Not only have they played five more matches than Aylesbury, but have been beaten on eight occasions - and not since Yeovil in the 1987/8 season has a team lost more times in winning the championship.

Yet the top spot is a thoroughly deserved one and it might last a little bit longer.

"What's in our favour at the moment is that we are winning games," added McBride.

"But realistically if we are to take the title then we can't afford to lose more than once in our remaining 16 games."

Top form - Purfleet (light shirts) went top after winning 1-0 against Billericay.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.