WITH the season approaching its midway point, Echosport has put together its all-conquering non-league dream team.

Our 4-4-2 formation starting XI is made up of at least one, but no more than two players from any of our nine featured clubs.

All have either caught the eye at matches we have seen, or impressed officials at their respective clubs.

We will also be put together a final dream-team at the end of the season.

Please let us know what you think of our selections by emailing james.colasanti@nqe.com

GOALKEEPER: James Marrable (Tilbury)

The Dockers faithful have had little to smile about this season, but when they have it has usually been down to Marrable. The former East Thurrock man has starred in FA Cup and Ryman One North wins this season, and has kept more than a few defeats down to a respectable scoreline.

RIGHT BACK: Craig Pope (Thurrock)

Fleet’s captain is hugely influential down his side’s right hand side and one of the club’s most consistent players. Manager Greg Lincoln will need Pope to draw on all his experience if they are to climb out of relegation trouble.

CENTRE BACK: Adam Flanagan (Billericay)

All of Town’s miserly defence have staked good claims for inclusion, but the nod just about goes to former Dartford skipper Flanagan, who could well claim his second consecutive Ryman Premier promotion this year at New Lodge.

CENTRE BACK: Tony Russell (Aveley)

One of the only ones to survive from Rod Stringer’s Ryman Premier play-off semi-finalists, Russell is one of the few at the Mill Field who has continued to put in solid performances during Millers’ tumultuous start to the season.

LEFT BACK: Danny Bunce (Grays)

The former West Ham youngster has been earning rave reviews for Grays this year. A full-back who likes to make over-lapping runs, he has bagged himself three goals so far this campaign and takes a decent free-kick.

RIGHT WING: Kris Newby (East Thurrock)

Some way out in front of our Golden Boots chart with 15 goals in all competitions, Newby is by trade a pacy wide man who has been pivotal in firing Rocks to the top of Ryman One North.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Dan Trenkel (C) (Great Wakering)

Rovers’ skipper organises, tackles and drives his team forward. He has helped himself to 10 goals while playing in the middle of the park this year, and has it in his locker to lead the attack if needs must.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Tony Stokes (Concord)

The West Ham youth academy product is back at his home town club. A versitile midfielder who always puts in a decent shift, he has an eye for a spectacular goal and has found the net nine times so far this season.

LEFT WING: Alex Rhodes (Canvey)

Rhodes has been a revelation for the Gulls since joining from Essex rivals Grays in the summer. The former Brentford man has scored eight goals this season and always puts opposing right backs on the back foot.

CENTRE FORWARD: Bertie Brayley (Billericay)

The journey-man striker is enjoying something of a renaissance at Billericay since his arrival from local rivals Concord. He has six goals this year, takes a nice free-kick, holds the ball up well and never gives defenders a moment’s peace.

CENTRE FORWARD: Danny Heale (Canvey)

The former Concord man is having another good year after crossing the island to join John Batch’s Canvey. An intelligent footballer, strong on the ball and good in the air, Heale would be the perfect target man for this side.

* With special thanks to: Craig Johnson, Aveley FC; Stephen Allen, Grays FC; Karl Sharman, Tilbury FC; and Tony Flood, Thurrock FC.