Dockers Strike – early

Formation?

A crowd of 63 on a cold Saturday looked to keep warm.

The home side went ahead on 3 mins when Emiel Aiken ran down the right, before crossing to Adam Vyse, who laid the ball to Toby Aromolaran to fire home through a number of bodies and the post.

The Dockers had their best period, putting Potters Bar on to the back foot. On 14 mins the goal of the game was again scored by Aromolaran. Conor Mead played in Aromolaran who turned his defender and hit sweetly on the turn into the net.

The visitors did start to regain some possession and a good run by Andy Lomas saw his effort go close. Then Michael Murray hit the side netting from a free kick.

Just before the break, Tilbury went 3-0 up when Abdul Salami sent a super ball through to Aromolaran, who saw his shot blocked by keeper Laurencin, before falling to Emiel Aiken who hit home despite defenders having chances to clear.

The ‘Scholars’ had changed their formation for this game – especially at the back – and it had not worked – too many seemed ill at ease and the score line reflected the consequences.

HT 3-0

After a disappointing first half, Potters Bar came out all guns blazing and pulled a goal back on 56 mins when Chris Doyle smashed home, after Tilbury did not clear the ball.

Michael Murray again went close on the hour, but was denied by a fine Clarke Bogard save.

Then a tight offside decision denied the visitors further reducing the arrears at a time of controlling the game.

With 20 minutes to go Aromolaran crossed for Aiken who headed just wide. Another good move saw Tilbury break with Vyse crossing for Aromolaran who saw his effort saved.

But Potters Bar were not letting up and on 90 mins Lee O'Leary got his foot on a cross that flew into the net.

With an extra 6 minutes of injury time, Potters Bar threw everything at the Dockers, but were denied by some good resolute defending.

Overall a draw would have been a fair result over 90 mins but the ‘Scholars’ were made to pay for the first 45.

FT 3-2

Team: Berkley Laurencin, Chris Doyle, Andy Lomas, Lee O’Leary, Steve Brown, Sean Grace, Carl Pearce (Sandro Costa 46 mins), Billy Adcock, Michael Murray, George Nicholas (Joakim Ehui 80 mins), Eoin Casey

Subs (not used): Tom Boxer, Femi Orgunsola

Man of the match: Chris Doyle – kept plugging away