Thurrock Win Thrilling Derby Match

Tilbury lost out to local rivals in an entertaining local derby at Chadfields on Tuesday night that see's Tilbury remain mid table and Thurrock still competing for a play-off berth. The crowd was also Tilbury's highest of the season. Tilbury made just one change with Danny Smith replacing unavailable Elliott Johnson. Thurrock got out of the traps quickly and took the lead within 49 seconds when Rob Clark beat the offside trap to round Gidddens to score. Tilbury did have the ball in the net 2 minutes later when Neil Richmond slotted home, but the goal was ruled out for offside. It was end to end and Tilbury got on level terms on 16 minutes when Tony Martin played in leading scorer Richmond, who hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net

The game was end to end with both sides having good chances. Clark again went close on 31 when Giddens saved well. A minute later Thurrock increased the lead when a corner from Carvell was headed into the corner of the net by Ross Wall. Thurrock kept the pressure on and a minute before the break made it 3-1 when Waters played the ball over the top and found Ross Wall who lobbed over Giddens into the net for his second of the night.

Tilbury started the started the second period strongly and got themselves back in the game when Martin played a simple ball through and with the Thurrock defence at a standstill, Richmond scored his second of the evening as he beat Madden. The game was competitive as both sides looked for the advantage and it was the visitors who got that when with 13 minutes remaining substitute Menga was bundled over in the box by Pooley and former Dockers captain Aaron Waters struck the ball to Giddens left who got his hand to the ball but it crept in. Thurrock 4 minutes later could have put the game out of site when Menga's effort was saved by Giddens before the follow up by Christou was again well saved.

Tilbury were not laying down and Frances Babalola seized his opportunity to blaze through on goal before falling in the box. A penalty was awarded and to the surprise of many Madden was shown only a yellow card. With Tilbury missing all of their last 3 penalties, a new taker in Tony Martin stepped up to reduce the deficit. The final few minutes were tense with Richmond having a golden chance, but hit his shot wide of the goal.

In the final seconds Ross Wall had his chance for a hat trick when his unleashed a great effort that bounced off the crossbar.

It was a thoroughly entertaining and competitive derby that sent all spectators home satisfied they had been entertained.

The result keeps Tilbury 11th and move on to Waltham Abbey on Saturday.

Giddens, Webb, Cook, Pooley, Smith, Wood (Duarte 83), Babalola, Carlile, Richmond, Martin, Flack (Daniel 72)

Subs not used: Glesinger, Ryan and Henty