Tilbury went to the top of Group 6 of the Velocity Trophy, with a hard fought 2-1 win over Great Wakering Rovers, leaving the Dockers to win there last game to progress.
Tilbury saw a debut for Lee Burns and first starts off the bench for Harry Harris and Igli Metalia.
Striker David Knight was in the thick of the action early on, with a free kick that went over, before a few seconds later going close. On 16
Tilbury took the lead when the referee pointed to the spot after a hand ball and David Knight slotted the penalty home. Sam Carter then saw a header from a corner go just wide.
On 28 Great Wakering 's defence was at its best when both Knight and Ekpiteta saw there shots cleared off the line. Before the break Eljay Worrell headed over. The visitors who were under the cosh in the first half, came out strong after the break, with George Cox and Jake Gordon causing more problems for the Tilbury defence.
Despite the game getting a little scrappy late on, Great Wakering equalised in the 84th minute when a cross from left found the head of substitute and player manager Steve Butterworth who directed his header home.
With time running out another substitute scored, this time it was Ola Ogunwamide who fired home after David Knight was fouled. In the final minutes under 18 players, Igli Metalia and Harry Harris came off the bench for a debut.
Tilbury return to league action on Saturday, when Basildon United come to Chadfields.
Team: Wheatley, Boswell, Worrell (Metalia 90), Burgess, Songolo, Burns (Purdy 46), Carter, Barton, Ekpiteta (Ogunwamide 63), Spooner (Harris 90), and Knight
Subs: Moses