Tilbury made it three successive wins with a hard fought, but enjoyable game on a good playing surface at Great Wakering on a wet afternoon.
Tilbury were missing Darren Phillips and Lewis Jaggs due to suspension, so manager Marc Harrison rejigged the team and in the early stages were up against a good attacking side. Marcus Bowers in two occasions had chances for the home side, before Tilbury took a surprise lead on 31 against the run of play. George Sykes cut inside and passed to Lewis Smith, who from 20 yards curled his shot into the net.
It was end to end before the break. Tilbury started the second period in control, but were undone in the space of 5 minutes. On 55 a ball from the left found Jake Gordon who had only just come off the bench to hit into an empty net. On 61 Great Wakering were awarded a penalty when the assistant referee overruled the referee and Gordon stepped up to score. Captain Scott Pethers almost increased the lead on 65 where he saw Rhys Madden make a fine save. Seconds later, Tilbury were back on level terms, when Kris Newby crossed from the right and found Mitchell Gilbey who smashed home. A minute later Gilbey almost increased his tally when his header was saved. Kris Newby had a 30 yard effort go wide. Tilbury continued to attack in numbers and got the winner with 6 minutes to go, when Mitchell Gilbey was the provider into the box to find George Sykes who took the ball down, beat a defender and rifled into the net, for a fine effort. With 4 minutes to go Kris Newby saw his rasping shot, well parried by Turipa. In the final minute, Great Wakering had two great chances to equalise. The clearest was for Shomari Barnwell who 5 yards from goal, mishit his effort with the goal at his mercy. Seconds later Kris Newby cleared off the line from a deflected shot.
Tilbury held on to register there third successive win.
Tilbury moved up 2 places to 13th. The Dockers are back in action next Saturday, when they travel to Heybridge Swifts 3pm kick off.
Tilbury: Madden, Boswell, Newby, Norman (Carlile 64), Burgess, Salami, Gilbey, Barton, Sykes (Paxman 90), Spooner (Anderson 77) and Smith
Subs unused Odelusi
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
9. | Canvey Island | 38 | 51 |
10. | Felixstowe & Walton United | 38 | 50 |
11. | Tilbury | 38 | 49 |
12. | Barking | 38 | 47 |
13. | Brentwood Town | 38 | 45 |
14. | Dereham Town | 38 | 44 |
15. | Great Wakering Rovers | 38 | 41 |