MATCH REPORT HOME V NEEDHAM MARKET VIA ANTHONY MERCER.

Tilbury 0 Needham Market 2 (Attendance 68)

Tilbury went down to 10 men Needham Market on Saturday, as their recent poor home run continues. The game saw the return of influential midfielder Joe Christou after injury and suspension.

Both sides had early chances, Crisp for the visitors when he hit over on 9 minutes and a minute later Wixon shot at goal. The game exploded into life on 19 minutes when both Ryan Blackman and David Cowley tussled, but Cowley kicked out in front of the referee and was dismissed for violent conduct. With the game lacking chances, Needham did go close on 36 when Nunn curled his effort only to see it strike the post. Needham did take the lead on 41 when a cross from Brothers found Crisp who flicked his header home. Tilbury dominated for long periods after the break, without scoring, with Harry Cook going close on a number of occasions. Joe Christou had to defend well on the hour when he headed a goal bound effort away for a corner. With 20 minutes remaining Christou saw his effort well cleared for a corner and from the resulting kick Nightingill headed just over the bar. Tilbury had plenty of possession and Needham defending well. With a minute to go Cook was again in a good position but ballooned over, before a penalty was awarded 4 minutes into added time when Blackman fouled substitute Newson and Kemal Izzet scored from the spot to see Needham keep up their play-off hopes.

Tilbury welcome another play off hopeful on Tuesday night when they play Heybridge Swifts a 7.45pm kick off. The result leaves the Dockers in 17th place.

Tilbury: Marrable, Glasgow, Obersteller, Nightingill (Folarin 85), S West, Wood (Waters 26), Christou, Blackman, Aldwinckle (Niles 46), Cook, Wixon



Subs unused: Johnson