Match report Home v Cray Wanderers via Mr Anthony Mercer.

Tilbury 2 Cray Wanderers 0 (Att 54)
The Dockers gain 3 points in Tough encounter.



Tilbury won the relegation battle with two second half strikes against an ill disciplined Cray side. The game was never going to be a classic owing to the swirling and windy conditions and the game flow was interrupted with constant stoppages for free kicks, especially in the first half. Both Harry Cook and Jack West made returns to the side, but it was the visitors who had the first chance inside 2 minutes when Rory Hill saw his shot go wide of the goal. Tilbury had a great chance to take the lead on 8 minutes when Harry Cook's shot was harshly penalised in the box and a penalty was awarded. Jack West’s spot kick lacked power and was saved by Behcet. Cray had a good spell which saw Welford have a good chance to score when he showed good strength to get into the box but his shot was saved by Johnson. Johnson also denied Humphrey seconds later. Before the break Welford again went close. Cray were reduced to 10 men just before the break when Michael Phillips picked up two cautions in a short space of time. Tilbury started the second half the better side and it was evident the extra numerical advantage would show. Jack West was through one on one with Behcet but it was the visiting keeper that won the day. Tilbury eventually took the lead on 67 minutes with a well worked goal when Jack Carlile and Jack West combined to play in Harry Cook who slotted home. Tilbury kept pushing and it seemed only a matter of time before Tilbury would increase the lead and they did with 8 minutes remaining when Emiel Aiken made a great run and crossed from the left to Ryan Flack who found the net with a half volley who hit into the net.

Cray's afternoon got worse on 86 when they were reduced to nine men when the excellent Marlon Patterson was sent off for foul and abusive language towards the referee.

Tilbury are in cup action on Wednesday when try again to play the Robert Dyas League Cup game v Grays Athletic at Aveley FC. 7.45pm.

After the game Manager Gary Henty said "The lads have been working hard in training and it is starting to show on the pitch now. It was an important game to win"

Team:- L Johnson, Pooley, J Cook, Nightingill, S West, Carlile, Flack, Game, J West (Duarte 83), H Cook (Wood 72) and Aiken

Subs not used: Oberesteller, E Johnson and Vezza