Match report of 2-2 draw home v Barkingside via Mr Anthony Mercer.

Tilbury and Barkingside played out a hard fought encounter to see the season out with a draw. The visitors started the afternoon looking over the shoulders with relegation a possibility but dominated for long periods and finish 22nd which they now hope for reprieve by the FAOn a bright but slightly windy afternoon the game was played at times in difficult conditions due to the smoke from a nearby site.Barkingside started brightly with Akpele went close. On 20 Tilbury had a good chance when Tony Martin latched on to a poor back pass by Golby but could not hit is effort at goal. Barkingside were awarded a penalty on 25 when Giddens bundled former Docker Lee Weemes, but he redeemed himself with a fine save from Burgess. Lee Weemes did eventually get on the score sheet 4 minutes before the break when turned inside the box and slotted home. Tilbury got back in the game within 2 minutes of the second period when Emiel Aiken hit home after Rimmel Daniel hit the post. On the hour Tilbury should have gone in front when an Aiken shot hit the post before Martin followed up and clipped the bar before the ball was cleared. Seconds later Weemes shot at goal, Giddens parried to Poku who slotted home. Poku had a great effort increase the lead on 66 but an excellent save by Giddens denied him. Poku had a good chance late on but was denied by Giddens. With the game petering out, substitute Tom Wood crossed and saw Tony Martin flick his header home to finish all square.Tilbury manager Gary Henty commented after the match “I am disappointed with a draw and our disappointing finish to the season. I would like to thank everyone at the club for the support we have received since taking over as manager.The result sees Tilbury finish in 14th. Credit goes to Manager Gary Henty and his management team for the work they did pulling the Dockers away from relegation, when they took over in November.Team: Giddens, Webb Cook, Johnson (Pooley 75), Smith, Game, Flack, Carlile, Aiken Martin Daniel (Wood 75)Subs not used: Glesinger Henty and Babalola