Match report home v Braintree Town via Mr Anthony Mercer.

Tilbury Progress to the Quarter Finals

Tilbury 1 Braintree Town 0 (Att 75)

Tilbury pulled off the shock of the 4th round of the Essex Senior Cup with a single goal victory over Conference Premier side Braintree Town on a cold frosty evening at Chadfields.

With the pitch passing a pitch inspection, both sides adjusted to the conditions without complaint.

Tilbury made 6 changes from Saturday's defeat and Braintree sending there first team, Tilbury started well and got down the wings early.
The all important goal came on 15 minutes when Kurt Smith played the ball into Lewis Jaggs who from the edge of the area, hit a low shot passed Michael Crowe.

The Dockers kept Braintree at bay for long periods and it was Jaggs again just before the break who nearly fired home again.
Braintree sent for the big guns at half time and took the game to the Dockers and after just 15 seconds of the half, Cheek went close when he headed over. A minute later Ross Elsom went close when his shot went just over. Braintree looked the team most likely to score and on the hour Cheek was denied by Clarke Boagrd before another effort was again well saved. On 76 Harry Anderson had Braintree's best chance when he shot towards the top corner but was kept out by an outstanding save from Bogard. With 9 minutes to go, Anderson again got himself in a good position but was brilliantly blocked by Joe Nightingill who throw his body to block a good effort.
Tilbury were on the back foot, but defended well against some good pressure. In the final minute and with the pitch in a frosty state, Braintree's Cheek fired wide.

Credit goes to both sides and the match officials who played the game in a good spirit considering the difficult conditions.

The result sees Tilbury move into the quarter finals where they will travel to Redbridge, with the game likely to be played in February.

After the game Manager Gary Henty commented “Delighted with the result. It was a good all round team performance against a strong side"

The Dockers are due back in action on Saturday when they travel to Cricklefields to play Barkingside with a 3pm kick off.

Team: Bogard, Webb (C Mead 82), Glozier, D Smith, Nightingill, Game, Babalola, Jaggs, K Smith (Richmond 77), Elsom (Martin 86), J Cook

Unused Subs: Carlile and Aiken