Match report home v Romford via Mr Anthony Mercer.

Tilbury 2  Romford 1 (Att 93)  

 

A late Michael Salako strike saw Tilbury win a hard fought game over local rivals Romford in an entertaining game to win their first match in 4.  

 

Tilbury made 3 changes to their line up, including a debut for striker Jay Knight. Tilbury struck as early as the 6th minute, when Kurt Smith crossed from the left onto the head of Emiel Aiken to take the lead. On 15 Tilbury produced a good move, with Conor Mead into Emiel Aiken who saw his cross drop just past Kurt Smith in front of goal. 

Kurt Smith then tried a cheeky chip from 35 yards that went over. Before the break Romford who had been under the cosh, saw Greg Akpele go close in a goalmouth scramble. 

 

Tilbury started the second half well with a Mead corner, seeing Kurt Smith head wide. On 57 Emiel Aiken was adjudged to have been pushed in the box and to the surprise of players, officials and supporters, the referee pointed to the spot. Tony Martin's effort was well saved by Callum Chafer. This spurred the visitors on and 2 minutes later saw Chris Taylor scoop his shot wide. On the hour Romford got a deserved equaliser when a hard shot from outside the box was parried by Clarke Bogard leaving Greg Akpele the chance to duly slot home. Abdeen Abdul was the next Romford player to hit wide as Tilbury were on the back foot. With just over 10 minutes remaining, the quiet Chinedu McKenzie hit low, but his effort was denied by a Clarke Bogard save. 

 

With the game looking to head for a draw, substitute Michael Salako hit home from some good work from Arinse Uade. There was still time for more action, as in the final minute, Michael Salako's cross was adjudged to be a handball in the box and Chafer was again the hero, saving Kurt Smith's spot kick.  

 

The result sees Tilbury rise 2 places to 13th, with the Dockers again at home next Saturday to relegated Wroxham. 

 

After the game manager Gary Henty commented. "I am delighted with the 3 points, against a strong and hardworking Romford side. 

      

Tilbury: Bogard, Mead, Uade, Waters, Pooley (Jaggs 86), Norton, Aiken, Carlile, Knight (Salako 76), Martin (Singh 76), K Smith

 

Unused subs: Nightingill and Conway