Tilbury 1-0 Brentwood Town
From Chadfields
Ryman One North
TILBURY'S fine home form continued as they caused an upset against promotion-chasing Brentwood Town.
A late winner from Emiel Aike ensured the Dockers climbed 12 points clear of the relegation places, and they inflicted only the visitors second defeat in 23 outings.
Tilbury were without defensive duo Sam West and Joe Nightingill, with striker Neil Richmond also ruled out, but that didn't stop the hosts, despite a quiet start to the game.
That was until Town's Shad Ngandu saw red for a high challenge on Danny Smith, with Harry Cook also dismissed for his reaction to the challenge.
Tilbury created several openings but it was Sam Bantick who created the visitors first opening, forcing Jack Giddens into a diving save.
Sherwin Stanley hit the post before the break and Ryan O'Rawe crashed an effort of the post on the hour mark.
With the home goal leading a charmed life, home manager Gary Henty introduced Francis Babalola and he looked lively for the moment he stepped onto the pitch.
With 10 minutes remaining, he drove at goal but on-loan Concord Rangers stopper Ollie Bowles stretched to deny him.
On came Aiken and Ryan Flack and with just one minute remaining Babalola's cross found Aiken, who rose and flicked home with the aid of a slight deflection.
"I am delighted with the deserved result," said Henty. "I am also pleased with a clean sheet against a good Brentwood side."
Tilbury: Giddens, Webb, J Cook, Johnson, Smith, Game, Wood (Babalola), Carlile, Martin (Flack), H Cook, Daniel (Aiken)
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