Barkingside 0–3 Tilbury

From Cricklefields

Ryman One North

 

TILBURY returned to winning ways in the league with a comfortable victory over Barkingside.

The Dockers had suffered a surprising defeat at home to neighbours Aveley last time out but had secured a terrific victory over Braintree Town in the week to qualify for the last eight in the Essex Senior Cup.

Tilbury started the brighter and neil Richmond could have opened the scoring twice before the opener did come.

They took the lead after just 17 minutes, as Kurt Smith grabbed the opener. Ross Elsom sent in a free kick that reached the feet of Smith, and he scored past goalkeeper Darren Behcet at the second attempt.

Richmond came close to doubling the lead but was again denied.

Barkingside were struggling to create opportunities against a resilient Dockers defence, as they shot over when well placed on the hour mark.

The match was in the balance until the final 20 minutes, until Tony Martinclimbed off the bench to make it 2-0.

The ball ran loose after some slack play by the home defence, with Martin picking the ball up on the edge of the area, where he controlled and then expertly lobbed the advancing Behcet.

Clark Bogard was forced into a save before another substitute wrapped up the result.

Rushing through towards goal, Emiel Aiken was superbly picked out by Martin, and he nodded the ball down before blasting a fierce shot low into the net.

Tilbury are now three points off the play-off spots and Gary Henty said his team got the points they deserved.

“I am pleased with the application the lads showed today,” he said. “Cricklefields is always a difficult place to come, and though Barkingside worked hard, we persisted and got what we deserved.”

 

Tilbury: Bogard, Mead, Glozier, D Smith, Nightingill, Game, Babalola, Carlile, Richmond (Martin), Elsom (Aiken), K Smith (Cook)