A LAST-MINUTE goal condemned Tilbury to a 2-1 defeat against Bury Town.

The Dockers enjoyed a lively start to the encounter but, against the run of play, Bury took the lead.

In the 12th minute, a long throw came in from Darcy De’Ath which was headed on by Ollie Fenn, and prodded home at the far post by Noel Aitkens.

Goalkeeper Clarke Bogard kept out Ollie Hughes and made a superb save to halt Aitkens just before half-time.

Tilbury dominated the play in the second period, and went close to an equaliser before Aaron Waters kept the visitors’ arrears to just one with a goal-line clearance.

The introduction of Emiel Aiken gave Tilbury a boost although they were fluffing their lines - Waters firing high over the crossbar when he should have done better.

Conor Mead drew an excellent save from home stopper Neil O’Sullivan before Bogard was once again required to make a tremendous save up the other end.

And, with just four minutes of normal time remaining, Tilbury finally made their pressure count.

A throw from Lewis Francis saw Kurt Smith react quicker than anyone else, and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

But the game was not over yet, and it ended in controversial fashion.

On 94 minutes, Josh Mayhew got to the by-line and crossed into the Tilbury area where Ryan Jolland appeared to handle the ball into the net.

But the goal was given as Tilbury fell to defeat.

Tilbury: Bogard, Mead, Conway, Pooley, Waters, Norton, Aromoloran (Melaugh 65), Carlile (Singh 78), Smith, Jaggs (Aiken 60’), Francis