Joy for Paul Vaughan's Dockers in quest for advancement (From Thurrock Gazette)

Tilbury make the play-offs

9:15am Monday 23rd April 2012 in Sport

Tilbury 1 Maldon & Tiptree 1 NON LEAGUE: A late Tom Webb goal confirmed Tilbury's place in the play offs with a hard fought draw against the improving Maldon & Tiptree side.

Maldon had the early running and Leon Antoine went close inside 8 minutes following a good save from Marrable.

Maldon's keeper Stevens also had to be at his best on 23 when he made a brilliant save from a Gary Henty 25 yard effort. Maldon took the lead on 39 when a mistake in the home defence left Antoine alone to score past Marrable.

The second half was an end to end affair, with Tilbury making changes to there personnel and within 5 minutes Debutant Petrit Elbi headed just wide. On the hour Maldon again went close when Milner struck and Marrable tipped over.

Seconds later Eljay Worrell who had moved into midfield unleashed an effort that was easily saved, before Tom Webb's effort was cleared off the line. On 62 Matthews cut inside and Stevens saved well. With 10 to go Maldon has to efforts in as many minutes Antoine just past the post before Wall blazed over. Tilbury did not give up scoring the important equaliser and Matthews headed just over from a Webb cross. Tilbury were rewarded with only 2 minutes remaining when a ball was played into the box and Tom Webb stabbed home to the delight of the home supporters. In a tense finish, both sides had half chances to take the maximum points and Tilbury were delighted to hear the final whistle.

The result leaves Tilbury in fifth with one round of fixtures left. Currently Tilbury will be playing away In the semi final but can finish third so all to play for next Saturday away to Thamesmead.

Needham Market entertain Potters Bar and Enfield Town will be looking for 3 points against form side Grays Athletic with a chance of the title.

Grays also need the points to gain a home play off match. When Tilbury entertained Thamesmead before Christmas, there sides shared a goalless draw.

Tilbury Assistant boss Dave Ross commented "We worked hard and were rewarded late on. It's important we go to Thamesmead next week looking for a highest placed position"

Tilbury - Marrable, Smith, Worrell, Nightingill (Webb 52), S West, Henty, Wraight, Good (Matthews 56), Elbi, King, Barnes (J West 74) Subs not used: Read and Collins