Non-League action (From Thurrock Gazette)

Tilbury move into second place

10:03am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in Sport

NON-LEAGUE: TILBURY moved into second place in the table with a battling 2-1 victory at derby rivals Aveley.

It maintained the Dockers’ unbeaten start to the Ryman One North season.

And it meant they finished the weekend a point behind early leaders Waltham Abbey.

Aveley were very unlucky not to take something from the game, with Tilbury keeper James Marrable forced into a number of fine saves.

It was Millers who created the game’s first chance when Junior Dadson shot narrowly over.

But it was Tilbury who took an 11th minute lead when Danny Francis crossed and Emiel Aiken lobbed home keeper Dave McCartney.

Aveley were level within a minute, though, when Shane Oakley slotted past James Marrable.

Tilbury hit a 61st minute winner when Tom Wraight crossed from the left for Francis to bundle the ball home, despite pressure from Alfred Kamara.

Millers pinned their visitors back late on but Paul Vaughan's side held on for victory.

Grays slipped to their first defeat of the season in Suffolk, as AFC Sudbury won 3-1 – their first win in five attempts against the Blues.

The clash had the look of a fixture that could be crucial in the promotion battle come April. Grays Athletic were rocked by a first-minute Ben Bowditch goal.

The ex-Thurrock man robbed Leon Lalite of possession just outside the area and curled the ball past outstretched keeper George Kamurasi.

Grays drew level through Jack West in the 19th minute. Craig Pope played a delicate ball over Ian Cousins in the Sudbury defence, and West kept his composure before lobbing the on-rushing keeper.

And it stayed all square until Concord loanee Bowditch struck again in the 74th minute as he pounced on a cross from Danny Charge and smashed the ball past Kamurasi.

Bryant who sealed the win in injury time as Charge’s shot was deflected into his path, and he slotted home.

This weekend sees plenty of FA Cup action with Aveley FC host ing Hadleigh while Tilbury welcome Lowestoft to Chadfields.