Dockers hit by Ricky Hayes injury (From Thurrock Gazette)

Tilbury hope of late push to play-offs hit by Town defeat

9:08am Monday 1st February 2010 in Ryman Division One North

THE Dockers’ hopes of making a late-season push into the play-off places are fading fast after this 1-0 defeat at second-in-the-table Thamesmead Town.

The visitors were unfortunate when Ricky Hayles was injured in the warm-up and could not play.

But it was another Ricky, Cable, who proved to be the match-winner for the hosts.

He broke the deadlock 15 minutes from time when he sprung Tilbury’s offside trap and went on to score.

After a goalless first-half, Thamesmead went close just after the break when an Andy Constable effort was cleared off the line.

The Dockers were saved when a Marcus Perona shotcrashed against the bar.

But, even after the goal, Tilbury went close to scoring an equaliser when a Lee Hodges effort skimmed the bar.

Tilbury are at last due to play their League Cup third round tie at Premier Division side Maidstone United tomorrow night now that the Kent club are out of the FA Trophy.

The Dockers are the current holders of the League Cup, sponsored by Championship Manager.