TLBURY 3, NEEDHAM MARKET 0

TILBURY banked £2,500 and booked a place in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy with an excellent victory over Needham Market.

Just hours after receiving sad news that the club's former chairman, Robin Nash, had passed away following a heart attack, Paul Vaughan's men struck twice from the spot - with an inspired goal from Harry Cook sandwiched in between - to secure the win at Chadfields.

After the game, Vaughan dedicated the win to the club's late chairman.

“That was for Robin today,” he said. “I think the team’s starting to evolve. The squad’s strong, we brought on subs today and went again. Babalola and Zanelli came on and I look at players like that and how they strengthen the side.”

Tilbury, who have lost just once at home this season and are now on an eight match winning run at home, started rapidly.

Just two minutes after an impeccably observed minute's silence for Mr Nash, Cook - a constant thorn in the side of Needham's defence - was felled in the box following a neat move.

Dan Francis stepped up, Nathan Munson, the Needham keeper went the wrong way, and the 27-year-old Dominican had his eighth goal of the season.

A poor Needham, who had Kem Izzet – a League One player for Colchester United until two months ago - at their heart, barely mustered a chance.

Luke Ingram had several chances towards the end of the half, but award winning stopper Chico Ramos was hardly tested.

In the second half, Tilbury scored two in quick succession to put the tie beyond doubt.

The excellent Sam West – paired with Ben Crooks in central defence - won the ball in the air, drawing Cook into a battle for the ball on the touchline. After winning it, he forayed forward unchallenged before looping a delightful, 20 yard right footed strike which looped over Munson but under the bar.

Less than seven minutes later, Cook was again fouled in the box as he tricked and weaved his way through the defence. This time - with Francis already substituted, Nathan Ashton converted the penalty to make it three nil.

The visitors never looked like spoiling Dockers' fitting tribute to the man who had nurtured, tendered and grown the club to what it is today.

Vaughan said: "It was good to see Cooky get on the score-sheet, he showed what he can do today.

“It was a proper 3-0 today. We had two penalties today but you only get them from putting pressure on sides.

“I think we had a tough start but everyone is saying we’ve been one of the hardest sides they’ve played. We had to change things a bit but I think the key to it has been Chico Ramos, he’s been a fantastic asset to the club.

“It’s stand-up result but the only thing it’s going do is attract scouts to come and look at my players!”

Tilbury: Ramos; Mead, Daniel (Zanelli), West, Crooks; Christou, Francis (Babalola), Blackman, Ashton; Cook (Weemes), Cutler.

Gazette MoM: Harry Cook