Ryman 1 North: Concord Rangers 1 Tilbury 1 (From Thurrock Gazette)

Ryman 1 North: Concord Rangers 1 Tilbury 1

10:21am Monday 19th January 2009

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Canvey-based Concord took their unbeaten run in all competitions into double figures with this local derby draw at Thames Road.

Although this sharing of the spoils saw Rangers slip down in the promotion race, it could have been worse.

For they would have lost to the revitalised Dockers but for a fine penalty save by Adam Rafis from Joe Keith’s spot-kick four minutes from time.

After that the hosts might have gone on and won the game, but substitute striker Danny Heale shot wide in the closing minutes.

Earlier, Concord had taken an 18th-minute lead when Nicky Cowley got behind the defence to head home a free-kick from the right.

On some occasions that would have been the signal for Concord to go on and capture an easy three points, but Tilbury are made of sterner stuff these days.

In front of a 113-strong crowd they grabbed a 72nd-minute equaliser when Ricki Hayles was left free to fire home from eight yards from a corner.

The draw leaves Concord three places outside the play-off spots in eighth position, but only three points behind a Waltham Abbey side filling fifth place from a game more.

The Dockers are 10th, seven points in arrears of Saturday’s hosts from a game more, but look a good bet now to finish in a healthy top half position — although a late run for promotion may prove beyond Graham Chester’s men.

Tomorrow Concord make another attempt to bring the long-running saga of their League Cup second round home clash with East Thurrock United to a close with a home tie against Premier side Dartford awaiting the winners.

At the same time Tilbury go to Barking to play Barkingside in the second round of the Essex Thames-side Trophy.

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