Aveley 1, Tilbury 2 (From Thurrock Gazette)

Aveley 1, Tilbury 2

10:27am Wednesday 4th March 2009

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Aveley 1, Tilbury 2 28 February Tilbury FC travels to Millfield home of League Leaders Aveley. The Dockers without key influential midfielder Michael Black who misses the game due to suspension.

The Dockers starting 11 consisting of Chris Stowe, Tilbury’s leading goal-scorer’ back from a shoulder injury, however, this game marks Stowe’s last game in a yellow Tilbury away shirt ‘as he makes the move to Ryman Premier outfit AFC Hornchurch. A story book ending to his illustrious Career with the Dockers could be on the cards?

Dockers win the toss and decide to change ends, as Aveley get the game started in the bright winter sunshine.

Opening 15 minutes and the game settles into an even affair, the Dockers with one chance which resulted in Chris Stowe gain some yardage at the back post, Aveley’s keeper James Marrable had the threat covered as the ball drifts out for a goal kick.

17 minutes and Aveley turn-up the pressure, Sean Thomas breaks loose down the right and swings the ball into the box to the feet of Joao Carlos whose effort goes just wide of the post.

Tilbury now hit Aveley on the counter, Jason Fontaine collecting the ball down the right hand side, skips past a challenge and heads off towards the Aveley goal mouth, Fontaine gets to the by-line and swings in a pass onto the head of Stowe, Marrable makes a comfortable save.

Aveley looking the more threatening’ as they move the ball across the park, the Dockers defence needing to have their wits about them as the Aveley front-line pile on more pressure.

Aveley looking in control of the game at the 36th minute mark get their just deserts, a mix up in the Dockers defence allowed Neil Richmond to attack the Tilbury goal, the ball rebound’s off the Strikers chest to sit-up nicely as he stroked the ball into the net from 20 yards. 1-0 to Aveley.

40th minute and an Aveley Corner, the ball driven into the box, and onto the head of John Maskell, Andy Hall having to make a great reaction save to keep the ball out of the net.

On the stroke of half time sees Sean Thomas collect the ball from 30 yards out and drives forward, Thomas into the Dockers box shoots, the ball is blocked by the legs of the advancing Tilbury keeper, the ball rebounds out to the feet of Neil Richmond whose shot blasts over the bar.

Second Period and the Tilbury men come out the blocks at a rapid speed. 48 minutes gone and Jason Fontaine on a mazy run and from the edge of the area tries a shot which is parried down by the Aveley keeper.

Aveley once more attack the Dockers goal, Carlos hits the ball from 18 yards, Andy Hall needing to be alert as he palms the ball over the bar.

Tilbury come close this time Manlee Brown looking to open up the Aveley defence. Brown does well to get to the edge of the box, Brown curves the ball towards goal and once more James Marrable does well to keep his side in front.

Dockers make their first substitute in the 66th minute. Jason Fontaine carrying a groin strain is replaced by Dean Stannard.

The Dockers charge at the Aveley goal looking for an equaliser, Greg Cohen does well to get into the Tilbury box but looks to be impeded as he goes down in the box; the match official waves play on as the attack fizzles out.

68th minute and Aveley come close to extending their lead, good combination between Sean Thomas and Neil Richmond results in Sean Thomas’s effort spring off the bar and out for a goal-kick.

76 minutes gone and Tilbury equalise, the ball driven forward and into the path of Chris Stowe, Stowe now in the Aveley box and is knocked to the floor, the match official Mr Tim Moffat this time not hesitating as he points to the penalty spot.

Up steps Tilbury’s experienced penalty taker Joe Keith who drills the ball into the net making the score 1-1.

Dockers make their second Substitute, Manlee Brown off for Zubair Hazeem.

Dockers now go in search for the winner; Greg Cohen threads the ball to the feet of Rashid Kamara whose effort is saved well by the Aveley keeper.

As the clock ticks by Graham Chester makes his last substitute, Kamara off for Danny Jones.

Aveley show their fighting spirit as their push the Dockers defence back, Substitute Petrit Elbi coming close with a great effort from 15 yards out, the ball just inches over the bar.

With a minute to go of normal time Aveley take a free kick from the half way line and drill the ball into the box, the ball is flicked up on to the head of Neil Richmond whose effort goes just over the bar.

The Match official signals 5 minutes injury time and it’s the Dockers that pull the rabbit out of the hat! Chris Stowe originally losing possession 22 yards out from the Aveley goal, the bustling striker then sets off to win back possession, Stowe in determined mood turns Sam Holloway and muscles himself into the box and from 8 yards out smashes the ball into the net to the roar of the Travelling Tilbury faithful makes the score 1-2 to The Dockers.

The Dockers now shut-up shop and defend with real determination for the reminder of injury time. Aveley paying the price for not taking their chances earlier in the game look despondent as the match official blows for full time. The final score 1-2 to the Dockers.

Only a Story book finish would had done justice to a man that has been a tireless servant of the Club. Chris Stowe showed his true character which has won the hearts and minds of the fans, players and Management of Tilbury FC who wish him every success for the future.

Man of the Match Chris Stowe – Match Winner Aveley FC: - James Marerable, Ryan Doyle, Sam Holloway, Matthew Johnson, Richard Ketchell, John Maskell, Junior Dadson, Nicky WetnerNeil Richmond, Sean Thomas, Joao Carlos, Subs: Glen Golby, Christian Wheeler, Petrit Elbi, Leon Diaczuk, Sean Francis.

Tilbury FC: Andy Hall, Danny Smith, Joe Keith, Rickie Hayles, Junior Baker, Jason Fontaine, Jamie Wallace (Capt), Manlee Brown, Rashid Kamara, Chris Stowe, Greg Cohen Subs: Danny Jones, Dean Stannard, Patrick Gaskin, Zubair Hazeem, Nathan Philip.

Match Officials Referee: Mr T. Moffat 1st Assistant: Mr J. Garwood 2nd Assistant: Mr P. Reilly Att: 117

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