Waltham Abbey 2, Tilbury 0

TILBURY'S perilous position in the lower reaches continues after this disappointing defeat.

Tilbury were missing four key players, including top scorer Kurt Smith, through suspension and it showed in a dismal second half when they were devoid of ideas and attacking intent.

The match had to survive an early evening pitch inspection, but though the ref was worried by the frosty conditions he gave the go-ahead.

There was little to warm up fans from either side in a lack-lustre first half, with Erkan Yusuf going closest for Tilbury with a 22nd minute shot, after being set up by Luke Stanley.

After the break Abbey took control and took the lead on 70 minutes.

They were controversially awarded a penalty for handball, despite getting the ball into the net. Lee White took the spot-kick which was saved by keeper Richard Wray and then played back into the box where White, despite a suspicion of offside finished at the second attempt.

Abbey secured the points with their second goal on 84 minutes through James Elmes.

Tilbury: Richard Wray, Jon Whiteman, Sam Groombridge, Marc Clarey, Jay Taylor, Danny O'Connor, Erkan Yusuf (Greg Tiffen), Jamie Gray, Tom Poole (Chris Stowe), Luke Stanley, James Dwyer (Chris Brown). Subs not used: Martyn Guest, Nathan Philip.