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Tilbury 0, Wivenhoe 0

BETWEEN them these two struggling sides have conceded more than 200 goals in competitive fixtures this season so Saturday's goalless draw was something of a surprise.

However, it was Tilbury who ended the afternoon much the happier as the draw keeps the gap between them and their Ryman Division One North relegation rivals at six points, with matches fast running out.

This was a game neither side could afford to lose, though the win would have been a major boost for Wivenhoe who were surprisingly lacklustre in their approach to the match, allowing Tilbury's organised midfield, where Nathan Philip was outstanding, to dominate proceedings.

Up top Tilbury threw new signing Craig Gilham into the mix and he produced a very effective debut with some strong running and an ability to hold the ball up, something Dockers have been lacking.

For a match of such high stakes, it was surprising that it was played at a low tempo, with only own goal effort worthy of any note from either side in the first half, Dockers' Luke Stanley cutting inside and forcing Richard McKinney to shovel his shot around the post.

Turning around goalless was a credit to Tilbury's industry and with the wind at their backs in the second half they might have expected to go on to win, but the closest anyone was to come to a goal was a well struck free kick from Jeff Shepherd early in the half which brought a fine diving stop from Richard Wray.

Philip produced a moment of magic with a turn, dribble and shot that sailed just over the bar, but generally defences were on top, with Tilbury's centre back pairing of Paul King and Brad Smart mopping up any threat from the visitors who might have been expected to increase the pressure as the minutes ticked away but they were very short of invention.

At the other end Stanley produced a couple of shots and a cross from which Chris Brown ought to have done better with a glancing header.

Tilbury brought on top scorer Kurt Smith for the last 15 minutes but he made little impact and appeared to be favouring the broken toe which had kept him out for several games.

He will, no doubt, be glad of the run and is sure to play a part in Tilbury's four remaining matches, from which seven points will secure safety, though they may well need less.

Saturday's match featured a tribute to Tilbury stalwart Dennis Flash' Webb, who passed away recently.

Dockers: Richard Wray, Dan Smith, Calum Dodkins, Bradley Smart, Paul King, Nathan Philip, Chris Brown, Jamie Gray, Craig Gilham, Chris Stowe (Kurt Smith 74), Luke Stanley. Subs not used: Sam Groombridge, Danny O'Connor, Ajibola Olatunbosun, Reece Philips.

Other Ryman One North results: AFC Sudbury 1, Waltham Forest 0; Arlesey Town 1, Canvey Island 4; Dartford 0, Brentwood Town 1; Ilford 1, Aveley 1; Northwood 2, Ware1; Redbridge 1, Potters Bar 0; Waltham Abbey 0, Bury Town 2; Wingate & F 1 Maldon Town 5; Witham Town 1, Edgware Town 2.

Ryman Division One North, up to and inc Sat March 29

7:08pm Saturday 29th March 2008

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