Ryman League Division One North
Tilbury welcomed Northwood FC to Chadfield’s on Saturday. The last time these two sides met was back in October 2009, the game finished all evens at 0-0.
The Dockers welcome back from injury – Joe Keith and Rickie Hayles, also Ben Bradbury back from a 3-match suspension is named on the subs bench.
Northwood got the game underway as they kicked off in the bright winter sunshine. Leon Osei Northwood’s No 9 showed his pace early in the game, but his attempts were snuffed out by the Dockers Daniel Smith.
Northwood taking most of the possession in the opening few minutes, look the more threatening in the opening exchanges.
14th minute and Northwood take an early lead. A corner driven in with pace into the Tilbury box see’s Donny Barnard in an attempt to clear the ball, nod into his own net.
The Dockers pick up the pace and win a free kick on the edge of the box, Jamie Wallace bends the ball across goal, however, Northwood’s keeper Bobby Smith made a superb acrobatic save to palm the ball over the bar.
23 minutes gone and the Dockers lose possession in the Northwood half, Northwood’s Aaron Cato collected the ball heads off towards the Dockers goal, Cato just on the edge of the box shoots low, Andy Hall blocks the ball with his legs, but the ball falls kindly to Gilbert Nuako whose wild attempt on goal is headed off the line by Rickie Hayles.
Northwood continue to press the Dockers defence, Daniel Smith making a brave sliding tackle from under the feet of Leon Osei just before the pacey striker was about to shoot from just inside the box.
Northwood with another corner sent the ball into a packed area, Manlee Brown connects well to clear the danger, but falls to the feet of Sam Sharples whose effort sneaks just passed the post.
Into injury time in the first period and the Dockers take a corner, Donny Barnard beats Michael Peacock in the air, Barnard’s nodded effort falls just over the bar.
Into the second period and the Dockers making their first change, Wednesday nights Man of the Match “Nathan Gordon” on for Jon Green.
The Dockers attack from another set piece, Christian Wheeler rises highest as he nods the ball down to the feet of Manlee Brown whose effort goes wide of the post.
54 minutes gone and Northwood came close to extending their lead, Aaron Cato does well to control the ball that was whipped into the area from the right, Cato – picks his spot as he smashes the ball in on goal, Andy Hall making a fabulous full stretch save to his left to keep the Dockers in the game.
The Dockers turn to press the Northwood defence, Nathan Gordon making a driving run on the Northwood back-line and creating an opportunity for Joel Barnett at the back post, however, Northwood’s skipper Bradley Hewitt blocks Barnett’s effort out for another Tilbury corner.
Tilbury makes their second substitute, Joel Barnett off for Chris Taylor.
The Dockers continue to press the Northwood defence, but this time get caught on the counter attack, as 5 red shirts tear off into the Tilbury half, 5 against 2, however, its Jamie Wallace who comes to the rescue making a fine sliding tackle to clear the danger.
Man of the Match
Daniel Smith – Battling Performance
Tilbury : Andy Hall, Danny Smith, Joe Keith, Donny Barnard, Manlee Brown , Jamie Wallace (Capt), Christian Wheeler, Joel Barnett, Jon Green, Bradley Barnes, Substitutes, Chris Stowe, Nathan Gordon, Chris Taylor, Lee Hodges, Ben Bradbury, Andy Gibb.
Northwood : Bobby Smith, Danny Power, Gilbert Nuako, Anthony Page, Michael Peacock, Bradley Hewitt (Capt), Eugene Ofori, Sam Sharples, Leon Osei, Scott Orphanou, Arron Cato, Substitutes, Chris Seeby, John Christian, Hugo Figeiredo, Scott Purdue, Mitch Swain.
Match Officials
Referee: Mr G. S. Croft
1st Assistant: Mr L. Crowhurst
2nd Assistant: Mr N. Baker
Att: 72
