Tilbury turned round a disappointing first half performance, to score twice and take top spot in the Ryman Division One North.
Paul Vaughan had an unchanged line up following last Saturday’s victory over Waltham Abbey.
The visitors took a deserved lead on 10 when Jack Friend headed the ball into the path of right-back Michael Elliott, whose well-placed ball forward found the onrushing Ryan Mattos. The striker went through one-on-one with keeper James Marrable and scored past him and into the net.
The Bottom side dominated for long periods up to the break.
Tilbury came out a different outfit and early in the 2nd half Tom Webb’s 30 yard free kick struck the bar. Only 5 minutes later Webb had another 20 yard effort that was well saved by Rhys Madden and out for a corner. The resulting corner was just over from Webb. Within a minute Tilbury continued to push and it seemed to be any moment they would be back on level terms. A corner from the right found Stephen Demetriou whose header was cleared off the line.
On 56 Tilbury got themselves back in the game, when a long ball was picked up by Alex Read who beat Friend and put the ball into the net from an acute angle.
Read got his second two minutes later when he beat Madden with a free header following a cross from the left by Demetriou.
With 15 minutes to go, substitute Harry Cook’s free kick was hit wide by Nightingill and with a couple of minutes remaining, Sam West’s thumping shot brought off an excellent on handed save by Madden.
With Ware pushing hard for an equaliser, the home side and their supporters were pleased to hear the final whistle.
After the game, Manager Paul Vaughan commented “Pleased with the 2nd half performance and delighted to be sitting top of the pile”
Tilbury are not back in action until next Saturday when they travel to free scoring Needham Market 3pm kick off.
On 1st November they are in Essex Senior Cup action when we travel to local rivals East Thurrock United.
Team – Marrable, Bansende (Harvey 68), Barnes, Nightingill, S West, Henty, Aiken, Good, Read, Webb (Cook 68), Demetriou (Matthews 74)
Subs not used: King and Skerritt
