Ryman Div One North
Needham Market 4 Tilbury 1 Att 229
By Anthony Mercer
Tilbury played a big part in a very entertaining afternoon at Needham Market, but came away pointless, after conceding 2 late goals and at times being on the back foot for long periods.
On a bright afternoon and with no changes from the previous outing, Tilbury went behind after only two minutes. A corner from the right, was struck home well by Danny Thrower. Needham pressed and played some excellent football to cause the visitors many problems. Within 15 minutes Needham had struck the bar on no less than 2 occasions, the first by Thrower and seconds later the dangerous Sam Newson hit the top of the bar. On 16 Tilbury were back on level terms, when a ball from the left found Emiel Aiken who cut in on his left foot and scored in to the net. A minute later the same player brought off a good save by Plummer. Midway through the half Newson had his effort saved off the line by Nightingill. Nightingill following colliding with the post, took no further action in the game.
On 25 Barnes played in Read who hit wide. On 39 Needham took the lead when Newson was played in, rounded Marrable to score. Just before the break West cleared off the line and seconds later Thrower was denied by an outstanding Marrable save.,
Tilbury came out with some urgency and early in the second half, Marrable sent a long punt up the pitch which found Read who volleyed first time at the keeper. On 63 and Webb’s final action of the game, hit just over the top. On 68 Needham should have been further in front, but Newson was denied by a world class save from Marrable. On 75 and Needham putting Tilbury under lots of pressure, Newson was again denied by a goal line clearance, this time by Bansende. Needham confirmed the points on 81 when a corner found Duane Wright who rose and headed into the net. Wright almost scored again on 86 when his cross hit the inside of the post, before Newson blasted over from 5 yards.,
On 88 it was Needham’s keeper to bring off a super save from Bradley Barnes.
In the final seconds Napier crossed for Danny Bloomfield to hit home and move them to second and Tilbury down to third.
After the game, Manager Paul Vaughan commented “After losing Nightingill so early did not help, but second half, hats off to a excellent Needham side. We look forward to Tuesday’s Essex Senior Cup tie away to East Thurrock and look to get back to winning ways.” I am in discussions with a new signing with a view of him making his debut and intend to play the strongest team available”.
Team – Marrable, Bansende, Barnes, Nightingill (Harvey 27), S West, Henty, Aiken, Good, Read, Webb (Wraight 64), Demetriou (Skerritt 72)
Subs not used: Cook and Leatherbarrow
