Ryman Div One North
Harlow Town 0 v 0 Tilbury
THE DOCKERS fell to an 89th minute wonder strike by a re-juvenated Harlow Town in a 1-0 defeat at Barrows Farm.
The Dockers started brightly in the spring(ish) sunshine with Aaron Waters finding plenty of room in midfield.
In the 3rd minute, Sam Cutler sent over a free kick that sent panic in the Harlow ranks and was cleared away for a corner.
Harlow had made a number of changes since the Maldon defeat and were steadily finding their feet.
In the 20th minute, Aaron Waters put through a perfect thirty yard ball that sliced the Harlow defence apart and found Shamir Mullings. He used his strength to fend off Danny Brown and put the ball away but the referee blew for a foul.
The Dockers’ attacks were impressive but hardly threatening and with the three points so vital, they needed to find that killer goal.
In the 35th minute, Joakim Ehui again threatened down the right, put in a lovely cross but there was no-one there.
The Hawks’ Stanley Muguo was also starting to dominate as befits a player of his standard.
Harlow started the second half brightly with Ehui once again going close.
Tilbury continued to attack but still lacked that edge and frankly lacked width on the left.
Ehui again troubled the woodwork as it started to look like they could sneak the win.
The game turned on a highly controversial moment when Harlow keeper Bossu came out to punch the ball away. He did so at the same time as slightly touching Mullings head. The ball landed at Sam Cutler’s feet. His shot was parried by the keeper before going in. The referee, having consulted his assistant then sent Bossu off!
And sure enough they did. In tye 89th minute, Piers Wixon went on a lone run on the right. Just inside the box he unleashed a wonderful strike that not even James Marrable could stop.
Tilbury were angry and crestfallen but have to pick themselves up again for Tuesday night at Ware.
Tilbury: Marrable J, Mead C, Rimmel D, Gillman R, Nightingill J, Waters A, (Aiken E 66) Francis D, Carlile J,Mullings S, Cutler S, Wraight T.
Subs not used: Jacobs T, Edwards M, Christou J, Cook J
We all have to come to terms with this League. Poor football and poor referees. It goes with the territory. Accept it.