Ryman Div One North
Maldon and Tiptree 3 v 3 Tilbury
By Antony Mercer
TILBURY left second place Maldon and Tiptree slightly disappointed after sharing six goals in an entertaining last away game of the season.
Paul Vaughan again wielded the changes, making seven changes from Thursday’s draw with Soham Town Rangers. The home side started well on a good playing surface. Tilbury took a surprise lead after 6 minutes when Sam Cutler played in Emiel Aiken who smashed into the roof of the net with a fine effort giving Willis little chance.
On 21 Lee Boylan had a great chance but fired over. With Tilbury settling well, a throw from the right by Ryan Blackman fell to Danny Francis and with no challenge easily turned and hit home. Up to the break Tilbury pushed up in numbers with some good work between Aiken and Carlile.
Two minutes after the break Boylan got in behind the Tilbury defence only to see his shot go just wide of the goal line and away to safety. On 50 Maldon pulled a goal back when a free kick from the left handside of the pitch and James Robinson was at the back post to score. It was an end to end and either team could have scored. On 64 man of the match Sam Cutler increased the lead when he volleyed home after Aiken played the ball into the box and Jack Carlile cleverly dummied.
On 74 Francis played in Aiken who blazed over as Tilbury went all out attack. Maldon gave themselves some hope with 15 minutes remaining when James Robinson smashed home. It was the turn of Maldon to go all out attack and levelled up 2 minutes later when Robinson headed home at the back post in an offside position and with both teams expecting the flag the goal was awarded. Tilbury felt aggrieved with the decision and the goal decision denied Tilbury maximum points.
In the final minute Maldon had a great chance to steal all the points.
After the game, manager Paul Vaughan said “A great performance from the boys and leaves us upbeat to enjoy the last game of the season”
The result moved Maldon and Tiptree back in to 2nd and Tilbury moved up one place to 8th.
On Saturday Tilbury welcome bottom side Ilford to Chadfields that could still be a relegation decider.
