FA Cup Preliminary Round
Stansted 0 v 0 Tilbury
TILBURY were held to a draw by Essex Senior League side Stansted.
The game was held at the home of Conference South side Bishops Stortford.
On a pitch that cut up from the first minute, Harry Cook had two early chances for the Dockers. On nine minutes Tony Martin had three successive efforts all denied by a resolute defence. Just before the half hour Tony Martin volleyed just over. Despite a bright opening from Tilbury they could not break down Stansted. Defender Joe Nightingill was the next player to go close when he headed just over from a Kurt Smith corner.
Despite Tilbury’s dominance, it was the hosts who so nearly took the lead as Bogard raced out of the Tilbury goal and missed his kick, but Stansted were just put off by defenders meaning the chance had gone. It was a wake up call for Tilbury.
In front of a healthy attendance of 189, the home side came out stronger and had an effort straight at Bogard. On the hour Stansted had there best chance of the game when a good cross from the right saw Callum Turner failing to get his head on the cross. A minute later Jake Pooley was the next Docker to go close, before Tony Martin fired over the target. The home side were deal a blow on 66 when George Clarke was dismissed for a second caution after kicking the ball away. On 76 Neil Richmond curled wide after a good move.
A fine tackle denied a shock Stansted goal in the Tilbury box as the hosts tried to win the tie as the game went into added time before another superb block in the Stansted box after it looked like Tilbury would finally score denied the visitors yet again as time was almost up at Woodside Park. There was one final chance for the visitors when a Richmond header went wide.
The result earned a replay at Chadfields on Tuesday night with St Neots waiting the winner.
After the game manager Gary Henty commented. "I was pleased with the football we played, but just lacked a goal that could have settled us down. Stansted defended well. We go again on Tuesday"
