FROM the beginning of the season until later September, Tilbury’s season was deeply underwhelming with six defeats in that short period of time.
But seasoned Docker observers said that player manager Gary Henty and his team had something about them and they would gel very soon.
Since then they have been on a remarkable run which has seen them unbeaten in sixteen games.
The Chadfields outfit hit a new high last Saturday when they dumped National South outfit Bishops Stortford out of the FA Trophy.
Manager Gary Henty said: "We weren’t surprised by the victory as we simply did what we have been doing in the fifteen previous games.
"We set out with a plan and the players give 100% in executing it. There has not been any magic formula since September, it is all about the planning.
"They are a great group of players and have a great attitude. They get on so well on and off the park. And they are assisted by all my staff and everyone associated with Tilbury FC."
We asked Gary about his own management style. He said: "I can’t say that I am a "hairdryer" man but if the players need a bit of a gee up then it has to be done."
YT asked Gary how he is approaching the league now that they are bearing down on the play off places.
Gary said: "Thi shas to be one of the hardest leagues to get out of. Look at Harlow, who got a 100 points last season and stayed down.
"It is good to be knocking on the door but there are so many good teams in this league and then when the new year comes, many of the teams lower down really start scrapping for survival.
"We look forward to all the games but all our focus is on the match against Soham Town Rangers on Saturday.
