Ryman Div One North
Tilbury 1 v 2 Norwich United
Tilbury 1 Norwich United 2
Ryman League North
Report by Anthony Mercer
Finch double bursts Tilbury’s play off bubble
A brace from Christy Finch saw Norwich United come from behind to win at a cold Chadfields and dent Dockers’s play off chances.
Tilbury started well with Kurt Smith denied by a fine Wilton save. Midway through the half Adam Hipperson saw his effort brilliantly saved by Lee Butcher before Steve Shipley struck the bar from distance. On 29 minutes Butcher was again the saviour with another outstanding save from Hipperson and barely a minute later Toby Aromolaran saw his shot deflected over the top as Tilbury pushed hard.
Tilbury took the lead in the 32nd minute when a Conor Mead shot was blocked. Ryan Melaugh followed up to score on his debut. Mead again had a shot on target before the break but it was blocked on the line.
Tilbury started the second half well, but the visitors were back on level terms in the 64th minute. A break on the left found Christy Finch who side footed home. Tilbury defender Joe Nightingill had to be at his best two minutes later when he bravely saved, after a good break away. The all important goal came in the 77th minute when Christy Finch unleashed a shot from 25 yards out. The ball crashed into the roof of the net and was a fine individual goal.
The visitors had the ball in the net four minutes later, but were denied by the assistant’s flag. Tilbury pushed hard, but could not break Norwich United down
Tilbury now sit in twelfth place in the league and travel to Bowers & Pitsea next Friday night. It’s a must win game if Tilbury want to retain any hopes of making the play offs.
Tilbury: Lee Butcher, Conor Mead, Danny Smith, Eli Beniot, Joe Nightingill, Danny Norton, Toby Aromolaran (Neil Richmond 75), Toch Singh, Kurt Smith, Ryan Melaugh, Reece Hewitt (Lewis Francis 89).
Scorer – Ryan Melaugh (32′)
Norwich United: Andy Wilton, Steve Shipley, Matt Brown, Shaun Wones (Ben Jones 56), Andy Eastaugh, Sam Watts, Nathan Stewart (Liam Jackson 70), Jamie Speller, Adam Hipperson, Dawid Radomski (Tim Henery 73), Christy Finch.
Scorer – Christy Finch (64′, 77′)
