Isthmian Division North
Tilbury 2 v 1 Grays Athletic
TILBURY not only produced a morale-boosting victory against neighbours Grays in today’s Boxing Day Isthmian league derby, but ensured they kept themselves close to the promotion race as the top eight sides all picked up points reports Thurrock Nub News.
Dockers came out of the festive fixtures in seventh place, while defeat left Grays in tenth, seven points adrift of the promotion zone though, like Tilbury, they do have a match in hand.
Tilbury’s joint manager Marc Harrison came out of the match in ebullient mood and believes his side can go on to greater things in 2025.
In front of a crowd of 565 the match was closely contested and there were few clear cut chances in the opening half hour, though home fans were aggrieved when penalty claims after Dan Trendall tumbled in the box were waved away
However, the deadlock was broken on 40 minutes when Sam Bantick’s intuitive ball set Jamie Reynolds free in a wide position and he clipped in a ball that picked out Trendall who headed home for the opening goal.
Dockers had built up a head of steam around the goal and were only denied a second when Danny Sambridge pulled off a fine save to Tilbury captain Oliver Spooner.
However, the home side were not to be denied a second goal before the break and two minutes into added time Bantick was brought down in the box and Jordan Clark made no mistake from the spot.
Click below for full report.
https://thurrock.nub.news/sports/football/dockers-take-the-derby-honours-5180
