Ryman Div One North
Tilbury v Brightlingsea Regent
Photo courtesy of Elliott Mercer
THE Dockers opened there account with a hard fought 2-1 victory over new boys Brightlingsea Regent. Tilbury went into the new season giving just one new debutant in Ben Hunt. The Dockers were indebted with an outstanding performance by Harry Cook, who was on the score sheet after just three minutes.
After initially winning the free kick, Sam Cutler sent in a ball that saw Cook rise above everyone to head home.
Captain Aaron Waters made some good runs as Tilbury started well. Brightlingsea came into the game and Josh Gould headed wide from a corner. The effective Cook sent a good cross in a minute later that saw Hunt blaze over, before the gutsy visitors levelled on 19 when a good run by Ricky Griggs, saw him strike left footed into the net to score a good goal.
This gave the visitors confidence and again defender Gould caused problems in the home defence. On 31 Dean Driscoll on his return from Redbridge saved low to Bartlett feet. Just before the break Rymer almost sent the visitors into the break with the advantage, but hit just wide after getting into good space. Tilbury started the second period well with both Hunt and Christou being denied by fine Avenell saves. Tilbury got there second on 67 when Aaron Waters crossed into the box and Harry Cook bundled the ball home with a suspicion of handball but the goal stood. In the final 10 minutes Dean Driscoll in the home goal made two fine saves, denying the Ryman League new boys the share of the points.
On Tuesday, the Dockers travel to Burnham Ramblers with a 7.45pm kick off.
After the game manager Paul Vaughan commented “A satisfying three points. Once we got in front we closed the game out well.
Team: Driscoll, Pooley, Waters, Nightingill, Vaughan, Christou, Hunt, Carlile, J West (Aiken 46), Cutler and Cook (Henty 82)
Subs not used: Aldwinckle, Wood and Flack.
