News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Grays Athletic Reserves 0 - 1 Tilbury Reserves

Grays Athletic Reserves 0 - 1 Tilbury Reserves

David Raven28 Apr 2012 - 19:12
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.graysathletic.co.u

Blues reserves lost the Reserve Shield final by a single goal in a match that defied the weather and kept the crowd warm and highly entertained.

Mick Jacob's Dockers took the lead in the 16th minute after a free kick was deflected up and over the Grays 'keeper who had come off his line. Both sides made chances in a very even opening period and Tilbury had a very good chance to increase their lead late in the half but the score remained 1-0 going in at half-time.

As expected the match lived up to everything you would expect of a derby. While the wet and windy conditions certainly had an impact on the game there was still a lot of quality football being played with both sides trying to get the ball down and unlock the opposition.

The second half was a much different affair with Blues dominating possession and trying to prise open a resolute rearguard while the Dockers looked to threaten on the counter-attack. Both sides looked dangerous on the attack but there were few clear cut chances although the Tilbury keeper was the busiest of the two - the Grays keeper didn't have a save to make - but Blues were unable to find a way through.

Grays pushed three into the attack in search of an equaliser and the Dockers could have put the result beyond doubt when a cross sliced high into the air dropped against the post but it was Tilbury skipper Ben Crooks - superb throughout the 90 minutes - that lifted the trophy at the end of a cup final that was a very good advert for the league.

Our congratulations go out to to Mick Jacobs, George Young and the players and staff of Tilbury Football Club.

Our thanks are also extended to the staff at Sawbridgeworth Town for looking after us on the day and to the groundstaff for getting the match on when many others in the region fell victim to the weather.

Further reading