Dockers take local bragging rights

The annual pre-season fixture between two of football’s oldest local rivals, now landlord and tenant, ended with victory for Tilbury and a great start to what they hope will be a successful season, after their disappointment of last year.
The opening exchanges were lively with both sides taking the opportunity to look introduce new squad players; and it was Tilbury who took the early advantage. Speedy fullback Fry made good ground down the left and his cross was met with a header by Antoine for a 1-0 lead.
Grays looked to strike back quickly and the ever-lively Aron Gordon brought a good save from the Dockers keeper. Blues new recruit, Chris Miller then sent through “Trialist A” at centre-forward who was adjudged offside. Grays gradually took control of the possession but Tilbury still looked dangerous on the break. Danny Sambridge had to be lively to keep the score at 1-0 but Blues were then stunned when a Harry Hope free kick was met by Hayes whose header was deemed to have squirmed through the Grays defence and just over the line, to make it 2-0.
Straight from the kick off “Trialist A” made great ground and unleashed a fierce long-range shot which deflected off a defender, past the keeper and flicked the crossbar. It was to be one of those days for the Blues.
The second half proved similar to the first, with Grays looking to keep possession and Tilbury playing on the break. And it got better for the Dockers when a mix-up in the six yard box between Sambridge and Macaulay Joynes allowed Antoine to finish from close range for a 3-0 lead.
Blues finally got on the scoresheet, when Troy Osei-Bobie, a second half substitute, met a fine cross from “Trialist A” with a strong header, making it 3-1.
Tilbury thought they had restored their lead following a great long range strike that Sambridge could only parry out but the follow-up was offside. Osei-Bobie then went on a mazy run into the box and appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty when dispossessed. He and another Blues trialist then brought a double save from the Tilbury keeper that kept their lead secure.
So, Tilbury took the silverware and we wish them well for the coming season. Mark Stimson, meanwhile, takes his squad back to the training ground for a series of sessions before a trip to Canvey Island on 1st August.
Final Score: Tilbury 3 v 1 Grays Athletic

Grays Ath starting XI : Sambridge, Surmuthran, Joynes, Winn, Leahy, Evans, Gordon, Hahn, Trialist A, Miller, Trialist B